bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depreciación del caballo Pura Raza Española con la deformación del borde dorsal del cuello
Authors: Morales A. , Mendez A. , Perez J.
Published: September 2020

Se plantea como objetivo estimar la depreciación de un caballo Pura Raza Española con la deformación del borde dorsal del cuello. Se estudió a una población de 500 caballos de Pura Raza Española clasificados en 4 edades: Potros (6 meses-4 años), en doma 4-8 años, adultos 8-12 años y maduros (12-20 años), pertenecientes a 65 propietarios, 10 centros de cría Pura Raza Española y un matadero en Andalucía y Extremadura, España. Se realizó la estimación de la depreciación para un año una vez detectada la deformación del borde dorsal de cuello, de manera separada por 3 grupos etarios: caballos en doma 4-8 años, caballos adultos 8-12 años y caballos maduros (12-20 años), mediante tres métodos, el método de línea recta, el método de la reducción de saldo (5%) y el método de la suma de los dígitos de los años. En relación a la depreciación del caballo de Pura Raza Española con deformación del borde dorsal del cuello, estimada para un año, es bastante alta y proporcional al costo del caballo. En conclusión, la depreciación del caballo de Pura Raza Española con la deformación del borde dorsal del cuello, se puede presentar en promedio a partir de los 6 años de edad (aproximadamente entre 4-8 años), la depreciación calculada por los tres métodos línea recta, reducción del saldo al 5% y suma de los dígitos fue similar, solo presento variación por el grupo etario 4-8 años 95%, 8-12 años 99% y 12-20 años 98% de depreciación respetivamente.
OYUN VE OYUNCAK: TEKNOLOJİK VE TOPLUMSAL DÖNÜŞÜM SÜRECİNDE OYUN VE OYUNCAĞIN ANLAMSAL VE İŞLEVSEL DEĞİŞİMİ
Authors: VATANDAŞ Saniye
Published: September 2020

Oyun bir eğlence ve serbest zaman faaliyeti olmanın ötesinde, toplumsallaşmanın en önemli aracıdır. Çocuk, oyun ve oyuncakla, toplum içinde yaşayacaklarının provalarını yaparak toplumsallaşır. Toplum ise toplumsallaşmış üyeleri üzerinden geleceğini garantiler; zamanda süreklilik kazanır. Oyun ve oyuncak insanlığın en köklü iletişim ve etkileşim aracı olarak anlam kazanmıştır. Ancak endüstrileşmeye bağlı olarak oyunun en önemli unsuru olan oyuncak metalaştı. Oyun ve oyuncak, geleneksel medya üzerinden ideolojilerin önemli yaşam alanlarından ve güç merkezlerinden birisi haline geldi. Bireyler, tüm zamanlar boyunca oyunun aktif birer öznesiyken, başta televizyon ve sinema olmak üzere geleneksel iletişim teknolojilerinin sunduğu oyunlar karşısında pasif birer nesne haline geldiler. Bu arada toplumsallaşmanın ve oyunun en önemli mekânı olan sokak yok oldu. Zira bireyler siyah camın bağımlısı oldular. Oyun, dijital teknolojinin gelişimine bağlı olarak çoğu zaman toplumsallaşmayı, toplumsal uyumu tehdit eden özelliklerin de taşıyıcılardan birisi oldu. Bu inceleme, oyunun ve oyuncağın tarihsel bağlamda anlam ve işlevini konu edinmektedir. Bilim ve teknolojide gerçekleşen değişim ve dönüşümlerin oyun ve oyuncak üzerindeki etkileri tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu itibarla dijital teknoloji ile internet teknolojisinin oyun ve oyuncağa getirdiği anlam ve işlev değişimi konu edinilmiştir.
Predictive Modeling of Relative Permeability Using a Generalized Equation of State
Authors: Purswani Prakash , Johns Russell T. , Karpyn Zuleima T. , Blunt Martin
Published: September 2020

Reliable simulation of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes depends on an accurate description of fluid transport in the subsurface. Current empirical transport models of rock-fluid interactions are fit to limited experimental data for specific rock types, fluids, and boundary conditions. In this paper, a general equation-of-state (EoS) approach is developed for relative permeability (kr) based on a set of geometric state parameters: normalized Euler characteristic (connectivity) and saturation. Literature data and pore network modeling (PNM) simulations are used to examine the functional form of the EoS.

