bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting the Littlest of Hearts
Authors: Discenza Deborah
Published: October 2019

Families working through a congenital heart defect (CHD) need not walk this path alone. Mended Little Hearts is an organization that can help families with support and resources that will lighten the incredible burden in which families find themselves.
PERENCANAAN STRATEGI PUBLIC RELATIONS GARUDA INDONESIA DALAM MEMBANGUN KEPERCAYAAN KONSUMEN
Authors: Darmawan Budi , Cahyani Nindira , Arisanty Melisa
Published: October 2019

The current development of the company is growing rapidly, a few years ago happened at this time-only recently opened routes that had not been there before. In addition, there are also many old friends who finally close because of several factors. Garuda Indonesia is one airline that has not been around long enough. Then, Garuda Indonesia still has to maintain the loyalty of its customers so that they do not move around in the presence of Public Relations. In maintaining that loyalty, Public Relations plans to maintain the loyalty of its customers. Actually, Garuda Indonesia is a company that has a pretty good corporate image, such as with Garuda Indonesia in getting awards such as the Best Cabin Cabin, 5 Star Airlines, Incorporated in the SkyTrax and SkyTeam Alliance. Then Garuda Indonesia is a full service that provides full service, people who use Garuda Indonesia airlines will be issued well. The things done in this study want to see the public relations strategy planning of Garuda Indonesia's in building consumer trust.
PELAKSANAAN PERATURAN PEMERINTAH NOMOR 18 TAHUN 2016 DI RSUD KARAWANG
Authors: Nursanti Siti , Tayo Yanti , Utamidewi Wahyu
Published: October 2019

Government regulations related to regional apparatus number 18 of 2016 changed the status of regional public hospitals from regional technical institutions to limited regional service units under the Karawang District Health Office. Decentralization of the health sector entered a new era, Government Regulation number 18 of 2016 made the Health Service the only government agency that deals with the health sector from starting to Promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative efforts. The purpose of this study was to determine the communication activities of the Karawang District Health Office in the application of Government Regulation number 18 of 2016. This study used a qualitative research method with a case study approach. Karawang Regency, and Chairperson of the Karawang Regency Hospital Supervisory Board. The results of this study are internal communication from the top down or the bottom up is easier to do both directly, and indirectly, direct communication is done by superiors by telephone and then followed up using official letters.
LITERASI MEDIA DIGITAL BERBASIS INDIVIDUAL COMPETENCE FRAMEWORK PADA ANGGOTA MAJELIS TAKLIM KOTA PALEMBANG PENGGUNA WHATSAPP
Authors: Meilinda Nurly , Murti Krisna , Maulina Novaria
Published: October 2019

This study aims to determine the level of digital media literacy based on the individual competence framework in member of Majelis Taklim of Palembang City. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method based on the framework of the individual competence framework of the Europian Commission. This study involved 80 research respondents from members of the Taklim Assembly in Palembang City. the individual competence of Taklim members in using the WhatsApp application are in the advanced category, with details as follows: use skills are in the advanced category, critical understanding is in the advanced category, communicative abilities are in the advanced category. The advance category means that members of the Taklim assembly in the city of Palembang have been very active in using media, they are also aware and interested in various regulations that affect the use of digital media, especially WhatsApp. Respondents have deep knowledge of techniques and languages and can communicate and create messages. In the social field, respondents have been able to activate group collaboration that allows him to solve problems. The factors that encourage respondents to use WhatsApp are environmental factors and individual factors. Environmental factors are encouragement from family members and people around the respondents, while individual factors are a sense of motivation to be able to socialize and add information to themselves.
KOMUNIKASI LINGKUNGAN MASYARAKAT SUNGAI TABUK DALAM MENJAGA KEBERSIHAN SUNGAI
Authors: Chandrabuwono Achmad Bayu , Atika Atika
Published: October 2019

Environmental problems especially in the martapura riverbank not only solved with a effort to save the disaster only. Society awareness evenly requires seriousness by means of certain communication patterns. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive type. The study was conducted in Sungai Tabuk, Banjar. Based on the results of environmental communication research at the Martapura river community in Sungai Tabuk Sub-district to create a clean environment, judging by the elements of communication, the environmental communication has fulfilled all of these elements. Communication techniques used all communication techniques, namely informative, coercive, persuasive and human relationships.
MEDIATING ROLE OF AFFECTIVE COMMITMENT AMONG SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING, LEADERSHIP STYLE AND ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR
Authors: Suparjo Suparjo , Sunarsih Endang Sri
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of Affective Commitment (AC) as a mediating variable in encouraging organizational citizenship behavior in Private Universities in Central Java, Indonesia. The study explains whether Affective Commitment (AC) is able to mediate the relationship between Leadership Style (LS) and Subjective Well-being (SWB)  with Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). The sample in this study is permanent staff and lecturers who work in Private Universities in Central Java. Data from 124 respondents were collected by utilizing the questionnaire.The sample sample used in this study is 150 respondents. It was taken by applying proportional random sampling.  Only the 150 questionnaires distributed, 124 were returned, for a response rate of 82%.After processing and modifying the data, only 124 respondents used as the main resources analyzed by using Structural Equation Model (SEM). Statistical analysis reveals that there exists significant relationship between Subjective well-being, Leadership Style, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior; likewise, Affective commitment  mediates the relationship between Subjective well-being, Leadership Style, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior. Limitations and future implementations of this research are also discussed
Changes in Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials by Ipsilateral, Contralateral and Binaural Speech Stimulation in Normal-Hearing Adults
Authors: Lee Jee Yeon , Kang Byung Chul , Park Jun Woo , Park Hong Ju
Published: October 2019

