bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Sociodemographic and Psychological Factors of the Family Caregivers’ Self-Management Capabilities for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rondhianto Rondhianto , Nursalam Nursalam , Kusnanto Kusnanto , Melaniani Soenarnatalina , Ahsan Ahsan
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The successful management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is determined by the role of the family in self-management as a family caregiver. Many factors influence the capability of the family caregivers to carry out diabetes self-management. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the family caregiver capability of performing diabetes self-management in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: The study design was an analytical observation using a cross-sectional approach. The sample was 220 family caregivers of people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Jember Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. The multistage random sampling technique was used as the sampling technique. The research instrument was a questionnaire. The questionnaires used in this study were the Diabetes Management Self Efficacy Scale, the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy Patients with Diabetes Questionnaire, the Motives for Caregiving Scale, the Spirituality Index of Well-Being, the Sense of Coherence Scale, the Coping Scale, the Hensarling Diabetes Family Support Scale, and the Family Caregiver's Perception of the Role of the Nurse Questionnaire. The data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test, the Spearman rank test, and the multiple linear regression test.Results: The results of the Pearson correlation test and Spearman rank test showed that the sociodemographic factors associated with diabetes self management were age (p=0.000), gender (p=0.016), education (p=0.000), income (p=0.000), and kinship (p=0.000). The psychosocial factors associated with diabetes self management were diabetes knowledge (p=0.000), motivation (p=0.000), coping skills (p=0.000), spirituality (p=0.000), family coherence (p=0.000), family support (p=0.000) and the role of the nurses (p=0.000). The multiple linear regression test showed that the factors associated with diabetes self management were diabetes knowledge (β=0.047), motivation (β=0.094), coping (β=0.188), spirituality (β= -0.082), family coherence (β= −0.043), family support (β= 0.296) and the role of the nurses (β= 0.512).Conclusion: Efforts to increase the family caregiver’s capabilities in terms of diabetes self-management should pay attention to the socio-demographic and psychosocial factors to prevent complications and to improve the health status, and quality of life of people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Effectiveness of Prone and Supine Nesting Positions on Changes of Oxygen Saturation and Weight in Premature Babies
Authors: Prawesti Ayu , Emaliyawati Etika , Mirwanti Ristina , Nuraeni Aan
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Stress experienced by the baby will affect the body’s function by increasing the body’s metabolism. Nesting is used to reduce stress in premature babies. Nesting can be done in a supine or prone position. Few studies have examined the effects of body position on body weight and oxygen saturation. The objective of the study was to determine the difference in oxygen saturation and weight change on the use of nesting in the prone and supine positions in premature babies.Methods: The research used a quasi-experimental design. The sample consisted of 30 premature babies, which was obtained using a consecutive sample technique. The independent variables were nesting positioning (supine and prone), and the dependent variables were oxygen saturation and body weight. The data of oxygen saturation and the baby’s weight were collected using pulse oximetry; the baby’s weight scale used observation sheets. The data was analysed using the t-test, Wilcoxon Sign Ranks Test, and Mann Whitney U Test.Results: The results showed that there was a difference in oxygen saturation before and after the use of nesting in the supine (p=0.001) and prone position (p=0.000). There was a weight difference before and after the use of nesting in both supine (p=0.000) and prone position (p=0.000). There was no difference in oxygen saturation value and infant weight, before or after, between the supine position and the prone position (p=0.18; p=0.9).Conclusion: The use of nesting in both positions (supine or prone) can increase oxygen saturation and infant weight. Researchers recommend the use of nesting with supine or prone positions routinely in premature babies.
Dynamic Shear Deformation of a Precipitation Hardened Al0.7CoCrFeNi Eutectic High-Entropy Alloy Using Hat-Shaped Specimen Geometry
Authors: Gwalani Bharat , Wang Tianhao , Jagetia Abhinav , Gangireddy Sindhura , Muskeri Saideep , Mukherjee Sundeep , Lloyd Jeffrey T. , Banerjee Rajarshi , Mishra Rajiv S.
Published: March 2020

