Simulation-based evaluation of school reopening strategies during COVID-19: A case study of São Paulo, Brazil.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many countries opted for strict public health measures, including closing schools. After some time, they have started relaxing some of those restrictions. To avoid overwhelming health systems, predictions for the number of new COVID-19 cases need to be considered when choosing a school reopening strategy. Using a computer simulation based on a stochastic compartmental model that includes a heterogeneous and dynamic network, we analyse different strategies to reopen schools in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area, including one similar to the official reopening plan. Our model allows us to describe different types of relations between people, each type with a different infectiousness. Based on our simulations and model assumptions, our results indicate that reopening schools with all students at once has a big impact on the number of new COVID-19 cases, which could cause a collapse of the health system. On the other hand, our results also show that a controlled school reopening could possibly avoid the collapse of the health system, depending on how people follow sanitary measures. We estimate that postponing the schools' return date for after a vaccine becomes available may save tens of thousands of lives just in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area compared to a controlled reopening considering a worst-case scenario. We also discuss our model constraints and the uncertainty of its parameters.

The effect of two anionic membranes (AMI 7001s and Neosepta AMX) on the electrodeposition of manganese from sulphate solutions.

The effect of two different anionic membranes on manganese deposition was studied in a two-compartment electrochemical reactor with a titanium cathode and a dimensionally stable RuO2|Ti anode. Chronopotentiometry, ICP-OES, SEM, XRD and elemental mapping were used to understand the changes in concentration and characteristics of the metallic deposition at different current densities with the anionic membranes AMI 7001s and Neosepta AMX. The results demonstrate that AMI reduces more manganese than AMX below -100 A m-2, generating more metallic deposition but also more low-solubility manganous by-products, whereas both membranes exhibited similar behaviours above -100 A m-2 reaching the maximum current efficiency (63%) at -200 A m-2. It was also observed that the membranes have a significant effect on sulphate consumption since they are anions.

Data supporting the in situ synthesis by organometallic method of Vulcan supported PdNi nanostructures for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution.

This document presents the supporting information for the evaluation of the role of Ni amount during the in situ synthesis of vulcan supported PdNi nanostructures using an organometallic approach for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline medium [1]. The data here presented included analysis of deconvolution during structural characterization, chemical composition and transmission electron microscopy. The information also contains complement data of cyclic voltammograms during activation in alkaline media. Supplement data of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements at two different overpotentials (-100 and -300 mV) and temperatures on the onset potential for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are also showed in this paper. The files can be used as a reference to determinate the effect of adding different in situ amount of Ni to Pd/C catalysts in presence of 2 equivalents of hexadecylamine (HDA) in order to improve the electrochemical performance on HER using an adjusted organometallic method. The data provided in this article have not been previously published and are available to enable critical or extended analyses.

Mental illness and social exclusion: assessment of the risk of violence after release.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the predictive validity of the HCR-20 (The Historical Clinical Risk Management-20) to predict future violent incidents in a representative sample of patients with severe mental disorders and with a history of previous admission to prison, who after release are in a situation of extreme social exclusion. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study sample was selected from the 235 patients treated by the Mental Health Street Team of Madrid (ECASAM) from June 2014 to June 2017, including those with a previous history of a previous internment in a penitentiary (about which, the HCR-20 was completed). RESULTS: Of the 44 patients included, 29.6% (n=13) ended up participating in a violent incident after the release. The ROC curves (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis indicated that the total score of HCR-20 (AUC 0.98, p=0.01) has a high predictive validity. CONCLUSIONS: The social and medical changes that take place after the release of patients with severe mental illness justify the need to reassess the risk of violence. In this evaluation, the HCR-20 guide is a useful tool for predicting the risk of involvement in future violent incidents, and the inclusion of factors such as social exclusion and its consequences, as well as problems with substance use is especially important.

Data that support the structural, chemical and morphological characterization and its influence on the electrochemical performance of stabilized PdxPt1-x alloys as electrode materials for methanol oxidation in alkaline medium.

