bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser-Plasma Spectroscopy of Hydroxyl with Applications
Authors: Parigger Christian G. , Helstern Christopher M. , Jordan Benjamin S. , Surmick David M. , Splinter Robert
Published: February 2020

This article discusses laser-induced laboratory-air plasma measurements and analysis of hydroxyl (OH) ultraviolet spectra. New experiments with Q-switched laser pulses illustrate occurrence of molecular recombination spectra for time delays of the order of several dozen of microseconds after plasma initiation. The computation of the emission spectra utilizes line strength data that are communicated as a supplementary file. Applications of detailed OH computations include laser-induced plasma and combustion analyses, to name but two applications.
Building Mass Reconfiguration as an Energy-Sensitive Design Strategy for Green Campus Implementation
Authors: Afif Nabila , Hariyadi Agus , Syafii Nedyomukti Imam , Jati Esti Setyaning
Published: February 2020

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is implementing the concept of green campus by various means including through elements in its sustainable campus development plan. With regards to several factors related to Energy and Climate Change indicators set by UI GreenMetric, this research examined the existing condition of the area of UGM which belongs to academic zone in order to construct a proposal based on a building mass reconfiguration. This proposal was aimed to improve the implementation of energy-specific green campus concept within the Forestry cluster area as a sample case study. This selection was based on the average value of the Building Coverage Ratio (BCR) values in all of the clusters; thus, the scenario was relevant for generalization and could be replicated in other clusters in the university. The study was done in three stages of simulation, and was based on a series of digital simulation of sunlight hour and solar radiation run in Grasshopper using Lady Bug environmental analysis plug-in for a period of five summer months during the building office hours. Following the reconfiguration, results had shown a similar downtrend between the amount of sunlight hour and solar radiation in the area (up to 49% and 45% respectively on building envelopes, and up to 44% and 42% respectively on landscaping surfaces). This reduction indicated a potential of energy efficiency by applying selective building mass reconfiguration as a passive design strategy that goes hand in hand with the campus’s development policy to optimize the use of BCR for a greener UGM campus through its many undergoing and upcoming redevelopment projects.
About Trigonometric-polynomial Bounds of Sinc Function
Authors: Dhaigude Ramkrishna M. , Chesneau Christophe , Bagul Yogesh J.
Published: February 2020

In this article, we establish sharp trigonometric-polynomial bounds for unnormalized sinc function.
Modalidades didáticas no ensino de Biologia: uma contribuição para aprendizagem e motivação dos alunos
Authors: Rosa Isabela Santos Correia , Landim Myrna Friederichs
Published: February 2020

O Ensino de Biologia tem papel fundamental na abordagem de assuntos importantes para a sociedade. Um ensino que se constrói com modalidades didáticas variadas, pode fazer com que o aluno participe ativamente das aulas. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho objetiva analisar o efeito da utilização de modalidades didáticas variadas na aprendizagem e motivação de alunos de uma turma de 1º ano do Ensino Médio. Para tanto, foram desenvolvidas oito aulas de intervenção sobre Divisão celular. Ao final desta etapa, os alunos responderam a um questionário de avaliação. Foi também realizada uma entrevista semi-estruturada com a professora titular da turma, com o objetivo de conhecer as possibilidades de uso dessas práticas no seu trabalho docente. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a utilização de modalidades didáticas variadas nas aulas de Biologia tem efeitos positivos, sobretudo para a motivação dos alunos. Na avaliação das metodologias utilizadas nas aulas, a grande maioria dos alunos (91,4%) afirmou que as atividades contribuíram muito para facilitar o seu entendimento do conteúdo. A professora da turma, por sua vez, afirmou que a utilização de modalidades didáticas variadas, não representa necessariamente uma boa estratégia para a aprendizagem, mas, são úteis para tornar as aulas mais dinâmicas. Em suma, a diversidade das estratégias metodológicas em sala de contribui para atender às particularidades de cada aluno.
O movimento renovador do ensino das ciências: entre renovar a escola secundária e assegurar o prestígio social da ciência
Authors: Cassab Mariana
Published: February 2020

Novos contextos de inteligibilidade para a produção de conhecimento acerca do movimento renovador do ensino das ciências tem sidos forjados no âmbito dos estudos ocupados com essa problemática. Nesse artigo, associando-se às camadas de sentido produzidas por investigações tanto macro como microanalíticas, procura- -se construir uma narrativa histórica que situa a discussão sobre o movimento renovador na interface entre os processos de institucionalização da ciência no Brasil e de modernização da escola secundária.
Esbozos de una teoría de la práctica de educar. Pierre Bourdieu, educación de los cuerpos, violencia y capital simbólico
Authors: Galak Eduardo
Published: February 2020

