bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penerapan model pembelajaran think talk write untuk meningkatkan keterampilan menulis laporan pada peserta didik kelas iv sekolah dasar
Authors: Larasati Arba Dewi , Larasati Arba Dewi
Published: January 2020

Abstract. This study aims to improve the skills of writing interview reports through Think Talk Write Learning Model for fourth grade of SD N Serengan II No. 256 Surakarta Academic year 2018/2019. The technique of collecting data uses observation, tests, interviews and documentation. Test validity of data using content validity and technical triangulation. The data analysis technique used an interactive model consisting of data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing.This study is a Classroom Action Research conducted in two cycles. The subjects of this study were teachers and students, which 31 students. The results showed that the pre-action class average value of 55.65 increased to 74.35 in first cycle, increasing again to 84.44 in second cycle. The number of students in pre-action who achieved KKM was 3 students (9.68%), in the second cycle as many as 20 students (64.52%), and experienced an increase again to as many as 26 students (82.26%) in the cycle II. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that: through the Think Talk Write learning model can improve the skills of writing interview reports to fourth grade students of SD N Serengan II No. 256 Surakarta Academic Year 2018/2019.
Keywords: Think Talk Write learning model, writing skills, Skills for writing report on interview results, Elementary School
Penggunaan model pembelajaran course review horay (crh) untuk meningkatkan penguasaan konsep perjuangan mempertahankan kemerdekaan indonesia pada siswa kelas V sekolah dasar
Authors: Puspitasari Maria Christy
Published: January 2020

The purporse of this research is to improve concept mastery of Indonesia independent struggle by using CRH model for 5th grade students of SD N Bulakrejo 02 Sukoharjo on  2018/2019. This research is a Classroom Action Research (CAR). This study was conducted in 2 cycles with each cycle consisting of planning, implementing actions, observing, and reflecting. This research uses content validity, technique triangulation, and source triangulation. The results of this study  prove that the average pretest score is 58,69 with classical completeness of 12,5%. In the first cycle the average value increased to 72,87 with classical completeness of 43,75%. In the second cycle there was an increase to 84,18 with 87,5% classical completeness. The conclusion of this study is that by CRH learning model, it can improve the concept mastery of  Indonesia independent  struggle in 5th grade students of SD N Bulakrejo 02 Sukoharjo on 2018/2019.
Penggunaan metode pembelajaran card sort untuk meningkatkan keterampilan menulis puisi pada peserta didik kelas v sekolah dasar
Authors: Wijayanti Ratna
Published: January 2020

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to improve the student poetry writing skills through the use of Card Sort method. This is an action classroom research that carried out for three cycles. Every cycle consist of two meeting and four steps there are planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Technique that used for collect data are observation, interview, test, and documentation. The data validity test technique uses content validity and triangulation. The data analysis technique uses interactive model learning. The result of this research showed that the initial pre-action test score were 62,88 with classical completeness of 23%, increased in the first cycle by 71,8 with classical completeness of 38,46%, then in second cycle it increased to 74,7 with classical completeness of 53,9%, then in third cycle it increased to 76,8 with classical completeness of 80,75%. Referring to the results of this research it can be conclude that the use of Card Sort method can improve the student writing skills in fifth grades students of SDN 2 Ngadirojo Lor Wonogiri academic year 2018/2019.  
Keywords: Card Sort, poetry writing skills, Elementary School
THE INCREASING OF LANGUAGE AND LOGIC MATHEMATIC ABILITY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION THROUGH EDUCATIVE TOOLS “PAPAN FLANEL PINTAR” IN THE KINDERGARTEN
Authors: Wahyuningsih Siti
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to improve the language and logic mathematic ability of kindergarten children in group B through the application of educational tools “Papan Flanel Pintar”. The study method used Class Action Research. The study was conducted at Widya Putra Kindergarten group B which consisted of 9 boys and 11 girls. The study was done within 6 months from June to November 2010. The instruments in this study were the results of the work sheet, the results of observations, and documentation. The aspects observed in each cycle were the activities and influence of children's ability to use educational tools “Papan Flanel Pintar” to develop children’s language and logic mathematical ability. The data validation used checklists and triangulation. The data analysis technique used an interactive analysis model. The procedure of this study consisted two cycles and each cycle have two times of learning implementation in sequence; 1) action planning, 2) implementation of actions, 3) observation, and 4) reflection. The results of this study can be concluded that the application of Papan Flanel Pintar can improve the language and logic mathematic ability of children in group B Widya Putra Kindergarten, Darma Wanita, Sebelas Maret University Surakarta significantly at the stage of its development.
SONG AND MOVEMENT AS MEDIA OF EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Palupi Warananingtyas , Hafidah Ruli , Karsono Karsono
Published: January 2020

