bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF HOME CARE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION IN THE BARA-BARAYA PUSKESMAS MAKASSAR CITY
Authors: Haswira Ma'mur , Wahidin Wahidin , Ahmad Syarif
Published: April 2020

Home care services at midnight many residents complained and there is no distribution of home care officers at the Bara-Baraya Public Health Center in Makassar. The focus of research in this study is the evaluation of the implementation of home care programs at the Bara-Baraya Public Health Center in Makassar City. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of home care programs at the Makassar City of Bara Baraya Health Center. The approach used in this study is a qualitative approach that describes and observes deeply the evaluation of the implementation of home care programs at the Makassar City of Bara Baraya Health Center. This research also uses applied research design. The data source in this study was taken from four home care officers at the Bara-Baraya Public Health Center in Makassar City and four people who use home care services. The results showed that the input sub-variables can be quite good. Medical devices such as thermometers, tensimeters, and stethoscopes function properly and are suitable for use in home care health services. Then operational funds such as staff salaries are paid according to the number of visits to the community. The doctor for Rp. 100,000 / visit and nurses 75,000 / visit. But in the aspect of home care officers is still inadequate. Home care workers have a dual role between serving the community at the puskesmas, as well as serving the community at the residence. In the process sub-variables, it can be quite good. In the call center aspect, people can easily call the call center because this service is toll free. Home visits and observations have been carried out carefully. But the division of duties of home care officers is not optimal. In the output sub-variable, it can be said to be good because the public can directly benefit from home care services.
Analysis of Employee Performance: A Case Study in Port Corporation
Authors: Nazwirman Nazwirman
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of compensation, work environment and work discipline on employee performance at the Indonesia Port Corporation. This is important for managers in making decisions in the company, especially matters relating to human resources. The population of this research was all the employees of the human resources division. The sampling technique used was saturated sampling, where data was collected using a survey method, namely a questionnaire. The results showed that all variables had a positive and significant effect on employee performance, both partially and simultaneously. The results of this study confirm that port management companies must pay attention to compensation, work environment and work discipline if it expects superior performance from its employees.
TRANSLATION AND CULTURE:A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF INDONESIAN INFORMATION PORTAL WEBSITE
Authors: Ardhan Dhea Tisane
Published: April 2020

With the more rapid development of digital-based communication and information technology, people are forced to be able to work more quickly. Thereupon, the government is also obliged to give fast and responsive services in order to provide accurate information for the public. In Indonesia itself, the government has established the system of e-Government, by which one of the forms is a website. In order to accommodate global visitors, the website contents written from Bahasa Indonesia have to be shifted into English. Consequently, the process of translation is required. This study aims to analyze the English translation in the website of Indonesia Information Portal. Furthermore, this study also intends to investigate the aspects of localization and globalization throughout the website contents. Based on the examples of several findings, it can be viewed that in the English-translated pages of Indonesia Information Portal, some of the terms related to specific parliament system, worship places, and traditional food are not entirely translated. To sum up, the English translation in the website of Indonesia Information Portal can be considered to be adequately balanced and appropriate. The translator knows when to apply localization and when to apply globalization in translating several terminologies.
SITUATING WOMEN IN SOCIETY: A STUDY ON TRADITIONAL MANTRAS OF BANJAR
Authors: Krismanti Ninuk
Published: April 2020

The glory of traditional mantras of Banjar may have passed; however, mantras are still valuable products of traditional literatures of Banjarese society. This study was conducted to describe social treatments for women in the given society as reflected in traditional mantras. The data of the study were 35 love and conquering mantras extracted from four books. The data were collected through documentation technique. The data were analyzed using Antropholinguistics approach with two focuses of analyses: functions and contents. From functions and contents of mantras, the researcher interpreted the results of the study. After analyzing the data, the researcher concluded that women were still inferior compared to men. Women were the ones working harder to keep their position and relationship with men safe. Furthermore, their position in the society was sub-ordinate because the main roles given to them were domestic roles.
CULTURAL VALUES OF SOUTH WAKORUMBA COMMUNITY IN NGKAA-NGKAASI FOLKLORE
Authors: Masri Fina Amalia , Halfian Wa Ode
Published: April 2020

