bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLOUTING MAXIMS IN CREATING HUMOR: A COMPARISON STUDY BETWEEN INDONESIAN AND AMERICAN
Authors: Puspasari Maulidya Ayu , Ariyanti Lisetyo
Published: December 2019

In a stand up comedy, the Stand-up comedian or also known as comic have to tell about their restlessness to the audience in a funny way. In order to make the audience laugh, they surely need to make the audience understand the topic being discussed. Concerning to the success of a communication, Paul Grice (19890 proposed four cooperative principles that people expected to follow; maxim of quantity, maxim of quality, maxim of relevance, and maxim of manner (Yule, 1996). However, Attardo claims that disobeying maxims is common in a research of humor (Attardo, 1990). Thus, this study is purposed to compare the flout of maxims done by an Indonesian comic and an American comic, its joke techniques which they employ while flouting maxims to create humorous materials and the reason why they flout certain maxim the most and use certain joke techniques. This study uses descriptive qualitative method to observe the result of flouting maxims in Stand up comedy. The result finding of this study will be in a form of descriptive text. The participants of this study are an Indonesian comic named Abdur Arsyad and an American comic named Kevin Hart. The result of this study finds that the maxims each comics flout the most are different which is influenced by the difference of their nationalities and cultures. Kevin flouts maxim of quantity the most because of the influence of American culture which tend to be direct in communication. Meanwhile, Abdur flouts maxim of quality the most because of the influence of Indonesian culture which tend to be indirect in communication. Even though the maxim they flout the most are different, their flout of maxims are similarly employed all types of joke techniques which contributed to create humor. Their flouts of maxims have employed paralanguage, ridicule, satire, and politeness strategy of joke techniques. The similarity of the joke techniques employed by both comics is influenced by their ethnic background. Abdur Arsyad and Kevin Hart have different nationalities, however they have the same ethnic background. Abdur comes from East side of Indonesia, and Kevin is African-American which both are minority in their countries. Therefore, they employ the same joke telling technique to deliver the jokes. It can also be influenced by their joke materials which are similar. Both of them usually bring up the topic of the restlessness of being minority and about social criticism.
PARANOIA AND AMBIGUITY IN BEFORE I FALL BY LAUREN OLIVER: POSTMODERNISM STUDY
Authors: Maftukhan Muhammad
Published: December 2019

The concern of the study is the paranoia and ambiguity as a social phenomenon experienced by the main character in Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. It intended to examine the author’s narration and also the main character’s utterances which are portraying as a paranoia and ambiguity condition and the main character’s way to solve her problem of life.This study applies qualitative research, because the data are in the form of words or sentences. It examines  the  characters  utterances  and  author’s  narration  from postmodernism approach concerning on Jean Francois Lyotard’s postmodernism theory. In addition, data reduction, data displays, and conclusion drawing/verification are the techniques of analyzing the data.The result of the study finds paranoia and ambiguity as the theme of postmodern literature in Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver which faced by the main character, Samantha Kingston. The study also finds the main character’s way to solve her paranoia and ambiguity as her problem of life.
BLUEPRINT AS A BASE IN BUILDING BETTER TEACHER- MADE TEST
Authors: Milawati Milawati
Published: December 2019

Teacher made test becomes popular in most rural nor urban school, since multiple learning develop simultaneously during an educational experience. However, teacher often reuse tests without analysing or revising them and seldom use statistical procedures to see how a test or a test item is actually performing. Assesing students often means reaching for a test or quiz that is already prepared, whether it be a test included a textbook or something another teacher prepared. These are not neccessarily bad choices, but to make sure they are good choices, the knowledgeable about the blueprint in making a teacher made test should be known. This paper presents seven cornerstones of assessment, how to plan  and how to make a teacher made test blueprint. Knowing more about those issue will not only help the teacher to assess the students more effectively, but it will also provide the teacher with a means of evaluating the teaching learning process and help the teacher to produce test that will actually motivate the students to learn.
Molecular and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B virus in conditions of mass vaccine prophylaxis
Authors: Polyanina A. V. , Bystrova T. N.
Published: December 2019

The urgency of the problem of hepatitis B is due to the significant economic damage, medical, social and epidemiological significance of this disease, the ubiquity, severity, high frequency of adverse outcomes of infection, active involvement in the epidemic process of persons of reproductive and working age. The socio-economic significance of hepatitis B is evidenced by the morbidity, prevalence and mortality from this infection. The decrease in the incidence of acute hepatitis B, which is observed in Russia at the present time, is not a reason for an optimistic view of the problem, since the incidence of chronic hepatitis B over the past five years is almost at the same level (9–10 cases per 100 000 population). To date, laboratory diagnosis of viral hepatitis is based on the determination of specific markers by enzyme immunoassay. The use of molecular genetic methods opens up new prospects in the study of infection, allows us to identify patterns of manifestation, mechanisms of regulation of the epidemic process, including the study of the variability of the pathogen in space and time. The use of molecular genetic research methods should be considered not as an alternative, but as a mandatory addition to the regulated diagnostic schemes, which will effectively identify the pathogens of viral hepatitis, assess the identity of viral isolates and on this basis improve epidemiological surveillance and control of these infections.
Polyacrylamide Adsorption and Readsorption in Sandstone Porous Media
Authors: Ferreira Vitor H. S. , Moreno Rosangela B. Z. L.
Published: December 2019

