bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les objectifs et les critères de sélection : Sélection de la fécondité dans les espèces domestiques
Authors: BOLET G. , BODIN L.
Published: July 2020

Pour toutes les espèces et pratiquement quel que soit leur type de production, l’amélioration de la reproduction fait partie des objectifs de sélection. Fertilité et prolificité (composantes de la fécondité), mais aussi rythme de mise-bas et durée de carrière sont les principaux caractères qui se combinent, de manière spécifique à chaque espèce du fait d’interactions entre rythmes biologiques et facteurs de milieu, pour former la carrière reproductive de la femelle, évaluée par la productivité numérique. Une sélection basée sur une mesure de la taille de portée est la méthode la plus classique, dans les élevages expérimentaux ou à partir d’un programme de contrôle de performances en ferme, pour l’amélioration génétique de la fécondité. Mais la faible héritabilité de la taille de portée et la faible intensité de sélection praticable ont le plus souvent limité son efficacité, qui peut être améliorée par l’ouverture de la population fermée à une base de sélection la plus large possible, grâce au contrôle de performances en élevage, et à l’utilisation de modèles statistiques permettant de prendre en compte toute l’information disponible dans la population. Des méthodes de sélection alternatives sont en cours d’expérimentation : sélection sur un critère "global", prenant en compte à la fois la fertilité et la prolificité, sélection sur les composantes de la taille de portée, soit en combinant le taux d’ovulation et de survie embryonnaire en un index additif "optimum", soit en sélectionnant sur une des composantes de la taille de portée, sélection sur d’autres critères indirects liés plus ou moins directement à la fécondité de la femelle, recherches de gènes majeurs. En ce qui concerne les travaux expérimentaux en cours, on notera que l’utilisation du contrôle de performances en ferme pour détecter des génotypes extrêmes et constituer des noyaux de sélection est une démarche assez générale. Dans les différentes espèces considérées, à des degrés divers, des programmes de contrôle de performances, en ferme et / ou en station, permettent d’enregistrer des données de productivité numérique avec différentes applications, allant d’un simple appui technique aux éleveurs à un programme collectif d’amélioration génétique.
La gestion des populations : La race ovine INRA 401 : un exemple de souche synthétique
Authors: RICORDEAU G. , TCHAMITCHIAN L. , BRUNEL J.C. , NGUYEN T.C. , FRANÇOIS D.
Published: July 2020

Pour augmenter la productivité du troupeau ovin français, l’INRA a créé la souche synthétique INRA 401 en croisant la race Berrichon du Cher (bonnes aptitudes bouchères mais peu prolifique, peu maternelle, toison blanche) avec la race Romanov (très prolifique, maternelle, mais faibles aptitudes bouchères et toison colorée). La procréation de 4 générations successives (1970 - 1980) a mis en évidence l’absence d’hétérosis et de régression de la taille de portée de la F1 à la F4. La lignée obtenue présente une taille moyenne de portée de 2 agneaux par mise bas (sur brebis de 3 ans), une excellente fertilité à contre-saison, une bonne viabilité des agneaux à la naissance. A partir de 1980, le troupeau a été soumis à la sélection, d’abord sur la prolificité seule puis sur la prolificité et la valeur laitière et, depuis 1989, sur prolificité, valeur laitière, caractères de croissance et caractères bouchers. La souche a été diffusée en fermes par la vente de béliers utilisés en croisement d’absorption sur brebis croisées Romanov x race locale, et ce sur 4 générations. Ce programme concernait en 1990, 152 élevages (28 000 brebis) réunis au sein d’une association des éleveurs utilisateurs : l’AUSI 401.
Introgression génique assistée par marqueurs
Authors: HOSPITAL F. , ELSEN J.M.
Published: July 2020

L’introgression génique consiste à inclure dans le génome d’une race sélectionnée A, un et un seul gène favorable, G, d’une race B par ailleurs moins productive. Ceci s’effectue classiquement par un premier croisement A×B, suivi d’une série de croisements en retour (Backcross), des descendants portant le gène G, par la race A. Tous ces descendants sont par construction hétérozygotes Gg (nous supposons pour simplifier qu’il y a un seul allèle de G dans la race A : g). L’introgression s’achève si besoin par un accouplement entre animaux Gg de la race A (intercross), afin de produire des homozygotes GG de "race pure" A. L’utilisation de marqueurs peut améliorer ce processus de deux façons :- dans une première étape, pour trier les animaux selon leur génotype au locus majeur, c’est-à-dire choisir des reproducteurs porteurs de G.- dans une deuxième étape, pour trier, parmi les reproducteurs porteurs de G, ceux qui sont les plus proches du "type génétique" A. Le processus d’introgression sera amélioré si le résultat final (obtention d’un effectif minimal d’animaux GG possédant un pourcentage maximum de gènes de la race A) est obtenu plus vite et/ou à moindre coût.
Faktor-faktor spasial yang mempengaruhi perkembangan klaster industri (Studi kasus: Industri gitar di Desa Mancasan, Desa Ngrombo dan Desa Pondok, Kabupaten Sukoharjo)
Authors: Eminawati Nurlela Siti , Kusumastuti Kusumastuti , Soedwiwahjono Soedwiwahjono
Published: July 2020

