bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Campaña de sensibilización ciudadana en Seguridad del Paciente: Modelo de Plan de Comunicación = Citizen awareness campaign on Patient Safety: Communication Plan Model
Authors: Rodríguez Bilbao Emilio , Añel Rodríguez Rosa María
Published: December 2019

Resumen: La información, como mecanismo de sensibilización, despierta nuestro interés hacia algo que hasta el momento ha podido pasar desapercibido. Tomamos conciencia y queremos saber más sobre ello. A su vez, un mayor nivel de conocimiento promueve un cambio de opinión y puede que también un cambio de actitud y de comportamiento. Pero no es fácil “hacer llegar” la información. Seleccionar bien los mensajes, adecuarlos a las características de cada target, y utilizar canales “a la medida” del público diana son factores clave para el desarrollo eficiente de las acciones de comunicación. Hemos aplicado los mecanismos que utilizan las empresas e instituciones no sanitarias para posicionar sus productos en el mercado. No inventamos nada, simplemente demostramos que el “producto salud” se puede “vender” utilizando los mismo recursos de comunicación del producto de consumo más convencional. Describimos el plan de comunicación utilizado para la Campaña de sensibilización ciudadana en Seguridad del Paciente, una experiencia de comunicación en salud extrapolable a cualquier área de conocimiento. Proponemos un Modelo de Plan de Comunicación válido para su aplicación en cualquier ámbito de la esfera pública: educativo, cívico, socio-sanitario, etc. Palabras clave: Comunicación en salud; Educación sanitaria; Publicidad; Estrategias; Impacto; Medios de comunicación; Participación de la comunidad; Salud Pública.Abstract : The information, as a mechanism of awareness, awakens our interest towards something that until now could have gone unnoticed. We become aware and we want to know more about it. In turn, a higher level of knowledge promotes a change of opinion and may also a change in attitude and behavior. But it is not easy to "get the information". Selecting the properly messages, adapting them to the characteristics of each target, and using channels "tailored" to the target audience are key factors for the efficient development of communication actions. We have applied the mechanisms used by companies and non-health institutions to position their products in the market. We do not invent anything, we simply show that the "health product" can be "sold" using the same communication resources of the most conventional consumer product. We describe the communication plan used for the Citizen Awareness Campaign on Patient Safety, a communication experience in health that can be extrapolated to any area of knowledge. We propose a valid Communication Plan Model for its application in any area of the public sphere: educational, civic, socio-sanitary, etc.Keywords: Health communication; Health education; Advertising; Strategies; Impact; Communications media; Community participation; Public Health.
La batalla contra el azúcar en los diarios digitales españoles: estrategias y respuestas = The battle against sugar in Spanish online newspapers: strategies and responses
Authors: Marín Murillo Flora , Armentia Vizuete José Ignacio , Rodríguez González María del Mar , Marauri Castillo Iñigo
Published: December 2019

Resumen: Introducción: El azúcar está hoy en día bajo el punto de mira y los medios de comunicación no son ajenos a esta tendencia. Objetivo: Conocer el peso del azúcar en su agenda temática y el tratamiento informativo que este producto recibe. Metodología: Se han analizado 245 textos que hacen referencia al azúcar durante 2017 y 2018 en cinco diarios online: elpais.com, lavanguardia.com, abc.es, elconfidencial.com y eldiario.es. Resultados: Los resultados refrendan la relevancia que el azúcar tiene, así como la prevalencia de las temáticas sobre nutrición y/o salud frente a las de economía o política. Los encuadres destacados en cada uno de estos ámbitos son Medidas/Soluciones y Evidencias/Revelación, respectivamente. Asimismo, los rasgos de estilo se corresponden con una voluntad de periodismo de servicio, donde abundan los titulares apelativos y las metáforas. La respuesta de los lectores a través de los comentarios es minoritaria, concentrándose en los encuadres de Consecuencias y Evidencia, donde se priman los mensajes de pérdidas. Conclusión: Se evidencia la función preventiva y pedagógica de los diarios y, aunque el encuadre de responsabilidad no es prioritario en ningún caso, se deduce que esta es compartida entre las corporaciones, las instituciones y sobre todo los individuos que la ven mitigada por diversos factores.Palabras clave: Azúcar; diarios digitales; encuadre; nutrición; periodismo de servicio.Abstract: Introduction: Sugar is currently under the spotlight and the media are not unaware of this trend. Objective: To know the presence of sugar in its agenda and the information treatment this product receives. Methodology: 245 texts referring to sugar during 2017 and 2018 have been analyzed in five online newspapers: elpais.com, lavanguardia.com, abc.es, elconflidencial.com and eldiario.es. Results: The results confirm the relevance that sugar has, as well as the prevalence in the last year of the subjects on nutrition and/or health versus those of economy or politics. The frames in each of these areas are Measures / Solutions and Evidence / Revelation, respectively. Likewise, the features of style, especially in the nutritional field, correspond to a willingness towards the service journalism, where the flashy headlines and metaphors abound. Readers' response through the comments is minor, focusing on the Consequences and Evidence frameworks, where loss messages prevail. Conclusions: The preventive and pedagogical function of the newspapers is evidenced and, although the frame of responsibility is not a priority in any case, it is deduced that this responsibility is shared between corporations, institutions and especially the individuals who see it mitigated by various factors.Keywords: Sugar; online newspapers; framing; nutrition; service journalism.
Uso da história em quadrinhos na educação ambiental em Santo Antônio de Pádua, RJ
Authors: Sabino Claudia Vilhena Schayer , Dias Sebastião Duarte , Lobato Wolney
Published: December 2019

