bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Ethical Leadership on Subjective Wellbeing, Given the Moderator Job Satisfaction (A Case Study of Private Hospitals in Mashhad)
Authors: Kaffashpoor Azar , Sadeghian Samaneh
Published: November 2020

Background: The emerging ethical leadership, a unique approach in leadership viewpoint, has provided the ground for constructing and advancing individual and managerial efficiency by highlighting ethics in organizations. The present study aims to investigate the influence of Ethical Leadership on Subjective Wellbeing, Given the Moderator Job Satisfaction in Private Hospitals in Mashhad.Methods: This descriptive-correlational research design stud was conducted in 2015-2016 to inspect the possible effect of ethical leadership on subjective wellbeing and job satisfaction, as dependent and mediator variables, among the Iranian private hospitals’ nurses in Mashhad. Simple random sampling method was used to select the sample of 166 nurses out of the population of 730 nurses, in total. The valid and reliable adapted version of the questionnaire designed by Yang (2014) was used to collect the data, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data set.Results: The results showed that there is a positive significant correlation between ethical leadership and job satisfaction. More specifically, the findings indicated that Ethical leadership affected the subjective wellbeing of nurses through job satisfaction both directly and indirectly.Conclusions: The findings illustrated that focus on ethics and ethically-oriented leaders in hospitals, enriched by job satisfaction can lead to the nurses’ subjective wellbeing by providing them a positive climate.
Characteristics and predictors of muscle strength deficit in mechanical ankle instability
Authors: Hou Zong-chen , Miao Xin , Ao Ying-fang , Hu Yue-lin , Jiao Chen , Guo Qin-wei , Xie Xing , Zhao Feng , Pi Yan-bin , Li Nan , Zhang Zhi-yu , Jiang Dong
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Muscle strength training is a common strategy for treating chronic ankle instability (CAI), but the effectiveness decreases for mechanical ankle instability (MAI) patients with initial severe ligament injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and the potential predictors of muscle strength deficit in MAI patients, with a view to proposing a more targeted muscle strength training strategy.Methods: A total of 220 MAI patients with confirmed initial lateral ankle ligament rupture and a postinjury duration of more than 6 months were included. All patients underwent a Biodex isokinetic examination of the ankle joints of both the affected and unaffected sides. Then, the associations between the limb symmetry index (LSI) (mean peak torque of the injury side divided by that of the healthy side) and the patients’ sex, body mass index, postinjury duration, presence of intra-articular osteochondral lesions, presence of osteophytes and ligament injury pattern (i.e., isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury or combined with calcaneofibular ligament injury) were analysed.Results: There was significantly weaker muscle strength on the affected side than on the unaffected side in all directions (p<0.05). The LSI in plantar flexion was significantly lower than that in dorsiflexion at 60°/s (0.87 vs 0.98, p<0.001). A lower LSI in eversion was significantly correlated with female sex (0.82 vs 0.94, p=0.016) and isolated ATFL injury (0.86 vs 0.95, p=0.012). No other factors were found to be associated with muscle strength deficits.Conclusion: MAI patients showed significant muscle strength deficits on the affected side, especially in plantar flexion. There were greater strength deficits in eversion in females and individuals with an isolated ATFL injury. Thus, a muscle strength training programme for MAI patients was proposed that focused more on plantar flexion training and eversion training for females and those with an isolated ATFL injury.
Impact of a theory-informed and user-centered stroke information campaign on the public’s behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge when facing acute stroke: a controlled before-and-after study.
Authors: Haesebaert Julie , Laude C. , Termoz A. , Bravant E. , Perreton N. , Bony T. , Trehard H. , Porthault S. , Derex L. , Nighoghossian N. , Schott AM.
Published: November 2020

Background: Public awareness of stroke symptoms is a key factor to ensure access to reperfusion strategies in due time. We designed and launched a regional theory-informed and user-centered information campaign and assessed its impact on emergency medical services (EMS) calls for stroke suspicion, time-to-call, and public attitudes and awareness concerning stroke.Methods: A controlled before-and-after study was conducted during 3 sequential time-periods in 2 separate counties. Key messages of the campaign were underpinned by stroke representations and the theory of planned behavior, and focused on recognition of stroke warning signs and the need to call EMS urgently. The campaign included posters, leaflets, adverts and films displayed in bus and subway stations, internet, social networks, and local radio. Outcome measures on behavior, attitudes, and knowledge were assessed before the launch of the campaign, at 3 months, and 12 months.Results: The number of EMS calls for stroke suspicion increased by 21% at 12 months in the intervention county and this change was significantly different to that observed in the control county (p=0.02). No significant changes were observed regarding self-reported attitudes in case of stroke. An 8% significant increase in recognizing at least 2 stroke warning signs was observed in the intervention county (p=0.04) at 3 months, while it did not change significantly in the control county (p=0.6). However, there was no significant difference in warning sign recognition between both counties (p=0.16).Conclusion: The campaign significantly improved public’s behavior of calling EMS, although stroke knowledge was not improved as much as expected. Repeating these campaigns over time might further help improve timeliness and access to reperfusion strategies.Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02846363.
Distinct mutation profiles between primary bladder cancer and circulating tumor cells warrant the use of circulating tumors cells as cellular resource for mutation follow-up
Authors: Tae-Min Kim , Yoo Jinseon , Moon Hyong Woo , Hur Kyung jae , Choi Jin Bong , Hong Sung-Hoo , Lee Ji Youl , Ha U-Syn
Published: November 2020

