bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Relationship between the Cosmological Background Field and the Higgs Field
Authors: Roza Engel
Published: April 2020

It is shown that gravity and quantum physics can be unified upon the basis of a quark description in terms of a recently discovered third type Dirac particle. It requires the awareness of a polarisable second elementary dipole moment next to the angular moment (spin) and the awareness of an (unbroken) omnipresent energetic cosmological background field. The unification has been made explicit by relating the two major gravitational constants of nature (the gravitational constant and Milgrom’s acceleration constant) with the two major nuclear constants of nature (the weak interaction boson and the Higgs boson).
COVID-19: Pediatric Oral Health During and After the Pandemics
Authors: Luzzi Valeria , Ierardo Gaetano , Bossù Maurizio , Polimeni Antonella
Published: April 2020

During the period of health emergency linked to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the management of children's oral health presents specific problems related to the infectious spread of the disease. These problems must be faced on the one hand by acting on the oral health prevention methods, and on the other by implementing specific protocols relating both to the conditions of oral pathologies that normally do not represent an emergency, and to those clinical situations that fall into the category of pediatric dental emergencies. In this perspective, in addition to defining rigorous and highly effective infection control protocols in the dental settings, it is of fundamental importance to work on remote communication and education aimed at maintaining the oral health of the children. This article, after an analysis of the risk factors from COVID-19 associated with pediatric dental treatment, presents a series of considerations on potential oral prevention strategies and on the management of emergency and non-emergency dental procedures in a context of disease transmission control, proposing new approaches and models of treatment based also on remote interaction techniques which will then retain their usefulness even at the end of the current emergency period.
SARS-CoV-2: Jumping the Species Barrier, Lessons from SARS and MERS, Its Zoonotic Spillover, Transmission to Humans, Preventive and Control Measures and Recent Developments to Counter This Pandemic Virus
Authors: Dhama Kuldeep , Patel Shailesh Kumar , Sharun Khan , Pathak Mamta , Tiwari Ruchi , Yatoo Mohd. Iqbal , Malik Yashpal Singh , Sah Ranjit , Rabaan Ali A. , Panwar Parmod Kumar , Singh Karam Pal , Michalak Izabela , Chaicumpa Wanpen , Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus-2) of the family Coronaviridae, appeared in Wuhan, Hubei province, China being its epicenter in December 2019. This disease was declared as posing Public Health International Emergency by World Health Organization on January 30, 2020, attained the status of a very high-risk category on February 29, and now having a pandemic status (March 11, 2020). COVID-19 has presently spread to more than 195 countries/territories while killing nearly 19,600 humans out of cumulative confirmed cases accounting to more than 430,000 within a short period of just a few weeks. The majority of deaths have been reported in Italy and China. Researchers worldwide are pacing with high efforts to counter the spread of this virus and to design effective vaccines and therapeutics/drugs. Few of the studies have shown the potential of animal-human interface and zoonotic links in the origin of SARS-CoV-2. Exploring the possible zoonosis and revealing the factors responsible for its initial transmission from animals to humans will pave ways to design and implement effective preventive and control strategies to counter COVID-19. The present review presents an overview of COVID-19 and the causative virus SARS-CoV-2, with particular emphasis on the role of animals and their jumping the cross-species barriers, experiences learned from SARS- and MERS-CoVs, zoonotic links, and spillover events, transmission to humans and rapid spread., highlighting in very brief the preventive and control measures along with a few of the recent research developments to counter this pandemic virus/disease.
Toksisitas Ekstrak Biji Mahoni Terhadap Ulat Plutella xylostella pada Daun Kubis
Authors: Ariyanti Ayu Putri Dwi , Subagiya Subagiya , Sulistyo Ato
Published: April 2020

Plutella xylostella is one of cabbage’s main pests. Botanical insecticides as alternative of chemical insecticides need to be expand, one of them is mahogany seed extract. Mahogany seed exctract contains saponin and flavonoid as reported mortal to P. xylostella. This study aimed to know the effective concentration of mahogany seed extract to manage P. xylostella different larva instar and to know LC50 value of mahogany seed extract to P. xylostella. This method used was completely randomized experimental design (CRD). Two factors used were mahogany seed exctract concentrations (0 gL-1, 5 gL-1, 10 gL-1, 20 gL-1, and 40 gL-1) and larva instar (first and third instar). Each treatment repeated four times. The results showed that percentage of larva mortality first instar higher than third instar. Concentration 20 gL-1 of mahogany seed exctract effective to kill first instar larva, and concentration 40 gL-1 effective for third instar. Percentage of pupa mortality highest in concentration 10 gL-1 for first instar and concentration 40 gL-1 for third instar larva. Antifeedant increased as concentration given, while the eating ability that higher in third instar was decreased. LC50 for first instar larva was 2,6 gL-1 and third instar was 13,7 gL-1, meaned that mahogany seed extract more toxic to first instar than third instar larva.
Hubungan antara Penyobekan Daun Secara Mekanik terhadap Serangan Penggulung Daun Pisang
Authors: Pratiwi Isnadian Yandhi , Supriyadi Supriyadi , Sholahuddin Sholahuddin
Published: April 2020

