bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovación educativa con el uso de la gamificación y la robótica
Authors: Serrano-Díaz N. , Rioja del Río C. , Cabrera Noguera E.
Published: August 2019

Motivar e interesar al alumnado en el estudio de las asignaturas STEM (en inglés Science,Technology, Engineering & Maths) es un nuevo reto para la Unión Europea. Se presenta un proyecto de investigación H2020 que se está desarrollando actualmente en cinco países europeos (Finlandia, Bielorrusia, Grecia, Alemania y España) y que pretende promover el gusto por el estudio de estas asignaturas entre el alumnado de 10 a 18 años. El proyecto tiene una duración de 3 años y para establecer los principios pedagógicos se ha llevado a cabo un estudio de corte eminentemente cualitativo a través del análisis de grupos focales, formados por alumnado, profesorado, padres y representantes de empresas del sector. Se dan a conocer las líneas generales del proyecto, así como la metodología empleada y las actuaciones llevadas a cabo a través de grupos focales y entrevistas a expertos. Se está desarrollando una investigación para conocer las preferencias de los estudiantes al abordar las materias STEM del currículum. Los resultados, hasta el momento, muestran la necesidad del estudiante de sentir alegría por el estudio y el aprendizaje.
The feasibility of wastewater recycling that includes residue from dissolved air flotation within a drinking water treatment plant: case study of Midvaal Water Company, South Africa
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Shalene , Barnard Sandra , Krüger Marina
Published: August 2019

When purifying water for potable use, wastewater is generated, due to the class of the water treatment plant and the quality of the source water. Midvaal Water Company recycled wastewater that included residue from the dissolved air flotation (DAF), sedimentation and filtration processes in an attempt to save water and reduce costs. The aim of this study was to determine functionality and water quality of such a wastewater recycling system. Samples were collected for analysis, at the sections that contributed to the total wastewater system as well as after various treatment processes. The water quality of these samples was determined, as well as the incidences of water quality failures of the final water, to establish whether the recycle stream that enters the plant together with the source water had any impact on the water quality after the different treatment processes. Data were grouped into periods prior to, during and after recycling to enable comparisons. The water quality of the recycle stream was poorer than that of the source water from the Vaal River with regard to the mean values for total chlorophyll, suspended solids, turbidity and dissolved organic carbon, but the sedimentation process of the wastewater system improved the wastewater quality by drastically reducing total chlorophyll, suspended solids and turbidity. The risk-defined compliance for the final water was excellent (≥95%), despite aluminium, turbidity and total chlorophyll failures of the final water quality during the recycling period. Total chlorophyll was identified as the largest risk during wastewater recycling, especially after the filtration process. It is evident from the data that wastewater recycling, which included wastewater from the DAF, into the main inlet stream of the water treatment plant proved to be effective, based on compliance with national legislation, and had no detrimental impact on overall treatment processes or final water quality.
Review: Water quality in non-perennial rivers (with erratum)
Authors: Day JA , Malan HL , Malijani E , Abegunde AP
Published: August 2019

More than half the river-lengths of rivers in southern Africa dry up occasionally or – more commonly – seasonally. Here we review the literature on water quality (WQ) in non-perennial rivers (N-PRs), with emphasis on river management and southern African systems. Hydrological regimes cover a spectrum from relatively predictable and unvarying in perennial rivers, to unpredictable and highly variable in non-perennial rivers, which are complex, continually shifting mosaics of flowing water, standing-water pools and terrestrial habitats. N-PRs are uncommonly difficult to manage because they represent a limited source of water that is renewed unpredictably and is competed for by local people as well as being required by wildlife. Groundwater, and therefore its chemical and physical features, contributes significantly to base flow and to the maintenance of pools remaining in the bed when the river is not flowing. Water chemistry reflects catchment geology except in polluted systems. Salinity varies temporally, and spatially over three dimensions, and is the variable controlling the composition of the biotas of many N-PRs. Hydrological regimes are seldom predictable with any certainty; WQ varies naturally over time and space; groundwater often determines the WQ of surface water, especially in pools; and WQ in non-perennial rivers and pools may be affected by activities far upstream in the catchment. As yet we have no more than a sketchy understanding of the extent to which data on any one system can be applied to any other. Until we have a better understanding of these systems, the following basic principles should guide the management of WQ in N-PRs: (i) Rivers need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. (ii) Understanding of the groundwater regime, including its chemistry, is crucial. (iii) Effluents need to be controlled by conservative effluent standards set for both ground and surface waters. (iv) Flows may need to be augmented at certain times of the year.
Ressignificações no processo do cuidado a partir das práticas das rezadeiras no projeto Quatro Varas
Authors: De Oliveira Mônica Cordeiro Ximenes , Garcêz Luiz Ricardo , Viana Melina Campos , De Sousa Rebeca Alves , Silva Nascimento Francisca Neila
Published: August 2019