El título, una clara metáfora del libro “Esquisse d’une thé- orie de la pratique” de Pierre Bourdieu, bosqueja la intención principal de este texto: reflexionar acerca de la educación del cuerpo observando el problema con el prisma que ofrece la epistemología bourdieuana. Para ello se realiza un continuo diálogo entre los principales conceptos del autor con aquello que se entiende son los efectos de la educación en los sentidos prácticos del cuerpo. Esto es, el propósito de este escrito es llevar a cabo un análisis de cómo influye lo social en la educación en el cuerpo –y la educación del cuerpo en lo social–, y de sus efectos –la ética, la política y la estética de lo corporal–, a partir de una lectura crítica del problema con herramientas teóricas de Bourdieu. La idea, en resumen, es pensar al cuerpo como capital simbólico social, que se aprende y aprehende dentro de todo un conjunto de esquemas de clasificación y de estrategias de socialización, y que se manifiestan de manera práctica en la (di)visión del mundo.
O capital musical e a distinção ao acesso do ensino de música nas escolas brasileiras: reflexões a partir das teorias de Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: Velho José Rodrigo Santos
Published: February 2020

Partindo de reflexões com base nas teorias do sociólogo francês Pierre Bourdieu (1930 - 2002), o presente texto discorre sobre o ensino de música no Brasil por uma ótica parcialmente distinta das produções bibliográficas da área de educação musical, tendo como proposta expor algumas reflexões sobre o capital musical, o campo da música e a distinção ao seu acesso no Brasil em especial por meio das escolas brasileiras sendo que parte da produção intelectual de Pierre Bourdieu embasa esse exercício de reflexão que discute o acesso distinto aos bens musicais os quais estão relacionados com a classe social a que determinados indivíduos pertencem. Discorre ainda sobre a herança cultural disposta pelos habitus familiares bem como o circulo social que se pertence ao ponto de identificar uma distinção do acesso a música onde os indivíduos herdeiros de um maior capital social e cultural se diferenciam dos indivíduos pertencentes as classes sociais desfavorecidas por estabelecerem acesso distinto ao capital musical. A promulgação da lei 11.769/2008 a qual torna novamente obrigatório o ensino de música nas escolas brasileiras é refletida no texto como um avanço positivo para o ensino de música no Brasil ao contribuir com o fomento do acesso a música no país por meio das escolas.
“Tiempo libre”: reflexiones sobre una (im)posibilidad
Authors: Caldeiro Martín
Published: February 2020

En este trabajo se presenta una reflexión acerca de la posibilidad de pensar el “tiempo libre” como una forma de capital. A partir del análisis de la configuración que adquieren ciertas prácticas corporales en sociedades en las que las relaciones de producción cultural han tomado la lógica de producción capitalista y las reglas del mercado han colonizado el tiempo total del hombre, es que nos proponemos reflexionar sobre algunas tensiones que presenta el campo del “tiempo libre” respecto de las prácticas que los agentes sociales desenvuelven. Se tomarán como referencia central, conceptos fundamentales de Pierre Bourdieu y Jean Claude Passeron, entre otros, especialmente los conceptos de habitus, campo y distinción.
O aprendizado pelo corpo: conceitos de Pierre Bourdieu para uma leitura do futebol feminino
Authors: Salvini Leila , Wanderley Marchi Júnior Wanderley
Published: February 2020

Considerando o corpo como um dos elementos fundamentais para compreensão da teoria proposta por Pierre Bourdieu, principalmente por exteriorizar as estruturas incorporadas como materialização das disposições aprendidas devido a localização do agente na estrutura social, propomos para esse escrito um exercício de reflexão e aproximação entre o esporte feminino (futebol feminino) com a apresentação de elementos constituidores das noções de campo e habitus, e mais precisamente sob os elementos constituidores do campo esportivo e dos fundamentos ocultos de dominação (masculina) que organizam as práticas nesse cenário. Em termos de considerações finais, foi possível identificar a presença mesmo que velada dos fundamentos de dominação masculina como organizadores das práticas esportivas por meio da normatização dicotômica dos corpos e das modalidades
Escola, violência simbólica e meritocracia em grupos escolares do Sul de Santa Catarina: algumas reflexões a partir de Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: Kinchescki Ana Paula de Souza , Grimm Viviane , Sossai Fernando Cesar
Published: February 2020

A produção de Pierre Bourdieu se insere no conjunto das sociologias que buscam discutir as relações entre os modos de transmissão cultural e a reprodução das desigualdades sociais. No decorrer de sua obra o autor apresenta uma teoria sobre os modos de reprodução social, legitimação e dominação simbólica, questionando os discursos em torno da ideia de “igualdade e democratização de oportunidades”, tendo repercussão direta no campo educacional brasileiro. Neste artigo, buscamos revisitar a teoria da violência simbó- lica apresentada por Bourdieu e Passeron no livro “A Reprodução”, publicado em 1975, com o intuito de refletir sobre os discursos meritocráticos em dois grupos escolares do sul de Santa Catarina. Tomando-os como casos exemplares e a partir de um conjunto de fontes de natureza diversa, circunscritas ao período de 1949 a 1972, tentamos analisar a problemática da meritocracia escolar a partir de práticas de premia- ção. De maneira geral, observamos a recorrência de discursos meritocráticos nas escolas ligados a formas de violência simbólica, pautadas por práticas de hierarquização, classificação, premiação e comparações entre os alunos a fim de eleger os mais notáveis entre eles e produzir um ideal de estudante
Neuromuscular shoulder activity during exercises with different combinations of stable and unstable weight mass.
Authors: Baritello Omar , Khajooei Mina , Engel Tilman , Kopinski Stephan , Quarmby Andrew , Mueller Steffen , Mayer Frank
Published: February 2020