This paper discussed the cultural values of the South Wakorumba Society in the Ngkaa-ngkaasi folklore. This paper is motivated by the beginning of a reduction in public awareness of the presence of folklore in everyday life. Folklore, which contains a lot of good values, it should stay alive and be preserved in society. On the other hand, the source of the folklore of the elderly people who have mostly died will be increasingly disappeared because these parents may not necessarily pass this story on to their children and grandchildren. So, it is feared that this folklore will become extinct.  This paper aimed to describe the cultural values of the South Wakorumba community in the Ngkaa-ngkasi folklore. This paper was analyzed by using qualitative descriptive methods. Data collection techniques used was recording techniques, observation techniques, and interview techniques. The sources of the research data were the elderly people in South Wakorumba sub-district who know the folklore that lives and develops in the community. The results of data analysis showed that there are cultural values of the South Wakorumba community in the Ngkaa-ngkasi folklore, namely cultural values about human relations as individuals (acting calm and unhurried, adding to life knowledge, and fostering personal discipline), cultural values about human relations with humans (please help in kindness, being generous, and deliberation), and cultural values about human relations with nature (utilizing nature).
RETRACTED: Exosome-Derived miR-486-5p Regulates Cell Cycle, Proliferation and Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma via Targeting NEK2
Authors: Hu Huihui , Xu Hangdi , Lu Fen , Zhang Jisong , Xu Li , Xu Shan , Jiang Hanliang , Zeng Qingxin , Chen Enguo , He Zhengfu
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study aimed to describe the mechanism of exosome-derived miR-486-5p underlying the cell cycle and progression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Bioinformatics methods were applied for identifying the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the GEO-LUAD dataset, predicting where the potential target miRNA was expressed and exploring the corresponding downstream target mRNA. qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the levels of the target genes in cancer cells. Thereafter, a series of in vitro experiments were performed for cell activities evaluation, including CCK-8, EdU, colony formation assay and transwell. Besides, Western blot was applied to determine the protein levels of the migration and invasion-related factors (NEK2, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP-2, and MMP-9). Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed for validating the targeted relationship between the target genes. Furthermore, nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was conducted to further validate the role of the target miRNA in tumor development, and immunohistochemistry was used for Ki67 detection and TUNEL was applied for cell apoptosis assay.

Results

miR-486-5p was observed to be enriched in serum exosomes, and seen to be significantly down-regulated in cancer tissues as well as in cancer serum exosomes. It was proven that exosomes could release miR-486-5p, thus regulating LUAD progression and affecting cell cycle. Moreover, NEK2 was identified as a target of miR-486-5p both in vivo and in vitro. Enrichment analysis revealed that NEK2 was mainly activated in cell cycle and mitosis-related pathways. Meanwhile, NEK2 was found to present significant difference in different TNM stages. Furthermore, rescue experiments indicated that the inhibitory effect of miR-486-5p overexpression on LUAD progression could be abrogated when miR-486-5p and NEK2 were simultaneously up-regulated.

Conclusion

Exosome-derived miR-486-5p is responsible for cell cycle arrest as well as the inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis in LUAD via targeting NEK2.
Old and New Concepts in Ubiquitin and NEDD8 Recognition
Authors: Santonico Elena
Published: April 2020

Post-translational modifications by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) have known roles in a myriad of cellular processes. Ubiquitin- and Ubl-binding domains transmit the information conferred by these post-translational modifications by recognizing functional surfaces and, when present, different chain structures. Numerous domains binding to ubiquitin have been characterized and their structures solved. Analogously, motifs selectively interacting with SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) have been identified in several proteins and their role in SUMO-dependent processes investigated. On the other hand, proteins that specifically recognize other Ubl modifications are known only in a few cases. The high sequence identity between NEDD8 and ubiquitin has made the identification of specific NEDD8-binding domains further complicated due to the promiscuity in the recognition by several ubiquitin-binding domains. Two evolutionarily related domains, called CUBAN (cullin-binding domain associating with NEDD8) and CoCUN (cousin of CUBAN), have been recently described. The CUBAN binds monomeric NEDD8 and neddylated cullins, but it also interacts with di-ubiquitin chains. Conversely, the CoCUN domain only binds ubiquitin. CUBAN and CoCUN provide an intriguing example of how nature solved the issue of promiscuity versus selectivity in the recognition of these two highly related molecules. The structural information available to date suggests that the ancestor of CUBAN and CoCUN was a three-helix bundle domain that diversified in KHNYN (KH and NYN domain-containing) and N4BP1 (NEDD4-binding protein-1) by acquiring different features. Indeed, these domains diverged towards two recognition modes, that recall respectively the electrostatic interaction utilized by the E3-ligase RBX1/2 in the interaction with NEDD8, and the hydrophobic features described in the recognition of ubiquitin by CUE (coupling ubiquitin conjugation to ER degradation) domains. Intriguingly, CUBAN and CoCUN domains are only found in KHNYN and N4BP1, respectively, both proteins belonging to the PRORP family whose members are characterized by the combination of protein modules involved in RNA metabolism with domains mediating ubiquitin/NEDD8 recognition. This review recapitulates the current knowledge and recent findings of CUBAN and CoCUN domains and the proteins containing them.
Differentially Methylated Ultra-Conserved Regions Uc160 and Uc283 in Adenomas and Adenocarcinomas Are Associated with Overall Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Kottorou Anastasia E. , Dimitrakopoulos Foteinos-Ioannis D. , Antonacopoulou Anna G. , Diamantopoulou Georgia , Tsoumas Dimitrios , Koutras Angelos , Makatsoris Thomas , Stavropoulos Michalis , Thomopoulos Konstantinos C. , Hulbert Alicia , Tzelepi Vassiliki , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: April 2020

