bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANÁLISE E CLASSIFICAÇÃO DA IMPRESSÃO LABIAL EM UNIVERSITÁRIOS DA REGIÃO SUL DO BRASIL
Authors: Santana Marcela Garica de , Borges Thaís Cristina Vendrameto , Amaral Marcelo Augusto
Published: December 2020

Introdução: A queiloscopia pode ser definida como estudo, registro e classificação das cristas e sulcos localizados na superfície das mucosas labiais. Objetivos: Analisar as características queiloscópicas de universitários da região Sul do Brasil, bem como identificar possíveis variações entre os sexos dos participantes. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, classificatório e transversal com uma amostra de conveniência composta por 50 universitários de Odontologia de uma instituição privada. Para a coleta das impressões labiais foi utilizado uma pequena quantidade de batom de coloração vermelha para cada participante, espalhada nos lábios com hastes flexíveis de algodão. Em seguida, os lábios foram pressionados em movimento de rolagem contra cartolina branca apoiada sobre uma placa de vidro. Após a obtenção da impressão labial, esta foi subdividida em oito subquadrantes e numerada em sentido horário, e cada tipo de sulco foi classificado segundo o sistema proposto por Suzuki e Tsuchihashi (1970). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente com a utilização dos Testes Qui-Quadrado e Razão de Verossimilhança (p=0,05). Resultados: O sulco Tipo I ́ apresentou-se mais frequente (26,3%) seguido pelos Tipos I (24,3%) e II (20,5%). Segundo a variável sexo, o Tipo II (24,0%) e I (23,0%) obteve maior expressividade em homens, enquanto os sulcos I ́(31,5%) e I (25,5%) apresentaram-se prevalentes no sexo feminino. Conclusão: Os tipos de sulcos labiais mais encontrados foram o Tipo I’, seguido pelo Tipo I no grupo total avaliado, sendo mais prevalentes os Tipos I´ e II, respectivamente para o sexo feminino e masculino. A queiloscopia não resultou em caracterizações com dimorfismos sexuais, e novos estudos se fazem necessários para sua utilização em casos que envolvam vestígios labiais em identificação humana.
AVALIAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO DOS CIRURGIÕES-DENTISTAS DE ALFENAS-MG SOBRE A IMPORTÂNCIA DO PRONTUÁRIO ODONTOLÓGICO NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO HUMANA
Authors: Ferreira Dayane Rafaela , Souza de Queiroz Fernanda , Pimentel Francielli Roberta , Alves Moreira Marina , Bessa Veloso Silva Roberta , Pasqua Tavares Erika , Swerts Andressa Araujo
Published: December 2020

O prontuário odontológico é um documento de suma importância para a prática odontológica, pois é através do mesmo que se obtém informações importantes do paciente, possibilitando conhece-lo como um todo. Além disso, é um aliado do profissional, atentando-se as necessidades administrativas, éticas e legais. Assim, através deste documento, desde que seja bem preenchido e arquivado, é possível auxiliar em casos de identificação humana. Assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivo verificar o conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas de Alfenas-MG, sobre a importância do prontuário odontológico nos casos de identificação humana. Utilizou-se um questionário pré-estabelecido com questões relacionadas ao tema, junto a 147 profissionais. Verificou-se que os cirurgiões-dentistas de Alfenas-MG apresentam um conhecimento satisfatório sobre a importância da elaboração e manutenção do prontuário, principalmente nos casos de identificação humana. Entretanto, ainda há falhas no seu processo de preenchimento, podendo resultar em problemas administrativos e judiciais. Observou-se que 14,96% dos profissionais já tiveram a documentação odontológica solicitada para auxiliar no processo de identificação humana e, nestes casos 90,90% relataram que estes documentos foram extremamente úteis para solucionar o caso. Observou-se que os profissionais com menos de 10 anos de formado dedicam-se maior tempo para elaboração de uma anamnese e a utilização de software odontológico, com diferença estatística (p<0,01). Assim, observa-se que o profissional sabe da importância e colaboração do prontuário odontológico nos casos de identificação humana, mas ainda existe falhas no seu preenchimento.
Quality of Life and its Related Factors in Iranian Drug-depentent Women Referring to Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Authors: Barati Majid , Bandehelahi Khadijeh , Nopasandasil Tahereh , Jormand Hanieh , Keshavarzi Amir
Published: December 2020