Background: While circulating tumor cells may serve as minimally invasive cancer markers for bladder cancers, the relationship between primary bladder cancers and circulating tumor cells in terms of somatic mutations is largely unknown. Genome sequencing of bladder tumor and circulating tumor cells is highlighted to identify the somatic mutations of primary bladder cancer.Methods: Bladder cancer tissue was collected by transurethral resection of the bladder and preserved by snap-freezing. Circulating tumor cells were Isolated from the blood obtained before treatment. We performed whole exome sequencing of 20 matched pairs of primary bladder cancers and circulating tumor cells to identify and compare somatic mutations of these two different genomic resources.Results: We observed that mutation abundances of primary bladder cancers and circulating tumor cells were highly variable. The mutation abundance was not significantly correlated between matched pairs. Of note, the mutation concordance between two resources was only 3 – 24% across 20 pairs examined, suggesting that the circulating tumor cell genomes of bladder cancer patients might be genetically distinct from primary bladder cancers. A relative enrichment of mutations belonging to APOBEC-related signature and a depletion of C-to-G transversions were observed for primary- and circulating tumor cells specific mutations, respectively, suggesting that distinct mutation forces might have been operative in respective lesions during carcinogenesis.Conclusions: The observed discrepancy of mutation abundance and low concordance level of mutations between genomes of primary bladder cancers and circulating tumor cells should be taken into account when evaluating clinical utility of circulating tumor cells for treatments and follow-up of bladder cancers.Trial registration: Patients were selected and registered retrospectively, and medical records were evaluated.
Efficacy and Safety of the Syrup "KalobaTUSS®" as a Treatment for Cough in Children: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Carnevali Ilaria , Paglia Rita La , Pauletto Laura , Raso Floriana , Testa Marco , Mannucci Carmen , Sorbara Emanuela Elisa , Calapai Gioacchino
Published: November 2020

