bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient perspectives and willingness to accept incentives for tuberculosis diagnostic evaluation in Uganda.
Authors: Kadota Jillian , Nabwire Sarah , Nalugwa Talemwa , White Justin S. , Cattamanchi Adithya , Katamba Achilles , Shete Priya B.
Published: April 2020

Background Novel strategies are urgently needed to reduce gaps in the tuberculosis (TB) cascade of care. While patient centered interventions like cash transfers are increasingly recognized as a crucial approach for improving TB outcomes, data to support acceptable incentive intervention design that maximizes their utility are limited. We assessed attitudes and perceptions as well as willingness-to-accept (WTA) varying incentive structures for completing TB diagnostic evaluation among patients in Uganda. Methods We surveyed 177 adult patients undergoing TB evaluation at 10 community health centers in Uganda between September 2018 and March 2019. We collected household sociodemographic information and assessed attitudes and perceptions of incentives. We conducted a willingness-to-accept experiment assessing willingness to complete TB diagnostic evaluation in exchange for incentives ranging in value from 500 Ugandan Shillings (USh) to 25,000USh (~$0.15-6.75USD). We compared associations between willingness-to-accept and patient characteristics using ordered logistic regression. Results Participants’ willingness to return to the health center to complete TB diagnostic evaluation increased proportionally with incentive amount. The median participant had a WTA amount between 2,000 and 5,000 USh. Cash (52%) and transportation vouchers (34%) were the most popular incentive types. Half of respondents preferred unconditional incentives, but for a multi-day evaluation 84% preferred conditioning the incentive upon clinic return. In multivariate models we found the pairwise difference between the third income quartile and the reference (lowest) income quartile (aOR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.20-4.69; p=0.01), younger age, and difficulty returning to the health center to be significantly associated with willingness to accept higher incentive thresholds. Conclusions In Uganda, incentives such as cash transfers or transportation vouchers are an acceptable intervention for facilitating adherence to TB diagnostic evaluation. Household income is associated with preferred incentive structure and amount, especially for those at the cusp of the poverty threshold, who are more likely to prefer unconditional and higher valued incentives. Targeted and context-specific socioeconomic supports for at-risk patients are needed to optimize outcomes.
Difference in seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against hepatitis A virus on general population in 1998 and 2019 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Miyasaka Akio , Yoshida Yuichi , Suzuki Akiko , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: April 2020

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, a sporadically occurring disease in general populations, is a major cause of acute hepatitis, but rarely causes death. It is important to know the current situation regarding this infection rate among the general population so that an effective strategy and action plan for HAV vaccination or treatment can be established. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against HAV (anti-HAV) in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, in 1998 and 2019, and compared the seroprevalence patterns over these past two decades. Methods: Altogether, 777 randomly selected serum samples were obtained from health check-up residents in Iwate prefecture in 1998 and 2019. Serum anti-HAV IgG levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (in 1998) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (in 2019). Results: Altogether, 586 serum samples (278 from males, 308 from females; mean age 53 years; range 30–89 years) and 191 serum samples (96 from males, 95 from females; mean age 54 years; range 30–89 years) from 1998 and 2019 were tested, respectively. The overall anti-HAV IgG prevalence in 2019 [16.8% (95% confidence interval, CI; 1.8–22.8%)] was significantly lower than that in 1998 [47.8% (95% CI 43.7–51.9%)] (p<0.001). Subgroup analysis of each age group showed that the anti-HAV IgG prevalence tended to be low in the young, increased with age, and each age group’s prevalence became older across the two decades. The anti-HAV IgG prevalence for those older than 50 years in 2019 [28.1% (95% CI 11.8–22.8%)] was significantly lower than that in 1998 [75.6% (95% CI 43.7–51.9%)] (p<0.001). Conclusions: A shift toward older across in anti-HA IgG prevalence was observed from 1998 to 2019, revealing that the younger population lacks immunity to HAV. Thus, selective HAV vaccination might be necessary for prevent severe HAV infection.
Effect of long-term sleep disruption on cognitive function and brain amyloid-β accumulation: a case-control study
Authors: Thomas Jana , Ooms Sharon J. , Mentink Lara J. , Booij Jan , Rikkert Marcel G.M. Olde , Overeem Sebastiaan , Kessels Roy P.C. , Claassen Jurgen A.H.R.
Published: April 2020