Deregulation of the transcribed ultra-conserved regions (T-UCRs) Uc160, Uc283, and Uc346 has been reported in colorectal cancer (CRC) recently. Here, we investigated promoter methylation of these T-UCRs during the adenoma–carcinoma sequence and their clinical significance in CRC patients. Methylation levels were assessed in CRC, adenomas, infiltrated lymph nodes, and metastatic tissue specimens. In situ hybridization was performed in representative tissue specimens. T-UCRs expression levels were also evaluated in HT-29 colon cancer cells before and after the acquired resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin. A gradual increase in T-UCRs methylation levels from hyperplastic polyps to adenomas and to in situ carcinomas (ISC) and a gradual decrease from ISC to infiltrative and metastatic carcinomas was observed (p < 0.001 for Uc160 and Uc283, p = 0.018 for Uc346). Uc160 and Uc283 methylation was associated with the grade of dysplasia in adenoma specimens (p = 0.034 and p = 0.019, respectively). Furthermore, higher Uc160 methylation, mainly in stage III and IV patients, was related to improved overall survival (OS) in univariate (p = 0.009; HR, 0.366) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.005; HR, 0.240). Similarly, higher methylation of Uc283 was associated with longer OS (p = 0.030). Finally, T-UCRs expression was significantly reduced in HT-29 cells after resistance to chemotherapy. This study suggests that promoter methylation of Uc160, Uc283, and Uc346 is altered during CRC development and that Uc160 and Uc283 methylation may have prognostic significance for CRC patients.
Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Diagnostic Leukapheresis Product of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Comparing CellSearch® and ISET
Authors: Tamminga Menno , Andree Kiki C. , Hiltermann T. Jeroen N. , Jayat Maximilien , Schuuring Ed , van den Bos Hilda , Spierings Diana C. J. , Lansdorp Peter M. , Timens Wim , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Groen Harry J. M.
Published: April 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detected by CellSearch are prognostic in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but rarely found. CTCs can be extracted from the blood together with mononuclear cell populations by diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA), therefore concentrating them. However, CellSearch can only process limited DLA volumes (≈2 mL). Therefore, we established a protocol to enumerate CTCs in DLA products with Isolation by SizE of Tumor cells (ISET), and compared CTC counts between CellSearch® and ISET. DLA was performed in NSCLC patients who started a new therapy. With an adapted protocol, ISET could process 10 mL of DLA. CellSearch detected CTCs in a volume equaling 2 × 108 leukocytes (mean 2 mL). CTC counts per mL were compared. Furthermore, the live cell protocol of ISET was tested in eight patients. ISET successfully processed all DLA products—16 with the fixed cell protocol and 8 with the live cell protocol. In total, 10–20 mL of DLA was processed. ISET detected CTCs in 88% (14/16), compared to 69% (11/16, p < 0.05) with CellSearch. ISET also detected higher number of CTCs (ISET median CTC/mL = 4, interquartile range [IQR] = 2–6, CellSearch median CTC/mL = 0.9, IQR = 0–1.8, p < 0.01). Cells positive for the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM+) per mL were detected in similar counts by both methods. Eight patients were processed with the live cell protocol. All had EpCAM+, CD45−, CD235- cells isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Overall, ISET processed larger volumes and detected higher CTC counts compared to CellSearch. EpCAM+ CTCs were detected in comparable rates.
Comparison between Y90 Radioembolization Plus Sorafenib and Y90 Radioembolization alone in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Bargellini Irene , Cela Marina , Cincione Ivan , Sacco Rodolfo
Published: April 2020

Background: Adjuvant sorafenib may enhance the efficacy of transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of radioembolization plus sorafenib in comparison to radioembolization alone. Methods: Out of 175 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with radioembolization between 2011 and 2018, after propensity score matching, two groups were compared: a group of 45 patients that underwent radioembolization while being on sorafenib (Group 1) and a second group of 90 patients that underwent radioembolization alone (Group 2). Results: Baseline characteristics of the two groups were well balanced concerning liver function and tumor burden. No significant differences in survival outcomes were identified (median overall survival 10 vs. 10 months; p = 0.711), median progression-free survival 6 vs. 7 months (p = 0.992) in Group 1 and Group 2). The objective response rate in Group 1 vs. Group 2 was 45.5% vs. 42.8% (p = 1) according to mRECIST. No differences in toxicity nor in liver decompensation rates were registered. Conclusions: The association of sorafenib does not prolong survival nor delay progression in patients treated with radioembolization. Liver toxicity does not differ among the two therapeutic schemes.
The n-10 Fatty Acids Family in the Lipidome of Human Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Cell Membranes and Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Ferreri Carla , Sansone Anna , Buratta Sandra , Urbanelli Lorena , Costanzi Eva , Emiliani Carla , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos
Published: April 2020