Lamellar eutectic structure of Al0.7CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) is emerging as a promising candidate for structural applications because of its high strength-ductility combination. The alloy consists of a fine-scale lamellar fcc+B2 microstructure with high flow stresses >1500 MPa under quasi-static conditions. The response to shear loading was not investigated so far. This is the first report on the shear deformation of an eutectic structured HEA and effect of precipitation on shear deformation. The dynamic shear response (DSR) of the eutectic HEA was examined in two microstructural conditions, with and without the presence of L12 precipitates. A split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used to compress the hat-shaped specimens to study the local DSR of the alloy. The adiabatic shear bands (ASBs) in two different microstructural conditions were characterized after deformation at dynamic strain rates. The adiabatic shear localization occurs at low strains for the high strength material, and the eutectic microstructure does not delay cracking. The width of ASBs and the extent of plastic deformation around them has been correlated with the rate of straining. Dynamic recrystallization within ASBs and profuse twinning around it was observed. Local mechanical response of individual lamellae before and after shear deformation was examined using nano-indentation.
Pengembangan Instrumen Analisis Kinerja untuk Tutor Online di Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Terbuka
Authors: Sari Wulanda , Utomo Erry , Kustandi Cecep
Published: March 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan instrumen analisis kinerja untuk mengidentifikasi kesenjangan kinerja tutor dari kegiatan tutorial online di Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan (FKIP UT) berdasarkan teori Behaviour Engineering Model oleh Thomas Gilbert. Pengembangan instrumen mengadaptasi langkah-langkah yang dikemukakan oleh Jean Barbazette (2006) yakni Fourteen Key Elements inf Making Surveys. Instrumen yang dihasilkan adalah dua buah kuesioner yang dikemas secara online melalu google form. Instrumen yang dihasilkan diuji kelayakannya dengan analisis teoretis oleh para ahli dan analisis empiris dengan mengujicobakan instrumen pada responden. Ahli yang dilibatkan adalah ahli materi, ahli evaluasi, dan ahli bahasa. Uji coba instrumen dilakukan pada 48 orang tutor online FKIP UT. Hasil penelitian menghasilkan instrumen analisis knerja berupa kuesioner yang telah ditinjau oleh para ahli dengan kategori sangat sesuai. Setelah diuji coba dengan SPSS, seluruh butir instrumen dinilai valid dan reliabel dengan tingkat reliabilitas sebesar 0,922 dengan kategori sangat andal. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut, instrumen dapat dikatakan layak untuk digunakan.
Level Of Implementation Of Guidance Programs In National High Schools Of Northern Samar
Authors: Rapsing Arnold P.
Published: March 2020

The Department of Education by virtue of DepEd Memo 424 series of 2007 recognizes guidance counselors and the implementation of Career Guidance Programs in public secondary schools. In relation to this, every school should have a carefully planned, organized, well-written, and expertly implemented guidance program. These guidance p services must be functional and generally should not be separated from each other. The study looked into the level of implementation of the guidance programs of national high schools in Northern Samar in terms of individual inventory services, information services, counseling services, in school placement and in-school follow-up. The study also identified problems encountered in the implementation of the guidance services. The main respondents of the study are the guidance counselors of the schools. To validate the claims, school administrators, teachers, and students answered the evaluation questionnaire. Eleven national high schools participated in the study. Statistical tools included frequency counts, percentages, weighted means. Of the five services, individual inventory services, information services, and counseling services were rated “implemented” while in-school placement and in-school follow-up were rated “much implemented”. Problems on the lack of guidance counselors assigned in some schools”, “lack of funds” and “no adequate orientation on administrators and teachers regarding the function of guidance “were considered “serious” problems. The study recommended the hiring of full-time guidance counselors in schools, and orientation of the administrators and teachers on the importance of guidance in high school, and the financial support of the administrators on the services related to guidance.
Information And Communication Technology (ICT) Utilization In Technical-Vocational Schools In Region V: Basis For Five-Year ICT Development Plan
Authors: Velarde Prolucen C. , Velarde Richie C. , Bermudo Cheryll V. , Velarde Relly C.
Published: March 2020

The study was conducted focused on the utilization of Information and Communication Technology in Technical-Vocational Schools in Region V, Philippines, School Year 2011-2012. It determined the profile of teachers, adequacy of ICT equipment, competence of teachers and their relationships. The data were gathered through a questionnaire-checklist formulated by the researcher. The validity and reliability of the instrument were ensured. Findings revealed that the majority of the teachers are 26 years old and above. Three-fourths of them have attended a very minimal number (1-3 times) of ICT – related training. Eighty-four percent of the teachers have master’s degrees; fifty percent of them have served the government for more than 10 years; fifty-eight percent were occupying Teacher I position; twelve percentage designated to different administrative functions. There is fairly adequate ICT tools and equipment and the teachers are competent in working with word processors only. Furthermore, the age of teachers and the competences is significantly related to using ICT tools and equipment. The researcher concluded that there is a dearth of ICT-related training for teachers of all age levels and ICT tools and equipment should be procured to sustain the development of competence among teachers. It is recommended therefore to implement the proposed ICT development plan and the conduct of further research on the extent of utilization of ICT tools and equipment along the actual teaching-learning process.
Career Decision Support System For Graduating High School Students
Authors: Tacuban Tracy N.
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to create and evaluate an online decision support system (DSS) which allows students to take a multiple intelligence test, determine their most dominant intelligence, suggest the most suitable courses to take for college and provide an interpretation for the result of the evaluation. The system captures the knowledge of an expert in guidance and counseling and embodied it to its knowledge base using fuzzy logic, graph search, and depth-first search. The system was tested at the University of Iloilo–Basic Education Department, Iloilo City, and Tabugon National High School, Tabugon, Dingle, Iloilo by a conveniently chosen graduating high school students. The result of the system was evaluated by 39 guidance counselors from the different secondary schools from the province and city of Iloilo. The evaluation of the system’s functionality was assessed by 15 respondents from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9126. The reliability of the system was evaluated by comparing the system output with the two other assessment tools from Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (Weber standard) and the University of Iloilo (NDDCTE standard). Using Cramer’s V, the result of the evaluation of the NDDCTE standard as compared to the Decision Support System of the data taken from the University of Iloilo and the data taken from Tabugon National High School has a significant relationship. It implies that there is no significant difference in the results of the two evaluations. The result of the evaluation using Cramer’s V of the Weber standard as compared to the Decision Support System of the data taken from the University of Iloilo and the data taken from Tabugon National High School has a significant relationship. It implies that the two results are highly related to each other. Using arithmetic mean (M) and standard deviation (SD), the result of the evaluation of the system’s output based on the perception of 39 guidance counselors resulted in a “Very Satisfactory” result. This implies that the system generates the dominant intelligence of the student, provide accurate course and study tips based on his/ her dominant intelligence. The evaluation of the respondents to the system’s software quality characteristics based on ISO 9126 resulted in a value described as “Very Effective”. It confirmed that the overall software characteristics of the system passed the ISO 9126 standards.
Online Test Analysis: Determining the Difficulty Level of Test Questions
Authors: Tacuban Tracy N.
Published: March 2020