The early childhood learning should cover many aspects of development, ranging from religious and moral values, social, emotional, cognitive, physical motor, linguistic and artistic. Song and Movement are still identified with motion. Early childhood learning is synonymous with singing, clapping and playing while active. Motion and song activities are very tightly attached and can not be separated, especially in providing learning to young children. Motion and song learning is an activity in playing while learning and learning through playing, so activities performed through motion/movement and song are expected to please the child as well as touch the development of language, sensitivity to the rhythm of music, motor development, confidence, and the courage to take risks. Through motion or movement and song, children learn to develop their linguistic ability, it is through listening song dan music rhythm, children develop their receptive ability in language. And children’ expressive ability in language is developed while children sing the song. Therefore, it is necessary for an activity that can train early childhood educators in giving stimulation to children through motion and song.
Pemerolehan Bahasa dan Penggunaan Bahasa Anak Usia Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Ruyatul Hilal Muhtar Tri Mahajani,
Published: January 2020

Abstract. The present study aims to examine a description of language acquisition and its usage by pupils in their daily conversations. This study employed a longitudinal case study and applieda descriptive method, while it used a content analysis for the research technique. The resultrevealed a finding upon the young learner language acquisition and its usage, the language acquisition included Bahasa Indonesia, Javanese language, Sundanese language and English language. The uses of language for a system, a personal expression, and an interpersonal expression were broad good enough and were uttered structurally, however, mistakes were founded on applying structures and making meaning to language in use. To pupils whom are at elementary school level, they have acquired a range of language structure and its use for perfection. Their parents, teachers, and their society have any real and valuable
influence over them in the way language is structured and is used for exemplifying examples ofthe perfect language acquisition.
Reproductive Justice Disrupted: Mass Incarceration as a Driver of Reproductive Oppression
Authors: Hayes Crystal M. , Sufrin Carolyn , Perritt Jamila B.
Published: January 2020

We describe how mass incarceration directly undermines the core values of reproductive justice and how this affects incarcerated and nonincarcerated women.

Mass incarceration, by its very nature, compromises and undermines bodily autonomy and the capacity for incarcerated people to make decisions about their reproductive well-being and bodies; this is done through institutionalized racism and is disproportionately done to the bodies of women of color. This violates the most basic tenets of reproductive justice—the right to have a child, not to have a child, and to parent the children you have with dignity and in safety.

By undermining motherhood and safe pregnancy care, denying access to abortion and contraception, and preventing people from parenting their children at all and by doing so in overpoliced, unsafe environments, mass incarceration has become a driver of forms of reproductive oppression for people in prison and jails and in the community.
Stigma and US Nurses’ Intentions to Provide the Standard of Maternal Care to Incarcerated Women, 2017
Authors: Goshin Lorie S. , Sissoko D. R. Gina , Stringer Kristi L. , Sufrin Carolyn , Byrnes Lorraine
Published: January 2020

Objectives. To examine relationships among actionable drivers and facilitators of stigma and nurses’ intentions to provide the standard of maternal care recommended by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) for incarcerated women.

Methods. We conducted a Web-based survey of perinatal nurses in the United States (n = 665; participation rate 98.0%; completion rate 95.3%) in July through September 2017. We used multivariable logistic regression to predict higher than median intentions to provide the standard of care.

Results. Lower stigmatizing individual attitudes and institutional norms and higher perceived autonomy when caring for an incarcerated woman were significantly associated with higher care intentions. Knowledge of the AWHONN position statement on the standard of care or their own state’s shackling laws was not associated with higher care intentions.

Conclusions. We documented significant associations among actionable drivers and facilitators of stigma and the intentions of a key health care provider group to deliver the standard of maternal care to incarcerated women. Individual- and institutional-level stigma-reduction interventions may increase the quality of maternal care and improve perinatal outcomes for women who give birth while incarcerated.
County Jail Incarceration Rates and County Mortality Rates in the United States, 1987–2016
Authors: Kajeepeta Sandhya , Rutherford Caroline G. , Keyes Katherine M. , El-Sayed Abdulrahman M. , Prins Seth J.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. To evaluate the relationship between changes in county jail incarceration rates and subsequent county mortality rates across the United States.

Methods. We analyzed county jail incarceration rates from the Bureau of Justice Statistics from 1987 to 2016 for 1884 counties and mortality rates from the National Vital Statistics System. We fit 1-year-lagged quasi-Poisson 2-way fixed-effects models, controlling for unmeasured stable county characteristics, and measured time-varying confounders, including county poverty and crime rates.

Results. A within-county increase in jail incarceration rates from the first to second quartile was associated with a 2.5% increase in mortality rates, adjusting for confounders (risk ratio [RR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.03). This association followed a dose–response relationship and was stronger for mortality among those aged 15 to 34 years (RR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.09).

Conclusions. Within-county increases in jail incarceration rates are associated with increases in subsequent mortality rates after adjusting for important confounders.