Introdução: As rezadeiras exercem o seu papel de cura por meios simbólicos e agem principalmente sobre enfermidades de pouca gravidade. Objetivo: Conhecer as ressignificações no processo do cuidado a partir das práticas das rezadeiras no Projeto Quatro Varas. Metodologia: Pesquisa de campo com abordagem qualitativa, realizada no período de agosto de 2016 até julho de 2017, no Projeto Quatro Varas em Fortaleza. Para coleta de dados fizemos entrevistas com 6 informantes que utilizavam as práticas de reza. Os dados coletados foram interpretados a partir da análise de narrativa e da Antropologia Interpretativa. A pesquisa teve aprovação do Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do IPADE, com número de aprovação 55697416.0.0000.5049. Resultados: Evidenciamos nas narrativas dos entrevistados que após procurar a rezadeira sentiram-se melhor e acreditam no poder de cura dessas mulheres que ofertam saúde para a comunidade de forma gratuita e de fácil acesso como vemos a seguir: “eu fico logo bem. Só procuro  quando não tô bem, eu sei que aquele momento ela vai me tocar, ela vai depositar aquela energia positiva dela na minha pessoa, no momento eu já fico bem”; (Orquidea); “Me sentia bem, porque eu sabia que estava buscando um bem para meu filho e se eu fosse procurar ela era porque eu acreditava. Me sentia confortável e deu certo até hoje” (Margarida). Conclusão: Essa prática cultural, apesar de ser muito procurada no passado, por sua eficácia de promover bem-estar, vem sendo esquecida com o passar dos anos, mas influencia até hoje diretamente nas crenças e conhecimentos populares.
Freezing Fresh Tissue v1
Authors: Spraggins Jeff , Neumann Elizabeth , deCaestecker Mark , Gutierrez Danielle , Allen Jamie , Brewer Maya
Published: August 2019

Scope: To describe the procedure for freezing fresh tissue procured from the Cooperative Human Tissue Network. Expected Outcome: Frozen tissue should have minimal structural damage from freezing.
Anomalous anatomical variation in extrahepatic biliary tree and pancreas and its related vessels: a cadaveric study
Authors: Koshariya Mahim , Behram Sheikh , Singour Jay Prakash , Tiwari Shashikant , Khare Vidhu
Published: August 2019

Background: Congenital anamolies of extrahepatic biliary apparatus and pancreas have long been recognized and are of clinical importance because when present may surprise the surgeon during surgery and lead to iatrogenic injuries. Surgeries on extra-hepatic biliary apparatus and pancreas are regularly performed throughout the world. Thus insight into the normal anatomy and congenital variations will reduce complication and definitely improve outcome.Methods: Study was conducted in department of surgery GMC Bhopal and dissection was carried out in Department of Forensic Medicine on 100 cadavers with approval from ethical committee.Results: In 100 cases 70 were male and 30 female. The most common variation in extra hepatic biliary apparatus was short cystic duct was found in 6% cases then formation of common hepatic duct by union of right hepatic duct and left hepatic duct was intrahepatic in 3% cases. There was low insertion of cystic duct with common hepatic duct in 1% case. Cystic artery originating from left hepatic artery in 1% case, in 1% case cystic artery was anterior to common hepatic duct. In Pancreas anterior arterial arcade was absent in 2% cases and its origin varied in 2% case. Posterior pancreatic arcade absent in 1% cases and variation in origin was present in 1% case. The variation in pancreatic duct course was present in 22% cases.Conclusions: Thus significant variation was seen and it could definitely be helpful to hepatobiliary, laproscopic surgeons, radiologist and will further contribute to literature on variation of extrahepatic biliary apparatus and pancreas and its related vessels.
Profile of estimated glomerular filtration rate of children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Ezeh Gabriel O. , Oniyangi Oluseyi , Babaniyi Iretiola B. , Nwatah Vincent E. , Eke Felicia U.
Published: August 2019

Background: Kidney disease is more common in people of African descent in developed countries. Studies reporting estimate Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in African populations and people living with HIV have been carried more frequently on adults than children. The study aimed to assess eGFR by use of the SCHWARTZ formula in HIV infected children seen at tertiary hospital.Methods: A descriptive, prospective and cross sectional study of 221 children with HIV infection. Schwartz formula was used to determine eGFR. The main outcome measures were eGFR. The study population comprised HIV infected children attending Paediatric out-patients’ clinic and those admitted into the Paediatric wards, aged between 6 months and 15 years. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and results presented in tables and figures. Results: The age range of the study subjects was 12 months to 15 years with the mean age and SD of 8.21±3.61 years. There were 129 (58.4%) male and 92 (41.6%) female children with male to female ratio 1: 0.7.  The mean age for males was 7.87±3.49 years while that for females was 8.70±3.71 years. The eGFR for the study as determined by Schwartz formula had a range of 49.21 to 463.67 ml/ min/ 1.73m2 with the mean of 159.56±59.04 ml/min. The mean eGFR for the males and females were 166.39±63.54ml/ min and 149.99±45.01 ml/ min respectively. Conclusion: The study, in comparison with other studies, observed a lower prevalence of CKD in HIV infected children. Detection of CKD in HIV infection children may be more optimal if combined methods are employed.
Variación en el brand equity de una compañía tras un proceso de fusión y adquisición
Authors: Concha Velásquez José Roberto , Manfredi Luciana Carla , Rodríguez Zambrano Andrés Felipe , Silva González David
Published: August 2019