Our results show that the new kr-EoS matches experimental data better than the conventional Corey form, especially for highly nonlinear relative permeabilities at low saturations. Using hundreds of PNM simulations, relative permeability scanning curves show a locus of residual saturation and connectivity that defines an important limit for the physical kr region. The change of this locus is also considered for two contact angles. PNM data further allow for the estimation of the relative permeability partial derivatives that are used as inputs in the EoS. Linear functions of these partials in the connectivity-saturation space renders a quadratic response of kr, which shows excellent predictions. Unlike current empirical models that are based on only one residual saturation, the state function approach allows for dynamic residual conditions critical for capturing hysteresis in relative permeability.
Validation of the French translation of the Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test
Authors: Majbar Anass Mohammed , Majbar Yassin , Benkabbou Amine , Amrani Laila , Bougtab Abdeslam , Mohsine Raouf , Souadka Amine
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe learning environment is one of the most influential factors in training of medical residents. The Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test (D-RECT) is one of the strongest instruments for measuring the learning environment. However, it has not been translated in French. The objective of this study is the psychometric validation of the DRECT French version.Material and methodsAfter translation of the D-RECT questionnaire into French, residents of five Moroccan hospitals were invited to complete the questionnaire between July and September 2018. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the validity of the construct using the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR), the root mean square error approximation (RMSEA), the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and the Tucker- Lewis Index (TLI). Reliability analysis was analysed using Internal consistency and Test-retest.ResultsDuring the study period, 211 residents completed the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate model fit with the following indicators: SRMR = 0.058 / RMSEA = 0.07 / CFI = 0.88 / TLI = 0.87. The French translation had a good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha score > 0.7 for all subscales) and a good temporal stability (correlation score between two measurements = 0.89). Conclusion This French version has an acceptable validity of the construct, a good internal consistency and good temporal reliability, and may be used to evaluate the learning climate. Additional research is necessary in other French-speaking contexts, in order to confirm these results.
Sex-specific prevalence of coronary heart disease among Tehranian adult population across different glycemic status: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 2008-2011
Authors: Moazzeni Seyyed Saeed , Ghafelehbashi Hamidreza , Hasheminia Mitra , Parizadeh Donna , Ghanbarian Arash , Azizi Freidoun , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: September 2020

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of death. Alarmingly Iranian populations had a high rank of CHD worldwide. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of CHD across different glycemic categories. Methods: This study was conducted on 7,718 Tehranian participants (Men=3427) aged ≥ 30 years from 2008 to 2011. They were categorized based on glycemic status. The prevalence of CHD was calculated in each group separately. CHD was defined as hospital records adjudicated by an outcome committee. The association of different glycemic categories with CHD was calculated using multivariate logistic regression, compared with normal fasting glucose /normal glucose tolerance (NFG/NGT) group as reference. Results: The age-standardized prevalence of isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT), both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT), newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (NDM), and known diabetes mellitus (KDM) were 14.30% [95% confidence interval (CI): 13.50-15.09], 4.81% [4.32-5.29], 5.19% [4.71-5.67], 5.79% [5.29-6.28] and 7.72% [7.17-8.27], respectively. Among a total of 750 individuals diagnosed as cases of CHD (398 in men), 117 (15.6%), 453 (60.4%), and 317 (42.3%) individuals had a history of myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac procedure, and unstable angina, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of CHD for the Tehranian population was 7.71% [7.18-8.24] in the total population, 8.62 [7.81-9.44] in men and 7.19 [6.46-7.93] in women. Moreover, among diabetic participants, the age-standardized prevalence of CHD was 13.10 [9.83-16.38] in men and 10.67 [8.90-12.44] in women, significantly higher than corresponding values for NFG/NGT and prediabetic groups. Across six levels of glycemic status, CHD was associated with IFG/IGT [ odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI: 1.38 (1.01-1.89)], NDM [1.83 (1.40-2.41)], and KDM [2.83 (2.26-3.55)] groups, in the age- and sex-adjusted model. Furthermore, in the full-adjusted model, only NDM and KDM status remained to be associated with the presence of CHD by ORs of 1.40 (1.06-1.86) for NDM and 1.91 (1.51-2.43) for KDM. Conclusion: The high prevalence of CHD, especially among diabetic populations, necessitates the urgent implementation of behavioral interventions in the Tehranian population, according to evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of diabetic patients.
El Niño Southern Oscillation as an early warning tool for dengue outbreak in India
Authors: Pramanik Malay K. , Singh Poonam , Kumar Gaurav , Ojha Vijay Prakash , Dhiman Ramesh C.
Published: September 2020