Mechanical control as an effort to reduce Erionata thrax attacks needs to develop of them was torning the leaves. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of leaf torning on the intensity of the damage and determine the level of E. thrax attack damage in various cultivars. This research was conducted in Semarang, Central Java from September-December 2018. This research used a field experiment method with four treatments of tearing distance of 0 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm in four banana cultivars, namely Mas Kirana, Ambon, Kepok, and Raja Bulu. The result showed that leaf damage was related to torning distance, but not to the cultivars. The value of regression between torning distance and leaf damage was very low. The torning distance of 40 cm had the highest leaf damage, number of larvae populations, and number of leaf rolls. The torning distance of 20 cm reduced the leaf damage, the number of larvae populations and the number of rolls. The lowest leaf damage is in Mas Kirana cultivar and the highest leaf damage is in Raja Bulu cultivars. Raja Bulu cultivar had the highest attack intensity.
Studi Potensi Ubi-Ubian Spesifik Lokal dan Upaya Pengembangannya Dalam Mendukung Kemandirian Pangan di Provinsi Bengkulu
Authors: Yani Asmah , Rawiniwati Wayan
Published: April 2020

To support food resilience it is felt necessary to do an inventory of any lokal specific plant is cultivated mainly in the form of crop growers of potatoes in order to develop its potential,  because if not preserved such commodities are feared will become extinct and the community remains dependent on food rice. The objective of this research was to know the existence and distribution of potential cassava to support community food resilience in Bengkulu Province, know lokal specific cassava cultivation techniques and how much potential land can be developed to support food resilience in Bengkulu Province. This research was conducted at Regency of Rejang Lebong and Regency of Kepahiang, Province of Bengkulu from January-April 2019. The method of this research were observation approach, (interviews using questionnaires, dept interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The selection of sample location research done by purposive sampling with consideration of the potential growth of the plant tubers. The result showed that in Bengkulu turned out for lokal specific crop potential was sweet potatoes. From 10 countries in Bengkulu, sweet potatoes spread across 7 districts namely Seluma, Mukomuko, Kaur, Central Bengkulu, Kepahiang, Lebong and Rejang Lebong. The potential of land that can be developed for the sweet potato cultivation based on the assumption of the  existence of land in location of research there were as many as 6,407.0 ha or 0.33% of the land area of Bengkulu province.
The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio has a role in predicting the effectiveness of nivolumab in Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A multi-institutional retrospective study
Authors: Nishiyama Naotaka , Hirobe Megumi , Kikushima Takuya , Matsuki Masahiro , Takahashi Atsushi , Yanase Masahiro , Ichimatsu Keisuke , Egawa Masayuki , Hayashi Norihiro , New Takahito Negishi , Masumori Naoya , Kitamura Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Background:The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a well-known prognostic marker in various cancers. However, its role as a predictive marker for the effectiveness of nivolumab in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) remains unclear. We evaluated the relationships between the NLR and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in mRCC patients treated with nivolumab. Methods: The data of 52 mRCC patients who received nivolumab therapy were collected from seven institutes and evaluated. The median follow-up period from treatment with nivolumab was 25.2 months (IQR 15.5-33.2). Results: The median duration of nivolumab therapy was 7.1 months (IQR 2.9-24.4). The objective response rate was 25% and the 1- and 2-year PFS rates were 46.2% and 25.2%, respectively. The median NLR values at baseline and 4 weeks were 3.7 (IQR 2.7-5.1) and 3.3 (IQR 2.4 -5.7), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, an NLR of ≥ 3 at 4 weeks was an independent predictor of PFS ( P = 0.013) and OS ( P = 0.034). The 1-year PFS of patients with an NLR of < 3 at 4 weeks was better than that of those with an NLR of ≥ 3 (75% versus 29%, P = 0.011). The 1-year OS of patients with an NLR of < 3 at 4 weeks was also better than that of those with an NLR of ≥ 3 (95% versus 71%, P = 0.020). Conclusions: Although the baseline NLR was not associated with PFS or OS, an NLR of ≥3 at 4 weeks after the initiation of therapy might be a robust predictor of poor PFS and OS in mRCC patients undergoing sequential treatment with nivolumab.
Robotic, laparoscopic or open hemihepatectomy for giant liver haemangiomas over 10 cm in diameter
Authors: Hu Minggen , Chen Kuang , Zhang Xuan , Li Chenggang , Song Dongda , Liu Rong
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of robotic, laparoscopic, and open hemihepatectomy for giant liver hemangiomas.Methods

