bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trend Dynamics of GRACE Terrestrial Water Storage in the Nile River Basin
Authors: Hasan Emad , Tarhule Aondover
Published: September 2019

GRACE-derived Terrestrial Water Storage Anomalies (TWSA) continue to be used in an expanding array of studies to analyze numerous processes and phenomena related to terrestrial water storage dynamics, including groundwater depletions, lake storage variations, snow, and glacial mass changes, as well as floods, droughts, among others. So far, however, few studies have investigated how the factors that affect total water storage (e.g., precipitation, runoff, soil moisture, evapotranspiration) interact and combine over space and time to produce the mass variations that GRACE detects. This paper is an attempt to fill that gap and stimulate needed research in this area. Using the Nile River Basin as case study, it explicitly analyzes nine hydroclimatic and anthropogenic processes, as well as their relationship to TWS in different climatic zones in the Nile River Basin. The analytic method employed the trends in both the dependent and independent variables applying two geographically multiple regression (GMR) approaches: (i) an unweighted or ordinary least square regression (OLS) model in which the contributions of all variables to TWS variability are deemed equal at all locations; and (ii) a geographically weighted regression (GWR) which assigns a weight to each variable at different locations based on the occurrence of trend clusters, determined by Moran’s cluster index. In both cases, model efficacy was investigated using standard goodness of fit diagnostics. The OLS showed that trends in five variables (i.e., precipitation, runoff, surface water soil moisture, and population density) significantly (p<0.0001) explain the trends in TWSA for the basin at large. However, the models R2 value is only 0.14. In contrast, the GWR produced R2 values ranging between 0.40 and 0.89, with an average of 0.86 and normally distributed standard residuals. The models retained in the GWR differ by climatic zone. The results showed that all nine variables contribute significantly to the trend in TWS in the Tropical region; population density is an important contributor to TWSA variability in all zones; ET and Population density are the only significant variables in the semiarid zone. This type of information is critical for developing robust statistical models for reconstructing time series of proxy GRACE anomalies that predate the launch of the GRACE mission and for gap-filling between GRACE and GRACE-FO.
Microbial Surfactants: The Next Generation Multifunctional Biomolecules for Diverse Applications
Authors: Fenibo Emmanuel O. , Ijoma Grace N. , Ramganesh Selvarajan , Chikere Chioma B.
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT Surfactants are a broad category of tensio-active biomolecules with multifunctional properties applications in diverse industrial sectors and processes. Surfactants are produced synthetically and biologically. The biologically derived surfactants (biosurfactants) are produced from microorganisms with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis Candida albicans and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus as dominant species. Rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, mannosylerithritol lipids, surfactin, and emulsan are well known in terms of their biotechnological applications. Biosurfactants can compete with the synthetic surfactants in terms of performance with established advantages over the synthetic ones including eco-friendliness, biodegradability, low toxicity, and stability over a wide variability of environmental factors. However, at present, the synthetic surfactants are a preferred option in different industrial applications, because of their availability in commercial quantities, unlike the biosurfactants. Usage of synthetic surfactants introduce new species of recalcitrant pollutants to the environment and lead to undesired results where a wrong selection of surfactants is made. Substituting synthetic surfactants with biosurfactants resolves these drawbacks, thus, interest has been intensified in biosurfactant applications in a wide range of industries hitherto considered as experimental fields. This review, therefore, intends to offer an overview of diverse applications where biosurfactants have found useful, with emphases in petroleum biotechnology, environmental remediation and in the agriculture sector. Application of biosurfactant in these settings would lead to industrial growth and environmental sustainability.
Sleep and Injury in the Young Athlete
Authors: Dwivedi Shashank , Boduch Abigail , Gao Burke , Milewski Matthew D. , Cruz Aristides I.
Published: September 2019

» In the young athlete, poor sleep quantity and quality may be associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury.

» With regard to sports-related concussion in the young athlete, sleep disturbance is associated with lower baseline neurocognitive functioning, worse neurocognitive impairment, worse post-concussive symptoms, and prolonged post-concussion recovery.

» Orthopaedic providers should be aware of the role of sleep in injury and concussion prevention and recovery. Providers should counsel young athletes with regard to sleep hygiene as well as explore ways to optimize sleep to minimize the risk and impact of these injuries.
Empirical Study to Evaluate the Economic Resilience of Agricultural Household with Adjusted Living Standard Index (ALSI) Approached (Case Study for Victims of Merapi’s Eruption 2012)
Authors: Muin Muhamad Fathul
Published: September 2019