Background: Dengue is rapidly expanding climate-sensitive mosquito-borne disease worldwide. Outbreaks of dengue occur in various parts of India as well but there is no tool to provide early warning. The current study was, therefore, undertaken to find out the link between El Niño, precipitation, and dengue cases, which could help in early preparedness for control of dengue.Methods: Data on Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) was extracted from CPC-IRI (USA) while the data on monthly rainfall was procured from India Meteorological Department. Data on annual dengue cases was taken from the website of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). Correlation analysis was used to analyse the relationship between seasonal positive ONI, rainfall index and dengue case index based on past 20 years’ state-level data. The dengue case index representing ‘relative deviation from mean’ was correlated to the three months average ONI. The computed r values of dengue case index and positive ONI were further interpreted using generated spatial correlation map. The short-term (1 year) prediction of dengue probability map has been prepared based on phase-wise (El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral) 20 years averaged ONI.Results: A high correlation between positive ONI and dengue incidence was found, particularly in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Daman and Diu. The states like Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh shown negative correlation between summer El Niño and dengue incidence. Two –three month lag was found between monthly ‘rainfall index’ and dengue cases at local-scale analysis.Conclusion: The generated map signifies the spatial correlation between positive ONI and dengue case index, indicating positive correlation in the central part, while negative correlation in some coastal, northern, and north-eastern part of India. The findings offer a tool for early preparedness for undertaking intervention measures against dengue by the national programme at state level. For further improvement of results, study at micro-scale (district) for finding month-wise association with Indian Ocean Dipole and local weather variables is desired for better explanation of dengue outbreaks in the states with ‘no association’.
Substances use and its association with sociodemographic, family, and environment-related factors among technical and vocational education and training college students in Ataye, Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study 
Authors: wubetu abate dargie , Getachew Sintayehu , Negash Wassie
Published: September 2020

Background: Legal substances use is prevalent in Ethiopia. Substance use can have several health problems that are potentially harmful in educational performance, social issues, psychological and physical wellbeing. This study aimed to know the prevalence of lifetime and last month’s substance use and its associated factors among technical and vocational education and training College students in Ataye town. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 March to last May 2019. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data collected by using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data collected by five trained diploma nurses with close supervision. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence interval, and p-value less than 0.05 used to declare the statistical significance of associated factors. Results: Four hundred eighty-three individuals participated in the study, which was a response rate of 94%. The prevalence of lifetime legal substance use was 32.5% (95% CI: 28.2, 36.5). The prevalence of last month's legal substances use was 21.9% (95% CI= 18.2, 25.5). Among lifetime legal substance users, the majority (25.5%) chewed khat. The others, (19.5%) drunk alcohol, and, 15.3% smoked cigarettes in a lifetime. Lifetime cannabis and cocaine users were 2.5%, and 7.2% respectively. Among last month's legal substance users, (21.9%) chewed khat followed by alcohol drinking (16.6%), and cigarette smoking (15.3%). In the last month, 1.2% and 3.3% of students used cannabis and cocaine respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that being male, having a divorced family, living greater than twenty years in the town, having substance user family members, having intimate friend substance users, and easy availability of substances were independent predictors of lifetime legal substances use.Conclusions: The prevalence of last month and lifetime legal substance use at Ataye Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students were analogous with most studies done in Ethiopia. It is advisable if the college administrators work together with town administrators to mitigate the problem including closing substance use houses around the school. Overall, Substance use among adolescents should get further emphasis to lower the prevalence.
Factors associated with awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among 3,579 hypertensive adults in China: data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Wei junxiang , Xin Bo , Li Yan , Wang Youfa
Published: September 2020

Background: Hypertension prevalence is high and rising in China, but it is inadequately controlled. This study investigated hypertension awareness, treatment, and control and their associated factors among Chinese adults. Methods: Data collected from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 12,991 Chinese adults were used. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg, self-reported prior diagnosed hypertension, or taking antihypertensive medications. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were defined as a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, current use of antihypertensive medication, and blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine factors associated with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. Results: Overall, 3,579 (27.6%) of the CHNS adult participants had hypertension, of whom 55.7% were aware of their diagnosis, 46.5% were treated with antihypertensive medications, but only 20.3% had their blood pressure controlled. Higher hypertension treatment rate was associated with older age (OR, 2.57; 95%CI, 1.65-4.02), urban residence (1.50; 1.14-1.97), living in the Eastern region (1.52; 1.14-2.01), and having overweight/obesity (1.99; 1.39-2.84); Awareness rate showed the same association as treatment rate with an additional protect factor of being female (1.37, 1.12-1.66). Lower control rate was associated with obesity (0.56; 0.42-0.76) and minority ethnicity (0.52; 0.31-0.86). Conclusion: Hypertension is a major public health burden in China. Rates of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are still low despite efforts that have been made. More intensive screening and treatment intervention programs are needed in the future.
High genetic diversity and strong genetic structure of Strongyllodes variegatus populations in oilseed rape production areas of China
Authors: Zhan HaiXia , Hao ZhongPing , Tang Rui , Zhu LiNi , Zhou JingJiang , Hou Shu-min
Published: September 2020