A thorough analysis of the examination result encompasses the purpose of assessing the learning progress of the students, the effectiveness of the educators as well as of the educational materials and methods. It provides an important framework for planning and decision support. The analysis of test result is a complicated task which takes time and effort, and so oftentimes is a neglected task. The purpose of this study is to create and evaluate an online test analyzing system that will allow users to enter the test results, determine the difficulty level of each test item as well as the overall difficulty level of the administered test, determine the mean, median and mode of the test scores and provide the marking of the examinee answers and test scores. The validity and reliability of the system were evaluated based on the perception of ten (10) respondents from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, carefully selected through judgment sampling. Using the criteria set by ISO/IEC 9126 for software quality, it was found out that the overall mean value (M) and the standard deviation (SD) of the system as rated by the respondent is M=3.79., SD=0.23 and is designated as “Very Satisfactory”. Likewise, in each of the ISO criteria, the respondents’ perception of the system is “Very Satisfactory”, proving that the system conforms to international standards and is therefore valid and reliable.
Occupational exposure to HIV among healthcare workers in PMTCT sites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Akpuh Ndubuisi . , Ikeoluwapo Ajayi , Ayo Adebowale , Suleiman Idris H , Nguku Patrick , Dalhat Mahmood , Adedire Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

Background

Rivers State is among the states with high HIV prevalence in Nigeria. Occupational exposure to HIV through blood or body fluids of HIV/AIDS patients is a recognised risk factor of HIV infections among healthcare workers. We identified the determinants of occupational exposures to HIV among healthcare workers in Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission (PMTCT) sites within Port Harcourt metropolis in Rivers State.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 341 healthcare providers from 22 public and 22 private health facilities in PMTCT sites in Port Harcourt metropolis. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression models (p-value = 0.05).

Results

Respondents’ mean age was 35.9±SD8.4 years, 270 (80.1%) and 171(50.7%) were females, and from public health facilities respectively. Prevalence of occupational exposure of healthcare workers to HIV in the past 12 months was 153 (45.0%), and 96 (63.3%) experienced such exposure more than once. Contacts with potentially infectious body fluid accounted for the largest proportion 51 (33.3%); followed by needle stick prick 49 (32.6%). About 189 (56.1%) had safety information at their disposal and this serves as a reminder on safety precautions. The likelihood of occupational exposure was significantly higher among doctors (AOR=2.22, 95% C.I=1.16-4.25,) but lower among environmental health workers (AOR=0.10, 95% C.I=0.02-0.46,) than nurses/midwives when other factors were included in the model.