From April 2011 to April 2017, consecutive patients who underwent hemihepatectomy for giant liver haemangiomas were included into this study. According to the type of operation, these patients were divided into the robotic hemihepatectomy (RH) group, the laparoscopic hemihepatectomy (LH) group, and the open hemihepatectomy (OH) group. The perioperative and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared among the three groups. The study was reported following the STROCSS criteria.Results

There were no significant differences in age, sex, tumor location, body surface area (BSA), future liver remnant volume (FLR), standard liver volume (SLV), liver hemangioma volume, FLR/SLV, resected normal liver volume / resected volume, hepatic disease, rates of blood transfusion, liver function after 24 hours of surgery, operative morbidity and mortality among the three groups. Compared with patients in the RH group (n=19), and the LH group (n=13), patients in the OH group (n=25) had significantly longer postoperative hospital stay (P< 0.05), time to oral intake (P < 0.05), time to get-out-of-bed (P < 0.05), a higher VAS score after 24 hours of surgery (P < 0.05) and a shorter operative time (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in these postoperative outcomes (P>0.05) between the RH group and the LH group. When the setup time in the RH group was excluded, the operative time of the RH group was significantly shorter than the LH group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operative time between the RH group and the OH group (P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss of the RH group was the least among the three groups (P<0.05) and the intraoperative blood loss of the LH group was less than the OH group (P<0.05).Discussion

Robotic, laparoscopic, and open hemihepatectomy were safe and efficacious treatments for giant liver hemangiomas. Robotic and laparoscopic hemihepatectomy were significantly better than open hemihepatectomy in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative recovery and pain score. Compared with laparoscopic hemihepatectomy, robotic hemihepatectomy was associated with significantly less intraoperative blood loss and shorter operative time.
Potential Impacts of the 2017 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Guideline on Chinese Adults and How to Address Them
Authors: Jiao Yundi , Sun Zhaoqing , Xie Yanxia , Zheng Jia , Li Zhao , Guo Xiaofan , Dai Yue , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: April 2020

Background: The current analysis was performed to estimate the percentage and number of Chinese adults with hypertension and the percentage and number of Chinese adults recommended to receive pharmacological antihypertensive treatment according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline compared with the same parameters according to the 2010 Chinese guideline.
Methods: We use2011 data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). A total of 12,499 Chinese adults aged ≥ 18 years with complete blood pressure (BP) values were selected for the present analysis.
Results: The crude prevalence rates (95% CI) of hypertension according to the definitions from the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline and the 2010 Chinese guideline were 58.0% (57.2% to 58.9%) and 25.4% (24.7% to 26.2%), respectively. Moreover, the percentage of the participants recommended to take antihypertensive medications were 31.5% and 28.8%, respectively. Among adults who took antihypertensive medications, 88.8% had above-goal BP levels compared to 53.3%. Overall, 613.3 million Chinese adults (aged ≥ 18 years) met the criteria for hypertension according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, and 267.7 million met the criteria according to 2010 Chinese guideline. An additional 28.4 million (2.7%) Chinese adults were recommended to take antihypertensive medication.
Conclusions: The present analysis revealed that the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline will result in a substantial increase in the percentage and number of Chinese adults defined as having hypertension and a small increase in the percentage of adults who are recommended to take antihypertensive medications compared to the same parameters based on the 2010 Chinese guideline. More intensive management and antihypertensive medications use are suggested to improve the control rate of hypertension among Chinese adults.
Decision-to-delivery interval of emergency cesarean section in Uganda: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hughes Noemi , Namagembe Imelda , Nakimuli Annettee , Sekikubo Musa , Moffett Ashley , Patient Charlotte , Aiken Catherine
Published: April 2020

Background : In many low and medium human development index countries, the rate of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality is high. One factor which may influence this is the decision-to-delivery interval of emergency cesarean section. We aimed to investigate the maternal risk factors, indications and decision-to-delivery interval of emergency cesarean section in a large, under-resourced obstetric setting in Uganda. Methods: Records of 344 singleton pregnancies delivered at ≥24 weeks throughout June 2017 at Mulago National Referral Hospital were analysed using Cox proportional hazards models and multivariate logistic regression models. Results : An emergency cesarean section was performed every 104 minutes and the median decision-to-delivery interval was 5.5 hours. Longer interval was associated with preeclampsia and premature rupture of membranes/oligohydramnios. Fetal distress was associated with a shorter interval (p<0.001). There was no association between decision-to-delivery interval and adverse perinatal outcomes (p>0.05). Mothers waited on average 6 hours longer for deliveries between 00:00-08:00 compared to those between 12:00-20:00 (p<0.01). The risk of perinatal death was higher in neonates where the decision to deliver was made between 20:00-02:00 compared to 08:00-12:00 (p<0.01). Conclusion : In this setting, the average decision-to-delivery interval is longer than targets adopted in high development index countries. Decision-to-delivery interval varies diurnally, with decisions and deliveries made at night carrying a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This suggests a need for targeting the improvement of service provision overnight.
LncRNA regulates tomato fruit cracking by coordinating gene expression via a hormone-redox-cell wall network
Authors: Xue Lingzi , Sun Mintao , Wu Zhen , Yu Lu , Yu Qinghui , Tang Yaping , Jiang Fangling
Published: April 2020