The term polymer retention describes all mechanisms that remove the polymer from the flowing solution, with adsorption being its primary cause. This phenomenon can lead to detrimental effects during polymer enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this paper, we present an investigation of dynamic polymer adsorption in sandstone-outcrop cores using polymer solutions. We study the effects of permeability and polymer concentration on the adsorption under two conditions: on virgin cores (adsorption) and a previously polymer-flooded core (readsorption). According to the results, two concentration plateaus and two regions of concentration-dependent adsorption characterize the polymer adsorption in a virgin porous medium, following a proposed Type IV isotherm. The transition between the first plateau and the second adsorption region occurs near to the overlapping concentration from dilute to semidilute regimes (cp*). Polymer readsorption increases slightly with the successive injection of banks with a higher polymer concentration, following a Type I (Langmuir) isotherm. For that case, we propose a readsorption mechanism on the basis of the desorption of a polymer molecule section and the adsorption of a new free polymer molecule. The adsorption and readsorption isotherms are similar until cp*, while the adsorption is much higher than readsorption for concentrations higher than cp*. Therefore, if the polymer concentration of the mobility control bank is greater than cp*, the total polymer loss during field applications can be reduced by preinjecting a polymer bank of lower concentration.
Comprehensive gene expression analysis for exploring the association between glucose metabolism and differentiation of thyroid cancer
Authors: Suh Hoon Young , Choi Hongyoon , Paeng Jin Chul , Cheon Gi Jeong , Chung June-Key , Kang Keon Wook
Published: December 2019

Background: The principle of loss of iodine uptake and increased glucose metabolism according to dedifferentiation of thyroid cancer is clinically assessed by imaging. Though these biological properties are widely applied to appropriate iodine therapy, the understanding of the genomic background of this principle is still lacking. We investigated the association between glucose metabolism and differentiation in advanced thyroid cancer as well as papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
Methods: We used RNA sequencing of 505 patients with PTC obtained from the Cancer Genome Archives and microarray data of poorly-differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer (PDTC/ATC). The signatures of GLUT and glycolysis were estimated to assess glucose metabolic profiles. The glucose metabolic profiles were associated with tumor differentiation score (TDS) and BRAFV600E mutation status. In addition, survival analysis of glucose metabolic profiles was performed for predicting recurrence-free survival.
Results: In PTC, the glycolysis signature was positively correlated with TDS, while the GLUT signature was inversely correlated with TDS. These correlations were significantly stronger in the BRAFV600E negative group than the positive group. Meanwhile, both GLUT and glycolysis signatures were negatively correlated with TDS in advanced thyroid cancer. The high glycolysis signature was significantly associated with poor prognosis in PTC in spite of high TDS. The glucose metabolic profiles are intricately associated with tumor differentiation in PTC and PDTC/ATC.
Conclusions: As glycolysis was an independent prognostic marker, we suggest that the glucose metabolism features of thyroid cancer could be another biological progression marker different from differentiation and provide clinical implications for risk stratification.
Predicting Low Birth Weight: A comparison of Anthropometric Measurements taken by Midwives and Community Health Workers in Uganda
Authors: Ayesiga Savino , Abaasa Catherine , Ayebare David , Wamuyu-Maina Gakenia
Published: December 2019

Background: In many resource constrained countries, Uganda inclusive, women continue to give birth at home/in the community where there are no weighing scales to measure and record birth weight, and consequently low birth weight remains undetected. Low birth weight, if not urgently detected and attended to reduces chances for growth. This study was to compare newborn anthropometric measurements taken by midwives to those taken by community health workers and to determine cut offs to predict low birth weight in south western Uganda. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted between July and September 2017, whereby anthropometric values of 638 newborns born at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital were measured by two midwives but repeated anthropometric measurements by CHWs were taken only 553 newborns because of loss to follow up. Frequencies, means (standard deviation) were used to describe categorical and continuous demographics of newborns respectively. Pearson correlations were made to test for the associations between main explanatory variables. Specificity, sensitivity, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine low birth weight at set cut off points of various anthropometric measurements. An independent paired t-test was then conducted to establish whether there was a statistical significant difference between the anthropometric measurements taken by midwives and CHWs. Results: Chest Circumference was the most predictor of low birth weight. Of the 29 (5.2%) low birth weight newborns, chest circumference at a cut off of 30.9 cm was able to predict the highest prevalence of low birth weight as per the anthropometric measurements taken by midwives. Also, anthropometric measurements taken by midwives and those taken by Community Health Workers (CHWs) showed no statistical significant mean differences. Conclusions: Chest circumference is the best predictor of low birth weight in western Uganda. Also, Community Health workers can measure chest circumference with almost the same accuracy like midwives. Keywords: Birth weight, anthropometric predictors, newborns
Direct detection of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from dogs and cats in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Chisu Valentina , Foxi Cipriano , Masu Gabriella , Amaddio Barbara D' , Masala Giovanna
Published: December 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Identifying risk factors for perinatal death at Tororo District Hospital, Uganda: a case-control study
Authors: Tesfalul Martha , Natureeba Paul , Day Nathan , Thomas Ochar , Gaw Stephanie L
Published: December 2019