Conclusion

Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids remains a frequent occurrence among healthcare workers; highest among doctors in PMTCT sites in the study area. Provision of protective safety materials, training and enforcement of adherence to universal precaution strategies are highly recommended.
Potential health risk assessment of toxic metals contamination in clay eaten as pica (geophagia) among pregnant women of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Koryo-Dabrah Alice , Akonor Papa Toah , Manaphraim Nana Yaw Barima , Ayim-Akonor Matilda , Boadi Nathaniel Owusu , Essuman Edward Ken , Tettey Clement
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Geophagia although pleasurable and somewhat a necessity among pregnant women, also comes along with its own attendant problems such as exposure to potentially hazardous substances like bacteria, fungi, helminthes and ova, radioactive materials, and toxic elemental minerals in the soil depending on the geographical location.Methodology: This study evaluated the potential health risk involved during the exposure of pregnant women to toxic elemental minerals via the consumption of clay as pica (geophagia). Elemental mineral analysis was carried out using Buck Scientific 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Inc. East Norwalk, USA). Risk assessment methods were also used to ascertain the various risks factors and the overall risk level.Results: Concentrations of the macro elements investigated were 1.38 ± 1.5, 2.40± 1.5, 7.74± 1.5, 4.01± 1.0, 13.24± 2.2 and 13.76± 2.1 mg/Kg for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) respectively. While that for the micro elements were 1.63± 0.03 µg/Kg, 4.72±0.8, 0.53±0.02 and 1.85±0.3 mg/kg respectively for arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni). Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 0.611- 5.44 (mg/kg Bw/day), 6.26x10-4 – 106.5, 0.067-10.34 and 15 respectively.Conclusion: There is the likelihood of posing adverse health problems when clay samples obtained from Anfoega which is sited in the Volta region of Ghana is consumed due to the fact that the HQ’s of these elemental minerals were >1 which points to high content of Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni). It is also likely to cause adverse health problems in an individual’s life time since THQ for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel were above 1. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these toxicants were exceedingly great (≤ 15) which implied a high level of unsafety associated with this clay. Per the results from this study, it is not safe for pregnant women to consume clay as pica since these toxic elements may cause detrimental effects on the foetus of the unborn child.
Determinants of Undernutrition among Children under Five Years of Age in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Gashu Workneh , Workie Demeke Lakew
Published: March 2020

Background: Ethiopia is one of the developing countries where child under-nutrition is prevalent. Prior studies employed three anthropometric indicators for identifying factors of children’s under-nutrition. This study aimed at identifying the factors of child under-nutrition using a single composite index of anthropometric indicators.
Methods: Data from Ethiopia’s Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 was the base for studying under-nutrition in a sample of 9494 children below 59 months. A single composite index of under-nutrition was created from three anthropometric indices through principal component analysis recoded into an ordinal outcome. In line with Child Growth Standards (WHO, 2006), the three anthropometric indices involve z-score of height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-height (wasting) and weight-for-age (underweight). To identify significant determinants of under-nutrition, partial proportional odds model was fitted and its relative performance compared with some other ordinal regression models.
Results and conclusion: In the Brant test of proportional odds model, the null hypothesis that the model parameters were equal across categories was rejected. Compared to ordinal regression models that do not involve parallel regression assumption, and Akaike information criterion, partial proportional odds model showed an improved fit. The fitted partial proportional odds model indicated that age and sex of the child, maternal education, region, source of drinking water, number of under five children, mother’s body mass index, wealth index, anaemic status, multiple birth, fever, mother’s age at birth, and husband’s education significantly associated with child under-nutrition. It is argued that interventions focus on improving household wealth index, food security, educating mothers and their spouses, improving maternal nutritional status, and increasing mothers’ health care access.
Keywords: Stunting; underweight; wasting; partial proportional odds model
Non-rigid image registration of 4D-MRI data for improved delineation of moving tumors
Authors: Weick Stefan , Breuer Kathrin , Richter Anne , Exner Florian , Ströhle Serge-Peer , Lutyj Paul , Tamihardja Jörg , Veldhoen Simon , Flentje Michael , Polat Bülent
Published: March 2020

Background: To increase the image quality of end-expiratory and end-inspiratory phases of retrospective respiratory self-gated 4D MRI data sets using non-rigid image registration for improved target delineation of moving tumors.Methods: End-expiratory and end-inspiratory phases of volunteer and patient 4D MRI data sets are used as targets for non-rigid image registration of all other phases using two different registration schemes: In the first, all phases are registered directly (dir-Reg) while next neighbors are successively registered until the target is reached in the second (nn-Reg). Resulting data sets are quantitatively compared using diaphragm and tumor sharpness and the coefficient of variation of regions of interest in the lung, liver, and heart. Qualitative assessment of the patient data regarding noise level, tumor delineation, and overall image quality was performed by blinded reading based on a 4 point Likert scale.Results: The median coefficient of variation was lower for both registration schemes compared to the target. Median dir-Reg coefficient of variation of all ROIs was 5.6 % lower for expiration and 7.0 % lower for inspiration compared with nn-Reg. Statistical significant differences between the two schemes were found in all comparisons. Median sharpness in inspiration is lower compared to expiration sharpness in all cases. Registered data sets were rated better compared to the targets in all categories. Over all categories, mean expiration scores were 2.92 ± 0.18 for the target, 3.19 ± 0.22 for nn-Reg and 3.56 ± 0.14 for dir-Reg and mean inspiration scores 2.25 ± 0.12 for the target, 2.72 ± 215 0.04 for nn-Reg and 3.78 ± 0.04 for dir-Reg.Conclusions: In this work, end-expiratory and inspiratory phases of a 4D MRI data sets are used as targets for non-rigid image registration of all other phases. It is qualitatively and quantitatively shown that image quality of the targets can be significantly enhanced leading to improved target delineation of moving tumors.
Oxidative stress and gut-derived lipopolysaccharides in children affected by Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections.
Authors: Loffredo Lorenzo , Spalice Alberto , Salvatori Francesca , Giovanna De Castro , Guido Cristiana Alessia , Zicari Anna Maria , Ciacci Paolo , Battaglia Simona , Brindisi Giulia , Ettorre Evaristo , Nocella Cristina , Salvatori Guglielmo , Duse Marzia , Violi Francesco , Carnevale Roberto
Published: March 2020

Background: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections syndrome (PANDAS) identifies patients with acute onset of obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate serum NOX2 levels, as well as 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (iso-PGF2α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of PANDAS patients.