A new pathway leading to the n-10 fatty acid series has been recently evidenced, starting from sapienic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) resulting from the transformation of palmitic acid by delta-6 desaturase. Sapienic acid has attracted attention as a novel marker of cancer cell plasticity. Here, we analyzed fatty acids, including the n-10 fatty acid contents, and for the first time, compared cell membranes and the corresponding extracellular vesicles (EV) of two human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell lines of different aggressiveness (PC3 and LNCaP). The n-10 components were 9–13% of the total fatty acids in both cancer cell lines and EVs, with total MUFA levels significantly higher in EVs of the most aggressive cell type (PC3). High sapienic/palmitoleic ratios indicated the preference for delta-6 versus delta-9 desaturase enzymatic activity in these cell lines. The expressions analysis of enzymes involved in desaturation and elongation by qRT-PCR showed a higher desaturase activity in PC3 and a higher elongase activity toward polyunsaturated fatty acids than toward saturated fatty acids, compared to LNCaP cells. Our results improve the present knowledge in cancer fatty acid metabolism and lipid phenotypes, highlighting EV lipidomics to monitor positional fatty acid isomer profiles and MUFA levels in cancer.
Role of DNA Damage Response in Suppressing Malignant Progression of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Polycythemia Vera: Impact of Different Oncogenes
Authors: Stetka Jan , Gursky Jan , Liñan Velasquez Julie , Mojzikova Renata , Vyhlidalova Pavla , Vrablova Lucia , Bartek Jiri , Divoky Vladimir
Published: April 2020

Inflammatory and oncogenic signaling, both known to challenge genome stability, are key drivers of BCR-ABL-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and JAK2 V617F-positive chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Despite similarities in chronic inflammation and oncogene signaling, major differences in disease course exist. Although BCR-ABL has robust transformation potential, JAK2 V617F-positive polycythemia vera (PV) is characterized by a long and stable latent phase. These differences reflect increased genomic instability of BCR-ABL-positive CML, compared to genome-stable PV with rare cytogenetic abnormalities. Recent studies have implicated BCR-ABL in the development of a "mutator" phenotype fueled by high oxidative damage, deficiencies of DNA repair, and defective ATR-Chk1-dependent genome surveillance, providing a fertile ground for variants compromising the ATM-Chk2-p53 axis protecting chronic phase CML from blast crisis. Conversely, PV cells possess multiple JAK2 V617F-dependent protective mechanisms, which ameliorate replication stress, inflammation-mediated oxidative stress and stress-activated protein kinase signaling, all through up-regulation of RECQL5 helicase, reactive oxygen species buffering system, and DUSP1 actions. These attenuators of genome instability then protect myeloproliferative progenitors from DNA damage and create a barrier preventing cellular stress-associated myelofibrosis. Therefore, a better understanding of BCR-ABL and JAK2 V617F roles in the DNA damage response and disease pathophysiology can help to identify potential dependencies exploitable for therapeutic interventions.
More Knot Worms: Four New Polygordius (Annelida) Species from the Pacific and Caribbean
Authors: Tustison Chrissy , Ramey-Balci Patricia , Rouse Greg
Published: April 2020

Polygordius is a clade of marine annelids mainly seen in coarse-grained habitats. They are notable for their smooth bodies, lacking in chaetae or obvious segments, and they resemble Nematoda or Nemertea. Though Polygordius taxa are found in all oceans of the world, identifying species based only on morphological characters can be challenging due to their relatively uniform external appearances. Diversity within the clade has likely been markedly underestimated. Where morphological characters are inconspicuous or even unreliable, molecular methods can provide clarity in delimiting species. In this study, morphological methods (examination under light and scanning electron microscopy) were integrated with molecular analyses (sequencing of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S rRNA and Histone H3 gene fragments) to establish the systematic placement of Polygordius specimens collected from Australia, Belize, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Japan, and the U.S. west coast. These analyses revealed three new species of Polygordius from the Pacific Ocean (P. erikae n. sp., P. kurthcarolae n. sp., and P. kurthsusanae n. sp.) as well as one new species from the Caribbean Sea (P. jenniferae n. sp.). These new species are formally described, and a previously known Japanese species, P. pacificus Uchida, 1936, is redescribed. This study establishes the first molecular data set for Polygordius species from the Pacific region, as well as the first formal description of a Caribbean species of Polygordius. Phylogenetic relationships within Polygordius are summarized and discussed.
Optimizing Forest Spatial Structure with Neighborhood-Based Indices: Four Case Studies from Northeast China
Authors: Dong Lingbo , Wei Hongyang , Liu Zhaogang
Published: April 2020