Objectives. Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) have been used to examine auditory cortical development or changes in patients with hearing loss. However, there have been no studies analyzing CAEP responses to the different sound stimulation by different stimulation sides. We characterized changes in normal CAEP responses by stimulation sides in normal-hearing adults.Methods. CAEPs from the right auditory cortex were recorded in 16 adults following unilateral (ipsilateral and contralateral) and bilateral sound stimulation using three speech sounds (/m/, /g/, and /t/). Amplitudes and latencies of the CAEP peaks in three conditions were compared.Results. Contralateral stimulation elicited larger P2-N1 amplitudes (sum of P2 and N1 amplitudes) than ipsilateral stimulation regardless of the stimulation sounds, mostly due to the larger P2 amplitudes obtained, but elicited comparable P2-N1 amplitudes to bilateral stimulation. Although the P2-N1 amplitudes obtained with the three speech sounds were comparable following contralateral stimulation, the /m/ sound elicited the largest P2-N1 amplitude in ipsilateral stimulation condition due to the largest N1 amplitude obtained, whereas /t/ elicited larger a P2-N1 amplitude than /g/ in bilateral stimulation condition due to a larger P2 amplitude.Conclusion. Spectrally different speech sounds and input sides are encoded differently at the cortical level in normal-hearing adults. Standardized speech stimuli, as well as specific input sides of speech, are needed to examine normal development or rehabilitation-related changes of the auditory cortex in the future.
Simultaneous Use of Kocher-Langenbeck and Lateral Window Approaches for Transverse Acetabular Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Authors: Moran Thomas , Hadeed Michael M. , Yildirim Baris , Mathur Kishan , Yarboro Seth R.
Published: October 2019

Case:

An otherwise healthy 39-year-old man presented after a fall from 30 feet with a right transverse, transtectal acetabular fracture. The fracture was not reducible with an isolated anterior or posterior approach. A simultaneous combined approach was used in the lateral decubitus position. The fracture was appropriately reduced and stabilized.

Conclusions:

This combined approach with the patient in the lateral decubitus position was effective without requiring repositioning of the patient during surgery. This technique may be helpful for reduction of challenging transverse acetabular fractures.
Failed Attempt of Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Patient with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Cirstoiu Catalin , Cretu Bogdan , Sandu Cristian , Dorobat Bogdan , Neagu Andrei , Serban Bogdan
Published: October 2019

Case:

A 41-year-old man with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome presented with pain and limited range of motion in his left hip due to secondary hip osteoarthritis. After preoperative assessment, which also included tomography and conventional arteriography, total hip arthroplasty by direct anterior approach was attempted, but rapid blood loss occurred during surgery and the procedure had to be stopped.

Conclusions:

Total hip arthroplasty should be undertaken with great caution in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Preoperative conventional arteriography alone may not reveal the true extent of vascular malformations, which may lead to catastrophic results.
Two Rare Pustulose/spinose Morphotypes of Benthic Foraminifera from Eastern Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Majewski Wojciech. , Stolarski Jarosław , Bart Philip J.
Published: October 2019

Habitats proximal to grounded ice and below ice shelves are rarely studied for microfossils. A recently described, well-resolved deglaciation record from the Whales Deep Basin of the eastern Ross Sea provided an opportunity to study sub-fossil foraminifera in such settings. Among other foraminiferal taxa, two forms with pustulose/spinose ornamentation were especially important as they were restricted to habitats associated with proximity to the calving front or presence of an ice-shelf. Based on gradation from strongly pustulose/spinose to typical morphologies and existing molecular data, these rarely reported forms are considered to be morphotypes of Globocassidulina biora (Crespin, 1960) and Trifarina earlandi (Parr, 1950). They seemed to flourish in polynya areas near grounding-line and in sub-ice-shelf environments with bottom currents. Their unusual morphologies may be a response to limited food resources. These foraminifera deserve special attention because they appear to be restricted to extreme Antarctic environments and hence are potentially very important for paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
Palliative care nurse specialists' reflections on a palliative care educational intervention in long-term care: An inductive content analysis
Authors: Frey Rosemary Ann , Balmer Deborah , Boyd Michal , Robinson Jackie , Gott Merryn
Published: October 2019