As histórias em quadrinhos se apropriadas pelo mundo escolar, podem ser transformadas em material didático pois facilita a aprendizagem dos conteúdos das diferentes disciplinas, pois é um tipo de leitura que agrada ao público infanto-juvenil. O objetivo desse trabalho foi, junto aos alunos do ensino médio, criar, aplicar e avaliar uma revista de história em quadrinhos, que retrata os impactos ambientais causados pela extração de rochas ornamentais no município Santo Antônio de Pádua, RJ. Para o desenvolvimento dos trabalhos alunos e professores trabalharam em equipe na produção do roteiro, diálogos, cenários e ilustrações. Foi produzida uma revista que foi apresentada a outros alunos da escola e avaliada por outros professores. Os resultados demonstraram que as histórias em quadrinhos podem ser usadas como objeto de aprendizagem que associa conteúdos, imagens e símbolos, contribuindo para o entrosamento da equipe. Desenvolve a atenção, o interesse, a satisfação em participar e na autonomia intelectual.
Aplicação do alinhamento construtivo a partir da validação da ferramenta SEISLAB para MATLAB para uma aprendizagem significativa
Authors: Conceição Thales Alves , Simas Joemes de Lima
Published: December 2019

O planejamento e desenvolvimento da prática docente têm impacto importante no aprendizado dos alunos. Com isso, este trabalho tem por finalidade a apresentação de uma ferramenta para um estudo mais aplicado em conteúdo específico da disciplina de Geofísica do Petróleo. O toolbox SeisLab 3.02, é uma ferramenta para análise sísmica sendo uma extensão do MATLAB®. Esta ferramenta baseia-se no processamento de dados sísmicos as quais irão propiciar uma visualização da estrutura na subsuperfície servindo como base para a exploração e posterior produção de óleo e gás natural. Ressalta-se a importância de empregar este modelo de estudo haja vista a complexidade da matéria, necessitando-se, assim, de uma alternativa às aulas teóricas e consequentemente entregando um ensino de qualidade aos alunos da disciplina de Geofísica do Petróleo. Descreve-se as etapas da instalação até chegar na visualização de sismogramas sintéticos em ambiente MATLAB®.
Uso de software de projeção estereográfica como recurso para a aprendizagem significativa em um curso de Engenharia de Petróleo e Gás
Authors: Simas Joemes de Lima , Miguel Gisele Francelino
Published: December 2019

A proposta desse trabalho foi aprimorar o ensino do conteúdo de projeção estereográfica aplicado na disciplina de Modelagem Geológica de Reservatórios, no curso de Engenharia de Petróleo e Gás, da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM). Devido à natureza tridimensional das estruturas geológicas, exige-se dos estudantes uma alta capacidade de visualização espacial para interpretação dos estratos rochosos. Neste contexto, a projeção estereográfica é uma técnica que permite a manipulação e interpretação destes dados em uma superfície bidimensional. Trabalhos recentes mostram que a combinação de técnicas manuais e computacionais ajudam a desenvolver habilidades de visualização tridimensional ao mesmo tempo que promove a aprendizagem significativa, já que a combinação de métodos tradicionais e tecnológicos podem criar um ambiente de aprendizagem motivador, investigativo e prazeroso.
“Café Geofísico” e “Workshop de Geofísica Aplicada”
Authors: Soares André Luiz Fernandes , Abreu Juliana Silva , Neto Airton José da Silva , Medeiros Gabriel Barbosa , Fernandes Thaís Giovanna , Barbosa Maria Sílvia Carvalho , Oliveira Luis Artur Souza
Published: December 2019

Desde sua fundação, a Sociedade de Geofísica Aplicada, capítulo de estudo da Society of Exploration Geophysicists da Escola de Minas da UFOP, tem como objetivo a divulgação do conhecimento e interesse pela geofísica. Dentre os diversos meios utilizados a esse fim, destaca-se a promoção de eventos científicos que envolvem o meio acadêmico. Dentre estes, o “Café Geofísico”, evento semestral, e o Workshop de Geofísica aplicada, promovido anualmente. Nesses eventos, cada qual com sua particularidade, são convidados profissionais da Geofísica e de áreas afins, no intuito de compartilhar suas experiências e conhecimentos, estreitando, assim, a interação entre profissionais da área e alunos de graduação e pós-graduação, bem como uma aproximação entre cursos com características afins. Este trabalho apresenta características desses eventos, a metodologia de desenvolvimento e resultados, além de discussões a respeito de suas contribuições quanto a divulgação de assuntos relacionados à geofísica no meio acadêmico.
Ilustrar ou induzir?
Authors: Andrade Wagner da Silva
Published: December 2019

