Exploring individual's public trust in the NHS Test and Trace System - A pragmatic reflexive thematic analysis.

Context: Digital contact tracing uses automated systems and location technology embedded on smartphone software for efficient identification of individuals exposed to COVID-19. Such systems are only effective with high compliance, yet compliance is mediated by public trust in the system. This work explored the perception of individual's trust and expectation of the broader Test and Trace system in the United Kingdom (UK) with the upcoming release of the National Health Service's (NHS) COVID-19 app as a case example. Methods: Twelve adults underwent online semi-structured interviews in August 2020, prior to public availability of the COVID-19 app. Pragmatic reflexive thematic analysis was applied inductively to explore common themes between participants, using an organic and recursive process (Braun & Clarke, 2019). Results: Themes highlighted features of the technology that would be perceived to be trustworthy (Theme 1), and concerns relating to i) whether users would comply with a T&T system (Theme 2) and ii) how a T&T system would handle user's personal data (Theme 3). Two further themes built on aspects of automation within a T&T system and its impact on trust (Theme 4) and how the media altered perceptions of the T&T system (Theme 5). Conclusions: Participants outlined the need for different user requirements that could be built into the NHS COVID-19 app that would support increased adherence. Concurrently, participants raised questions surrounding personal data and privacy of their data, plus the level of automated versus manual tasks, which impacted perception of trust in the app and wider system. Additionally, themes highlighted that T&T systems do not happen within a vacuum, but within a pre-existing environment influenced by variables such as the media and perception of other's compliance to T&T. Implications: Since it's roll-out, controversies surrounding the UK T&T system include concerns about privacy, stigma and uptake. Considering the current piece of work, which anticipated similar concerns prior to public access to COVID-19 app, engaging with the public may have been an important step in improving the perception and compliance with the app. Principles fundamental to patient and public involvement (PPI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) such as the inclusion of the public in the early development of research and aligning the outcomes of research and innovation with broader societal values and expectations would have been well-applied to this system and should be applied to future autonomous systems requiring high public uptake.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding antibiotics, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance in students and health care professionals of the district of Barranquilla (Colombia): A cross-sectional survey.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding antibiotics, use of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance in students and health care professionals of the district of Barranquilla, Colombia. Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional. Methods: A sample of 399 respondents was selected, that included health professionals and medical students from 12 health institutions in the district of Barranquilla (Colombia), using an established stratified sampling method. Each of the respondent professionals completed a survey that included 43 items in the Likert scale. A descriptive analysis of the study variables was performed using the software SPSS version 25. Results: Most of the respondents were women (64.4%), aged between 26 and 35 years (47.6%); 28.8% were nurses and 26.1% general practitioners, with ≤10 years of professional experience (63.4%). Overall, the survey revealed that the participants had considerable knowledge about antibiotic use (89.5%-98% correct answers) and the spread of antibiotic resistance (67.4%-89% correct answers). Approximately 74% of the respondents agreed or fully agreed with the questions related to the management of infections and the provision of advice. Conclusions: The present study revealed that most of the health care professionals surveyed had a good knowledge about antibiotic use, although strategies must be developed to strengthen knowledge regarding the spread of antibiotic resistance. Likewise, it is important to identify opportunities for improvement related with access to the guidelines and/or materials necessary to treat infections and to provide advice on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.

Nosocomial influenza in south-western Swiss hospitals during two seasonal epidemics: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: In Switzerland each year, influenza leads to between 112,000 and 275,000 medical consultations. Data on nosocomial influenza infection are limited. AIM: To describe nosocomial cases of seasonal influenza in south-western Switzerland. METHODS: This study was conducted during two seasonal influenza epidemics from 2016 to 2018 in 27 acute care public hospitals in south-western Switzerland. During these two time-periods, every patient hospitalized for >72 h who was positively screened by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or antigen detection for influenza was included in the survey. Characteristics of patients included age, sex, and comorbidities. Included patients were followed up until discharge or death. Complications and administration of antineuraminidases and/or antibiotics were registered. FINDINGS: The median influenza vaccine coverage of healthcare workers was 40%. In all, 836 patients were included (98% with type A influenza virus in 2016-2017; 77% with type B virus in 2017-2018). Most patients (81%) had an unknown vaccine status. Overall, the incidence of nosocomial influenza was 0.5 per 100 admissions (0.35 per 1000 patient-days). The most frequent comorbidities were diabetes (20%), chronic respiratory diseases (19%), and malnutrition (17%). Fever (77%) and cough (66%) were the most frequent symptoms. Seventy-one percent of patients received antineuraminidases, 28% received antibiotics. Infectious complications such as pneumonia were reported in 9%. Overall, the all-cause mortality was 6%. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of nosocomial influenza underlines the importance of vaccinating patients and healthcare workers, rapidly recognizing community- or hospital-acquired cases, and applying adequate additional measures to prevent dissemination, including the timely administration of antineuraminidases to avoid antibiotic use (and misuse).

