bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graft Fixation and Timing of Surgery Are Predictors of Early Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision
Authors: Snaebjörnsson Thorkell , Hamrin Senorski Eric , Svantesson Eleonor , Westin Olof , Persson Andreas , Karlsson Jon , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: December 2019

Background:

The identification of surgical risk factors for early anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision is important when appropriate treatment for patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction is selected. The purposes of this study were to determine the short-term ACL revision rate of patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction and to identify surgical risk factors for ACL revision within 2 years of primary ACL reconstruction.

Methods:

This study was based on data collected prospectively from the Norwegian and Swedish National Knee Ligament Registries. Patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction from 2004 through 2014 were included. We examined revisions through 2016. The relative risks (RRs) of revision ACL reconstruction dependent on graft fixation, the time interval between injury and surgical procedure, and meniscal and cartilage injury were estimated by using generalized linear models with a binomial distribution and log-link function. The outcome was set as revision ACL reconstruction during the first 2 years.

Results:

A total of 58,692 patients were assessed for eligibility; of these, 18,425 patients were included. The overall 2-year revision rate was 2.1%. Patients treated with a metal interference screw had an increased risk of ACL revision when compared with patients who were treated with other femoral fixations (RR, 1.78 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38 to 2.29]; p < 0.001). The use of the RIGIDFIX Cross Pin System (DePuy Synthes) entailed a lower risk of ACL revision compared with other femoral fixations (RR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.82]; p = 0.0017). Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction within 3 months of the injury had an increased risk of ACL revision (RR, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.64 to 2.61]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction within 3 months of an injury, as well as patients treated with a metal interference screw in the femur, had a significantly higher risk of ACL revision, and patients treated with the RIGIDFIX Cross Pin in the femur had a significantly lower risk of ACL revision.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Sistemas de gamificación pregunta-respuesta para la evaluación de competencias en el área de Fisiología
Authors: Pineda Reyes Rafael , Castellano Rodríguez Juan Manuel , Roa Rivas Juan , Pinilla Rodríguez Leonor , Gaytán Luna Francisco , Tena Sempere Manuel
Published: December 2019

El presente proyecto ha consistido en la implantación de un sistema de gamificación de preguntas y respuestas en clase con el objetivo de mejorar la motivación y el compromiso de los alumnos con el aprendizaje en las asignaturas del área de Fisiología: Fisiología General (Grado de Medicina, 180 alumnos), Fisiología (Grado de Enfermería: 170 alumnos) y Fisiología Especial (Grado de Fisioterapia: 70 alumnos). Como sistema de gamificación se empleó la aplicación web Kahoot!, que permite registrar en tiempo real, mediante el uso de dispositivos remotos individuales (p.ej. teléfonos móviles), la participación de los estudiantes en las diferentes tareas propuestas (p.ej. preguntas tipo test, evaluaciones). Los datos registrados nos permiten concluir que los alumnos han conseguido un grado de motivación significativamente superior al observado en cursos anteriores, en los que este sistema aún no se había implantado. Además, consideramos que dicha motivación viene dada por el papel protagonista que han adquirido los estudiantes tras la implantación de este nuevo sistema. En resumen, estos resultados sugieren que la gamificación es una herramienta muy útil para estimular la motivación de los estudiantes y abre la posibilidad de su implantación en otros contextos educativos, especialmente en aquellos en los que los estudiantes no se sientan motivados.
From a town to an attraction: the transformation of Ohrid, North Macedonia
Authors: Petrevska Biljana , Collins-Kreiner Noga
Published: December 2019

This article assesses the different forces involved in shaping the city of Ohrid (North Macedonia) and demonstrates the manner in which the city has been transformed by tourism development. As a post-socialist city, the development of Ohrid has unique characters in terms of landscape, economic dynamics, and functional dimensions. The study's aim is also achieved by analyzing the validity and applicability of the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model with regard to the evolution of tourism development in Ohrid, specifically, and in other cities in general. The article emphasizes the connection between the city’s urban context and tourism development. The findings also indicate that Ohrid is currently in its Development stage and that its life cycle curve exhibits a double cycle sequence, meaning that Ohrid is attracting many visitors and has reached a state of tourism maturity. The article emphasizes the connection between the city’s urban context and tourism development. From a practical perspective, the study reveals a lack of urban planning and uncontrolled tourism development.
Tourism-phobia in historic centres: the case of Malaga
Authors: Almeida-García Fernando , Cortés-Macías Rafael , Balbuena-Vázquez Antonia
Published: December 2019