l trabajo tiene como objetivo, evaluar el cambio en el brand equity de una compañía, que goza de una imagen de marca media, tras un proceso de fusión y adquisición con otra, que goza de una imagen de marca superior. Con una muestra aleatoria, se realiza una encuesta a residentes de Cali, Colombia. Se les pregunta, por una fusión hipotética entre la empresa local fabricante de electrodomésticos EMCEL y la empresa americana fabricante de electrodomésticos POOLAIR. El brand equity, es medido utilizando el constructo presentado por Aaker (1991). Los resultados arrojan que EMCEL, mejoró su brand equity percibido al fusionarse con POOLAIR y que, por su parte, POOLAIR tuvo un incremento en los constructos de asociación de marca y lealtad de marca.
Clima Organizacional en las Industrias ecuatorianas de calzado
Authors: Pazmay Ramos Segundo Gonzalo , Ortíz del Pino Ángel Rogelio
Published: August 2019

El objetivo de este estudio, es medir la percepción del clima organizacional por medio de cinco factores: condiciones de trabajo, compensaciones, comunicación, liderazgo, y motivación, en empresas productoras de calzado de la provincia de Tungurahua, Ecuador. Al respecto, se utilizó un método cualitativo a través de encuesta para medir el Clima organizacional, con análisis de consistencia interna mediante el índice alfa de Cronbach, dando un valor de 0,757. Se aplicaron 282 cuestionarios de encuesta in situ, al personal operativo de 17 empresas productoras de calzado. Los resultados procesados por medio del programa SPSS, generaron resultados con medias aritméticas en cada factor, siendo los factores de comunicación (3.02), liderazgo (3.20), y motivación (3.47), como los mejor valorados y los factores de condi-ciones de trabajo: (2.47), y compensaciones: (2.65) como los menos valorados por los encuestados. Se observa que, en estas organizaciones la comunicación fluye sólo cuando está relacionada al cumpli-miento de tareas; el personal se siente bastante motivado en el trabajo; y, existe un liderazgo Directivo; pero, las com-pensaciones no satisfacen plenamente a todo el personal; y, las condiciones de trabajo se consideran como tolerables.
CUSTOS DE TRANSAÇÃO NA CADEIA PRODUTIVA DA MANDIOCA: O CASO DA REGIÃO DO VALE DO ARAGUAIA (GOIÁS, BRASIL)
Authors: Oliveira Junior Osmar De Paula , Wander Alcido Elenor , Cruz José Elenilson , De Souza Cleonice Borges , Da Cunha Cleyzer Adrian
Published: August 2019

Esta pesquisa teve por finalidade estudar a cadeia produtiva da mandioca na Região do Vale do Araguaia-GO sob a perspectiva da Nova Economia Institucional e a Economia dos Custos de Transação. Para tanto, procedeu-se à coleta de dados primários através de pesquisa de campo, realizada mediante a aplicação de dois questionários semiestruturados distintos, um deles direcionado aos agricultores familiares mandiocultores, o outro aos demais agentes que compõe a cadeia produtiva da mandioca. Realizaram-se, ao todo, 101 entrevistas e os resultados apontam para a existência de alto índice de informalidade, o que pode levar a uma gestão ineficiente dos custos de transação.
Biaxial Strain Tuning of Interlayer Excitons in Bilayer MoS2
Authors: Carrascoso Felix , Lin Der-Yuh , Frisenda Riccardo , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: August 2019

We show how the excitonic features of biaxial MoS2 flakes are very sensitive to biaxial strain. We find a lower bound for the gauge factors of the A exciton and B exciton of (-41 ± 2) meV/% and (-45 ± 2) meV/% respectively, which are larger than those found for single-layer MoS2. Interestingly, the interlayer exciton feature also shifts upon biaxial strain but with a gauge factor that is systematically larger than that found for the A exciton, (-48 ± 4) meV/%. We attribute this larger gauge factor for the interlayer exciton to the strain tunable van der Waals interaction due to the Poisson effect (the interlayer distance changes upon biaxial strain).
Post Synthetic Defect Engineering of UiO-66 Metal-Organic Framework with Iridium(III)-HEDTA Complex and Application in Catalysis for Water Oxydation
Authors: Costantino Ferdinando , Macchioni Alceo , Gatto Giordano , Bondi Roberto , Marmottini Fabio
Published: August 2019

Clean production of renewable fuels is a great challenge of our scientific community. Iridium complexes have demonstrated a superior catalytic activity in the water oxidation (WO) reaction, which is a crucial step in water splitting process. Herein we have used a defective zirconium MOF with UiO-66 structure as support of a highly active Ir complex based on EDTA with formula [Ir(HEDTA)Cl]Na. The defects are induced by the partial substitution of tereftalic acid with smaller formiate groups. Anchoring of the complex occurs through a post-synthetic exchange of formiate anions, coordinated at the zirconium clusters of the MOF, with the free carboxylate group of the [Ir(HEDTA)Cl]-complex. The modified material was tested as heterogenous catalyst for the WO reaction by using Cerium Ammonium Nitrate as sacrificial agent. Although TOF and TON values are comparable to those of other iridium heterogenized catalysts, the MOF exhibits iridium leaching not limited at the first catalytic run, as usually observed, suggesting a lack of stability of the hybrid system under strong oxidative conditions.
Corporate Responsibility in India: Academic Perspectives on the Companies Act 2013
Authors: Bergman Manfred Max , Bergman Zinette , Teschemacher Yael , Arora Bimal , Jyoti Divya , Sengupta Rijit
Published: August 2019

