bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hidden Story on Heterogeneous B-raf V600E Mutation Quantitative Protein Expression in Metastatic Melanoma – Association with Clinical Outcome and Tumor Phenotypes
Authors: Betancourt Lazaro Hiram , Szasz A. Marcell , Kuras Magdalena , Rodriguez Murillo Jimmy , Sugihara Yutaka , Pla Indira , Horvath Zsolt , Pawlowski Krzysztof , Rezeli Melinda , Miharada Kenichi , Gil Jeovanis , Eriksson Jonatan , Appelqvist Roger , Militois Tasso , Baldetorp Bo , Ingvar Christian , Olsson Håkan , Lundgren Lotta , Horvatovich Peter , Welinder Charlotte , Wieslander Elisabet , Kwon Ho Jeong , Malm Johan , Nemeth Istvan Balazs , Jönsson Göran , Fenyo David , Sanchez Aniel , Marko-Varga György
Published: November 2019

In comparison to other human cancer types, malignant melanoma exhibits the greatest amount of heterogeneity. After DNA-based detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in melanoma patients, targeted inhibitor treatment is the current recommendation. This approach, however, does not take the abundance of the therapeutic target, i.e., the B-raf V600E protein, into consideration. As shown by immunohistochemistry, the protein expression profiles of metastatic melanomas do clearly reveal the existence of inter- and intra-tumor variability. Nevertheless, the technique is only semi-quantitative. To quantitate the mutant protein there is a fundamental need for more precise techniques that are aimed at defining the currently non-existent link between the levels of the target protein and subsequent drug efficacy. Using cutting-edge mass spectrometry combined with DNA and mRNA sequencing, the mutated B-raf protein within metastatic tumors was quantitated for the first time. B-raf V600E protein analysis revealed a subjacent layer of heterogeneity for mutation-positive metastatic melanomas. These were characterized into two distinct groups with different tumor morphologies, protein profiles and patient clinical outcomes. This study provides evidence that a higher level of expression for the mutated protein is associated with a more aggressive tumor progression. Our study design that is comprised of surgical isolation of tumors, histopathological characterization, tissue biobanking, and protein analysis may enable the eventual delineation of patient responders/non-responders and the subsequent therapy of malignant melanoma.
The Low Lying Double-Exciton State of Conjugated Diradicals: Assessment of TDUDFT and Spin-Flip TDDFT Predictions
Authors: Canola Sofia , Dai Yasi , Negri Fabrizia
Published: November 2019

Conjugated singlet ground state diradicals have received remarkable attention owing to their potential applications in optoelectronic devices. A distinctive character of these systems is the location of the double exciton state, a low lying excited state dominated by the doubly excited H,H→L,L configuration, which may influence optical and other photophysical properties. In this contribution we investigate this specific excited state, for a series of recently synthesized conjugated diradicals, employing time dependent density functional theory based on the unrestricted parallel spin reference configuration in the spin-flip formulation (SF-TDDFT) and standard TD calculations based on the unrestricted antiparallel spin reference configuration (TDUDFT). The quality of the computed results is assessed considering diradical and multiradical descriptors and the excited state wavefunction composition.
A Unified Electro-Gravity Theory to Model Spiral Galaxies without Dark Matter
Authors: Das Nirod K.
Published: November 2019

A unified electro-gravity (UEG) theory, which has been successfully used for modeling an elementary particle, is applied in this paper to model gravitation in spiral galaxies. The new UEG model would explain the “flat rotation curves” commonly observed in the spiral galaxies, without need for any hypothetical dark matter. The UEG theory is implemented in a somewhat different manner for a spiral galaxy, as compared to the simple application of the UEG theory to an elementary particle. This is because the spiral galaxy, unlike the elementary particle, is not spherically symmetric. The UEG constant $\gamma$, required in the new model to support the galaxies' flat rotation speeds, is estimated using measured data from a galaxy survey, as well as for a selected galaxy for illustration. The estimates are compared with the $\gamma$ derived from the UEG model of an elementary particle. The UEG model for the galaxy is shown to explain the empirical Tully-Fisher Relationship (TFR), is consistent with the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), and is also independently supported by measured trends of galaxy thickness with surface brightness and rotation speed.
The Utilizing Cutting Fluid And Feeding Rate Effect To The Surface Hardness And Precission Of Aluminum Material Using Cnc Milling Machine
Authors: Purnama Widhaya Bastian , Yaningsih Indri , Sukanto Heru
Published: November 2019