Background: Acute cough in children often causes discomfort to children and parents, reducing their quality of life. Despite the extensive utilization of over the counter remedies for cough, the efficacy of most of these treatments in children has not been confirmed.Methods: We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 106 children with acute cough to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KalobaTUSS®, a paediatric cough syrup based on acacia honey and from Malva sylvestris, Inula helenium, Plantago major extract, and Helichrysum stoechas extracts.Results: Children were orally treated with KalobaTUSS® or placebo for eight days. Children receiving KalobaTUSS® showed an early and significant reduction in night-time and day-time cough scores measured using a specific scale and a shorter duration of cough than children treated with the placebo.Conclusions: KalobaTUSS® is well tolerated and produces positive effects by reducing the severity and shortening the duration of cough in children (Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT04073251).
Facilitating participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives among people with diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: Dahl Marie , Søndergaard Susanne Friis , Diederichsen Axel , Pouwer Frans , Pedersen Susanne S. , Søndergaard Jens , Lindholt Jes
Published: November 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The DIAabetic CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DIACAVAS) was designed to clarify whether advanced imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis combined with medical treatment is an effective strategy to develop individualised treatment algorithms for Danish men and women with T2D aged 40–60. But in the DIACAVAS pilot study, the uptake was only 41%. Consequently, we explored how people experienced living with T2D to understand how to improve the uptake in initiatives targeting the prevention of CVD. Methods: We used semi-structured interviews to obtain information on how the respondents experienced having T2D. For supplementary information, we used structured interviews on e.g. socioeconomic factors. From April to October 2019, 17 participants aged 40–60 years were recruited from general practices and diabetes outpatient clinics in Denmark. Several levels of analysis were involved consistent with inductive content analysis.Results: The participants’ experiences of living with T2D fell along two continuums, from an emotional to a cognitive expression and from proactive to reactive disease management. This led to identification of four archetypal characteristics: (I) powerlessness, (II) empowerment, (III) health literacy, and (IV) self-efficacy. These characteristics indicated the importance of using different approaches to facilitate participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives. Additionally, findings inspired us to develop a model for facilitating participation in future preventive initiatives.Conclusion: Encouraging people with T2D to participate in cardiovascular preventive initiatives may necessitate a tailored invitation strategy. We propose a model for an invitational process that takes into consideration invitees’ characteristics, including powerlessness, empowerment, health literacy and self-efficacy. This model may enhance participation in such initiatives. However, participation is a general concern, not only in relation to cardiovascular prevention. Our proposed model may be applicable in preventive services for people with T2D in general.
Haptoglobin gene diversity and incidence of uncomplicated malaria among children in Iganga, Uganda
Authors: Lwanira Catherine Nassozi , Kironde Fred , Swedberg Göte
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHaptoglobin (Hp) is an acute phase protein that takes part in systemic regulation of heme during Plasmodium falciparum infections. Numerous genotypes of haptoglobin have been reported in malaria endemic populations. In this study, the relationship between haptoglobin genotypes and incidence of uncomplicated malaria in a cohort of children living in a malaria-endemic area of Uganda was determined.MethodsThis is an extension of a longitudinal study comprising of 423 children aged between six months and nine years, who were actively followed up for one year. Malaria episodes occurring in the cohort children were detected and the affected children treated with national policy drug regimen. Haptoglobin genotypes were determined by an allele-specific PCR method and their frequencies were calculated. A multivariate negative binomial regression model was used to estimate the impact of haptoglobin genotypes on incidence of uncomplicated malaria in the children’s cohort. In all statistical tests, a P – value of <0.05 was considered as significant.ResultsThe prevalences of the Hp1-1, Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 genotypes in the children’s cohort were 41%, 36.2% and 22.9% respectively. The overall frequency for the Hp1 allele was 59%, while Hp2 allele occurred at a frequency of 41%. After adjustment of incidence rates for age, insecticide treated bed net (ITN) use and malaria history, the incidence of uncomplicated malaria for children carrying the Hp 2-2 genotype and those with the Hp 2-1 genotype was statistically similar (P=0.41). Also, no difference in the incidence of uncomplicated malaria was observed between children carrying the Hp 1-1 genotype and those having the Hp 2-1 genotype (P=0.84) or between Hp 2-2 Vs Hp 1-1 genotypes (P=0.50).ConclusionsThis study showed that the Hp 1-1 and Hp 2-1 genotypes each occur in nearly 4 in 10 children and the Hp 2-2 genotype occurs in 2 of every 10 children. No association with incidence of uncomplicated malaria was found. Additional studies of influence of haptoglobin genotypes on P. falciparum malaria severity are needed to understand the role of these genotypes in malarial protection.
Association between recent overnight travel and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets in rural Uganda: a prospective cohort study in Tororo
Authors: Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Krezanoski Paul , Rek John , Kamya Victor , Epstein Adrienne , Rosenthal Philip J. , Drakeley Chris , Kamya Moses R. , Dorsey Grant , Staedke Sarah G.
Published: November 2020

Background: The burden of malaria in Uganda remains high, but has become increasingly heterogenous following intensified malaria control. Travel within Uganda is recognised as a risk factor for malaria, but behaviours associated with travel are not well-understood. To address this knowledge gap, malaria-relevant behaviours of cohort participants were assessed during travel and at home in Uganda.Methods: Residents from 80 randomly selected households in Nagongera sub-county, Tororo district were enrolled into a cohort to study malaria in rural Uganda. All participants were given long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) at enrolment and were evaluated every 4 weeks at the study clinic. Participants were asked if they had travelled overnight from their home, and if so, a questionnaire was administered to capture information on travel details and behaviours. Behaviour while travelling was assessed within four weeks following travel during the study clinic visit. Behaviour while at home was assessed using a similar questionnaire during two-weekly home visits. Behaviours while travelling vs at home were compared using log binomial regression models with generalized estimating equations adjusting for repeated measures in the same individual. Analysis of factors associated with LLIN adherence, such as destination and duration of travel, time to bed during travel, gender and age at time of travel, were assessed using log binomial regression models with generalized estimating equations adjusting for repeated measures in the same individual.Results: Between October 2017 and October 2019, 527 participants were enrolled and assessed for travel. Of these, 123 (23.2%) reported taking 211 overnight trips; 149 (70.6%) trips were within Tororo. Participants were less likely to use LLINs when travelling than when at home (41.0% vs. 56.2%, relative risk [RR] 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60-0.89, p=0.002); this difference was noted for women (38.8% vs 59.2%, RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52-0.83, p=0.001) but not men (48.3% vs 46.6%, RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.67-1.40, p=0.85). In an adjusted analysis, factors associated with LLIN use when travelling included destination (travelling to districts not receiving indoor residual spraying [IRS] 65.8% vs Tororo district 32.2%, RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.31-2.46, p<0.001) and duration of travel (>7 nights 60.3% vs one night 24.4%, RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.07-3.64, p=0.03).Conclusions: Travellers, particularly women, were less likely to use LLINs when travelling than when at home. LLIN adherence was higher among those who travelled to non-IRS districts and for more than one week, suggesting that perceived malaria risk influences LLIN use. Strategies are needed to raise awareness of the importance of using LLINs while travelling.
Metabolic Bone Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients (CKD-MBD) and its Associated Factors at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mungulluh Felix Faustin , Ruggajo Paschal , Furia Francis Fredrick
Published: November 2020