Structural, compositional, morphological and electrochemical characterization are important to determinate the influence of platinum in the methanol oxidation in alkaline media. These data and analysis support the research article catalytic performance of alloyed PtxPd1-x nanostructures supported on Vulcan XC-72R for the methanol oxidation in alkaline medium [1]. The data here presented included changes in the chemical composition, structure and microstructure. Also, complement data of cyclic voltammograms during activation in alkaline media as well as in presence of 1 M CH3OH to observe CO tolerance and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurements at two different overpotentials (0.2 and 0.3 mV) on the onset potential for methanol electro-oxidation are published in this paper. The data can be used as a reference to determinate the effect of added different amounts of Pd to Pt/C catalysts, using an organometallic compounds method and octylamine as stabilizer. The data provided in this article have not been previously published and are available to enable critical or extended analyses.

Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe.

Purpose: In the accompanying article, "Survey of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe," we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. Methods: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. Results: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. Conclusion: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients.

Survey of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe.

Purpose: Oncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a global scale. Methods: Survey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of Health-funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services. Results: Sixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23 respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for research funding. Conclusion: This survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements.

Creating a Global Community of Practice for Oncofertility.

Fertility preservation in the cancer setting, known as oncofertility, is a field that requires cross-disciplinary interaction between physicians, basic scientists, clinical researchers, ethicists, lawyers, educators, and religious leaders. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Oncofertility Consortium (OC) was formed to be a scientifically grounded, transparent, and altruistic resource, both intellectual and monetary, for building this new field of practice capable of addressing the unique needs of young patients with cancer. The OC has expanded its attention to include other nonmalignant conditions that can threaten fertility, and the work of the OC now extends around the globe, involving partners who together have created a community of shared effort, resources, and practices. The OC creates materials that are translated, disseminated, and amended by all participants in the field, and local programs of excellence have developed worldwide to accelerate the pace and improve the quality of oncofertility research and practice. Here we review the global oncofertility programs and the capacity building activities that strengthen these research and clinical programs, ultimately improving patient care.

Influence of back mixing on the convective drying of residual sludges in a fixed bed.

The influence of a backmixing operation on the convective belt drying of two wastewater sludges was studied. The expansion of the sludge extrudates bed due to increasing additions of dry product was quantified by using X-ray tomography. This non-invasive technique was used to determine the bed porosity and the total exchange area available for heat and mass transfers, for increasing levels of backmixing. For a same drying flux, the expansion of the drying bed leads to higher drying rates, allowing a reduction of the total drying time. In this context, rheological properties of the sludges are key properties.

Criopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation and bone restoration metabolism in castrated rats.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate estradiol levels and autotransplantation heated ovarian tissue effects, after vitrification, on rats bone metabolism previously oophorectomized bilaterally. METHODS: experimental study with 27 rats aged 11 to 12 weeks and weighing 200g to 300g, submitted to bilateral oophorectomy and ovarian tissue cryopreservation for subsequent reimplantation. Animals were divided into two groups, A and B, with 8 and 19 rats, respectively. Autotransplantation occurred in two periods according to castration time: after one week, in group A, and after one month in group B. Serum estradiol measurements and ovary and tibia histological analysis were performed before and after oophorectomy period (early or late) and one month after reimplantation. RESULTS: in groups A and B, tibia median cortical thickness was 0.463±0.14mm (mean±SD) at the baseline, 0.360±0.14mm after oophorectomy and 0.445±0.17mm one month after reimplantation p<0.005). Trabecular means were 0.050±0.08mm (mean±SD) at baseline, 0.022±0.08mm after oophorectomy and 0.049±0.032mm one month after replantation (p<0.005). There was no statistical difference in estradiol variation between the two study groups (p=0.819). CONCLUSION: cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation restored bone parameters, and these results suggest that ovarian reimplantation in women may have the same beneficial effects on bone metabolism.

[Prospective study on the anthropometrical variables of body dimension and composition in primary school children. Caracas. Venezuela]. / Estudio longitudinal de las variables antropométricas de dimensión y composición corporal en escolares de educación básica. Caracas-Venezuela.