Background: Older people in long-term care facilities are at a greater risk of receiving care at the end of life that does not adequately meet their needs, yet staff in long-term care are often unprepared to provide palliative care. The objective of the study was to explore palliative care nurse specialists’ experiences regarding the benefits of and barriers to the implementation of a palliative care educational intervention, Supportive Hospice Aged Residential Exchange (SHARE) in 20 long-term care facilities.
Methods: Reflective logs (465), recorded over the course of the yearlong SHARE intervention by the three palliative care nurse specialists from two local hospices, who were the on-site mentors, were qualitatively analyzed by two researchers utilizing inductive content analysis.
Results: Categories emerging from the logs include the importance of relationships, knowledge exchange, communication, and the challenges of providing palliative care in a long-term care setting.
Conclusion: Evidence from the logs indicated that sustained relationships between the palliative care nurse specialists and staff (registered nurses, healthcare assistants) as well as reciprocal learning were key factors supporting the implementation of this palliative care educational intervention. Challenges remain however in relation to staffing levels, which further emphasizes the importance of palliative care nurse specialist presence as a point of stability.
Sports participation related to injuries and illnesses among ambulatory youth with chronic diseases: results of the Health in Adapted Youth Sports study
Authors: Lankhorst Kristel , de Groot Janke , Takken Tim , Backx Frank
Published: October 2019

Background: Although sports participation leads to important health enhancement for youth with chronic diseases or physical disabilities (CDPD), it may pose an increased risk for injury or illness. This study investigated the incidence, type, severity and risks to (sports-related) injuries and illnesses among ambulatory youth with CDPD.
Methods: Over a 12-month period, every two weeks, the characteristics of injuries and illnesses were registered by an online questionnaire and phone-based interview. Physical activity level was measured with the Activ8 during one week. Complete data was available of 103 youngsters with CDPD (61 boys, 42 girls), with a mean age of 14.4 (SD=2.7) years. The personal characteristics, the injury and illness rates per 1000 hours of PA were investigated per group of organized sports participation per week (0, 1 or ≥2 times p/wk).
Results: Almost half of the youngsters sustained one or more injuries (46% ) or illnesses (42%) during one year. The injury rate per 1000 hours of PA between 0, 1 and ≥2 times per week of sports participation was 0.84, 1.88, 133 respectively and the illness rate were 1.87, 1.88 and 1.18 respectively. Differences between the rates were not statically significant. Most reported health problems had no subsequent restriction (49%) or other minor consequences (21%) in school, physical education or sports participation. Most reported health problems were contusions (41%) at the lower extremity (74%) and flu plus fever (58%).
Conclusions: Participation in sports ≥2 times per week does not pose a significant increased risk in the incidence of injury or illness per 1000 hours of PA in youth with CDPD compared to their peers who participate less frequent (once weekly) and compared to non-sports participants. Athletes who participate in sports at least twice weekly get injured mostly during their sporting activities, while peers who do participate in sports once a week or not at all, get injured during less intense physical activities during physical education lessons, ADL or non-organized sports and play in leisure time. The social impact of injuries or illnesses was limited.
Comparative study of Revogene GBS LB Assay and GeneXpert GBS LB Assay for the detection of Group B Streptococcus in prenatal screening samples.
Authors: Choera Tsokyi , Jung-Hynes Brittney , Chen Derrick J.
Published: October 2019

Background: Group B Streptococcal (GBS) infections in the United States are a leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in newborns. The CDC, therefore recommends GBS screening for all pregnant women at 35–37 weeks of gestation and administration of intrapartum prophylaxis (in those that tested positive) as an effective means of controlling disease transmission. Several FDA approved molecular diagnostic tests are available for rapid and accurate detection of GBS in antepartum women.
Method: In this study, we report a clinical comparison of the Xpert GBS LB assay and a novel FDA-cleared test, Revogene GBS LB assay. A total of 250 vaginal-rectal swabs from women undergoing prenatal screening were submitted to the University of Wisconsin’s clinical microbiology laboratory for GBS testing.
Results: We found 96.8% of samples were concordant between the two tests, while 3.2% were discordant with a positive percent agreement of 98.0% and a negative percent agreement of 96.5% between the Revogene GBS LB assay and the GeneXpert GBS LB assay.
Conclusion: Overall, we report that both assays perform well for the detection of GBS colonization in pregnant women.
The long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with radical cystectomy versus radical cystectomy alone for bladder cancer: a propensity-score matching study
Authors: Wahafu Wasilijiang , Liu Sai , Xu Wenbin , Wang Mengtong , He Qingbao , Song Liming , Wang Mingshuai , Yang Feiya , Hua Lin , Niu Yinong , Xing Nianzeng
Published: October 2019

Background: Bladder cancer is a complex disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. The management of bladder cancer before radical cystectomy continues to be controversial. We compared the long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC)versus no IAC (NIAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent either one-shot IAC or NIAC before RC between October 2006 and November 2015. Propensity-score matching (1:3) was performed based on key characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to estimate survival probabilities, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival outcomes between different groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate survival outcomes.