Developing prosperous and inclusive societies requires a reformulation of the business-society nexus toward sustainability. This means that all economically motivated behaviors of firms need to also consider their social and environmental impact, and all social and environmental policies need to also consider their impact on the economy. With the Companies Act 2013, the Indian government adopted a legislative approach to reconfigure the business-society nexus. Mandating what has been considered discretionary elicited an extensive academic debate. We employ Content Configuration Analysis on 70 local and international English-language book chapters, research articles, reports, reviews, and expert commentaries published between 2013 and 2019 to develop a typology of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the Companies Act 2013. We find that, among the large set of arguments for and against the Act, specific arguments extolling its advantages concurrently appear as disadvantages in other texts. This paradox is indicative of the difficulties of satisfying stakeholder expectations, as well as the complexities corporate responsibility programs face in India. By systematizing the opportunities and challenges associated with the Companies Act 2013, we reveal how, similar to China, context and culture influence India’s socioeconomic development trajectory beyond the conventional market economy canon.
Analysis of Factors Giving the Opportunity for Implementation of Innovations on the Example of Manufacturing Enterprises in the Silesian Province
Authors: Wojtaszek Henryk , Miciuła Ireneusz
Published: August 2019

The paper analyzes the actions that improve innovativeness in production enterprises in the Silesian province. Innovation is one of the elements that allows to achieve a competitive advantage. It turns out justified to research various factors that are important in improving innovativeness. The research includes selected production enterprises in the Silesian province, adopting the descriptive statistics measures and statistic tests: random sample test, chi-square independence test and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test based on a survey questionnaire. As part of the most important factors determining the possibilities of innovation by manufacturing companies were detected contacts with other enterprises, R&D centers and counseling institutions, competitive position of the company and creating appropriate incentive systems.
Peningkatan Keterampilan Manajemen Organisasi Untuk Pengusaha Wanita Anggota Asosiasi Guyub Sido Rukun
Authors: Martono S. , Wulansari Nury Ariani , Ranihusna Desti
Published: August 2019

Tujuan dari program pengabdian ini selain untuk mendiseminasikan hasil penelitian penulis juga untuk memberikan pelatihan keterampilan manajemen pada pengusaha wanita. Metode pelaksanaan program dilakukan melalui pelatihan yang terstruktur, dimulai dari tahap pertama, brainstorming dengan pengusaha wanita yang tergabung dalam asosiasi. Tahapan kedua, mengadakan kegiatan pelatihan pada pengusaha wanita untuk mengenalkan konsep fungsi-fungsi manajemen. Dalam pelatihan ini terdapat kegiatan simulasi praktik membuat perencanaan manajerial. Tahap ketiga, evaluasi untuk merefleksikan sejauhmana pelatihan telah dipahami dengan baik. Dengan kegiatan pengabdian ini, diharapkan dapat menjadi sarana bagi pengusaha wanita dalam meningkatkan keterampilan manajerial pengelolaan usaha. Hasil yang didapat adalah pelaku UMKM asosiasi Guyub Sido Rukun sangat aktif dan mereka mampu melakukan pemetaan diri melalui pemahaman teori manajemen, menganalisis situasi yang dihadapi dan solusi yang hendak dilakukan ke depan.
Statistical risk prediction models for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in severe preeclampsia in a low-resource setting: Proposal for a Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ngwenya Solwayo , Jones Brian , Heazell Alexander Edward Patrick , Mwembe Desmond
Published: August 2019

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resource settings. Identifying mothers and babies at greatest risk of complications would enable intervention to be targeted to those most likely to benefit from them. However, current risk prediction models have a wide range of sensitivity (42-81%) and specificity (87-92%) indicating that improvements are needed. Furthermore, no predictive models have been developed or evaluated in Zimbabwe.
This proposal describes a single centre retrospective cross-sectional study which will address the need to further develop and test statistical risk prediction models for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-resource settings; this will be the first such research to be carried out in Zimbabwe.
Data will be collected on maternal demographics characteristics, outcome of prior pregnancies, past medical history, symptoms and signs on admission, results of biochemical and haematological investigations. Adverse outcome will be defined as a composite of maternal morbidity and mortality and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Association between variables and outcomes will be explored using multivariable logistic regression.
Critically, new risk prediction models introduced for our clinical setting may reduce avoidable maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality at local, national, regional and international level.
Accuracy of in vitro mandibular volumetric measurements from CBCT of different voxel sizes with different segmentation threshold settings
Authors: Dong Ting , Xia Lunguo , cai chenglin , Yuan Lingjun , Ye Nainsong , Fang Bing
Published: August 2019