The variables were analyzed longitudinal anthropometric that measures the dimension and corporal composition of students of the first Stage of Basic Education of the Educative of the Grand Colombia Educational Unit. The analyzed variables they were: Age, Sex, Weight (W), Height (H), Circumference (AC), Index of Corporal Mass (CMI), cutaneous fold: Triceps (TrP) and Subescapular (SeP), Muscular Area (AM) and fatty Area (FA). 141 children were evaluated with age of beginning to the 6 and 8 years with pursuit of four annual measurements. It was applied a sampling stratified random with equal afijación. The scholars were measured following the techniques established and accepted internationally he stops such aim. One settled down as point of cut between percentiles 10 and 90. Used values of reference were those of the Cross-sectional Study of Caracas (ETC) and of the Longitudinal Study of Caracas (CSCMA). In the analysis longitudinal it was applied to the method "Tracking" and the statistical Kappa in order to determine the channel of growth in each boy and the speed was evaluated of growth of the students. In the four evaluated groups, W and the H have biggest trackng indices with respect to the others variables. The tracking index was constant (Kappa = 0.25) for all the variables and all the groups, opposite situation to the global Kappa, as it was located in the category of "G ood" (Kappa = 0.40 to 0.75) for the W and H in all the groups of evaluated scholars. The AC in the girls of both series of ages and in CMI, only in the girls with follow-up at 6 years canalization is observed "Good". One stayed in "Low" (Kappa = < 0,40) in all the sample of students the TrP, SeP, MA and FA. Variables of corporal dimension register good canalization, unlike the variables that measure corporal composition, which are located in loss canalization. The girls of both groups register greater speed of growth in Weight that the boys. The values of the average in the W and H, in evaluated students, end speed (S3) he is superior to initial speed (S1), therefore, the speed of growth it increases with the age. The maximum speed of growth is registered in the S3. In the evaluated students the variables that better they canalize are those of corporal dimension, is inferred, that corresponds to a growth pattern hoped.

Creating a Global Community of Practice for Oncofertility.

Fertility preservation in the cancer setting, known as oncofertility, is a field that requires cross-disciplinary interaction between physicians, basic scientists, clinical researchers, ethicists, lawyers, educators, and religious leaders. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Oncofertility Consortium (OC) was formed to be a scientifically grounded, transparent, and altruistic resource, both intellectual and monetary, for building this new field of practice capable of addressing the unique needs of young patients with cancer. The OC has expanded its attention to include other nonmalignant conditions that can threaten fertility, and the work of the OC now extends around the globe, involving partners who together have created a community of shared effort, resources, and practices. The OC creates materials that are translated, disseminated, and amended by all participants in the field, and local programs of excellence have developed worldwide to accelerate the pace and improve the quality of oncofertility research and practice. Here we review the global oncofertility programs and the capacity building activities that strengthen these research and clinical programs, ultimately improving patient care.

Clinical and biological aspects of sentinel node biopsy in malignant melanoma--an update.

The diagnostic usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been well established, but its therapeutic value remains unproven. First introduced by Morton and colleagues, the SLNB procedure is now widely available, and markedly enhances our ability to pathologically stage the regional nodes. Although the SLN status is acknowledged as the most powerful indicator of prognosis in melanoma, there is no evidence to-date, of survival advantage for complete lymphadenectomy in SLN-positive patients. Also, there is no effective adjuvant therapy that could benefit these sentinel node-positive patients, as yet. Additionally, new data have emerged indicating a possible increase in local/in-transit recurrence following complete lymphadenectomy in sentinel node-positive patients. To understand fully and to evaluate these observations we need information from randomized controlled trials. Major changes have occurred following the latest revision of melanoma staging system (AJCC, 6th edition). Concerning N category, these include the incorporation of the number of metastatic lymph nodes, the tumour burden of nodal metastases, and the ulceration of the primary tumour. The data obtained from the new staging system will reflect differences in prognosis that were not previously emphasized and which, we hope, will serve as a guide to more accurate analysis of metastatic pathways in cutaneous melanoma as well as a rationale for new forms of treatment.

Predictors of positive axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients with metastatic sentinel lymph node.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer with metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) may have clinico-pathologic factors associated with the presence of positive non-sentinel axillary nodes (NSLN). The aim of the present study was to determine factors that predict involvement of NSLN in breast cancer patients with positive SLN. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective database search identified 80 patients who underwent SLN biopsy for invasive breast cancer between January 1999 and August 2002. Clinico-pathologic data was analyzed to determine factors that predicted additional positive axillary nodes. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients had positive SLN and underwent conventional axillary lymph node dissection. Statistical analysis revealed that lympho-vascular invasion (p~0.00000), SLN metastasis >2 mm (p=0.002), and the presence of extra-nodal involvement (p=0.002), were positive predictors of the metastatic involvement of NSLN. CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of positive NSLN correlates with pathologic parameters such as the presence of lympho-vascular invasion, size of the SLN metastasis, and extra-nodal involvement. These data may be helpful with the regard to the decision to undertake axillary dissection in breast cancer patients with metastatic sentinel lymph nodes.