Methods: a cross sectional study was performed to compare serum levels of soluble NOX2-dp (sNOX-2-dp), isoprostanes and LPS in 60 consecutive subjects, including 30 children affected by PANDAS and 30 controls (CT) matched for age and gender. Serum zonulin was used as intestinal permeability assay.
Results: compared with CT, PANDAS children had increased values of sNOX-2-dp, 8-iso-PGF2-alpha and LPS. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp was signiﬁcantly correlated with serum LPS (Rs=0.359; p=0.005), zonulin (Rs=0.444; p<0.001) and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.704; p<0.001). Serum LPS signiﬁcantly correlated with zonulin (Rs=0.610; p<0.001), and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.591; p=0.001). Finally, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed to define the independent predictors of sNOX-2-dp. Serum isoprostanes and zonulin resulted as the only independent predictive variables associated with sNOX2-dp (R2=68%).
Conclusion: this study shows that children affected by PANDAS have high circulating levels of sNOX2-dp, isoprostanes and of LPS that could be potentially implicated in the process of neuroinflammation.
The development of a questionnaire to assess leisure time screen-based media use and its proximal correlates in children (SCREENS-Q)
Authors: Klakk Heidi , Wester Christian Tolstrup , Olesen Line Grønholt , Rasmussen Martin Gillies , Kristensen Peter Lund , Pedersen Jesper , Grøntved Anders
Published: March 2020

Background: The screen-media landscape has changed drastically during the last decade with wide-scale ownership and use of new portable touchscreen-based devices plausibly causing changes in the volume of screen media use and the way children and young people entertain themselves and communicate with friends and family members. This rapid development is not sufficiently mirrored in available tools for measuring children’s screen media use. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a parent-reported standardized questionnaire to assess 6-10-year old children’s multiple screen media use and habits, their screen media environment, and its plausible proximal correlates based on a suggested socio-ecological model. Methods: An iterative process was conducted developing the SCREENS questionnaire. Informed by the literature, media experts and end-users, a conceptual framework was made to guide the development of the questionnaire. Parents and media experts evaluated face and content validity. Pilot and field testing in the target group was conducted to assess test-retest reliability using Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity of relevant items was assessed using pairwise non-parametric correlations (Spearman’s). The SCREENS questionnaire is based on a multidimensional and formative model. Results: The SCREENS questionnaire covers six domains validated to be important factors of screen media use in children and comprises 19 questions and 92 items. Test-retest reliability (n=37 parents) for continuous variables was moderate to substantial with ICC’s ranging from 0.67 to 0.90. For relevant nominal and ordinal data, kappa values were all above 0.50 with more than 80 percent of the values above 0.61 indicating good test-retest reliability. Internal consistency between two different time use variables (from n=243) showed good correlations with rho ranging from 0.59 to 0.66. Response-time was within 15 min for all participants. Conclusions: SCREENS-Q is a comprehensive tool to assess children’s screen media habits, the screen media environment and possible related correlates. It is a feasible questionnaire with multiple validated constructs and moderate to substantial test-retest reliability of all evaluated items. The SCREENS-Q is a promising tool to investigate children screen media use.
Bradymonabacteria, a novel bacterial predator group with versatile survival strategies in saline environments
Authors: Mu Da-Shuai , Wang Shuo , Liang Qi-Yun , Du Zhao-Zhong , Tian Renmao , Ouyang Yang , Wang Xin-Peng , Zhou Aifen , Gong Ya , Chen Guan-Jun , Nostrand Joy Van , Yang Yunfeng , Zhou Jizhong , Du Zongjun
Published: March 2020