Background: To determine the accuracy of volumetric measurements of the mandible in vitro by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to analyze the inﬂuence of voxel sizes and segmentation threshold settings on it.
Methods：The samples were obtained from pig mandibles and scanned with 4 voxel sizes: .125 mm, .20 mm, .30 mm, and .40 mm. The minimum segmentation thresholds in Hounsﬁeld units (HU) were set as 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively, for each voxel size for 3D reconstruction. Laser scanning as the reference, the volumes of each CBCT scanning, the mean iterative distances of superimposition and total positive and negative deviations were recorded and compared.
Results：The volumes of CBCT-scan deviated from those of laser-scan by +7.67% to -3.05% with different HU and voxel sizes. The deviation increased with the voxel size. There was a more suitable minimum HU threshold of segmentation (HU100 for .125 mm, 200 for .20 mm, 300 for .30 mm, and 400 for .40 mm) for each voxel size.
Conclusions：Voxel sizes and Hounsfield unit thresholds influence the accuracy of volumetric measurements in CBCT scanning. The volume increase with the voxel size, and different voxel sizes correspond to different optimal Hounsfield unit thresholds.
Behavioral and Steroidogenic Pharmacology of Phenyl Ring Substituted Etomidate Analogs in Rats
Authors: McGrath Megan , Hofmann Aissa , Raines Douglas Eric
Published: August 2019

Background: Cushing’s syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by the overproduction of adrenocortical steroids and associated with significant morbidity. Steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitors are the mainstays of pharmacological treatment. Unfortunately, they produce side effects that limit dosing, efficacy, and patient tolerability. Among the most potent inhibitors is the general anesthetic etomidate whose GABAA receptor-mediated sedative-hypnotic actions restrict use. In this study, we defined the sedative-hypnotic and steroidogenesis inhibiting actions of etomidate and four phenyl-ring substituted etomidate analogs (dimethoxy-etomidate, isopropoxy-etomidate, naphthalene-etomidate, and naphthalene(2)-etomidate) that possess negligible GABAA receptor modulatory activities.
Methods: In the first set of experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed for loss of righting reflexes (LoRR) after receiving intravenous boluses of either etomidate (1 mg/kg) or an etomidate analog (40 mg/kg). In the second set of experiments, rats were assessed for LoRR and their abilities to produce adrenocortical and androgenic steroids after receiving 2-hr infusions (0.5 mg kg-1min-1) of either etomidate or an etomidate analog.
Results: All rats that received etomidate boluses or infusions had LoRR that persisted for minutes or hours, respectively. In contrast, no rat that received an etomidate analog had LoRR. Compared to rats in the vehicle control group, rats that received etomidate analog infusions had plasma corticosterone and aldosterone concentrations that were reduced by 80 – 84% and 68 – 94%, respectively. Rats that received etomidate infusions had plasma corticosterone and aldosterone concentrations that were also significantly reduced (by 92% and 96%, respectively). Rats that received etomidate or isopropoxy-etomidate had significant reductions (90% and 57%, respectively) in plasma testosterone concentrations whereas those that received naphthalene-etomidate had significant increases (1,400%) in plasma dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations. Neither etomidate nor any etomidate analog significantly affected plasma androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone concentrations.
Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that the four phenyl-ring substituted etomidate analogs form a novel class of compounds that are devoid of sedative-hypnotic activities and suppress plasma concentrations of adrenocortical steroids but vary in their effects on plasma concentrations of androgenic steroids. They provide a proof-of-concept for the development of non-sedating etomidate analogs to treat Cushing’s syndrome and other pathologies whose clinical courses may be improved by altering steroid biosynthesis.
Yang-Monti ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis or Yang-Monti ileal ureter-ureteral anastomosis for the treatment of ureteral stenosis: What is better?
Authors: wang zhenxing , sun zhaolin , yang xiushu , luo guangheng , tian ye , shen lei , su zhiyong , liu hongming
Published: August 2019

Background: To establish an animal model of the minipigs of ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis and ureteral-ureteral anastomosis using the Yang-Monti technique, and compare the advantages and disadvantages.
Methods: 14 minipigs were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received the left Yang-Monti ileal ureter-ureteral anastomosis ; group B received the left Yang-Monti ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis. The length of the incision and the operation time of the two groups were compared. Changes in serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were observed. IVU,cystography,Urinary culture examination and histological examination were performed.
Results: the remaining 11 miniature pigs had no urinary fistula or intestinal fistula.The operation time and incision length of group A were longer than group B. All minipigs had normal renal function before and after surgery. There was no stenosis obstruction in the venous pyelography. The narrowest diameter of group A was larger than that of group B; no contrast agent was returned to the upper urinary tract in the two groups. Postoperative urine culture examinations were colonized with Escherichia coli. the obstruction and stenosis were found in group A; the ileal ureteral diameter of group A was larger than that of group B. Histological examination showed that the transitional epithelium and columnar epithelial mucosa in group A were not close together; the intestinal villi are slightly atrophied and shortened.
Conclusions: Compared with the Yang-Monti ileal ureteral anastomosis, the Yang-Monti ileal ureter-bladder anastomosis is simpler, more reliable, and less complication.
Exploring the pathogenic function of an endogenous plasmid of Pantoea ananatis by a simple and efficient plasmid elimination strategy
Authors: Zhao Xiaozhen , Gao Lu , Huang Hai , Zhao Yi , Hanif Alvina , Wu Huijun , Gu Qin , Wu Liming , Gao Xuewen
Published: August 2019