There are many factor affecting the quality of product that are produced from milling machine process. The quality is mostly about surface roughness and precision. Those affecting factors are the selection of cutting parameter and use of cutting fluid. The research is done in order to know the effect of using cutting fluid and feed rate to aluminum on surface roughness and precision using Milling CNC machine. This research uses milling CNC Mitsubishi M70 machine. The free variables of feed rate are 20, 32, 45, 69, 108 mm/min. Each feed rate variations are given cutting fluid and no- cutting fluid treatment. The cutting fluid used is bromus oil which is mixed with water. The tests performed were surface roughness test, precision test. The result of this study shows that feed rate is in line with surface roughness. The use of cutting fluid affects surface roughness. The surface roughness score at feed rate variation using coolant treatment are 20, 32, 45, 69, 108 mm/min shows the surface roughness score of 0,442; 0,484; 0,553; 0,643; 0,797 μm. surface roughness score without cutting fluid treatment reveals the score of 0,470; 0,517; 0,582; 0;662; 0,847 μm. According to statistical analysis result using two way ANOVA, it can be concluded that the use of cutting fluid and feed rate affect precision at 95% trust rate. The measurement of A dimension using cutting fluid in the variation of feed rate 20, 32, 45, 69, 108 mm/min shows the precision rate of 99,999348; 99,99929; 99,999304; 99,999261; 99,9992 %. While, the variation without cutting fluid treatment reveals the precision rate at 99,999188 ; 99,999184; 99,999037; 99;998884; 99,998684 %.
Experimental Studies of Twist Ratio Effect to The Heat Transfer Enhancement Using Square Cut Tape and Classical Tape Insert
Authors: Putra Alfan Adha Hutama , Wijayanta Agung Tri , Yaningsih Indri
Published: November 2019

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Pengaruh kecepatan gerak torch pemanas pada proses automatic flame hardening terhadap nilai kekerasan dan kekuatan tarik baja karbon medium
Authors: Purwanto Andi , Triyono Teguh , Cahyono Sukmaji Indro
Published: November 2019

Steel material was widely used and obtained in the industry and automotive application. The hardness of the surface area and the ductile of the core were produced by using heat treatment, in this case, automatic flame hardening method was used. The heat treatment process was done in order to increase the surface temperature by using a carburizing flame and then the cooling process by using water cooling medium continously followed. The aim of this research was to identify the effect the heating torch velocity on the surface hardness and the tensile strength of the medium carbon steel using the automatic flame hardening process. Some variations were used in this research were heating torch velocities at 10 mm/min, 20 mm/min, 30 mm/min, and 40 mm/min. The results shows that the heating torch velocity at speed 10 mm/min was the most optimal parameter. The maximum hardness of the surface area is reached 398.9 VHN, while the highest tensile strength was 647.3 MPa and the perlit-ferrit phase was also formed. By these results, the hard properties on the surface area and the ductile properties in the middle area of the specimen could be obtained.
Simulasi efisiensi motor listrik axial bldc dengan bahan soft magnetik variasi kompaksi dan perlakuan panas menggunakan perangkat lunak ansys maxwell
Authors: Herwangga Rino , Nizam Muh , Anwar Miftahul
Published: November 2019

The research was conducted to determine the efficiency of electric motors with soft magnetic composite and laminate by used software Ansys Maxwell. Soft magnetic composite material which was given 4, 5, and 6 tons of compaction pressure from previous research performed to fill the input data on electric motor efficiency simulation. The used datas were hysterisis curve which are resulted of VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometer) testing. Ansys Maxwell Rmxprt was used to simulate efficiency of electric motor. The results of Ansys Maxwell Rmxprt simulation were a relation curve between the efficiency  and the rotation of the electric motor. The results simulation of efficiency electric motor using soft magnetic composite core furthermore compared to the efficiency value of electric motor using laminate core. The results showed that the efficiency value of electric motor with soft magnetic composite with compacting pressure 4, 5 and 6 tons was 89,94 %, 89,97 %, and 90,62 % respectively. Efficiency value of electric motor with core laminate material was 91,22 %. The simulation showed that the value of a compaction pressure given on soft magnetic composite material affect on the efficiency of electrical motor. As a conclusion of this research that the efficiency value of electric motor trend increase with the value of compacting pressure on the material. 
Integrasi Sosiokultural Siswa Dalam Pendidikan Multikultural Melalui Pembelajaran Sejarah
Authors: Yusuf Perdana  , Sumargono Sumargono , Rachmedita Valensy
Published: November 2019