Background: Bacterial predation is an important selective force in microbial community structure and dynamics. However, only a limited number of predatory bacteria have been reported, and their predatory strategies and evolutionary adaptations remain elusive. We recently isolated a novel group of bacterial predators, Bradymonabacteria, representative of the novel order Bradymonadales in δ- Proteobacteria . Compared with those of other bacterial predators (e.g., Myxococcales and Bdellovibrionales ), the predatory and living strategies of Bradymonadales are still largely unknown.
Results: Based on individual coculture of Bradymonabacteria with 281 prey bacteria, Bradymonabacteria preyed on diverse bacteria but had a high preference for Bacteroidetes . Genomic analysis of 13 recently sequenced Bradymonabacteria indicated that these bacteria had conspicuous metabolic deficiencies, but they could synthesize many polymers, such as polyphosphate and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Dual-transcriptome analysis of cocultures of Bradymonabacteria and prey suggested a potential contact-dependent predation mechanism. Comparative genomic analysis with 24 other bacterial predators indicated that Bradymonabacteria had different predatory and living strategies. Furthermore, we identified Bradymonadales from 1552 publicly available 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing samples, indicating that Bradymonadales was widely distributed and highly abundant in saline environments. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there may be six subgroups in this order; each subgroup occupied a different habitat.
Conclusions: Bradymonabacteria have unique living strategies that differ from those of so-called “obligate” or “facultative” predators. Thus, we propose a framework to categorize the current bacterial predators into 3 groups: (i) highly prey-dependent predators, (ii) facultatively prey-dependent predators, and (iii) prey-independent predators. Our findings provide an ecological and evolutionary framework for Bradymonadales and highlight their potential ecological roles in saline environments.
In vitro and Numerical Simulation of Blood Removal from Cerebrospinal Fluid: Comparison of Lumbar Drain to Neurapheresis Therapy
Authors: Khani Mohammadreza , Sass Lucas , Sharp M. Keith , McCabe Aaron , Verbick Laura Zitella , Lad Shivanand , martin bryn
Published: March 2020

Background: Blood removal from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in post-subarachnoid hemorrhage patients may reduce the risk of related secondary brain injury. We formulated a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to investigate the impact of a dual-lumen catheter-based CSF filtration system, called NeurapheresisTM therapy, on blood removal from CSF compared to lumbar drain. Methods: A subject-specific multiphase CFD model of CSF system-wide solute transport was constructed based on MRI measurements. The Neurapheresis catheter geometry was added to the model within the spinal subarachnoid space (SAS). Neurapheresis flow aspiration and return rate was 2.0 and 1.8 mL/min, versus 0.2 mL/min drainage for lumbar drain. Blood was modeled as a bulk fluid phase within CSF with a 10% initial tracer concentration and identical viscosity and density as CSF. Subject-specific oscillatory CSF flow was applied at the model inlet. The dura and spinal cord geometry were considered to be stationary. Spatial-temporal tracer concentration was quantified based on time-average steady-streaming velocities throughout the domain under Neurapheresis therapy and lumbar drain. To help verify CFD results, an optically clear in vitro CSF model was constructed with fluorescein used as a blood surrogate. Quantitative comparison of numerical and in vitro results was performed by linear regression of spatial-temporal tracer concentration over 24-hours.Results: After 24-hours, tracer concentration was reduced to 4.9% under Neurapheresis therapy compared to 6.5% under lumbar drain. Tracer clearance was most rapid between the catheter aspiration and return ports. Neurapheresis therapy was found to have a greater impact on steady-streaming compared to lumbar drain. Steady-streaming in the cranial SAS was ~50X smaller than in the spinal SAS for both cases. CFD results were strongly correlated with the in vitro spatial-temporal tracer concentration under Neurapheresis therapy (R2=0.89 with +2.13% and -1.93% tracer concentration confidence interval). Conclusion: A subject-specific CFD model of CSF system-wide solute transport was used to investigate the impact of Neurapheresis therapy on tracer removal from CSF compared to lumbar drain over a 24-hour period. Neurapheresis therapy was found to substantially increase tracer clearance compared to lumbar drain. The multiphase CFD results were verified by in vitro fluorescein tracer experiments.
The spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China from 2007-2016
Authors: Liang Peifeng , Zhao Yuan , Zhao Jianhua , Pan Dongfeng , Guo Zhongqin
Published: March 2020

Background: Despite the considerable efforts made to address the issue of brucellosis worldwide, its prevalence in dairy products continues to be difficult to estimate and represents a key public health issue around the world. The aim of the study was to understand the epidemiology of this disease in mainland China. We set out to investigate the yearly spatial distribution and possible hotspots of the disease. Methods: Human brucellosis data from mainland China between 2007 and 2016 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. A geographic information system ArcGIS10.3 (ESRI, Redlands) was used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China during the study period. These distributions were evaluated using three-dimensional trend analysis and spatial autocorrelation analyse. A gravity-center was used to analyse the migration track of human brucellosis. Results: A total of 399,578 cases of human brucellosis were reported during the 10-year study period. The monthly incidence of brucellosis in China demonstrates clear seasonality. Spring and summer are the peak seasons, while May is the peak month for brucellosis. Three-dimensional trend analysis suggests that brucellosis is on the rise from south to north, and that the epidemic situation in northern China is more severe. Between 2007 and 2016, the overall migration distance of the brucellosis incidence gravity-center was 906.43 km, and the direction was southwest. However, the overall gravity center of brucellosis was still in the northern part of China. In the global autocorrelation analysis, brucellosis in China demonstrated a non-random distribution between 2013 and 2014, with spatial autocorrelation ( Z > 1.96, P < 0.05) and a clustering trend, while no clustering trend was found from 2007 to 2012 or from 2015 to 2016. In the local autocorrelation analysis, a Low-Low cluster phenomenon was found in the south of China in 2013 and 2014. Conclusion: Human brucellosis remains a widespread challenge, particularly in northern China. The hotspots highlight potential high-risk areas which may require special plans and resources for monitoring and controlling the disease.
Cytokine profile and nitric oxide levels in peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice exposed to Fucose-Mannose Ligand of Leishmania infantum combined with Glycyrrhizin
Authors: Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad , shafiei reza , Reza Hatam Gholam , Reza Zolfaghari Emameh , Ashok Aspatwar
Published: March 2020