Background: The bacterium Pantoea ananatis is associated with devastating diseases in many crops that cause serious economic losses. We previously isolated strain DZ-12 from maize brown rot leaves and, genome sequencing revealed that it belongs to P. ananatis and contains a large, endogenous plasmid, pDZ-12. Virulence plasmids are essential for pathogenesis in many bacterial pathogens. However, nothing was known regarding the role of this plasmid in P. ananatis pathogenicity in maize. Results: Here, we eliminated the endogenous plasmid from P. ananatis by substituting its native replicon with a temperature-sensitive replicon. The resulting temperature-sensitive plasmid could be cured by growing cells at high temperature (37 °C). Loss of pDZ-12 from P. ananatis DZ-12 led to decreased disease severity in maize plants, suggesting the endogenous plasmid was important for pathogenesis. Meanwhile, loss of pDZ-12 also affected the ability of the bacterium to form biofilms. The method described here, which is efficient and needs only two steps to cure the endogenous plasmid without antibiotic resistance, was also shown to work in Bacillus subtilis, and may be generally applicable in bacteria. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that the endogenous plasmid of P. ananatis DZ-12 is important for pathogenesis in maize plants and in the ability of this species to form biofilms. It also presents the first report on curing plasmid DNA from P. ananatis.
The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the glycemic control of pre-diabetic Qatari patients in a randomized control trial.
Authors: Thani Mohammed Al , Sadoun Eman , Sofroniou Angeliki , Jayyousi Amin , Baagar Khaled Ahmed Mohamed , Hammaq Abdulla Al , Vinodson Benjamin , Akram Hammad , Bhatti Zaid Shakoor , Nasser Heba Samir , Leventakou Vasiliki
Published: August 2019

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with indicators of pre-diabetes including, insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction and elevated plasma glucose with controversial findings from current trials. This study aims to investigate the long-term effect of vitamin D on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in pre-diabetic and highly vitamin-deficient subjects.
Methods: 132 participants were randomized to 30,000 IU vitamin D weekly for 6 months. Participants underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 3-month intervals to determine the change in plasma glucose concentration at 2h after 75g OGTT (2hPCG). Secondary measurements included glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, post-prandial insulin, indices of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, Matsuda Index), β-cell function (HOMA-β, glucose and insulin area under the curve (AUC), disposition and insulinogenic indices), and lipid profile.
Results: A total of 57 (vitamin D) and 75 (placebo) subjects completed the study. Mean baseline serum 25(OH) D levels were 17.0 ng/ml and 14.9 ng/ml for placebo and vitamin D group, respectively. No significant differences were observed for 2hPC glucose or insulin sensitivity indices between groups. HOMA-β significantly decreased in the vitamin D group, while area under curve for glucose and insulin showed a significant reduction in β-cell function in both groups. Additionally, HOMA-β was found to be significantly different between control and treatment group and significance persisted after adjusting for confounding factors.
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation in a pre-diabetic and severely vitamin-deficient population had no effect on glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity. The observed reduction in β-cell function in both placebo and vitamin D groups could be attributed to factors other than supplementation.
Trial registration: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with number: NCT02098980.
Diverse biological processes coordinate the transcriptional response to nutritional changes in a Drosophila melanogaster multiparent population
Authors: Ng'oma Enoch , Williams-Simon Patricka A. , Rahman Aniqa , King Elizabeth G.
Published: August 2019

Background

Environmental variation in the amount of resources available to populations challenge individuals to optimize the allocation of those resources to key fitness functions. This coordination of resource allocation relative to resource availability is commonly attributed to key nutrient sensing gene pathways in laboratory model organisms, chiefly the insulin/TOR signaling pathway. However, the genetic basis of diet-induced variation in gene expression is less clear.

Results

To describe the natural genetic variation underlying nutrient-dependent differences, we used an outbred panel derived from a multiparental population, the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource. We analyzed RNA sequence data from multiple female tissue samples dissected from flies reared in three nutritional conditions: high sugar (HS), dietary restriction (DR), and control (C) diets. A large proportion of genes in the experiment (19.6% or 2,471 genes) were significantly differentially expressed for the effect of diet, 7.8% (978 genes) for the effect of the interaction between diet and tissue type (LRT, Padj. < 0.05). Interestingly, we observed similar patterns of gene expression relative to the C diet, in the DR and HS treated flies, a response likely reflecting diet component ratios. Hierarchical clustering identified 21 robust gene modules showing intra-modularly similar patterns of expression across diets, all of which were highly significant for diet or diet-tissue interaction effects (false discovery rate, FDR Padj. < 0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis for different diet-tissue combinations revealed a diverse set of pathways and gene ontology (GO) terms (two-sample t-test, FDR < 0.05). GO analysis on individual co-expressed modules likewise showed a large number of terms encompassing a large number of cellular and nuclear processes (Fisher exact test, Padj. < 0.01). Although a handful of genes in the IIS/TOR pathway including Ilp5, Rheb, and Sirt2 showed significant elevation in expression, known key genes such as InR, chico, insulin peptide genes, and the nutrient-sensing pathways were not observed.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a more diverse network of pathways and gene networks mediate the diet response in our population. These results have important implications for future studies focusing on diet responses in natural populations.
Health literacy strengths and limitations among rural fishing communities in Egypt using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ)
Authors: Anwar Wagida Abdel Rahman , Mostafa Nayera S. , Hakim Sally Adel , Sos Dalia G. , Abozaid Dena A. , Osborne Richard H.
Published: August 2019