The annoyance presented by the residents in the historic centre of Malaga, due to the impact of tourism is analysed. The study area is affected by a declining population and problems presented by residents in intense tourism spaces. The existence of tourism-phobia and the elements involved in it are examined. To this end, a specific questionnaire was produced about tourism-phobia, 378 surveys were distributed and completed and 10 semi-structured interviews were carried out with residents. Likewise, a thematic map was created, spatially identifying the main problems relating to the nuisances to residents. This research is the first study that analyses tourism-phobia by using statistically reliable samples. The results show the existence of a group of residents who are quite annoyed (17.5 %) that can be classified as tourism-phobic and a group that is not very annoyed at all (22.2 %) that could be classed as tourism-philic. There are sociodemographic variables that are essential to interpreting these attitudes, such as the cases of the level of education and place of residence. The spatial distribution of the perceptions of the annoyance caused by tourism is uneven in the historic centre of Malaga.
“No estamos tan mal como Barcelona”: análisis de la proliferación y regulación de las viviendas de uso turístico en Madrid y Barcelona
Authors: Ardura Urquiaga Alvaro , Lorente Riverola Iñigo , Mohino Sanz Inmaculada , Ruiz Sanchez Javier
Published: December 2019

La legislatura 2015–2019 en Madrid y Barcelona ha estado marcada por el intento de regulación del alquiler vacacional. En Barcelona, la presión vecinal motivó la aprobación del Plan Especial Urbanístico de Alojamiento Turístico (PEUAT) en enero de 2017. En Madrid se aprobó el Plan Especial de Hospedaje (PEH) dos años después. En este caso, los agentes económicos y parte de la administración abogaban por una regulación laxa bajo el argumento de “no estar tan mal como Barcelona”, pese a admitir cierta turistificación del tejido residencial. Pero, ¿es cierta esta afirmación? Esta investigación proporciona una revisión actualizada de estos planes revisitando los contextos sociales y políticos que los enmarcan. Se han comparado en contenido el PEH y el PEUAT con respecto a la oferta publicada en AirBnB —atendiendo a sus características y distribución a lo largo del tiempo para evaluar tanto el grado de turistificación del parque inmobiliario, como la idoneidad y eficiencia de las normas zonales aprobadas. Los resultados verifican que ambos planes tratan de contener la turistificación residencial de los distritos centrales. Sin embargo, la disparidad de criterios de zonificación, así como su aprobación reactiva tras la posible consolidación de la oferta profesionalizada de apartamentos, podrían comprometer su eficacia.
Overtourism in urban destinations: the myth of smart solutions
Authors: García Hernández María , Baidal Josep Ivars , Mendoza de Miguel Sofía
Published: December 2019

The rapid increase in urban tourism flows generates problems of tourist overcrowding and gives rise to important challenges for city management. Within this context, urban tourism planning is experiencing a convergence of new paradigms related to the so-called Smart Tourist Destinations (SD). Smart tourism and its operational level open up new avenues for intervention in the city which can help to manage overtourism. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the level of implementation of smart solutions in four Spanish destinations: Donostia-San Sebastián, Madrid, Málaga and Valencia. The methodology used combines the compilation of information on initiatives and measures found in public tourism planning documents with semi-structured interviews with those responsible for managing the Smart City strategy and the SD project. The results reveal that there is a gap between the SD approaches, the level of implementation of smart solutions and their operability in relation to the management of tourist overload. Almost no technological solutions have been developed to address this issue, which is barely perceived as a problem by local governments. However, the need to generate knowledge that is useful for managing tourist overload constitutes a challenge faced by a growing number of destinations.
El orden del caos: la decisión del gobierno ante el problema del impacto del turismo en el centro urbano de Madrid
Authors: Velasco González María , Herrero López Reyes , López Sánchez Eliseo
Published: December 2019

En los últimos años, se extiende la idea de que el turismo podría estar generando profundas contradicciones en algunas ciudades y que esto exigiría una política turística más madura y compleja. El objetivo del presente trabajo es ilustrar como, en algunas ocasiones, las decisiones que se adoptan por el gobierno de una ciudad pueden explicarse mejor con modelos que dibujan un proceso anárquico, pero altamente organizado (Cohen et al., 1972 y 2011), en donde la construcción de discursos y la negociación entre actores va decantando las opciones entre las que, finalmente, acaban escogiendo los decisores públicos. El caso de análisis es la decisión adoptada por el gobierno de la ciudad de Madrid ante el aparente conflicto que genera el turismo en la ciudad, aunque el marco teórico y la estrategia de investigación es fácilmente aplicable a otras ciudades que están deliberando sobre estas controversias. Las conclusiones describen un proceso en donde diversos acontecimientos políticos suponen espacios de oportunidad que son aprovechados por algunos actores para impulsar una determinada definición de los problemas y, en consecuencia, una propuesta de intervención coherente con aquella. Observado así el proceso, la racionalidad técnica del decisor tiene un papel muy secundario en el diseño de acciones y la oportunidad política se convierte en elemento clave. Examinar estas dinámicas desde otros marcos teóricos fortalece la capacidad de análisis del turismo como fenómeno transversal y complejo.
Not tourism-phobia but urban-philia: understanding stakeholders’ perceptions of urban touristification
Authors: Blanco-Romero Asunción , Blàzquez-Salom Macià , Morell Marc , Fletcher Robert
Published: December 2019