Background: Substance-Related Disorders are among the most common social problems caused by the use of legal and illegal substances. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the quality of life and its related factors among drug-dependent women referring to substance abuse treatment centers in Hamadan, west of Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 Iranian female substance users recruited through the census sampling method in 2018. Data collection tools consisted of demographic characteristics and quality of life questioner (SF-36). Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 via one way ANOVA and chi-square tests.Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.2±12.1 years. The mean score of the total quality of life was 35.35±13.5. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that using methamphetamine (β=-6.62) was the predictor of Qol in women. Moreover, there was a significant association between quality of life and age (p <0.001), educational level (p = 0.011), age at first use (p <0.001).Conclusion: According to the results, the participants' quality of life was found to be an unsatisfactory level. So, implementing educational help-seeking behavior for treatment and effectiveness intervention education in substance abuse prevention programs is essential, especially in adolescents and young, low-educated and early drug use, methamphetamine user women, which may increase the quality of life.
Comparative Evaluation of Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopy Cervical Discectomy Using 3.7 mm Endoscope and 6.9 mm Endoscope for Cervical Disc Herniation: a retrospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Yu Tong , Wu Jiu-Ping , Zhang Jun , Yu Hai-Chi , Liu Qinyi
Published: December 2020

Background. Posterior percutaneous endoscopy cervical discectomy (p-PECD) is an effective strategy for the treatment of cervical diseases, with a working cannula ranging from 3.7 mm to 6.9 mm in diameter. However, to date, no studies have been performed to compare the clinical outcomes of the use of endoscopes with different diameters in cervical disc herniation (CDH) patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral CDH treated with p-PECD using a 3.7 mm endoscope and a 6.9 mm endoscope.Methods. From January 2016 to June 2018, a total of 28 consecutive patients with single-level CDH who received p-PECD using either the 3.7 mm or the 6.9 mm endoscope were enrolled. The clinical results, including the surgical duration, hospitalization, visual analog scale (VAS) score and modified MacNab criteria, were evaluated. Cervical fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI were also performed during follow-up.Results. Tthere was a significant difference in regard to the average identification time of the “V” point (18.608±3.7607 min vs. 11.256±2.7161 min, p<0.001) and the mean removal time of the overlying tissue (16.650±4.1730 min vs. 12.712±3.3079 min, p<0.05) for the use of the 3.7 mm endoscope and the 6.9 mm endoscope, respectively. The postoperative VAS and MacNab scores of the two endoscopes were significantly improved compared with those the preoperative scores (p<0.05).Conclusion. The application of both the 3.7 mm endoscope and 6.9 mm endoscope represent an effective method for the treatment of CDH in selected patients, and no significant difference can be observed in the clinical outcomes of the endoscopes. The 6.9 mm endoscope shows superiority to the 3.7 mm endoscope in terms of the efficiency of “V” point identification, the removal of overlying soft tissue and the prevention of spinal cord injury. However, the 6.9 mm endoscope may be inferior to the 3.7 mm endoscope in regards to anterior foraminal decompression due to its large diameter; this result needs to be further evaluated with the support of a large number of randomized controlled trials.
Reliability of Taxonomic Sufficiency for Simplifying Benthic Index M-AMBI Methodology in A Heavily Polluted Estuary
Authors: Li Hongjun , Sun Yi , Gu Yanbin , Xie Pengfei , Liu Yuan , Fan Jingfeng , Guo Hao
Published: December 2020

In order to assess the ecological quality status of coastal environments in Europe, the AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) and multivariate-AMBI (M-AMBI) have been developed. However, the applicability and validity of these methods worldwide remains in question, particularly for complex ecosystems such as estuaries. The present study, therefore, is an investigation of the relationship between the M-AMBI and different contamination variables in a eutrophic estuary in three seasons (i.e., spring, summer and autumn). In addition, the reliability of taxonomic sufficiency for simplifying M-AMBI operation was tested. The results showed that genus- and family-level data accurately reproduced the spatial-temporal patterns of species-level community assemblages. The M-AMBI values showed a consistent spatial distribution pattern in all sampling seasons, with a decreasing trend along the increasing distance from the estuary inlet. Furthermore, both genus- and family-level results performed nearly as well as species-level data in detecting the seasonal variations of different contaminants (i.e., nutrients and organic enrichment). The taxonomic sufficiency succeeded in this temperate ecoregion is owing to the high aggregation ratios at different taxonomic levels in all sampling events. In general, these findings suggested that application of taxonomic sufficiency based on the M-AMBI provides a simple and efficient method for evaluating variations of ecological quality in the Liaohe Estuary.
Early Detection of Child Abuse Victim Through Sleep Quality: Results of the Korean Children & Youth Panel Survey
Authors: Chae Wonjeong , Jang Jieun , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In
Published: December 2020