The fine-scale spatial patterns of trees and their interactions are of paramount importance for controlling the structure and function of forest ecosystems; however, few management techniques can be employed to adjust the structural characteristics of uneven-aged mixed forests. This research provides an accurate, efficient, and impersonal comprehensive thinning index (P-index) for selecting candidate harvesting trees; the index was proposed by weighting the commonly used quantitative indices with respect to stand fine-scale structures, competition status, tree vigor, and tree stability. The applications of the proposed P-index in evaluating and simulating the process of thinning operations were examined using four 1-ha mapped plots with different forest types, namely, natural secondary forest, natural pine-broadleaved mixed forest, natural larch-birch mixed forest, and natural oak forest, which were widely distributed across the Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. The results indicated that the proposed P-index could effectively affect the structural differentiations between different forest types and alternative thinning intensities. The marginal benefits of alternative thinning intensities on the integrated forest structure indicated that removing 10% of the trees from the plots might be the optimal thinning intensity from the perspective of optimizing stand structure, in which the P-index values could be increased by approximately 5%–11% for the four tested plots. The main conclusion from this paper was that the proposed P-index could be used as a quantitative tool to manage uneven-aged mixed forests.
Drivers and Frequency of Forest Visits: Results of a National Survey in the Czech Republic
Authors: Šodková Miroslava , Purwestri Ratna Chrismiari , Riedl Marcel , Jarský Vilém , Hájek Miroslav
Published: April 2020

The general objective of the study was to assess the main drivers for visiting the forest and the frequency of the visits in the Czech Republic. A nationwide collection of data of the sociological research as part of The Market & Media & Lifestyle Research Project was carried out every year in the Czech Republic under the licensed cooperation with Kantar Media. The project is unique by the large scope of the questions in the questionnaires and by the high number of respondents. A total of 8794 Czech inhabitants aged 12 years and above from all the regions were involved in the survey in 2018. Information about the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of all the respondents were obtained. In the closed questions, the respondents reported the frequency of the forest visits and its drivers. The main driver for visiting the forest was just to go for a walk or just to enjoy the outdoors, especially during their holidays or weekends, amounting to 79% of the inhabitants. Meditation and relaxation as well as sport in the forest, were also considered as important motives for forest recreation. On the contrary, 95% of the visitors did not practice game hunting, although game has a long tradition in the Czech Republic. Improvement on managing the forest for recreation should focus on participatory forest management to find a consensus between the public and forest stakeholders. Common decisions may help set up forest recreational goals with positive impacts on forest ecosystem services.
Erratum: The Role of Plasticity and Adaptation in the Incipient Speciation of a Fire Salamander Population (Genes 2019, 10, 875)
Authors: Sabino-Pinto Joana , Goedbloed Daniel J. , Sanchez Eugenia , Czypionka Till , Nolte Arne W. , Steinfartz Sebastian
Published: April 2020

In the original article, there was a mistake in Figure 5 as published [...]
Group Outdoor Health Walks Using Activity Trackers: Measurement and Implementation Insight from a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
Authors: Irvine Katherine N. , Marselle Melissa R. , Melrose Alan , Warber Sara L.
Published: April 2020

Outdoor walking groups are nature-based interventions (NBIs) that promote health and wellbeing by modifying individual behaviour. The challenges of such NBIs include the motivation of inactive adults to participate and measurement issues. This feasibility study investigates a 12-week group outdoor health walk (GOHW) incorporating activity trackers and use of a holistic health and wellbeing measure, the Self-sasessment of Change (SAC) scale. A mixed methods design explored participant recruitment and retention, programme delivery, and measures of physical activity and health and wellbeing. Walker data included: pre-post questionnaires, daily step counts, and interviews. Programme delivery information included: weekly checklists, staff reflections, stakeholder meeting minutes, and a report. Thirteen adults (age 63–81, 76% female) joined and completed the activity tracker GOHW. Activity trackers motivated walkers to join and be more active but complicated programme delivery. Activity trackers allowed the quantification of physical activity and the SAC health and wellbeing measure was easy to use. By week 12, all participants met national physical activity guidelines. Clinically relevant changes on the SAC scale included: sleeping well, experiencing vibrant senses, and feeling energised, focused, joyful, calm and whole. Results illustrate the feasibility of using activity trackers to motivate engagement in and provide a measure of physical activity from GOHWs. The SAC scale offers a promising measure for nature–health research. A conceptual model is provided for the development of future large-scale studies of NBIs, such as group outdoor health walks.
Risk Analysis for Patient Safety in Surgical Departments: Cross-Sectional Design Usefulness
Authors: Aranaz Ostáriz Verónica , Gea Velázquez de Castro María Teresa , López Rodríguez-Arias Francisco , Valencia Martín José Lorenzo , Aibar Remón Carlos , Requena Puche Juana , Díaz-Agero Pérez Cristina , Compañ Rosique Antonio Fernando , Aranaz Andrés Jesús María
Published: April 2020