Tourism development affects prominent city centres worldwide, causing social unrest that has been labelled “tourism-phobia.” This article problematizes the recent appearance of this term by unravelling the links between the materiality of contemporary urban tourism and the response it receives from social movements opposing its expansion. We endeavour to understand the meaning that different actors involved in the city's touristification attach to this term, and in particular the perceptions of citizens’ movements that claim to espouse not tourism-phobia but urban-philia. To analyze these dynamics, we draw on Lefebvre’s discussion of the “right to the city” to highlight the extractive productive relations characterizing the tourism industry and the contestations such relations trigger. Taking the example of two Spanish cities (Barcelona and Palma), our findings indicate that the social malaise found in tourist oversaturation is due to the disruption it causes to everyday life, including price increases and rising rents. Consequently, the discomfort popular mobilisations have generated among the ruling class has led the latter to disqualify and even criminalise the former’s legitimate claims under the label of tourism-phobia. To conclude, we call for a future research agenda in pursuit of social justice and equity around re-touristification, de-touristification or even tourist degrowth.
What influenced people with chronic breathlessness and advanced disease to take part and remain in a drug trial? A qualitative study.
Authors: Lovell Natasha , Etkind Simon N , Bajwah Sabrina , Maddocks Matthew , Higginson Irene J
Published: December 2019

Background Recruitment and retention in clinical trials remains an important challenge, particularly in the context of advanced disease. It is important to understand what affects retention to improve trial quality, minimise attrition and reduce missing data. We conducted a qualitative study embedded within a randomised feasibility trial and explored what influenced people to take part and remain in the trial. Methods Qualitative study embedded within a double blind randomised trial (BETTER-B(Feasibility): BETter TreatmEnts for Refractory Breathlessness) designed using a person-centred approach. Participants with cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), or Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), with a Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale grade 3/4 were recruited from three UK sites. A convenience subsample completed qualitative interviews after the trial. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results were considered in relation to the core elements of person-centred care and our model of the person-centred trial. Results In the feasibility trial 409 people were screened for eligibility and 64 randomised. No participant was lost to follow up. 22 participants took part in a qualitative interview. 11 had a diagnosis of COPD, 8 ILD, 2 CHF, and 1 lung cancer. Median age was 71 years (56-84). 16 were male. 20 had completed the trial, 2 withdrew due to adverse effects. The relationship between patient and professional, potential for benefit, trial processes and the intervention all influenced the decision to participate in the trial. The relationship with the research team and continuity, perceived benefit, and aspects relating to trial processes and the intervention influenced the decision to remain in the trial. Conclusions In this feasibility trial recruitment targets were met, attrition levels were low, and aspects of the person-centred approach were viewed positively by trial participants. Prioritisation of the relationship between the patient and professional; person centred processes including home visits, assistance with questionnaires, and involvement of the carer; and enabling people to participate by having processes in line with individual capabilities appears to support recruitment and retention in clinical trials in advanced disease. We would recommend the integration of a person-centred approach in all clinical trials.
Female sex workers perspectives and concerns regarding HIV self-testing: An exploratory study in Tanzania
Authors: Nnko Soori , Nyato Daniel , Kuringe Evodius , Casalini Caterina , Shao Amani , Komba Albert , Changalucha John , Wambura Mwita
Published: December 2019

Background: HIV testing is a gateway to HIV care and treatment for those testing positive and can link those with negative results to HIV preventive services. Despite the importance of HIV testing services (HTS) in HIV control, uptake of HTS among female sex workers (FSWs) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains sub optimal. Concerns about stigma associated with sex work and fear of loss of livelihood if HIV status becomes known, are some of the restrictions for FSWs to utilize HTS offered through health care facilities. Introduction of HIV self-testing (HIVST) may mitigate some of the barriers for the uptake of HTS. This study explored perspectives of FSWs towards HIVST in Tanzania. Methods: We conducted an exploratory study employing in-depth interviews (IDI) and participatory group discussions (PGD) with FSWs in selected regions of Tanzania. Study participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were thematically analysed by two analysts using NVivo software. Emerging themes were explored in the tradition of Grounded Theory. The analysis was informed by the social ecological model and focused on factors associated with the feasibility of scaling up HIVST. Results: A total of 23 PGD sessions were conducted involving 227 FSWs. Data from PGDs were complemented by 21 IDI. FSWs were enthusiastic toward HIVST. Convenience (time and cost saved), and belief that HIVST will increase privacy and confidentiality motivated participants’ support for the self-testing approach. Participants did express concerns about their ability to interpret and trust the results of the test. Participants also expressed concern that HIVST could cause personal harm, including severe distress and self-harm for individuals with reactive test. This was linked to the study participants’ perception that HIVST would be provided only through unassisted modality. Conclusions: FSWs demonstrated high enthusiasm to use the HIVST once it becomes available. Increased confidentiality, reduced opportunity costs, and increased autonomy were among the key factors for the intended use of HIVST. Major concerns included fear of HIV reactive test and not trusting self-diagnoses. Our findings underscore the importance of providing adequate access to counselling and referral services in conjunction with HIVST.
Effect of yoga on sleep quality and insomnia in women with sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Weili , Chen Kuang-Huei , Pan Ying-Chieh , Yang Szu-Nian , Chan Yuan-Yu
Published: December 2019