Background: A victim of child abuse can often develop mental illness. The early detection of mental illness of children could be supported by observing sleep quality. Therefore, we examined the relationship between sleep quality and the changes in child abuse by the child’s own parents over the study period. Methods: Data from the 2011-2013 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey was used and 2012 was set as the baseline. Adolescents who had poor sleep quality in 2011 were excluded from the analysis to obtain the final study population of 1,276 adolescents aged 14 and 15 years. The generalized estimating equation model (GEE) was used for statistical analysis.Results: Children who had experienced and/or were currently experiencing child abuse showed significantly poorer sleep quality (current year abuse only: odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41, 0.79; prior year abuse only: OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.99; continuous abuse: OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.39, 0.80) compared to children who had no experience of child abuse. Conclusion: Child abuse remains a traumatic experience that influences the quality of sleep and hinders the child’s proper psychological development. We suggest approaching this issue at both the community and national levels to protect the victims.
Investigation of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Risk Alleles in An International African-Enriched Cohort
Authors: Martini Rachel , Chen Yalei , Jenkins Brittany , Elhussin Isra , Cheng Esther , Hoda Syed , Ginter Paula , Hanover Jeffrey , Zeidan Rozina , Oppong Joseph , Adjei Ernest , Jibril Aisha , Chitale Dhananjay , Bensenhaver Jessica , Awuah Baffour , Bekele Mahteme , Abebe Engida , Kyei Ishmael , Aitpillah Frances , Adinku Michael , Ankomah Kwasi , Osei-Bonsu Ernest , Nathansan Saul David , Jackson LaToya , Jiagge Evelyn , Petersen Lindsay , Proctor Erica , Nikolinakos Petros , Gyan Kofi , Yates Clayton , Kittles Rick , Newman Lisa , Davis Melissa
Published: December 2020

Large-scale efforts to identify breast cancer risk alleles have historically taken place among women on European ancestry, with recent efforts to validate these alleles or identify risk alleles applicable to women of African descent. We investigated the effect of previously reported breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) risk alleles in our African enriched International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes (ICSBCS) cohort. Using case-control and nested case-series approaches, we report that the Duffy-null allele (rs2814778) is associated with TNBC risk (OR = 3.814, p = 0.001), specifically among AA individuals, after adjusting for self-indicated race and west African ancestry (OR = 3.368, p = 0.007). We have also validated the protective effect of the minor allele of the ANKLE1 missense variant rs2363956 among AA for TNBC (OR = 0.4204, p = 0.005). We have shown that differential prevalence of the protective allele may reflect a polymorphic function of ANKLE1 in TNBC breast cancer outcomes. These AA specific risk alleles present opportunities for future studies of therapeutic potential that address race-specific differences in BC and TNBC risk and disease outcome.
Influence of Hypertension and Other Risk Factors on the Onset of Sublingual Varices
Authors: Accardo Agostino , Pascazio Lorenzo , Costantinides Fulvia , Gorza Fabio , Silveri Giulia
Published: December 2020

Background: Sublingual varices (SV) are dilatations of tortuous veins that increased with age. Previous studies showed that this pathology could be correlated to some risk factors such as hypertension, age, gender and diabetes mellitus. The goal of the study was to evaluate the relationship between SV and different grades of hypertension as well as other risk factors partially verifying the results of previous studies on a greater number of subjects and extending the analysis to new risk factors such as dyslipidemia, obesity and antihypertensive therapy, modelling a possible dependence of SV on all these factors.Methods: The study was conducted on 1008 subjects (284 with and 724 without sublingual varices). The blood pressure was measured in office condition and, to exclude subjects with white coat syndrome or masked hypertension, also using a 24h Holter pressure monitor. Hypertensive subjects were divided in resistant, drugs controlled (compensated) and patients with prior unknown hypertension (new diagnosed) groups. The presence or absence of SV as well as of the risk factors was assessed clinically. We tested the influence of age on the presence of SV by using the chi-square test, and evaluated the relation between each risk factor and SV by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Finally, we carried out a multivariate regression tree analysis in order to predict the presence of SV.Results: We confirmed the influence of age on SV and found a significant relationship between SV and both the compensated and resistant hypertension grades. Moreover, we highlighted a relationship between SV and dyslipidemia, only in subjects with new diagnosed hypertension, and between SV and smoking, in new diagnosed hypertensive subjects. On the other hand, the regression tree showed a classification accuracy of about 75% using as variables the hypertension grades, the age and the antihypertensive treatment.Conclusions: The study confirmed the SV dependence on various risk factors like age, hypertension and smoking, highlighting a new link with dyslipidemia and new relations depending on the hypertensive grades. Finally, despite the good accuracy shown by the prediction tree model, further parameters are to be considered to improve the sensitivity of the prognostic indicator.
Association of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) with Ovarian Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study from Taiwan
Authors: Chang Cherry , Lin Kent , Huang Chien-Chu , Lin Wu-Chou
Published: December 2020