Public Health Implications. Our findings add to the growing body of empirical evidence of the harms of mass incarceration. The criminal justice reform and decarceration movements can use these findings as they develop strategies to end mass incarceration.
Monitoring the Pulse of a Well Through Sealed Wellbore Pressure Monitoring, a Breakthrough Diagnostic With a Multi-Basin Case Study
Authors: Haustveit Kyle , Elliott Brendan , Haffener Jackson , Ketter Chris , O'Brien Josh , Almasoodi Mouin , Moos Sheldon , Klaassen Trevor , Dahlgren Kyle , Ingle Trevor , Roberts Jon , Gerding Eric , Borell Jarret , Sharma Sundeep , Deeg Wolfgang
Published: January 2020

Over the past decade the shale revolution has driven a dramatic increase in hydraulically stimulated wells. Since 2010, hundreds of thousands of hydraulically fractured stages have been completed on an annual basis in the US alone. It is well known that the geology and geomechanical features vary along a lateral due to landing variations, structural changes, depletion impacts, and intra-well shadowing. The variations along a lateral have the potential to impact the fluid distribution in a multi-cluster stimulation which can impact the drainage pattern and ultimately the economics of the well and unit being exploited. Due to the lack of low-cost, scalable diagnostics capable of monitoring cluster efficiency, most wells are completed using geometric cluster spacing and the same pump schedule across a lateral with known variations.

A breakthrough patent-pending pressure monitoring technique using an offset sealed wellbore as a monitoring source has led to advancements in quantifying cluster efficiencies of hydraulic stimulations in real-time. To date, over 1,500 stages have been monitored using the technique. Sealed Wellbore Pressure Monitoring (SWPM) is a low-cost, non-intrusive method used to evaluate and quantify fracture growth rates and fracture driven interactions during a hydraulic stimulation. The measurements can be made with only a surface pressure gauge on a monitor well.

SWPM provides insight into a wide range of fracture characteristics and can be applied to improve the understanding of hydraulic fractures in the following ways:

Qualitative cluster efficiency/fluid distribution Fracture count in the far-field Fracture height and fracture half-length Depletion identification and mitigation Fracture model calibration Fracture closure time estimation

The technique has been validated using low frequency Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) strain monitoring, microseismic monitoring, video-based downhole perforation imaging, and production logging. This paper will review multiple SWPM case studies collected from projects performed in the Anadarko Basin (Meramec), Permian Delaware Basin (Wolfcamp), and Permian Delaware Basin (Leonard/Avalon).
A qualitative transcriptional signature to reclassify histological grade of ER-positive breast cancer patients
Authors: Li Jing , Jiang Wenbin , Liang Qirui , Liu Guanghao , Dai Yupeng , Zheng Hailong , Yang Jing , Cai Hao , Guo Zheng
Published: January 2020

PurposeHistological grade (HG) is commonly adopted as a prognostic factor for ER-positive breast cancer patients. However, HG evaluation methods, such as the pathological Nottingham grading system, are highly subjective with only 50%-85% inter-observer agreements. Specifically, the subjectivity in the pathological assignment of the intermediate grade (HG2) breast cancers, comprising of about half of breast cancer cases, results in uncertain disease outcomes prediction. Here, we developed a qualitative transcriptional signature, based on within-sample relative expression orderings (REOs) of gene pairs, to define HG1 and HG3 and reclassify pathologically-determined HG2 (denoted as pHG2) breast cancer patients.ResultsFrom the gene pairs with significantly stable REOs in pathologically-determined HG1 (denoted as pHG1) samples and reversely stable REOs in pathologically-determined HG3 (denoted as pHG3) samples, concordantly identified from seven datasets, we extracted a signature which could determine the HG state of samples through evaluating whether the within-sample REOs match with the patterns of the pHG1 REOs or pHG3 REOs. A sample was classified into the HG3 group if at least a half of the REOs of the 10 gene pairs signature within this sample voted for HG3; otherwise, HG1. Using four datasets including samples of early stage (I–II) ER-positive breast cancer patients who accepted surgery only, we validated that this signature was able to reclassify pHG2 patients into HG1 and HG3 groups with significantly different survival time. For the original pHG1 and pHG3 patients, the signature could also more accurately and objectively stratify them into distinct prognostic groups. And the up-regulated and down down-regulated genes in HG1 compared with HG3 involved in cell proliferation and extracellular signal transduction pathways respectively. By comparing with existing signatures, 10-GPS was with prognostic significance and was more aligned with survival of patients especially for pHG2 samples.ConclusionsThe transcriptional qualitative signature can provide an objective assessment of HG states of ER-positive breast cancer patients, especially for reclassifying patients with pHG2, to assist decision making on clinical therapy.
Recognizing states of psychological vulnerability to suicidal behavior: a Bayesian network of artificial intelligence applied to a clinical sample.
Authors: Barros Jorge , Morales Susana , García Arnol , Echávarri Orietta , Fischman Ronit , Szmulewicz Marta , Moya Claudia , Núñez Catalina , Tomicic Alemka
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to determine conditional dependence relationships of variables that contribute to psychological vulnerability associated with suicide risk. A Bayesian network (BN) was developed and applied to establish conditional dependence relationships among variables for each individual subject studied. These conditional dependencies represented the different states that patients could experience in relation to suicidal behavior (SB). The clinical sample included 650 mental health patients with mood and anxiety symptomatology. The results mainly indicated that variables within the Bayesian network are part of each patient’s state of psychological vulnerability and have the potential to impact such states and that these variables coexist and are relatively stable over time. These results have enabled us to offer a tool to detect states of psychological vulnerability associated with suicide risk. If we accept that suicidal behaviors (vulnerability, ideation, and suicidal attempts) exist in constant change and are unstable, we can investigate what individuals experience at specific moments to become better able to intervene in a timely manner to prevent such behaviors. Future testing of the tool developed in this study is needed, not only in specialized mental health environments but also in other environments with high rates of mental illness, such as primary healthcare facilities and educational institutions (schools and universities).
Increased plasma concentration of cell-free DNA precedes disease recurrence in children with high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Su Yan , Wang Lijun , Jiang Chiyi , Yue Zhixia , Fan Hongjun , Hong Huimin , Duan Chao , Jin Mei , Zhang Dawei , Qiu Lihua , Cheng Xianfeng , Xu Zhong , Ma Xiaoli
Published: January 2020

Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. The high rate of recurrence is associated with a low survival rate for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. There is thus an urgent need to identify effective predictive biomarkers of disease recurrence. Methods: A total of 116 patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were recruited at Beijing Children’s Hospital between February 2015 and December 2017. All patients received multidisciplinary treatment, were evaluated for the therapeutic response, and then initiated on maintenance treatment. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of maintenance treatment, every 3 months thereafter, and at the time of disease recurrence. Plasma levels of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) were quantified by qPCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of plasma cfDNA concentration to predict recurrence. Results: Of the 116 patients, 36 (31.0%) developed recurrence during maintenance treatment. The median time to recurrence was 19.00, 9.00, and 8.00 months for patients who had achieved complete response (n = 6), partial response (n = 25), and stable disease (n = 5), respectively, after multidisciplinary treatment. The median plasma cfDNA concentration at the time of recurrence was significantly higher than the concentration in recurrence-free patients throughout maintenance treatment (29.34 ng/mL vs 10.32 ng/mL). Patients recorded a plasma cfDNA level ≥29 ng/mL an average of 0.55 months before diagnosis of disease recurrence. ROC analysis of the power of plasma cfDNA to distinguish between patients with or without recurrence yielded an area under the curve of 0.825, with optimal sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% and 71.3%, respectively, at a cfDNA level of 12.93 ng/mL. Conclusions: High plasma cfDNA concentration is a potential molecular marker to signal disease recurrence in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma.
Factors determining recurrence in transient global amnesia
Authors: Tynas Rebecca , Panegyres Peter K
Published: January 2020

Background: Aetiology of transient global amnesia (TGA) remains uncertain, though many have been proposed, including ischaemic, migrainous or epileptic pathologies. Methods: We attempted to determine risk factors for TGA, as well as prognostic factors that may cause recurrence. We evaluated clinical history, family history and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) studies of 93 prospective patients with TGA. Patients were followed from 2004-2016. Fifteen of 93 (16%) patients experienced a recurrence of TGA. Results: Among precipitating events, physical activities inducing Valsalva-like manoeuvres were most common, followed by emotional stress. Eighty-four patients had possible comorbidities or risk factors for TGA, though no single risk factor was ubiquitous. Risk factors associated with recurrence were head injury (isolated vs. recurrent, 16.7% vs. 53.5%, p < 0.01), depression (isolated vs. recurrent, 15.4% vs 46.7%, p = 0.01) and family history of dementia (isolated vs. recurrent, 20.5% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.03). Of 15 patients with confirmed recurrent TGA, two developed dementia and four subjective memory impairment. DWI lesions were observed in 24 patients and were located anywhere within the hippocampus. Conclusions: DWI lesions were not significantly associated with outcomes (recurrence, subjective memory impairment, dementia). We have found that depression, previous head injury and family history of dementia may predict TGA recurrence.
Exploring and analysing single cell multi-omics data with VDJView
Authors: Samir Jerome , Rizzetto Simone , Gupta Money , Luciani Fabio
Published: January 2020