Objectives To examine the effectiveness and safety of yoga for women with sleep problems by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods Medline/PubMed, Clincalkey, ScienceDirect, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched throughout the month of June 2019. Randomized controlled trials comparing yoga groups with control groups in women with sleep problems were included. Two reviewers independently evaluated risk of bias by using the risk of bias tool suggested by the Cochrane Collaboration for programming and conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The main outcome measure was sleep quality or the severity of insomnia, which was measured using subjective instruments, such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia severity index (ISI), or objective instruments, such as polysomnography, actigraphy, and safety of the intervention. For each outcome, standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. Results Nineteen studies including 1832 participants were included in this systematic review. Meta-analyses revealed positive effects of yoga using PSQI or ISI scores in 16 randomized control trials (RCTs) compared with the control group in improving sleep quality in women, PSQI (SMD = −0.54; 95% CI = −0.89 to −0.19 ; P = 0.003). However, three RCTs revealed no effects of yoga compared with the control group in reducing the severity of insomnia in women using ISI (SMD = −0.13; 95% CI = −0.74 to 0.48; P = 0.69). Seven RCTs revealed no evidence for effects of yoga compared with the control group in improving sleep quality for women with breast cancer using PSQI (SMD = −0.15 ; 95% CI = −0.31 to 0.01; P = 0.5). Four RCTs revealed no evidence for the effects of yoga compared with the control group in improving the sleep quality for peri-or postmenopausal women using PSQI (SMD = −0.31; 95% CI = −0.95 to 0.33; P = 0.34).Yoga was not associated with serious adverse events. Discussion This systematic review and meta-analysis found that yoga intervention in some groups of women was beneficial in managing sleep problems. Despite certain disadvantages in methodology in the included studies, yoga may be recommended as a complementary therapy to women.
Mental health among immigrants in Germany – the impact of self-attribution and attribution by others as an immigrant
Authors: Nesterko Yuriy , Friedrich Michael , Brähler Elmar , Hinz Andreas , Glaesmer Heide
Published: December 2019

Background: In Germany, the term ‘migration background' has been established to differentiate between immigrants and natives. In the present study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression were analysed in immigrant populations in Germany by considering self-attribution as well as attribution by others on one’s own ‘migration background’.

Methods: In a population-based survey (N = 2317), socio-demographic characteristics, migration background (official statistics definition vs. self-attribution as well as the anticipated attribution by others), PTSD (PCL-5), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (PHQ-4) were assessed. Logistic regression models were applied to predict mental health outcomes by considering socio-demographic and immigration-related factors.

Results: A total of 10.7% of respondents (N = 248) had a ‘migration background’. Immigrants of the 2nd generation compared to 1st generation immigrants are less likely to see themselves as immigrants. Attribution as an immigrant (self and/or by others) was found as significant predictor for PTSD and depression, but not anxiety.

Conclusions: It seems useful to focus on immigration-related factors considering subjective perspectives and not only comparing immigrants and natives using a federal statistics definition. Our findings suggest that research on the association between immigration-related factors such as attribution as an immigrant and mental health outcomes might be a promising approach to better identify subgroups at higher risk of mental distress.
Short and Long-term Barriers and Facilitators of Skin Self-Examination Among Individuals Diagnosed with Melanoma
Authors: Coroiu Adina , Moran Chelsea , Bergeron Catherine , Drapeau Martin , Wang Beatrice , Kezouh Abbas , Ernst Jochen , Batist Gerald , Körner Annett
Published: December 2019