Background: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an important health issue for women. Infection and inflammation play an important role in carcinogenesis and PID has been reported to be associated with ovarian cancer, although the evidence is controversial.Aim: We sought to determine whether PID is associated with an elevated risk of ovarian cancer in Asian women.Methods: Using data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), our retrospective cohort study included women diagnosed with PID (cases) between the years of 2000 till 2013. Each case was matched with two women without PID (controls) by age and the year of first entry into the database. Both study cohorts were followed-up until the first event of ovarian cancer, withdrawal from the NHI program, death, or the end of the study period (December 31, 2013). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs and aHRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association of PID and ovarian cancer risk, with and without adjusting for potential confounders. Results: During an approximate 10 years of follow-up, cases were significantly more likely than controls to develop ovarian cancer (incidence rates of 0.27 and 0.16 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; P < 0.001). Women with a history of PID had a 1.49-fold elevated risk for ovarian cancer (aHR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.21–1.84; P < 0.001).Conclusion: Our study evidence supports the contention that PID increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer amongst Taiwanese women. Gynecologists should undertake careful assessments and closely follow patients with PID, who are at long-term risk of developing ovarian cancer. Our findings need further verification in other international cohorts.
Effect of Solar Radiation on the Drying Parameters of Mint (Mentha Spicata L.) Dried in Natural Convective Solar Dryer
Authors: REHMAN SEBIHA , RUBAB SEEMIN
Published: December 2020

The paper presents a kinetic study of solar dried mint (Mentha spicata L.) without any pre-treatment. Mint grows effortlessly in Kashmir valley but is not obtainable throughout the year because of inconsiderate weather conditions. The genus belongs to the Labiatae family and includes large varieties with different properties. A significant quality parameter is its colour. The drying kinetics of mint leaves dried in Domestic Solar Dryer in terms of colour attributes, moisture content, drying time, non enzymatic browning, water activity, rehydration ratio was studied. This study is very useful for household scale drying of mint leaves to optimize drying process and to achieve superior quality dried product at home maintaining its colour and aroma.
Novel Metabolomic Profile of Subjects with Non-classic Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess
Authors: Tapia-Castillo Alejandra , Carvajal Cristian , Vecchiola Andrea , Fardella Carlos
Published: December 2020

Nonclassic apparent mineralocorticoid excess (NC-AME) is proposed as a novel clinical condition with a mild phenotypic spectrum that ranges from normotension to severe hypertension. This condition is mainly characterized by a high serum cortisol to cortisone ratio (F/E) and concomitant low cortisone (E), however further metabolic changes in NC-AME have not been studied. A cross-sectional study was performed in a primary-care cohort of 396 Chilean subjects, which were classified in two groups: NC-AME (n=28) and healthy controls (n=27). An untargeted metabolomics assay in serum samples from both groups was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Global metabolic variations were assayed by principal component analysis (PCA) and further compared by orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). NC-AME subjects exhibited higher values of blood pressure, fractional excretion of potassium, and lower plasma renin activity and urinary sodium to potassium ratio. Metabolomic analyses showed 36 differentially regulated metabolites between NC-AME and control subjects. The ROC curve analyses identified eight metabolites with high discriminatory capacity between NC-AME and control subjects. Moreover, gamma-L-glutamyl-L-methionine sulfoxide and 5-sulfoxymethylfurfural (SMF), exhibited significant association with cortisone, which are potential biomarkers of NCAME, however further assays should elucidate its biological role in setup and progression of this phenotype.
Decratonization by Rifting followed by Orogeny and Transcurrent Dispersal of Old Terranes in NE Brazil: A Common Feature of Gondwana Amalgamation?
Authors: Ganade Carlos , Weinberg Roberto , Caxito Fabricio , Lopes Leonardo , Tesser Lucas , Costa Iago
Published: December 2020

Dispersion and deformation of cratonic fragments within orogens in the periphery of cratons require weakening of the craton margins in a process of decratonization. The Borborema orogenic province, in NE Brazil, is one of several Brasiliano/Panafrican late Neoproterozoic orogens that led to the amalgamation of Gondwana. A common feature of these orogens is that a period of extension and opening of narrow oceans preceded inversion and collision. For the case of the Borborema Province, the São Francisco Craton was pulled away from its other half, the Benino-Nigerian Shield, during an extension event lasting between 1 Ga and 0.65 Ma. This was followed by inversion and a transpressional orogeny from c. 0.60 Ga onwards. Here we investigate the boundary region between the north São Francisco Craton and the Borborema Province and demonstrate how cratonic blocks became physically involved in the orogeny. We combine these results with a wide compilation of U-Pb and Nd-isotopic model ages to show that the BP consists of up to 65% of strongly sheared ancient rocks affiliated with the Sao Francisco/Benino-Nigerian Craton, separated by major transcurrent shear zones, with only ~ 15 % addition of juvenile material during the orogeny. This evolution is repeated across a number of Brasiliano/Panafrican orogens, with significant local variations, and indicate that extension weakened entire cratonic regions in a process of decratonization that prepared them for involvement in the orogenies that led to the amalgamation of Gondwana.
Incidence, risk and survival outcomes of second primary malignancy among renal cell carcinoma survivors: A nested case-control study
Authors: Wang Zhixian , Wang Jing , Zhu Yunpeng , Li Xing , Zeng Xiaoyong
Published: December 2020