Background:Recent shoulder injury prevention programs have utilized resistance exercises combined with different forms of instability, with the goal of eliciting functional adaptations and thereby reducing the risk of injury. However, it is still unknown how an unstable weight mass affects the muscular activity of the shoulder stabilizers.Aim of the study was to analyze the neuromuscular activity of the dynamic shoulder stabilizers under four conditions of stable and unstable weight mass during three shoulder exercises. It was hypothesized that a combined condition of weight with unstable mass would elicit significantly greater activation due to the increased stabilization demand.MethodsSixteen participants (7 m/9 f) were included in this cross-sectional study and prepared with an EMG-setup for the: Mm. upper/lower trapezius (U.TA/L.TA), lateral deltoid (DE), latissimus dorsi (LD), serratus anterior (SA) and pectoralis major (PE). A maximal voluntary isometric contraction test (MVIC; 5 sec.) was performed on an isokinetic dynamometer. Next, internal/external rotation (In/Ex), abduction/adduction (Ab/Ad) and diagonal flexion/extension (F/E) exercises (5 reps.) were performed with four custom-made-pipes representing different training conditions. First, the empty-pipe (P; 0.5 kg) and then, randomly ordered, water-filled-pipe (PW; 1 kg), weight-pipe (PG; 4.5 kg) and weight + water-filled-pipe (PWG; 4.5 kg), while EMG was recorded. Raw root mean square values (RMS) were normalized to MVIC (%MVIC). Differences between conditions for RMS%MVIC, scapular stabilizer (SR: U.TA/L.TA; U.TA/SA) and contraction (CR: concentric/eccentric) ratios were analyzed (paired t-test; a = 0.05; Bonferroni adjusted a = 0.008) ResultsPWG showed significantly greater muscle activity for all exercises and all muscles except for PE compared to P and PW. Condition PG elicited muscular activity comparable to PWG (p > 0.008) with significantly lower activation of L.TA and SA in the In/Ex rotation. The SR ratio was significantly higher in PWG compared to P and PW. No significant differences were found for the CR ratio in all exercises and for all muscles.ConclusionHigher weight generated greater muscle activation whereas an unstable weight mass behavior raised the neuromuscular activity, increasing the stabilization demands. Especially in the In/Ex rotation, an unstable weight mass increased the RMS%MVIC and SR ratio. This might improve training effects in shoulder prevention and rehabilitation programs.Trial Registration: not applicable
Do USMLE Steps, and ITE Score Predict the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Exam results?
Authors: Rayamajhi Supratik , Dhakal Prajwal , Wang Ling , Rai Manoj P , Shrotriya Shiva
Published: February 2020

Objective: To evaluate if United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, USMLE Step 3, and residency third-year in-service training exam (ITE) results predict the results of residents in American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Exam (ABIM-CE).

Methods: A retrospective review of USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2, USMLE Step 3 scores, residency third year ITE and ABIM-CE of IM residents at our residency program from 2004 through 2017 was conducted. Pearson correlation coefficient and two-sample t-tests were used to assess the relationship between various scores. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict pass or fail results in ABIM-CE using USMLE and third-year ITE test scores controlling for other covariates.

Results: Among 114 MD residents included in the study; 92% (n=105) passed the ABIM-CE. USMLE score was a significant predictor of passing ABIM-CE. The OR of passing ABIM-CE was 2.70 (95 % CI=1.38-5.29), 2.31 (95% CI=1.33-4.01), and 1.63 (95% CI=0.81-3.29) with a ten-point increase in USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 and USMLE step 3 scores respectively. OR of ABIM-CE passing chance was 2.96 (95% CI=0.95-9.20) with a ten-point increase in the average score of the above three exams. A five percent increase in ITE percentage raised the likelihood of passing ABIM-CE (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.15-7.38). All residents who failed ABIM-CE had Step 1 scores <220. Among 31 residents with Step 2 score <220, 20% (n=6) failed ABIM. Similarly, 9% of residents with USMLE Step 3 score < 220 failed ABIM-CE; all residents who failed had scored < 220. The probability curve predicted that the chance of passing ABIM- CE was around 80% with USMLE scores greater than 200 and increased to almost 100% with USMLE scores of 250 or more.