encana dapat menyebabkan perekonomian hancur, terutama sektor pertanian di empat kabupaten: Magelang, Sleman, Klaten, dan Boyolali. Untuk mengevaluasi kondisi ekonomi korban bukanlah sesuatu hal yang mudah, sehingga memerlukan pendekatan alternatif. Oleh karena itu, tujuan dari makalah ini adalah mengevaluasi ketahanan ekonomi korban menggunakan indeks komposit, uji-t, uji berpasangan, dan ANOVA unbalanced. Penelitian ini berhasil membangun indikator yang disebut The Adjusted Living Standard Index (ALSI) untuk pendekatan standar hidup. Dimensi yang digunakan terdiri atas pendapatan, transfer sosial, aset non produktif, dan aset produktif. Studi ini juga menemukan bahwa standar hidup para korban sebelum erupsi di seluruh daerah tergolong rendah. Namun pasca bencana menyebabkan dimensi standar kehidupan mengalami penurunan secara signifikan, kecuali transfer sosial. Disisi lain, setelah dua puluh dua bulan masyarakat mengalami pemulihan. Hanya saja uji statistik menunjukkan bahwa banyak perbedaan dalam ketahanan ekonomi yang disebabkan oleh komponen transfer sosial. Sehingga untuk membuat masyarakat lebih resilience, diperlukan kebijakan yang mendukung serta penyediaan asuransi.
Deteksi Plagiarisme pada Dokumen Jurnal Menggunakan Metode Cosine Similarity
Authors: Pratama Rito Putriwana , Faisal Muhammad , Hanani Ajib
Published: September 2019

Plagiarisme merupakan tindakan mengambil gagasan, mengambil hasil riset, mengakuisisi hasil riset, dan meringkas suatu tulisan tanpa menyebutkan sumbernya. Metode cosine similarity merupakan salah satu metode yang dapat digunakan untuk menghitung nilai kemiripan antar dokumen. Tahapan yang dilakukan sistem untuk menghasilkan nilai kemiripan antar dokumen yaitu dengan membandingkan dokumen jurnal yang di upload dengan dokumen repository yang diperoleh dari hasil grabbing data DOAJ dan tersimpan di database. Dalam perhitungan metode yang dilakukan akan diperoleh presentase nilai kemiripan antar dokumen. Setelah itu akan dihitung kembali untuk mencari nilai kemiripan dokumen jurnal antar publisher yang ada di dokumen repository. Berdasarkan skenario uji coba yang dilakukan dengan menghitung jumlah dokumen relevan terambil dibagi dengan jumlah dokumen yang ada dalam database kemudian dikali 100%, maka diperoleh nilai recall pada Aplikasi Deteksi Plagiarisme Menggunakan Metode Cosine Similarity yaitu 13%. Sedangkan untuk memperoleh nilai precision dilakukan skenario pengujian dengan menghitung jumlah dokumen relevan terambil dibagi dengan jumlah dokumen relevan dalam pencarian kemudian dikali 100% diperoleh hasil 8%.
Pendeteksian Kadar Glukosa dalam Darah pada Gejala Diabetes Tipe 1 Menggunakan Algoritma K-Nearest Neighbor dengan Metode Nafas
Authors: Aulia Muhammad Shibgah , Abdurrahman Maman , Putrada Aji Gautama
Published: September 2019

Tujuan akhir dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeteksi kadar glukosa dalam darah menggunakan metode non-invasive melalui nafas mulut manusia.Pada penderita dibetes melitus tipe 1 umumnya mempunyai kadar saliva yang rendah yang dapat menyebabkan bau mulut atau disebut Halitosis .Metode yang dapat digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu menggunakan sensor nafas berupa MQ-4 dan Figaro TGS-2602 pada hembusan nafas mulut manusia guna mendapatkan hasil berupa kadar hydrogen sulfide(H2S) dan methane(CH4) dari nafas seseorang.Hasil akan didapatkan dalam satuan mg/dl setelah data diperoleh oleh sensor dengan filter Lowpass lalu diproses menggunakan algoritma machine-learning berupa K-Nearest Neighbor dengan metode klasifikasi Regression .Hasil dari 5 data tes sampel diabetes melitus serta 40 data training diabetes melitus dapat mendeteksi glukosa dalam darah dengan tingkat akurasi 80% serta akan dibandingkan dengan riset sebelumnya.Sample 40 data training diambil dari beberapa pasien yang mempunyai pengidap penyakit diabetes melitus dan non-diabetes melitus menggunakan alat glukometer dengan tingkat akurasi alat 95%.Diharapkan sistem ini dapat memberi solusi pada pengidap penyakit diabetes melitus tipe 1 untuk sesorang yang menderita penyakit tersebut.
Inovação, aprendizagem organizacional e capacidade de absorção
Authors: Carvalho Elisângela da Silva Araújo , Machado André Gustavo Carvalho
Published: September 2019

O objetivo desse artigo foi analisar como escolas públicas integrais, subsidiadas pela aprendizagem organizacional e pela capacidade absortiva, estão inovando na educação do ensino médio em Pernambuco. A estratégia metodológica adotada foi de estudo de casos múltiplos em três escolas públicas de ensino integral que mais se destacaram na rede educacional do estado de Pernambuco. Evidenciou-se que maioria das inovações empreendidas é do modo incremental. Também foi possível constatar a presença de diferentes níveis de aprendizagem, os quais se desenvolveram por meio de processos de compartilhamento de experiências, efetivo processo comunicativo, socializações entre os pares, integração coletiva e parcerias. Esses processos estão interligados com a capacidade de absorção, a qual colabora, sobremaneira, para o desenvolvimento de práticas inovadoras e cujas dimensões e processos são evidentes nas três organizações. Conclui-se que as inovações nas escolas integrais do estado de Pernambuco são favorecidas pela aprendizagem organizacional e pela capacidade de absorção.
Health Concerns among Sri Lankan Female Foreign Domestic Worker Returnees from the Middle East
Authors: Mun Mirna Hodzic , De Silva Janithra , De Oliveira Justine Strand , De Silva Vijitha , Malhotra Rahul , Wijeratne Monika , Tharindra Hemajith , Østbye Truls
Published: September 2019