Background: Metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and it has been reported to start early in the course of the disease and worsen as the kidney damage progresses. However, the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease patients in our setting has not been established, so we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic bone disease among patients with chronic kidney disease at a tertiary Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es salaam, Tanzania so as to help physicians recognize the patients at risk, diagnose the problem and prevent complications sooner.Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study involving adult patients with chronic kidney disease attending renal unit Muhimbili National Hospital, a tertiary referral center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Systematic sampling technique was employed to get study participants after being given informed consent. In this study, CKD-MBD was defined basing on the abnormality of serum calcium, phosphate or parathyroid hormone level. Data analysis was done using the SPSS version 23.0 software. Results: A total of 300 participants with chronic kidney disease stage 3 and above were included in this study. Majority were male, 198 (66.0%), with a mean age of 53 years. The prevalence of metabolic bone disease was found to be 75.0%. The most common form of metabolic bone disease was hyperparathyroidism 196 (87.1%), followed by hypocalcemia 174 (77.3%) and hyperphosphatemia 82 (36.4%), which was the least common. Factors which were found to be significantly associated with CKD-MBD were the use of calcium supplements, use of phosphate binders, being on dialysis, a calcium rich diet and a low phosphate diet.Conclusion: Metabolic bone diseases are common in patients with CKD at Muhimbili National Hospital. Patients with CKD should undergo serial assessment of phosphate, calcium and parathyroid hormone level, considered together, so as to diagnose metabolic bone disease early and treat those patients who will be found to have persistently or prolonged abnormalities in these bone mineral biomarkers.
Association between Colic and sleep problems in infancy and subsequent development, emotional and behavioral problems: A Longitudinal study
Authors: Valla Lisbeth , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Andenæs Randi , Misvær Nina , Olbjørn Christine , Helseth Sølvi
Published: November 2020

Background: Sleep and Colic problems in infancy have been linked to adverse health outcome, but there is limited knowledge of the association between sleep and colic problems in infancy and subsequent development, emotional and behavior problems in young children. The aim of the present study was to examine whether there is an associations between infants’ crying and sleep problems at 6 months and behavioral and development problems at 18 months, 3 and 5 yearsMethods: A population-based longitudinal study, using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study conducted at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health from June 1999, to December 2008. A total of 86,724 children were included. Colic and sleep (sleep duration, nocturnal awakenings and easy to put to bed) was assessed by mother-reports. Z-scores were used to assess differences between groups of children (e.g. having colic or not, having a sleep problem or not). Emotional and behavioral problems were measured with items from the Child Behavior Checklist. Development problems were measured with items from The Ages and Stages Questionnaire.Results: Infants with colic scored significantly lower on development at 5 years (B=-0.10, CI [-0.14-; - 0.06]) and higher on internalizing problems both at 3years ( B=-0.15 .CI [0.11-; 0.18] ) and 5 years ( B=-0.17 .CI [0.12-; 0.21] ) than the reference population. Children who awoke frequently (≥ 3 times) and were more difficult to put to bed at 6 months scored significantly lower on development at 18 months and 3 and 5 years, and higher on internalizing behavior problems at 3 and 5 years (B=0.18 and B=0.16).Children with shorter sleep duration (≤ 10 hours) at 6 months had more internalizing behavior problems at 3 years (B=-0.14. CI [0.07; - 0.02]) and 5 years (B=-0.15 .CI [0.05-; - 0.25]) than the reference population.Conclusions: Colic and disruptive sleep early in life are risk factors for development, emotional and behavioral problems within the first five years of a child’s life. It is important to be aware that disruptive sleep and colic in infancy may have long-term negative consequences.
Host-adaptation of the rare Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype CHN4 in Myocastor coypus (Rodentia: Echimyidae) in China
Authors: Yu Fuchang , Cao Yangwenna , Wang Haiyan , Liu Qiang , Zhao Aiyun , Qi Meng , Zhang Longxian
Published: November 2020

Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogen and can infect both humans and animals. The coypu (Myocastor coypus) is a semi-aquatic rodent, in which few E. bieneusi infections have been reported and the distribution of genotypes and zoonotic potential remains unknown.Methods: A total of 308 fresh fecal samples were collected from seven coypu farms in China to determine the infection rate and the distribution of genotypes of E. bieneusi from coypus using nested-PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene.Results: Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected with an infection rate of 41.2% (n = 127). Four genotypes were identified, including three known genotypes (CHN4 (n = 111), EbpC (n = 8) and EbpA (n = 7)) and a novel genotype named CNCP1 (n = 1). Conclusions: The rare genotype CHN4 was the most common genotype in the present study, and the transmission dynamics of E. bieneusi in coypus were different from other rodents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi infections in coypus in China. Our study reveals that E. bieneusi in coypus may be a potential infection source to humans.
The relationship between empathy and altruistic motivations in nursing studies: A multi-method study
Authors: Messineo Linda , Seta Luciano , Allegra Mario
Published: November 2020