Industri gitar yang terletak di dalam klaster Desa Mancasan, Desa Ngrombo dan Desa Pondok sudah mencapai 141 unit industri di dalam kawasan yang seluas 508Ha, yang mengalami peningkatan 81 unit dalam kurun waktu 10 tahun. Banyak faktor yang mempengaruhi perkembangan klaster, tetapi faktor yang dapat dilihat secara langsung adalah aspek fisik atau spasialnya. Sehingga, tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor spasial yang mempengaruhi perkembangan klaster industri dan pengaruh faktor spasial terhadap perkembangan klaster industri di Desa Mancasan, Desa Ngrombo, dan Desa Pondok. Analisis faktor digunakan untuk mengetahui tingkatan faktor yang dianggap paling memengaruhi menurut pengusaha di dalam klaster industri. Analisis regresi digunakan untuk mengetahui pengaruh faktor terhadap perkembangan. Faktor-faktor spasial yang mempengaruhi perkembangan klaster industri di ketiga Desa yaitu lokasi, aksesibilitas, infrastruktur, dan sarana. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan faktor utama yang paling mempengaruhi adalah lokasi klaster terhadap bahan baku maupun tenaga kerja.
Model pertumbuhan kota (urban growth) di Kabupaten Manggarai Timur sebagai administrasi wilayah baru (startup)
Authors: Prayitno Gunawan , Hasyim Abdul Wahid , K Gusti Hyang Iman
Published: July 2020

Kabupaten Manggarai Timur merupakan hasil pemekaran wilayah dari administrasi Kabupaten Manggarai tepatnya pada tanggal 17 Juli 2017. Sebagai wilayah kabupaten baru (startup), Kabupaten Manggarai Timur masih dalam proses pengembangan dan pembangunan wilayah. Seiring berjalannya waktu, jumlah penduduk di Kabupaten Manggarai Timur semakin meningkat akibat beberapa faktor dan berdampak pada bertambahnya jumlah kebutuhan lahan. Kebutuhan lahan tersebut diwujudkan dengan bertambahnya luas lahan terbangun dibeberapa kawasan dengan berbagai fungsi seperti perumahan, fasilitas umum, perdagangan, dan fungsi lainnya. Bertambahnya luas lahan terbangun akan membentuk sebuah embrio kota yakni bibit awal (startup) terjadinya pertumbuhan kota (urban growth). Peristiwa demikian tentu menimbulkan perubahan fungsi lahan dan rentan terhadap munculnya permasalahan kota di masa yang akan datang apabila tidak diatur dengan regulasi yang kuat. Sehingga diperlukan sebuah kajian penelitian untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang dianggap sebagai pemicu utama terjadinya perubahan tutupan lahan, khususnya bertambahnya lahan terbangun sebagai wujud pertumbuhan kota (urban growth). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penginderaan jauh (Remote Sensing) dengan teknologi GIS pengolahan Raster Citra Satelit 8 OLI Kabupaten Manggarai Timur dengan tanggal akuisi 22 Maret 2013 dan 11 November 2018. Sampel yang digunakan adalah kondisi lapangan disetiap desa. Berdasarkan hasil keseluruhan analisa data, bahwa pada tahun 2013 dan tahun 2018 pertumbuhan lahan terbangun disetiap desa sangat dipengaruhi oleh faktor kemiringan lahan, kepadatan penduduk, jarak titik pusat desa dengan jalan kolektor terdekat, dan kekuatan pusat aktivitas disuatu kecamatan. Sebagai rekomendasi dalam pengendalian pertumbuhan kota maka diprioritaskan untuk mengontrol jumlah kepadatan penduduk disetiap kawasan.
Software Review: Meetup
Authors: Nishioka Hiromi
Published: July 2020

Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/apps/) is an online platform designed to get people to share similar interests and to enjoy the social activities with other members offline. Users have access to a wide range of Meetup events that they may wish to participate in according to their interests, date and time availability, and location. Although Meetup is developed for general users, language learners can use the application to construct opportunities to communicate with the native speakers while enjoying their shared interests together. Access to such opportunities is not always easy for learners either studying the target language in their home country or studying the target language in a host country (e.g., Allen, 2010; Kim, 2011). As such, Meetup allows learners to identify events where they can meet native speakers who live near to their location and to interact with them using the target language in naturally-occurring settings.
Confronting the imposter: the role of conference presentation for confidence-building in academics
Authors: Gibson Poppy Frances , Coombes Samuel
Published: July 2020

We often hear that facing our fears is the best course of action to conquering them. It seems that many individuals are choosing to confront their deepest, inner fears when we explore the data that show that a fear of being an ‘imposter’ ‘runs thick in the veins of academics, from newly arrived graduate students to those nearing retirement’ (Revuluri, 2018: 1). This reflection piece shares the authors personal experiences of planning and delivering a workshop on ‘Imposter Syndrome’ (IS) that, ironically, helped to confront and conquer their own fears. This article highlights the key role that conference presentation can play in helping academics to overcome feeling like frauds through five key processes: reflection, feed-forward, perspective, support network and talk.
Teaching teamwork to transnational students in engineering and technology
Authors: Ghannam Rami , Ahmad Wasim
Published: July 2020