Trabalhos de Campo (TC) são atividades imprescindíveis à formação intelectual, profissional e técnica dos estudantes de Geociências. Um objetivo didático dos TC é o exercício do raciocínio geológico típico no desenvolvimento de habilidades de observação e interpretação. Pesquisaram-se os papéis didáticos dos TC realizados por alunos do curso técnico em mineração integrado ao ensino médio no Estado do Espírito Santo, comparando-se um TC com papel didático ilustrativo, com outro TC cujo papel é indutivo. Um questionário teve a finalidade de investigar se: (1) os objetivos pretendidos pelos TC são alcançados? (2) os estudantes percebem os papéis didáticos? Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos participantes compreendeu os objetivos e, tanto nos TC ilustrativos como nos indutivos os participantes consideram predominar o método de ensino centrado no aluno. As respostas sobre lógica predominante no processo indicaram certo equilíbrio entre a lógica do aprendiz e lógica da ciência e do aprendiz.
Evaluation Properties of the Chinese Version of the Caring Factor Survey-Caring of Manager According to Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory
Authors: Wang Ling , Nelson John W.
Published: December 2019

The aim of the study is to evaluate psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Caring Factor Survey-Caring of Manager (CFS-CM), which evaluated by using with classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). CTT analyses evaluate include internal consistence reliability, test–retest reliability and construct validity. IRT analyses were conducted to test the unidimensionality, item fit, item difficulty, the reliability, and rating scale analysis. CTT showed good psychometric properties of the CFS-CM. However, IRT revealed some problems of category level. Taking the above issue into consideration, it could be beneficial to perfect the CFS-CM in the future.
Treatment of Femur Neck Fracture in Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Morcos Mina W. , Hamdy Reggie C. , Fassier Francois , Saran Neil
Published: December 2019

Case:

We present 2 cases of femoral neck fracture (FNF) in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) with a previously placed intramedullary nail (IMN). Case 1: A 12-year-old girl who sustained a right FNF after spine surgery. Case 2: An 18-year-old boy who sustained a right FNF after IMN of the left side. Both patients underwent our modified surgical technique as described below. Both patients recovered well overall.

Conclusions:

FNF in patients with OI poses a significant challenge especially in the presence of an IMN. Here, we describe a surgical technique that provides stable fixation with a less stress riser effect by bypassing the screws and a previously placed nail.
Effect of Hole Extraction from the Base Region of a Silicon p–n–p Transistor on its Reactive Impedance
Authors: Gorbachuk N. I. , Poklonski N. A. , Marochkina Ya. N. , Shpakovski S. V.
Published: December 2019

Transistor structures are the basic elements of integrated circuitry and are often used to create not only transistors themselves, but also diodes, resistors, and capacitors. Determining the mechanism of the occurrence of inductive type impedance in semiconductor structures is an urgent task, the solution of which will create the prerequisites for the development of solid-state analogs of inductors. The purpose of the work is to establish the effect of extraction of non-equilibrium charge carriers from the base region on the reactive impedance of a bipolar p–n–p transistor.

Using impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 20 Hz–30 MHz, the structures based on p–n–p transistors KT814G manufactured by JSC “INTEGRAL” were studied. It is shown that in the transistor structures it is possible to observe the “effect of negative capacitance” (inductive type impedance). It is established that the most probable cause of the inductive type impedance is the accumulation of uncompensated charge of holes in the base, the value of inductive impedance is influenced by both the injection efficiency in the base–emitter junction and the extraction efficiency in the base–collector junction.

The results can be applied in the elaboration of technologies for the formation of elements of silicon based integrated circuits with an impedance of inductive type.
Presentation video analytics systems data in the form of heatmaps
Authors: Dobrodey S. G. , Borodulya A. V.
Published: December 2019

Describes the method of presentation video analytics data collected for continues time in the form of heatmaps for analysis of the movement of human flows in accumulation sites. The scene is divided into zones where objects are counted. The counting results are stored in the data store with a specified periodicity. The heat map is based on matrix of counters of objects in specific areas of the scene. Over the matrix, the normalization operation is performed and, depending on the value of the elements, the color of the heat map areas is assigned based on the linear color gradient.
Iterative parallel reconstruction of images on OPEN- POWER cluster
Authors: Zolotarev S. A. , Vengrinovich V. L. , Vasilyev A. V.
Published: December 2019

Now one of the most important tasks is development and adaptation of iterative methods for the solution of the big rarefied systems of the algebraic equations. The problem of iterative parallel reconstruction of three-dimensional images of industrial facilities leads to such computing tasks. The fact that iterative methods of the solution of computing problems of big dimension are implemented on parallel structures much more effectively is important than direct methods of their decision. In this work the synchronous parallel algorithm is described, based on use of the MPI system for the solution of a problem of reconstruction of three-dimensional images of industrial facilities.
Effect of low dose naloxone on the immune system function of a patient undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of lung cancer with sufentanil controlled analgesia — a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Yun Lin , Zhuang Miao , Yue Wu , Fangfang Ge , Qingping Wen
Published: December 2019