Prevalencia de leishmaniasis visceral canina en el área de influencia de la unidad de salud de la familia marín ka'aguy, Luque / Prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the area of influence of the health unit family ka'aguy marin, Luque

Introducción: La leishmaniosis visceral canina (LVC) es provocada por un parásito (Leishmania) que invade diferentes órganos del perro y otros mamíferos provocando lesiones de diversa consideración hasta provocar la muerte. Objetivos: Determinar seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG contra Leishmania chagasi en caninos que habitan el área de influencia de la Unidad de Salud Familiar (USF) Marín Ka´aguy, Luque (febrero-abril, 2011) Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte trasversal, incluyendo 416 caninos. Los datos fueron analizados en el programa Epi Info versión 3.5.1. Resultados: Fueron estudiados 416 caninos, pertenecientes a 257 familias, con un promedio de 1,6 perros por familia. El 90.1% de los caninos estudiados no contaban con ascendencia conocida. El 66,1% fueron machos. El 41% presentó signos compatibles con LVC. La seroprevalencia poblacional fue del 26%; mayor en machos (27,3%). El promedio de edad de la población general estudiada fue de 3,4 años; observándose mayor seroprevalencia en la población de 10 a 11 años. La raza mestiza presentó mayor prevalencia de la enfermedad 26,9% en comparación a las de ascendencia conocida. Con mayor frecuencia (53,7%) de los caninos seropositivos han presentado signos clínicos manifiestos. El promedio de signos fue de 2, un mínimo de 1 y un máximo de 6; el 33% presentó más de 2. La frecuencia de signos en caninos seropositivos fue: caída de pelos (72,4%), adelgazamiento (44,8%), onicogrifosis (44,8%), úlceras (27,6%), conjuntivitis (22,4%), decaimiento (12,1%). De 108 seropositivos, 60 fueron sacrificados, 48 no por negativa de sus propietarios. Conclusión: Con prevalencia similar a otros distritos de la región, el área de influencia de la USF Marín Ka´aguy, se constituye en área endémica de LVC, con potencial riesgo de aparición de LVH. Palabras clave: Leishmaniasis Visceral; Leishmaniasis/VE; Paraguay.

Introduction: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is caused by a parasite (Leishmania) invading different organs of the dog and other mammals causing injuries of varying degrees to cause death. Objectives: To determine seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against Leishmania chagasi in dogs living in the area of influence of the Family Health Unit (FHU) Ka'aguy Marin, Luque (February-April 2011). Methodology: An observational, crosssectional, including 416 dogs. Data were analyzed with Epi Info version 3.5.1. Results: We studied 416 dogs belonging to 257 families, with an average of 1.6 dogs per household. The 90.1% of the dogs studied had no known ancestry. The 66.1% were males. The 41% had signs consistent with LVC. The population seroprevalence was 26% higher in males (27.3%). The average age of the general population studied was 3.4 years, but there was higher prevalence in the population aged 10 to 11 years. The breed mixed highest prevalence of the disease 26.9% compared to those of known ancestry. Most often (53.7%) of seropositive dogs presented clinical signs. The average signs was 2, a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 6, the 33% showed more than 2. The frequency of signs in dogs seropositive was: hair fall (72.4%), thinning (44.8%), onychogryphosis (44.8%), ulcers (27.6%), conjunctivitis (22.4%) , decay (12.1%). Of 108 HIV-positive, 60 were killed, 48 not by denial of their owners. Conclusion: prevalence similar to other districts in the region, the area of influence of the USF Ka'aguy Marin, constitutes LVC endemic area, with potential risk of LVH. Keywords: Visceral Leishmaniasis, Leishmaniasis / VE, Paraguay

A simple technique of image analysis for specific nuclear immunolocalization of proteins.

Colocalization of fluorescent signals in confocal microscopy is usually evaluated by inspecting merged images from different colour channels or by using commercially available software packages. We describe in this paper a simple method for assessment of nuclear localization of proteins in tissue sections through confocal immunolocalization, propidium iodide counterstaining and image analysis. Through a macro command developed for the public domain, Java-based software imagej, red, green, blue (RGB) images are automatically split in the red and green channels and a new image composed of the nonblack pixels coincident in both channels is created and inverted for better visualization. This method renders images devoid of both, extranuclear staining and background, thus emphasizing the nuclear signal. The resulting images can easily be used for comparison or quantification of the results. Given the simplicity of the technique and the worldwide diffusion of the software utilized, we think that this method could be useful in order to define standards of colocalization in confocal microscopy.