China is producing over 4 million STEM graduates each year. According to the literature, many of these graduates lack the professional skills that are required by the global job market. Consequently, a new course was designed to help Chinese students cultivate the necessary professional knowledge and practical skills in the field of electronic engineering. The aim of this innovative course was to build experience of working in a team to design and develop a rover that can perform specific tasks. The course’s team project covers areas such as electronic design, sensing, instrumentation, measurement, computing, communications, as well as project management, report writing and technical presentation. The learning outcomes and course details are described herein. Furthermore, feedback from 152 Chinese students y is discussed and. Statistical analysis from surveys completed by 152 students are discussed and compared with a similar learning activity that was implemented in the UK. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the survey’s results clearly show that this team based active learning activity was ideally suited to the culture and background of Chinese students.
Using Mindomo to Engage Students in Higher-Order Thinking
Authors: Sabourin Brandon M.
Published: July 2020

Mindomo (www.mindomo.com) is a web-based tool designed to aid in the creation of digital concept maps. This article provides an overview of concept mapping and Mindomo followed by reflections on implementing Mindomo in a digital technology course for pre-service teachers. A SWOT analysis of Mindomo is presented in concept map format, with the goals being to provide information helpful to anyone considering using Mindomo and to encourage instructors to consider how concept mapping might facilitate higher-order thinking in their classes.
Low- and High-Resolution X-Ray Tomography Helping on Petrophysics and Flow-Behavior Modeling
Authors: Chaves Josue Mauricio , Moreno Rosangela Barros
Published: July 2020

Reservoir studies involve spatial scales ranging from pore models to field-simulation grids. X-ray tomography is a nondestructive technique of inspection and characterization of samples that works from microns in the pore scale to centimeters in drill cores, which makes it a useful tool for modeling porous systems in reservoir-rock samples. The generated models serve to simulate physical phenomena helpful to determine both static and dynamic properties. Various techniques of preprocessing, porous-medium modeling, and simulation are applicable depending on the degree of heterogeneity of the sample. This work presents a workflow to make the porosity and permeability models from images acquired with axial computed tomography (CT) at different resolution scales. The workflow was used in sandstone and carbonate samples from Brazilian outcrops. The density and porosity of the sample were determined at the millimeter scale using a medical scanner and the distributions of pore size, grain size, and absolute permeability were determined using a synchrotron beamline, which provided high-resolution data at the micrometer scale. Integrating the data obtained from both scales, the combined description of the drill-core porosity served as a base to build a permeability model for the sample with the dimensions of that one scanned by the medical CT.

The approach to generate the model depends on the type of heterogeneities associated with the sample. The homogeneous sandstone sample was modeled as a matrix with undefined porosity at the resolution of the medical tomography. The carbonate sample showed defined porosity at different scales: Moldic and vugular porosity were defined on the medical scale, while interparticle porosity was set on the synchrotron scale. Permeability was simulated in the micrometric model using an approach that integrates Stokes law and Darcy’s law in a percolating porous medium. Subsequently, the permeability was transferred to the millimetric model, creating the 3D distribution of porosity and permeability. Finally, the upscaled value for the samples was determined. This study contributes to the approaches regarding techniques of rock upscaling and digital rock physics and presents a workflow and some discussions of the multiscale approach.
Two user-friendly models and a simple cutoff value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy in middle-elderly aged patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tian Yiming , Li Tao , Gu Hongyuan , Wang Rui , Ma Chunming , Wang Rui
Published: July 2020

Background: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to predict worse outcomes of diabetic nephropathy (DN). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of NLR and DN in middle-elderly aged patients with type 2 diabetes, and attempted to confirm an optimized cutoff value of NLR for DN prediction.Methods: A total of 146 patients with type 2 diabetes were retrospectively included in this study. DN was defined as urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30mg/g, or effective glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60ml/min·1.73m2. To evaluate the predictive role of NLR, logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were applied. Canonical discriminant functions were used to construct the discriminant equations.Results: NLR, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and lipo-protein a [Lp(a)] independently predicted DN diagnosis after adjusted by multi-variables. NLR value of 2.04 had a sensitivity of 48.9% and a specificity of 80.8% in predicting DN, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.666. When the threshold of NLR was elevated to 2.50, the specificity and sensitivity were 90.9% and 29.8%, respectively. User-friendly model 1 and model 2 were constructed using the independent risk factors mentioned above, with the AUC of 0.819 and 0.817, respectively.Conclusions: Two models of user-friendly equations were constructed for early prediction of DN, which could be easily calculated and stored in office computer. NLR threshold of 2.50 is recommended in clinical use to identify the patients at high risk of DN, for its high specificity and remarkable convenience.
The efficacy of exposure and response prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Tourette Syndrome: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Junjuan , Wen Fang , Yu Liping , Wang Fang , Liu Jingran , Wang Mengyu , Cui Yonghua , Li Ying
Published: July 2020