Background: Strongyllodes variegatus (Fairmaire) is a major insect pest of oilseed rape in China. Despite its economic importance, the contribution of its population genetics in the development of any suitable protection control strategy for the management of oilseed rape crops is poorly studied. It is a much urgent need to prevent its spread to the rest of the world. Results: Using the sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cytb) as genetic markers, we analyzed the population genetic diversity and structure of 437 individuals collected from 15 S. variegates populations located in different oilseed rape production areas in China. In addition, we estimated the demographic history using neutrality test and mismatch distribution analysis. The high level of genetic diversity was detected among the COI and Cytb sequences of S. variegates. The population structure analyses strongly suggested three distinct genetic and geographical regions in China with limited gene flow. The Mantel test showed that the genetic distance was greatly influenced by the geographical distance. The demographic analyses showed that S. variegates had experienced population fluctuation during the Pleistocene Epoch, which was likely to be related to the climatic changes.Conclusion: Overall, these results demonstrate that the strong genetic structure of S. variegates populations in China, which is attributed by the isolation through the geographical distance among populations, their weak flight capacity and subsequent adaptation to the regional ecological conditions.
A Multilevel Mixed Effects Analysis of Informal Carers Health in Australia: The role of Community Participation, Social Support and Trust at Small Area level.
Authors: Mohanty Itismita , Niyonsenga Theo , Cochrane Tom , Rickwood Debra
Published: September 2020

Background: Informal carers suffer from worse health outcomes than non-carers due to their caregiving role. Yet, in a society carers health is as important as that of their care recipients. This study investigated the self-assessed mental and general health outcomes of informal carers in Australia. It evaluated the influence of carers’ personal social capital- a logically linked sequence of their social behaviour such as community participation, social support and trust in others- on their health outcomes. The study estimated the magnitude of small area level variation at Statistical Area Level 1 (SA1) along with individual level variation in carers’ health outcomes.Methods: The study used a multilevel mixed effects cross-sectional design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, wave 14. It included Australians aged 15 years and older that were surveyed in the year 2014. The sample consisted of 12,767 individuals and 5004 SA1s. The outcome measures included- mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life.Results: Informal carers suffered from poor mental (Beta = -0.587, p=0.003) and general health (Beta = -0.670, p=0.001) outcomes compared to non-carers in Australia. These health outcomes exhibited significant variation acrossSA1s in Australia, with 12-13% variation in general and mental health. However, within small local areas, differences at the individual level, accounted for most of the variation in outcomes. Moreover, levels of community participation, personal social connection and trust, as perceived by individuals in the communities, had a positive influence on both mental and general health of carers and non-carers, and were more beneficial for carers compared to non-carers. Conclusion: It seems that the positive influence of social capital for carers helps them in coping with the negative impact of their caregiving duty on health outcomes. Findings suggested that some targeted community support programs for carers to build on their personal social cohesion and trust in their community could help in improving their poor health profiles. Moreover, improved informal carers’ health may help the health system in better managing their resources.
Comparison of self-reports and biomedical measurements on hypertension and diabetes among older adults in China
Authors: Xie Donghong , Wang Jiwen
Published: September 2020

Background: Researchers interested in the effects of health on various life outcomes often use self-reported health and disease as an indicator of true, underlying health status. However, the validity of reporting is questionable as it relies on the awareness, recall bias and social desirability. Accordingly, biomedical test is generally regarded as a more precise indication of the disease.Methods: Using data from the third wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we selected individuals aged 40-85 years old who participated in both health interview survey and biomedical test. Sensitivity, specificity, false negative reporting and false positive reporting were used as measurements of (dis)agreement or (in)validity, and binary and multinomial logistic regression were used to estimate under-report or over-report of hypertension and diabetes. Results: Self-reported hypertension and diabetes showed low sensitivity (73.24% and 49.21%, respectively) but high specificity (93.61% and 98.05%, respectively). False positive reporting of hypertension and diabetes were 3.97% and 1.67%, while false negative reports were extremely high at 10.14% and 7.38%. Educational attainment, hukou, age and gender affected both group-specific error and overall error with some differences in their magnitude and directions.Conclusion: Self-reported conditions underestimate the disease burden of hypertension and diabetes in China. Adding objective measurements into social survey could improve data accuracy and allow better understanding of socioeconomic inequalities in health. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to provide basic health education and physical examination to citizens, and promote the use of healthcare to lower the incidence and unawareness of disease in China.
Draft Genome Assembly of Passalora sequoiae a Needle Blight Pathogen on Leyland Cypress
Authors: Copes Warren , Caballero Jorge Ibarra , Babiker Ebrahiem , Stewart Jane , Orner Valerie , Windham Alan , Arias Renee
Published: September 2020

Objective: Passalora sequoiae (family Mycosphaerellaceae) causes a twig blight on Leyland cypress that requires numerous fungicide applications annually to minimize economic losses for ornamental plant nursery and Christmas tree producers. The objective was to generate a high-quality draft assembly of the whole genome of P. sequoiae as a resource for primer development and to investigate genotype diversity. Data description: We report here the genome sequence of P. sequoiae 9LC2 that was isolated from Leyland cypress 'Leighton Green' in 2017 in southern Mississippi, USA. The draft genome was obtained using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT and Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing. Illumina reads were mapped to PacBio assembled contigs to determine base call consistency. Based on a total of 44 contigs with 722 kilobase (kb) average length (range 9.4 kb to 3.4 Mb), the whole genome size was estimated at 31,768,716 bp. Mapping of Illumina reads to PacBio contigs resulted in a 1000 x coverage and were used to confirm accuracy of the consensus sequences.
The Treatment of Microbubble Disease of 20th Century Cellulose Acetate Microfilm: Application of Ethyl cellulose and Microrepair Method
Authors: Jia Zhihui , Li Jing , Li Yuhu , Qi Yunpeng , Hu Daodao , Xing Huiping , Chao Xiaolian
Published: September 2020