Background Single cell RNA sequencing provides unprecedented opportunity to simultaneously explore the transcriptomic and immune receptor diversity of T and B cells. However, there are limited tools available that simultaneously analyse large multi-omics datasets integrated with metadata such as patient and clinical information.Results We developed VDJView, which permits the simultaneous or independent analysis and visualisation of gene expression, immune receptors, and clinical metadata of both T and B cells. This tool is implemented as an easy-to-use R shiny web-application, which integrates numerous gene expression and TCR analysis tools, and accepts data from plate-based sorted or high-throughput single cell platforms. We utilised VDJView to analyse several 10X scRNA-seq datasets, including a recent dataset of 150,000 CD8+ T cells with available gene expression, TCR sequences, quantification of 15 surface proteins, and 44 antigen specificities (across viruses, cancer, and self-antigens). We performed quality control, filtering of tetramer non-specific cells, clustering, random sampling and hypothesis testing to discover antigen specific gene signatures which were associated with immune cell differentiation states and clonal expansion across the pathogen specific T cells. We also analysed 563 single cells (plate-based sorted) obtained from 11 subjects, revealing clonally expanded T and B cells across primary cancer tissues and metastatic lymph-node. These immune cells clustered with distinct gene signatures according to the breast cancer molecular subtype. VDJView has been tested in lab meetings and peer-to-peer discussions, showing effective data generation and discussion without the need to consult bioinformaticians.Conclusions VDJView enables researchers without profound bioinformatics skills to analyse immune scRNA-seq data, integrating and visualising this with clonality and metadata profiles, thus accelerating the process of hypothesis testing, data interpretation and discovery of cellular heterogeneity. VDJView is freely available at https://bitbucket.org/kirbyvisp/vdjview .
Systematic analysis of the basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family in pummelo (Citrus grandis) and identification of the key members involved in the response to iron deficiency
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yong , Qiu Jie-Ya , Hui Qiu-Ling , Xu Yuan-Yuan , He Yi-Zhong , Peng Liang-Zhi , fu xing-zheng
Published: January 2020

Background Iron (Fe) deficiency is a common problem in citrus production. As the second largest superfamily of transcription factors (TFs), the basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins have been shown to participate in the regulation of Fe homeostasis and a series of other biological and developmental processes in plants. However, this family of members in citrus and their functions in citrus Fe deficiency are still largely unknown. Results In this study, we identified a total of 128 CgbHLHs from pummelo ( Citrus grandis ) genome that were classified into 18 subfamilies by phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana bHLH proteins. All of these CgbHLHs were randomly distributed on nine known (125 genes) and one unknown (3 genes) chromosomes, and 12 and 47 of them were identified to be tandem and segmental duplicated genes, respectively. Sequence analysis showed detailed characteristics of their intron-exon structures, bHLH domain and conserved motifs. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that most of CgbHLHs were annotated to the nucleus, DNA-binding transcription factor activity, response to abiotic stimulus, reproduction, post-embryonic development, flower development and photosynthesis. In addition, 27 CgbHLH proteins were predicted to have direct or indirect protein-protein interactions. Based on GO annotation, RNA sequencing data in public database and qRT-PCR results, several of CgbHLHs were identified as the key candidates that respond to iron deficiency. Conclusions In total, 128 CgbHLH proteins were identified from pummelo, and their detailed sequence and structure characteristics and putative functions were analyzed. This study provides comprehensive information for further functional elucidation of CgbHLH genes in citrus.
Lenticulostriate arteries appearance before thrombectomy predicts good outcome in acute middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Liu Feifeng , Chen Chen , Hong Lan , Shen Hao , Cao Wenjie , Dong Qiang , Yang Xinyi , Guo Mengruo , Li Ying , Xiao Yaping , Cheng Xin , Li Gang
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Endovascular therapy is widely used in acute large vessel occlusion. This study investigated whether imaging of lateral lenticulostriate arteries(LSAs) before thrombectomy would potentially be helpful for predicting prognosis of patients with acute M1 segment of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).Methods: 59 consecutive patients with acute M1 segment of MCAO treated with mechanical thrombectomy at two comprehensive stroke center were analyzed. Patients were categorized into LSA+ (appearing of lateral LSAs) and LSA- (sparing of lateral LSAs) group according to preprocedural digital substraction angiography (DSA). Baseline data and clinical outcomes were compared. A good clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months. The association between clinical and imaging parameters and functional outcome was evaluated with logistic regression analysis.Results: LSA+ was shown in 36 patients (61%). LSA+ group had a significantly higher proportion of good outcome (72.2% vs. 8.7%, OR 27.3,95% CI 5.38-138.4, P<0.001), lower risk of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages (sICH) ( 8.3% vs. 47.8%,OR 0.10,95% CI 0.02-0.42, P=0.001) and lower mortality in hospital (5.6% vs. 34.8%, OR 0.11,95% CI 0.02 -0.58, P<0.004) compared with LSA- group. Patients in LSA+ group had lower baseline NIHSS score(P<0.01) and NIHSS score at 14 days(P<0.01) and smaller infarct core volume (P=0.016) on computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTP) compared to the LSA- group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a small infarct core volume (OR 6.74,95% CI 1.148-39.569, P=0.035) and LSA+( OR 22.114,95% CI 3.339-146.470, P=0.001) were associated with a good clinical outcome.Conclusions: Our data suggest that appearance of lateral LSAs before mechanical thrombectomy would be potentially helpful for predicting favorable prognosis of patients with acute M1 segment of MCAO.
Separating the signal from the noise in metagenomic cell-free DNA sequencing
Authors: Burnham Philip , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy , Heyang Michael , Cheng Alexandre Pellan , Lenz Joan Sesing , Dadhania Darshana , Lee John Richard , Suthanthiran Manikkam , Romero Roberto , De Vlaminck Iwijn
Published: January 2020