Background: Second primary malignancy (SPM) challenges survival and surveillance protocols among renal cell carcinoma (RCC) survivors. The incidence, temporal patterns, survival outcomes, and risk factors of SPM after T1-4N0-1M0 RCC diagnosis need to be investigated. Method: A nested case-control study that was designed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004-15; A cohort of 6204 SPM were matched with a control group of 37224 non-SPM. Results: SPM shortens the overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-1.42, P< 0.001). The median time interval to SPM was 54.5 months. The adjusted standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of SPM increases by survival time (SIR12~35-month: 12.04; SIR36~59-month: 12.67; SIR60~19-month: 16.08; SIR120+-years: 25.01, all P< 0.001), and decreased with age (SIR18~44-years: 86.68; SIR45~59-years: 26.95; SIR60~74-years: 12.43; SIR75+-years: 10.66, all P< 0.001). The second primary RCC onset, especially contralateral kidney, has the highest SIR (SIR: 54.6; 95%CI: 51.0~58.4) among all sites of SPM. Prostate cancer (29.8%) in male and breast cancer (23.5%) in female were the most common SPM site. Older age, black race, male gender, higher family income statues, papillary RCC, and lower TNM stage significantly increases the risk of SPMs diagnosis. A longer time to SPM interval positively associated with a higher tumor stage of a SPM onset (P trend <0.001). The overall survival since the SPM diagnosis was associated with SPM’s stages, site, and surgical treatment, but not associated with time-to-SPM. Conclusion: Collectively, our study described the epidemiological characteristics of SPM among RCC survivors and identified the independent predictors of the SPM onset and its survival outcomes, which provides the clinicians for patients consulting and long-term individual-, tailored site-, and time-specific surveillance to improve survival outcomes.
Changes in the Metabolite Profile During Micropropagation of Normal and Somaclonal Variants of Banana Musa AAA cv. ´Williams´
Authors: Carrera Fredy P. , Noceda Carlos , Maridueña-Zavala María G. , García José O. , Ruiz Omar H. , Cevallos-Cevallos Juan Manuel
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMicropropagation techniques allow the mass production of pathogen-free banana plants but can cause somaclonal variations (SV) such as dwarfism. Changes in the metabolite profile during micropropagation of true-to-type (normal) and dwarf banana plants have not been described. Normal and dwarf banana Musa AAA cv. “Williams” were micropropagated and the metabolite profile of vitroplants was assessed at the proliferation, rooting and greenhouse-acclimatization phases of tissue culture. Metabolites from 10 dwarf and 10 normal meristems from each micropropagation phase were extracted and detected by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and test of statistical significance were applied to detect differentially expressed metabolites. ResultsThe PCA showed a clear grouping of the dwarf plants (DPs) separated from the normal plants (NPs) in the rooting and acclimatization phases. In the proliferation phase, L-sorbose was significantly more abundant in DPs when compared to NPs. In the rooting phase, the aerial parts of the DPs showed significantly higher levels of 2-Keto-d-gluconic and citric acids but lower levels of fructose when compared to NPs. The meristems of DPs from the acclimatization phase showed significantly higher levels of D-galactose, gulonic acid and D- galacturonic acid but lower levels of mannose and L-fucose when compared to the NPs. Some molecules, such as L-glutamin and uridin were only detected in NPs from this phase. ConclusionsResults suggest the presence of oxidative stress and changes in the constitution of the apoplast at the different stages potentially affecting cell shape and phenotypic traits in DPs.
A Deep Learning Approach to Automatic Gingivitis Screening based Onclassification and Localization in RGB Photos
Authors: Li Wen , Liang Yuan , Zhang Xuan , Liu Chao , He Lei , Miao Leiying , Sun Weibin
Published: December 2020

Routine dental visit is the most common approach to detect the gingivitis. However, such diagnosis can sometimes be unavailable due to the limited medical resources in certain areas and costly for low-income populations. To increase the availability, this study proposes to screen the existence of gingivitis and its irritants, i.e., dental calculus and soft deposits, from oral photos with a novel Multi-Task Learning convolutional neural network (CNN) model. With 625 patients included in this study, the classification Area Under the Curve (AUC) for detecting gingivitis, dental calculus and soft deposits were 87.11%, 80.11%, and 78.57%, respectively; Meanwhile the box-wise localization sensitivity for gingivitis and dental calculus were 66.57% and 45.61%. Moreover, according to a consistency evaluation with three board-certificated dentists, the model achieved a median score of 3.0/5.0 for reasoning locations of soft deposits without any spatial supervision. By comparing to general-purpose CNNs, we showed our model significantly outperformed on both classification and localization tasks, which indicates the effectiveness of Multi-Task Learning on dental disease detection. The results show the potential of deep learning for enabling cost-effective screening of dental diseases among large populations.
Prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months in Jubek State, South Sudan.
Authors: Iyya Martin Adelino , Grace Ndeezi , Nicolette Nabukeera Barungi , Chollong Hassan
Published: December 2020