Background Sub-Saharan Africa faces a disproportionate burden of perinatal deaths globally. However, data to inform targeted interventions on an institutional level is lacking, especially in rural settings. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for perinatal death at a resource-limited hospital in Uganda. Methods This is a retrospective case-control study at a district hospital in eastern Uganda using birth registry data. Cases were admissions with stillbirths at or beyond 24 weeks or neonatal deaths within 28 days of birth. Controls were admissions that resulted in deliveries immediately preceding and following each case. We compared demographic and obstetric factors between cases and controls to identify risk factors for perinatal death. Subgroup analysis of type of perinatal death was also performed. Chi square, Fisher's exact, t-test, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank sum tests were utilized for bivariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results From January 2014 to December 2014, there were 185 cases of perinatal death, of which 36% (n=69) were macerated stillbirths, 40% (n=76) were fresh stillbirths, and 25% (n=47) were neonatal deaths. The rate of perinatal death among all deliveries at the institution was 35.5 per 1,000 deliveries. Factors associated with increased odds perinatal death included: prematurity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 19.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.2-49.2), breech presentation (aOR 7.0, CI 1.4-35.5), multiple gestation (aOR 4.0, CI 1.1 – 13.9), cesarean delivery (aOR 3.8, CI 2.3 – 6.4) and low birth weight (aOR 2.5, CI 1.1-5.3). Analysis by subtype of perinatal death revealed distinct associations with the aforementioned risk factors, in particular for antepartum hemorrhage, which was only associated with fresh stillbirths (aOR 6.7, CI 1.6-28.8), and low birth weight. Conclusions The rate of perinatal death at our rural hospital site was higher than national targets, and these deaths were associated with prematurity, low birth weight, breech presentation, multiple gestation, and cesarean delivery. This data and the approach utilized to acquire it can be leveraged to inform targeted interventions to reduce the rate of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in similar low resource settings.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma Town in 2019: a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Siraj Sabit Zenu , Alemayehu Eshetu , Woldemichael Kifle
Published: December 2019

Background Street child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections, making it difficult to design appropriate interventions targeting this segment of population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable model. Result: A total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR=2.03;95%CI (1.02-4.06), eating street food AOR=2.24;95% CI (1.04-5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR=2.5; 95% CI (1.24-5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR= 3.8;95% CI (1.8-8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR= 2.5; 95% CI (1.25- 5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Several factors were also found to be associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors. Key words : Street children, Intestinal parasites, Jimma town
Mobile device use and the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in residential care homes
Authors: Author) Lu Lin(Former Corresponding , Jing Xiuchen , Lv Shujiao , Liang Jinghong , Tian Li , Li Huiling , Puts Martine , Author) Yong Xu(New Corresponding
Published: December 2019

Background With the fast-paced aging and increasing digitalization of society, there has been a growing interest in the effect of mobile device use on cognitive function and depression in older adults. However, research examining this issue among older adults in residential care homes (RCHs) is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Results A total of 235 senior residents (aged 82.58 ± 5.54) in four RCHs were surveyed. Users of mobile devices had a significantly higher total MoCA score (25.02 ± 4.14) and a significantly lower GDS-15 score (3.28±2.74) than non-users (MoCA: 19.34 ± 5.21, GDS-15: 4.69±2.90). Multivariate linear regression indicate that mobile device use is significantly associated with total MoCA score, six of the seven sub-scores (visuospatial abilities and execution functions, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation)(P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that mobile device use was significantly associated with the level of depressive symptoms (OR=0.458, 95%CI=0.249-0.845). Conclusions Use of mobile devices has a significant association with the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs, and thus should be encouraged as a measure to maintain and improve cognition and prevent depression.
Gait, cognition and falls over 5 years, and Motoric Cognitive Risk in New Zealand octogenarians: Te Puawaitanga o Nga Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu, LiLACS NZ
Authors: Lord Sue , Moyes Simon , Teh Ruth , Port Waiora , Muru-Lanning Marama , Bacon Catherine , Wilkinson Tim , Kerse Ngaire
Published: December 2019