Background

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that can effectively relieve obsessive-compulsive symptoms and tic symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS). However, the effect size of ERP is still unclear.
Methods

In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to identify the efficacy of ERP for individuals with OCD and TS. The standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to assess the effect size of the efficacy for ERP. We used subgroup and meta-regression analysis to explore the heterogeneity of the pooled SMD of ERP for OCD.
Results

A total of 17 studies including a total of 926 patients with OCD and 66 patients with TS were identified. We observed a small-to-medium effect size of ERP for both OCD (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.06) and TS (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.75 to 0.22).
Conclusions

In conclusion, we found that ERP is effective for patients with OCD and TS. We suggest a combination with other therapies and the development of online ERP services that might prove a promising new direction for healthcare providers.
Reflecting on the Challenges encountered by nurses at the great Earthquake in the West of Iran: A qualitative study
Authors: Abdi Alireza , -Raygani Aliakbar Vaisi , Najafi Bahareh , saidi Hamid , moradi khalil
Published: July 2020

Background: in Iran, it has experienced an enormous number of earthquake disasters during the past three decades. Nurses are the largest group of health systems that play a crucial role in handling disasters. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the nursing challenges to provide care to the injured patients of the earthquake of Kermanshah-Iran. Methods: This study was conducted as a qualitative content analysis. Data collection was carried out through 16 semi‑structured and in‑depth interviews with the nurses involved in the care of the earthquake victims. Data were managed using MAXQDA software and analyzed by Graneheim and Lundman’s approach.Results: in this study, fourteen subcategories, and five categories have emerged from 453 codes. The categories were: (a) organizational and managerial challenges; (b) human resources; (c) infrastructure; (d) educational system; and (e) ethical challenges.Conclusion: The results showed that nurses confronted with several challenges in the care of earthquake victims. It appears better educational management and planning of nurses, infrastructure reform, and establishment of a crisis team among national nurses are necessary to overcome the challenges.
Prevalence estimates of COVID-19 by web survey compared to inadequate testing
Authors: Ku David N , Ku Ben , Leong Traci , Liu Zixiang
Published: July 2020

Background

Current prevalence of COVID-19 drives many policy decisions, but is hampered by ambiguities in testing and reporting. We propose an alternative method for estimating community prevalence that is inexpensive and timely. We test the Hypothesis that the survey sampling provides a quantitative prevalence that is similar to widespread genomic or serological testing.
Methods

We have built a simple, web-based survey of signs and symptoms for COVID-19 based on six questions. No personally identifiable information is collected to maintain privacy. Sampling can be directed to a population of interest such as a company, or broadcast widely to get geographic sampling. Data reporting can be real-time and plotted onto zipcode maps. Rates of prevalence were calculated from presumed COVID cases and respondents, with confidence intervals based on the Blaker method.
Results

The website was created quickly, and survey results were quantitatively useful after only a few days. Analyzing 3161 cases from CountCOVID.org, we found a community prevalence of 7% in Georgia that was much greater than the reported confirmed cases. Our prevalence estimate of 21% in New York City was similar to the reported 19.6% by surveillance antibody serotesting. Our estimates are validated by five other community surveillance studies using genomic or antibody testing.
Conclusions

Prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 symptoms in the community can be estimated by a crowd-sourced website at considerably less expense than widespread testing.
Concurrence of talaromycosis and Kaposi sarcoma in a HIV-infected Patient: A case report
Authors: Su Feifei , Miao Xingguo , Ye Hui , Yang Shoufeng
Published: July 2020

Background: Concurrence of talaromycosis, an opportunistic infection caused by the fungal pathogen Talaromyces marneffei and Kaposi sarcoma, a common vascular tumor in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has only been rarely reported. Despite poor outcome, clinical characteristics and management strategies for HIV-infected patients with comorbid Kaposi sarcoma and talaromycosis has not been very well described.Case presentation: A 33-year-old, HIV-positive male patient presented to the Department of Infectious Diseases at Wenzhou Central Hospital with cough, sputum expectoration, hemoptysis, rashes on the feet and violaceous plaques in the oral cavity. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral nodular, patchy shadows and lymphadenectasis. Skin biopsy and histopathological examination indicated Kaposi sarcoma. T. marneffei was isolated from blood cultures and suggested talaromycosis. The patient’s conditions significantly improved following initiation of antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy for Kaposi sarcoma in combination with antifungal treatment for talaromycosis.Conclusions: Severe medical conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma and talaromycosis may coexist in HIV-infected patients and pose a high mortality risk. Etiological diagnosis and treatment are the key to successful management of HIV-infected patients who has severe comorbid conditions.
Magnetic-field annihilation and island formation in electron-scale current sheet in Earth's magnetotail
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroshi , Denton Richard , Genestreti Kevin , Nakamura Takuma , Phan Tai , Nakamura Rumi , Hwang Kyoung-Joo , Ahmadi Narges , Shi Quanqi , Hesse Michael , Burch James , Webster James , Torbert Roy , Giles Barbara , Gershman Daniel , Russell Christopher , Strangeway Robert , Lindqvist P.-A. , Khotyaintsev Yuri , Ergun Robert , Saito Yoshifumi
Published: July 2020

