Clean Colon Software Program (CCSP), Proposal of a standardized Method to quantify Colon Cleansing During Colonoscopy: Preliminary Results

Background and study aims: Neoplastic lesions can be missed during colonoscopy, especially when cleansing is inadequate. Bowel preparation scales have significant limitations and no objective and standardized method currently exists to establish colon cleanliness during colonoscopy. The aims of our study are to create a software algorithm that is able to analyze bowel cleansing during colonoscopies and to compare it to a validate bowel preparation scale. Patients and methods: A software application (the Clean Colon Software Program, CCSP) was developed. Fifty colonoscopies were carried out and video-recorded. Each video was divided into 3 segments: cecum-hepatic flexure (1st Segment), hepatic flexure-descending colon (2nd Segment) and rectosigmoid segment (3rd Segment). Each segment was recorded twice, both before and after careful cleansing of the intestinal wall. A score from 0 (dirty) to 3 (clean) was then assigned by CCSP. All the videos were also viewed by four endoscopists and colon cleansing was established using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Interclass correlation coefficient was then calculated between the endoscopists and the software. Results: The cleansing score of the prelavage colonoscopies was 1.56\ub10.52 and the postlavage one was 2,08\ub10,59 (P<0.001) showing an approximate 33.3% improvement in cleansing after lavage. Right colon segment prelavage (0.99\ub10.69) was dirtier than left colon segment prelavage (2.07\ub10.71). The overall interobserver agreement between the average cleansing score for the 4 endoscopists and the software pre-cleansing was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84\u20130.90) and post-cleansing was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83\u20130.89). Conclusions: The software is able to discriminate clean from non-clean colon tracts with high significance and is comparable to endoscopist evaluation

Qualidade pós-colheita do tomate de mesa convencional e orgânico.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade pós-colheita de frutos de tomate de mesa de diferentes sistemas de cultivos. As amostras de tomate convencional, cv. Raísa (LV), e orgânico, cv. Santa Clara, foram mantidas a uma temperatura de 23,5 ± 2 °C, com UR de 74% ± 5 e submetidas a análise da massa, peso específico, cinzas, sólidos totais, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez titulável total, relação sólidos solúveis totais/acidez titulável total, pH, vitamina C, Salmonella spp., coliformes totais, coliformes fecais, bolores e leveduras e análise sensorial, que foi realizada pela Análise Descritiva Quantitativa - ADQ. O tempo de armazenagem foi de 13 e 14 dias para o tomate de mesa cultivado nos sistemas convencional e orgânico, respectivamente. O tempo de armazenagem foi de 13 e 14 dias para o tomate de mesa cultivado nos sistemas convencional e orgânico, respectivamente. A perda de massa foi significativamente inferior (3,74%) no tomate convencional. Ambas as amostras apresentaram similar comportamento na análise física, química sensorial e microbiológica nos estádios de maturação

Best-performance of cold-formed steel stiffened trapezoidal self-supporting roof members under flexural bending due wind suction pressure

Construções leves em aço são frequentemente utilizadas como uma solução estrutural apropriada permitindo redução do custo da supra e infraestrutura. Nesse contexto, empregam-se Perfis Formados a Frio (PFF) e que, sendo elementos estruturais esbeltos, tornam-se propícios a condições de flambagem. Assim, este estudo desenvolve uma solução de telha autoportante em PFF do tipo viga-calha que apresente o melhor rendimento tanto à flexão (provocada pela ação do vento) quanto à cobertura obtida. Para a análise de estabilidade, utilizou-se o software CUFSM (Constrained and Unconstrained Finite Strip Method) baseado no Método das Faixas Finitas. Além disso, usou-se o Método da Resistência Direta para a determinação da resistência à flexão de projeto. Logo, este artigo apresenta seis análises numéricas a fim de propor um modelo que apresente a melhor relação entre Momento Resistente Efetivo e taxa de cobertura. Finalmente, sugere-se uma solução de telha do tipo viga-calha autoportante que se mostre eficiente na flexão sob vento de sucção e apresente uma taxa de cobertura satisfatória.Lightweight steel constructions are often used as a suitable structural solution, allowing cost reduction on the superstructure and infrastructure work. In this context, one employs the cold-formed steel profiles (CFS) and, for being slender structural elements, they become liable to buckling. Thus, this paper seeks to develop a shape solution for a cold-formed steel stiffened trapezoidal roofing member that presents the best alternative with respect to both flexural bending (caused by wind suction pressure) and obtained covering. For the stability analysis one used the software CUFSM (Constrained and Unconstrained Finite Strip Method) based on the Finite Strip Method. In addition, one used the Direct Strength Method to calculate the design bending strength. Therefore, six parametric analysis were made in order to propose a model that presents the best relation between bending strength and covering ratio. Finally, one suggests a solution for the stiffened trapezoidal roofing member that offer the best efficiency under the flexural bending due wind suction pressure and with a satisfactory covering ratio