Background
Melanoma can be lethal if not detected early and treated. Early detection can be facilitated via skin self-examination (SSE) and as such, SSE is part of melanoma follow-up care for individuals with a prior history, who face a life-long risk of reoccurrence. The objective of the current study was to identify short- and long-term predictors of SSE among melanoma survivors to inform future prevention interventions in high-risk groups.
Method
This is an observational study with longitudinal assessments conducted with adult melanoma patients in active follow-up care.
Primary Outcome Measures: Behavioral outcomes, comprehensive SSE (checking up to 5 body areas in the last 3 months) and optimal SSE (checking the entire body at least monthly in the last 3 months) were assessed at 3, 12, and 24 months post a dermatological educational session on skin cancer prevention. T tests and chi square analyses were used to examine changes in outcomes from 3 to 12 and 24 months. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between predictors and the primary outcomes.
Results
Comprehensive SSE did not decrease significantly from 3 (M=2.7, SD=1.1) to 12 (M=2.6, SD=1.2) and 24 months (M=2.4, SD=1.2) post the education session, with the stronger predictor at all timepoints being intentions to perform SSE. Optimal SSE was higher at 3 months (59%) compared to 12 (46%) and 24 months (34%), with key predictors including self-efficacy and intentions to perform SSE and male sex at 3 months post; self-efficacy and reliance on medical advice at 12 months; and (lower) education and self-efficacy at 24 months.
Conclusions
The key findings of this study are that 1) survivors maintain SSE behaviour over time, but rates of SSE performed in agreement with medical recommendations are higher immediately post standard dermatological education (i.e. usual care) and decrease somewhat over a 24-month period; and 2) the strongest psycho-social predictors of SSE are intentions and self-efficacy to perform the behavior, which are highly modifiable, for example via motivational interviewing and goal setting health interventions.
Birth outcomes in a Swedish population of women reporting a history of violence including domestic violence during pregnancy: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Finnbogadóttir Hafrún , Baird Kathleen , Thies-Lagergren Li
Published: December 2019

Background: Victimisation of women is encountered in all countries across the world, it damages the mental and physical health of women. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, women are at a greater risk of experiencing violence from an intimate partner. The aim of this study was to explore childbirth outcomes in a Swedish population of women reporting a history of violence including domestic violence during pregnancy.

Methods: A longitudinal cohort design was used. In total, 1939 pregnant women ≥ 18 years were recruited to answer two questionnaires, both questionnaires were administered in the early and late stages of their pregnancy. The available dataset included birth records of 1694 mothers who gave birth between June 2012 and April 2014. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-test and bivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 1694 mothers 38.7 % (n = 656) reported a history of violence and 2% (n = 34) also experienced domestic violence during pregnancy. Women who were single, living apart from their partner, unemployed, smoked and faced financial distress were at a higher risk of experiencing violence (p = 0.001). They also had significant low scores on the SOC-scale and high EDS-scores ≥ 13 (p =0.001) when compared to women without a history of violence (p = 0.001). Having a history of violence increased the woman’s risk of undergoing a caesarean section (OR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.02 -1.70). A history of emotional abuse also significantly increased the risk of having a caesarean section irrespective of whether it was a planned or an emergency caesarean section (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.09-2.06). Infants born to a mother who reported a history of violence, were at significant risk of being born premature < 37 weeks of gestation compared to infants born by mothers with no history of violence (p = 0,049). Conclusions: A history of violence and/or exclusively a history of emotional abuse has a negative impact on childbirth outcomes including caesarean section and premature birth. Therefore, early identification of a history of or ongoing violence is crucial to provide women with extra support which may have positive impact on her birth outcomes.
Profiling novel alternative splicing within multiple tissues puts insight into the porcine genome annotation
Authors: Feng Wen , Zhao Pengju , Zheng Xianrui , Liu Jian-Feng
Published: December 2019

Background
Alternative splicing (AS) is a process that mRNA precursor splices intron to form the mature mRNA. AS plays important roles in contributing to transcriptome and proteome divert. However, to date there is no research about pig AS in genome-wide level by RNA sequencing.
Results
To characterize the AS in pigs, herein we detected genome-wide transcripts and events by RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) 34 different tissues in Duroc pigs. In total, we identified 138, 403 AS events and 29, 270 expressed genes. We found alternative donor site was the most common AS form, which is accounted for 44% of the total AS events. The percentage of the other 3 AS forms (Exon skipping, Alternative acceptor site and Intron retention) are all around 19%. The results showed that the most common AS events (alternative donor site) can produce different transcripts or different proteins which affect the biological process. Among these AS events, 109, 483 were novel AS events, and the number of alternative donor splice site has increased the most (Accounting for 44% of the novel AS events).
Conclusions
The expression of gene with tissue specific AS events showed that the functions of these genes were consistent with the tissue function. AS increased proteome diversity and resulted in novel proteins that gained and lost important functional domains. In summary, these findings extend genome annotation and highlight roles that AS acts in tissue identity in pig.
Effects of shade stress on turfgrasses morphophysiology and rhizosphere soil bacterial communities
Authors: Fu Juanjuan , Luo Yilan , Sun Pengyue , Gao Jinzhu , Zhao Donghao , Yang Peizhi , Hu Tianming
Published: December 2019