Background: South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation which gained independence from Sudan on the 9th of July, 2011. Rates of acute malnutrition have been consistently higher in South Sudan than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa, according to South Sudan Household Survey 2010, the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition in children under 5 years was 22%, Prevalence of stunting is 45% and underweight was 48%. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan.Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical community based study to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 396 children. Anthropometric measurements including weight, length/ height, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were taken and a blood sample by finger prick was removed for HIV test. The equipment which were used included: WHO recommended MUAC tape for 6months to 59 months old children, digital weighing scale (SECA) and portable Stadiometers. Data were collected using a pretested semi- structured questionnaire. Results: The analysis of this study revealed that, 32.2%, 28.2% and 32.3% of children were stunted, wasted and underweight respectively. The main associated factors of stunting were age older than one year (p= 0.004), children from households who were renting their houses and children who defecate in open spaces with no latrine at their homes (p= 0.015). Underweight was associated with child’s age (p= 0.001), loss of appetite (p=<0.001), children who ate from own plate (p=0.001) and children who didn’t consume meat (p=0.007). Male genders (p=0.022), households with two or more children aged zero to five years (0.010) not consuming vitamin A rich vegetable (p=0.002), diarrheal disease within two weeks prior to interview (p=0.006) and those from households with water sources other than piped (<0.001) were also associated with wasting. Conclusion: The general objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. This study showed that the levels of stunting, wasting and underweight were high, one in three children were likely to be stunted (32.1%), or wasted (28.2%) or underweight (32.3%).
Feasibility of Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion(eTLIF) through the Posterior Paraspinal Approach: Technical Note and Preliminary Result
Authors: Kim Hyeun-Sung , Raorane Harshavardhan Dilip , Wu Pang Hung , Heo Dong Hwa , Yi Yeon Jin , Yang Kyung-Hoon , Jang Il Tae
Published: December 2020

Background: Implementation of endoscopic spine surgery in the management of degenerative lumbar diseases has significantly reduced the need for fusion surgeries. The performance of a MIS-TLIF using an endoscope offers some distinct advantages, such as allowing better visualization the disc space, enhanced endplate preparation and contralateral decompression. The objective of this study was to analyze the preliminary clinical and radiological outcomes of the technique of endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (eTLIF).Materials and Methods: eighteen consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar disease underwent eTLIF through a conventional paraspinal approach. Their clinical outcomes were evaluated with visual analog scale(VAS) leg pain score, Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) and the MacNab's criteria; radiological outcome measured with segmental lordosis, global lumbar lordosis, disc height on plain radiograph and percentage of potential fusion mass on CT scan at pre-operative, post-operative and final follow up period. Intra operative and post-operative complications were noted.Results: Mean age was 63. 71 years and Mean follow-up periods was 7.78 months. In the X-ray result, mean segmental lordosis angle(SLA) improved in pre-operative/post-operative/follow-up period 9.87±2.74 degree/ 11.79±3.74 degree/ 10.56±3.69 degree (p > 0.01); mean lumbar lordosis angle(LLA) improved 37.1±7.04 degree/ 39.2±7.13 degree/ 35.7±7.25 degree (p > 0.01). Mean preoperative disc height(DH) improved from 8.97±1.49 mm/ 12.34±1.39 mm/ 11.44±1.98 mm (p < 0.01). In the CT result, Average percentage of fusion mass was 42.61%. VAS was improved significantly, 7.67±1.13 / 3.39±1.38 / 2.5±1.34 and ODI was improved significantly, 74.9±8.03/ 34.56±8.80 / 27.76±8.64 by each preoperative / postoperative / final follow-up. In the clinical result, excellent was 5 cases and good was 13 cases. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, endoscopic TLIF was feasible procedure with an advantage of better visualization and preservation of endplate, minimal blood loss and minimal post-operative pain with early mobilization. In addition, the fusion volume as measured on post-operative CT scans, occupied 40% to 50% of disc space along with the use of 3D printed cages expected to give higher fusion rates. In conclusion, our preliminary results show that endoscopic TLIF is considered to be a viable surgical procedure with further long-term follow-up warranted.
Relationship Between the Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in the Aqueous Humor and Cataract in Fuchs Uveitis Syndrome-A Case Control Study
Authors: Wang Hui , Tao Yong
Published: December 2020