Establishing the mechanism of magnetic-to-particle energy conversion through magnetic reconnection in current sheets1 is the key to understanding the impact of fast release of magnetic energy in many space and astrophysical plasma systems, such as during magnetospheric substorms2,3. It is generally believed that an electron-scale diffusion region (EDR), where a magnetic-to-electron energy conversion occurs, has an X-type magnetic-field geometry4 around which the energy of anti-parallel magnetic fields injected is mostly converted to the bulk-flow energy of electrons by magnetic tension of reconnected field-lines5,6. However, it is at present unknown exactly how this energy conversion occurs in EDRs, because there has been no observational method to fully address this problem. Here we present state-of-the-art analysis of multi-spacecraft observations in Earth’s magnetotail of an electron-scale current sheet, which demonstrates that contrary to the standard model of reconnection with an X-type EDR geometry, the fast energy conversion in the detected EDR was caused mostly by magnetic-field annihilation, rather than reconnection. Furthermore, we detected a magnetic island forming in the EDR itself, implying that the EDR had an elongated shape ideal for island generation7 and magnetic-field annihilation. The experimental discovery of the annihilation-dominated EDR reveals a new form of energy conversion in the reconnection process that can occur when the EDR has evolved from the X-type to planar geometry.
Capturing structural changes of photosystem II using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography with proper flash excitations
Authors: Li Honjie , Nakajima Yoshiki , Nomura Takashi , Sugahara Michihiro , Yonekura Shinichiro , Chan Siu Kit , Nakane Takanori , Yamane Takahiro , Umena Yasufumi , Suzuki Mamoru , Masuda Tetsuya , Motomura Taiki , Naitow Hisashi , Matsuura Yoshinori , Kimura Tetsunari , Tono Kensuke , Owada Shigeki , Joti Yasumasa , Tanaka Rie , Nango Eriko , Akita Fusamichi , Kubo Minoru , Iwata So , Shen Jian-Ren , Suga Michihiro
Published: July 2020

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyzes light-induced water oxidation through an Si-state cycle, leading to the generation of di-oxygen, protons, and electrons. Pump-probe time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) has been used to capture intermediate states of light-driven enzymatic reactions. In this approach, it is crucial to avoid contamination of light into the samples when analyzing a particular reaction intermediate. Here, we describe a method for determining a proper light condition that avoids light contamination to the PSII microcrystals while minimizing the sample consumption in TR-SFX. With the proper illumination conditions determined, we analyzed the S2-state structure of PSII at room temperature, revealing the structural changes during the S1-to-S2 transition at an ambient temperature. By comparing with the previous studies performed at a low temperature or with a different delay time, we reveal the possible channels for water inlet and proton egress, as well as structural changes important for the water-splitting reaction.
A Comparison of Macintosh and Video Laryngoscopy Performed With a Prototype Rigid Anterior Commissure Laryngoscope by Experienced and Novice Users in a Manikin Model
Authors: Sonkarley Price , Vasan Nilesh R. , Kosik Edward , Anderson Michael , Williams Marvin , Patsias Alexis , Clampitt Michael , Hardy Rachel
Published: July 2020

Background. Intubation is a life-saving skill that can be difficult to learn and perform.Objective. The intubation time and user preference of four intubation techniques, performed by novices or experienced individuals, were compared.Methods. Enrolled participants were randomly assigned to one of four simulated intubation groups. Each group first performed intubation on the manikin airway without modifications (‘easy’ airway), followed by the same technique on a manikin with modifications to mimic a ‘difficult’ airway. The primary outcome measure was the time taken to inflate the manikin’s lungs with the bag ventilator, with successful intubation.Results. Ninety-eight participants were recruited and grouped according to experience: 59 novices (10 or fewer live intubations) and 39 experts (more than 10 live intubations). The total time to intubation increased significantly from the easy airway to the difficult airway for both expertise levels, and for all intubation techniques except the novel laryngoscope.Conclusion. Repeated exposure to multiple intubation devices can result in an adequate learning curve for the novice participant. The novel laryngoscope is an uncomplicated intubation tool; in this study, it provided novice users who intubate infrequently with a better chance of successful intubation in manikins.
“Preterm birth risk, me?” Women risk perception about premature delivery – a qualitative analysis
Authors: Silva Thaís Valéria , Bento Silvana Ferreira , Katz Leila , Pacagnella Rodolfo
Published: July 2020