Background Understanding falls risk in advanced age is critical with people over 80 a rapidly growing demographic. Slow gait and cognitive complaint are established risk factors and together comprise the Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR). This study examined trajectories of gait and cognition and their association with falls over 5 years, and documented MCR in Māori and non-Māori of advanced age living in New Zealand. Method Falls frequency was ascertained retrospectively at annual assessments. 3 metre gait speed was measured and cognition was assessed using the Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination (3MS). Frequency of MCR was reported. Gait and cognition trajectories were modelled and clusters identified from Latent Class Analysis. Generalised linear models examined association between changes in gait, cognition, MCR and falls. Results At baseline, 138 of 408 Māori (34%) and 205 of 512 non-Māori (40%) had fallen. Mean (SD) gait speed (m/s) for Māori was 0.66 (0.29) and 0.82 (0.26) for non-Māori. Respective 3MS scores were 86.2 (15.6) and 91.6 (10.4). Ten (4.3%) Maori participants met MCR criteria, compared with 7 (1.9%) non-Māori participants. Māori men were more likely to fall (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.0 – 2.43 (P = 0.04) whilst for non-Māori slow gait increased falls risk (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.24 – 0.68(P <0.001). Non-Māori with MCR were more than twice as likely to fall than those without MCR (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.06 – 5.68 (P = 0.03). Conclusions Māori and non-Māori of advanced age show a mostly stable pattern of gait and cognition over time. Risk factors for falls differ for Māori, and do not include gait and cognition.
Nalmefene relieves epidural morphine-caused pruritus following caesarean section: a randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zhong Chaochao , Xu Xingguo , Zhu Xiang , Qin Yibin , Miao Haihang , Huang Xinchong , Cao Su
Published: December 2019

Background. Epidural morphine has an effective analgesic effect in cesarean section patients; however, a very common adverse effect caused by epidural morphine is pruritus, which is difficult to treat or prevent. Here, we aimed to investigate whether a μ-opioid antagonist with central and peripheral effects reduces morphine-induced pruritus. Methods. In this prospective randomized trial, eighty patients scheduled for an elective cesarean section under spinal aesthesia with 3 mg of epidural morphine were assigned into the nalmefene group (n=40) or placebo group (n=40). After delivery, either 50 μg of intravenous nalmefene hydrochloride (Nalmefene group) or an equivalent amount of normal saline (Placebo group) was administered to the patients. In the meantime, an assessment of a series of side effects such as pruritus, nausea, and pain was conducted at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24h after epidural morphine administration. Results. All eighty participants completed this trial. The total incidence of pruritus in the first 24 hours following the section was reduced in IV nalmefene group compared with the placebo group (37.5% vs 65%, P=0.003). Moreover, IV nalmefene administration relieved the pruritus intensity, whereas the difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting between the two groups was not significant. Besides, the nalmefene group displayed significantly higher pain scores at 8, 12 and 24h than the placebo group (all P<0.05). However, no significant difference in the percentage of patients with an analgesic treatment was found between the two groups (P=0.37). Conclusion. In this study, a single dose of 50 μg of IV nalmefene was found to decrease the overall severity and incidence of epidural morphine-induced pruritus, but cause no adverse effect on postoperative analgesia.
The association between daily physical activity and pain among women with fibromyalgia: the moderating role of pain catastrophizing
Authors: Lazaridou Asimina , Myrella Paschali , Kristin Schreiber , Galenkamp Laura , Berry Michael , Paschalis Theodoros , Napadow Vitaly , Edwards Robert R.
Published: December 2019