INFESTAÇÃO E DANOS DE Cinara atlantica RELACIONADOS COM O ESTADO NUTRICIONAL E HÍDRICO EM MUDAS DE Pinus taeda L.

The response of Cinara atlantica population to the nutritional status of recently planted seedlings of P. taeda was evaluated on field, in Três Barras city in the state of Santa Catarina, and to water stress in greenhouse, in Colombo city, Paraná state. In the greenhouse, 4 treatments were tested with 30 plants each treatment: non-stressed seedlings (at 60% of field capacity) and the stressed ones (at only 30% of field capacity), with and without insects. Each plant was infested with 10 nymphs of 3rd and 4th instars. Weekly, the number of aphids was counted, the height and diameter of the plants were measured, the nutritional status of the needles were analyzed and the volume of water applied accordingly. It was observed that the recently-planted seedlings were less attractive to C. atlantica because of their low N content condition caused by planting stress. The infestation of the water stressed plants in the greenhouse was the double of the population on the non-stressed plants. Plant height increased directly proportional to the aphid infestation and the impact of the insects was equivalent to that resulting from the water stress. The infested seedlings also presented an increasing in diameter, but there was no influence of water stress.Foi avaliada a resposta de populações de Cinara atlantica ao estado nutricional de mudas de Pinus taeda L., em condições de campo no município de Três Barras (SC), e ao estresse hídrico, em casa de vegetação em Colombo (PR). Em casa de vegetação, foram avaliados 4 tratamentos com 30 mudas cada: plantas não-estressadas (com 60% da capacidade de campo) e estressadas (com 30% da capacidade de campo), ambos com e sem insetos. Cada planta foi infestada com 10 ninfas de 3º e 4º instar. Semanalmente, era contado o número de afídeos, medidos a altura e o diâmetro de todas as plantas e acrescentado o volume de água correspondente. Em campo, foram plantadas 60 plantas, das quais, quinzenalmente, 15 plantas eram arrancadas ao acaso, contando-se o número de afídeos por planta e analisando-se o estado nutricional, durante dois meses. Constatou-se que o aumento do teor de nitrogênio nas mudas de P. taeda correlaciona-se diretamente com o aumento no número de insetos. As mudas com estresse hídrico apresentaram maiores teores de nitrogênio e incidência de pulgões. Em casa de vegetação, as plantas apresentaram menor crescimento em altura na presença de insetos, com ou sem estresse hídrico. As mudas infestadas apresentaram maior crescimento em diâmetro, independentemente do estresse hídrico, no tempo observado e condições do estudo

PERFIL SENSORIAL DO TOMATE DE MESA (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) ORGÂNICO

Foram avaliadas, pela análise descritiva quantitativa - ADQ, quatro amostras de tomate de mesa, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cultivadas pelo sistema orgânico e comercializadas de dezembro de 2001 a fevereiro de 2002. A comparação realizada pelo teste de Tukey revelou que nos descritores defeitos de superfície, cor, firmeza ao toque, firmeza ao corte, resistência ao corte, aparência geral externa, espessura da polpa, sabor estranho, textura oral, doçura e acidez as amostras apresentaram diferença em nível de 5% de probabilidade de erro. Nos atributos grau de suculência, característica da polpa, aroma, sabor, sabor remanescente, aparência geral interna e qualidade global as amostras não diferiram entre si. SENSORY PROFILE OF ORGANIC TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Abstract Using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), four samples of salad tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) were evaluated. The samples were organic grown tomatoes, commercialized from December 2001 to February 2002. Comparison using Tukey 5% revealed significant difference concerning the following descriptors: surface defects, color, firmness to touch, firmness to cut, resistance to cut, overall exterior appearance, pulp thickness, strange taste, oral texture, sweetness and acidity. The descriptors juiciness, pulp characteristic, smell, taste, after taste, overall interior appearance and overall quality showed no significant difference