Female foreign domestic workers (FDWs) are an important and growing occupational group, especially in the Middle East. Although Sri Lankan female FDWs comprise a significant percentage of those employed in this region, little is known about the health issues this population experiences during their employment. Prompted by this dearth in the extant literature, this study aimed to explore self-reported health problems and perceived causes, as well as health behaviors, beliefs, coping, and concerns of Sri Lankan female FDWs through the narratives of returnees formerly employed in the Middle East. Implementing a multi-faceted qualitative approach, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were utilized to investigate FDWs’ health problems, behaviors, and coping mechanisms. Participants’ health beliefs and concerns were explored through free listing and pile sorting. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Headaches, backache, irregular meals and symptoms of depression were the most frequently self-reported health issues, most commonly attributed to overwork. Cleanliness was the most commonly adopted health maintaining behavior. The presence of cultural health beliefs in terms of illness causation was revealed, and FDWs’ spoke of the perceived health benefits of social interaction and religious practice as coping strategies. Findings of this study have several implications for policy and future research. FDWs’ concerns and recommendations prompt the need for greater accountability, legal enforcement of policies, and strengthened training and health monitoring. Policy, prevention and intervention measures may be more effective if they consider FDWs’ self-reported health problems, health belief models, health maintaining behaviors, concerns and coping strategies
The association between fecal enterotoxigenic B. fragilis with colorectal cancer
Authors: Haghi Fakhri , Goli Elshan , Mirzaei Bahman , Zeighami Habib
Published: September 2019

Background

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is an enterotoxin-producing bacterium that possibily has a role in the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) by modulating the mucosal immune response and inducing epithelial cell changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of ETBF in stool samples of CRC patients and healthy volunteers.Methods

A total of 60 stool samples from confirmed CRC patients and 60 stool samples from healthy volunteers with no personal or familial history or diagnosis of colorectal disease were collected. Stool samples were screened for direct detection of B. fragilis using PCR targeting the marker genes of neu and bft. Enterotoxin isotypes bft-1, bft-2 and bft-3 were also detected in B. fragilis positive samples.Results

The frequency of B. fragilis among CRC and control cases was 58.3% and 26.6%, respectively (P<0.05). The rate of bft gene in CRC cases was significantly higher than in controls (P<0.05). Also, the presence of bf t gene in CRC patients stage III was significantly higher than stages I and II (P< 0.05). Enterotoxin isotype bft-2 was detected with higher frequency among CRC patients than healthy control (P<0.05).Conclusion

Our results show the association between fecal ETBF and CRC, and we suggest that detection of ETBF may be a potential marker for colorectal cancer diagnosis. However, additional investigations on tumor and paired normal tissue samples are required to substantiate this possible correlation.
Central Retinal Artery hemodynamic flow amongst diabetic patients attending the Mulago Hospital diabetic clinic
Authors: Kikomeko Sharif , Muwonge Haruna , Ameda Faith , Mutebi Edrisa , Gitaka Jesse , Bugeza Samuel
Published: September 2019

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rapidly increasing worldwide, with low-and-middle income countries bearing the heaviest burden. In these countries, majority of newly diagnosed DM is incidental, with many new patients unaware of their prior glycaemic status; which increases the likelihood that they may present with DM-related complications, like diabetic retinopathy (DR). The mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic retinopathy are still not fully understood, although elevated glucose levels are thought to be responsible for alterations in retinal vessel architecture, leading to perfusion abnormalities.

The current study sought to determine the relationship between hemodynamic flow in the central retinal artery and long-term glycaemic control as measured by serum haemoglobin A1c.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 140 diabetic patients attending an outpatients DM clinic at Mulago National Referral hospital. Color Doppler imaging (CDI) of the orbit was used to determine hemodynamic flow parameters (end-diastolic velocity (EDV), peak-systolic velocity (PSV), resistivity index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI)) in the central retinal artery. The hemodynamic flow parameters in these patients where compared to the levels of haemoglobin A1c, which was used as measure of long-term glycaemic control.