Background. The efficient management of relational competences in healthcare professionals is crucial to ensure that a patient’s treatment and care process is conducted positively. Empathy is a major component of the relational skills expected of health professionals. Knowledge of undergraduate healthcare students’ empathic abilities is important for educators in designing specific and efficient educational programmes aimed at supporting or enhancing students’ empathic competences. In this study, we measured first-year undergraduate nursing students’ attitudes towards professional empathy in clinical encounters. The students’ motivations for entering nursing education were also evaluated. This study takes a multi-method approach based on the use of qualitative and quantitative tools to examine the association between students’ positive attitudes towards the value of empathy in health professionals and their prosocial and altruistic motivations in choosing to engage in nursing studies.Methods. A multi-method study was performed with 77 first-year nursing students. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) – Health Professions Student Version was administered. Students’ motivations for choosing nursing studies were detected through an open question and thematically analysed. Using explorative and confirmative factor analyses, a dimension reduction was conducted to identify subjects with prosocial and altruistic motivations. Finally, linear models were tested to examine specific associations between motivation and empathy.Results. Seven distinct themes distinguishing internal and external motivational factors were identified through the thematic analysis of students’ answers regarding their choice of entering the nursing degree course. Female students gained higher scores on the empathy scale than their male counterparts. When students’ age was considered, this difference was shown only for younger students, with young females’ total scores being higher than those of young males. High empathy scores were positively associated with altruistic motivational factors. A negative correlation was found between external motivational factors and the scores of the Compassionate Care subscale of the JSE.Conclusions. Knowing the level of nursing students’ empathy and their motivational factors for entering nursing studies is important for educators in order to implement training paths that enhance students’ relational attitudes and skills and promote positive motivational aspects that are central to this profession.
Disability-adjusted life years and mortality rate attributed to unsafe sex and drug use for AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa countries
Authors: Najafi Farid , Khosravi Fatemeh , Ghalandari Mojtaba , Darbandi Mitra
Published: November 2020

Background: The Middle East and North Africa, is one of few regions where the number of new human immunodeficiency virus infections is increasing. The present study aimed to estimate the attributable burden of unsafe sex and drug use in Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the Middle East and North Africa countries. Methods: We used the Global Burden of Disease data 2017 to estimate the attributable mortality and disability-adjusted life-years to unsafe sex and drug use in Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the Middle East and North Africa countries (21 countries) from 1990 to 2017 by region, sex and age. The percent change was calculated at three time points by country and sex.Results: The rate of Disability-adjusted life years/100,000 attributed to drug use for Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome increased 1.10 (95% CI: 0.75-1.71) to 13.39 (95% CI: 9.98- 18.17) in women of Middle East and North Africa countries from 1990 to 2017, and there is an increasing trend in Disability-adjusted life years attributable to drug use for Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in men. The rate of Disability-adjusted life years/100,000 attributed to unsafe sex for Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome increased in women of Middle East and North Africa countries, 5.15 (95% CI: 3.34-8.07) to 53.44 (95% CI: 38.79-75.89); and 10.06 (95% CI: 6.61-16.18) to 46.16 (95% CI: 31.30-72.66) in men. Age-standardized mortality rate attributed to drug use and unsafe sex for Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome increased from 1990 to 2017 in both sex in Middle East and North Africa countries.Conclusion: The rate of Disability-adjusted life years /100,000 and age-standardized mortality rate attributed to unsafe sex and drug use increased in Middle East and North Africa from 1990 to 2017. While most of such countries have traditional cultures with religious believes, such increase need to be addressed in more depth by all policy makers.
Local persistence of novel regional variants of La Crosse virus in the Northeast USA
Authors: Eastwood Gillian , Shepard John J , Misencik Michael J , Andreadis Theodore G , Armstrong Philip M
Published: November 2020

Background: La Crosse virus (LACV) (genus Orthobunyavirus, family Peribunyaviridae) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes pediatric encephalitis and accounts for 50–150 human cases annually in the USA. Human cases occur primarily in the Midwest and Appalachian regions whereas documented human cases occur very rarely in the northeastern USA. Methods: Following detection of a LACV isolate from a field-collected mosquito in Connecticut during 2005, we evaluated the prevalence of LACV infection in local mosquito populations and genetically characterized virus isolates to determine whether the virus is maintained focally in this region.Results: During 2018, we detected LACV in multiple species of mosquitoes, including those not previously associated with the virus. We also evaluated the phylogenetic relationship of LACV strains isolated from 2005–2018 in Connecticut and found that they formed a genetically homogeneous clade that was most similar to strains from New York State.Conclusion: Our analysis argues for local isolation and long-term persistence of a genetically distinct lineage of LACV within this region. We highlight the need to determine more about the phenotypic behavior of these isolates, and whether this virus lineage poses a threat to public health.
The involvement of neuroimmune cells in adipose innervation 
Authors: Blaszkiewicz Magdalena , Wood Elizabeth , Koizar Sigi , Willows Jake , Anderson Ryan , Tseng Yu-Hua , Godwin James , Townsend Kristy
Published: November 2020