(1) Background: Identifying and measuring adverse events (AE) is a priority for patient safety, which allows us to define and prioritise areas for improvement and evaluate and develop solutions to improve health care quality. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of AEs in surgical and medical-surgical departments and to know the health impact of these AEs. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study determining the prevalence of AEs in surgical and medical-surgical departments was conducted and a comparison was made among both clinical areas. A total of 5228 patients were admitted in 58 hospitals in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru, within the Latin American Study of Adverse Events (IBEAS), led by the Spanish Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization, and the WHO Patient Safety programme. (3) Results: The global prevalence of AEs was 10.7%. However, the prevalence of AEs in surgical departments was 11.9%, while in medical-surgical departments it was 8.9%. The causes of these AEs were associated with surgical procedures (38.6%) and nosocomial infections (35.4%). About 60.6% of the AEs extended hospital stays by 30.7 days on average and 25.8% led to readmission with an average hospitalisation of 15 days. About 22.4% resulted in death, disability, or surgical reintervention. (4) Conclusions: Surgical departments were associated with a higher risk of experiencing AEs.
What Accounts for Physical Activity during Pregnancy? A Study on the Sociodemographic Predictors of Self-Reported and Objectively Assessed Physical Activity during the 1st and 2nd Trimesters of Pregnancy
Authors: Mendinueta Ana , Esnal Haritz , Arrieta Haritz , Arrue Miren , Urbieta Nerea , Ubillos Itziar , Whitworth Kristina W. , Delclòs-Alió Xavier , Vich Guillem , Ibarluzea Jesus
Published: April 2020

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has positive health implications for both mother and child. However, current literature indicates that not all pregnant women meet the international recommendations for PA (at least 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous PA). The main objective of this study was to assess PA levels among pregnant women in the city of Donostia-San Sebastian and identify their main sociodemographic predictors. We recruited 441 women in the 12th week of pregnancy from the local public obstetric health services. Women wore an accelerometer for one week during two separate time points (1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy) and completed a questionnaire assessing several sociodemographic variables as well as self-reported PA. With this information, we estimated women’s overall PA levels during both time points. The fulfillment of PA recommendations raised up to 77% and 85% during the first and second trimesters, respectively. We found that a higher number of children and a greater preference for exercise positively predicted light-to-moderate PA, being the most consistent predictors. The availability of a greater number of cars negatively predicted moderate-to-vigorous PA.
The Effect of Solution-Focused Group Counseling Intervention on College Students’ Internet Addiction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Xinhe , Shi Xiaoxuan , Xu Shuowei , Qiu Jingwen , Turel Ofir , He Qinghua
Published: April 2020

This pilot study aimed to explore the effect of solution-focused group counseling intervention on Internet addiction among college students. Eighteen college students participated in this study, out of which nine subjects were assigned into the experimental group and the rest (n = 9) to a control group. The experimental group received group counseling for five weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The revised version of the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R) was used to capture pre-test and post-test excessive use in the two groups. The experimental group was also subjected to a follow-up test and self-reported Internet addiction scores six months after the end of group counseling. Results showed that after the five-week solution-focused group counseling, the scores of four dimensions of the CIAS-R in the experimental group had CIAS-R decreased, and the reduction trend of the total score of CIAS-R was similar across all subjects in this group. The treatment effect was larger than the placebo reduction in the control group in two dimensions: compulsive and withdrawal (Sym-C & Sym-W) and tolerance (Sym-T) symptoms. Qualitative research confirmed the conclusions from the quantitative data, showing that the experimental group reduced its Internet addiction symptoms. Overall, the findings suggested that solution-focused group counseling had positive intervention effects on Internet addiction.
Temporal Variations of Water Chemistry in the Wet Season in a Typical Urban Karst Groundwater System in Southwest China
Authors: Xiao Min , Han Zenglei , Xu Sen , Wang Zhongliang
Published: April 2020

It is important to investigate temporal variations of water chemistry for the purpose of improving water quality in karst groundwater systems. Groundwater samples were collected daily under various land uses of Guiyang. Major ions and stable carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC) were analyzed to understand the biogeochemical processes. The water chemistry was dominated by Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, and SO42-, which mainly derived from the dissolution of carbonate rocks (limestone and dolomite) and oxidation of sulfide. The groundwater was defined as of the HCO3-Ca Mg and HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg type, according to its hydrochemical characteristics. Results suggested that hydrochemical concentrations changed quickly, in response to rainfall events. The fast response revealed that karst groundwater was easily impacted by rainfall and anthropogenic inputs according to temporal variation of water chemistry. The distribution of DIC (dissolved inorganic carbon) and δ13CDIC showed that DIC is mainly sourced from soil CO2(g) influx and carbonate dissolution. δ13CDIC and major ions ratios suggested that carbonate minerals were dissolved by H2SO4 at groundwater in wooded area, contributing an important source for DIC due to the slight enrichment of heavy δ13CDIC. More negative δ13CDIC values were observed after rainfall reflected the fact that soil CO2(g) and organic carbon oxidation influxes accounted for a large share during DIC formation. Various δ13CDIC and hydrochemical patterns were observed under various land use and human activity conditions. Meanwhile, relative high nitrate loads were found in groundwater after rainfall, suggesting high anthropogenic inputs following rainwater as having side effects on water quality. This study suggests that water chemistry and isotopic proof provide a better understanding of water quality and carbon dynamics responding to rainfall events in the karst groundwater systems.
The Association between the Preference for Active Play and Neurological Development in Toddlers: A Register-Based Study
Authors: Pakarinen Anni , Hautala Lea , Hamari Lotta , Aromaa Minna , Kallio Hannele , Liuksila Pirjo-Riitta , Sillanpää Matti , Salanterä Sanna
Published: April 2020