Background: Perioperative immune function plays an important role in the prognosis of patients. Several studies have indicated that low-dose opioid receptor blockers can improve immune function.
Methods: Sixty-nine patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the lung cancer were randomly assigned to either the naloxone group (n=35) or the non-naloxone group (n=34) for postoperative analgesia during the first 48 hours after the operation. Both groups received sufentanil and palonosetron via postoperative analgesia pump, while 0.05μg·kg-1·h-1 naloxone was added in naloxone group. The primary outcomes were the level of opioid growth factor（OGF）and immune function assessed by natural killer cells and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio. Second outcomes were assessed by the intensity of postoperative pain, postoperative rescue analgesia dose, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
Results: The level of OGF in the naloxone group increased significantly at 24 hours (p＜0.001) and 48 hours after the operation (P<0.01). The natural killer cells (P<0.05) and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio (P<0.01) in the naloxone group increased significantly at 48 hours after the operation. The rest VAS scores were better with naloxone at 12 and 24 hours after operation（P<0.05）, and the coughing VAS scores were better with naloxone at 48 hours after the operation（P<0.05). The consumption of postoperative rescue analgesics in the naloxone group was lower (0.00（0.00-0.00）vs 25.00（0.00-62.50）），P<0.05). Postoperative nausea scores at 24 hours after operation decreased in naloxone group（0.00 (0.00-0.00) vs 1.00 (0.00-2.00), P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Infusion of 0.05μg·kg-1·h-1 naloxone for patients undergoing sufentanil-controlled analgesia for postoperative pain can significantly increase the level of OGF, natural killer cells, and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio compared with non-naloxone group，and postoperative pain intensity, request for rescue analgesics, and opioid-related side effects can also be reduced.
Trial registration: The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on January 26, 2019（ChiCTR1900021043）.
Keywords: Low-dose naloxone, Opioid growth factor, Immune function, Postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting
Non breathing-related sleep fragmentation and imaging markers in patients with atherosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD): a cross-sectional case-control study
Authors: wang jihui , Chen Xiaodong , Liao Jinchi , Zhou Li , Han Hongying , Tao Jiong , Lu Zhengqi
Published: December 2019

Objective : Sleep fragmentation was shown to be positively associated with cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD); however, the underlying mechanisms are not well characterized. In this study, we sought to clarify this issue by investigating the relationship between non breathing-related sleep fragmentation and brain imaging markers in patients with CSVD.
Methods : Eighty-four CSVD patients and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively recruited. All subjects underwent 3.0 T superconducting magnetic resonance imaging and overnight polysomnography. Polysomnography parameters including sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST); sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO), percentage of each sleep stage (N1, N2, N3 and rapid eye movement [REM]), arousal index (ArI), periodic limb movement in sleep index (PLSMI) and periodic limb movement related arousal index (PLMAI) were compared between CSVD patients and healthy controls. The relationship between arousal index and CSVD markers was explored in the CSVD group.
Results : On polysomnography, CSVD patients showed significantly higher ArI, WASO, PLSMI, and PLMAI, and lower sleep efficiency and N-3 ratio compared to healthy controls ( p < 0.05). On ordinal logistic regression, higher ArI showed a positive association with the severity of periventricular white matter hyperintensity (odds ratio [OR] 1.121, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.138–2.185) and perivascular space (OR 2.108, 95% CI 1.032–4.017) in CSVD patients, after adjusting for potential confounding variables.
Conclusions : These preliminary results indicate that non breathing-related sleep fragmentation is common and related to the pathological markers of CSVD patients. Future prospective research is required to determine the causal relationship between sleep parameters and CSVD pathology.
Protocol for a developmental landscape of 3D-cultured human pre-gastrulation embryos
Authors: Xiang Lifeng , Yin Yu , Li Tianqing
Published: December 2019

Human embryogenesis is not well understood. Knowledge detailing human pre-gastrulation embryonic development including spatial self-organization and cell type ontogeny remains limited by available two-dimensional technological platforms. Here, we present a three-dimensional (3D) blastocyst-culture system, which enables human blastocyst development through primitive streak anlage (PSA). By the 3D-platform combined with immunofluorescence imaging and single-cell RNA-Seq, we reveal a developmental landscape of human pre-gastrulation embryos. Our protocol allows recording and analysis of embryo developmental landmarks and mechanisms from human blastocysts to pre-gastrulation stage (day 14 post- fertilization).
Multicenter Study Of Plastic Vs. Self-expanding Metal Stents In Endoscopic Ultrasound-drainage Of Walled-off Pancreatic Necrosis – Prometheus: A Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: gornals joan b , Perez-Miranda Manuel , Vazquez-Sequeiros Enrique , Vila Juan , Esteban Jose M , Gonzalez-Huix Ferran , Guarner-Argente Carlos , Sanchez-Yague Andres , Teran Alvaro , Bas-Cutrina Francesc , Serna Carlos De La , De Paredes Ana Garcia Garcia , Ballester Raquel , Velasquez-Rodriguez Julio , Salord Silvia , Tebe Cristian , Hereu Pilar , Videla Sebastia
Published: December 2019