Background

Health literacy is an important determinant of health. The aim of this study was to use a multi-dimensional measurement tool to describe the health literacy of people living in a fishing community in northern Egypt.

Methods

Data were collected from 436 people (fisherman and their families), using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) which includes 9 scales. Effect sizes (ES) for standardized mean differences estimated the magnitude of difference between demographic groups.

Results

The mean age of participants was 42 years, 50% were male, 42% were working in the fishing sector, 17.9% had access to the Internet and 36.8% were illiterate. Male participants showed higher capabilities in domains 3 and 4 (ES = 0.21 and 0.27, respectively). In comparison to other occupations, fishing occupation had a negative impact on domain 7 (ES -0.23). Also, higher educational level was associated with higher HLQ indicators. Across all scales, domain 2 showed the lowest mean (SD) score; 2.23 (0.76) indicating that most people reported they didn’t have enough information.

Conclusions

This study has revealed that fishermen and their families have a wide range of health literacy difficulties which are likely to have profound negative effects on health behavior and health outcomes.
Psychological Distress and Associated Factors among Adult Tuberculosis Patients Attending Public Health Institutions in Dire Dawa and Harar Cities, Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study Design
Authors: Ayana Tegegn Mulatu , Roba Kedir Teji , Mabalhin Myrla Obejero
Published: August 2019

Background
In developing countries the prevalence of psychological distress was higher among tuberculosis patients. Patients with tuberculosis infection were more prone to psychological distress than peoples without tuberculosis. However, little studies were conducted in on psychological distress among tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia, particularly in Eastern Ethiopian public health institution.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted in four hospitals and six health centers that are found in Dire Dawa and Harar cities from January 10 to February 10, 2018. All Tuberculosis patients who fulfil inclusion criteria attending TB treatment in selected Health institution included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection on sociodemographic factors, psychological distress, health related factors, stigma experience and alcohol use. Data was coded, entered and cleaned using Epi Data version 3.1 software and finally exported into SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out. All variables with p value ≤ 0.25 were taken into the multivariate model and P- Value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of psychological distress among tuberculosis in this study population was 63.3% (95% CI: 58.1, 68.1). Being from rural residence (AOR: 1. 98; 95% CI: 1.01,3.86), co-infection TB- HIV (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI:1.02, 4.56), presence of at least one chronic disease (AOR:3.04; 95% CI:1.59,5.79), experience of stigma (AOR: 1.71; 95% CI:1.01, 2.90), Pulmonary and MDR-TB (AOR:2.53; 95% CI:1.50,4.28) and smoking cigarette (AOR:2.53; 95% CI:1.06,6.03) were associated with psychological distress.

Conclusion

In this study almost two third of the study participant had of psychological distress among tuberculosis patients. Chronic disease morbidities, HIV and TB co-infection and TB discrimination were associated with psychological distress. The co-morbid diagnosis of chronic diseases and TB- HIV co-infection needs more psychological care.
Adaptation of public health initiatives: expert views on current guidance and opportunities to advance their application and benefit
Authors: Yoong Serene , Bolsewicz Katarzyna , Grady Alice , Wyse Rebecca , Sutherland Rachel , Hodder Rebecca Kate , Kingsland Melanie , Nathan Nicole , McCrabb Sam , Bauman Adrian , Wiggers John , Moullin Joanna , Albers Bianca , Fernandez Maria , Hall Alix , Sims-Gould Joanie , Taylor Natalie , Rissel Chris , Milat Andrew , Bailey Andrew , Batchelor Samantha , Attia John , Wolfenden Luke
Published: August 2019

Background

While there is some guidance to support the adaptation of evidence-based public health interventions, little is known about adaptation in practice and how to best support public health practitioners in its operationalization. This study explored public health researchers’ and practitioners’ views on available adaptation frameworks, identified potential improvements to increase the application of such guidance and identified opportunities to advance the adaptation literature to improve implementation of public health initiatives and achieve public health outcomes.

Methods

This qualitative study was undertaken with researchers, methodologists, policy makers and practitioners representing various public health expert organizations and universities internationally. Participants attended a face to face workshop in Newcastle, Australia in October 2018 where structured facilitated focus group discussions and small group activities were undertaken. Two qualitative methods - World Café and Appreciative Inquiry - were used to explore participants’ experiences of and opinions about adaptation frameworks, and to elicit suggestions for practical, detailed solutions to address identified gaps.

