Experiencing Remote Classical Music Performance Over Long Distance: A JackTrip Concert Between Two Continents During the Pandemic

The recent lockdown restrictions imposed by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic have heightened the need for new forms of remote collaboration for music schools, conservatories, musician ensembles, and artists, each of which would benefit from being provided with adequate tools to make high-quality, live collaborative music in a distributed fashion. This paper demonstrates the usage of the Networked Music Performance software JackTrip to support a distributed classical concert involving singers and musicians from four different locations in two continents, using readily available hardware/software solutions and internet connections while guaranteeing high-fidelity audio quality. This paper provides a description of the technical setup with a numerical analysis of the achieved mouth-to-ear latency and assessment of the music-making experience as perceived by the performers

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com obesidade grave submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em um sistema público de saúde

OBJECTIVES: To assess QoL of obese patients in the Brazilian public healthcare system, before and after bariatric surgery, and to determine the appropriateness of the Moorehead-Ardelt Questionnaire II (M-A-QoLQII) compared with the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-one severe obese patients in a waiting-list, and 84 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included. Correlations were tested and reliability determined by the Cronbach's coefficient. RESULTS: BMI differed between the pre- and post-surgery groups (52.3 ± 8.3 kg/m² vs. 32.5 ± 6.4 kg/m², p < 0.001). The latter showed better scores in the SF-36 domains than in the pre-surgery. SF-36 and M-A-QoLQII categories were correlated (r = 0.53, 0.49 and 0.47, for vitality, mental health, and general health domains, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression, age, previous BMI, and loss of excess weight were associated with functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of bariatric surgery obtained in a Brazilian public healthcare center were successful. M-A-QoLII represents a useful tool to assess surgery outcomes, including QoL.OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes obesos do sistema público de saúde brasileiro antes e após cirurgia bariátrica e a adequação do questionário Moorehead-Ardelt II (M-A-QoLQII) em relação ao SF-36. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Quarenta e um pacientes obesos graves em lista de espera e 84 submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica foram incluídos. Correlações foram testadas e confiabilidade determinada pelo coeficiente de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: O IMC diferiu entre os grupos pré- e pós-cirurgia (52,3 ± 8,3 kg/m² vs. 32,5 ± 6,4 kg/m², p < 0,001). O último apresentou melhores escores nos domínios do SF-36 que o pré-cirurgia. As categorias do SF-36 e M-A-QoLQII se correlacionaram (r = 0,53; 0,49; 0,47 para vitalidade, saúde mental e saúde geral, p 0,001). Na regressão logística, idade, IMC prévio e excesso de peso perdido associaram-se independentemente à capacidade funcional. CONCLUSÕES: Resultados da cirurgia bariátrica em centro de saúde público brasileiro foram promissores. O M-A-QoLQII representa ferramenta útil para avaliar seus resultados, inclusive a QV.Federal University of São Paulo Internal Medicine Department Division of EndocrinologyUNIFESP São Paulo Center for Health Economics Internal Medicine DepartmentUniversity of São Paulo School of Public Health Nutrition DepartmentUNIFESP, Internal Medicine Department Division of EndocrinologyUNIFESP, São Paulo Center for Health Economics Internal Medicine DepartmentSciEL

Custos da esquizofrenia: custos diretos e utilização de recursos no Estado de São Paulo

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the direct costs of schizophrenia for the public sector. METHODS: A study was carried out in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, during 1998. Data from the medical literature and governmental research bodies were gathered for estimating the total number of schizophrenia patients covered by the Brazilian Unified Health System. A decision tree was built based on an estimated distribution of patients under different types of psychiatric care. Medical charts from public hospitals and outpatient services were used to estimate the resources used over a one-year period. Direct costs were calculated by attributing monetary values for each resource used. RESULTS: Of all patients, 81.5% were covered by the public sector and distributed as follows: 6.0% in psychiatric hospital admissions, 23.0% in outpatient care, and 71.0% without regular treatment. The total direct cost of schizophrenia was US$191,781,327 (2.2$222 milhões (US$191,781,327) (2,2% do total de gastos em saúde do Estado), sendo 11% destinados ao tratamento ambulatorial e 79,2% às internações psiquiátricas. CONCLUSÕES: A maior parte dos pacientes com esquizofrenia no Estado está sem tratamento regular. Os achados apontam para a necessidade de se investir em pesquisas que possam orientar uma melhor alocação de recursos no tratamento dos transtornos mentais no País