Background: The shade represents one of the major environmental limitations for turfgrass growth. Shade influences plant growth and alters plant metabolism, yet little is known about how shade affects the structure of rhizosphere soil microbial communities and the role of soil microorganisms in plant shade responses. In this study, a glasshouse experiment was conducted to examine the impact of shade on the growth and photosynthetic capacity of two contrasting shade-tolerant turfgrasses, shade-tolerant dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus, OJ) and shade-intolerant perennial turf-type ryegrass (Lolium perenne, LP). We also examined soil-plant feedback effects on shade tolerance in the two turfgrass genotypes. The composition of the soil bacterial community was assayed using high-throughput sequencing.
Results: OJ maintained higher photosynthetic capacity and root growth than LP under shade stress, thus OJ was found to be more shade-tolerant than LP. Shade-intolerant LP responded better to both shade and soil microbes than shade-tolerant OJ. The shade and live soil decreased LP growth, but increased biomass allocation to shoots in the live soil. The plant shade response index of LP is higher in live soil than sterile soil, driven by weakened soil-plant feedback under shade stress. In contrast, there was no difference in these values for OJ under similar shade and soil treatments. Shade stress had little impact on the diversity of the OJ and the LP bacterial communities, but instead impacted their composition. The OJ soil bacterial communities were mostly composed of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. Further pairwise fitting analysis showed that a positive correlation of shade-tolerance in two turfgrasses and their bacterial community compositions. Several soil properties (NO3--N, NH4+-N, AK) showed a tight coupling with several major bacterial communities under shade stress. Moreover, OJ shared core bacterial taxa known to promote plant growth and confer tolerance to shade stress, which suggests common principles underpinning OJ-microbe interactions.
Conclusion: Soil microorganisms mediate plant responses to shade stress via plant-soil feedback and shade-induced change in the rhizosphere soil bacterial community structure for OJ and LP plants. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding plant-soil interactions and their role in the mechanisms underlying shade tolerance in shade-tolerant turfgrasses.
Genome-wide identification of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) family genes influencing milk production traits in buffalo
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Wang Zhiquan , Li Jun , Li Hui , Yang Liguo
Published: December 2019

Background: The diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) are a vital group of enzymes in catalyzing triacylglycerol biosynthesis. DGAT genes like DGAT1 and DGAT2 , have been identified as two functional candidate genes affecting milk production traits, especially for fat content in milk. Buffalo milk is famous for its excellent quality, which is rich in fat and protein content. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize DGAT family genes in buffalo and to find candidate markers or DGAT genes influencing lactation performance.
Results: We performed a genome-wide study and identified eight DGAT genes in buffalo. All the DGAT genes classified into two distinct clades (DGAT1 and DGAT2 subfamily) based on their phylogenetic relationships and structural features. Chromosome localization displayed eight buffalo DGAT genes distributed on five chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that the DGAT family genes were extensive homologous between buffalo and cattle. Afterward, we discovered genetic variants loci within the genomic regions that DGAT genes located in buffalo. Seven haplotype blocks were constructed and were associated with buffalo milk production traits. Single marker association analyses revealed four most significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mainly affecting milk protein percentage or milk fat yield in buffalo. Genes functional analysis indicated that these DGAT family genes could influence lactation performance in the mammal through regulating lipid metabolism.
Conclusion: In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis for the DGAT family genes in buffalo, which including identification, structural characterization, phylogenetic classification, chromosomal distribution, collinearity analysis, association analysis, and functional analysis. These findings provide useful information for an in-depth study to determine the role of DGAT family gens play in the regulation of milk production and milk quality improvement in buffalo.
Microbiome insights into the perforated duodenal ulcer via metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Author) Xue Huang(Former Corresponding , Ma Shaying , Niu Jingjing , Li Jiang , Wang Xiaoyu , Duan Xiangke , Yan Shuangquan , Author) Jianping Xie(New Corresponding
Published: December 2019

Background: As a part of the digestive duct, duodenum, populates abundant commensal microbes, of which Helicobacter pylori was considered as the most widely and only recognized causative agent, especially in perforated duodenal ulcer patients. Although the most researches have been performed between duodenal ulcer diseases and the invader H. pylori , the relationship between perforated duodenal ulcer and the associated microbiome remained to be explored. Results: Metagenomic sequencing were used to profile the microbes underlying duodenal ulcer. The metagenome results of 6 duodenal ulcer samples (3 ulcer foci and3 sites around the ulcer foci) were obtained and compared. Ulcer foci and (healthy control (3 sites around the ulcer foci) were found to exist distinct microbial distributions. And interestingly, Streptococcus mitis was highly enriched in duodenal ulcer foci. Conclusion: The dysbiosis of microbiomes might underlie duodenal ulcer diseases, while the increased abundance of S. mitis is a novel finding. Whether there is causal link between S. mitis and duodenal ulcer remains to be determined. This represents the first report on the gut microbiome of duodenum or duodenal ulcer, that revealed that gut microbiota dysbiosis, especially S. mitis , might play an unexpected role in the disease. The S. mitis and microbiome dysbiosis can be new direction in the duodenal ulcer study.
Effects of Group Logo therapy Training on Self-Esteem, Communication Skills, and impact of event scale-revised (IES-R) in Elderly
Authors: Soroush Ali , Ziapour Arash , Sharma Manoj , Jahanbin Iran , Andayeshgar Bahare , Moradi Farideh , Najafi Sahar , Cheraghpouran Elham
Published: December 2019