Background Fruit cracking occurs easily under unsuitable environmental conditions and is one of the main types of damage that occurs in fruit production. It is widely accepted that plants have developed defence mechanisms and regulatory networks that respond to abiotic stress, which involves perceiving, integrating and responding to stress signals by modulating the expression of related genes. Fruit cracking is also a physiological disease caused by abiotic stress. It has been reported that a single or several genes may regulate fruit cracking. However, almost none of these reports have involved cracking regulatory networks. Results Here, RNA expression in 0 h, 8 h and 30 h saturated irrigation-treated fruits from two contrasting tomato genotypes, ‘LA1698’ (cracking-resistant, CR) and ‘LA2683’ (cracking-susceptible, CS), was analysed by mRNA and lncRNA sequencing. The GO pathways of the differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in the ‘hormone metabolic process’, ‘cell wall organization’, ‘oxidoreductase activity’ and ‘catalytic activity’ categories. According to the gene expression analysis, significantly differentially expressed genes included Solyc02g080530.3 ( Peroxide, POD ), Solyc01g008710.3 ( Mannan endo-1,4-beta-mannosidase, MAN ), Solyc08g077910.3 ( Expanded, EXP ), Solyc09g075330.3 ( Pectinesterase , PE ), Solyc07g055990.3 ( Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase-hydrolase 7, XTH7 ), Solyc12g011030.2 ( X yloglucan endotransglucosylase-hydrolase 9 , XTH9 ), Solyc10g080210.2 ( Polygalacturonase-2, PG2 ), Solyc08g081010.2 ( Gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, gamma-GCS ), Solyc09g008720.2 ( Ethylene receptor , ER ), Solyc11g042560.2 ( Ethylene-responsive transcription factor 4, ERF4 ) etc. In addition, the lncRNAs (XLOC_16662 and XLOC_033910, etc) regulated the expression of their neighbouring genes, and genes related to tomato cracking were selected to construct a lncRNA-mRNA network influencing tomato cracking. Conclusions This study provides insight into the responsive network for water-induced cracking in tomato fruit. Specifically, lncRNAs regulate the hormone-redox-cell wall network, including plant hormone (auxin, ethylene) and ROS (H 2 O 2 ) signal transduction and many cell wall-related mRNAs ( EXP, PG, XTH ), as well as some lncRNAs ( XLOC_16662 and XLOC_033910, etc.).
Assessment of malaria as a public health problem in and around Arjo Didhessa Sugar Cane Plantation area, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Dufera Mebrate , Debsu Regea , Tiruneh Gemechu
Published: April 2020

Background: Although much progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality worldwide in the last decade, nationally malaria still remains the third leading cause of death and still considered as major public health problem. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess malaria as a public health problem in and around sugar cane plantation area of Arjo Didhessa sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study supplemented with clinical retrospective data, which included 452 study subjects was recruited and the study period was extended from May 2016 up to November of 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess malaria risk factors and blood samples were received from all study participants and further subjected to Giemsa staining for determination of malaria prevalence. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.Malaria risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression at significance level of P < 0.05 . Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 3.1%; Plasmodium vivax being the main type of malaria parasite. Overnight outdoor sleeping and improper utilization of mosquito bed nets were found to be statistically significant as malaria risk factors in the community. In the retrospective studies of five years, the peak malaria cases (13.84%) were reported in 2013 and lowest cases (1.24%) in 2017. Conclusions: The figure of malaria witnessed in this area remains higher than the observed national malaria prevalence indicating malaria is still remains a public health problem.Therefore, we suggest the factory administrators and health care professionals to work more on raising awareness to avoid night outdoor sleeping and effective and appropriate utilization of insecticide treated nets and regular indoor residual spraying. Key words : Arjo Didhessa, malaria, malaria risk factors
The clinical significance of IL-6s and IL-27s in Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Yuyun , Zhang Wen
Published: April 2020