Background

The Fucose-Mannose Ligand (FML) of Leishmania infantum is a complex glycoprotein which does not elicit adequate immunogenicity in human. In recent years, adjuvant compounds derived from plants have been used for improving the immunogenicity of the vaccines. Glycyrrhizin (GL) is a natural triterpenoid saponin that has known immunomodulatory activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a co-treatment with FML and GL on the production of cytokines and nitric oxide ( NO) by macrophages, in vitro .

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages were treated with FML (5 μg/ml) of Leishmania infantum and various concentrations of GL (1 μg/ml, or 10 μg/ml or 20 μg/ml). After 48h of treatment, cell culture supernatants were recovered and the levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IP-10 were measured by sandwich ELISA and NO concentration by Griess reaction.

Results

Our results indicated that the treatment of activated macrophages with FML plus GL leads to enhanced production of NO, TNF-α, IL-12p70, and reduction of IL-10 levels in comparison with FML treatment alone.

Conclusions

We, therefore, concluded that GL can improve the immunostimulatory effect of FML on macrophages and leads to polarization of them toward an M1-like phenotype.
microRNA profiling in the Weddell Seal suggests novel regulatory mechanisms contributing to diving adaptation
Authors: Dolfin Luca Penso , Haerty Wilfried , Hindle Allyson , Palma Federica Di
Published: March 2020

Background. The Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) represents a remarkable example of adaptation to diving among marine mammals. This species is capable of diving >900 m deep and remaining underwater for more than 60 minutes. A number of key physiological specializations have been identified, including the low levels of aerobic, lipid-based metabolism under hypoxia, significant increase in oxygen storage in blood and muscle; high blood volume and extreme cardiovascular control. These adaptations have been linked to increased abundance of key proteins, suggesting an important, yet still understudied role for gene reprogramming. In this study, we investigate the possibility that post-transcriptional gene regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) has contributed to the adaptive evolution of diving capacities in the Weddell Seal.Results. Using small RNA data across 4 tissues (cortex, heart, muscle and plasma), in 3 biological replicates, we generate the first miRNA annotation in this species, consisting of 559 high confidence, manually curated miRNA loci. Evolutionary analyses of miRNA gain and loss highlight a high number of Weddell seal specific miRNAs. 416 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) among tissues, whereas 83 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) across all tissues between pups and adults and 188 miRNAs demonstrated developmental changes in specific tissues only. mRNA targets of these altered miRNAs identify possible protective mechanisms in individual tissues, particularly relevant to hypoxia tolerance, anti-apoptotic pathways, and nitric oxide signal transduction. Novel, lineage-specific miRNAs associated with developmental changes target genes with roles in angiogenesis and vasoregulatory signaling.Conclusions. Altogether, we provide an overview of miRNA composition and evolution in the Weddell seal, and the first insights into their possible role in the specialization to diving.
Clinical, biochemical and genetic analysis of a Chinese Han pedigree with holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency: a case report
Authors: Zheng Zhenzhu , Yuan Gaopin , Zheng Minyan , Lin Yiming , Zheng Faming , Jiang Mengyi , Zhu Lin , Fu Qingliu
Published: March 2020

Background: Holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS) deficiency is a rare inborn disorder of biotin metabolism, which results in the defect of several biotin-dependent carboxylases and presents with metabolic ketoacidosis and skin lesions. Case presentation : In this study, we have reported a Chinese Han pedigree with HLCS deficiency diagnosed using next-generation sequencing and validated with Sanger sequencing of HLCS and BTD gene. The Chinese proband carries a common missense mutation c.1522C>T (p.Arg508Trp) in exon 9 of HLCS gene, which generates an increased K m for biotin. A novel frameshift mutation c.1006_1007delGA (p.Glu336Thrfs*15) in exon 6 of H L CS gene produces a low Vmax and is predicted to be deleterious through PROVEAN and MutationTaster. A novel heterozygous mutation c.638_642delAACAC (p.His213Profs*4) in BTD gene is also identified. Otherwise, the proband presents abnormal BAEP suggesting hearing damage in the acute episode. Conclusions: A Chinese proband carries a reported Arg508Trp variant, a novel 2-bp frameshift mutation c.1006_1007delGA (p.Glu336Thr) expanding mutational spectrum of HLCS gene, and a novel heterozygous mutation c.638_642delAACAC (p.His213Profs*4) expanding mutational spectrum of BTD gene. Furthermore, the reversible hearing damage is rarely reported in the patients with HLCS deficiency, which deserves for further discussion.
Virtual reality-based action observation facilitates acquisition of body-powered prosthetic control skills
Authors: Yoshimura Manabu , Kurumadani Hiroshi , Hirata Junya , Osaka Hiroshi , Senoo Katsutoshi , Date Shota , Ueda Akio , Ishii Yosuke , Kinoshita Seiji , Hanayama Kozo , Sunagawa Toru
Published: March 2020