Background: To evaluate the effects of group logotherapy training on the Self-Esteem, communication skills, and dealing with event in elderly. Methods: The sample of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) includes 30 elderly individuals with unstable and weak self-esteem in an Daily Center for the elderly. The Samples are selected by convenience method and divided into two equal groups, i.e. the cases and controls. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI), Weiss and Marmar’s Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and Barton’s Communication Skills Questionnaire were instruments for data collection. After evaluating the baseline, the case group attended ten sessions of group logotherapy. During this period, the controls were only using the conventional programs of the center. At the end of the program, the baseline sessions were completed by all participants at 1 and 3-month follow-up. The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures, independent t-test, and chi-square. Results: The results show that group logotherapy significantly is effect on the improvement of self-esteem, communication skills, and dealing with events in the elderly (P<0.001). However, a decrease in the effects of the trainings over time was observed in the follow-ups one and three months after the program. Conclusions: It can be concluded that group logotherapy training can be used for boosting the self-esteem, improving the communication skills, and improving proper responses to stressful events among the elderly. The durability of the benefits of these trainings requires reevaluation of this program in the long term.
Does the Medical Insurance System Play a Real Role in Reducing Catastrophic Economic Burden in Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Disease in China? Implication for Accurately Targeting Vulnerable Characteristics.
Authors: Ma Meiyan , Li Ye , Wang Nianshi , Qunhong Wu , Jiao Mingli , Shan Linghan , Sun Tao , Li Heng , Gao Han , Fu Xuelian , Tian Wanxin , Xia Qi , Hao Yanhua , Shi Baoguo
Published: December 2019

Background:The vulnerability of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients’ health abilities, combined with the severity of the disease and the overlapping risk factors, can cause such people to bear the economic burden of the disease due to the use of medical services.We estimated the economic burden of patients with CVD，and identified the weak link in the design of the medical insurance. Methods:Data from 5,610 middle-aged and elderly with CVD were drawn from the 2015 wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The recommended method of the World Health Organization (WHO) was adopted to calculate catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), impoverishment by medical expenses (IME), and applied the treatment-effect model to analyze the determinants of CHE.Results:The incidence of CHE was 19.9% of the CVD, compared to 7.6% of the sample households trapped in IME. The incidence of CHE in CVD participating in medical insurance was 2.6% higher than for uninsured families (16.3%).Family size, health satisfaction,combine with other chronic diseases, having hospitalization and disabled members, and participating in insurance were found to be significantly associated with the likelihood of CHE. Conclusions:Elderly with physical vulnerabilities were more prone to CHE. The medical insurance only reduced barriers to accessing health resources for elderly with CVD, but lacked policy inclination for high-utilization populations,and had poorly accurate identification of vulnerable characteristics of CVD,which in turn affects the economic protection ability of the medical insurance. The dispersion between the multiple medical security systems leads to the existence of blind spots in the economic risk protection of individuals and families. Keywords:cardiovascular disease, catastrophic health expenditure, impoverishment by medical expense, medical insurance, elderly households,China
Factors affecting beneficiary attendance in a community youth mental health promotion program in Karnataka, India.
Authors: Banandur Pradeep , Garady Lavanya , Arelingaiah Mutharaju , Gopalkrishna Gururaj , Koujageri Jyoti M , Sajjanar Sateesh L , Hadapad Basavaraj , K Srinivas
Published: December 2019