Background: Risk perception is based on collective indicators, but it is influenced by the individual’s self-perception of his health-disease process. This study aims to investigate the risk perception of pregnant who were identified as high-risk for premature birth and to seek strategies for better management of such cases. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study where women who had completed their participation in P5 trial were contacted and invited to answer a structured questionnaire with open questions. Data were collected by telephone and analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis categories were defined, and all the answers were reviewed, categorized, grouped, and a descriptive summary was prepared. Results: 208 Brazilian women have participated.Three categories were identified: 1) Risk perception mediated by health professionals; 2) Self-perception of risk through personal experiences and relationships; 3) Perception of treatment success. After receiving an explanation from a healthcare professional about short cervix and premature birth, women understood the risk of premature delivery, recognizing the importance of early diagnosis to prevent premature birth. Unsuccessful previous experiences in prior pregnancies influenced women's risk perception. Patients believed in the success of the treatment performed, placing their hopes on the treatment even without research guarantees about benefits. Conclusion: Pregnant women’s risk perception regarding prematurity is based partly on personal and family experiences but mainly on information given by healthcare professionals. The risk perception about preterm birth may contribute to healthy pregnancy, guiding necessary interventions and preventing adverse outcomes. Prevention studies on prematurity should thus focus on neonatal outcomes.
Feasibility Study of Transfacet Sacroiliac Screw Fixation Based on Mimics
Authors: Din Yan-ping , Yin Qu-dong , Liu Shuai , Li Dong , Wu Yong-wei , Jiang Yan
Published: July 2020

Background: Sacroiliac screw (SIS) has become an effective internal fixation method for sacral fracture and sacroiliac joint dislocation. However, classic placement of SIS has some defects such as possibility of nerve injury with a learning curve and contraindications. An alternative to the classic placement of SIS is expected.Objective: To explore the feasibility of transfacet sacroiliac screw (TFSIS), so as to provide an alternative to the classic placement of SIS.Methods：CT scan data of pelvis in 60 healthy adults including 30 males and 30 females with an average age of 45 years (range 20-70 years), were transferred into a PC. The anatomical parameters of screw channel of TFSIS were measured by simulating the placement of TFSIS by Mimics 16.0 software on the PC. Secondly, according to the anatomical parameters of each pelvis, 5.0 mm and 6.0 mm screws were used respectively to simulate the placement of TFSIS in 30 pelvises to observe the effect of placement.Results： The length of screw channel was (10.84 ± 0.93) cm, the distance between the insertion point and the center of the superior facet of S1 was (1.14 ± 0.93) mm, the distance between the exit point and the upper -posterior border of acetabulum was (5.73 ± 2.57) mm, the anteversion angle between the central axis of the screw channel and the line parallel to the upper endplate of S1 was (53.96±3.94) °, the outward angle between the central axial of the screw channel and the longitudinal axis of the trunk was (47.4 7± 5.13)°, the safety angle in sagittal plane was (13.91 ± 2.92) °, the safety angle in coronal plane was (8.57 ± 1.63) °, the height was (11.91 ± 1.47) mm, and the width was (7.75 ± 0.89) mm. Within the channel for 5.0mm and 6.0mm screws accounted for 100%. Conclusions： Placement of TFSIS with a diameter of 5.0-6.0 mm and a length of 90 mm is safe and feasible, which may be used as an alternative to the classic placement of SIS.
Classification of triple-negative breast cancer based on immune cell infiltration
Authors: Shi Wenji , Wang Dan , Roche Luz Angela Torres-de la , Zhuo Rui , Wilde Rudy Leon De
Published: July 2020

Background

Although the classification system of triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) has become more and more perfect, there is no report on the immune subtype of triple-negative breast cancer based on immune cell infiltration.
Results

According to immune infiltrating cells, data from 360 patients were divided into cluster A (subtype 1 and subtype 3) and cluster B (subtype 2; with poorly immune phenotype). Expression of memory B cells, naïve B cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, CD4 memory activated T cells, and CD4 naïve T cells were significantly higher in cluster A (P < 0.05). In contrast, the expression of M2 macrophages and resting mast cells were higher in cluster B (P < 0.05). GSVA results show that B cell receptor pathway and JAK-STAT pathway are activated and more frequently altered in cluster A (P < 0.05). mTOR pathway alterations usually appear in cluster B (P < 0.05). Compared with cluster A, the risk of recurrence in cluster B patients is significantly increased (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

This analysis of tumor microenvironment revealed the multifaceted nature of TNBC and its impact on patient prognosis, being recurrence more often in those with poorly immune phenotype. These results provide a reference for further exploration of the heterogeneity of TNBC.
Systems-wide effects of short-term feed deprivation in obese mice
Authors: Andersen Daniel , Roager Henrik Munch , Zhang Li , Moll Janne Marie , Frandsen Henrik Lauritz , Danneskiold-Samsøe Niels Banhos , Hansen Axel Kornerup , Kristiansen Karsten , Licht Tine Rask , Brix Susanne
Published: July 2020

Background

While prolonged fasting induces significant metabolic changes in humans and mice, less is known about systems-wide metabolic changes in response to short-term feed deprivation, which traditionally has been used in experimental animal studies prior to metabolic challenge tests.
Methods

We here performed a systems biology-based investigation of connections between gut bacterial composition and function, inflammatory and metabolic parameters in the intestine, liver, visceral adipose tissue, blood and urine in obese mice that were feed deprived for varying durations up to 12 hours.
Results