Background: Innervation of adipose tissue is essential for the proper function of this critical metabolic organ. Numerous surgical and chemical denervation studies have demonstrated how maintenance of brain-adipose communication through both sympathetic efferent and sensory afferent nerves help regulate adipocyte size, cell number, lipolysis, and ‘browning’ of white adipose tissue. Neurotrophic factors are growth factors that promote neuron survival, regeneration, and plasticity, including neurite outgrowth and synapse formation. Peripheral immune cells have been shown to be a source of neurotrophic factors in humans and mice. Although a number of immune cells reside in the adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF), it has remained unclear what roles they play in adipose innervation. We previously demonstrated that adipose SVF secretes brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: We now show that deletion of this neurotrophic factor from the myeloid lineage of immune cells led to a ‘genetic denervation’ of inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT), thereby causing decreased energy expenditure, increased adipose mass, and a blunted UCP1 response to cold stimulation. Results: We and others have previously shown that noradrenergic stimulation via cold exposure increases adipose innervation in the inguinal depot. Here we have identified a subset of myeloid cells that home to scWAT upon cold exposure and are Ly6C+ CCR2+ Cx3CR1+ monocytes/macrophages that express noradrenergic receptors and BDNF. This subset of myeloid lineage cells also clearly interacted with peripheral nerves in the scWAT and were therefore considered neuroimmune cells. Conclusions: We propose that these myeloid lineage, cold induced neuroimmune cells (CINCs) are key players in maintaining adipose innervation as well as promoting adipose nerve remodeling under noradrenergic stimulation, such as cold exposure.
Identification of a novel subpopulation of Caspase-4 positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients.
Authors: Terlizzi Michela , Colarusso Chiara , De Rosa Ilaria , Somma Pasquale , Curcio Carlo , Aquino Rita , Panico Luigi , Salvi Rosario , Marino Federica Zito , Botti Gerardo , Pinto Aldo , Sorrentino Rosalinda
Published: November 2020

Background. Therapy/prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients are strongly related to gene alteration/s or protein expression. However, more than 50% of NSCLC patients are negative to key drugable biomarkers.Methods: We used human samples of NSCLC and mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma. Results. We showed that caspase-4 was highly present in the tumor mass compared to non-cancerous human tissues. Interestingly, the orthologue murine caspase-11 promoted lung carcinogenesis in mice. Carcinogen-exposed caspase-11 knockout mice had lower tumor lesions than wild type mice, due to the relevance of caspase-11 in the structural lung cell as demonstrated by bone marrow transplantation and adoptive transfer experiments. Similarly to what observed in mice, caspase-4 was correlated to the stage of lung cancer in humans in that it induced cell proliferation in a K-Ras, c-MyC and IL-1α dependent manner. Caspase-4 positive adenocarcinoma (79.3%) and squamous carcinoma (88.2%) patients had lower median survival than patients who had lower levels of caspase-4. Moreover, PD-L1 expression and gene mutation (i.e. EGFR) were not correlated to caspase-4 expression. Instead, NSCLC patients who had K-Ras or c-MyC gene alteration were positively correlated to higher levels of caspase-4 and lower survival rate. Conclusions. We identified a subgroup of NSCLC patients as caspase-4 positive among which double and triple positive caspase-4, K-Ras and/or c-MyC patients which prognosis was poor. Because K-Ras and c-MyC are still undrugable, the identification of caspase-4 as a novel oncoprotein could introduce novelty in the clinical yet unmet needs for NSCLC patients.
Hybrid Semantic Recommender System for Chemical Compounds in Large-Scale Datasets
Authors: Barros Márcia , Moitinho André , Couto Francisco M.
Published: November 2020

The large, and increasing, number of chemical compounds poses challenges to the exploration of such datasets. In this work, we propose the use of Recommender Systems in the selection of compounds of interest to scientific researchers. Our approach consists of a Hybrid recommender model suitable for implicit feedback datasets and focused on retrieving a ranked list according to the relevance of the items. The model integrates collaborative-filtering algorithms for implicit feedback (Alternating Least Squares and Bayesian Personalized Ranking) and a new content-based algorithm, based on the semantic similarity of the chemical compounds in the ChEBI ontology. The algorithms were assessed on an implicit dataset of chemical compounds, CheRM-20, with more than 16.000 items (chemical compounds). The Hybrid model was able to improve the results of the collaborative-filtering algorithms, with increases of more than ten percentage points in most of the assessed evaluation metrics.
An Ising Hamiltonian Solver using Stochastic Phase-Transition Nano-Oscillators
Authors: Dutta Sourav , Khanna Abhishek , Paik Hanjong , Schlom Darrell , Raychowdhury Arijit , Toroczkai Zoltan , Datta Suman
Published: November 2020