Results

Generally, the mean central retinal artery hemodynamic flow parameters --peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistivity index-- did not differ significantly among diabetic patients with either normal (<7%), well-regulated (7-8%), or poorly regulated (>8%) glucose levels upon HbA1c measurement. However, the mean pulsatility index of the right retinal artery differed significantly among diabetics with varying degrees of glycaemic control (P < 0.05). Additionally, the duration which an individual has been diabetic was negatively correlated to the EDV in both the right (r = -0.201, n = 140, p = 0.017), and the left orbit (r = -0.181, n = 140, p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Our findings of no significant correlation between hemodynamic flow in the central retinal artery and HbA1c may indicate that the effects of glucose on ocular hemodynamic flow in DM are possibly short-lived and not long-term.
Genome-wide identification of small heat shock protein (HSP20) gene family in grape and expression profile during berry development
Authors: Ji Xiao-Ru , Yu Yi-He , Ni Pei-Yi , Zhang Guo-Hai , Guo Da-Long
Published: September 2019

Background : Studies have shown that HSP20 (heat-shock protein 20) genes play important roles in regulating plant growth, development, and stress response. However, the grape HSP20 gene family has not been well studied.
Results : A total of 48 VvHsp20 genes were identified from the grape genome, which were divided into 11 subfamilies (CI, CII, CIII, CV, CVI, CVII, MI, MII, ER, CP and PX/Po) based on a phylogenetic analysis and subcellular localization. Further structural analysis showed that most of the VvHsp20 genes (93.8%) had no intron or only one intron, while genes that clustered together based on a phylogenetic tree had similar motifs and evolutionarily conserved structures. The HSP20s share a conservedα-crystalline domain (ACD) and the different components of the ACD domain suggest the functional diversity of VvHSP20s. In addition, the 48 VvHSP20 genes were distributed on 12 grape chromosomes and the majority of VvHSP20 genes were located at the proximal or distal ends of chromosomes. Chromosome mapping indicated that four groups of VvHSP20 genes were identified as tandem duplication genes. Phytohormone responsive, abiotic and biotic stress-responsive, and plant development-related cis-elements were identified from the cis-regulatory elements analysis of VvHSP20s. The expression profiles of VvHSP20s genes (VvHsp20-1, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 28, 31, 39, 42, and 43) were largely similar between RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR analysis after hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) treatment. The results showed that most VvHSP20s were down-regulated by H 2 O 2 treatment during fruit development. VvHSP20s genes were indeed found to be involved in the grape berry development and differences in their transcriptional levels may be the result of functional differentiation during evolution.
Conclusions : Our results provide valuable information on the evolutionary relationship of genes in the VvHSP20 family, which is useful for future studies on the functional characteristics of VvHSP20 genes in grape.
MEG3 inhibits proliferation and promote apoptosis in osteoarthritis chondrocytes by miR-361-5p/wnt/β-catenin axis
Authors: Wang Anying , Hu Naixia , Zhang Yefeng , Chen Yuanzhen , Su Changhui , Lv Yao , Shen Yong
Published: September 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) and related molecular mechanisms in osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods: Patients with OA and patients undergoing thigh amputation were involved in OA group and control group, respectively. Cartilage tissues of all patients were isolated and cultured. Based on different transfection, MEG3 cells were grouped into Blank, pcDNA3.1-NC, pcDNA3.1-MEG3, si-NC, si-MEG3, pcDNA3.1-NC + mimics NC, pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + mimics NC, pcDNA3.1-NC + miR-361-5p mimics and pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + miR-361-5p mimics group. The cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-NC and pcDNA3.1-MEG3, and then cultured with XAV939 was named as pcDNA3.1-NC +XAV939 group and pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + XAV939 group respectively. The RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of MEG3 and miR-361-5p. Moreover, Western blot, luciferase reporter assay, RIP, CCK-8 and flow cytometry analysis were performed to reveal the morphology, proliferation and apoptosis in cartilage cells. Finally, the histological analysis and immunostaining were performed on OA rat model.
Results: The expression of lncRNA MEG3 and miR-361-5p in OA was significantly decreased and increased respectively than that in normal. Meanwhile, MEG3 was competitive binding with miR-361-5p in OA chondrocytes. Moreover, the Western blot and CCK-8 assay showed that MEG3 might inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Finally, rat model analysis showed that MEG3 contributed to the cartilage matrix degradation.
Conclusion: MEG3 and miR-361-5p might down-regulated and up-regulated respectively in the chondrocytes of OA patients. Furthermore, MEG3 might inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis via miR-361-5p/Wnt/β-catenin axis in OA chondrocytes.
Surgery for thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1) tuberculosis a multicentre, retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Yanping , Cheng Peng , Tan Jiulin , Li Zhilin , Chen Yuan , Li Li Tao , Zheng Yonghong , Wang Gaoju , Xu Jianzhong , Zhang Zehua
Published: September 2019

Purpose A multicentre, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different surgical techniques for thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1) tuberculosis. Methods The medical records of thoracolumbar junction tuberculosis patients (n = 257) from January 2005 to January 2015 were collected and reviewed. A total of 45 patients were operated on by an anterior approach (Group A), 52 by a combined anterior and posterior approach (Group B) and 160 by a posterior approach (Group C). Anti-tuberculosis therapy was performed both before and after surgery. Clinical outcomes, laboratory indexes and radiological results of the three groups were compared. Results All three surgical approaches achieved bone fusion, pain relief and neurological recovery. The mean loss of correction in group A at last follow-up was higher than in groups B and C (P < 0.05), and the difference between groups B and C was not significant (P > 0.05). The mean operation time and blood loss in group B were greater than in groups A and C. Conclusions For patients with thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1) tuberculosis, the posterior-only approach is superior to the anterior-only approach in the correction of kyphosis and maintenance of spinal stability. The posterior-only approach is recommended because it achieves the same efficacy as the anterior-only or combined approach but with shorter operation times, less trauma and less blood loss. Keywords Spinal tuberculosis; Thoracolumbar junction; Three approaches.
Polymorphism at position T-129C in the promoter region of ABCB1 gene in peptic ulcer patients: a case control study
Authors: Żebrowska-Nawrocka Marta , Jeleń Agnieszka , Pietrzak Jacek , Lisowska Agata , Szmajda Dagmara , Krygier Adrian , Mirowski Marek , Balcerczak Ewa
Published: September 2019