Background: It seems that the appearance of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), are displacing the role of plastic stents in the therapy of pancreatic fluid collection as walled-off necrosis (WON). To date there is no quality of evidence to recommend LAMS as the standard treatment in management of WON. The theoretical benefit of LAMS over PLASTIC stents, need to be proved. Methods/design: This is a multicenter prospective study, superiority, randomized controlled clinical trial by parallel groups, without masking. One hundred fourteen patients with WON will be Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drained in 9 tertiary hospitals in Spain and will be randomized to the LAMS or PLASTIC stent group. The primary endpoint is to assess the short-term (4 weeks) clinical success determined by the reduction of the collection (to <50% or < 5cm in size), along with clinical improvement. Secondary endpoints: the long-term (4 months) clinical success (total resolution or 5cm); the procedure’s duration, the level of difficulty, safety and recurrences. Discussion: The PROMETHEUS trial has been designed to response if LAMS are superior over PLASTIC stents in the EUS-guided transmural drainage of WON. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03100578. Registered on April 4, 2017. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home
Prevalence of Myopia and Vision Impairment in School Students in Eastern China
Authors: wang jianyong , Ying Gui-shuang , Fu Xiaojin , Zhang Ronghua , Meng Jia , Gu Fang , Li Juanjuan
Published: December 2019

Background : Prevention of myopia has become a public health priority in China. This study is to investigate the prevalence of myopia and vision impairment, and their associated factors in school students in eastern China.
Method: In this cross-sectional school-based study of 4804 students from 18 schools ranging from kindergarten to high school, students underwent refraction using non-cycloplegic autorefractor and visual acuity testing using logMAR chart with tumbling E. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent (SPHE) ≤ -0.5 diopter (D) and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) 20/25 or worse. High myopia was defined as SPHE ≤ -6.0 D and UCVA 20/25 or worse. Vision impairment was defined as UCVA 20/40 or worse. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with myopia and vision impairment.
Results: Among 4804 children (55% male) with mean age (standard deviation) 12.3 (3.8) years, 3031 (63.1%, 95% CI: 61.7-64.4%) had myopia, 452 (9.4%, 95% CI: 8.6-10.3%) had high myopia, and 2646 (55.1%, 95% CI: 53.7-56.5%) had vision impairment. The prevalence rate of myopia increased with grade in a non-linear manner, 12% in kindergarten, 32% in grade 2, 69% in grade 5, and approximately 90% by grade 10 or above. The prevalence rate of high myopia was relatively low in grade 4 or below (<1.5%), 4-7% in grade 5 to 7, 13-15% in grade 8-9, and >20% in grade 10 to 12. The prevalence rate of vision impairment was 3.7% in kindergarten, 36.6% in elementary school, 76.7% in middle school and 86.5% in high school students. Higher grade (p<0.0001), female (p<0.0001) and higher school workload (p=0.007) were independently associated with higher prevalence rates of myopia and vision impairment, while higher grade (p<0.0001) and higher school workload (p<0.0001) were independently associated with higher prevalence of high myopia.
Conclusion: Prevalence of myopia and vision impairment was high among Chinese school students and increased with grade in a non-linear manner, reaching alarming high in high school students accompanied by high prevalence of high myopia. Increasing study burden on school students at younger age plays an important role on the higher prevalence rate of myopia and vision impairment.
Effectiveness of distal tibial osteotomy with distraction arthroplasty in varus ankle osteoarthritis
Authors: Nozaka Koji , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Kashiwagura Takeshi , Kasukawa Yuji , Saito Hidetomo , Kijima Hiroaki , Chida Shuichi , Tsuchie Hiroyuki , Shimada Yoichi
Published: December 2019

Background: Advanced to end-stage ankle osteoarthritis in highly active older individuals has traditionally been treated using tibiotalar arthrodesis. With tibiotalar arthrodesis, high levels of pain-free function are possible; however, there is a loss of ankle joint movement and a risk of future arthrosis in the adjacent joints. Distraction arthroplasty is a simple method that allows joint cartilage repair; however, the results are currently mixed, with some reports showing improved pain scores and others showing no improvement. Distal tibial osteotomy (DTO) without fibular osteotomy, a type of joint preservation surgery, has garnered attention in recent years. However, to our knowledge, there are no reports on DTO with joint distraction using a circular external fixator. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of DTO with joint distraction using a circular external fixator on ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: A total of 21 patients with medial ankle arthritis were examined. Arthroscopic synovectomy and a microfracture procedure were performed. Subsequently, angled osteotomy and correction of the distal tibia were performed. After ankle conditions improved, stabilization of the ankle joint was performed. An external fixator was used in all patients. In addition, joint distraction of about 5.8 mm was performed. All patients were allowed full weight-bearing walking immediately after surgery. Results: The anteroposterior mortise angle during weight-bearing, lateral mortise angle during weight-bearing, and talar tilt angle and anterior translation of the talus on ankle stress radiography significantly improved (P < 0.05). In addition, signal changes on magnetic resonance imaging improved in all patients. Visual analogue scale and American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society scores also improved significantly (P < 0.05). No severe complications were observed. Conclusion: DTO with joint distraction may be useful for older patients with a high physical activity level as a joint-preserving surgery for medial ankle osteoarthritis. Level of evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series Key words : distal tibial osteotomy, medial ankle arthritis, joint distraction, circular external fixator
Investigating dementia literacy among community-dwelling adults and older adults in Macau: A mixed methods study
Authors: Leung Angela YM , Leong Cindy S. U , Cheong Pak Leng , Tsang Alice S. M. , Nogueira Bernice O. C. Lam , Liu Ming , Van Iat Kio , Cheung Daphne , Xie Yao Jie , Loke Alice Yuen , Molassiotis Alex
Published: December 2019