Background This study aims to compare the levels of intraocular cytokines between Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS) eyes and the senile cataract eyes. The association between inflammatory cytokine levels and cataract severity in FUS is evaluated to find the possible mechanism of cataract in FUS eyes.Methods A retrospective study of 28 eyes with FUS was performed. Auxiliary examinations were performed, including ophthalmic examinations, laser flare-cell photometry, and levels of inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humor were measured. The control group included 25 eyes with senile cataract. Data on the aqueous humor inflammatory cytokines were compared between the two groups. The association between the aqueous humor cytokine levels and severity of posterior subcapsular cataract was assessed.Results There were 28 eyes with FUS in 27 patients. Unilateral involvement was noted in 26 patients (96.30%). Stellate keratic precipitates (KPs) were noted in 16 eyes (57.14%). Heterochromia was observed in 21.43% of affected eyes. Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) was observed in 16 of the 28 eyes. Eyes with FUS had significantly higher aqueous humor (AH) cytokine levels (VEGF, bFGF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) compared with the control eyes (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the severity of cataract and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the AH (τ = 0.664 and 0.634, respectively; P = 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively).Conclusions Expression of VEGF, bFGF, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in the AH of FUS patients was significantly higher than in senile cataract eyes, and the aqueous humor levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly positively associated with the severity of posterior subcapsular cataract. Our results imply that an inflammation mechanism may be involved in the early development of cataract in FUS.
Understanding HIV and associated risk factors among religious groups in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mapingure Munyaradzi Paul , Mukandavire Zindoga , Chingombe Innocent , Cuadros Diego , Mutenherwa Farirai , Mugurungi Owen MacDonald , Musuka Godfrey Nyangadzai
Published: December 2020

Background The influence of religion and belief systems is widely recognized as an important factor in understanding of health risk perception and myths in the general fight against the HIV pandemic. This study compares the understanding of HIV risk factors and utilization of some HIV services among religious groups in Zimbabwe. Methods We conducted secondary data statistical analysis to investigate the understanding of HIV and associated risk factors among religious groups in Zimbabwe using 20015-2016 (ZDHS) data. A ranking procedure was conducted to compare the understanding of HIV risk for different religions. A multivariate stepwise backward elimination method was carried out to explore factors determining understanding of HIV risk after controlling for confounding factors using the most recent ZDHS data (2015-2016). Analysis of the 2010-11, 2005-6 rounds of ZDHS data was also conductedResults The results from the three surveys showed that, in general apostolic sector had low understanding of HIV and associated risk factors compared to other religious groups. Analysis of the 2015-2016 ZDHS data showed that women belonging to the apostolic sector were less likely to know where to get an HIV test odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval, 0.665 (0.503-0.880) and to know that male circumcision reduces HIV transmission OR 0.863 (0.781-0.955). Women from this group had no knowledge that circumcised men can be infected if they do not use condoms OR 0.633 (0.579-0.693), nor that it is possible for a healthy-looking person to have HIV, OR 0.814 (0.719-0.921). They would not buy vegetables from a vendor with HIV OR 0.817 (0.729-0.915) and were less likely to support that HIV positive children should be allowed to attend school with HIV negative children OR 0.804 (0.680-0.950). Similar results were obtained for men in the apostolic sector. These men also did not agree that women were justified to use condoms if the husband has an STI OR 0.851 (0.748-0.967).Conclusions Our results suggest that apostolic sector lack adequate knowledge of HIV and associated risk factors than other religious groups. Targeting HIV prevention programmes by religious groups could be an efficient approach for controlling HIV in Zimbabwe.
Phylogenetics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes from Pakistan based on diversity of biochemical markers
Authors: Gulzar Haseena , Pervez Sidra , Masood Rehana , Jan Asad , Soomro Faheeda , Nawaz Muhammad Asif
Published: December 2020

In this study phylogenetics and diversity of 150 rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes originated from different regions of an agricultural country Pakistan, self-sufficient in its production were analyzed. Total seed protein profile of these genotypes was assessed using a technique of sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The seeds of accessions from different geographical regions of the country were provided by the Institute of Agri-Biotechnology and Genetic Resources, National Agricultural Research Centre (IABGRI-NARC) Islamabad, Pakistan. Total endosperm proteins from each genotype were extracted and used as biochemical markers. Three different protein extraction protocols were followed in comparison to optimize the procedure. An immense content of genetic variability was confirmed based on polymorphism data of polypeptide bands. The Jaccard’s dissimilarity coefficient ranged from 0.09–0.94 for all 150 accessions. Based on the neighbour joining method of clustering, the whole germplasm was divided into two clusters, each further subdivided sorting centre of origin and depicting diversity. In the same manner, 126 accessions of province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) were also assessed separately. This wealth of knowledge based on proteins profiling will be used for marker assisted breeding/selection, germplasm conservation strategies and easy identification of these genotypes from Pakistan.
"It makes me feel not so alone”: Features of a physical activity intervention that reduce loneliness in older adults. A Choose to Move study
Authors: Franke Thea , Sims-Gould Joanie , Nettlefold Lindsay , Ottoni Callista , McKay Heather A.
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and loneliness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) to describe factors within CTM components most likely to promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness.Methods: ﻿ Choose to Move is a flexible, scalable, community-based health promoting physical activity intervention for older adults. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n=458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults at baseline (n=43), mid-intervention (n=38) and post-intervention (n=19).Results: PA increased significantly from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased significantly from 3-6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained significantly above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Factors within CTM components that promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability.Conclusion: Health promoting interventions that focus on PA and social connectedness through group-based activities can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness of older adults. Given the ‘epidemic of loneliness’ that plagues many countries currently, these kinds of interventions are timely and important. Research that clearly delineates mechanisms that modify the effect of an intervention on social connectedness outcomes for older adults engaged in community-based PA programs would be a welcome addition to the literature.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity Patterns in Children with Overweight and (Morbid) Obesity Across Different Weight Categories, Age Groups and Gender
Authors: Velde Gabrielle ten , Plasqui Guy , Dorenbos Elke , Winkens Bjorn , Vreugdenhil Anita
Published: December 2020