Conclusion: USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2, and third-year ITE scores strongly predict the chances of passing ABIM-CE. Thus, programs can identify internal medicine residents at risk of failing ABIM-CE and need intervention at an early stage. Various measures such as enrolling them in question banks or board review courses can then be implemented by programs to improve their chances to pass.
Acute pain assessment and management in the prehospital setting, in the Western Cape, South Africa: A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey
Authors: Lourens Andrit , Hodkinson Peter , Parker Romy
Published: February 2020

Background: Acute pain is frequently encountered in the prehospital setting, and therefore, a fundamental aspect of quality emergency care. Research has shown a positive association between health care providers’ knowledge of, and attitudes towards pain and pain management practices. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency care providers regarding acute pain assessment and management in the prehospital setting, in the Western Cape, South Africa. The specific objectives were to, identify gaps in pain knowledge; assess attitudes regarding pain assessment and management; describe pain assessment and management behaviours and practices; and identify barriers to and enablers of pain care. Methods: A web-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among emergency care providers of all qualifications, using a face-validated Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Pain survey. Results: Responses of 100 participants was included in the analysis. The survey response rate could not be calculated. The mean age of respondents was 34.74 (SD8.13) years and the mean years’ experience 10.02 (SD6.47). Most respondents were male (69%), employed in the public/government sector (93%) as operational practitioners (85%) with 54% of respondents having attended medical education on pain care in the last two years. The mean percentage for knowledge and attitudes regarding pain among emergency care providers was 58.01% (SD15.66) with gaps identified in various aspects of pain and pain care. Practitioners with higher qualifications, more years’ experience and those who did not attend medical education on pain, achieved higher scores. Alcohol and drug use by patients were the most selected barrier to pain care while the availability of higher qualified practitioners was the most selected enabler. When asked to record pain scores, practitioners were less inclined to assign scores which were self-reported by the patients in the case scenarios. The participant dropout rate was 35%. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is suboptimal knowledge and attitudes regarding pain among emergency care providers in the Western Cape, South Africa. Further, gaps in pain knowledge, attitudes and practices were identified. Some barriers and enablers of pain care in the South African prehospital setting were identified but further research is indicated.
Effects of Moving Cupping Therapy for Plaque Psoriasis: A Protocol for a Randomised Multicentre Clinical Trial
Authors: Xing Meng , Yan Xiaoning , Yang Suqing , Li Linge , Gong Liping , Liu Hongxia , Xu Rong , Chen Jie , Ying Luo , Zhao Yiding , An Yuepeng , Liu Yang , Huang Gang , Guo Fei , Yin Qingfeng , Wang Ruiping , Li Bin , Li Xin
Published: February 2020

Background: The clinical treatment of plaque psoriasis is based on comprehensive therapy, which is expensive and unsatisfactory, and some of the drugs currently used have serious side effects. Moving cupping therapy has been used clinically for thousands of years in China and has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to perform. It is now widely used in public hospitals in China for the treatment of psoriasis. However, at present, a comprehensive evaluation of the current clinical evidence regarding its use is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moving cupping in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Methods and analysis: A multicentre, two-arm parallel group, single-blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted in six academic and non-academic hospitals in China. A total of 110 adult patients (aged 18-65 years) who meet the inclusion criteria are now being recruited. Participants will receive (1) basic treatment combined with moving cupping therapy or (2) basic treatment combined with moving cupping placebo. The treatment cycle will be 4 weeks, and the treatment efficacy will be assessed weekly using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index during the treatment period and the follow-up visits at weeks 6 and 8. The body surface area, physician's global assessment, Dermatology Life Quality Index, patient-reported quality of life, visual analogy scale, traditional Chinese medication syndrome scoring scale, combined medication, and adverse events will also be recorded and compared to the baseline values. Discussion: The results of this trial may help make better decisions in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. If the results are considered to be favorable, this ancient Chinese medicine therapy may be worthier of promotion because of its convenience and cheap advantages to benefit patients. Trial registration: This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier number NCT03952676. Registered on 15 May 2019.
Social networks and quality of life among female breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialzed Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019
Authors: Aberaraw Rahle , Boka Abdisa , Teshome Roza , Yeshambel Addisu
Published: February 2020

Background : Breast cancer is a major life-threatening public health problem in the world. It is the most common form of cancer on females in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Social networks could change the course of cancer and can influence the quality of life among breast cancer patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess social networks and quality of life among female breast cancer patients attending in Tikur Anbassa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019. Methods : An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to April 2019. A total of 214 female breast cancer patients were included and a systematic sampling method was used. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data entry was done using epi data version 4.2. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Binary and multiple logistic regression was used to show the association of social networks and quality of life. The strength of association was declared P-value <0.05 and 95%CI was used. Result: A total of 214 female with breast cancer were recruited with a mean age of 41.85. From participants, 13(6%), 65(30%) and 136(64%) had limited, medium and diverse social networks respectively. However, 198(92.52%) of them had affected the quality of life. It was found that participants who had children (AOR=5, 95%CL:1.3,21 COR=6), and other relatives(AOR=6, 95%CI: 1.2,30, COR=7), were more likely to have good social networks. In addition, it was found that participants who had systematic therapy side effects(AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 1.1,13, COR=4, p value=0.035), problem of appetite loss(AOR=3.5, 95%CI: 1.02,12 COR=4, p-value= 0.047) were more likely to have affected Quality of life. Conclusion: In this study finding, the quality of life and social networks on breast cancer females was relatively low. Healthcare providers especially working at the oncology department need to focus on addressing the side effects of therapy and social networks which may help to improve the quality of life of females with breast cancer.
Knowledge, uptake of preconception care and associated factors among reproductive age group women in westShewazone, Ethiopia, 2018. K
Authors: Fekene Daniel Belema , WOLDEYES BENYAM SEIFU , ERENA MARU MOSSISA , DEMISSE GETU ALEMU
Published: February 2020