Computationally hard problems, including combinatorial optimization, can be mapped into the problem of finding the ground-state of an Ising Hamiltonian. Building physical systems with collective computational ability and distributed parallel processing capability can accelerate the ground-state search. Here, we present a continuous-time dynamical system (CTDS) approach where the ground-state solution appears as stable points or attractor states of the CTDS. We harness the emergent dynamics of a network of phase-transition nano-oscillators (PTNO) to build an Ising Hamiltonian solver. The hardware fabric comprises of electrically coupled injection-locked stochastic PTNOs with bi-stable phases emulating artificial Ising spins. We demonstrate the ability of the stochastic PTNO-CTDS to progressively find more optimal solution by increasing the strength of the injection-locking signal – akin to performing classical annealing. We demonstrate in silico that the PTNO-CTDS prototype solves a benchmark non-deterministic polynomial time (NP)-hard Max-Cut problem with high probability of success. Using experimentally calibrated numerical simulations, we investigate the performance of the hardware with increasing problem size. We show the best-in-class energy-efficiency of 3.26x107 solutions/sec/Watt which translates to over five orders of magnitude improvement when compared with digital CMOS, superconducting qubit and photonic Ising solver approaches. We also demonstrate an order of magnitude improvement over a discrete-time memristor-based Hopfield network approach. Such an energy efficient CTDS hardware exhibiting high solution-throughput/Watt can find application in industrial planning and manufacturing, defense and cyber-security, bioinformatics and drug discovery.
Effectiveness of the Enterovirus A71 Vaccine in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Yang Fen , Zhang Meng , Long Yifang , Hu Pei , Sun Limei , Wang Jun , Shannon Rutherford , Liu Tao , Zheng Huizhen
Published: November 2020

Background: Guangdong Province started the enterovirus A71 (EV71) vaccination campaign officially in August 2016. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the EV71 vaccine against EV71, CA16, CA6, or other enterovirus infection through post-marketing surveillance in Guangdong Province in 2017. Methods: A test-negative case–control design nested in a population-based cohort was used in this study. There were 3020 laboratory-confirmed child cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), including 409 children infected with EV71 and 2611 with CA16, CA6, or other enteroviruses. A total of 603 test-negative controls who were clinically diagnosed with HFMD in the same hospitals were enrolled in this study. Results: Of all the subjects, 383 (10.6%) had received two doses of the EV71 vaccine. Only one (0.2%) out of the 409 cases with EV71 was vaccinated. In addition, 137 (5.2%) out of 2611 cases with CA16, CA6, or other enteroviruses and 21 (3.5%) out of 603 negative controls were also vaccinated. The adjusted estimate of the effectiveness was 93.6% (95% CI: 51.0%, 99.2%; p<0.001) for cases with EV71. The protective effect of the EV71 vaccine for cases with CA16, CA6, or other enteroviruses did not reach significance (95% CI: -130.4%, 10.6%; p=0.134). Conclusion: The EV71 vaccine demonstrated very high protection against EV71 infection conferred by two doses of the EV71 inactivated vaccine used in Guangdong Province during 2017. No protection was found against CA16, CA6, or other enterovirus infections. Further development of combined vaccine options for HFMD control is needed.
Development and Validation of A Guideline on Sexual and Reproductive Health of Breast Cancer Survivors in Iran: A Mixed Methods Study Protocol
Authors: Roshandel Solmaz , Lamyian Minoor , Azin Seyed Ali , Haghighat Shahpar , Mohammadi Eesa
Published: November 2020

Background: Sexual and reproductive health problems significantly decrease quality of life in survivors of breast cancer. The best approach is to provide services according to evidence based guidelines developed based on their practical context. Here, we aim to develop and validate a guideline on the sexual and reproductive health of breast cancer survivors in Iran.Methods: The guideline will be developed and validated using an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach in four phases: 1) describing sexual and reproductive health needs of survivors of breast cancer in Iran and the health services they receive in this regard 2) performing a systematic review of existing guidelines, resources, and documents on the sexual and reproductive health of breast cancer survivors worldwide 3) developing a guideline on the sexual and reproductive health of women who survived breast cancer in Iran based on the results of phase one and two 4) validating the guideline developed in phase three with experts and service providers in this field.Discussion: A comprehensive and practical guideline on the sexual and reproductive health of breast cancer survivors in Iran will be developed which will be compatible with their specific needs and culture considering limited resources available. This guideline can significantly improve the quality of life in breast cancer survivors in Iran. In addition, the approach we will use here can be utilized to develop guidelines on sexual and reproductive health of female cancer survivors in general.
Agama dan Kerusakan Ekologi: Mempertimbangkan ‘Tesis White’ dalam Konteks Indonesia
Authors: Singgih Emanuel Gerrit
Published: November 2020

Abstract

This article is an evaluation of two anthologies which respond to Lynn T. White Jr., who traces the cause of the present ecological destruction to implementation of religious worldviews in the past, and concludes that Christianity as a very anthropocentric religion, is responsible for this destruction. Although the majority of the responders regard thatWhite’s article from 1967, which become famous as the “White Thesis”, is one sided, they still acknowledge its continuing relevance. This study suggests that in the context of Indonesia, Christians could respond accordingly to the thesis by engaging in dialogue with local or nature religions concerning the Divine immanence and transcendence, for thecommon struggle to prevent further ecological destructions.