Results: Twenty-six patients were treated using IAC before RC, and 123 NIAC patients also underwent RC. After matching, there was no significant difference between the groups in baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, complication outcomes or tumour characteristics. Compared with the clinical tumour stages, the pathological tumour stages demonstrated a significant decrease (P=0.002) in the IAC group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS, p=0.354) or cancer-specific survival (CSS, p=0.439) between the groups. Among all patients, BMI significantly affected OS (p=0.004), and positive lymph nodes (PLN) significantly affected both OS(p＜0.001) and CSS (p=0.010).

Conclusions: One-shot neoadjuvant IAC before RC shows safety and tolerability and provides a significant advantage in pathological downstaging but not in OS or CSS. Further study of neoadjuvant combination therapeutic strategies with RC is needed.
Trends in prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence against women in Zimbabwe, 2005-2015
Authors: Mukamana Jeanette Iman'ishimwe , Machakanja Pamela , Adjei Nicholas Kofi
Published: October 2019

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread problem affecting all cultures and socioeconomic groups. This study explored the trends in prevalence and risk factors associated with IPV among Zimbabwean women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from 2005-2015.
Methods: Data from the 2005/2006, 2010/2011 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) on 13,409 women (survey year: 2005/2006; n=4,081), (survey year: 2010/2011; n=4,411) and (survey year: 2015; n=4,917) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regressions and hierarchical modelling techniques were applied to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, media exposure and IPV against women. We further estimated IPV prevalence by type (physical, sexual and emotional) over time.
Results: The prevalence of IPV decreased from 45.2% in 2005 to 40.9% in 2010, and then increased to 43.1% in 2015. Some of the risk factors associated with IPV were younger age, low economic status, cohabitation and rural residence. Educational attainment of women was however not significantly associated with IPV.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that women of reproductive age are at high and increasing risk of physical and emotional violence. There is thus an urgent need for an integrated policy approach to address the rise of IPV related physical and emotional violence against women in Zimbabwe.
Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); Trends; Risk factors; Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS); Zimbabwe
Genetic Regulatory Networks for Salt-Alkali Stress in Gossypium hirsutum With Differing Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Xu Yanchao , Magwanga Richard , Yang Xiu , Jin Dingsha , Cai Xiaoyan , Zhou Zhongli , Hou Yuqing , Wei Yangyang , Wang Kunbo , Liu Fang
Published: October 2019

Background Cotton grows in altering environments that are often unfavorable or stressful for its growth and development. Consequently, the plant must cope with abiotic stresses such as soil salinity, drought, and excessive temperatures. Alkali-salt stress response remains a cumbersome biological process and is regulated via a multifaceted transcriptional regulatory network in cotton Results To discover the molecular mechanisms of alkali-salt stress response in cotton, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was carried out after alkali-salt stress treatment in three accessions of Gossypium hirsutum with contrasting phenotype. Expression level analysis proved that alkali-salt stress response presented significant stage-specific and tissue-specific. GO enrichment analysis typically suggested that signal transduction process involved in salt-alkali stress response at SS3 and SS12 stages in leaf; carbohydrate metabolic process and oxidation-reduction process involved in SS48 stages in leaf; the oxidation-reduction process involved at all three phases in the root. The Co-expression analysis suggested a potential GhSOS3/GhCBL10-SOS2 network was involved in salt-alkali stress response. Furthermore, Salt-alkali sensitivity was increased in GhSOS3 and GhCBL10 Virus-induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) plants. Conclusion The findings may facilitate to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of alkali-salt stress response and provide an available resource to scrutinize the role of candidate genes and signaling pathway governing alkali-salt stress response Keywords: Alkali-Salt Stress; RNA-Seq; Gene Co-Expression; Gossypium Hirsutum Races; WGCNA
Transcriptomic analysis of α-synuclein knockdown after T3 spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Zeng Hong , Yu Bao-fu , Liu Nan , Yang Yan-yan , Xing Hua-yi , Liu Xiao-xie , Zhou Mouwang
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
Endogenous α-synuclein (α-Syn) is involved in many pathophysiological processes in the secondary injury stage after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and the mechanism governing these functions has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. This research aims to characterize the effect of α-Syn knockdown on transcriptional levels after SCI and to determine the mechanisms underlying α-Syn activity based on RNA-seq.
Result
The establishment of a rat model of lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of α-Syn in Sprague-Dawley rats with T3 spinal cord contusion (LV_SCI group). The results of the RNA-seq analysis showed that there were 337 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the SCI group and the LV_SCI group, and 153 DEGs specific to LV_SCI between the (SCI vs LV_SCI) and (SCI vs CON) comparisons . The top 20 biological transition terms were identified by Gene ontology (GO) analysis. The Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis showed that the LV_SCI group significantly upregulated the cholinergic synaptic & nicotine addiction and the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway. Enriched chord analysis analyzes key genes. Further cluster analysis, gene and protein interaction network analysis and RT-qPCR results showed that Chrm2 and Chrnb2 together significantly in both pathways. The proliferation of muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtype 2 (Chrm2) and nicotinic cholinergic receptor subtype β2 (Chrnb2), and the neurogenesis were elevated in the injury site of LV_SCI group by immunofluorescence. Further by subcellular localization, the LV_SCI group enhanced the expression of Chrnb2 at the cell membrane.
Conclusion
Knockdown of α-Syn after SCI enhance motor function and promote neurogenesis probably through enhancing cholinergic signaling pathways and neuroreceptor interactions. This study not only further clarifies the understanding of the mechanism of knockdown of α-Syn on SCI but also helps to guide the treatment strategy for SCI.
Where have all the susceptible gonococci gone? A historical review of changes in MIC distribution over the past 75 years
Authors: Kenyon Chris , Laumen Jolein , Bossche Dorien Van Den , Dijck Christophe Van
Published: October 2019