Background: As population ageing and dementia incidence continue to increase worldwide, health systems are urged to empower the public to address factors related to dementia. This study aims to assess Macau citizens’ knowledge of dementia, attitudes towards persons with dementia, and help-seeking behaviours and intention toward dementia.Methods: This is a mixed-methods study with both quantitative (cross-sectional survey) and qualitative components (focus group interviews). The Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) were utilized in the quantitative data collection, whereas focus group interviews were employed to gather context-specific understanding of dementia in the local setting. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data.Results: The overall level of knowledge on dementia was low (ADKS mean total score = 17.38, SD = 3.31), with the least amount of knowledge in the caregiving domain. Meanwhile, attitudes toward persons with dementia was generally positive (mean [SD] = 89.07 [11.99]). Many of the focus group participants were also uncertain regarding the availability of dementia services in the region. The general public was interested to obtain dementia information through social media.Conclusions: Efforts should be made to build up dementia literacy in Macau, especially in terms of caregiving. Information about dementia could be disseminated in social media and by healthcare professionals.
Patient perspectives on treatment, care and rehabilitation after hip fracture: A meta-aggregative systematic review
Authors: Abrahamsen Charlotte , Nørgaard Birgitte
Published: December 2019

Background: Hip fracture surgery is a distressing and life-changing event for patients. The treatment, care and rehabilitation of hip fracture patients governed by evidence-based recommendations, the patients’ preferences are often not represented. The aim of this systematic review is to identify elderly hip fracture patients’ priorities during their care trajectory. Methods: A meta-aggregative approach was applied to present findings on patient perspectives. Data were extracted from the findings in the Results section of each study, categorized by similarity in meaning by both authors as either “health-related outcomes” or “healthcare-related experiences”. The quality of the presented evidence was evaluated, and all studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.Results: Sixteen qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The health-related outcomes category included: 1) symptoms and complications, 2) physical health, 3) mental health and 4) social relationships and 5) personal goals. Healthcare-related experiences revolved around: 1) waiting time, 2) information, 3) being treated with respect, 4) participation and 5) discharge.Conclusions: This systematic review provides an overview of hip fracture patients’ perspectives on important aspects of care, treatment and training during their trajectory, thereby contributing to the development of a patient-derived measure of hip fracture.
Trehalose increases jejunum cytoplasmic lipid droplets and suppresses adipocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Arai Chikako , Suyama Aki , Arai Shigeyuki , Arai Norie , Yoshizane Chiyo , Koya-Miyata Satomi , Mizote Akiko , Endo Shin , Ariyasu Toshio , Mitsuzumi Hitoshi , Ushio Shimpei
Published: December 2019

Background: Trehalose is a functional disaccharide that has anti-metabolic activities such as suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy in mice and alleviation of impaired glucose tolerance in humans. Trehalase hydrolyzes trehalose in the small intestine into two glucose molecules. In this study, we investigated whether trehalose can suppress adipocyte hypertrophy in mice in the presence or absence of trehalase. Methods: Trehalase knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) and administered water with 0.3% (w/v) or without trehalose for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, mesenteric adipose tissues and the small intestine were collected and the adipocyte size and proportion of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs, %) in jejunum epithelium were measured by image analysis. Results: Trehalose treatment was associated with suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy in both trehalase KO and WT mice. The rate of CLDs in the jejunal epithelium was increased in both trehalase KO and WT mice given water containing trehalose relative to untreated control mice. Since there was a negative correlation between jejunal epithelial lipid droplet volume and mesenteric adipocyte size, together with these results, trehalose treatment would suppress adipocyte hypertrophy. Because of jejunal epithelium containing lipid droplets falled into the intestinal lumen, triglyceride (TG) levels in feces tended to be higher in the KO/HFD/Tre group than in the KO/HFD/Water group. Whereas feces from trehalose-treated trehalase KO and WT mice tended to have more free fatty acids (FFA) than the untreated groups. Chylomicron-TG tended to be decreased in both trehalose-treated trehalase KO and WT mice. In vitro , addition of trehalose to differentiated Caco-2 cells increased intracytoplasmic lipid droplets and decreased secretion of the chylomicron marker ApoB48. Conclusions: The suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy in the presence and absence of trehalase indicates that trehalose mediates effects prior to being hydrolyzed into glucose. In both trehalase KO and WT mice, trehalose treatment increased the rate of CLDs in jejunal epithelium, reduced chylomicron migration from the intestinal epithelium to the periphery, and suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy. Thus, trehalose ingestion could prevent metabolic syndrome by trapping fat droplets in the intestinal epithelium and suppressing rapid increases in chylomicrons.
Comparative Mathematical Radiotherapy of Some Dog and Human Cancers
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji
Published: December 2019