Microbubble disease observed in cellulose acetate microfilm is accompanied by the production of vinegar syndrome, which affects the image integrity. In the present study, samples of cellulose acetate microfilm with microbubble disease were selected to investigate potential treatment methods. Samples were sourced from the Republic of China (AD 1912-1949) microfilm collections held in the Second Historical Archives of China. A combination of optical microscopy and a stainless-steel needle was used to remove plasticizer exudation within microbubbles. The plasticizer was effectively removed by infiltrating butan-1-ol into the microbubble from a small hole made by the stainless-steel needle. SEM and confocal microscopy were used to study the morphology and roughness of the internal surface of the microbubbles. It was found that the blurry image could be attributed to light scattering from the rough surface. Ethyl cellulose was used to fill the interior of the microbubble to obtain a clearer image. To determine the protective potential of this filling material, the chemical and mechanical properties of coated film after dry heat, hygrothermal and UV accelerated ageing were measured. Based on the above-mentioned results, it is encouraging that a new microrepair method and its corresponding method are offered in film treatment work.
Assessment of mitochondrial genomes for heterobranch gastropod phylogenetics
Authors: Varney Rebecca M , Brenzinger Bastian , Malaquias Manuel António E. , Meyer Christopher P. , Schrödl Michael , Kocot Kevin
Published: September 2020

Background Heterobranchia is a diverse clade of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial gastropod molluscs. It includes such disparate taxa as nudibranchs, sea hares, bubble snails, pulmonate land snails and slugs, and a number of (mostly small-bodied) poorly known snails and slugs collectively referred to as the “lower heterobranchs.” Evolutionary relationships within Heterobranchia have been challenging to resolve and the group has been subject to frequent and significant taxonomic revision. Mitochondrial (mt) genomes can be a useful molecular marker for phylogenetics but, to date, sequences have been available for only a relatively small subset of Heterobranchia. Results To assess the utility of mitochondrial genomes for resolving evolutionary relationships within this clade, eleven new mt genomes were sequenced including representatives of several groups of “lower heterobranchs.” Maximum likelihood analyses of concatenated matrices of the thirteen protein coding genes found weak support for most higher-level relationships even after several taxa with extremely high rates of evolution were excluded. Bayesian inference analysis with the CAT+GTR model resulted in a reconstruction that is much more consistent with the current understanding of heterobranch phylogeny. Notably, this analysis recovered Valvatoidea and Orbitestelloidea in a polytomy sister to all other heterobranchs, highlighting these taxa as important to understanding early heterobranch evolution. Also, dramatic gene rearrangements were detected within and between multiple clades. However, a single gene order is conserved across the majority of heterobranch clades.Conclusions Analysis of mitochondrial genomes in a Bayesian framework with the site heterogeneous CAT+GTR model resulted in a topology largely consistent with the current understanding of heterobranch phylogeny. However, mitochondrial genomes appear to be too variable to serve as good phylogenetic markers for robustly resolving a number of deeper splits within this clade.
Women's experience of psychological birth trauma in China: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Ke , Dai Ling , Wu Meiliyang , Zeng Tieying , Yuan Mengmei , Chen Ye
Published: September 2020

Background: The psychological birth trauma is a universal phenomenon in childbearing women. The influences could extend in a wide range, which includes the mothers' health, mother-infant relationship, partner relationship. The medical staff could even choose to quit playing their part in the birthing process. The phenomenon has gradually garnered attention around the world. However, it has rarely been discussed under Chinese special conditions. The study was to explore Chinese women's lived experiences of psychological birth trauma during labor and birth.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted in this study. Twenty-four women were recruited, who reported having experienced psychological birth trauma. In-depth interviews were conducted within one week after birth. Colaizzi's method was used to analyze the data.Results: Twenty-four women participated in the study. Four themes emerged to describe the women's experience of psychological birth trauma: "How am I supposed to relieve the endless pain?" " Can't I be weak?" "Am I not important?" " What uncertainties are waiting for me?"Conclusions: The findings provide deep insight into Chinese women's unique experience of psychological birth trauma. The social and health system could prevent psychological harm during birth and promote maternal health by measures of pain management, thoughtful attention, adequate caring, and prenatal preparation.
The role of socio-demographic determinants in the geo-spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV infections in small areas of Catalonia (Spain).
Authors: Agusti Cristina , Font-Casaseca Núria , Belvis Francesc , Julià Mireia , Vives Núria , Montoliu Alexandra , Pericàs Juan M , Casabona Jordi , Benach Joan
Published: September 2020