Background

Does the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae include the erasure of highly susceptible strains or does it merely involve a stretching of the MIC distribution? If it was the former this would be important to know as it would increase the probability that the loss of susceptibility is irreversible.Methods

We conducted a historical analysis based on a literature review of changes of N. gonorrhoeae MIC distribution over the past 75 years for 3 antimicrobials (benzylpenicillin, ceftriaxone and azithromycin) in five countries (Denmark, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States).Results

Changes in MIC distribution were most marked for benzylpenicillin and showed evidence of a right shifting of MIC distribution that was associated with a reduction/elimination of susceptible strains in all countries. In the case of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, where only more recent data was available, right shifting was also found in all countries but the extent of right shifting varied and the evidence for the elimination of susceptible strains was more mixed.Conclusions

The finding of right shifting of MIC distribution combined with reduction/elimination of susceptible strains is concerning since it suggests that this shifting may not be reversible. Since excess antimicrobial consumption is likely to be responsible for this right shifting, this insight provides additional impetus to promote antimicrobial stewardship.
A brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention for Afghan asylum seekers and refugees in Austria: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Knefel Matthias , Kantor Viktoria , Nicholson Andrew A. , Schieß-Jokanovic Jennifer , Weindl Dina , Schäfer Ingo , Lueger-Schuster Brigitte
Published: October 2019

Background: Asylum seekers and refugees are at great risk for developing mental disorders. Afghan refugees are a particularly vulnerable group with a low average education and mental health literacy level. Traumatic experiences and hardship before and during migration are predictive of mental health problems. However, post-migration living difficulties (PMLDs) also account for a large proportion of mental distress in such populations, which critically, are not sufficiently considered in treatment protocols and research investigations. Indeed, the evidence base for the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers is sparse and mainly limited to trauma-specific treatments, where refugees may likely suffer from other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Methods/design: This trial is the first evaluation of a short-term, transdiagnostic treatment protocol to address mental health problems and PMLDs for treatment seeking Afghan refugees using an adapted version of the Problem Management Plus (PM+) protocol. Here, we will investigate the efficacy of an intervention manual with a prospective, single-center, randomized, assessor blind, two-group trial among refugees who are on a waiting list for professional mental health treatment. Further, we will investigate participants’ subjective experiences with the intervention manual via in-depth interviews. One-hundred-twenty people will be assessed and randomly allocated to either the intervention arm or a TAU arm. Clinical psychologists will conduct the treatment and the sessions will take place with a Dari interpreter. The protocol includes six 90-minute sessions. The primary endpoint is the general symptom distress measure, assessed with the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). Secondary endpoints include the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Checklist (PMLDC), the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), the Psychological Outcome Profile (PSYCHLOPS), service and health care use (assessed with several items), and the Immigrant Integration Index (IPL-12).
Discussion: This trial may provide substantial evidence for a brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention. Here, we intend to contribute to the treatment of mental health problems among Afghan refugees. The assessment of subjective experience with this treatment manual, as well as the evaluation of its clinical applicability, may optimize treatment acceptance and outcomes across a wide range of mental health problems among refugees.
Safety and use of pulmonary function tests: a retrospective study from a single center over seven years’ clinical practice
Authors: Li Fei , Huang Zhi-wen , Xu Huiwen , Yu Hua , Chen Yan-bin , Huang Jian-an , Wang Jia-jia , Wang Xiao-fei , Lei Wei
Published: October 2019

Background

To promote the utilization of pulmonary function tests (PFT) through analyzing the data of PFT during the past seven years in one large teaching hospital in China.Methods

Through a retrospective analysis, the allocation of full-time staff in PFT room, the demographic characteristics of patients, cost-effectiveness of PFT, positive rate and failure rate of PFT, adverse events were analyzed.Results