Introduction. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition marked by widespread chronic pain and psychological symptoms. The primary objective of this study was to examine the day-to-day association between physical activity and pain intensity among a sample of women with FM and the potential moderation of this association by pain catastrophizing. Methods. Women with FM (N =107) completed questionnaires assessing pain, FM symptoms (Brief Pain Inventory; Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) and psychological measures (PROMIS-anxiety, PROMIS-depression) and were then asked to report their levels of daily pain catastrophizing, physical activity, and pain intensity once per day for a period of seven days using an electronic diary. In addition, objective measures of physical activity were collected using a wrist-worn activity tracker (Fitbit Flex) which measured daily step counts. Moderation analyses were performed with the SPSS macro PROCESS. Daily self-report physical activity was used as the independent variable and pain intensity (BPI) was the primary outcome, while daily pain catastrophizing was tested in the model as the potential moderator in this relationship. Results. Moderation analyses indicated that association between physical activity and pain intensity was moderated by catastrophizing (B = .003, SE = .001, p < .05), with patients scoring higher in daily catastrophizing showing a relatively stronger link between lower day-to-day physical activity and increased daily FM pain. High catastrophizers were more likely to report more daily pain on days that they were more physically active, while this was not the case for low catastrophizers. Significant associations were observed between pain catastrophizing, pain intensity and Fitbit Flex step count (p < .05). Self-report physical activity (subjective) positively correlated with Fitbit Flex step count (objective; p < .005). Discussion. Our findings suggest that increases in daily physical activity are associated with more self-reported pain intensity in women with FM pain, particularly among those with higher levels of pain catastrophizing. These results may have clinical implications for the design and testing of future behavioral interventions targeted at increasing reducing physical activity and/or catastrophizing pain cognitions among women experiencing FM pain.
Impact of Spring Freshet Flooding and Summer Rainfall Flooding on the Water Quality of an Alpine Barrier Lake
Authors: LI Chun-hua , Ye Chun , LI Ji-xuan , WEI Wei-wei , ZHENG Ye , KONG Ming , WANG Hao
Published: December 2019

Background: Among the many types of lakes, the barrier lake attracts special attention. China’s Lake Jingpo is one of the world’s rare such alpine lakes. Spring freshet flooding and summer rainfall flooding are factors that significantly increase barrier lake instability while also impacting water quality. Results: This study constructed a hydrodynamic water-quality model to simulate the impacts of spring freshet flooding, summer rainfall flooding, and 30-year frequency rainfall flooding on the flow-field and water quality at Lake Jingpo. Results showed that the lake-area flow field was generally weak (mostly lower than 0.015 m/s), but spring freshet flooding in April and summer rainfall flooding in August-September increase flow velocities to 0.045 m/s and above, much higher than in other months. Mudanjiang is the largest river that enters Lake Jingpo. Its flow reaches 4.81×10 8 m 3 , 29.77×10 8 m 3 , and 58.4×10 8 m 3 during the spring freshet flooding, summer rainfall flooding and 30-year frequency rainfall flooding period, respectively. The longest diffusion distances were measured from the lake mouth to the point of impact; these were 16.3 km, 33.1km, and 43.6km for the above periods, respectively. Our research revealed that precipitation played an important role in seasonal water quality at Lake Jingpo, and larger amounts of precipitation, longer diffusion distances, and increased pollutant concentrations. Conclusions: Compared to the effects of the spring freshet flooding period, the summer rainfall flooding and 30-year frequency rainfall flooding period more significantly affected water quality at Lake Jingpo. There was more overall precipitation, longer diffusion distances, and increased pollutant concentrations in the lake area. Alpine barrier lake environments are very fragile, which need greater care efforts and more stringent measures to control pollution sources throughout entire catchment area.
Space-use and movement patterns in an arid-zone agamid lizard
Authors: Bernich Adam , Maute Kimberly , Contador-Kelsall Isabella C , Story Paul G , Hose Grant C , French Kris
Published: December 2019

Background Quantifying the space-use and movement patterns of animals is critical to understanding habitat use and social systems. Little is known of the finer details of lizard movement biology, due to the limitations of observational studies. Advancements in technology has greatly improved our ability to study animal space-use and movement, though new technology has rarely been used to quantify finer-scale lizard movements and space-use. Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) tags and accelerometers we tracked 36 central bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) individuals over three seasons, with the aim to describe space-use and movement patterns and to determine how these patterns differ due to individual traits and environmental drivers.Results Home ranges were held by 23 out of 36 individuals and wider tailed males were more likely to be floaters (no evidence of a home range). Evidence of floater behaviour was shown by 45% of females and only 20% of males, though both sexes often roamed over distances greater than 1 km. No significant relationships were observed among home range parameters and the individual traits measured. Home range overlap occurred between both neighbouring males and females, and core areas were not exclusive. Air temperatures strongly influenced movement in both sexes. Movement was significantly higher for males than females during late-spring, but not mid-summer, and was inversely related to head sizes and body mass during mid-summer. Interestingly, no correlation was observed between daily movement rates and home range measures. However, the movement rates of home range holders were significantly different from floaters for each season.Conclusions These results confirm that wild P. vitticeps movement patterns are driven by temperature, though space-use patterns vary from previously studied agamids, with high rates of nomadism, possibly due to drought conditions and high intrasexual home range overlap. Individuals varied widely in their space-use tactics, which seem unrelated to size, a potential proxy for social status or age. Our detailed data highlights the utility of accelerometers and GPS tracking devices in the study of lizard ecology.
Quadriceps muscle atrophy and inflammatory markers in COPD patients
Authors: Ahmadi Majid , Nazemiyeh Masoud , Ghaebi Mahnaz , Mikaeili Haleh , Tarzamani Mohammadkazem , Valizadeh Hamed , Aslani Saeed
Published: December 2019

BackgroundCOPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease manifested by increased proinflammatory protein and cytokine levels. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is any correlation between systemic inflammatory mediators (CRP, ESR, PCT, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and quadriceps muscle atrophy in patients with COPD.MethodsThe study group included forty patients with consecutive COPD followed at the Outpatient Pulmonology Unit of Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Depth of quadriceps muscle was measured by B-mode ultrasonography using an 8 MHz 5.6 cm linear transducer array. Serum levels of CRP, PCT, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and the ESR were also measured. All patients were evaluated in three stages; the first day of mechanical ventilator admission, 48 hours later and at the seventh day.ResultsThe results showed that the depth of quadriceps muscle on the seventh day after mechanical ventilator admission was significantly lower than of the first day (P = 0.0008). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the level of all systemic biomarkers on day 1 and day 7 (P < 0.05). The correlation study showed the significant negative associations between systemic inflammation markers and depth of quadriceps muscle. We found that the increased level of systemic inflammation biomarkers such as ESR, CRP and PCT were associated with reduced quadriceps depth in COPD patients. Moreover, evaluation of proinflammatory cytokines in COPD patients showed that the elevated IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were associated with quadriceps atrophy. ConclusionThe main finding of this study is the positive correlation of systemic biomarkers of inflammation with quadriceps muscle atrophy in COPD patients over 7 days of mechanical ventilator admission.
Incidence, Clinical Profile, and Risk Factors for Serious Bacterial Infections in Children Hospitalized With Fever in Ujjain, India
Authors: Pathak Ashish , Upadhayay Radika , Mathur Aditya , Rathi Sunil , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby
Published: December 2019

Background Fever is a cause for concern for both parents and the treating pediatrician and a common reason for antibiotic overuse. However, the proportion of children hospitalized for fever with serious bacterial infection (SBI) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and biochemical risks for SBI among the children admitted for fever. Method This prospective study was conducted in a rural teaching hospital in India on consecutive children, aged 3 months–12 years, presenting with fever 100°F (37.7°C)or higher. The presence of SBI was confirmed with one of the following criteria: (a) a positive blood culture; (b) roentgenographically confirmed pneumonia with high titres of C-reactive protein; (c) a culture-confirmed urinary tract infection; (d) enteric fever diagnosed clinically in addition to either a positive blood culture or high Widal titers; and (e) meningitis diagnosed clinically in addition to either a positive blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid culture. A predefined questionnaire was filled. Results The study included 302 patients of whom 47% presented with SBI. The factors associated with confirmed SBI in bivariate analysis were history of previous hospitalization, history of chronic illness, history of medication in the previous 1 week, a partially immunized child, history of common cold, moderate-grade fever, toxic look, significant lymphadenopathy, absence of BCG scar, delayed development, irritability, breathlessness, respiratory distress, poor feeding, significant weight loss, suspected urinary tract infection, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and abnormal leucocyte count. The final generalized logistic regression model revealed partially immunized child (RR 4.26), breathlessness (RR 1.80), weight loss (RR 2.28), and suspected urinary tract infection (RR 1.95) as risk factors for the increased risk of SBI. Conclusion The study identified multiple risk factors for SBI. Pediatricians can be made aware of these risk factors. Further studies are warranted to identify age-specific risk factors for SBI because most clinicians depend on clinical signs and symptoms to identify SBI.
WITHDRAWN: Why Did They Fail? A Case Study on Undergraduate First Year Medical Students
Authors: Holder Nurul Atira Khairul Anhar , Nazri Nik Nadia Nik , Foong Chan Choong , Pallath Vinod , Sim Joong Hiong , Hong Wei-Han , Vadivelu Jamuna
Published: December 2019

Background: Academic struggle is a concern for students, medical schools and the society. As academic struggle does not develop in one day, qualitative research could gain an in-depth understanding on why it occurs. This qualitative research aimed to explore the reasons for why Year 1 medical students failed in their studies.Methods: This study adopted a single, embedded case design. Six Year 1 medical students repeating their studies wrote an essay to describe their experiences during the previous year. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with each student and data was analysed by two researchers. Independent analysis was compared, and discrepancies were resolved through discussions between the researchers. Results: Each student went through different experiences. Some students engaged less in studies and spent more time in leisure and extracurricular activities or having ineffective learning methods. These actions may be influenced by various reasonings such as being overconfident or unmotivated to study. However, interpreting on Theories of Action, the students’ failures may be explained by three types of invalid governing variables found in the data. Students may have performed their actions based on either inadequate knowledge, possessing misbeliefs or have no rationales at all. Invalid governing variables may have led to ineffective actions, and subsequently result in unintended consequences. Hence, all students failed the mid-year and/or end-year assessments. Conclusion: Struggling students lacked the valid governing variables in rationalising their actions. One suggestion based on the Theories of Action is the recommendation that students perform double loop learning to deeply assess and alter their governing variables.
Evidence-based practice work file: A learning strategy for occupational therapy students during clinical placements: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Johnson Susanne , Bruset Else Britt , Hjelle Kari Margrete , Mongs Malin , Sveen Unni
Published: December 2019