Background: Spatial visualization of HIV surveillance data could improve the planning of programs to address the HIV epidemic. The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics and the spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV infection in Catalonia and to identify factors associated with HIV infection rates.Methods: Surveillance data from the national registry were presented in the form of descriptive and ring maps and used to study the spatial distribution of new HIV diagnoses in Catalonia (2012-2016) and associated risk factors at the small area level (ABS, acronym for “basic health area” in Catalan). Incident cases were modeled using the following as predictors: type of municipality, prevalence of young men and migrant groups, MSM activity indicators, and other variables at the aggregated level. Results: New HIV diagnoses are heterogeneously distributed across Catalonia. The predictors that proved to be significantly associated with a higher rate of new HIV diagnoses were ABS located in the city of Barcelona (IRR, 2.520; P<0.001), a higher proportion of men aged 15-44 years (IRR, 1.193; P=0.003), a higher proportion of MSM (IRR, 1.230; P=0.030), a higher proportion of men from Western Europe (IRR, 1.281; P=0.003), a higher proportion of men from Latin America (IRR, 1.260; P=0.003), and a higher number of gay locations (IRR, 2.665; P<0.001). No association was observed between the HIV diagnosis rate and economic deprivation.Conclusions: Ring maps revealed substantial spatial associations for the rate of new HIV diagnoses. New HIV diagnoses are concentrated in ABS located in urban areas. Our results show that, in the case of HIV infection, the socioeconomic deprivation index on which the Catalan government bases its budget allocation policies among the ABS should not be the only criterion used.
A new anabolic compound, LLP2A-Ale, reserves periodontal bone loss in mice through augmentation of bone formation
Authors: Jiang Min , Liu Lixian , Liu Ruiwu , Lam Kit S. , Lane Nancy E. , Yao Wei
Published: September 2020

Aims. Currently, there are no effective medications that reverse periodontal disease (PD)-induced bone loss. The objective of this study was to test a new anabolic compound, LLP2A-Ale, or with the combination treatment of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC), in the treatment of bone loss secondary to PD. Materials and Methods. PD was induced in mice by placing a ligature around the second right molar. At one week after disease induction, the mice were treated with placebo, LLP2A-Ale, MSCs, or combination of LLP2A-Ale + MSCs, and euthanized at week 4. Results. We found that PD induced alveolar bone loss that was associated with reduced bone formation. LLP2A alone and in combination with MSCs sustained alveolar bone formation and reversed alveolar bone loss. Additionally, PD alone caused systemic inflammation and increased the circulating levels of G-CSF, IP-10, MIP-1a, and MIP2, which were suppressed by LLP2A-Ale +/- MSCs. LLP2A-Ale +/- MSCs increased bone formation at the peripheral skeletal site (distal femur), which was otherwise suppressed by PD. Conclusion. Our findings indicated that LLP2A-Ale treatment rescued alveolar bone loss caused by PD, primarily by increasing bone formation. LLP2A-Ale also attenuated the circulating levels of a series of inflammatory cytokines and reversed the PD-induced suppression of systemic bone formation.
Construction and Analysis of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA Network in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Weighted Correlation Network Analysis
Authors: Zou Zhenning , Liu Shuguang , Ha Yanping , Huang Bowan
Published: September 2020

Increasing evidence indicated that aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The purpose of this study was to construct a lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network based on weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). First, modules with highly correlated genes were identified from GSE102349 via WGCNA, and the preservation of the modules was evaluated by GSE68799. Then, the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs identified from GSE12452 which belonged to the same WGCNA modules and the differentially expressed miRNAs identified from GSE32960 were used to construct a ceRNA network. The prognostic value of the network was evaluated by survival analysis. Furthermore, a risk score model for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) of NPC patients was established via lasso penalized Cox regression, and the differences in the expression of the lncRNAs between high- and low-risk groups were investigated. Finally, 14 stable modules were identified, and a ceRNA network composed of 11 lncRNAs, 15 miRNAs and 40 mRNAs was established. The lncRNAs and mRNAs in the network belonged to the turquoise and salmon modules. Survival analysis indicated that ZNF667-AS1, LDHA, LMNB2, TPI1, UNG and hsa-miR-142-3p were significantly correlated with the prognosis of NPC. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that the up-regulation of ZNF667-AS1 was associated with some immune-related pathways. Besides, a risk score model consisting of 12 genes was constructed and showed a good performance in predicting PFS for NPC patients. Among the 11 lncRNAs in the ceRNA network, SNHG16, SNHG17, and THAP9-AS1 were up-regulated in the high-risk group of NPC, while ZNF667-AS1 was down-regulated in the high-risk group of NPC. These results will promote our understanding of the crosstalk among lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in the tumorigenesis and progression of NPC.
Using virtual imaging technology to restore artifacts in situ
Authors: Qiao Chengquan , Zhang Wenwen , Gong Decai , Gong Yuxuan
Published: September 2020