Background: Yuva Spandana is a unique community based Youth Mental Health Promotion program implemented across Karnataka. This program provides mental health promotion services like guidance and referral services for any issues related to youth. These services are provided through Youth Guidance centres established within every district stadium across Karnataka. We assessed factors affecting beneficiary attendance to these guidance centres across Karnataka. Methods: A conceptual framework was developed to understand the factors affecting beneficiary attendance through stakeholder consultation. First time beneficiaries attending guidance centres between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2018 across 30 districts of Karnataka were considered study subjects. Requisite data were drawn from the computerized management information system (CMIS) specifically developed for the program. Multivariate Linear Regression was performed with factors affecting beneficiary attendance as outcome and a host of hypothesized variables within the conceptual framework as potential exposures that contribute towards beneficiary attendance. All variables significantly associated with outcome (p<0.10) in univariate and which changed the β-coefficient of atleast one preceding variable by 10% was retained in the multivariate model. Results: For every sensitization program where more than one issue was addressed, the beneficiary attendance increased by 84% (β =0.84; 95% CI=0.53-1.15). Reaching out to parent beneficiaries through sensitisation programs, increased beneficiary attendance at YSK by 79% (β =0.79; 95% CI=0.20-1.37). Referring clients to resource mapped organisations, significantly increased beneficiary attendance by 81% (β =0.81; 95% CI=0.34-1.28). For every percentage increase in reminder calls made to probable beneficiaries who sought support following a sensitization programme, beneficiary attendance increased by 2.18 times (β =2.18; 95% CI=0.52-3.83). Availability of internet connectivity at these guidance centres in 2017, increased beneficiary attendance by 18 times (β =18.00; 95% CI=5.86-30.13). Conclusions: This study provides important inputs towards increasing beneficiary attendance towards large scale youth mental health promotion programs. Addressing more than one issue during sensitisation programs among beneficiaries; conducting sensitization programs among parent groups; making reminder calls to beneficiaries who requested support through feedback forms to fix appointment at guidance centres; providing referrals to beneficiaries to seek services at resource mapped individuals/organizations and ensuring availability of internet in guidance centres increases beneficiary attendance.
Comparative population genetic structure of two Ixodidae ticks (Ixodes ovatus and Haemaphysalis flava) in Niigata Prefecture, Japan 
Authors: Regilme Maria Angenica Fulo , Sato Megumi , Tamura Tsutomu , Arai Reiko , Sato Marcello Otake , Ikeda Sumire , Doi Masaya , Tanaka Kohki , Gamboa Maribet , Monaghan Michael T. , Watanabe Kozo
Published: December 2019

Background Ixodid tick species such as Ixodes ovatus and Haemaphysalis flava function as important vectors of tick-borne diseases in Japan. The study of the genetic patterns of tick populations can reveal information regarding the spread of tick-borne disease. We hypothesized that I. ovatus and H. flava have different population genetic structure because of their host mobility in different tick life stages despite sharing of hosts. Methods Samples (n = 1 to 77) were collected in 29 (I. ovatus) and 17 (H. flava) sampling locations across Niigata. In this study, we used genetic structure at two mitochondrial loci (cox1, 16S rRNA gene) to infer gene flow patterns of I. ovatus and H. flava from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Results For I. ovatus, pairwise FST and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) analyses of cox1 sequences indicated significant among-population differentiation. This was in contrast to H. flava, for which there were only two cases of significant pairwise differentiation and no overall structure. A Mantel test revealed isolation by distance and there was positive spatial autocorrelation of haplotypes in I. ovatus cox1 and 16S sequences, but non-significant results were observed in H. flava in both markers. We found three genetic groups (China 1, China 2 and Japan) in the cox1 I. ovatus tree. Newly sampled I. ovatus grouped together with a published I. ovatus sequence from northern Japan and were distinct from two other I. ovatus groups that were reported from southern China. Conclusions The three genetic groups in our data set suggest the potential for cryptic species within the lineage. While many factors can potentially account for the observed differences in genetic structure, including population persistence and large-scale patterns of range expansion, we propose that differences in the mobility of hosts of tick immature stages (small mammals in I. ovatus; birds in H. flava) may be driving the observed patterns.
Evaluating the predictive performance of Malaria antibodies and FCGR3B Gene Polymorphisms on Plasmodium falciparum infection outcome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Dwomoh Duah , Adu Bright , Dodoo Daniel , Theisen Michael , Iddi Samuel , Gerds Thomas A.
Published: December 2019

Background Malaria antigen-specific antibodies and polymorphisms in host receptors involved in antibody functionality have been associated with different outcomes of Plasmodium falciparum infections. Thus, to identify key prospective malaria antigens for vaccine development, there is the need to evaluate the associations between malaria antibodies and antibody dependent host factors with more rigorous statistical methods. In this study, we employ suitable statistical models to evaluate the predictive performance of malaria-specific antibodies and host gene polymorphisms on P. falciparum infection in a longitudinal cohort study involving Ghanaian children.Methods Models with different functional forms were built using known predictors (age, sickle cell status, blood group status, parasite density, and mosquito bed net use) and malaria antigen-specific antibodies and FCGR3B polymorphisms shown to mediate antibody-dependent neutrophil function. The models were evaluated through visualization and assessment of differences between the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve and Brier Score estimated by suitable internal cross-validation designs.Results This study has found that the FCGR3B-c.233C>A genotype and IgG against AMA1 were relatively better compared to the other antibodies and FCGR3B genotypes in classifying or predicting malaria risk among children.Conclusions Apical Membrane Antigen 1 could be a key potential vaccine antigen while FCGR3B-c.233C>A under the additive and dominant models of inheritance could be an important modifier of the effect of malaria protective antibodies.