Reproducción de un modelo informático de las alucinaciones auditivas en la esquizofrenia / Replication of a computer model of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia

Introducción. El podado sináptico anormal ha sido propuesto por algunos autores como una teoría para explicar a la esquizofrenia y ha sido estudiado de diversas maneras. Entre las aproximaciones al estudio de este fenómeno se ha utilizado la simulación informática. Métodos. Se utilizó un ordenador PC y los programas informáticos MATLAB versión 5.3 y Neural Networks Toolbox. Para la reproducción del modelo se utilizó la red de Elman para la unidad neuronal y la red publicada por McGlashan y Hoffman. Resultados. A medida que se eliminaron las sinapsis el porcentaje correcto de detección aumentó del 68 al 91 %, llegando a la cima cuando hubo una eliminación aproximada del 60 %. Cuando se continuó con la eliminación disminuyó la capacidad de detección y se presentaron palabras en la ausencia de una entrada, lo cual se consideró como una alucinación. Éstas se presentaron con mayor frecuencia cuando el podado alcanzó entre el 80 y 95 %. Conclusiones. El modelo de simulación por ordenador no sólo provee un modelo para la formación de síntomas, sino también un entendimiento de la utilidad adaptativa del podado. Cuando las unidades neuronales, en vez de las conexiones, fueron eliminadas sólo se obtuvo un empeoramiento progresivo de la percepción. Esto confirma la hipótesis propuesta de que la fisiopatología de la esquizofrenia subyace en la conexión entre las neuronas y no en las neuronas mismas

Introduction. Abnormal synaptic pruning has been proposed by some authors as a theory to explain schizophrenia. It has been studied in different ways, some of which are computerized models. Methods. A PC computer with MATLAB version 5.3 and Neural Networks Toolbox programs were used. To reproduce the model we used Elman’s network for neuronal unit and McGlashan and Hoffman’s network. Results. The corrected percentage of detection improved as synapses were prunned. It increased from 68% to 91 %, reaching the highest detection level when 60% of the synapses were eliminated. Detection capacity was reduced when synaptic elimination continued and the program started detecting words in the absence of input. This was considered as a hallucination. When pruning reached from 80% to 95%, hallucinations occurred more frequently. Conclusions. The computer simulation model provides a symptom formation model, and also a way of understanding pruning’s adaptative utility. When the neuronal units were eliminated (instead of connections), there was only progressive worsening in word perception. This confirms the hypothesis proposed that schizophrenia pathophysiology underlies neuronal connections, not the neurons

[Replication of a computer model of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia]. / Reproducción de un modelo informático de las alucinaciones auditivas en la esquizofrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal synaptic pruning has been proposed by some authors as a theory to explain schizophrenia. It has been studied in different ways, some of which are computerized models. METHODS: A PC computer with MATLAB version 5.3 and Neural Networks Toolbox programs were used. To reproduce the model we used Elman's network for neuronal unit and McGlashan and Hoffman's network. RESULTS: The corrected percentage of detection improved as synapses were prunned. It increased from 68% to 91 %, reaching the highest detection level when 60% of the synapses were eliminated. Detection capacity was reduced when synaptic elimination continued and the program started detecting words in the absence of input. This was considered as a hallucination. When pruning reached from 80% to 95%, hallucinations occurred more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: The computer simulation model provides a symptom formation model, and also a way of understanding pruning's adaptative utility. When the neuronal units were eliminated (instead of connections), there was only progressive worsening in word perception. This confirms the hypothesis proposed that schizophrenia pathophysiology underlies neuronal connections, not the neurons.

Cloning and characterization of RAD17, a gene controlling cell cycle responses to DNA damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mutants of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae defective in the RAD17 gene are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) and gamma radiation and manifest a defect in G2 arrest following radiation treatment. We have cloned the RAD17 gene by complementation of the UV sensitivity of a rad17-1 mutant and identified an ORF of 1.2 kb encoding a predicted gene product of 45.4 kDa with homology to the Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad1+ gene product and to Ustilago maydis Rec1, a known 3'->5'exonuclease. The RAD17 transcript is cell cycle regulated, with maximum steady-state levels during late G1. The rad17-1 mutation represents a missense mutation that maps to a conserved region of the gene. A rad17 disruption mutant grows normally and manifests levels of UV sensitivity similar that of the rad17-1 strain. As previously observed with other genes involved in G2 arrest (such as RAD9 and RAD24), RAD17 regulates radiation-induced G1 checkpoints at at least two possible arrest stages. One is equivalent to or upstream of START, the other at or downstream of the Cdc4 execution point. However, the temperature sensitivity of the cell cycle mutant dna1-1 (a G1 arrest mutant) is not influenced by inactivation of RAD17.

[The Fanconi-Bickel syndrome]. / Síndrome de Fanconi-Bickel.

This is a case of a 15-month-old child suffering from Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, characterized with Fanconi syndrome manifestations (glycosuria, amino aciduria and phosphaturia), and the build-up of glycogen in the liver in a similar manner as seen in cases of glycogenesis type Ia. Due to the presence of liver glycogenosis, the patient also has a tendency towards hypoglycemia, ketonuria, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The glycogenosis seen in the patients with the Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, does not depend on a defect in the activity of the glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme, but in fact is due to a defect in the transporter which mobilizes glucose and galactose in the liver and in the basolateral membrane of the proximal tubule of the kidney.