Backgrounds: IL-6 is associated with the severity of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). But the relationship between IL-27 and MPP was unknown. Methods: 98 patients with MPP < 14 years old were enrolled in this study and divided into groups by severity (mild cases and severe cases), infection types (MP single infection group and MP mixed infection group) and DNA loads (low MP DNA loads group and high MP DNA loads group), respectively. 15 children with foreign bodies in bronchus were also enrolled as control. IL-6s and IL-27s in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) from these children were measured by ELISA. Results: There were significant differences in IL-6s of BALFs from patients between mild cases and severe cases, MP single infection group and MP mixed infection group, and low MP DNA loads group and high MP DNA loads group, respectively (P﹤0.05). Compared with IL-6s of BALFs from control, IL-6 in BALFs from the 6 patient groups were significantly higher (P﹤0.05). IL-27s in BALFs from MP mixed infection group were significantly lower than those from MP single infection group and control (P﹤0.05) respectively. Conclusion: IL-6 was firmly associated with MPP and had potential application in clinical practice while IL-27 was not related to MP infection.
Large mid-upper arm circumference is associated with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly individuals: a community-based study
Authors: Shi Jie , Yang Zhen , Niu Yixin , Zhang Weiwei , Li Xiaoyong , Zhang Hongmei , Lin Ning , Gu Hongxia , Wen Jie , Ning Guang , Qin Li , Su Qing
Published: April 2020

Background: The mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a proxy for subcutaneous fat in the upper body and is a reliable screening measure for identifying individuals with abnormal local fat distribution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between MUAC and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in middle-aged and elderly individuals.Methods: We measured the MUAC in a cross-sectional sample with a total of 9787 subjects aged 40 years and older. The measurement of MUAC is performed on the right arm using a non‐elastic tape held midway between the acromion and the olecranon processes in duplicate, with the arm hanging loosely at the side of the body. The MetS was defined according to the Joint Statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention.Results: MUAC was positively correlated with waist circumference (r=0.437, P<0.001), BMI (r=0.334, P<0.001), fasting insulin (r=0.348, P<0.001), HOMA-IR (r=0.134, P< 0.001), triglycerides (r=0.138, P<0.001), SBP (r=0.124, P< 0.001), and DBP (r= 0.123, P<0.001), and inversely correlated with adiponectin (r=-0.147, P < 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol (r=-0.176, P<0.001) after adjusting for age and gender. Compared with the lowest quartile group, the odds ratios were substantially higher for MetS (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.51-2.09, P for trend<0.001) in the highest MUAC quartile group after adjustment for potential cofounder.Conclusion: Large mid-upper arm circumference is significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
The Effect of Sleeping Position on Heart Rate Variability in Newborns
Authors: Fister Petja , Nolimal Manca , Lenasi Helena , Klemenc Matjaž
Published: April 2020

Background : Lower heart rate variability (HRV) in a newborn might represent a risk factor for unfavourable outcome, a longer recovery after illness, and a sudden infant death. Our aim was to determine whether the newborn’s sleeping position is associated with HRV. Methods : We performed a prospective clinical study in 46 hospitalized cardiorespiratory stable term newborns. During sleeping, we measured the parameters of HRV in four body positions (supine, supine with tilt, prone, prone with tilt). Results : The TP (total power spectral density) was significantly higher when lying supine in comparison to prone (p = 0,048) and to prone with tilt (p = 0,046). The HF (high frequency of power spectral density) in the supine position without tilt tended to be higher compared to prone without tilt (p > 0,05). The LF (low frequency power) was significantly higher when lying supine compared to prone, both without tilt (p = 0,018). TP and HF showed a positive correlation with gestational age (p = 0.044 and p = 0.036, respectively). Conclusions : In term newborns, sleeping position is associated with HRV. Higher TP and HF were found in the supine position, which might reflect better ANS stability. Gestational age positively correlated with TP and HF power, but only in supine position.
Private well stewardship within a rural, agricultural Latino community: a qualitative study
Authors: VanDerGeest Kori , Ko Linda K. , Karr Catherine , Torres Elizabeth , Drury Dennise , Austin Elena
Published: April 2020

Background: Nitrate contamination in groundwater disproportionately impacts agricultural Latino communities, creating a significant hazard for Latinos that rely on private wells. Private well users must conduct water testing and other well stewardship behaviors to ensure their well water is safe to drink. This study sought to identify the key behavioral factors of private well water testing in rural, agricultural Latino communities.
Methods: We conducted four focus groups with private well users, two in Spanish and two in English. We recruited 37 participants from the Lower Yakima Valley, Washington State, a rural, agricultural community with a large Latino population and elevated nitrate concentrations in groundwater. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to capture factors impacting testing as guided by the Risk, Attitudes, Norms, Ability, and Self-Regulation (RANAS) model. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted by two coders to identify common themes.
Results: Themes emerged around the behavioral factors impacting well stewardship, including well testing, treatment, and maintenance, and were not specific to nitrate contamination. Private well users reported many of the same factors reported in other communities. Lack of actionable information, economic limitations, and lack of technical support were reported as factors that made well stewardship burdensome and encouraged bottled water use. Home repair experience among Spanish focus group participants and challenges around landlords and shared wells emerged as themes that have not been reported in the literature previously.
Conclusions
The burden of well stewardship in rural, agricultural Latino communities may suggest the need for interventions at the community, county, or state levels. As these solutions are being developed, well stewardship programs may want to prioritize providing actionable information and technical support to private well users. The role that landlords, shared well users, and home repair experience play in well stewardship represent important areas of exploration for researchers and public health practitioners.
Genome-wide Identification of the Class III POD Gene Family and their Expression Profiling in Grapevine (Vitisvinifera L)
Authors: Xiao Huilin , Wang Chaoping , Khan Nadeem , Chen Mengxia , Fu Weihong , Guan Le , Leng Xiangpeng
Published: April 2020