Active play is regarded as physical activity during early childhood. Physical activity has many benefits for children’s physical and psychosocial health and wellbeing, as well as for their cognitive development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the preference for active play and neurological development in toddlers. The study was conducted as a register-based study, and the data were collected from a public-health clinic’s electronic health records. The register data about active play used in this study were originally assessed by parents at home and by early years teachers at nurseries. Neurological development was assessed by the public health nurses in public child-health clinics. The data eligible for this study were available from 717 toddlers aged 2.5–3.0 years old (mean: 2.5 years ± 2 months). The majority of toddlers (85%) showed a preference for active play, both at home and at the nursery. The prevalence of delays in the neurological development of toddlers varied in different developmental areas (by 1–15%). Delays in gross motor competence, auditory perception, and self-help skills were associated with a lower preference for active play in nursery settings, but none of the neurodevelopmental items were found to be associated with toddlers’ preference for active play at home. Nurseries need to encourage children to actively play and support their gross motor competence and self-help skills.
Addressing Sustainable Social Change for All: Upcycled-Based Social Creative Businesses for the Transformation of Socio-Technical Regimes
Authors: Calvo Sara , Morales Andrés , Núñez-Cacho Utrilla Pedro , Guaita Martínez José Manuel
Published: April 2020

The global challenges caused by socio-economic inequalities, climate change and environmental damage caused to ecosystems, require changes in human behavior at all organizational levels, including companies, governments, communities, and individuals. In this context, it is important to analyse how social and creative companies that work in the fashion and industrial design recycling sector can address sustainable social change. In this paper, we propose an analysis in the countries of the global South. To learn how grassroots innovations can contribute to the development of sustainable strategies, we perform the framework of Technical transitions. We analyze the three main areas of activity that constitute an effective niche construction: social networks, expectations and visions, and learning. A qualitative methodology is used, a video case study with six grassroots organizations in South Africa, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Brazil. The results reflect the important role played by these grassroots innovations, contributing to the development of social and creative recycling companies that address socio-economic and environmental problems.
Meteorological Variables and Synoptic Patterns Associated with Air Pollutions in Eastern China during 2013–2018
Authors: Dai Zhujun , Liu Duanyang , Yu Kun , Cao Lu , Jiang Youshan
Published: April 2020

Steady meteorological conditions are important external factors affecting air pollution. In order to analyze how adverse meteorological variables affect air pollution, surface synoptic situation patterns and meteorological conditions during heavy pollution episodes are discussed. The results showed that there were 78 RPHPDs (regional PM2.5 pollution days) in Jiangsu, with a decreasing trend year by year. Winter had the most stable meteorological conditions, thus most RPHPDs appeared in winter, followed by autumn and summer, with the least days in spring. RPHPDs were classified into three patterns, respectively, as equalized pressure (EQP), advancing edge of a cold front (ACF) and inverted trough of low pressure (INT) according to the SLP (sea level pressure). RPHPDs under EQP were the most (51%), followed by ACF (37%); INT was the minimum (12%). Using statistical methods and meteorological condition data on RPHPDs from 2013 to 2017 to deduce the thresholds and 2018 as an independent dataset to validate the proposed thresholds, the threshold values of meteorological elements are summarized as follows. The probability of RPHPDs without rain was above 92% with the daily and hourly precipitation of all RPHPDs below 2.1 mm and 0.8 mm. Wind speed, RHs, inversion intensity(ITI), height difference in the temperature inversion(ITK), the lower height of temperature inversion (LHTI) and mixed-layer height (MLH) in terms of 25%–75% high probability range were respectively within 0.5–3.6 m s−1, 55%–92%, 0.7–4.0 °C 100 m −1, 42–576 m, 3–570 m, 200–1200 m. Two conditions should be considered: whether the pattern was EQP, ACF or INT and whether the eight meteorological elements are within the thresholds. If both criteria are met, PM2.5 particles tend to accumulate and air pollution diffusion conditions are poor. Unfavorable meteorological conditions are the necessary, but not sufficient condition for RPHPDs.
Impact of Urbanization and Economic Growth on CO2 Emission: A Case of Far East Asian Countries
Authors: Anwar Asim , Younis Mustafa , Ullah Inayat
Published: April 2020

Rising CO2 emission constitute a great threat to the world environment and public health. This study examines the major determinants of CO2 emissions in Far East countries in the period of 1980 to 2017. We adopt a panel data-fixed effect model that accounts for time-invariant country-specific characteristics that may create omitted-variable bias. We also additionally take care of the time trend by applying an annual fixed effect into our model. The study finds that urbanization, economic growth and trade openness significantly determine CO2 emission in the selected countries. Thus, the main policy suggestions are (a) to encourage green and sustainable urbanization, as it helps in economic progress but not at the expense of environmental deterioration; (b) to strategically regulate and improve industrial structure; and (c) enhance sharing of renewable energy in total energy consumption.
Organizational and Financial Analysis of Polish Tobacco Control Program in 2000–2018
Authors: Balwicki Łukasz , Tyrańska-Fobke Anna , Balwicka-Szczyrba Małgorzata , Robakowska Marlena , Stoklosa Michal
Published: April 2020