Background: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood, urine and other biofluids provides a unique window into human health. A proportion of cfDNA is derived from bacteria and viruses, creating opportunities for the diagnosis of infection via metagenomic sequencing. The total biomass of microbial-derived cfDNA in clinical isolates is low, which makes metagenomic cfDNA sequencing susceptible to contamination and alignment noise. Results: Here, we report Low Biomass Background Correction (LBBC), a bioinformatics noise filtering tool informed by the uniformity of the coverage of microbial genomes and the batch variation in the absolute abundance of microbial cfDNA. We demonstrate that LBBC leads to a dramatic reduction in false positive rate while minimally affecting the true positive rate for a cfDNA test to screen for urinary tract infection. We next performed high throughput sequencing of cfDNA in amniotic fluid collected from term uncomplicated pregnancies or those complicated with clinical chorioamnionitis with and without intra-amniotic infection. Conclusions: The data provide unique insight into the properties of fetal and maternal cfDNA in amniotic fluid, demonstrate the utility of cfDNA to screen for intra-amniotic infection, support the view that the amniotic fluid is sterile during normal pregnancy, and reveal cases of intra-amniotic inflammation without infection at term.
Protein kinase A is involved in neuropathic pain by activating the p38MAPK pathway to mediate spinal cord cell apoptosis
Authors: Deng Yajun , Yang Liang , Xie Qiqi , Yang Fengbiao , Li Guoqiang , Zhang Guangzhi , Li Shaoping , Wu Zuolong , Wang Jing , Kang Xuewen
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Predictive value of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to lymphocyte count ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Zhou Yu , Li Yicheng , Qin Wanying , Zi Yunhua , Liu Yulan , Qiu Xiaoying , Xu Hongyuan , Liao Weijia , Huang Zhaoquan
Published: January 2020

Background: Microvascular invasion (MVI) is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is still a lack of preoperative markers to predict MVI in HCC. This study intends to explore the potential application value of the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) to lymphocyte count ratio (GLR) in predicting MVI in HCC and provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods: From March 2010 to December 2015, 230 HCC patients who underwent surgical treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University were selected. Clinicopathological parameters between the MVI group (n = 115) and the non-MVI group (n = 115) were comparatively analyzed. The GLR was used as the potential risk factor for HCC with MVI, and its optimal cut-off value was estimated by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival of HCC patients, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to establish independent predictors affecting postoperative HCC patients.Results: The GLR levels in the MVI group and non-MVI group were 84.83 ± 61.84 and 38.42 ± 33.52 (p < 0.001), respectively. According to ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value of GLR was 56.0, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.781 (95% CI, 0.719-0.833) for the risk prediction of MVI in HCC patients. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size > 5 cm, HCC combined with MVI and GLR > 56.0 were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in HCC patients. In addition, compared with the non-MVI group, patients in the MVI group had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Conclusion: GLR could be a predictive biomarker of HCC after operation and a potential predictor of HCC combined with MVI.
Differential Diagnostic Value of Bilateral Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling (BIPSS) in ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Hao , Ba Ying , Xing Qian , Cai Run-Ce
Published: January 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown inconsistent results in the differential diagnosis obtained from bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing syndrome. This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic value of BIPSS via the published literature. Methods: This study searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane library, and the Wanfang database for published data on the differential diagnosis obtained using BIPSS in Cushing syndrome as of October 2019. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated based on the relevant data. Results: This meta-analysis included a total of 23 studies with 1,617 patients. The calculated sensitivity, specificity, PLR, and NLR were 0.94 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.91–0.96), 0.89 (95% CI: 0.79–0.95), 8.8 (95% CI: 4.3–17.9), and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.04–0.11), respectively. The pooled DOR and area under the ROC curve were 129 (95% CI: 48–345) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.98), respectively. Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicated that BIPSS had a highly diagnostic value for ACTH originally in patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome, and BIPSS should be used as a routine method to identify ACTH sources. Keywords: Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling, ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome, Differential diagnosis , Diagnostic meta-analysis
Evaluation of Role of Hyperbilirubinemia as a New Diagnostic Marker of Complicated Appendicitis.
Authors: Bakshi Sabyasachi , Mandal Nilay
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND: Hyperbilirubinemia has also been found in infective diseases involving organs other than liver. The bacteremia/endotoxemia resulting in impaired hepatocyte function and bile secretion along with increased acute phase reactants contribute to the pathogenesis. In appendicitis, elevated intra-luminal pressure and ischemic necrosis of mucosa causes tissue gangrene/perforation. This is accompanied by bacterial cytotoxin facilitated progressive bacterial invasion. This elevated load of bacteria causes direct invasion or translocation into the portal system. Direct invasion of bacteria into the hepatic parenchyma interferes with the bilirubin excretion into the bile canaliculi biochemically rather than by any obstructive pathway. In the present study, establishment of a possible role of hyperbilirubinemia as a marker of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis has been studied. METHODS: After matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria, all cases of clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis were taken for this prospective, single center, observational study. Per-operative diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. RESULTS: Out of 110 patients of acute appendicitis 41 patients (37.27%) had hyperbilirubinemia. Out of 35 patients diagnosed as complicated appendicitis 32 patients (91.42%) had raised total bilirubin levels, while the remaining 03(8.58%) had normal levels .Among 75 patients diagnosed as acute simple appendicitis 09 patients (12%) had raised total bilirubin level, while the remaining 66 patients (88%) had normal levels .It was MIXED TYPE OF HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA in gangrenous/perforated appendicitis. The SENSITIVITY of Total serum bilirubin in predicting complicated appendicitis was found 91.43% (76.942% to 98.196%), where as the SPECIFICITY of this test was 88.00% (78.439% to 94.363%). POSITIVE PREDICTIVE VALUE and NEGATIVE PREDICTIVE VALUE were 78.03% and 95.65% respectively. POSITIVE LIKELIHOOD RATIO and NEGATIVE LIKELIHOOD RATIO were found to be 7.619 and 0.097 respectively taking PREVALENCE of Complicated appendicitis be 31.80%. ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve was obtained which shows OPTIMAL CRITERION at Total Bilirubin Level 1.06 mg/dl where sensitivity was 91.43% and specificity was 97.33% at 95% confidence interval with 31.8% disease prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Serum Bilirubin level estimation, which is a simple, cheap and easily available laboratory test, can be added to the routine investigations in clinically suspected cases of acute appendicitis for early diagnosis of complications. Trial Registration:Trial URL: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=33113&EncHid=2976.35990&modid=1&compid=19
The effects of Enhanced Primary Healthcare interventions on primary care providers job satisfaction
Authors: Wong Wen Jun , Norzi Aisyah Mohd , Ang Swee Hung , Chan Chee Lee , Jaafar Faeiz Syezri Adzmin , Sivasampu Sheamini
Published: January 2020