BackgroundCancer is a serious disease in human and canine species and can be managed using surgical, chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic interventions. But for radiotherapy, determination of radiotherapeutic doses for specific cancer treatment is a serious problem both in medical and veterinary oncology.ResultsIn view of this, a number of formulas used in medical oncology has been adopted and applied for determination of effective radiotherapeutic doses especially for dogs. Findings revealed that the formulas could be used to estimate radiotherapeutic doses for a number of cancer diseases in dogs. More so, factors such as age, sex, type of cancer, location of cancer and biological effective dose should be considered. The most relevant formula is BED = nd [1 + (d)/(α/β)] where BED = biologically equivalent dose; d = dose per fraction; α/β = ratio for tumor (10) and n = number of fractions.ConclusionsMetronomic radiotherapy which may be defined as repetitive exposure of cytotoxic radio-active rays of < 2 Gy at regular and frequent intervals of 10-25 fractions of total 45 Gy may be safer for the treatment of malignancies in dog and human. But BED of 45 60 Gy has cancer control rate of 48 – 67%, and 50% probabilities of complications was caused by radiation rays of 54 Gy. Whereas a dose of > 2Gy in 2 fractions may improve quality of life and reduce chronic pain associated with terminal malignancies.
Expression of gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) with food-grade Lactococcus lactis expression system and its biological effects on broiler chickens
Authors: Zhou Yu , Chen Pinpin , Shi Shuai , Li Xiaowen , Shi Deshi , Zhou Zutao , Li Zili , Xiao Yuncai
Published: December 2019

Background Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a multifunctional polypeptide, which could be utilized to solve problems in the industry such as increasing growth performance of commercial broilers or enhancing resistance to diseases under adverse conditions. Thus far, very few studies have focused on the gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) despite the availability of a plethora of studies on mammalian EGF. The aim of this study was to express gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) using a food-grade Lactococcus lactis expression system and to investigate its biological effects on broiler chickens. Results A recombinant Lactococcus lactis producing the secretary form of bioactive gEGF at 2.67 μg/ml in culture supernatant was generated. In vitro testing denoted that gEGF promoted the proliferation of UMNSAH/DF-1 cells. Sixty-three 5-day-old broiler chickens were divided into three groups and treated with either M17 medium (Control), supernatant of LL-pNZ8149 fermentation product (P-LL), or supernatant of LL-pNZ8149-gEGF fermentation product (gEGF-P-LL). Final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and the gain:feed ratio of the gEGF-P-LL group were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of the other groups during the two-week study. In addition, two weeks after therapy, the spleen and thymus indices, levels of serum IgA, IgG, and duodenum mucosal sIgA were all significantly (P<0.05) higher in the gEGF-P-LL group than in the other groups. Moreover, the villus height of the duodenum or jejunum and crypt depth of the jejunum of the gEGF-P-LL group were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of the other groups, while the crypt depth of the duodenum showed the opposite pattern during the two-week study. Conclusions The bioactive gEGF was expressed with Lactococcus lactis expression system. Furthermore, gEGF has the potential to enhance growth performance, improve immune function, and promote intestinal development in broiler chickens. Keywords: gallus epidermal growth factor, Lactococcus lactis, broiler chickens, growth performance, immune function, intestinal development
Amblyomma hebraeum is the predominant tick species on goats in the Mnisi Community Area of Mpumalanga Province South Africa and is co-infected with Ehrlichia ruminantium and Rickettsia africae
Authors: Jongejan Frans , Berger Laura , Busser Suzanne , Deetman Iris , Jochems Manon , Leenders Tiffany , de Sitter Barry , Steen Francine van der , Wentzel Jeanette , Stoltsz Hein
Published: December 2019