this research aims to cultivate the values ​​of multiculturalism in historical learning through the integration of students' social-cultural conditions, describing students' understanding of the students' social-cultural conditions and the implementation of multiculturalism values ​​by students in their daily lives. This research is qualitative with a phenomenological approach, namely by conducting a critical analysis of social phenomena. The technique of data collection is done by observation, interview, and documentation. The validity of data analysis techniques uses triangulation techniques and sources. The data analysis used is an interactive analysis model. Based on the results of the study, it was explained that in the SMAN 3 Surakarta the history teacher had integrated sociocultural students in multicultural education through historical learning. Historical teachers and students feel the benefits of historical learning through multicultural education by remembering and studying the riots triggered by differences to other historical events backed by ethnic conflicts such as Riots in Surakarta to the opposite of the Youth Oath which was pioneered by various ethnic, ethnic and religion throughout Indonesia.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA SISWA MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROBING PROMPTING
Authors: Sadiah Astri Siti , Komala Elsa , Sugiarni Rani
Published: November 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjawab apakah setelah penerapan model pembelajaran Probing Prompting dapat meningkatkan kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa di kelas VII SMP Al-Azhary Cianjur. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kuasi eksperimen dengan bentuk desain The Nonequivalent Pretes-Postes Control Group Design. Populasi penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VII SMP Al-Azhary. Melibatkan sampel sebanyak 41 siswa yang berasal dari dua kelas dipilih melalui teknik purposive sampling. Kelas VII-A sebagai kelas eksperimen dan kelas VII-B sebagai kelas kontrol. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah instrumen tes berupa pretes dan postes untuk mengukur kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika dan non tes berupa angket skala sikap. Analisis data kuantitatif dalam penelitian ini menggunakan SPSS 20. Hasil analisis penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pencapaian dan Peningkatan kemampuan pemhaman konsep matematika yang menggunakan model pembelajaran Probing Prompting lebih baik daripada peningkatan kemampuan pemahaman konsep matematika yang menggunakan model pembelajaran biasa. Dengan kategori peningkatan tinggi, Sikap siswa terhadap pembelajaran matematika dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran Probing Prompting sebagian besar positif.
Maternal Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices about Traditional Food Feeding with Stunting and Wasting of Toddlers in Farmer Families
Authors: Simanjuntak Betty Yosephin , Haya Miratul , Suryani Desri , Khomsan Ali , Ahmad Che An
Published: November 2019

Traditional foods are foods consumed by a certain ethnic group in a specific region. The habit of consuming traditional foods is usually inherited by the family members, including toddlers, of a respective generation. The study aimed to determine relationship of maternal knowledge, attitude, and practices in traditional food feeding with stunting and wasting of toddlers in the farmer families of the Central Bengkulu District. This study employed a cross-sectional design with a sample of mothers with children aged 12–59 months. The sample included a total of 115 farmer families. Data on nutritional knowledge, attitude, practices about traditional food, sex of children, and the number of family members were collected via interviews conducted with the mothers; stunting and wasting status data were collected via height and weight measurements. Data were analyzed bivariately using the chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also used in this study. It was found that there was a relationship between nutritional knowledge of traditional food and nutritional status of weight-for-age (p-value = 0.031), and there was a correlation between nutritional practices of traditional food and wasting incidence (p-value = 0.012). According to the height-for-age index, the nutritional status was related to the maternal knowledge of traditional food, whereas the maternal nutritional practice with traditional food had a significant relationship with the weight-for-age index.
Sexual Dysfunction among Women with Diabetes in a Primary Health Care at Semarang, Central Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Saraswati Lintang Dian , Udiyono Ari , Sutrisni Dian , Fauzi Muh
Published: November 2019

Sexual dysfunction is associated with pain during sexual intercourse. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported to be one of the causal factors for sexual dysfunction in women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the status of sexual dysfunction in women with DM in the Tlogosari Kulon Primary Health Care, Semarang, Indonesia, in March 2017. A total of 103 women with DM attending the health center participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire-guided interview and through measurements (blood pressure and random blood glucose test). Results showed that 74.8% of women with DM had sexual dysfunction. The proportion of sexual dysfunction was higher among women in the clinical phase, with uncontrolled blood glucose levels, hypertension grade II, prolonged duration of DM of ≥ 5 years, undergoing insulin treatment, in menopause, grand multiparity, having used the tubectomy contraception method, low physical activity, depression, and consumption of antihypertensive drugs. The aging process, menopausal status, and consumption of antihypertensive drugs will increase the risk for sexual dysfunction in women with DM. It is recommended that women with DM maintain their physical activity, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and their depression status.
ANÁLISE DE MARKETING DIGITAL DE DUAS EMPRESAS DE MODA
Authors: Greschechen Kaira , Scharmach Andreia , Mirandola Severino , Trombelli Maico , Mastella Adriano
Published: November 2019