Background:In response to address the rising burden of cardiovascular risk factors, Malaysian government has implemented Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) interventions in July 2017 at public clinics level. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play crucial roles in healthcare service delivery and health system reform can influence HCPs’ job satisfaction. However, studies evaluating HCPs’ job satisfaction following primary care transformation remain scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of EnPHC interventions on HCPs. Methods:This is a quasi-experimental study conducted in 20 intervention and 20 matched control clinics. We surveyed all healthcare providers who were directly involved in patient management. A self-administered questionnaire which included six questions on job satisfaction were distributed at baseline (April and May 2017) and post-intervention (March and April 2019). Difference-in-differences analysis was used in the multivariable linear regression model in which we adjusted for providers and clinics characteristics to detect the changes in job satisfaction following EnPHC interventions. Results:A total of 1042 and 1215 HCPs responded at baseline and post-intervention respectively. At post-intervention, the intervention group reported higher level of stress and change in score between two groups was -0.14 (β= -0.139; 95% CI -0.266,-0.012; p=0.032). In subgroup analysis, nurses from intervention group experienced increase in work stress following EnPHC interventions (β= -0.223; 95% CI -0.419,-0.026; p=0.026). Additionally, the same group also responded that they were less likely to perceive their profession as well-respected at post-intervention (β= -0.175; 95% CI -0.331,-0.019; p=0.027). Conversely, allied health professionals from intervention group were more likely to report a good balance between work and effort (β= 0.386; 95% CI 0.033,0.738; p=0.032) after implementing EnPHC interventions. Conclusions:Our findings suggest that EnPHC interventions had resulted in some untoward effect on HCPs’ job satisfaction. Job dissatisfaction can have detrimental effects on the organisation and healthcare system. Therefore, provider experience and well-being should be considered before introducing healthcare delivery reforms to avoid overburdening of HCPs.
Root resorption in patients treated with self-ligating or conventional brackets: A systematic review
Authors: Xie Jiye , Yin Kang , Wen Xin , He Wei , Xu Yanhua
Published: January 2020