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, ticks of the genus Amblyomma are vectors of heartwater disease in domestic ruminants, caused by the rickettsial pathogen Ehrlichia ruminantium. Immature stages of these ticks often bite humans, whereby they act as vectors of tick-bite fever caused by Rickettsia africae. Moreover, Amblyomma ticks cause considerable damage to livestock due to their feeding behaviour. In South Africa, we studied the relative abundance of Amblyomma hebraeum ticks on goats of emerging farmers in Mpumalanga Province. A selected number of A. hebraeum nymphs and adult ticks was tested for co-infection with E. ruminantium and R. africae. Methods: A total of 630 indigenous goats, belonging to farmers in the Mnisi Community area, were examined for ticks in 2013 and 2014. All ticks were identified, and a selected number was tested by PCR with reverse line blot hybridisation (RLB).Results: In total, 13,129 ticks were collected from goats distributed over 17 different households. Amblyomma hebraeum was the predominant species collected, followed by Rhipicephalus microplus. Small numbers of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus simus and Rhipicephalus zambeziensis were also identified. A. hebraeum was present throughout the year, with peak activity of adults in summer (November) and nymphs in winter (July). The ratio between adults and nymphs ranged from 1:2.7 in summer to 1:55.1 in winter. The mean prevalence of infection for E. ruminantium by PCR/RLB in adult ticks was 17.4% (31/178), whereas 15.7% (28/178) were infected with R. africae. In nymphs, 28.4% were infected with E. ruminantium and 38.8% carried R. africae infection. Co-infections of E. ruminantium and R. africae in adult and nymphal ticks were 3.9% (7/178) and 10% (14.9), respectively. Lameness of goats due to predilection of ticks for the interdigital space of their feet was observed in 89% of the households.Conclusions: Goats act as important alternative hosts for cattle ticks, which underscored the necessity to include goats in tick control programs. It is suggested to use acaricide-impregnated leg-bands as a sustainable method to kill ticks and prevent lameness in goats. The continuous challenge of goats by considerable numbers of E. ruminantium- infected ticks is a major obstacle for upgrading the indigenous goat breeds. Humans appear to be at risk to contract tick-bite fever in this area.
Prognostic Factors of the Postoperative Pancreatic Carcinoma and Implications for Identification of Potential Long-term Survivors
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhou Jiao , Zhou Wenbo , Wu Lun , Sun Shaohua , Zhang Zhen , Hu Hong-Sheng , Shen Feng
Published: December 2019

Background Patients with Pancreatic cancer (PC) have worse survival than patients with any other gastrointestinal malignancy. In present study, it is aim to investigate the prognostic factors of pancreatic carcinoma after curative resection . Methods 72 cases suffered from pancreatic carcinoma or periampullary carcinoma received curative, nine clinicopathologic factors that could possibly influence survival for postoperative mortality and overall survival were selected for univariate analysis and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard mode. Results Univariate analysis showed that major factors of influence survival were size of the tumor, lymph node metastasis, and grade of differentiation (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis and size of the tumor were the most important prognostic factors by multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model (P<0.01). Conclusions Prognostic factors of pancreatic carcinoma after resection are closed related to lymph node metastasis and the size of the tumor.
Hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia stimulate cervical cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Miriam , Figueroa-Martínez Ishell Aline , Jurado Rafael , Uribe Norma , García-López Patricia , Rojas Jazmin Marlen Pérez
Published: December 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus and malignant tumor are the second and third causes of women death in Mexico. Hyperglycemia, insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 are the main risk factors involved in cancer development in patient with diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia over cell proliferation and tumor growth in cervical cancer. Methods: Cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, SiHa and CaSki) in presence of hyperglycemia and/or insulin were evaluated. Xenograft model for cervical cancer was done in diabetic female nu/nu mice; biochemical parameters, body weight, tumoral volume and cell doubling time were evaluated. Results: Hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia significantly increase cell proliferation and decreases apoptosis with no change in cell cycle. Insulin treatment increase tumor volume and diminish cell doubling time, this group also developed hyperinsulinemia and in Langerhans pancreatic islet hypertrophy; whereas, hyperglycemic groups show the same effects but in lesser degree than the insulin treated group. Conclusion: Glucose and insulin stimulates both, proliferation and tumoral growth of cervical cancer, so this should be a possible explanation for the low survival of diabetic patients with cervical cancer in compare to non-diabetic patients with cervical cancer.
MiR-223 down-regulates RHOB to inhibit progression of papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ji Wenyue , Zhao Xudong
Published: December 2019

Backgrounds The incidence of thyroid carcinoma continues to increase every year. The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the largest of all thyroid cancers, and is the most widely seen. Thus, Do some identification and testing of biomarkers related to tumorigenesis and development, which will help understand and treat PTC.Methods The expression of miR-223 and RHOB needs to be detected by polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Thyroid cell-line BCPAP and K1 cells were cultured, transfected for overexpression of miR-223or RHOB, and evaluated using MTT, Transwell, and apoptosis assays. In order to better understand the relationship between miR-223 and RHOB, dual luciferase reporter gene detection and RHOB rescue experiments were performed. In addition, clinical pathological parameters and correlation analysis of patients with miR-223 were also performed.Results Aberrant expression of miR-223 was detected in PTC samples. We also determined that miR-223 expression was associated with TNM staging and cervical metastasis. Moreover, miR-223 inhibits the increase in cell number and position, as well as defense against cancer cells and accelerates cell death. Furthermore, miR-223 excessive expression was associated with a significant inhibition of RHOB levels. According to the luciferase test report, it can be known miR-223 was able to bind RHOB 3′-UTR, it is possible to change its stability through these, and finally achieve the purpose of reducing RHOB. Finally,excessive expression of RHOB has undergone earth-shaking changes in the effect of miR-223 overexpression on cell number growth, invasion and disappearance.Conclusion Aberrant miR-223/RHOB expression took part in PTC make headway and miR-223 inhibition caused RHOB overexpression and cancer progression. Therefore, miR-223 may be a potential therapeutic target for PTC.