Background Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common diseases worldwide. P-glycoprotein encoded by ABCB1 gene is located on the surface of gastric tract cells. Changes in its protein function, as a consequence of polymorphism like T-129C (rs3213619), may have impact the development of some diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of T-129C of ABCB1 gene in peptic ulcer development. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first this kind of research in peptic ulcer diseases. Methods Patients, having attended gastroduodenoscopy because of dyspepsia symptoms and diagnosed at that time as peptic ulcer patients, were enrolled in the study. In all investigated cases, gastric mucosa specimens were taken from the antrum of the stomach. The control group consisted of healthy blood donors from local blood donation center. Overall DNA from 204 patients with peptic ulcer disease and from 94 healthy individuals was tested. The RFLP PCR technique was used for genotype analysis. Results All 204 DNA samples form investigated group and 94 DNA samples form healthy individuals were successfully analyzed. All genotypes for polymorphism in position T-129C of the ABCB1 gene in both groups were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equation. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in frequency of T-129C genotypes between peptic ulcer patients and healthy individuals (p=0.3977). Also, there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of occurrence of T-129C genotypes between patients infected and uninfected with H. pylori infection (p=0.1743). Conclusion Investigated polymorphism at position T-129C of ABCB1 gene is not associated with H. pylori infection nor with the risk of peptic ulcer disease development.
Preoperative Risk Stratification for Early Recurrence of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation:A Five-Eight Model Development and Validation
Authors: Al-Ameri Abdulahad Abdulrab Mohammed , Wei Xuyong , Lin Lidan , Shao Zhou , Guo Haijun , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao
Published: September 2019

Background
Early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with poor surgical outcomes.
Objectives
To construct a preoperative model to predict individual risk of post-LT HCC recurrence.
Methods
Data of 748 adult patients who underwent deceased donor LT for HCC between January 2015, and February 2019 were collected retrospectively from the China Liver Transplant Registry database and randomly divided into training (n=486) and validation(n=262) cohorts. A multivariate analysis was performed and the five-eight model was developed.
Results
A total of 748 patients were included in the study; of them, 96% had hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 84 % had cirrhosis. Pre-LT serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor number and largest tumor diameter were incorporated to construct the 5-8 model which can stratify patients accurately according to their risk of recurrence into three prognostic subgroups; low-(0-5 points), medium-(6–8 points) and high-risk (>8 points) with 2-year post-LT recurrence rate of (5%,20% and 51%,p<0.001) respectively.The 5-8 model was better than Milan, Hangzhou, and AFP-model for prediction of HCC early recurrence. These findings were confirmed by the results of the validation cohort.
Conclusions
The 5-8 model is a simple validated and accurate tool for preoperative stratification of early recurrence of HCC after LT.
Agro-industrial accidents linked to length of service, operation site and confidence in employer adherence to safety rules
Authors: Koroma Emmanuel , George Angella Magdalene , McBrayer John Lawson , Kangbai Jia Bainga
Published: September 2019

Background Agriculture consistently ranks among the most hazardous occupational industries globally with high risk of job-related injuries, illnesses, disability, and death. In 2015, the agricultural fatal work injury rate in the United States was 22.8 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers; seven times the all-worker fatal injury rate of 3.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. In this study we identified those factors that are associated with workplace accident and injuries at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company- a private international agro-industrial palm company operating in Sierra Leone.Methods This is a descriptive research that made use of both qualitative and quantitative research technique to collect occupation related accident and injuries from workers at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company international palm oil producing and marketing company in Sierra Leone. We analyzed the responses of 100 workers at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company regarding their work safety, adherence to work safety guidelines as well as working habit.Results Thirty nine (39.0%) of the workers interviewed in this study said they had been involved in some forms of occupational accident; (33.3%) of those involved in some form of occupational accident have been working in the company for 3 – 5 years, 22.0% have been working at the company for at least 2 years; 7.7% have been working for 6 – 8 years (X 2 = 9.88, p-value = 0.02).Conclusion Workers who have spent few years in the job, have confidence that management is committed to addressing health and safety issues, believed that their working tools were in excellent condition, or agreed that they have rights and responsibilities for an effective workplace health and safety system have decreased odds of experiencing occupational accidents or injury.
Trend and inequity in infant vaccination coverage: Analysis from three recent Demographic Health Surveys in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Kiran , Paudel Yuba Raj , Dharel Dinesh
Published: September 2019