EQUIPE DE ROBÓTICA MÓVEL - WESTBOTS

A robótiva móvel é amplamente utilizada em situações de risco e em situações de exploração. A utilização de robôs autônomos para realização de exploração espacial, de robôs radiocontrolados para desarmar bombas e para inspeção de tubulações inacessíveis à seres humanos, são alguns dos exemplos de aplicação. Em meados do ano de 2007 professores e alunos do curso de Engenharia Elétrica iniciaram as pesquisas nesta área afim de aplicar conhecimentos de engenharia e promover o desenvolvimento tecnológico. Atualmente a equipe de robótica intitulada WestBots é composta por dois professores orientadores e por dez alunos do curso de Engenharia Elétrica. Dentre estes alunos ressalta-se que um é bolsista e os outros nove são voluntários. Desde sua criação a equipe já participou de quatro competições nacionais. A última participação aconteceu em julho de 2016 na maior competição de robótica da América Latina. O XII Winter Challenge foi realizado no instituto Mauá em São Caetano do Sul - SP. Nesta edição a equipe participou com um total de cinco robôs, sendo três na categoria Sumô Autônomo 3kg e dois robôs na categoria Seguidor de Linha Pro. Palavras-chave: Robótica Móvel. Robôs Autônomos. Engenharia Elétrica

Low dose rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) as monotherapy for early stage prostate cancer in Italy: practice and outcome analysis in a series of 2237 patients from 11 institutions

OBJECTIVE: Low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) in localized prostate cancer is available since 15 years in Italy. We realized the first national multicentre and multidisciplinary data collection to evaluate LDR-BT practice, given as monotherapy, and outcome in terms of biochemical failure. METHODS: Between May 1998 and December 2011, 2237 patients with early-stage prostate cancer from 11 Italian community and academic hospitals were treated with iodine-125 ((125)I) or palladium-103 LDR-BT as monotherapy and followed up for at least 2 years. (125)I seeds were implanted in 97.7% of the patients: the mean dose received by 90% of target volume was 145 Gy; the mean target volume receiving 100% of prescribed dose (V100) was 91.1%. Biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test and multivariable Cox regression were used to evaluate the relationship of covariates with outcomes. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 65 months. 5- and 7-year DSS, OS and BFFS were 99 and 98%, 94 and 89%, and 92 and 88%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network score (p < 0.0001) and V100 (p = 0.09) were correlated with BFFS, with V100 effect significantly different between patients at low risk and those at intermediate/high risk (p = 0.04). Short follow-up and lack of toxicity data represent the main limitations for a global evaluation of LDR-BT. CONCLUSION: This first multicentre Italian report confirms LDR-BT as an excellent curative modality for low-/intermediate-risk prostate cancer. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Multidisciplinary teams may help to select adequately patients to be treated with brachytherapy, with a direct impact on the implant quality and, possibly, on outcome

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Multidifferential study of identified charged hadron distributions in ZZ-tagged jets in proton-proton collisions at s=\sqrt{s}=13 TeV

Jet fragmentation functions are measured for the first time in proton-proton collisions for charged pions, kaons, and protons within jets recoiling against a $Z$ boson. The charged-hadron distributions are studied longitudinally and transversely to the jet direction for jets with transverse momentum 20 $< p_{\textrm{T}} < 100$ GeV and in the pseudorapidity range $2.5 < \eta < 4$. The data sample was collected with the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.64 fb$^{-1}$. Triple differential distributions as a function of the hadron longitudinal momentum fraction, hadron transverse momentum, and jet transverse momentum are also measured for the first time. This helps constrain transverse-momentum-dependent fragmentation functions. Differences in the shapes and magnitudes of the measured distributions for the different hadron species provide insights into the hadronization process for jets predominantly initiated by light quarks.Comment: All figures and tables, along with machine-readable versions and any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2022-013.html (LHCb public pages