Background : The class III peroxidases (PODs) are involved in a broad range of physiological activities, such as the formation of lignin, cell wall components, defense against pathogenicity or herbivore, and abiotic stress tolerance. The POD family members have been well-studied and characterized by bioinformatics analysis in several plant species, but no previous genome-wide analysis has been carried out of this gene family in grapevine to date.
Results : We comprehensively identified 47 PODs in the grapevine genome and are further classified into 7 subgroups based on their phylogenetic analysis. Results of motif composition and gene structure organization analysis revealed that PODs in the same subgroup shared similar conjunction while the protein sequences were highly conserved. Intriguingly, the integrated analysis of chromosomal mapping and gene collinearity analysis proposed that both dispersed and tandem duplication events contributed to the expansion of PODs in grapevine. Also, the gene duplication analysis suggested that most of the genes (20) were dispersed followed by (15) tandem, (9) segmental or whole-genome duplication, and (3) proximal, respectively. The evolutionary analysis of PODs, such as Ka/Ks ratio of the 15 duplicated gene pairs were less than 1.00, indicated that most of the gene pairs exhibiting purifying selection and 7 pairs underwent positive selection with value greater than 1.00. The Gene Ontology Enrichment (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomics (KEGG) analysis, and cis-elements prediction also revealed the positive functions of PODs in plant growth and developmental activities, and response to stress stimuli. Further, based on the publically available RNA-sequence data, the expression patterns of PODs in tissue-specific response during several developmental stages revealed diverged expression patterns. Subsequently, 30 genes were selected for RT-PCR validation in response to (NaCl, drought, and ABA), which showed their critical role in grapevine.
Conclusions : In conclusion, we predict that these results will lead to novel insights regarding genetic improvement of grapevine.
The Role of Residents in Medical Students’ Neurology Education:Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Keser Zafer , Rodriguez Yvo A , Tremont Jennifer , Hsieh Peggy H , McCullough Louise D. , Sandrone Stefano , Stimming Erin F
Published: April 2020

Background: Neurophobia, a well-described fear of neurology, affects medical students worldwide and may be one of the factors contributing to a shortage of neurologists in the United States. Residents spend a considerable amount of time with medical students; therefore, we sought to understand better the impact neurology residents have on medical students during their neurology clerkship and their subsequent interest in neurology. We aimed to identify and implement strategies to decrease neurophobia and increase the number of students pursuing neurology as a career.
Methods: Third-year medical students (n=234) of UTHealth’s McGovern Medical School rotating through their neurology core clerkship completed two surveys regarding their rotation experiences. Surveys were completed anonymously before and after the clerkship to measure their interest and confidence in neurology and the impact of their interactions with the neurology residents during the clerkship. In parallel, residents participated in a teaching workshop focused on small group teaching to improve their teaching effectiveness. Non-parametrical comparison and ordinal regression analyses were utilized for data analyses.
Results: Medical students reported a statistically significant increase in their confidence in managing neurological conditions and interest in pursuing a neurology residency after their clerkship. There was a significant association between the medical students’ overall rotation experience and the residents’ teaching effectiveness. The overall clerkship experience correlated with the medical students’ interest and confidence in neurology. There was a trend towards an increase in residents’ teaching effectiveness and students’ rotation experience after a resident teaching workshop. Additionally, of note, students who rotated on both and outpatient and inpatient sites during their clerkship reported an increased interest in neurology.
Conclusion: Our study supports that resident-led teaching efforts are important in improving medical students’ neurologic education and their interest in neurology . Our data also supports that the interest in neurology increased for medical students after their neurology clerkship. We examined future strategies to implement “near-peer” teaching activities to enhance the medical students' neurologic educational experience. These strategies could potentially mitigate neurophobia and ultimately lead to a much-needed increase in future neurologists.
Systematic review of therapeutic outcomes of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and their predictors in adults receiving integrated treatment of tuberculosis and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus in low and middle-income countries: a study protocol
Authors: Kadia Benjamin Momo , Aroke Desmond , Njefi Kevin Pene , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Tianyi Frank-Leonel , Kadia Reine Suzanne , Dimala Christian Akem
Published: April 2020