The restoration of incomplete artifacts is important for presenting the value of artifacts. Even though the existing methods provide rich solutions for the restoration of artifacts, they may not be the ultimate and perfect methods. The innovation of restoration methods may provide better restoration effects in some aspects or bring people a different visiting experience, which motivates people to explore new restoration methods. In this paper, based on virtual imaging technology, a virtual imaging restoration method for incomplete artifacts were proposed. In order to examine the effects and potential of the virtual imaging restoration, a bronze mirror and a mural were restored through our newly invented virtual imaging restoration device. The effects of the restorations were evaluated through the illumination test and the questionnaire surveys. The results proved that the virtual imaging restoration can visually achieve in-situ restoration, and it is completely reversible. Virtual imaging restoration also performed well in terms of visiting experience, authenticity, discernibility, and economy. Limitations of this restoration method are related to the scope of application, the viewing angle, and the imaging effects. Overall, virtual imaging restoration is worth recommending and the potential of this method and its encouraging results may provide a choice or pretest tool for the restoration of some incomplete artifacts in the near future.
Evaluating survey designs for targeting preventive chemotherapy against Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni across Sub-Saharan Africa: a geostatistical analysis and modelling study
Authors: Fornace Kimberly , Fronterrè Claudio , Fleming Fiona M , Simpson Hope , Zoure Honorat , Rebollo Maria , Mwinzi Pauline , Vounatsou Penelope , Pullan Rachel L
Published: September 2020

Background: Schistosomiasis control programmes primarily use school-based surveys to identify areas for mass drug administration of preventive chemotherapy. However, as the spatial distribution of schistosomiasis can be highly focal, transmission may not be detected by surveys implemented at districts or larger spatial units. Improved mapping strategies are required to accurately and cost effectively target preventive chemotherapy to remaining foci across all possible spatial distributions of schistosomiasis. Methods: Here, we use geostatistical models to quantify the spatial heterogeneity of Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni across Sub-Saharan Africa using the most comprehensive dataset available on school-based surveys. Applying this information to parameterise simulations, we assess the accuracy and cost of targeting alternative implementation unit sizes across the range of plausible schistosomiasis distributions. We evaluate the consequences of decisions based on survey designs implemented at district and subdistrict levels sampling different numbers of schools. Cost data was obtained from field surveys conducted across multiple countries and years, with cost effectiveness evaluated as the cost per correctly identified school. Results: Models identified marked differences in prevalence and spatial distributions between countries and species; however, results suggest implementing surveys at subdistrict level increase the accuracy of treatment classifications across most scenarios. While intensively at subdistrict level resulted in the highest classification accuracy, this sampling strategy resulted in the highest costs. Alternatively, sampling the same numbers of schools currently recommended at district levels but stratifying by subdistrict increased cost effectiveness.Conclusions: This provides a new tool to evaluate schistosomiasis survey designs across a range of transmission settings. Results highlight the importance of considering spatial structure when designing sampling strategies, illustrating that a substantial proportion of children may be undertreated even when an implementation unit is correctly classified. Control programmes need to weigh the increased accuracy of more detailed mapping strategies against the survey costs and treatment priorities.
Risk factors affecting the 1-year outcomes of minor ischemic stroke: results from Xi’an stroke registry study of China
Authors: Liu Zhongzhong , Lin Wenjuan , Lu Qingli , Wang Jing , Liu Pei , Lin Xuemei , Wang Fang , Shi Yaling , Wang Qing , Liu Guozheng , Wu Songdi
Published: September 2020

Background: The prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality of patients with minor ischemic stroke (MIS) remains problematic. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes at 1 year after MIS in the Xi’an region of China. Methods: This prospective cohort study included MIS patients above 18 years old with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤ 3 who were treated in any of four hospitals in Xi’an region of China between January and December 2015. The 1-year prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality were evaluated, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the identified risk factors and clinical outcomes. Results: In this study, 131(10.5%，131/1252) patients were lost to follow-up at 1 year. A total of 1,121 patients included for analysis, the prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality at 1 year after MIS were 3.4% (38/1121), 9.3% (104/1121), and 3.3% (37/1121), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, current smoking, and pneumonia as independent risk factors for stroke recurrence. Age, pneumonia, and alkaline phosphatase were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Independent risk factors for disability were age, pneumonia, NIHSS score on admission, and leukocyte count. Conclusions: The 1-year outcomes of MIS in Xi’an region of China were not optimistic, especially with a high prevalence of disability. The present study indicated that age and pneumonia were the common independent risk factors affecting the 1-year outcomes of MIS in Xi’an region of China.
Sankofa Pediatric HIV Disclosure Intervention Did Not Worsen Depression Scores in Children Living with HIV and their Caregivers in Ghana
Authors: Radcliffe Christopher , Sam Aba , Matos Quinn , Antwi Sampson , Amissah Kofi , Alhassan Amina , Ofori Irene Pokuaa , Xu Yunshan , Deng Yanhong , Reynolds Nancy R. , Paintsil Elijah
Published: September 2020