Background: Preconception care is a set of interventions that are to be provided before pregnancy, to promrote the health and well-being of womwen and couples . Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among a sample of 680 reproductive-aged women in the west shewa zone, Oromia regional state, from November 2017 until the end of January 2018. The data were collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 22 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to determine factors associated with the outcome variable. The association was presented in odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and significance determined at a P-value less than 0.05. Result: A total of 669 participants had participated with a response rate of 98.3%. Among the respondants, only 179 (26.8%) had a good knowledge of PCC and 97 (14.5%) of them had utilized PCC. Factors that show significant association with good knowledge of PCC are history of institutional delivery (AOR = 1.43 (95%CI (1.31 -7.33), PNC service utilization, (AOR = 5.02 (95%CI (3.22-7.84), history of using modern contraceptive, (AOR = 1.44 (95%CI (1.37-6.98) higher educational status (AOR= 4.12 (95%CI (1.22-6.52) and being regularly employed (AOR = 1.8 (95%CI (1.01-3.22). Factors like better family monthly income (AOR = 4.1 (95%CI (1.57-9.35), history of PNC (AOR = 6.33 (95%CI (3.94-10.17) and good knowledge of PCC (AOR = 4.3 (95%CI (2.67-6.98) had shown positive association towards the uptake of PCC. Conclusion and recommendation : This study found that only one-quarter of the women in the study has good knowledge of PCC and low uptake of PCC. History of institutional delivery, PNC service utilization, history of using a modern contraceptive, educational status and being regularly employed were factors that affect knowledge of PCC and family income, having good knowledge about PCC and history of PNC were affect the uptake of PCC.Therefore, PCC needs serious attention from the government and other stakeholders. Key Words: Preconception care, Knowledge, uptake, Reproductive age, west shewa, Ethiopia.
Predicting the microbial cause of community-acquired pneumonia: can physicians or a data-driven method differentiate viral from bacterial pneumonia at patient presentation?
Authors: LHOMMET Claire , GAROT Denis , GRAMMATICO-GUILLON Leslie , JOURDANNAUD Cassandra , ASFAR Pierre , FAISY Christophe , MULLER Grégoire , BARKER Kimberly A. , MERCIER Emmanuelle , ROBERT Sylvie , LANOTTE Philippe , GOUDEAU Alain , BLASCO Helene , Guillon Antoine
Published: February 2020

Background Severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) requires urgent and specific antimicrobial therapy. However, the causal pathogen is typically unknown at the point when anti-infective therapeutics must be initiated. Physicians synthesize information from diverse data streams to make appropriate decisions. Artificial intelligence (AI) excels at finding complex relationships in large volumes of data. We aimed to evaluate the abilities of experienced physicians and AI to answer this question at patient admission: is it a viral or a bacterial pneumonia? Methods We included patients hospitalized for sCAP and recorded clinical/paraclinical data available in the first 3-hour period of care. We built a machine learning model prediction using all collected data. Finally, an independent validation set of samples was used to test the pathogen prediction performance of: ( i ) a panel of three experts and ( ii ) the AI algorithm. Both were blinded regarding the final microbial diagnosis. Positive likelihood ratio (LR) values >10 and negative LR values <0.1 were considered clinically relevant. Results We included 153 patients with sCAP (70.6% men; 62 [51-73] years old; mean SAPSII, 37 [27-47]). The discriminant abilities of the AI approach were low to moderate (LR+ = 2.12 for viral and 6.29 for bacterial pneumonia), and the discriminant abilities of the experts were very low to low (LR+ = 3.81 for viral and 1.89 for bacterial pneumonia). Conclusion Neither experts nor an AI algorithm can predict the microbial etiology of sCAP within the first hours of hospitalization when there is an urgent need to define the anti-infective therapeutic strategy.
American foulbrood in a honeybee colony: spore-symptom relationship and feedbacks between disease and colony development
Authors: Stephan Jörg G , De Miranda Joachim Rodrigues , Forsgren Eva
Published: February 2020