In accordance with the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), each country shall promote and strengthen public awareness of tobacco control issues (Article 12). Many parties to the FCTC have adopted national tobacco control programs to organize their tobacco control activities. The aim of our study was to analyze the organization and funding of the Polish Tobacco Control Program in years 2000–2018. Document analysis of The Program and reports from its implementation were performed in accordance to the Agency for Health Technology Assessment in Poland (AHTAPol) recommendations and the WHO FCTC guidelines for Article 12 implementation. Spending was also analyzed. The study showed both inadequate planning of and funding for Polish Tobacco Control Program. The Program was developed without use of best practices detailed in the WHO FCTC guidelines as well as in national guidelines prepared by AHTAPol. The experience of Poland shows that although earmarking tobacco taxes has existed in the law, it has been largely ineffective due to the poor Tobacco Control Program design and insufficient funding resulting from a poor execution of the earmarking law. This may be a warning to other countries to strive to create law, compliance with which can be verified and controlled.
The Effectiveness of the Good Affordable Food Intervention for Adults with Low Socioeconomic Status and Small Incomes
Authors: Bessems Kathelijne M.H.H. , Linssen Evelyne , Lomme Marion , Van Assema Patricia
Published: April 2020

Good Affordable Food (GAF) is a small-group nutrition education intervention for adults with low socioeconomic status and small incomes. It aims to empower participants to save money on groceries and consume healthier diets. This paper reports the short-term and longer-term effects on behavioural determinants and self-reported behavioural changes. A quasi-experimental control group design was applied with a baseline measurement, a post-test immediately after the intervention, and a follow-up measurement after six months. The study included 237 participants (intervention group: n = 131; control group: n = 106) at baseline, 197 at post-test, and 152 at follow-up. Data were collected by telephone, mostly using closed interview questions. Positive short-term and longer-term effects were found for attitude towards the costs of healthy foods, food label use, and the use of liquid butter or oil to prepare hot meals. Short-term intervention effects related to knowledge towards saving money on groceries, self-efficacy towards healthy eating, portion size awareness, and mindful eating. GAF was effective in changing some determinants and behaviours related to cost and food consumption, however, mostly in the short term. Thereby, it is an example of combining pricing and health information in nutrition education that developers of effective nutrition education for low-income groups can build on.
Positive Association of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) with Chronic Exposure to Drinking Water Arsenic (As) at Concentrations below the WHO Provisional Guideline Value: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Lingqian , Mondal Debapriya , Polya David A.
Published: April 2020

To the best of our knowledge, a dose-response meta-analysis of the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and arsenic (As) exposure at drinking water As concentrations lower than the WHO provisional guideline value (10 µg/L) has not been published yet. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to estimate the pooled association between the relative risk of each CVD endpoint and low-level As concentration in drinking water both linearly and non-linearly using a random effects dose-response model. In this study, a significant positive association was found between the risks of most CVD outcomes and drinking water As concentration for both linear and non-linear models (p-value for trend < 0.05). Using the preferred linear model, we found significant increased risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality and CVD mortality as well as combined fatal and non-fatal CHD, CVD, carotid atherosclerosis disease and hypertension in those exposed to drinking water with an As concentration of 10 µg/L compared to the referent (drinking water As concentration of 1 µg/L) population. Notwithstanding limitations included, the observed significant increased risks of CVD endpoints arising from As concentrations in drinking water between 1 µg/L and the 10 µg/L suggests further lowering of this guideline value should be considered.
Effect of Indoors Artificial Lighting Conditions on Computer-Based Learning Performance
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Yalong , Fang Qiansheng , Liu Yufu , Zhu Xulai , Wang Mingyue , Su Liangliang
Published: April 2020

Lighting condition is essential to human performance. With the widespread use of computer-based learning, the performance measurements become difficult, and the effects of artificial lighting conditions towards the new learning forms are not investigated extensively. The current study conducts a subject-within experiment with a 45-min-long online learning along with electroencephalogram (EEG)-based measurements, and a post-interview under five lighting setups respectively (300 lx, 3000 K; 300 lx, 4000 K; 300 lx, 6500 K; 500 lx, 4000 K; 1000 lx, 4000 K). Attention is chosen as the key factor to represent the learning performance. The results show that the attention of people aged in the 20s is not affected by the experimental lighting conditions. The results also demonstrate that people in high illumination at 1000 lx are more inclined to sustain attention despite the discomfort and dissatisfaction. Taking the EEG-based attention measurements and post-interview answers into consideration, lighting conditions at 300 lx, 4000 K are the recommended set points for university architectures among the investigated conditions, providing a practical basis when adjusting the lighting standard for its advantage in energy saving.