Background: Programs that integrated tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment aim to provide efficient treatment services and maximize successful treatment outcomes through the delivery of both TB and HIV treatment by one provider at the same time and location. However, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is more difficult to treat as compared to drug-sensitive TB, and in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), the potential of programs integrating TB/HIV treatment to sustain favourable MDR-TB treatment outcomes is poorly elucidated. The objective of this review is to perform a systematic collection, critical appraisal and synthesis of existing evidence on therapeutic outcomes of MDR-TB and their predictors among adults receiving integrated treatment for TB/HIV in LMICs. Methods: A systematic review of evidence from published observational and interventional studies will be performed. The evidence will be obtained by searching Medline, Embase, and Global Health electronic databases with date limits being March 2004 and December 2019. Two investigators will independently screen the search output, review the eligible studies, and assess the quality of the eligible studies using appropriate quality assessment tools. Analysis and synthesis of data on TB treatment outcomes will be performed using random-effects meta-analysis on STATA-15 software. Data on predictors of TB treatment outcomes will be analysed using thematic analysis and synthesised using a descriptive approach and where appropriate, random-effects meta-analysis will be performed to obtain pooled effect sizes. The confidence in cumulative quantitative and qualitative evidence will be assessed using the appropriate versions of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The final review will be reported following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis, presented at scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. Discussion: This study is expected to highlight the quality of integrated TB/HIV treatment programs and their potential to uphold successful MDR-TB treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the review will indicate patient-related and healthcare-related factors that should be addressed to improve on survival of patients with MDR-TB/HIV co-infection in LMICs. Systematic review registration: This review has been submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)
An efficient method to reduce grain angle influence on NIR spectra for predicting extractives content from heartwood stem cores of Toona. sinensis
Authors: Li Yanjie , Dong Xin , Sun Yang , Liu Jun , Jiang Jingmin
Published: April 2020

Background A fast and reliable non-destructive method for qualifying the content of extracts content (EC) in heartwood of T. sinensis cores is needed in the breeding program for studying the genetically infect on EC. However, the affecting of grain angle on near infrared (NIR) spectra prediction model for EC is unclear. In this study, NIR spectra were collected both from cross section and radial section of wood core samples in order to predict the EC in heartwood. Results The effect of grain angle on calibration EC model was studied. Several different spectra pre-processing methods were tested for calibration. It was found that standard normal variation (SNV) followed by 1 st derivative yield the best calibration for EC. Grain angle has a significant influence on the predict model for EC when use the whole NIR spectra. However, after using the significant multivariate correlation (sMC) selection of the prior of wavenumbers for EC, the influence of grain angle have been significantly reduced. Conclusions It was suggested that NIR spectroscopy could be a promising methods to predict EC in solid wood without the infection of grain angle.
Active Play in ASP –A matched-pair cluster-randomized trial investigating the effectiveness of an intervention in After-school programs for supporting children’s physical activity
Authors: Riiser Kirsti , Richardsen Kåre Rønn , Haugen Anders Lund Hage , Lund Siv , Løndal Knut
Published: April 2020

Background : Interventions directed at after school programs (ASPs) have the potential to support physical activity (PA) in young children. Research has indicated that interventions that emphasize competence building among the ASP staff can lead to increased PA among the children. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of the Active Play in ASP intervention—a program for ASP staff aimed at supporting physical activity among first graders in ASP.
Methods: We used a matched-pair cluster randomized design and included 456 first graders from 14 schools in Norway. From these, 7 ASPs received the intervention (N = 229), while 7 acted as controls (N = 227). Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately post intervention (7 month follow-up) and after a year (19 month follow-up). The primary outcome was moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which was estimated with predefined cut points of counts per minute (CPM) and expressed as minutes/hour. Secondary outcomes were vigorous and light intensity physical activity (VPA and LPA) and sedentary behavior. The analyses of intervention effects were based on between-group differences in outcome changes between the 3 measurement points and were conducted using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures using categorical time. In exploratory analyses, we investigated gender, baseline body mass index, and baseline CPM as potential effect modifiers.
Results: No significant intervention effects was observed on MVPA (0.55 min/hour [99% CI -0.55:1.64]) or on the secondary outcomes, min/hour of LPA, VPA or sedentary behavior. Exploratory analyses indicated that among the 50% least physically active children at baseline, children in intervention ASPs reduced sedentary time from baseline to 19 months follow up by 1.67 min/hour (95% CI -3.12:-0.21) compared to the controls.
Conclusions: Although the intervention did not significantly increase the mean MVPA among the children in the intervention ASPs compared to controls, it did seem to have a small effect by reducing sedentary behavior time among the least active children. An even stronger emphasis on how to identify less active children and support their activity may be needed in order to increase their PA and further reduce sedentary behavior time.
Diverting blame to stay sane - young people's strategies for dealing with the mental health effects of precarious employment: a Grounded Theory study
Authors: Toivanen Susanna , Tarantino Anna Olofsson , Emmelin Maria , Östergren Per-Olof
Published: April 2020