Histological study of rat ovaries cryopreserved by vitrification or slow freezing and reimplanted in the early or late postmenopausal stage.

PURPOSE: To compare two rat ovary cryopreservation techniques (vitrification vs. slow freezing) and two postmenopausal stages (early vs. late) with regard to graft take. METHODS: Thirty-three Wistar rats were submitted to bilateral oophorectomy. One ovary was submitted to histological analysis while the other was cryopreserved by slow freezing or vitrification. The cryopreserved ovary was thawed and reimplanted in the greater omentum one week (early menopause) or one month (late menopause) after oophorectomy. One month after ovary reimplantation, the graft take was evaluated macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS: Six of the animals were used ascontrols and seven died. The histological findings of 20 animals included atretic follicles (n=4), primordial follicles (n=2), and corpus luteum with primordial follicles (n=3). No ovarian tissue was found in 11 animals. Vitrification resulted in a higher graft take rate than slow freezing (50% vs. 38.5%), but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the graft take rate was 9.3 times higher in the early than in the late postmenopausal stage (61.5% vs. 14.3%) (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Vitrification was superior to slow freezing as ovarian cryopreservation technique, and grafting was significantly more successful when the ovary was reimplanted in the late postmenopausal stage.

Stabilized metal nanoparticles from organometallic precursors for low temperature fuel cells.

In this work, a review of articles and patents related to the utilization of colloidal metal nanoparticles produced by the decomposition of organometallic precursors as supported electrocatalysts in different electrochemical reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is discussed. In the case of stabilized metal nanoparticles, the kind of functional group contained in the stabilizer as well as the metal/stabilizer ratio, to evaluate the effect of particle size on the electrochemical performance, were also debated. Potential applications and perspectives of these electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are contended with reference to the role played by the coordination compounds and costs.

Criopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation and bone restoration metabolism in castrated rats / Transplante de tecido ovariano criopreservado e restauração do metabolismo ósseo em ratas castradas

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate estradiol levels and autotransplantation heated ovarian tissue effects, after vitrification, on rats bone metabolism previously oophorectomized bilaterally. Methods: experimental study with 27 rats aged 11 to 12 weeks and weighing 200g to 300g, submitted to bilateral oophorectomy and ovarian tissue cryopreservation for subsequent reimplantation. Animals were divided into two groups, A and B, with 8 and 19 rats, respectively. Autotransplantation occurred in two periods according to castration time: after one week, in group A, and after one month in group B. Serum estradiol measurements and ovary and tibia histological analysis were performed before and after oophorectomy period (early or late) and one month after reimplantation. Results: in groups A and B, tibia median cortical thickness was 0.463±0.14mm (mean±SD) at the baseline, 0.360±0.14mm after oophorectomy and 0.445±0.17mm one month after reimplantation p<0.005). Trabecular means were 0.050±0.08mm (mean±SD) at baseline, 0.022±0.08mm after oophorectomy and 0.049±0.032mm one month after replantation (p<0.005). There was no statistical difference in estradiol variation between the two study groups (p=0.819). Conclusion: cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation restored bone parameters, and these results suggest that ovarian reimplantation in women may have the same beneficial effects on bone metabolism.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar os níveis de estradiol e os efeitos do autotransplante de tecido ovariano aquecido, após vitrificação, no metabolismo ósseo de ratas previamente ooforectomizadas bilateralmente. Métodos: trabalho experimental com 27 ratas com idades entre 11 e 12 semanas e pesando 200g a 300g, submetidas à ooforectomia bilateral e criopreservação de tecido ovariano para posterior reimplante. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, A e B, com oito e 19 ratas, respectivamente. O autotransplante ocorreu em dois períodos de acordo com o tempo de castração: após uma semana, no grupo A, e após um mês no grupo B. Mensurações de estradiol sérico e análise histológica de ovário e tíbia foram feitos antes e após o período de ooforectomia (precoce ou tardio) e um mês após o reimplante. Resultados: nos grupos A e B, as espessuras corticais médias da tíbia foram 0,463±0,14mm (média±DP) na linha de base, 0,360±0,14mm após ooforectomia e 0,445±0,17mm em um mês após o reimplante (p<0,005). As médias trabeculares foram 0,050±0,08mm (média±DP) na linha de base, 0,022±0,08mm após ooforectomia e 0,049±0,032mm em um mês após o reimplante (p<0,005). Não houve diferença estatística entre a variação do estradiol entre os dois grupos de estudo (p=0,819). Conclusão: o transplante de tecido ovariano criopreservado restabeleceu os parâmetros ósseos, e estes resultados sugerem que a reimplantação ovariana em mulheres pode apresentar os mesmos efeitos benéficos sobre o metabolismo ósseo.