Background: To compare the degree of external apical root resorption (EARR) in patients using self-ligating brackets with conventional brackets in a long run. Methods: Electronic search was made in databases including PubMed, OVID, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, FMRS, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data until November 2019 to retrievalled randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials that compared the EARR between patients using self-ligating or conventional brackets. What’s more, manual search was made in NLM, SIGLE, Campbell library, WHOLIS, Chinese Journal of Evidence-based Medicine and the Journal of Orthodontics. Literature filtering, data extraction and methodological quality evaluation were finished independently by two researchers and disagreements were solved by a third reviewer. Original outcome data, if possible, were subjected to statistical pooling by Review Manager 5.3 for Meta analysis.Results: Through a predefined search strategy, ten studies were included in the systematic review and nine eligible studies were pooled in meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between self-ligating and conventional brackets in terms of the value of EARR in maxillary central incisors (P=0.01; SMD: -0.42mm; 95%CI: -0.76, -0.09) in a long run. No significant difference in maxillary lateral incisors (P=0.07; SMD: -0.17; 95%CI: −0.35, 0.01), mandibular central incisors (P=0.69; SMD: 0.04; 95%CI: −0.17, 0.26) and mandibular lateral incisors (P=0.38; SMD: −0.10; 95%CI: −0.32, 0.12).Conclusions: Self-ligating brackets have a long-term effect in protecting maxillary central incisors from the EARR compared to conventional brackets. However, self-ligating brackets were not superior to conventional brackets in reducing the EARR of maxillary lateral incisors, mandible central incisors and mandible lateral incisors.
Discovery of a naturally-occurring allele of eIF4E1.S in Nicotiana tabacum and development of a co-dominant marker
Authors: Lin Shifeng , Dewey Ralph E. , Wang Rengang , Yu Jing , Long Mingjin , Zhang Jie , Yu Shizhou , Zhang Jishun , Wang Zili , Ren Xueliang
Published: January 2020

Background: The Potato Virus Y (PVY) resistance tobacco mutant VAM, which was produced by X-ray irradiation, and its derived mutant va were previously shown to contain large chromosomal deletions. Among the genes deleted in lines containing these loci is a specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) gene, designated eIF4E1.S, whose protein product has been shown to facilitate infection by certain potyviruses, the most important of which from an agronomic perspective is PVY. Because the extent of the deletions and the exact nature of their specific breakpoints have not been precisely established for VAM or va, it has not been possible to develop co-dominant markers for these loci. Results: Here, we identified a PVY-resistant tobacco landrace Fuquanliuye with a deletion in the 3' region of the eIF4E1.S gene. The approximate position of the 5' deletion breakpoint was defined by segmented amplification, cloning and sequencing. Using information from this analysis, a chromosome walk was initiated and the nucleotide sequence of the deletion junction was obtained. Through comparison with the tobacco reference genome, it was found that an approximately 27 kb sequence including the 3' region of the eIF4E1.S gene was deleted from the Fuquanliuye genome and nine extra nucleotides of unknown origin were inserted at the breakpoint. Based on the information above, a PCR-based co-dominant molecular marker for the identification of the eIF4E1.S mutant allele was developed. Using this co-dominant marker, we genotyped F2 plants segregating for the eIF4E1.S mutant allele and confirmed good consistency between the genotype and the phenotype to PVY virus. Conclusions: We report a novel naturally-occurring mutant allele of eIF4E1.S from the PVY-resistant tobacco landrace Fuquanliuye, designated eIF4E1.Fu, and a PCR-based co-dominant marker specific for eIF4E1.Fu. This may provide a valuable genetic resource and a basis for marker-assisted selection to improve the PVY resistance of breeding cultivars/lines.
Overexpression of a type 2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum enhances lipid production and omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid content
Authors: Haslam Richard P. , Hamilton Mary L. , Economou Chloe K. , Smith Richard , Hassall Kirsty L. , Napier Johnathan A. , Sayanova Olga
Published: January 2020

Background: Oleaginous microalgae represent a valuable resource for the production of high value molecules. Considering the importance of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) for human health and nutrition the yields of high value eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) require significant improvement to meet demand, however, the current cost of production remains high. A promising approach is to metabolically engineer strains with enhanced levels of triacylglycerols (TAGs) enriched in EPA and DHA. Results: Recently we have engineered the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum to accumulate enhanced levels of DHA in TAG. To further improve the incorporation of omega-3 LC-PUFAs in TAG we focused our effort on the identification of a type 2 acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) capable of improving lipid production and the incorporation of DHA in TAG. DGAT is a key enzyme in lipid synthesis. Following a diatom based in vivo screen of candidate DGATs, a native P. tricornutum DGAT2B was taken forward for detailed characterisation. Expression of DGAT2B in P. tricornutum was confirmed by qRT-PCR and the transgenic strain grew successfully in comparison to wildtype. PtDGAT2B has broad substrate specificity with preferences for C16 and LC-PUFAs acyl groups. Moreover, the expression of DGAT2B resulted in higher lipid yields and enhanced levels of DHA in TAG. Furthermore, co-expression with a Δ5-elongase showed how iterative metabolic engineering can be used to increase DHA and TAG content, irrespective of nitrogen treatment.Conclusion: This study provides further insight into lipid metabolism in P. tricornutum and suggests a metabolic engineering approach for the efficient production of EPA and DHA in microalgae.