A presente pesquisa pretende analisar o marketing digital de duas empresas de moda jovem. Neste sentido, serão analisados os sites e as redes sociais que tais empresas utilizam. Esta pesquisa tem sua importância inicialmente devido aos meios digitais (sites e redes sociais) serem considerados atualmente canais de marketing eficientes para divulgação e comercialização de produtos, sobretudo quando falamos da indústria da moda, e da moda focada para um público jovem. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, na qual os métodos utilizados são o estudo de caso múltiplo, em duas empresas de moda jovem, através da análise dos seus sites e de suas redes sociais. Além disto, para analisar o conteúdo dos sites e das redes sociais será utilizada a análise sociológica do discurso.
Blood donors’ knowledge and attitude towards blood donation at North Gondar district blood bank, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Enawgaw Bamlaku , Yalew Aregawi , Shiferaw Elias
Published: November 2019

Objective: Blood transfusion saves millions of lives. But, the need and the actual number of donations are not balanced in Ethiopia. The actual reason is not clearly assessed; however, level of knowledge and attitude may be the main contributing factors. Thus, the current study aimed to assess blood donors’ knowledge and attitude towards blood donation at North Gondar district blood bank.
Results: Of 401 blood donors, 142 (35.4%) and 379 (94.5%) were had adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards blood donation, respectively. About 343 (85.5%) of study participants had no previous experience of blood donation. Perceptions of fear of pain, medically unfitness to donate and lack of information on when, where and how to donate blood were mentioned as a reason for not donating blood. Educational status and residence were significantly associated with knowledge of blood donors. On the other hand, participants with secondary and higher education were more likely to have good attitude towards blood donation. Thus, blood banks should design strategies for health education about blood donation and transfusion.
Keywords: Blood donation, Blood donors, Knowledge, Attitude, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia
Maternal coffee intake and the risk of bleeding in early pregnancy: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Choi Hansol , Koo Seul , Park Hyun-Young
Published: November 2019

Background: Caffeine can easily cross the placenta, and maternal caffeine intake, thus, has an effect on fetal growth. However, it is still unclear whether coffee consumption is an independent risk factor for bleeding in early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to examine the association between pre-pregnancy coffee consumption patterns and the risk of bleeding in early pregnancy.
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 3,510 pregnant women from the Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study who underwent baseline examination between 2013 and 2017 and for whom the results of the pregnancy were available. Coffee consumption patterns before pregnancy were examined using a questionnaire. The participants were classified according to the frequency of coffee consumption into seldom (<1 cup/week), light (<1 cup/day), moderate (1 cup/day), and heavy coffee drinker (≥2 cups/day) groups. Bleeding in early pregnancy was defined as the occurrence of vaginal bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between pre-pregnancy coffee consumption and the risk of bleeding in early pregnancy, after adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption behavior, previous and current physical activity levels, stress levels, history of depression, presence of antenatal depressive symptoms during the first trimester, type of emesis, parity, and the number of livebirths, stillbirths, miscarriages, and abortions. Odds ratios among light, moderate, and heavy coffee drinkers were determined through comparisons with the seldom coffee drinker group.
Results: Women who were light, moderate, and heavy coffee drinkers before pregnancy had adjusted odds ratios of 1.086, 1.225, and 1.358, respectively, for bleeding in early pregnancy. However, the association between coffee consumption and the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth was not significant.
Conclusions: Our results showed that heavy coffee drinking was independently associated with a higher risk of bleeding in early pregnancy among pregnant Korean women, indicating that caffeine intake before conception and during pregnancy should be reduced. Our study highlights the need for nutritional interventions for healthy coffee drinking among pregnant women in Korea.
Case Identification of Mental Health and Related Problems in Children and Young People using the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure
Authors: Bowden Nicholas , Gibb Sheree , Thabrew Hiran , Kokaua Jesse , Audas Richard , Merry Sally , Taylor Barry , Hetrick Sarah
Published: November 2019