Background

Precarious employment is a risk factor for poor mental health, particularly among young adults. Knowledge about how young people maintain their mental health while in a precarious employment situation is scarce. The aim of the study was to explore the meaning of precarious employment for young adults in Sweden and their strategies for maintaining good mental health.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 individuals (9 men and 6 women) aged 20–39 years in a precarious employment situation. Contact persons at union offices and at specific job-coaching organizations collaborating with the Swedish public employment agency in the city of Malmö were gate openers to reach informants. Analysis was based on constructivist grounded theory, implying an emergent design where data collection and analysis go hand in hand.

Results

All informants had completed secondary school in Sweden, and one third had studied at the university level. A majority currently had jobs; however, they were mostly employed on an hourly basis and only a few had temporary full-time jobs. The analysis resulted in a core category “Diverting blame to stay sane,” which summarized an emergent coping process involving individual resources and resources represented by the individuals’ social capital. The developed theoretical model contained four main categories, “Facing reality,” ”Losing control,” “Adapting,” and “Fighting back,” related to the core category.

Conclusions

The results implied a process where the challenges created by loss of employment-based rights required a coping process where the individual’s social capital plays an important role. However, social capital is to a large extent determined by contextual factors, underlining the strong health equity aspect of precarious employment.
Polymorphisms in endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase genes are associated with cervical cancer risk in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Chuanyin , Li Yaheng , Yan Zhiling , Dai Shuying , Liu Shuyuan , Wang Xia , Wang Jun , Zhang Xinwen , Shi Li , Yao Yufeng
Published: April 2020

Background: Antigen-processing machinery molecules play crucial roles in infectious diseases and cancers. Studies have shown that polymorphisms in endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP) genes can influence the enzymatic activity of ERAP proteins and are associated with the risk of diseases. In the current study, we evaluated the influence of ERAP gene (ERAP1 and ERAP2) polymorphisms on susceptibility to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer.
Methods: Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ERAP1 and 5 SNPs in ERAP2 were selected and genotyped in 556 CIN patients, 1072 cervical cancer patients, and 1262 healthy control individuals. Candidate SNPs were genotyped using SNaPshot assay. And the association of these SNPs with CIN and cervical cancer was analysed.
Results: The results showed that allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs26653 in ERAP1 were significantly different between cervical cancer and control groups (P=0.001 and 0.004). The allelic frequencies of rs27044 in ERAP1 and rs2287988 in ERAP2 were significantly different between control and cervical cancer groups (P=0.003 and 0.004). Inheritance model analysis showed that genotypes of rs27044, rs26618, rs26653 and rs2287988 SNPs may be associated with the risk of cervical cancer (P=0.003, 0.004, 0.001 and 0.002). Additionally, haplotype analysis results showed that the ERAP1 haplotype, rs27044C-rs30187T-rs26618T-rs26653G-rs3734016C, was associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer (P=0.001). The ERAP2 haplotypes rs2549782G- rs2548538A-rs2248374A-rs2287988G-rs1056893T (P=0.009 and 0.006) and rs2549782T-rs2548538T-rs2248374G-rs2287988A-rs1056893T (P=0.003 and 0.009) might be associated with cervical cancer and the development from CIN to cervical cancer. Conclusion: Our results indicated that rs27044, rs26618 and rs26653 in ERAP1 and rs2287988 in ERAP2 influenced susceptibility to cervical cancer.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) to treat specialized type of endplate fractures around the Schmorl's node: a prospective study of 65 patients
Authors: Zhang Yaoshen , Yin Peng , Yang Jincai , Hai Yong
Published: April 2020

Background : The Schmorl's nodes (SNs) is defined as the herniation of the intervertebral disc into the vertebral body. Endplate fractures around the schmorl's node could result in severe back pain that is similar to vertebral compression fractures. The objective of this study was to prospectively analyze the surgical effectiveness and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for endplate fractures around the SNs. Methods : Seventy-one consecutive patients with the fresh endplate fracture around SNs from October 2017 to February 2018 were enrolled in this study. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores of low back pain were evaluated in all patients preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after primary single level PVP . Surgery related data including duration of the operation, injected cement volumes and surgical complications were recorded. Results : Sixty-five patients with fresh endplate fractures around the SNs were treated successfully via percutaneous vertebroplasty. Our study showed that the VAS scores and ODI scores of patients were obviously improved after operation. Cement leakage into the disc space occurred in 5 patients (7.7%), and adjacent segment refractures occurred in 2 patients (3.1%). No other surgical complications, including infections or nerve root injuries were encountered. Conclusions : Based on the results of this prospective study, PVP was an effective and safe procedure for endplate fractures around the SNs.