Our analysis revealed that increased duration of feed deprivation linked to enhanced intestinal butyric acid production and expression of the gene encoding the pro-thermogenic uncoupling protein UCP1 in visceral adipose tissue of obese mice. Ucp1 expression was also positively associated with Il33 expression in ileum, colon and adipose tissue as well as with the abundance of colonic Porphyromonadaceae, the latter also correlating to cecal butyric acid levels.
Conclusions

The data highlighted presence of a three-tiered system of inter-tissue communication involving intestinal, immune and metabolic functions which is affected by the duration of feed deprivation in obese mice.
The Comparation of Anthropometric and Metabolic Indices in the Regulation and Prediction of Fatty Liver: a population-based cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Xie Fangfei , Pei Yuyu , Wang Yun , Li Jiongyan , Xu Xuehua , Zhou Hong , Sun Kangyun
Published: July 2020

Background: The association between anthropometric and metabolic indices and fatty liver (FL) remain not fully elucidated. We aimed to determine the role of these anthropometric and metabolic indices on FL prediction and regulation via cross-sectional study, thus providing clues for further research in FL field. Methods: A total of 658 participants aged over 18 years were included in this study. Anthropometric and metabolic indices (including WC, WHR, BMI, BFM, VFA, TG/HDL, AST/ALT, SBP, DBP and FBG) were measured. Difference analyses, logistic and predictive analyses were used to evaluate the association and discrimination ability between these indices and FL. Results: Compared with non-FL, anthropometric and metabolic indices in FL and mild FL people showed a significant increase after adjustment. In the multivariate ranked logistic regression analysis, WC, TG/HDL, AST/ALT and FBG have a strong association with FL (β = 0.03, 0.19, 0.41, -1.89 and 0.28, P<0.05). And AST/ALT showed the lowest predicted power with an AUC of 0.22 among all indices. WC showed to be the best predictors with an AUC of 0.86 in participants.Conclusions: This is a comprehensive profile for FL related indices. These can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms for hepatic on inflammation and fat and is also important for the prevention and treatment of FL.
The Impact of Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors on Health Seeking Behavior of Urban Households, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Shafiqul , Begum Parvin
Published: July 2020

Aim: As households’ health-seeking behavior depends enormously on socio-economic and demographic factors particularly in developing county like Bangladesh, it contributes differently to health-care seeking behavior varying household to household. This study intends to explore the nature of the health seeking behavior of urban residents in Sylhet city through assessing the socio-economic and socio-demographic factors. Subject and Methods: A 150 household survey has been completed in Sylhet city, using a multistage cluster sampling method. A household survey questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and their impacts on health-seeking behavior. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis investigate the extent of association between different socio-economic and demographic factors and health-seeking behavior. Results: We found that among the 150 participants, the majority (88%) of household heads are male because gender is significantly associated with priority in choosing health care in the study. The result of binary logistic regression indicates the households who have a minimum level of education (primary or above) are 10.617 more likely to use public health care facilities. Income is statistically associated with the main source of health service. The interference of income in seeking treatment has a relationship with the employment sectors (public or private). Moreover, the reasons for choosing a specific source of health care have a significant relationship with the main source of health care (public or private). Conclusion: This study recommends that government should introduce health insurance policy for city dwellers for reducing the inequalities in health services among city dwellers.
More than 70 Percent of Insured Patients are Paying Informally During Outpatient Visits? Country Wide Evidence from Iran
Authors: Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Sajadi Farkhondeh Alsadat , Yaghoubi Maryam , Majdzadeh Reza
Published: July 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 in predicting sepsis-associated liver dysfunction: an observational study
Authors: Niesobska Ewa Woznica , Lesnik Patrycja , Woznica Ryszard , Janc Jaroslaw , Zalewska Malgorzata , Lysenko Lidia
Published: July 2020

Background

Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction (SALD) is associated with poor prognosis and an increased mortality in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Bilirubin is one of the components of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) used in Sepsis−3 criteria. Hyperbilirubinemia is a late and non specific symptom of liver dysfunction. The aim of the study was to identify plasma biomarkers, which could be used for an early diagnosis of SALD.
Methods

A single-centre, prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU of Wroclaw University Hospital. Plasma biomarkers - prothrombin time, INR, antithrombin III, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase, albumin, endothelin-1, hepcidin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), thrombin-antithrombin complex and interferon-gamma inducible protein 10 kDa were analysed. Plasma samples were obtained from eligible septic patients within 24 hours after having developed sepsis/septic shock. Enrolled patients were followed for 14 days for developing SALD and 28 days for overall survival.
Results

Seventy-nine patients were enrolled into the study, and 24 (30,4%) of them developed SALD. PAI-1 with cut-off value of 9 ng/ml was shown to be a good predictor of SALD (AUC = 0,727, sensitivity 79,2%; specificity 41,8%; accuracy 53,2%) and of 28-day survival in patients with sepsis/septic shock (log rank test, p = 0,00091). In combination with AST it was also useful in predicting 28-day survival (log rank test, p = 0,00242).
Conclusions