1) From 2012 to 2018, the numbers of PFT showed the trend of escalation year by year. The proportion of patients receiving PFT rose from 29.0/10000 in 2012 to 34.7/10000 in 2018. The best allocation of PFT room was 20-25/ person / day. 2) The number of PFT provided by Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) accounted for 97.2%, 97.1%, 97.3%, 97.8%, 97.8%, 98.0%, and 98.2% of the total cases of outpatient PFT in the same year. The top three departments in the inpatient department were Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, and Department of Urinary Surgery, the total cases of PFT in these three departments accounted for 65.1%, 64.4%, 62.1%, 63.5%, 62.4%, 65.3% and 69.1% of the total cases of inpatient PFT in the same year. 3) Data from 2018 showed that the revenue from PFT was about 3.7 million Chinese Yuan, and that the salary of personnel and expenditure on machine maintenance and wear were about 800,000 Chinese Yuan. 4) 58.2% of the patients who had undergone PFT had ventilatory dysfunction. 5) The average failure rate of PFT in the past seven years was 1.91%. 6) The main adverse events of PFT examination were dizziness, amaurosis, limb numbness, lip numbness and falls. The incidence rates were 0.49%, 0.42%, 0.41%, 0.39%, 0.44%, 0.48%, and 0.45% respectively, with an average of 0.44%.Conclusions

The number of PFT showed an upward trend in the past seven years, and the optimal staffing of PFT room was 20-25 cases per person per day. The positive rate of pulmonary dysfunction was 58.2%. The failure rate of PFT and the incidence of adverse events were very low, suggesting it is a simple and safe clinical examination. It's worthy of further popularization and promotion.
Effects of iron on the growth, biofilm formation and virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae causing liver abscess
Authors: Chen Tao , Dong Guofeng , Zhang Siqin , Zhang Xiucai , Zhao Yajie , Cao Jianming , Zhou Tieli , Wu Qing
Published: October 2019

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered the most clinically relevant species of Enterobacteriaceae, known to cause severe infections including liver abscesses. To the best of our knowledge, a large proportion of iron in the human body is accumulated and stored in the liver. We hypothesize that increased iron availability is an important factor driving liver abscess formation and we therefore aim to understand the effects of iron on K. pneumoniae causing liver abscesses.

Results: All tested K. pneumoniae clinical isolates, including those isolated from liver abscesses and other abdominal invasive infection sites, grew optimally when cultured in LB broth supplemented with 50 μM iron and exhibited the strongest biofilm formation ability under those conditions. Decreased growth and biofilm formation ability were observed in all tested strains when cultured with an iron chelator (P<0.05). The infection model of G. mellonella larvae indicated the virulence of liver abscess-causing K. pneumoniae (2/3) cultured in LB broth with additional iron was significantly higher than those under iron depletion conditions (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of the four siderophore genes (iucB, iroB, irp1, entB) in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from liver abscesses cultured with additional iron were lower than those under iron depletion conditions (P<0.05).

Conclusions: It is suggested by our research that iron in the environment can promote growth, biofilm formation and enhance virulence of K. pneumoniae causing liver abscesses. A lower expression of siderophore genes correlates with increased virulence of liver abscess-causing K. pneumoniae. Further deeper evaluation of these phenomena is warranted.
Effect of a Novel Stretching Technique on Shoulder Range of Motion in Overhead Athletes with Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficits: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gharisia Omar , Lohman Everett , Daher Noha , Eldridge Alan , Shallan Amjad , Jaber Hatem
Published: October 2019

Background The cross-body and the modified sleeper stretch have been used to improve posterior shoulder soft tissue flexibility and to increase glenohumeral joint internal rotation (GHJ IR) in overhead athletes. However, due to the inability to stabilize patient’s scapula and control GHJ rotation with the cross-body stretch and the potential for subacromial impingement or symptoms’ aggravation with the modified sleeper stretch, a new stretching technique was developed as an alternative to these commonly used stretches that may allow for greater stability of the scapula without reproducing symptoms, as well as providing an inhibition component to the posterior shoulder girdle muscles. Thus, the current study aimed to examine and compare a novel stretching technique to the traditional modified sleeper stretch to determine the effect on glenohumeral IR range of motion (ROM), self-reported pain, and subject satisfaction in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficits (GIRD).Methods Forty-two overhead athletes with GIRD [mean age 25.9 ± 2.6 years] participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into either novel stretching group or modified sleeper stretching group. IR ROM was measured with a digital inclinometer, pain was measured with Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and subject satisfaction level was measured by a 6-item questionnaire developed and validated by the study’s authors. Outcomes were measured before, immediately, and at week 4 post intervention.Results There was no significant group by time interaction effect for IR ROM (p=0.27); however, there was a significant change over time (p<0.001). Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in IR from baseline to immediate and week 4, and from immediate to week 4 (p<0.001). There was also a significant reduction in pain intensity over time for the novel group (p=0.016) compared to the traditional group (p=0.080). For the satisfaction level, only the easiness of performance was significantly different and in favor of the traditional group (p=0.020) following the 4 weeks of the stretching protocols.Conclusion Both stretches appear to be effective at improving IR ROM in overhead athletes with GIRD. However, the novel stretching is more effective at reducing shoulder pain and thus might be more appropriate for symptomatic patients.
Manganese Stress in Flue-cured Tobacco: Biochemical Responses
Authors: zou congming , Li Yan , Deng Xiaopeng , Huang Wei , Pu Guorui , Zhang Xiaohai , Ren Ke , Chen Yi , Jin Yan , Chen Yanjie , Li Junying , Lin Zhonglong
Published: October 2019