Custos da esquizofrenia: custos diretos e utilização de recursos no Estado de São Paulo

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the direct costs of schizophrenia for the public sector. METHODS: A study was carried out in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, during 1998. Data from the medical literature and governmental research bodies were gathered for estimating the total number of schizophrenia patients covered by the Brazilian Unified Health System. A decision tree was built based on an estimated distribution of patients under different types of psychiatric care. Medical charts from public hospitals and outpatient services were used to estimate the resources used over a one-year period. Direct costs were calculated by attributing monetary values for each resource used. RESULTS: Of all patients, 81.5% were covered by the public sector and distributed as follows: 6.0% in psychiatric hospital admissions, 23.0% in outpatient care, and 71.0% without regular treatment. The total direct cost of schizophrenia was US$191,781,327 (2.2$222 milhões (US$191,781,327) (2,2% do total de gastos em saúde do Estado), sendo 11% destinados ao tratamento ambulatorial e 79,2% às internações psiquiátricas. CONCLUSÕES: A maior parte dos pacientes com esquizofrenia no Estado está sem tratamento regular. Os achados apontam para a necessidade de se investir em pesquisas que possam orientar uma melhor alocação de recursos no tratamento dos transtornos mentais no País.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de PsiquiatriaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Medicina Centro Paulista de Economia da SaúdeUNIFESP, Depto. de PsiquiatriaUNIFESP, Depto. de Medicina Centro Paulista de Economia da SaúdeSciEL

Environmental and lifestyle risk factors for early-onset dementia: a systematic review

The term early-onset dementia (EOD) encompasses several forms of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by symptom onset before 65 years and leading to severe impact on subjects already in working activities, as well as on their family and caregivers. Despite the increasing incidence, the etiology is still unknown, with possible association of environmental factors, although the evidence is still scarce. In this review, we aimed to assess how several environmental and lifestyle factors may be associated with the onset of this disease

Apoio social percebido por pacientes oncológicos e sua relação com as características sociodemográficas

To analyze the relation between social support and socio-demographic characteristics of oncology patients. Transversal study, developed with oncology patients living in the Ijuí city, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil between July and December 2012, the population was selected through convenience. For data collection we used the Brazilian version of the Social Support Scale and the Medical Outcomes Study data were analyzed with descriptive statistics resources and analytical. Average scores on the dimensions were: 82,36±24,42 (positive interaction), 85,39± 19,81(information), 87,98±18,68 (emotional support), 88,52±18,56 (material support) and 93,50±14,44 (affective support). Evidences showed higher averages in male mulattos patients (p<0,05). There was a direct and growing relationship between per capita income, social support and affective positive interaction. It was proven that patients receive social support in all dimensions, with high scores, but with variations, considering the characteristics of gender, civil status, educational level, per capita income and race.Analizar la relación entre el apoyo social y las características sociodemográficas de los pacientes oncológicos. Estudio transversal, cuantitativo realizado con 268 enfermos de cáncer que residen en la ciudad de Ijuí / Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre julio y diciembre de 2012. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó la versión brasileña de la Escala de Apoyo Social y los datos del estudio los resultados médicos se analizaron con los recursos estadísticos descriptivos y analíticos. Las puntuaciones medias en las dimensiones fueron 82,36 ± 24,42 (interacción positiva), 85,39 ± 19,81 (información), 87,98 ± 18,68 (apoyo emocional), 88,52 ± 18,56 (apoyo material) y 93,50 ± 14,44 (apoyo afectivo). Puntuaciones medias más altas son encontradas entre los pacientes de sexo masculino y mulatos (p<0,05). Se observó relación directa y creciente entre el ingreso per capita, el apoyo social afectivo y la interacción positiva. Se comprobó que los pacientes reciben apoyo social en todas las dimensiones, con altas puntuaciones, pero con variaciones, teniendo en cuenta las características de género, estado civil, educación, ingreso per capita y raza.Analisar a relação entre o apoio social e características sociodemográficas de pacientes oncológicos. Estudo transversal, realizado com 268 pacientes oncológicos, residentes no Município de Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, no período entre julho e dezembro de 2012. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou-se a versão brasileira da Escala de Apoio Social do Medical Outcomes Study e os dados foram analisados com os recursos da estatística descritiva e analítica. Os escores médios nas dimensões foram: 82,36±24,42 (interação positiva), 85,39± 19,81(informação), 87,98±18,68 (apoio emocional), 88,52±18,56 (apoio material) e 93,50±14,44 (apoio afetivo). Maiores médias foram obtidas entre os pacientes do sexo masculino e etnia parda (p<0,05). Houve relação direta e crescente, entre renda per capita, apoio social afetivo e interação positiva. Evidenciou-se que os pacientes recebem apoio social em todas as dimensões, com elevados escores, porém com variações, considerando as características sexo, estado civil, escolaridade, renda per capita e etnia.Universidade do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul Department of Life SciencesUNIJUÍFederal University of Santa Maria Department of NursingUNIFESP Paulista School of Nursing Department of Clinical and Surgical NursingUNIFESP, EPE Department of Clinical and Surgical NursingSciEL