Background Despite policy intention to reach disadvantaged populations, inequities in child health care use and health outcomes persist in Nepal. The current study aimed to investigate the trend of full vaccination coverage among infants and its equity gaps between 2002 and 2016.Methods Using data from demographic health surveys conducted in 2006, 2011 and 2016, we investigated the trend of coverage of six antigens: Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG), Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT), Polio, and Measles) between 2002 to 2016. Rich-poor difference, Rich: Poor ratio and concentration index were calculated to measure income inequity. Lorentz curve was drawn to show the change in income-related inequity over time. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate socio-demographic correlates of full vaccination coverage.Results Full immunization coverage was slightly increased from an average of 83% during 2002-2006 to 87% during 2007-2011, but it decreased to 78% during 2012-2016. There was a significant increase in full vaccination coverage among infants from the poorest income quintile and a simultaneous decrease among infants from richer income quintiles. Province 2 saw the largest drop, from 79.2% (95%CI 64.8-88.8) during 2002-2006 to 65.2% (95%CI 56.4-73.0) during 2012-2016. In Province 2, maternal education was the independent predictor of full vaccination coverage; the mother with secondary education was over three times more likely to fully immunize their children compared to mothers with no formal education (AOR 3.2; 95% CI:1.5-6.7).Conclusion Full vaccination coverage in Nepal saw significant decrement away from the national target after 2011. A sharp decrease in coverage of full vaccination among infants from wealthier income quintiles and an increase in coverage among infants from the poorest income quintile between 2002 and 2016 created a pro-poor equity gain. While a national effort to improve full vaccination coverage is overdue, children from province 2, specifically those born to mothers with no or primary education need particular programmatic focus. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind decrement in full vaccination coverage, particularly among rich income quintiles.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with placenta previa on a cesarean scar
Authors: Guo Zhiheng , Shan Yanhong , Xu Huiying , Yang Yi
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes in patients with placenta previa on a cesarean scar. METHODS: A retrospective review of women who were diagnosed with placenta previa on a cesarean scar in the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University between December 2011 and December 2017 was performed. Basic patient characteristics and pregnancy outcomes data were collected. Characteristics that are associated with maternal morbidities (post-partum hemorrhage ≥ 2000 ml and nits transfused >4) and adverse neonatal outcomes (5-minute Apgar <7 and Low-birth-weight infant) were evaluated. RESULT ： A total of 183 patients was identified. PAS disorders were observed in 63 cases(34.4%).The median postpartum hemorrhage was 700 ml (range,100-7900).70 patients (38.2%) had a blood loss ≥ 2000 mL.43 subjects(23.4%) required >4 units of blood. The median 1-minute Apgar score and 5-minute Apgar score was 9 and 9.2 respectively. Additionally ， median neonatal birth weight was 1880g (range, 700-4260). Patients with comorbid PAS disorders are more likely subject to post-partum hemorrhage and require units transfused (>4) (p <0.05). Similarly, patients with major placenta praevia had a higher incidence of post-partum hemorrhage and units transfused (>4) than patients with minor placenta praevia (p <0.05). Patients who undertook emergency cesarean due to hemorrhage were more likely to have a low-birth-weight infant than women who undertook planned cesarean. CONCLUSION: PPP is associated with considerable maternal and fetal morbidity, particularly in patients with comorbid PAS disorders. Delayed delivery may be warranted for those without meaningful vaginal bleeding and preterm labor but need further prospective clinical trials to confirm.
A Cross Sectional Analysis Of Dietary Practices And Nutrition Status Of Female Undergraduate Students At Kenyatta University, Kenya
Authors: Waweru Grace , Chege Peter , Njogu Eunice
Published: September 2019

Background

The rapid changes in eating habits and lifestyles in Kenya have resulted to the overweight/obesity transition. Students are likely to make poor food choices which may affect their nutrition status during the beginning of college and this may continue throughout their life. This study aimed to establish the dietary practices, assess nutrition status based on body mass index and the relationship between dietary diversity and nutrition status of female undergraduate students at Kenyatta University, Kenya.Method

s: The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design involving sample of 422 female undergraduate students randomly selected from Kenyatta University. Minimum Dietary Diversity – Women and Food Frequency Questionnaire were used to assess the dietary practices of the female students. Weight and height were measured to assess the nutrition status of the female students.Results

The results showed that 64.0% of the participants had consumed ≥ 5 food groups while 36% had consumed <5 food groups over a period of 24 hours. In terms of nutrition status, 68.4% of the participants had normal Body Mass Index while 23.9% were overweight, 5.55% were underweight and 2.3% were obese. Minimum Dietary Diversity – Women was significantly associated with nutrition status (p=0.044).Conclusion

The results illustrated unhealthy eating habits and sub-optimal nutrition status among a significant number of the female students. Policy makers should scale up interventions that would help improve dietary practices of women of reproductive age particularly university students.
Effect of 24/7 attending coverage in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on fellow education.
Authors: Sahni Mitali , Mowes Anja
Published: September 2019

Background

There is a current change in type of attending coverage in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from home calls to 24/7 in House. Effects of this increased attending physician presence on education of NICU fellows has not been studied. The objective of this study is to evaluate the fellows’ perception of in house attending coverage on their education and evaluate its effect on their perceived autonomy.Methods