Background
In a novel endeavour we aimed to develop a clinically relevant case identification method for use in research about the mental health of children and young people in New Zealand using the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). The IDI is a linked individual-level database containing New Zealand government and survey microdata.
Methods
We drew on diagnostic and pharmaceutical information contained within five secondary care service use and medication dispensing datasets to identify probable cases of mental health and related problems. A systematic classification and refinement of codes, including restrictions by age, was undertaken to assign cases into 13 different mental health problem categories. This process was carried out by a panel of eight specialists covering a diverse range of mental health disciplines (a clinical psychologist, four child and adolescent psychiatrists and three academic researchers in child and adolescent mental health). The case identification method was applied to the New Zealand youth estimated resident population for the 2014/15 fiscal year.
Results
Over 82,000 unique individuals aged 0-24 with at least one specified mental health or related problem were identified using the case identification method for the 2014/15 fiscal year. The most prevalent mental health problem subgroups were emotional problems (31,266 individuals), substance problems (16,314), and disruptive behaviours (13,758). Overall, the pharmaceutical collection was the largest source of case identification data (59,862).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the value of utilising IDI data for mental health research, moving beyond incidence rates based on single data sources, and providing directions for future use and validation, including further linkage of data to the IDI.
The efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture for alleviating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients: study protocol for a pilot single-blinded, randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Chan Kaiyin , Lui Louisa , Yu Kaling , Lau Kwongwai , Lai Manchi , Lau Waiwai , Ng Bacon , Zhong Linda LD , Bian ZhaoXiang
Published: November 2019

Background: Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Hong Kong. Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is a major first-line conventional therapy for advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer. However, oxaliplatin causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Acupuncture has long been used to alleviate limb numbness in Chinese Medicine Practice. This pilot study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for alleviating CIPN in colorectal cancer patients in Hong Kong.
Methods/Design: This is a pilot single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Eighty-four eligible patients, who are Hong Kong Chinese aged ≥18 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer and undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, will be randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to electro-acupuncture group and sham-controlled group. During a 12-week treatment period, patients in electro-acupuncture group will undergo electro-acupuncture once a week from the first cycle of chemotherapy, patients in control group will receive sham-acupuncture, and the patients in both groups will be followed up for twelve weeks. The primary outcome measure is the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOC-Ntx) questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures include numerical rating scale (NRS) for numbness/pain, vibration and light touch sense test, quality of life questionnaire-C30 of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Constitution of Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ).
Discussion: The study will compare electro-acupuncture with sham acupuncture to explore the feasibility for electro-acupuncture in improving symptoms caused by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
The predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for weaning outcomes in critically ill children
Authors: Xue Yang , Zhang Zhen , Sheng Chu-Qiao , Li Yu-Mei , Jia Fei-Yong
Published: November 2019

Background: Multiple studies have shown that diaphragmatic ultrasound can better predict the outcome of weaning in adults. However, there are few studies focusing on children, leading to a lack of sufficient clinical evidence for the application of diaphragmatic ultrasound in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for weaning outcomes in critically ill children.
Methods: The study included 50 cases whose mechanical ventilation (MV) time was >48 h, and all eligibles were divided into either the weaning success group (n = 39) or the weaning failure group (n = 11). Diaphragm thickness, diaphragmatic excursion (DE), and diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) were measured in the zone of apposition. The maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) was also recorded.
Results: The ventilatory treatment time (P = 0.002) and length of PICU stay (P = 0.013) in the weaning failure group was longer than the success group. Cut-off values of diaphragmatic measures associated with successful weaning were ≥21% for DTF with a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.81, whereas it was ≥0.86 cm H2O/kg for PImax with a sensitivity of 0.51 and a specificity of 0.82. The linear correlation analysis showed that DTF had a significant positive correlation with PImax in children (P = 0.003).
Conclusions: Diaphragm ultrasound has potential value in predicting the weaning outcome of critically ill children. DTF and PImax presented better performance than other diaphragmatic parameters. However, DE has limited value in predicting weaning outcomes of children with MV.
Molecular cytogenetics of valuable Arctic and sub-Arctic pasture grass species from the Aveneae/Poeae tribe complex (Poaceae)
Authors: Amosova Alexandra V. , Zoshchuk Svyatoslav A. , Rodionov Alexander V. , Ghukasyan Lilit , Samatadze Tatiana E. , Punina Elizaveta O. , Loskutov Igor G. , Yurkevich Olga Yu. , Muravenko Olga V.
Published: November 2019

Grasslands in the Arctic tundra undergo irreversible degradation due to climatic changes and also over-exploitation and depletion of scarce resources. Comprehensive investigations of cytogenomic structures of valuable Arctic and sub-Arctic grassland species is essential for clarifying their genetic peculiarities and phylogenetic relationships, and also successful developing new forage grass cultivars with high levels of adaptation, stable productivity and longevity. We performed molecular cytogenetic characterization of insufficiently studied pasture grass species (Poaceae) from related genera representing two neighboring clades: 1) Deschampsia and Holcus; 2) Alopecurus, Arctagrostis and Beckmannia, which are the primary fodder resources in the Arctic tundra.
Didelphis albiventris: an overview of an unprecedented transcriptome sequencing of the white-eared opossum
Authors: Santos Íria Gabriela Dias dos , Mendes Tiago Antônio de Oliveira , Silva Gerluza Aparecida Borges , Reis Amanda Maria Sena , Vitorello Cláudia Barros Monteiro , Schaker Patrícia Dayane Carvalho , Herai Roberto Hirochi , Fabotti André Brait Carneiro , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Jorge Erika C
Published: November 2019