Validação do Inventário de Sintomas do M.D. Anderson Cancer Center para a língua portuguesa

Objective To analyze the reliability and validity of the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the instrument for symptom assessment, titled MD Anderson Symptom Inventory - core. Method A cross-sectional study with 268 cancer patients in outpatient treatment, in the municipality of Ijuí, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Result The Cronbach’s alpha for the MDASI general, symptoms and interferences wa respectively (0.857), (0.784) and (0.794). The factor analysis showed adequacy of the data (0.792). In total, were identified four factors of the principal components related to the symptoms. Factor I: sleep problems, distress (upset), difficulties in remembering things and sadness. Factor II: dizziness, nausea, lack of appetite and vomiting. Factor III: drowsiness, dry mouth, numbness and tingling. Factor IV: pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. A single factor was revealed in the component of interferences with life (0.780), with prevalence of activity in general (59.7%), work (54.9%) and walking (49.3%). Conclusion The Brazilian version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory - core showed adequate psychometric properties in the studied population.Objetivo Analisar a confiabilidade e a validade das propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do instrumento de avaliação de sintomas, intitulado Inventário de Sintomas do M.D. Anderson – core. Método Estudo transversal do qual participaram 268 pacientes com câncer em tratamento ambulatorial, do Município de Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Resultado O Alfa de Cronbach MDASI geral, os sintomas e as interferências foram respectivamente (0,857), (0,784) e (0,794). A análise fatorial demonstrou adequação dos dados (0,792). Identificaram-se quatro fatores dos principai componentes relacionados aos sintomas. Fator I: problemas de sono, preocupações, dificuldades de lembrar-se das coisas e tristeza. Fator II: enjoo, náuseas, falta de apetite e vômito. Fator III: sonolência, boca seca, dormência e formigamento. Fator IV: dor, fadiga e falta de ar. Evidenciou-se um único fator no componente interferências na vida (0,780), prevalecendo para atividade em geral (59,7%), trabalho (54,9%) e para caminhar (49,3%). Conclusão A versão brasileira do Inventário de M.D. Anderson-core mostrou propriedade psicométricas adequadas na população avaliada.Objetivo Analizar la confiabilidad y la validad de las propiedades psicométricas de la versión brasileña del instrumento de evaluación de síntomas, titulado Inventario de Síntomas del M.D. Anderson – core. Método Estudio transversal del que participaron 268 pacientes con cáncer en tratamiento ambulatorio, del Municipio de Ijuí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Resultado El Alfa de Cronbach MDASI general, los síntomas y las interferencias fueron respectivamente (0,857), (0,784) y (0,794). El análisis factorial demostró la adecuación de los datos (0,792). Se identificaron cuatro factores de lo principales componentes relacionados con los síntomas. Factor I: problema de sueño, preocupaciones, dificultades de recordar las cosas y tristeza. Factor II: mareo, náuseas, falta de apetito y vómito. Factor III: somnolencia, boca seca, adormecimiento y hormigueo. Factor IV: dolor, fatiga y falta de aliento. Se evidenció un solo factor en el componente interferencias en la vida (0,780), prevaleciendo para la actividad en general (59,7%), trabajo (54,9%) y para caminar (49,3%). Conclusión La versión brasileña del Inventario de M.D. Anderson-core mostró propiedade psicométricas adecuadas en la población evaluada.Universidade do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul IjuíUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de EnfermagemUniversidade Federal de Santa MariaUniversidade Federal de Santa Maria Center for Health SciencesUNIFESP, EPESciEL