Background: Reduced physical activity (PA) is associated with childhood obesity and is a target for intervention. This study aimed to assess objectively measured PA patterns in Dutch children across weight categories, age groups and gender at the start of a lifestyle intervention.Methods: 202 children with overweight and (morbid) obesity (55% girls, 12±3y of age, BMI z-score +3.15±0.73), referred to the Centre for Overweight Adolescents and Children’s Healthcare (COACH, Maastricht UMC+) were included. Children were categorized as overweight, obese or morbidly obese according to their BMI z-score. PA patterns (total PA, sedentary time (ST), light PA and moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA)) werewas measured with the GT3X Actigraph accelerometer. Wear time validation was set on four days, 480 min/day, including one weekend day.Results: PA levels in children with morbid obesity were higher compared to children with obesity, also after correction for age and gender (corrected difference (B) 118 counts per minute (cpm), p=.006). Sedentary behaviour (STB) was lower in children with morbid obesity compared to children with obesity (B -51 min/day, p=.018). Girls performed significantly less moderate to vigorous MVPA than boys (B -11 min/day, p<.001) and for each year increase of age with increasing age, children performed less PA (B -46 cpm, p<.001) and STB increased (B 18 min/day, p<.001).Conclusion: Weight category morbid obesity, younger age and male gender were positively associated with PA and negatively with SB. PA and ST is different in subgroups of children with overweight and (morbid) obesity, depending on gender, age and overweight severity. In particular in older girls in the weight category ‘obesity’, levels of PA and ST are worrisome. These findings highlight the need for tailored PA promotion. Trial registration: The trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02091544
INVESTMENTS IN THE ECONOMY OF THE EASTERN REGIONS OF RUSSIA. PROBLEMS OF AN ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Institute of Natural Resources, Ecology and Cryology SB RAS, Faleychik L. , Faleychik А. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: December 2020

The article presents the results of the analysis of the dynamics of the investment flows in fixed capital (FC) in the East of Russia and their economic efficiency for the period 2011–2018. Special attention is paid to the sectoral structure of FC investments in the regional economy, their importance for creating conditions for the accelerated socio-economic development of the Eastern border regions of Russia – the subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District and the Baikal Region. The purpose of this study is to assess the economic effects generated by the investments in the economy of the Eastern border regions of the Russian Federation. As a hypothesis, we consider the assumption that attracting investment to the region is a key factor of not only accelerated, but also sustainable development of the regions under consideration. The factors hindering the sustainable development of the economies of these regions are considered. It is shown that there are multidirectional trends in the socio-economic development of the considered regions. Analysis of investment flows and indicators of socio-economic development of the Eastern regions of the Russian Federation for the period 2011–2018 allows to confirm the conclusion that the existing institutional environment does not yet ensure sustainable economic development of the East of Russia. The integration processes here are hampered by excessively strong dependence on the federal centre and a focus on specific investors. Therefore, the Eastern Russian regions are forced to build their economic policy, focusing on creating attractive conditions for large investors. The stability of economic growth can be ensured only through stable growth of the region population and an improvement of the human capital quality. For the successful implementation of large-scale development plans for the East of Russia, it is necessary to stop the processes of depopulation of the territory and maintain optimal proportions between the economic and demographic reproduction
MACRO FACTORS OF GLOBAL EDUCATION POLICY: PEST ANALYSIS
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), Antyukhova E.
Published: December 2020

This article examines political, economic, socio-cultural and technological factors identified in the PEST analysis tools for the purpose of identifying the state of the macro-environment that determines the development of global educational policy in modern conditions, taking into account various manifestations of regulated and unregulated events in the life of society. The possibility of PEST analysis using to study the macro-environment of global educational policy is explained by the fact that it is constantly under the influence of many factors, grouped into political, economic, socio-cultural and technological, by means of which it is possible to get the most comprehensive assessment of this impact on the education system as a whole in its most diverse manifestations in the world and in specific countries. The potential benefits of using this methodology include achieving positive alignment with external forces and avoiding mistakes, which is strategically important for the development of global education. The analysis of the macro-environment of educational policy allows the author to present the tasks for its implementation in a more objective and balanced context and to solve the global problems of accessibility and development of education in the world. The main conclusions are focused on determining the possible future consequences of the global crisis caused by the COVID-19, and emphasize the importance of improving mutual efforts to restore higher education using the tools of global education policy