Background: Manganese (Mn) stress is an important reason for forming tobacco ( Nicotiana tobacum L. ) leaf browning, leading to low yield and quality of tobacco leaves. The mechanism of flue-cured tobacco varieties, Honghuadajinyuan (Hongda) and K326 tobacco leaves browning by Mn were explored. The two tobacco varieties were planted in red soil and sandy soil and Mn concentration of 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg were applied. The research investigate the traits of agronomic, physiological and economic of flue-cured tobacco. Results: As Mn application rate increased, browning scale increased while plant height, root, stem and total weight, content of chlorophyll decreased. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) showed a rising parabolic formation. As Mn application rate increased, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and relative conductivity increased. Peroxidase (POD) activity continually increased with Mn application rate in K326 variety, while in Hongda variety, POD activity first increased and then decreased in sandy soil, while it continuously rose in red soil. Mn concentration and browning scale were significantly and negatively correlated with height, soil and plant analysis development (SPAD), CAT, total weight, average priceand yield, but significantly positively correlated with total plant Mn content, POD and MDA. Plant Mn concentration was significantly and positively correlated with browning scale. This study founded that SOD, CAT, APX, POD enzyme activity and MDA content in tobacco leaves affected by Mn concentration in soils, cause the change of chlorophyll content, agronomic and economic traits of flue-cured tobaccos. Conclusion: The mechanism of Mn stress to the physio-biochemical of tobacco varieties would be useful for controlling browning tobacco leaves by agronomic strategies and regarding as markers for Mn tolerance in breeding.
Screening key genes related to ovarian cancer and exploring their possible molecular mechanisms
Authors: Li Junzui , Zhang Yuehua , Huang Zhixiong , Zhao Bin , Huang Ke , Li Xingyan , Chen Qionghua
Published: October 2019

Background As one of the common malignant tumors in women, ovarian cancer (OC) often exerts the atypically early clinical symptoms. Therefore, it is particularly important for seeking more effectively early diagnosis of OC (biomarkers). Besides, although a lot of sequencing and chip research have been done on the pathogenesis of OC, the pathogenesis, clinical and genetic features of OC is still not very clear.Methods In this study, 4 GEO data (GSE66957, GSE119054, GSE14407 and GSE54388) were selected for differential expression gene analysis (DEGs), and the important template of the 4 DEGS overlapping genes was taken as Hub genes. Then, the GO and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted to confirm the enrichment of these Hub genes, and these Hub genes were identified as key genes. In addition, the transcriptional levels of these Hub genes in OC and their impacts on the overall survival rate of OC were validated via the UCSC and TCGA datasets.. Besides, cBioPortal, TargetScan, UCSC, DiseaseMeth and TIMER software were performed to explore the potential biological functions of these key genes in OC.Results We screened out 10 Hub genes related to OC including VEGFA, ZWINT, CDKN2A, SLC2A1, TOP2A, MKI67, CCND1, KPNA2, FGF2 and SMC4, and further demonstrated that they were most significantly enriched in protein binding, cytoplasm, nucleus, extracellular exosome, membrane, cell division, cell adhesion and pathways in cancer. Meanwhile, CCND1, TOP2A, SMC4 and FGF2 were screened out as key candidate genes associated with OC. Further analysis proved these key candidate genes may regulate the occurrence and development of OC through mediating the gene mutation, miRNAs and genetic epigenetics such as methylation and acetylation.Conclusion These data would improve our understanding of the causes and underlying molecular events of OC, be of clinical significance for the early diagnosis and prevention of OC, and may provide the promising therapeutic targets in OC.
The rs2736100 within the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene and rs16847897 within the telomerase RNA component gene moderate the association between internalizing mental disorders and telomere length attrition among HIV+ children and adolescents in Uganda
Authors: Kalungi Allan , Kinyanda Eugene , Womersley Jacqueline Samantha , Joloba Moses Lutaakome , Ssembajjwe Wilber , Nsubuga Rebecca Namugabwe , Kaleebu Pontiano , Levin Jonathan , Kidd Martin , Seedat Soraya , Hemmings Sian Megan Joanna
Published: October 2019