[Conditions and work process in the daily of the Family Health Program: coherency with health humanization principles]. / Condições e processo de trabalho no cotidiano do Programa Saúde da Família: coerência com princípios da humanização em saúde.

This study analyzes humanization at work in the context of the Family Health Program (FHP), inquiring: what is the role that infrastructure assumes in the construction of humanized work in the FHP? Does the course of staff work reveal coherency with health humanization principles? In order to find out answers to these questions, it was explored the perception of FHP' professionals about their work routine, considering concrete conditions whereby it occurs besides involved relationships, practices and products. It is a multiple case study, both qualitative and quantitative (with primacy of the first approach), developed through questionnaires and focal-groups with FHP' teams of selected areas. The results indicate that infrastructure fragilities and low investment in training of staffs are factors that contribute for the persistence of work conditions and practices that are far away from health humanization principles. Despite of the difficulties, it was evidenced, by the staffs, in general way, great engagement to their work and great sensibility to population needs and problems.

The impact of previous para-areolar incision in the upper outer quadrant of the breast on the localization of the sentinel lymph node in a canine model.

OBJECTIVES: This paper discusses the influence of a para-areolar incision in the upper outer quadrant of the breast on the location of the sentinel lymph node in a canine model. METHODS: The sentinel lymph node was marked with technetium-99, which was injected into the subareolar skin of the cranial breast. After the marker had migrated to the axilla, an arcuate para-areolar incision was performed 2 cm from the nipple in the upper outer quadrant. Patent blue dye was then injected above the upper border of the incision. At the marked site, an axillary incision was made, and the sentinel lymph node was identified by gamma probe and/or by direct visualization of the dye. The agreement between the two injection sites and the two sentinel lymph node identification methods was determined. Our sample group consisted of 40 cranial breasts of 23 adult females of the species Canis familiaris. The data were analyzed by using the McNemar test and by determining the kappa agreement coefficient. RESULT: Our findings showed that in 95% of the breasts, the sentinel lymph node was identified by the injection of technetium-99 m into the subareolar region, and in 82% of the cases, the sentinel lymph node was identified by the injection of patent blue dye above the upper border of the incision. The methods agreed 82% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Previous para-areolar incisions in the upper outer quadrant did not interfere significantly with the biopsy when the dye was injected above the upper border of the incision.

Qualidade de vida pós-transplante hepático com enxerto de doador idoso / Quality of life after liver transplantation with old donor graft

Comparar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes transplantados hepáticos que receberam fígado de doadorcom idade ≤60 ou >60 anos. Métodos: estudo prospectivo, com amostra de 141 receptores de fígado de doadorcom idade igual ou menor de 60 anos e receptores de fígado de doador idoso, em um centro de referência.Utilizou-se instrumento para identificação e o questionário Short Form-36. Foram aplicados os testes t-Studente Mann-Whitney para comparação entre grupos. Resultados: identificaram-se maiores níveis de qualidade devida com diferenças estatisticamente significativas: Grupo A no aspecto social (p=0,02) e o Grupo B com >50meses de transplante (p=0,05) no componente sumarizado físico. Conclusão: a qualidade de vida de receptoresde fígado de doador idoso foi semelhante aos que receberam enxerto de doadores mais jovens na maioria dasdimensões. O tempo de transplante teve impacto positivo na qualidade de vida de receptores idosos...