Protective Effect of Wheat Derived Non-specific lipid-transfer Protein 2 on Vascular Endothelium Inflammation

The important functions of the endothelium and the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction suggest the primary role of this tissue as a target for dietary strategies aimed at the prevention from related diseases. Cereals are key component of a healthy and balanced diet, and the presence of non-specific lipid-transfer protein 2 (nsLTP2) in wheat represents an added value to contribute to maintain the functionality of the vascular endothelium and consequently of the cardiovascular system. Indeed, nsLTP2 downregulates the expression of the main cell adhesion molecules induced by a pro-inflammatory cytokine and, meanwhile, upregulates heme oxigenase-1, exerting a cytoprotective/anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, nsLTP2 might represent a food-derived tool to protect the vascular system against several pathological condition

Effects of a prevention program on multiple health-compromising behaviours in adolescence: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of 'Paesaggi di Prevenzione', a school-based prevention program delivered by trained teachers and designed to tackle smoking, alcohol misuse, dietary risks, and physical inactivity in adolescence. We evaluated the program between 2010 and 2013 with a two-arm, parallel-group, multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial in which schools were the units of randomization. We collected data on health-compromising behaviours using self-reported measurements of behaviour frequency administered before and after program implementation. We used multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models to estimate program effects on health-compromising behaviours. The analysis sample included 3410 middle school students and 1651 high school students. Among middle school students, mean age at baseline was 12 years (standard deviation [SD] 0.5 years), 51% were boys, and 41% had high socioeconomic status [SES] (defined as having at least one parent/guardian with university level education). In high school students, mean age at baseline was 14 years (SD 0.7 years), 56% were boys, and 31% had high SES. The program did not have effects on smoking, alcohol misuse, and physical activity. The program had iatrogenic effects in regard to some eating behaviours, resulting in (i) lower odds of fruit consumption among middle-school students (odds ratio [OR] 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-0.99) and (ii) lower odds of having breakfast every day in high-school students at the post-intervention measurement (OR 0.76; 95%CI 0.58-0.99) but not at one-year follow-up (OR 0.94; 95%CI 0.69-1.28). Due to the possibility of unintended effects, we advise against disseminating 'Paesaggi di Prevenzione' in its present form. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN00953701

Autophagy and mitophagy biomarkers are reduced in sera of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment

Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by a progressive memory loss and impairment in cognitive and functional abilities. Autophagy and mitophagy are two important cellular processes by which the damaged intracellular components are degraded by lysosomes. To investigate the contribution of autophagy and mitophagy in degenerative diseases, we investigated the serum levels of specific autophagic markers (ATG5 protein) and mitophagic markers (Parkin protein) in a population of older patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hundred elderly (≥65 years) outpatients were included in the study: 40 (20 F and 20 M) with mild-moderate late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD); 40 (20 F and 20 M) affected by vascular dementia (VAD); 40 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 40 (20 F and 20 M) with "mixed" dementia (MD); 40 subjects without signs of cognitive impairment were included as sex-matched controls. Our data indicated that, in serum samples, ATG5 and Parkin were both elevated in controls, and that VAD compared with AD, MCI and MD (all p &lt; 0.01). Patients affected by AD, MD, and MCI showed significantly reduced circulating levels of both ATG5 and Parkin compared to healthy controls and VAD individuals, reflecting a significant down-regulation of autophagy and mitophagy pathways in these groups of patients. The measurement of serum levels of ATG5 and Parkin may represent an easily accessible diagnostic tool for the early monitoring of patients with cognitive decline