Background Internalizing mental disorders (IMDs) have been associated with accelerated telomere length (TL) attrition; however, this association has not been investigated in the context of genetic variation. A large genome-wide meta-analysis has implicated several loci that affect mean TL, in particular single nucleotide polymorphisms within the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA component (TERC) genes. Genetic variations in the solute carrier family 6 member 4 gene (SLC6A4) and the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) genes have also been reported to moderate the association between social environment and TL. The SLC6A4 codes for the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), a protein that recycles serotonin from synapses while the TPH2 codes for tryptophan hydroxylase 2, an enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting reaction in serotonin biosynthesis. This case-control study used linear regression models to investigate the moderating effects of selected polymorphisms in TERT, TERC, SLC6A4 and TPH2 genes on the association between IMDs and relative TL (rTL), among Ugandan HIV+ children (7-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years). Investigated polymorphisms were: rs2736100, rs7726159, rs10069690, and rs2853669 (TERT); rs12696304, rs16847897 and rs10936599 (TERC); 5-HTTLPR, rs35531, 5-HTTLPR/rs35531 and STin2.VNTRs (SLC6A4) and rs1843809, rs1386494, and rs34517220 (TPH2). Results At baseline, HIV+ children and adolescents with any internalizing mental disorder had significantly longer relative TL compared to controls matched for site, age, sex and socio-economic status (p = 0.001). None of the polymorphisms investigated had any moderating effect on the observed association between IMDs and baseline rTL. At 12 months, we observed no statistically significant difference in 12-month rTL between baseline cases and controls (p = 0.117), however, on modeling the effects of each of the selected polymorphisms, we observed that the interaction of IMDs and each of rs2736100 and rs16847897 significantly influenced rTL (p = 0.007 and p = 0.012 respectively). Conclusions The rs2736100 and rs16847897 polymorphisms moderate the association between IMDs and rTL among Ugandan HIV+ children and adolescents over time. The T-allele for rs2736100 and a C-allele for rs16847897 are associated with accelerated rTL attrition among cases of IMDs. The mechanisms under which these alleles interact with IMDs to moderate rTL require further investigations.
Association of number of siblings, birth order, and thinness in 3- to 12-year-old children: a population-based cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yu Tingting , Chen Chang , Jin Zhijuan , Yang You , Jiang Yanrui , Hong Li , Yu Xiaodan , Mei Hao , Jiang Fan , Liu Shijian , Huang Hong , Jin Xingming
Published: October 2019

Background: To evaluate the associations among number of siblings, birth order, and childhood thinness as well as the effect of number of younger or older siblings on childhood thinness. Methods: In this study, we performed a population-based cross-sectional study among 84075 3- to 12-year-old children in Shanghai using multistage stratified cluster random sampling. We defined grade 1, 2, and 3 thinness according to the body mass index cutoff points set by the International Obesity Task Force, and used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Compared with only children, sibling children were more likely to be thin: one sibling (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.11, 1.31) and two or more siblings (OR = 1.10 95% CI 1.02, 1.19); Middle children (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04, 1.26) and youngest children (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.23, 1.55) had significantly increased ORs for childhood thinness. There was no statistically significant relationship, however, between a larger number of younger or older siblings and childhood thinness. Conclusions: Having either siblings or a higher birth order was positively associated with childhood thinness. The present study suggests that future interventions to prevent childhood thinness should consider family background as an important factor, especially in multi-child families.
Mortality rate and predictors of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Mersha Amanual Getnet , Abegaz Tadesse Melaku , Seid Mohammed Assen , Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Bhagavath Akshaya Srikanth , Gebresillassie Begashaw Melaku , Ayalew Mohammed Biset
Published: October 2019

Background Global data on stroke mortality remained to be sparse. In light of this, we aimed to conduct a Meta-analysis and systematic review of observational studies to estimate the mortality of stroke and to identify risk factors that predispose patients for stroke-related death.Methods This study was conducted based on the Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Overall mortality, in-hospital and 30- day mortality due to stroke were the primary outcome measures of the study. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata (Version 14, Stata Corp, College Station, Texas). Random-effect models were used for estimating pooled effects.Findings Overall, thirty two studies assessed overall mortality due to stroke. A total number of 2,885, 126 patients were recruited for the study. Pooled estimate indicated that the overall mortality of stroke was reported to be 20% (19%-22%). Whereas, the 30-day and In-hospital mortality were found to be 18% (16%-20%) and 16% (16%-19%), respectively. A subgroup analysis revealed that Africa registered the highest stroke-related death 29% (23%-36%). Hypertension was found to be an important risk factor for mortality secondary to stroke 61.9% (52.8%-71.1%).Conclusion Overall mortality of stroke was estimated to be twenty percent. The burden of stroke mortality was prominent in Africa region. Hypertension remained to be an independent risk factor for stroke mortality. Mortality of stroke can be minimized by establishing stroke centers that promptly deliver emergency management of stroke event.