BackgroundThe white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is widely distributed throughout Brazil and South America. It has been used as an animal model for studying different scientific questions ranging from the restoration of degraded green areas to medical aspects of Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and resistance against snake venom. As a marsupial, D. albiventris can also contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern the different stages of organogenesis. Opossum joeys are born after only 13 days, and the final stages of organogenesis occur when the neonates are inside the pouch, depending on lactation. As neither the genome of this opossum species nor its transcriptome has been completely sequenced, the use of D. albiventris as an animal model is limited. In this work, we sequenced the D. albiventris transcriptome by RNA-seq to obtain the first catalogue of differentially expressed (DE) genes and gene ontology (GO) annotations during the neonatal stages of marsupial development.ResultsThe D. albiventris transcriptome was obtained from whole neonates harvested at birth (P0), at five days of age (P5) and at ten days of age (P10). The de novo assembly of these transcripts generated 85,338 transcripts. Approximately 30% of these transcripts could be mapped against the amino acid sequences of M. domestica, the evolutionarily closest relative of D. albiventris to be sequenced thus far. Among the expressed transcripts, 2,077 were found to be DE between P0 and P5, 13,780 between P0 and P10, and 1,453 between P5 and P10. The enriched GO terms were mainly related to the immune system, blood tissue development and differentiation, vision, hearing, digestion, the CNS and limb development.ConclusionsThe elucidation of opossum transcriptomes provides an out-group for better understanding the distinct characteristics associated with the evolution of mammalian species. This study provides the first transcriptome sequences and catalogue of genes for a marsupial species at different neonatal stages, allowing the study of the mechanisms involved in organogenesis.
The efficacy of iCBT added to treatment as usual for alcohol dependent patients in Primary Care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Hyland Karin , Hammarberg Anders , Hedman-Lagerlöf Erik , Johansson Magnus , Andreasson Sven
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Alcohol dependence is a common disorder with a continuum regarding severity. Most alcohol dependent persons have a moderate level of dependence and live under socially orderly conditions. Treatment seeking in this group is low, mainly due to stigma and because treatment options are seen as unappealing. Alcohol is a relevant topic to discuss in many primary care (PC) consultations and PC is less stigmatizing to visit compared to addiction care units for people with alcohol problems. General practitioners (GP) hesitate to engage in treating alcohol problems due to time constraints and lack of knowledge. Screening and brief interventions are effective for high consumers but there are few studies on dependence.

Methods

This is a two-group, parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT). The aim is to study whether an Internet based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (iCBT) when added to treatment as usual (TAU) is more effective than TAU only for alcohol dependence in PC. 260 adults with alcohol dependence will be included. Participants are randomized to iCBT and TAU or TAU only. The primary study outcome is alcohol consumption in grams per week and heavy drinking days. Secondary outcomes include alcohol related problem severity, number of diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence, depression and anxiety symptoms, health related quality of life and biochemical markers for high consumption and liver pathology. Data will be analyzed using mixed-effect models.

Discussion

Internet based interventions are attractive to and have been shown to reach people with alcohol problems. Yet there are no studies investigating the efficacy of internet treatment of alcohol dependence in PC. In this study we hypothesize that iCBT when added to TAU will improve treatment outcome for alcohol dependence in PC, compared to TAU only. If effective, iCBT can be distributed to the public to a low cost for a stakeholder and has the opportunity to reduce both short term and long-term public health costs.
Trial registration: ISRCTN69957414. Retrospectively registered 07/06/2018. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN69957414
Utilization of dental services and associated factors among preschool children in China
Authors: Gao Xiaoli , Ding Min , Xu Mengru , Wu Huijing , Zhang Chunzi , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Wang Chunxiao , Si Yan
Published: November 2019