Background: The most severe bacterial disease of honeybees is American foulbrood (AFB). The epidemiology of AFB is driven by the extreme spore resilience, the difficulty of bees to remove these spores, and the considerable incidence of undetected spore-producing colonies. The honeybee collective defence mechanisms and their feedback on colony development, which involves a division of labour at multiple levels of colony organization, are difficult to model. To better predict disease outbreaks we need to understand the feedback between colony development and disease progression within the colony. We therefore developed Bayesian models with data from forty AFB-diseased colonies monitored over an entire foraging season to (i) investigate the relationship between spore production and symptoms, (ii) disentangle the feedback loops between AFB epidemiology and natural colony development, and (iii) discuss whether larger insect societies promote or limit within-colony disease transmission.
Results: Rather than identifying a fixed spore count threshold for clinical symptoms, we estimated the probabilities around the relationship between spore counts and symptoms, taking into account modulators such as brood amount/number of bees and time post infection. We identified a decrease over time in the bees-to-brood ratio related to disease development, which should ultimately induce colony collapse. Lastly, two contrasting theories predict that larger colonies could promote either higher (classical epidemiological SIR-model) or lower (increasing spatial nest segregation and more effective pathogen removal) disease prevalence.
Conclusions: AFB followed the predictions of the SIR-model, partly because disease prevalence and brood removal are decoupled, with worker bees acting more as disease vectors, infecting new brood, than as agents of social immunity, by removing infected brood. We therefore established a direct link between disease prevalence and social group size for a eusocial insect. We furthermore provide a probabilistic description of the relationship between AFB spore counts and symptoms, and how disease development and colony strength over a season modulate this relationship. These results help to better understand disease development within honeybee colonies, provide important estimates for further epidemiological modelling, and gained important insights into the optimal sampling strategy for practical beekeeping and honeybee research.
The association between children’s oral health behaviors, parents’ oral health knowledge and parents’ education level: a survey of 8446 families in Wuhan
Authors: Chen Liangwen , Hong Jialan , Xiong Dian , Zhang Luyi , Li Yuhong , Huang Shengfu , Hua Fang
Published: February 2020

Background: Children aged 6-7 years are in the early mixed dentition, which is a period of high prevalence of dental caries and other dental diseases and a critical period for the formation of oral health behaviors. Therefore, good oral hygiene habits of children and oral health knowledge of parents are very important. This study sought to explore the relationship between children’s oral health behaviors, parental oral health knowledge, parental choices of pit and fissure sealants, and parents’ education levels based on a large-scale sample size for the first time, and to compare the influences of parental education levels between parents.Methods: Families of the first and second graders of primary schools in Wuhan Hongshan District were included in this study. A total of 8446 questionnaires were collected to obtain comprehensive information on children’s oral health behaviors, parents’ oral health knowledge and parents’ pit and fissure sealants-related choices. The relationship between these and parents’ education levels were studied using logistic regression analysis and chi-square test.Results: Parents who reported good educational background had more favorable oral health knowledge than those of other parents, and their children had better oral hygiene behaviors. Four indicators of five measures to children’s oral health behaviors were significantly associated with mother’s education level, and three of them were related to father’s education level. Moreover, seven indicators of eight measures to parents’ oral health knowledge were significantly related to mother’s education level and four of them were affected by the father’s. In addition, parents with higher educational attainments paid more attention to the completeness of medical facilities, the environment of dental practice, the distance to treatment sites, and took less concern of children’s willingness when choosing the pit and fissure sealants sites.Conclusions: In families with children at the early mixed dentition stage, parents with higher education levels tend to have better oral health knowledge and more oral health care needs, such as pit and fissure sealants. In addition, children of parents who have better educated parents tend to perform better oral hygiene practices.
Does fasting during Ramadan increase the risk of the development of sialadenitis?
Authors: Joachim Michael V. , Ghantous Yasmine , Zaaroura Suleiman , Alkeesh Kutaiba , Zoabi Tameem , El-Naaj Imad Abu
Published: February 2020