A secure, anonymous, web-based survey was designed using using RedCap. The web-based survey was sent via the section of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to all members of Training & Early Career Neonatologists. Chi-square tests were used to compare groups on dichotomous outcomes, with Fisher Exact tests used when the expected cell frequencies were small.Results

One hundred and twenty three surveys were analyzed, that included responses from 82 fellows & 41 early career neonatologists. 52% reported having 24/7 attending in-house (IH) coverage. 30 of the 123 respondents experienced a change in model of attending coverage during their training. Among these 30, only 26.6% preferred the model of attending IH coverage. The respondents currently working in IH models, when compared to those in non-IH coverage models felt IH attending coverage was beneficial for fellow education (p <0.05) but was less likely to give fellows autonomy for decision making (p=0.02).Conclusion

In our surveys respondents with in house attending, had a more favorable view of its benefit on fellow education. Institutions practicing or considering IH attending coverage must use adequate measures to balance fellow supervision and autonomy.
Motivating assessment item writers in medical programs: A qualitative study
Authors: Karthikeyan Sowmiya , O'Connor Elizabeth , Hu Wendy
Published: September 2019

Background

The challenge of generating sufficient quality items for medical student examinations is a common experience for medical program coordinators. Faculty development strategies are commonly used, but there is little research on the factors influencing medical educators to engage in item writing. To assist with designing evidence-based strategies to improve engagement, we conducted an interview study informed by self-determination theory (SDT) to understand educators’ motivations to write items.Methods

We conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with educators in an established medical program. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and underwent open coding and thematic analysis.Results

Major themes included; responsibility for item writing and item writer motivations, barriers and enablers; perceptions of the level of content expertise required to write items; and differences in the writing process between clinicians and non-clinicians.Conclusions

Our findings suggest that flexible item writing training, strengthening of peer review processes and institutional improvements such as improved communication of expectations, allocation of time for item writing and pairing new writers with experienced writers for mentorship could enhance writer engagement.
Clinical relevance of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial isolates in three reference centres in Belgium: a multicentre retrospective analysis.
Authors: Weygaerde Yannick Vande , Cardinaels Nina , Bomans Peter , Chin Taeyang , Boelens Jerina , André Emmanuel , Braeckel Eva Van , Lorent Natalie
Published: September 2019

Background/objectives: Assessing the clinical relevance of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from respiratory samples can be challenging. The epidemiology and pathogenicity of NTM species vary geographically. We aimed to outline the clinical relevance and associated radiological patterns of NTM species isolated in Belgium.
Methods: We performed a retrospective multicentre analysis of all patients identified from the laboratory database with > 1 respiratory sample growing NTM from January 2010 through December 2017. We collected clinical, radiological and microbiological data through medical record review and assessed clinical relevance according to ATS/IDSA criteria for NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD).
Results: Of the 384 unique patients, 60% were male, 56% had a smoking history and 61% had pre-existing lung disease. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M. gordonae and M. xenopi were the most frequently isolated species: 53%, 15% and 8% respectively. 43% of patients met ATS/IDSA criteria, of whom 28% presented with fibrocavitary disease. Weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, cough and nodular bronchiectatic or fibrocavitary lesions on chest CT and positive acid-fast staining were more likely to be associated with NTM-PD. The species with the highest pathogenic potential were M. abscessus (11/12), M. malmoense (6/7) and M. intracellulare (41/64).
Conclusion: In our study, MAC was the most commonly isolated NTM species, but M. abscessus and M. malmoense showed the highest probability of being clinically relevant. Clinical relevance varied not only by species but also by the radiological findings on presentation. Clinicians should consider these elements in their treatment decision making. Prospective data including clinical outcome are needed to provide more robust evidence.
The phylodynamic of H1a genotype measles virus in Jiangsu province, China, 2005-2017
Authors: Lu Peishan , Hu Ying , Deng Xiuying , Sun Xiang , Guo Hongxiong
Published: September 2019

Background:
The change on the pressures during viruses evolving will cause changes in phylodynamic. To know phylodynamic characteristic of measles virus in high vaccination coverage era, the phylodynamic characteristic was analyzed using nucleoprotein gene sequences of measles viruses isolated from Jiangsu province of China from 2005 to 2017.
Methods:
Nucleoprotein gene sequences of measles viruses were used to analyze gene distance and construct phylogenetic tree with Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. The mean gene distance within each group was computed with MEGA7.0 software. The phylodynamic of measles virus circulating in Jiangsu province was constructed using Bayesian skyline plot analyses.
Results:
Our results showed that the decline trend is observed in the gene distance of nucleoprotein gene and effective population size of measles virus with time. Two clusters of H1a genotype shows multiple origins and the extinction of variants with time.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight that phylodynamic of measles viruses is a helpful tool to assess the effectiveness of epidemic control.
A community-based randomized trial for prevention and control of brucellosis among rural population: application of the PRECEDE planning model
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Khazaee-Pool Maryam , Babazadeh Towhid , Sarbakhsh Parvin
Published: September 2019