Results

Participants reported a number of limitations with current guidance including a lack of detail on ‘how’ to adapt, limited information on adaptation of implementation strategies and a number of structural issues with the wording and recommended order of adaptation framework elements. Participants noted that the generation of overarching principles that could be applied together with existing frameworks and/or related resources provides a practical way of supporting adaptation decisions in practice. Finally, participants identified a number of opportunities to further advance the field, including the building of an empirical evidence base on adaptation, advancing adaptation methods and developing data collection systems to capture adaptations.

Conclusions

This study provides an overview of expert views regarding existing frameworks for adaptation and their ability to be applied in practice. It identified a number of limitations, and suggests overarching principles to be applied when adapting public health initiatives.
Energy Balance-Related Factors Associating with Adolescent Weight Loss Intent: Evidence from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Authors: Burns Ryan Donald
Published: August 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine specific energy balance-related behaviors (sedentary, physical activity, and dietary) associating with adolescent weight loss intent using data from the 2017 US Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).

Methods: A multi-stage cluster sampling procedure was used to obtain a representative sample of US adolescents. The target population consisted of public and private high schoolers from grades 9 through 12. The number of sampled adolescents was 18,324 with 14,765 of the 18,324 sampled students submitting questionnaires with usable data (81% response rate). The outcome was intent to lose weight with specific energy-balance related behaviors examined as predictors. A weighted logistic regression model was employed to examine the associations between sedentary, activity, and dietary-related variables with weight loss intent controlling for age, sex, BMI percentile, and race/ethnicity.

Results: Variables associating with adolescent intent to lose weight included 3 or more hours of video game playing (OR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.31, p = 0.028), achieving 60 minutes of physical activity daily (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.59-0.73, p < 0.001), daily breakfast consumption (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.67-0.87, p < 0.001) and weekly salad consumption (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.12-1.52, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: There was an inverse association between physical activity and breakfast consumption with weight loss intent but a direct association between video game playing and salad consumption with weight loss intent in a representative sample of adolescents. Therefore, there is a discordance between adolescent weight loss intent and the engagement in specific energy balance-related health behaviors, particularly physical activity.
Sun protection education for adolescents: A feasibility study of a wait-list controlled trial of an intervention using objective measurement of sun exposure
Authors: Hubbard Gill , Cherrie John , Gray Jonathan , Kyle Richard G , Nioi Amanda , Wendelboe-Nelson Charlotte , Cowie Hilary , Dombrowski Stephan
Published: August 2019

Background
People increase their risk of melanoma unless they are protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure during childhood and adolescence. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a three-component sun protection intervention- presentation, booklet, and text messages - and trial parameters.
Methods
This feasibility wait-list controlled trial was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2018. Students aged 13-15 years were eligible. Feasibility outcomes were collected for recruitment rates; data availability rates for objective measurements of melanin and erythema using a Mexameter and self-reported sunburn occurrences, severity and body location, tanning, sun protection behaviours and SSE collected before (baseline) and after the school summer holidays (follow-up); intervention reach, adherence, perceived impact and acceptability. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results
Five out of eight schools expressing an interest in participating with four allocated to act as intervention and one control. Four parents/carers opted their child out of the study. 487 out of 724 students on the school register consented to the study at baseline (67%). 385 were in intervention group schools. Objective skin measurements were available for 255 (66%) of the intervention group at baseline and 237 (61%) of the group at follow up. Melanin increased; erythema decreased. Complete self-report data were available for 247 (64%) students in the intervention group. The number of students on the school register who attended the presentation and given the booklet was 379 (98%) and gave their mobile phone number was 155 (40%). No intervention component was perceived as more impactful on sun protection behaviours. Adolescents did not see the relevance of sun protection in the UK or for their age group.
Conclusions
This is the first study to use a Mexameter to measure skin colour in adolescents. Erythema (visible redness) lasts no more than three days and its measurement before and after a six week summer holiday may not yield relevant or meaningful data. A major challenge is that adolescents do not see the relevance of sun protection and SSE.
Dietary carbohydrate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xuan Fei , Li Wei , Guo Xiaoqing , Liu Chuanyong
Published: August 2019

Purpose: Dietary carbohydrate intake had become recognized as an important risk factor for risk of esophageal cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between dietary carbohydrate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer.
Methods: Suitable databases were carefully searched. A random-effects model was used for combined the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Stata software 14.0 was adopted for the analysis.
Results: Thirteen publications were included in our study. There was significant correlation between highest category compared with lowest category of dietary carbohydrate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer (summarized OR= 0.627, 95%CI= 0.505-0.778, I2= 59.9%, P for heterogeneity = 0.001). The results in the subgroup of esophageal adenocarcinoma (summarized OR= 0.569, 95%CI= 0.417-0.777) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (summarized OR= 0.665, 95%CI= 0.453-0.975) were consistent with the overall result. A positive association was found in European populations, Asian populations, North American populations, instead of South American populations.
Conclusions: In conclusions, dietary carbohydrate intake may have a protective effect against the risk of esophageal cancer.