Background: Ramadan is a month within the Islamic lunar calendar when Muslims are required to fast (abstain from food and drink) during the daytime (from sunrise to sunset) for the entire month. Due to the established connection between fasting and dehydration and acute sialadenitis, the aim of this study is to determine if there is a higher frequency of sialadenitis among the Muslim population during Ramadan than during other months of the year. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the medical records of 120 Muslim patients admitted to the emergency room (ER) and diagnosed with acute sialadenitis over a 5-year period at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, and St. Vincent de Paul (French) Hospital, Nazareth, both located in Israel. The study group were Muslim patients, with the aforementioned diagnosis, admitted during Ramadan, while the control group included patients diagnosed with sialadenitis during the rest of the year. We analysed overall admission frequency as well as descriptive and diagnostic data, including age, sex, gland involved and several blood test results. Results: During the month of Ramadan, the admission of Muslims with a diagnosis of acute sialadenitis was more than double that during the other months of the year – a difference that was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Additionally, we found that Ramadan sialadenitis patients had significantly higher leukocyte numbers at admission (p=0.0085) and, importantly, a significantly higher level of dehydration (blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio) than non-Ramadan sialadenitis patients (p=0.0001). Conclusion: There is evidence that fasting in Ramadan may increase the risk for the development of acute sialadenitis. Our results suggest that this may be the result of dehydration.
Correlation between macular edema recurrence and macular capillary network destruction in branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Jang Ji Hye , Kim Yu Cheol , Shin Jae Pil
Published: February 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between changes in the macular capillary network and macular edema (ME) recurrence with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). Methods: We reviewed the data for 43 patients with treatment-näive ME associated with BRVO. Patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab injection were divided into two groups based on ME recurrence at 6 months after edema resolution. The perifoveal capillary morphology and the macular capillary vessel density (VD) were retrospectively analyzed using en face SS-OCTA after ME resolution. Results: A broken the perifoveal capillary ring in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) was more common in the ME recurrence group (n=22) than in the no ME recurrence group (p = 0.047 and p = 0.002). Relative to the findings in the no ME recurrence groups, the destruction of the perifoveal capillary ring was more severe in the DCP (30.0° vs 87.3°, p = 0.001) than in the SCP (17.3° vs 69.5°, p = 0.006) in the ME recurrence group. The hemi-VD disparity between the affected and the unaffected areas in the SCP and DCP showed significant differences (p = 0.031 and p = 0.017), while macular VD showed no differences between the groups. Conclusions: Destruction of the perifoveal capillary ring and hemi-VD disparity could be related to ME recurrence in BRVO. Therefore, these factors may be helpful in predicting ME recurrence.
Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in goats: repeatability, variability, and validation of the technique using an exercise test and an experimentally induced acute ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Authors: Leroux Aurelia A , Moonen Marie , Farnir Frédéric , Deleuze Stefan , Sandersen Charlotte , Amory Hélène
Published: February 2020

Background Two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) technique has been validated in numerous animal species, but neither studies of repeatability nor measurements after exercise or in animals with cardiac disease have been reported in goats. Goats are an attractive candidate for animal models in human cardiology because they are easy to handle and have a body and heart size comparable to that of humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate this technique in goats for further clinical and experimental applications in this species. Results This study was divided into several steps. First, a standardized echocardiographic protocol was performed and 5 cineloops of a right parasternal short-axis view at papillary muscles level were recorded three times at one-day intervals in ten healthy adult unsedated Saanen goats to test repeatability and variability of 2DST measurements. Then, the same measurements were performed immediately before and after a standardized exercise on treadmill in seven of the goats, and at 24h after induction of an experimental ischemic cardiomyopathy in five of the goats, to test the reliability of the technique to assess physiological and pathological changes. Average and regional measurements of radial and circumferential strain and strain rate, radial displacement, rotation and rotation rate were obtained. Comparisons were performed using two-way ANOVA (p<0.05). Caprine 2DST average measurements have demonstrated a good repeatability with a low to moderate variability for all measurements except for the diastolic peaks of the circumferential strain rate, radial strain rate and rotation rate. Segmental 2DST measurements were less repeatable than average measurements. Time effect of two-way ANOVA was significant for anteroseptal segment diastolic peaks measurements, rotation and rotation rate measurements. Overall variability of segmental measurements was moderate or high. Segmental and average peak values obtained after exercise and after myocardial ischemia were significantly different than curves obtained at baseline. Conclusions The results of this study are consistent with those previously described in other animal species and humans. 2DST echocardiography is a valid technique to evaluate physiological and pathological changes in myocardial function in goats, despite the technical limitations observed in this species.
Identification and characterization of circRNAs in the skin during wool follicle development in Aohan fine wool sheep
Authors: Zhao Ranran , Liu Nan , Han Fuhui , Li Hegang , Liu Jifeng , Li Lanlan , Wang Guoyi , He Jianning
Published: February 2020

Background: Aohan fine wool sheep (AFWS) is a historically bred fine wool sheep, cultivated in China. The wool has excellent quality and good textile performance. Investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate wool growth is important to improve wool quality and yield. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that are widely expressed, and can act as a competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to bind to miRNAs. Although circRNAs have been studied in many fields, research on their activity in sheep wool follicles is limited. To understand the regulation of circRNAs in the growth of fine wool in sheep, we used RNA-seq to identify circRNAs in sheep shoulder skin samples at three developmental stages: embryonic day 90 (E90d), embryonic day 120 (E120d), and at birth (Birth).

Results: We identified 8,753 circRNAs and found that 918 were differentially-expressed. We then analyzed the classification and characteristic of the circRNAs in sheep shoulder skin. Using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), we identified the source genes of circRNAs, which were mainly enriched in cellular component organization, regulation of primary metabolic processes, tight junctions, and the cGMP-PKG and AMPK signaling pathways. In addition, we predict interactions between 17 circRNAs and eight miRNAs, using miRanda software. Based on the significant pathways, we speculate that circ_0005720, circ_0001754, circ_0008036, circ_0004032, circ_0005174, circ_0005519, circ_0007826 might play an important role in regulating wool follicle growth in AFWS. Seven circRNAs were randomly selected, and have validated the results of the RNA-seq by qRT-PCR.