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most frequently-occurring zoonotic diseases of veterinary and public health in developing countries. It affects human and animal health and has measurable effects on productive and reproductive performance of livestock. Thus the main purpose of this study is to develop a community-based intervention program for prevention and control of brucellosis. The two-arm parallel cluster randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of an integrated prevention program over six months on brucellosis in a rural population in Ahar, East Azerbaijan, Iran. Health houses were selected of villages and randomly allocated into the intervention and the control groups (16 Health Houses in all, eight per arm). Participants were recruited via household health records in the health houses presented in the villages. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used to design, implement and evaluate of brucellosis prevention and control program. The appropriate strategy and intervention were matched with the project priority changes according to policies, resources, and organizational situations. Social support, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, behavioral and environmental factors were measured at the baseline and 6-months follow-up. Generalized mixed effects-model was used to analyze data.
Results: A total of 400 individuals from the study answered the questions in the present study.
The mean age (SD) of the respondents in the intervention and control groups were 35.9 (11.87) and 37.28 (11.04) years, respectively. There were significant differences between intervention and control group for Precede model-base variables after six month of intervention program adjusted for adjusted for education, history of brucellosis and family history of brucellosis.
Conclusion: there is a need to consolidate collaborative efforts from the health and veterinary sectors, as well as to strengthen regular vaccination and financial resources to support farmers willing to compensate or offering slaughter facilities. This diagnostic study of educational and ecological factors influencing behaviors and environments related to brucellosis will identify where and how interventions can be most effective.
Prediction of the clinicopathological subtypes of breast cancers using Fisher discriminant analysis model based on radiomic features of diffusion-weighted MRI
Authors: Ni Ming , Zhou Xiaoming , Liu Jingwei , Yu Haiyang , Gao Yuanxiang , Zhang Xuexi , Li Zhiming
Published: September 2019

Background

To investigate the feasibility of using Fisher discriminant analysis model based on radiomic features of diffusion-weighted MRI for predicting clinicopathological subtypes of breast cancers.Methods

Patients who underwent breast magnetic resonance imaging were confirmed by retrieving our institutional picture archiving and communication system (PACS) between March 2013 and September 2017. Five clinicopathological subtypes were determined based on the status of ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67 from the immunohistochemical test. Radiomic features of diffusion-weighted imaging were derived from the volume of interest (VOI) of each tumor. The Fisher discriminant analysis was performed for clinicopathological subtyping by using a backward selection method. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiomic features, ROC analyses were performed in differentiating between immunohistochemical biomarkers positive and negative group.Results

A total of 84 radiomic features of four statistics methods were involved after the preprocessing. An overall accuracy for predicting the clinicopathological subtypes was 96.4% by Fisher discriminant analysis. For predicting diverse clinicopathological subtypes, the prediction accuracies ranged from 92% to 100%. According to the cross-validation, the overall accuracy of the model was 82.1%, and accuracies of the model for predicting luminal A, luminal B Her2- , luminal B Her2+ , Her2 positive and triple negative were 79%, 77%, 88%, 92% and 73%, respectively. Based on ROC analysis, there were excellent diagnostic performances of radiomic features in differentiating between different status of ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67.Conclusion

The Fisher discriminant analysis model based on radiomic features of diffusion-weighted MRI is a reliable method for prediction of clinicopathological breast cancer subtypes.
DNMT1 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cells by altering the epigenetic modification of Marveld1 gene
Authors: Zhang Song Yan , Luo Qian , Wang Peng , Zhao Hao Ran , Xu Hai Tao , Zhao Liang , Qu Zhao Wei , Sun Jian Min , Zhang Yu Bao , Zheng Biao
Published: September 2019

Objective To study the effect of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) on Marveld1 in hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), and explore its role in the molecular mechanism of HCC occurrence and development.Methods The expression level of Dnmt1 and Marveld1 genes was detected by RT-PCR in the intraoperative pathological specimens. The human hepatoma Bel7402 and SMMC7721 cell lines down-regulated by DNMT1 gene expression were constructed by SiRNA transfection. The methylation level of Marveld1 promoter region was detected after RT-PCR and West-blot verification. The expression of Marveld1 gene, cell proliferation, invasion and change of cell cycle were detected by RT-PCR and West-blot. The expressions of P53, CyclinD1, P21 and P16 protein were detected by West-blot method.Results The expression of DNMT1 gene in human hepatocarcinoma tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues. The methylation level of the Marveld1 gene promoter region in human hepatoma cell line down-regulated by DNMT1 gene expression was decreased, the expression level of Marveld1 gene was increased, and the proliferation and invasion ability of cells were weakened. The cell cycle was showed as G1-S phase arrest; P53 and P16 protein expressions were up-regulated, and CyclinD1 and P21 protein expressions were down-regulated.Conclusions Dnmt1 gene is highly expressed in human hepatocarcinoma tissues. Down-regulation of DNMT1 gene expression can decrease the methylation level of Marveld1 promoter region, up-regulate Marveld1 gene and human P53 and P16 proteins expressions, and down-regulate CyclinD1 and P21 proteins expressions, inhibit the proliferation and invasion of human hepatoma cells and can cause cell cycle G1-S arrest.