Background: The ‘Sankofa’ pediatric HIV disclosure study (2013-2017) was an intervention that aimed to address the low prevalence of disclosure of HIV status in Ghana. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the intervention site in Kumasi, Ghana, in 2019, (2 years after study closure) and administered the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the 10-item Child Depression Inventory (CDI) to caregiver-child dyads who received the intervention. Results: We enrolled 65% (N=157) of the original dyads in the present study. Between Sankofa enrollment baseline and the present study, both children and caregivers had significant (p <0.0001) mean reductions in CDI scores and BDI scores, respectively. CDI scores of the children were significantly correlated with BDI scores of the caregivers (r = 0.019, p = 0.019). No statistically significant associations between disclosure status and either CDI score or BDI score were found. Conclusions: Our findings did not support caregivers’ fears that disclosure leads to depression. Trial Registration: NCT01701635 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier)
Ultrasonic Detection of Fetal Persistent Right Umbilical Vein and Incidence and Significance of Concomitant Anomalies
Authors: li jingyu , Yuan Qian , Ding Hao , Yang Zeyu , Wang Bing , Wang B
Published: September 2020

Background: Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is characterized by atresia of the left umbilical vein while the right umbilical vein remains open. Given the limited sample size of most studies, the incidence of PRUV and the status of concomitant anomalies may not be fully reflected. Thus, we studied the incidence of fetal PRUV and its concomitant anomalies on a larger scale using our hospital database. This study hoped to address the following questions: Does PRUV increase the risk of fetal anomalies? If the PRUV fetus also has a single umbilical artery (SUA), does the risk of fetal anomaly increase further? What is the positive predictive value of PRUV for fetal anomalies?Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 756 cases of fetal PRUV at our hospital from January 2007 to April 2017. Prenatal ultrasound and color Doppler images were assessed. All PRUV fetuses underwent echocardiography and detailed ultrasound examinations of other systems. Newborn status was obtained via the database or by telephone follow-up.Results: A total of 435,428 pregnant women underwent prenatal ultrasonography at 16–40 weeks, the incidence of fetal PRUV was 0.17%, and 102 fetuses (13.5%) developed other anomalies. Two complicated cases had trisomy 18. PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of fetal anomalies. When fetal anomalies were classified by body systems, PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, skeletal, digestive, and respiratory system anomalies. The positive predictive values of a PRUV for any fetal anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies were 13.5% (95%CI, 11.2%–16.2%) and 5.4% (95%CI, 4.0%–7.3%), respectively. SUA further increases the risk of PRUV fetuses with other anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies.Conclusions: Detailed prenatal ultrasonography and echocardiography should be performed in fetuses with PRUV to rule out anomalies in other systems. When the PRUV is combined with SUA, echocardiography is particularly important. Fetuses with complicated PRUV should undergo chromosomal examination. Although isolated fetal PRUV prognosis is good, complicated PRUV prognosis depends on the type and severity of the concomitant anomalies.
Clinical significance of peripheral blood-derived inflammation markers in advanced gastric cancer after radical resection
Authors: Gu Lihu , Wang Mian , Cui Xuena , Mo Jiahang , Yuan Lingling , Mao Feiyan , Zhang Kang , Ng Derry Minyao , Chen Ping , Wang Dongjie
Published: September 2020

Background: The prognostic significance of peripheral blood-derived inflammation markers in patients with gastric cancer (GC) has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers and GC prognosis.Methods: A prospective observational cohort study involving 598 patients was conducted to analyze the prognosis of GC based on systemic inflammatory markers. The following peripheral blood-derived inflammation markers were evaluated: the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), C-reactive protein/albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio, Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), and prognostic index (PI). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and the Youden index were used to determine the optimal cutoff values. Univariate and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was conducted accordingly.Results: The optimal cutoff values of the PNI, fibrinogen, NLR, PLR, SII, and CRP/Alb were 49.5, 397ng/dl, 2.5, 154, 556, and 0.05, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age, PLR, TNM stage, and chemotherapy were the independent prognostic factors for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Adjuvant chemotherapy improved the long-term prognosis of patients with PLR ≥154, but chemotherapy had no significant effect on the survival of patients with PLR <154.Conclusions: Our findings show that higher PLR (≥154) is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in GC patients. Besides, PLR can predict adjuvant chemotherapy (oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil combination) response in patients with GC after surgery.