Conclusion: Our results provide more information about circRNAs in regulating wool follicle development in AFWS, and establish a solid foundation for future research.
A Simple Angle-Measuring Instrument for Measuring Cemented Stem Anteversion during Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Mitsutake Ryo , Tanino Hiromasa , Nishida Yasuhiro , Higa Masaru , Ito Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Background During total hip arthroplasty (THA), the accurate placement of the femoral components is an important determinant of the success of the procedure. This study assessed the accuracy of cemented stem placement using a new angle-measuring instrument. The primary objective was to investigate the accuracy of the intraoperative measurements of cemented stem anteversion obtained using the angle-measuring instrument. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of stem positioning performed using the angle-measuring instrument. Methods We compared the intraoperative stem anteversion measurements obtained using the angle-measuring instrument with postoperative stem anteversion measurements obtained using computed tomography in 149 hips (measurement accuracy). We also compared the target angle and postoperative stem anteversion in 105 hips (implantation accuracy). Results The mean amount of intraoperative stem anteversion was 37.9°±10.1°, and the mean amount of postoperative stem anteversion was 37.0°±10.4°. The mean measurement accuracy was 0.9°±6.1°, and the absolute measurement accuracy was 4.9°±3.7°. The correlation coefficient for the relationship between the intraoperative and postoperative stem anteversion measurements was 0.824 (p=0.000). The mean amount of target angle was 37.4°±7.6°, and the mean amount of postoperative stem anteversion was 35.9°±9.1°. The mean implantation accuracy was 1.4°±5.6°, and the mean absolute implantation accuracy was 4.3°±3.6°. The correlation coefficient for the relationship between the target angle and postoperative stem anteversion was 0.795 (p=0.000). Conclusions The angle-measuring instrument measured intraoperative stem anteversion accurately, and cemented stem was implanted accurately during THA with the angle-measuring instrument.
Lapatinib in combination with capecitabine versus continued use of trastuzumab in breast cancer patients with trastuzumab-resistance: a retrospective study of a Chinese population.
Authors: Yang Fan , Huang Xiang , Sun Chunxiao , Li Jianbin , Wang Biyun , Yan Min , Jin Feng , Wang Haibo , Zhang Jin , Fu Peifen , Zeng Tianyu , Wang Jian , Li Wei , Li Yongfei , Yang Mengzhu , Li Jun , Wu Hao , Fu Ziyi , Yin Yongmei , Jiang Zefei
Published: February 2020

Background: The efficacy and safety of lapatinib plus capecitabine (LC or LX) versus trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in patients with HER-positive metastatic breast cancer who are resistant to trastuzumab is unknown. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from breast cancer patients who began treatment with regimens of lapatinib plus capecitabine (LC or LX) or trastuzumab beyond progression (TBP) at eight hospitals between May 2010 and October 2017. Results: Among 554 patients who had developed resistance to trastuzumab, the median PFS (progression free survival) was 6.77 months in the LX group compared with 5.6 months in the TBP group (hazard ratio 0.804; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.96; P=0.019). The central nervous system progression rate during treatment was 5.9% in the LX group and 12.5% in the TBP group (P=0.018). Conclusion: The combination of lapatinib and capecitabine showed a prolonged PFS relative to TBP in patients who had progressed on trastuzumab.
Functional Adrenal Insufficiency among Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infected patients: A Cross-section study in Uganda
Authors: Naggirinya Agnes Bwanika Bwanika , Mujugira Andrew , Meya David B. , Biraro Irene Andia , Mupere Ezekiel , Worodria William , Manabe Yukari C.
Published: February 2020

Objective Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of adrenal insufficiency in resource-limited settings. The adrenal gland is the most commonly affected endocrine organ in TB infection. We assessed prevalence and factors associated with functional adrenal insufficiency (FAI) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with drug-resistant and drug-susceptible TB in Uganda. Patients with drug-sensitive and -resistant TB were enrolled, examined for clinical signs and symptoms of FAI with an early morning serum cortisol level obtained. FAI was defined as early morning serum cortisol <414 nmol//L. Associations with FAI were modeled using multivariable logistic regression. Results : A total of 311 TB patients were screened, and 272 enrolled. Of these, 117 (43%) had drug-resistant TB. Median age was 32 years (IQR 18-66) and 66% were men. Prevalence of FAI was 59.8%. Mean cortisol levels were lower in participants with drug-resistant than susceptible TB (317.4 versus 488.5 nmol/L; p<0.001 ) . In multivariable analysis, drug-resistant TB (aOR 4.61; 95% CI: 2.3-9.1; p < 0.001), treatment duration > 1month (aOR 2.86 95% CI: 1.4- 5.5; p=0.002) and abdominal pain (aOR 2.06; 95% CI: 1.04-4.09; p=0.038) were significantly associated with FAI. Early morning serum cortisol levels should be quantified in TB-HIV co-infected patients.