Background: Healthcare professionals and students are expected to work according to evidence-based practice (EBP). The EBP work file, an online learning tool that covers all steps in the EBP process, is an approach to teaching and learning EBP. The aim of this study was to examine possible differences in occupational therapy students’ self-reported attitude, skills, use and implementation of EBP during their second-year clinical placement by comparing students who applied the EBP work file with students who did not use it.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional comparative study was conducted. The sample comprised three cohorts (1, 2 and 3) of second-year occupational therapy students from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and two cohorts (4 and 5) from Oslo Metropolitan University. Five cohorts in total took part in the study (n = 126 students). The students answered two questionnaires (“EBP Beliefs Scale” and “EBP Implementation Scale”) after completing their second-year clinical placement. The analysis was based on descriptive statistics and calculation of the frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations of all participating students’ scores on the two questionnaires. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was conducted to analyse differences between the mean totals of the questionnaires. Results: The response rate was 57.3%. The average scores were 56.8 on the EBP Beliefs Scale and 15.8 on the EBP Implementation Scale. Students from cohort 5 (who had extra instruction and assignments via the EBP work file) had statistically lower scores than students form cohort 1 on the Implementation Scale. These students believed that EBP results in the best clinical care for patients, but they lacked confidence in their ability to use EBP. Conclusions: Additional EBP work-file assignments were insufficient to support students in the implementation of EBP during clinical placements. It is important to teach students EBP skills and to demonstrate how they can use this competency in their work with patients. Including clinical instructors in EBP teaching and learning seems essential.
Adult-type ovarian granulosa cell tumour: Treatment Outcomes from a Single Institutional Experience
Authors: Badran Ahmed , Elshenawy Mahmoud A. , Soudy Hussein , Elshentenawy Ayman , Mohieldin Ahmed , Gad Ahmed , Omar Ayman , Shaheen Amgad , Elhassan Tusneem , AlHusaini Hamed
Published: December 2019

Background: Ovarian granulosa cell tumour is rare. This study aim is to report the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of adult-type OGCT (AOGCT) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre ( KFSH&RC) and to determine the prognostic factors affecting relapse and survival. we retrospectively reviewed patients with AOGCT, from 1988 to 2014, who were treated at our institution. Baseline characteristics, pathological findings, and outcomes were analysed, and reported. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with AOGCT were identified with a median age of 49 years. Median follow-up was 5.0 years (range 2.1 -8.2 years). 74% of patients were FIGO stage I, whereas 7% stage II, 5% stage III and unknown in 14%. The most common presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (43%) and vaginal bleeding (43%). The majority of patients (38 patients, 62%) were treated with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Five (8%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Sixteen patients (26%) relapsed with a median time to relapse of 5.5 years (0.7-8.1 years). Half of the recurrences (8 patients, 50%) occurred after 5 years of diagnosis. Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 93% and 84%, respectively. Factors associated with high risk of recurrence were presence of ascites (p=0.000) and elevated preoperative CA 125 level (p=0.048). The overall survival was significantly influenced by the menopausal status (premenopausal 100% vs. postmenopausal 84%; p=0.02), preoperative CA 125 (normal 100% vs. elevated 64%; p=0.005), Ascites (present 33% vs. absent 100%; p=0.000), and age (<55 years 100% vs. ≥ 55 years 77%; p= 0.002). CONCLUSION: This study confirms a good outcome of patients with AOGCT. They require long-term follow-up because the recurrence can occur many years post the definitive therapy. The presence of ascites and elevated preoperative CA 125 levels were associated with a higher risk of recurrence and poor prognosis. The outcome seems not to be affected by fertility-sparing surgery and/or adjuvant chemotherapy.
HOXB4 promotes the malignant progression of ovarian cancer via DHDDS
Authors: Li Na , Xiong Jiao , Li Zhengyu
Published: December 2019