Abstrak

Tulisan ini merupakan evaluasi dari dua antologi yang berisi tanggapantanggapan terhadap tulisan Lynn T. White Jr., yang menelusuri kerusakan ekologi pada masa kini dalam penerapan-penerapan pemahaman religius, dan berpendapat bahwa agama Kristen yang antroposentrik bertanggung jawab atas kerusakan tersebut. Meskipun mayoritas dari penanggap memperlihatkan bahwa tulisan White dari tahun 1967, yang kemudian terkenal sebagai “tesis White” agak berat sebelah, mereka tetap mengakui relevansinya. Dalambagian penutup diperlihatkan bagaimana dalam konteks Indonesia, orang Kristen bisa menanggapi tesis White, dengan jalan berdialog dengan pemahaman lokal mengenai imanensi Yang Ilahi, dalam rangka berjuang bersama menghadapi kerusakan ekologi.
Effective field theory for quasicrystals and phasons dynamics
Authors: Baggioli matteo , Landry Michael
Published: November 2020

We build an effective field theory (EFT) for quasicrystals -- aperiodic incommensurate lattice structures -- at finite temperature, entirely based on symmetry arguments and a well-define action principle. By means of Schwinger-Keldysh techniques, we derive the full dissipative dynamics of the system and we recover the experimentally observed diffusion-to-propagation crossover of the phason mode. From a symmetry point of view, the diffusive nature of the phason at long wavelengths is due to the fact that the internal translations, or phason shifts, are symmetries of the system with no associated Noether currents. The latter feature is compatible with the EFT description only because of the presence of dissipation (finite temperature) and the lack of periodic order. Finally, we comment on the similarities with certain homogeneous holographic models and we formally derive the universal relation between the pinning frequency of the phonons and the damping and diffusion constant of the phason.
Bearing fault diagnosis method based on EEMD and adaptive redundant lifting scheme packet
Authors: Su Hongtao , Song Mengmeng , Xiong Zicheng
Published: November 2020

In this work, a novel bearing fault diagnosis method based on EEMD and adaptive redundant lifting scheme packet is proposed. Firstly, EEMD method is used to decompose rolling bearing signals of different fault types, and the correlation coefficient criterion method is carried out in order to screen effective IMF components and reconstruct them. Then, the adaptive redundant lifting scheme packet method is used to denoise the reconstructed signal, and the energy characteristics of different fault signals are extracted. Finally, the bearing fault diagnosis system is constructed by BP neural network diagnosis. The results show that the diagnostic method proposed in this paper has better diagnosis efficiency and precision than the traditional wavelet packet.
Terminology study on vibration-based condition monitoring technique
Authors: Chatzitheodorou Konstantinos , Kappatos Vassilios
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we present the initial results of a terminology study on a vibration-based condition monitoring technique to support the research community. We automatically export terminologies from domain specific textual corpora and a team of subject matter experts validates and revises 20 typical terms. Our goal is twofold; (i) to standardize terminology for the domain of vibration since different groups use different definitions of commonly used terms and (ii) to distinguish the specific terminology from the general terminology or from the terminology of other mechanical areas. We intended to serve the needs of a wide range of user groups such as subject matter experts who sometimes need to ascertain the meaning of an unknown term or concept. To date, there is no similar work or initiative that could be integrated, reused or extended.
Exploring E-learning Challenges During the Global COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review
Authors: Aini Qurotul , Budiarto Mukti , Putra P. O. H. , Rahardja Untung
Published: November 2020

The world is currently battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has been declared as a global pandemic since mid-March 2020. The pandemic has inevitably impacted social and economic activities of the nation, including those in the education sector. As the governments have mandated universities to close their campuses, learning activities has been forced to move online. In this difficult situation, many university administrators, lecturers, as well as students may find it difficult to adapt to the so-called “new normal” ways of learning.   Hence, as this is an unprecedented situation, this study explores the challenges faced by universities as academic institutions, lecturers, and students. This study starts by conducting a literature review concerning the challenges in e-learning in context of a pandemic. Data collected are then analyzed qualitatively using inductive thematic analysis technique, resulting in a taxonomy of e-learning challenges during a pandemic. Our analysis shows that students are challenged by connectivity, e-learning system support, and technological and self-regulation issues. On the other hand, lecturers are being challenged by competency, operational, self-regulation, and isolation issues. Meanwhile, institutions identify financial support and change management as challenging issues. This study highlights the need for further investigation to address the aforementioned challenges in e-learning.