Background: This study sought to evaluate dental utilization among 3-,4-, and 5-year-old children in China and to use Andersen’s behavioural model to explore influencing factors, thereby providing a reference for future policy making.
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. Data of 40,305 children aged 3-5 years were extracted from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey, which was performed from August 2015 to December 2016.Patient data were collected using a questionnaire, whichwas answered by the child’s parents, and clinical data were collected during a clinical examination. Stratification and survey weighting were incorporated into the complex survey design. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations and hierarchicallogistic regression results were then analysed to find the factors associated with oral health service utilization.
Results : The oral health service utilization prevalenceduring the prior 12 months were 9.5% (95%CI: 8.1%-11.1%) among 3-year-old children, 12.1% (95%CI: 10.8%-13.5%) among 4-year-old children, and 17.5% (95%CI: 15.6%-19.4%) among 5-year-old children. “No dental diseases” (71.3%) and “dental disease was not severe” (12.4%) were the principal reasons why children had not attended a dental visit in the past 12 months. The children whose parents had a bachelor’s degree or higher(OR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.97-2.67, p <0.001), a better oral health attitude ranging from 5 to 8(OR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.43-1.89, p <0.001), annual per capital income more than 25,000RMB (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.18-1.65, p <0.001),think their child have worse or bad oral health(OR: 3.54, 95%CI: 2.84-4.40, p <0.001), and children who often have toothaches (OR: 9.72 , 95%CI: 7.81-12.09, p <0.001) were more likely to go to the dentist in the past year.
Conclusion: The prevalenceof dental service utilization was relatively low among preschool children. It is necessary to strengthen oral health education for parents and children, thereby improving oral health knowledge as well as attitude, and promoting dental utilization.
A non-randomized chlinical trial The effect of pelvic floor exercises at home and electrical stimulation plus biofeedback in hospital in management of stress urinary incontinence of primiparas in short-term postpartum period
Authors: Tang Fei , Zhao Yun , Sun Guo-qiang , Lin Ying , Tang Wan
Published: November 2019

Background To investigate the effect of pelvic floor exercises at home and electrical stimulation plus biofeedback in hospital in management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) primiparas in short-term postpartum period. Methods A total of 150 SUI primiparas at postpartum 6-8 weeks were interviewed. According to participants’ willingness and necessary coordination, the subjects were divided into 2 groups including the treatment group (n=69) and the control group (n=81). The treatment group received at-home pelvic floor muscle training(PFMT) every day and in-hospital electrical stimulation plus biofeedback therapy twice a week for consecutive 5 weeks (from 6-8 postpartum weeks to 11-13 postpartum weeks). The control group was not given pelvic floor exercise at home or in hospital. The PFM strength in the two groups was measured by specially trained personnel using digital palpation (Modified Oxford scale:0-5 grade) and surface electromyography(sEMG) in 6-8 postpartum weeks and in 11-13 postpartum weeks. For statistical analysis, t -test,Chi-square analysis and Wilcoxon test were carried out. Results The recovery rate of SUI in the treatment group was 63.8% (44/69), which was higher than that in the control group (12.3%,10/81) ( p <0.05). In the treatment group, the PFM strength was higher after PFMT than that before PFMT no matter measured by digital palpation or by sEMG ( p <0.05); but in the control group, it had no change at postpartum 6-8 weeks and at postpartum about 12 weeks ( p >0.05). Conclusion: The combination treatment of at-home PFM training and in-hospital electrical stimulation plus biofeedback PFM therapy is an effective method to manage SUI and improve PFM strength in short-time postpartum.
"SLOW": an effective strategy for treating suspected gastroesophageal reflux cough
Authors: Ding Meiling , Wang Guangqiang , Wu Liqun , Liu Baoyi , Zhang Wei , Song Xiaojie
Published: November 2019

Background Patients with gastroesophageal reflux cough were always given drugs treatment to relieve symptoms. But most of these patients were found to have unhealty diatery habits. To develop a new strategy to assist drugs therapy, the study was conducted. Objective To explore the clinical significance of “SLOW” strategy in the treatment of suspected gastroesophageal reflux cough. Methods A prospective study was conducted to select 122 patients diagnosed with chronic cough and suspected with gastroesophageal reflux cough who were admitted to Qilu hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao) from January 2015 to December 2017. Patients were randomly divided into experimental group (n=72) and control group (n=50). The experimental group was given omeprazole 20mg bid po + domperidone 10mg tid po + “SLOW” strategy, while the control group was only given omeprazole 20mg bid po + domperidone 10mg tid po. Hsu cough scoring system was used to analyze and evaluate the efficacy after 4 weeks of treatment. Results Among the 72 patients in the experimental group, 56 were effective (77.8 %), of which 44 cases were completely alleviated (61.1 %). Of the 50 control group patients, 27 were effective (54.0 %), of which 19 were in complete remission (38.0 %). The Hsu cough score showed a significant decrease in the scores of the experimental group, which was statistically significant compared with that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The “SLOW” strategy, as a supplement to drug therapy, can increase the efficiency of treatment and significantly reduce the Hsu cough score.
Transcultural validation of the Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy Scale in Korean patients with work-related injuries
Authors: Lee Jeong-Eun , Yoo Su Bin , leigh Ja-ho
Published: November 2019