Sepsis-associated hyperbilirubinemia is frequent, but bilirubin is a late and non specific marker of SALD. Measuring PAI-1 serum levels at the onset of sepsis/ septic shock may be useful in predicting the development of SALD. A combination of PAI-1 and AST predicts better the 28-day survival, than PAI-1 alone, but due to low cut-off values of AST it might not be clinically significant.
Differential Leukocyte miRNA Responses Following Pan T Cell, Allorecognition and Allosecretome-Based Therapeutics Activation
Authors: Yang Xining , Toyofuku Wendy M , Scott Mark D.
Published: July 2020

Background Effective immunomodulation of T cell responses is critical in treating both autoimmune diseases and cancer. Our previous studies have demonstrated that secretomes derived from control or methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) mixed lymphocyte alloactivation assays exerted potent immunomodulatory activity that was mediated by microRNAs (miRNA). In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of biomanufactured miRNA-based allo-secretome therapeutics (SYN, TA1, IA1 and IA2) were compared to Pan T cell activators (PHA and anti-CD3/CD28) and alloactivation (MHC-disparate donors; ± mPEG grafting). The differential effects of these activation strategies on resting PBMC were assessed via T cell differentiation and proliferation as well as the differential expression of multiple miRNA.Results Mitogen-induced PBMC proliferation (average of > 85%) significantly exceed that arising from either allostimulation (~ 30%) or the proinflammatory IA1 secretome product (~ 12%). Consequent to stimulation, the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells of the resting PBMC (CD4:CD8; 1.7 ± 0.1) decreased in the Pan-T cell, allrecognition and IA1 activated cells (average of 1.1 ± 0.2; 1.2 ± 0.1 and 1.0 ± 0.1). These changes arose consequent to the expansion of both CD4+CD8+ and CD4-CD8- populations and the shrinkage of the CD4 subset relative to the expansion of the CD8 T cells. Most importantly, this study demonstrated that these activation strategies exert profoundly unique effects on the differential expression of miRNA within the treated PBMC and that these 'differential patterns of miRNA expression' are associated with significant differences in cellular differentiation and biological function.Conclusions These findings support the concept that the 'differential pattern of miRNA expression', not a change in a single miRNA, governs the biologic immune response in a 'lock and key' manner. The biomanufacturing of miRNA-enriched secretome biotherapeutics may be a successful approach for producing miRNA cocktails (e.g., TA1 and IA1) that replicate the normal biological 'lock and key' miRNA configuration necessary for the systemic treatment of autoimmune diseases (TA1) or enhancing the endogenous immune response to cancer (IA1).
Delay in Hospital Discharge of Trauma Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Elabbassy Islam , Hussein Wafaa M. , El-Setouhy Maged , Hirshon Jon Mark , El-Shinawi Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Background: "Delayed discharge" is defined as patients who remain hospitalized beyond the time of being fit for discharge. There is no standardized amount of time defining delayed discharge documented in the literature, and there is a lack of evidence about this topic in Egypt. This study aims to identify the factors associated with discharge delays.Methods: A prospective observational study included all trauma patients admitted to a University Hospital in Egypt over two months. The time of the decision of discharge and actual discharge time were recorded by reviewing patients' medical records. The patients and their caregivers were asked to fill in a questionnaire about the reasons for delayed discharge. Potential reasons for the delayed discharge were classified into system-related, medical and family-related factors. Results: The study included 498 patients with a median age of 41 years (9 – 72). The median time until the actual discharge was three hours. System-related factors were documented in 48.8% of cases, followed by medical factors (36.3%), and family-related factors (28.1%). When controlling for age, gender and injury severity score using a logistic regression analysis, longer time to discharge (≥ 3 hours) showed a stronger association with medical factors [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 5.44 (2.73-10.85)] and family-related factors [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 7.94 (3.40-18.54)] compared to system-related factors [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 2.20 (1.12-4.29)].Conclusion: Although system-related factors were more prevalent, medical and family-related factors appear to be associated with longer discharge delays compared to system-related factors.
The Cost of Breast Cancer: A Comparison Between Private and Public Hospitals
Authors: Afkar Abolhasan , Jalilian Habib , Pourreza Abolghasem , Mir Habibeh , Sigaroudi Abdolhosein Emami , Heydari Somayeh
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. Breast cancer imposes a considerable economic burden on the health system. This study aimed to compare the cost of breast cancer among patients who referred to private and public hospitals in Iran (2017). Methods: This was a prevalence-based cost of illness study. A total of 179 patients were selected from private and public hospitals using the census method. The researcher-constructed checklist was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: The estimated total mean ±SD direct cost of patients who referred to the private hospital and the public hospital was $10051.78±19484.61 and $3956.33±6783.02, respectively. Further, the total mean indirect cost of patients who referred to the private hospital was lower than those referring to the public hospital at $1870.89 (%15.69 of total costs) and $22348.5 (%84.95 of total costs), respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: Breast cancer imposes a substantial cost on patients, health insurance organizations and the whole society in Iran. Therefore, the adoption of effective measures for the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer is urgently needed.