Background: Homeobox B4 (HOXB4) is associated with the poor prognosis of various cancer types. However, how HOXB4 promotes ovarian cancer (OV) progression remains to be determined. Methods：The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database indicated that high level of HOXB4 in OV was correlated with poor prognosis. The biological functions of HOXB4 were confirmed through a colony formation, migration, and invasion assay. The effect of HOXB4 on the expression of EMT and cancer stem cell markers was detected. The transcriptional target of HOXB4 was DHDDS, which was detected by a ChIP assay. A xenograft tumor model was performed in nude mice to detect the role of HOXB4 in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Results：Results showed that the expression of HOXB4 was higher in OV tissues than in normal tissues and correlated with the poor prognosis of OV. HOXB4 knockdown suppressed the proliferation and invasion ability of OV cells in vitro. Conversely, these effects were enhanced by the up-regulation of HOXB4 in OV cells. The binding of two DNA motifs through HOXB4 regulated DHDDS expression and contributed to the malignant progression of OV. The role of HOXB4 in promoting tumor proliferation and metastasis was verified in mice. Further investigation revealed that HOXB4 triggered Snail and Zeb1 expression. Conclusion: Overall, HOXB4 overexpression was remarkably correlated with the poor prognosis of OV. HOXB4 up-regulated DHDDS, which co-contributed to the enhancer proliferation and invasion of OV cells, thus accelerating the malignant progression of OV.
New models for predicting mortality and poor prognosis after supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: chu lulu , Pan Chao , Wang Hao , Liu Wenhua , Xu Shabei , Tang Zhouping
Published: December 2019

Background: The study aimed to determine the multiple related risk factors and their prognostic significance of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and to develop models for predicting poor outcome and mortality. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 141 consecutive patients with acute ICH presenting to the neurological department of Tongji Hospital from December 2016 to April 2018. Independent predictors of 6-month prognostic significance were identified by logistic regression, and discriminative performance was assessed by using the area under curve (AUC) of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). Models of poor prognosis and mortality were developed. Results: Independent predictors of poor outcome (mRS≥3) were as follows: NIHSS score, D-Dimer, mixed hematoma density, irregular hematoma shape, ICH volume, cerebral cortical atrophy and midline shift. The sensitivity and specificity of poor prognosis model were 87.5% and 87.4%, respectively. Independent factors associated with 6-month mortality included：platelet counts at admission, NIHSS score, eGFR, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage ( IVH ), third ventricle Sylvian fissure distance. The sensitivity and specificity of the model for mortality were 90.0% and 94.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Two models for prognostic significance of ICH were developed and could well predict the poor prognosis and mortality.
Polymorphism rs368234815 of Interferon Lambda 4 Gene and Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus in Haemodialysis Patients: A Case Control Study
Authors: Grzegorzewska Alicja , Mostowska Adrianna , Świderska Monika , Marcinkowski Wojciech , Stolarek Ireneusz , Figlerowicz Marek , Jagodziński Paweł P.
Published: December 2019

BackgroundIn non-uremic subjects, IFNL4 rs368234815 predicts the HCV clearance. We investigated whether rs368234815 is associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in haemodialysis patients and whether it is a stronger predictor of HCV resolution than the IFNL polymorphisms already associated with HCV clearance in haemodialysis subjects. An association of rs368234815 with survival and alterations in transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) caused by IFNL polymorphisms were also evaluated. MethodsAmong 161 haemodialysis patients with positive anti-HCV antibodies, 68 (42.2%) spontaneously resolved HCV infection, whereas 93 remained HCV RNA positive. Patients were tested for near IFNL3 rs12980275, IFNL3 rs4803217, IFNL4 rs12979860, IFNL4 rs368234815, and near IFNL4 rs8099917. IFNL4 rs368234815 polymorphism (TT/TT, ΔG/TT, ΔG/ΔG) was genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis; other IFNL polymorphisms - by high resolution melting curve analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test was used for survival analysis. In silico analysis included the use of ENCODE TFBS ChIP-seq data, HOCOMOCO, JASPAR CORE, and CIS-BP databases, and FIMO software. Results: The probability (OR, 95%CI, P) of spontaneous HCV clearance for rs368234815 TT/TT patients was higher than for the ΔG allele carriers (2.63, 1.38–5.04, 0.003). This probability for other major homozygotes varied between 2.80, 1.45–5.43, 0.002 for rs12980275 and 2.44, 1.27–4.69, 0.007 for rs12979860. In the additive model, rs368234815 TT/TT was the strongest predictor of HCV clearance (6.38, 1.69–24.2, 0.003). Survival analysis suggested an association of the ΔG allele with mortality due to neoplasms (log-rank P = 0.005). The rs368234815 ∆G allele caused TFBS removal for PLAGL1. ConclusionsIn haemodialysis patients, the association of rs368234815 with the spontaneous HCV clearance is better than that documented for other IFNL3/IFNL4 polymorphisms only in the additive mode of inheritance. However, an identification of the homozygosity in the variant ∆G allele of rs368234815 means a more potent prediction of persistent HCV infection in haemodialysis subjects that it is observed in the case of the variant homozygosity of other tested IFNL3/IFNL4 polymorphisms. Removal of PLAGL1 TFBS in subjects harboring the rs368234815 ∆G allele may contribute to cancer susceptibility. The association of rs368234815 with cancer-related mortality needs further studies in HCV-exposed subjects.