Background : This study aimed to develop a Korean-language version of the RTWSE-19 through a forward and backward translation process and to investigate the validity of the Return-to-Work Self-Efficacy Scale specifically for Asian workers with work-related injuries.Methods : Participants were 202 injured workers who had filed a claim accepted by the workers’ compensation system following a work-related musculoskeletal injury. Among participants, 88.1% were male, 54.5% were over 45 years, 45.5% had an occupation in manufacturing, and 54.5% were craft or machine operator and assemblers. Results : Using exploratory factor analysis, three factors with 17 items were identified: (i) meeting job demands, (ii) modifying job tasks, and (iii) communicating needs to others. Removal of two item in modifying job tasks domain resulted in an increased reliability. The Korean version of the RTWSE-17 showed reasonable model fit (CFI = .963; TLI = .943; RMSEA = .068; SRMR = 0.029), satisfactory reliability (r = 0.925), no floor and ceiling effect, and construct validity.Conclusions : The scale was found to possess good psychometric properties and could address different injury types ranging from fractures to amputations involved in sub-acute and rehabilitation phases in a Korean context. The results from this study provide practitioners and researchers with insight into return to work after rehabilitation in Asian clinical and workplace setting.
Experiences, views and needs of first-time fathers in pregnancy related care: a qualitative study in south-east Nigeria.
Authors: Onyeze-Joe Chiemeka , Godin Isabelle
Published: November 2019

Background Given the importance of paternal involvement in maternal care, there is need to prepare first-time fathers to actively participate in pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria. This study explores the experiences and needs of first-time fathers and the influence of these on their involvement during pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria. Methods Semi structured interviews were conducted with 50 men recruited from workplaces, health centers, and markets in rural and urban settings in south-east Nigeria. Using an interview guide, questions were asked to explore the needs of first-time fathers and understand how their needs influenced their involvement during pregnancy and childbirth. Data was transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Six major themes were identified pertaining to the experiences and needs of male partners experiencing pregnancy and childbirth for the first time. Inexperience, cultural beliefs and perception of gender norms influenced the most the support male partners were able to give to their spouses and the support received from their social support networks. Two main needs were identified: the need to be informed and the need to know about the cost of care in health settings. The male partners revealed how the information obtained during this crucial time impacted their choices and decisions. Conclusion Male partners experiences revealed the influence of gender norms, beliefs, and social support on male partner involvement in pregnancy and childbirth. First time fathers need more information and attention and this study presents insights into what local health settings can do to ensure their informational needs are met. Keywords: male involvement, first-time fathers, pregnancy, Nigeria
Different transcriptional response between susceptible and resistant common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fish hints on the mechanism of CyHV-3 disease resistance
Authors: Tadmor-Levi Roni , Doron-Faigenboim Adi , Marcos-Haddad Jenny , Petit Jules , Hulata Gideon , Forlenza Maria , Wiegertjes Geert F. , David Lior
Published: November 2019

Background Infectious disease outbreaks form major setbacks to aquaculture production and to further development of this important sector. Cyprinid herpes virus-3 (CyHV-3) is a dsDNA virus widely hampering production of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ), one of the most farmed fish species worldwide. Genetically disease resistant strains are highly sought after as a sustainable solution to this problem. To study the genetic basis and cellular pathways underlying disease resistance, RNA-Seq was used to characterize transcriptional responses of susceptible and resistant fish at day 4 after CyHV-3 infection.Results In susceptible fish, over four times more differentially expressed genes were up-regulated between day 0 and 4 compared to resistant fish. Susceptible and resistant fish responded distinctively to infection as only 55 (9%) of the up-regulated genes were shared by these fish types. Susceptible fish elicited earlier a typical anti-viral response, involving interferon and interferon responsive genes. Moreover, chemokine profiles indicated different cellular immunity responses. A comparative phylogenetic approach assisted in gene copies annotation pointing to different orthologous copies common to bony-fishes and even carp-specific paralogs that were differentially regulated and contributed to the different response of these fish types. Susceptible fish up-regulated more ccl19 chemokines, which attract T-cells and macrophages, the anti-viral role of which is established, whereas resistant fish up-regulated more cxcl8/il8 chemokines, which attract neutrophils, the antiviral role of which is unfamiliar.Conclusions Taken together, by pointing out transcriptional differences between susceptible and resistant fish in response to infection, this study unraveled possible genes and pathways that take part in disease resistance mechanisms in fish and thus, enhances our understanding of fish immunogenetics and supports the development of sustainable and safe aquaculture.