Background Regular body-powered prosthesis (bp-prosthesis) training often facilitates acquisition of skills through repeated practice but requires adequate time and motivation. Therefore, if there are auxiliary tools, such as indirect training, skill acquisition may be easy. In this study, we examined the effects of action observation (AO) using virtual reality (VR) as an auxiliary tool. We examined two different modalities during AO, VR and tablet device (Tab), and two perspectives, first- and third-person perspectives. This study aimed to examine whether AO training using VR is effective in acquiring bp-prosthetic control skills in the short term. Methods Forty healthy right-handed participants simulated bp-prosthesis with the non-dominant hand. They were divided into five groups with different interventions and displays for AO: first-person perspective on VR (VR1st), third-person perspective on VR (VR3rd), first-person perspective on Tab (Tab1st), third-person perspective on Tab (Tab3rd), and control group (Con) without AO. Participants of VR1st, VR3rd, Tab1st, and Tab3rd observed the video image of experts operating prosthesis twice, 10 min each time. We evaluated the immersion during the video observation using the Visual Analog Scale. Prosthetic control skills were evaluated using the box and block test (BBT) and bowknot task (BKT). Results In BBT, no significant enhancements of prosthetic control skills between groups were found. In contrast, the BKT change rates of prosthetic control skills in VR1st and VR3rd were significantly higher than those in Con (p < 0.001). Additionally, immersion scores of VR1st and VR3rd were higher than those of Tab3rd (p < 0.05), and there was a significant negative correlation between immersion and BKT change rate (Spearman’s rs = -0.47, p < 0.01). Conclusions In BKT (bilateral manual dexterity), VR video viewing led to significantly better short-term prosthetic control acqusition than Con. Additionally, it was suggested that the higher the immersion, the shorter the BKT task execution time. Our findings suggest that VR-based AO training is effective in acquiring bp-prosthetic control in the short term. Especially, it is effective for bilateral prosthetic control, which is necessary in the daily life of upper limb amputees.
SMAFIRA-c: A benchmark text corpus for evaluation of approaches to relevance ranking and knowledge discovery in the biomedical domain
Authors: Butzke Daniel , Dulisch Nadine , Dunst Sebastian , Steinfath Matthias , Neves Mariana , Mathiak Brigitte , Grune Barbara
Published: March 2020

Background The engineering of elaborate and innovative tools to navigate the ever growing biomedical knowledge base, instanced in PubMed/Medline, must be guided by genuine case studies addressing `real world´ user needs. Furthermore, algorithm-based predictions regarding `similarity´, `relatedness´ or `relevance´ of pieces of information (e.g. relevance ranking) should be transparent and comprehensible to users. Results We here present a corpus of abstracts (n = 300) annotated on document level representing three case studies in the experimental biomedical domain. The SMAFIRA corpus mirrors `real-world´ information retrieval needs, i.e. the identification of potential alternatives to given animal experiments that support `equivalent´ scientific purposes while using basically different experimental methodology. Since in most cases not even the authors of `relevant´ research papers are aware of such a possible implication of their experimental approaches, our case studies actually illustrate knowledge discovery. Annotation of abstracts (regarding `equivalence´) was conducted by one researcher with broad domain knowledge (in one case study supported by a second opinion from a domain expert) and was informed by a newly created model describing distinguishable stages in experimental biomedicine. Furthermore, such stages were linked to generic scientific purposes. This perspective thus may share some commonalities with topic modelling approaches. Annotation of `relevance´ (i.e. `equivalence´ of scientific purpose plus alternative methodology) relied on expert knowledge in the domain of animal use alternatives. The case studies were used for an evaluation of rankings which were provided by the `similar articles´ algorithm employed in PubMed. Conclusions Building on approved techniques utilized in the domain of intellectual property, we have adapted the concept of `equivalence´ to support a transparent, reproducible and stringent comparison of biomedical textual documents with regards to the implied scientific objectives. This concept may allow for text mining with improved resolution and may aid the retrieval of appropriate animal use alternatives. Computer science researchers in the field of biomedical knowledge discovery may also use our corpus, which is designed to grow essentially in the near future, as a reliable and informative benchmark for the evaluation of algorithms supporting such a goal. Annotations are available from GitHub.