Background: Recent evidence indicates that disrupted sleep could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease by influencing the production and/or clearance of the amyloid-β protein. We set up a case-control study to investigated the association between long-term work-induced sleep disruption, cognitive function, and brain amyloid-β accumulation.Methods: We recruited 19 male maritime pilots (aged 48-60 years) with chronic work-related sleep disruption and a sex-, age and education-matched control sample (n=16, aged 50-60 years) with normal sleep. Primary sleep disorders were ruled out with in-lab polysomnography. Additional sleep measurements were obtained at home using actigraphy, sleep-wake logs, and a single-lead EEG device. Cognitive function was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery sensitive to early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Brain amyloid-β accumulation was assessed in maritime pilots using 18 F-flutemetamol amyloid PET-CT.Results: Maritime pilots reported significantly worse sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)=8.8±2.9) during workweeks, compared to controls (PSQI=3.2±1.4; 95% CI 0.01 to 2.57; p =0.049). This was confirmed with actigraphy-based sleep efficiency (86% ±3.8 vs. 89.3% ±4.3; 95% CI 0.43 to 6.03; p =0.03). Home-EEG recordings showed less total sleep time and deep sleep time during workweeks compared to rest-weeks (TST: 318.56 (250.21–352.93) vs. TST: 406.17 (340–425.98); p =0.001; DST: 36.75 (32.30–58.58) vs. DST 51.34 (48.37–69.30); p =0.005)). There were no differences in any of the cognitive domains between the groups. Abnormal amyloid-β accumulation was ruled out, showing mean global cortical standard uptake value ratios in the normal range (1.009 ±0.059; 95% CI 0.980 to 1.037), confirmed by visual reads.Conclusions: Capitalizing on the particular work-rest schedule of maritime pilots, we show that long-term intermittent sleep disruption is not associated with brain amyloid accumulation or cognitive decline.
Research on the integration and scheduling method of intelligent cloud manufacturing resources for fully mechanized coal mining equipment
Authors: Li Juanli , Sun Mengzhen , Jiang Shuo , Xie Jiacheng , Wang Xuewen
Published: April 2020

In view of the problems such as the overall low utilization rate of resources, the insufficient level of industry informatization, the prominent problem of repeated construction, and the insufficient level of innovation in the manufacturing process design of fully mechanized coal mining equipment, the integration and scheduling method of intelligent cloud manufacturing resources for fully mechanized coal mining equipment was studied. First, the necessity and importance of building intelligent cloud manufacturing resources integration and scheduling systems for fully mechanized mining equipment under the current situation were analyzed. Then, based on the underlying services of cloud computing and intelligent cloud manufacturing, the overall architecture of intelligent cloud manufacturing resources integration and scheduling systems for fully mechanized coal mining equipment was proposed, and the intelligent cloud manufacturing resources integration platform suitable for general and special technical services was designed. Then, a could scheduling method based on an adaptive genetic algorithm was proposed to realize the scheduling of cloud manufacturing resources. Finally, the practicability and operability of the system were verified by the cases. This study has realized the integration and sharing of resources, such as the design, calculation, data, simulation, and servicing of fully mechanized coal mining equipment under the intelligent cloud manufacturing environment.
Prediction of SARS-CoV2 spike protein epitopes reveals HLA-associated susceptibility
Authors: JP Romero-López , M Carnalla-Cortés , DL Pacheco-Olvera , M Ocampo , J Oliva-Ramírez , J Moreno-Manjón , B Bernal-Alferes , E García-Latorre , ML Domínguez-López , Sandoval Arturo Reyes- , L Jiménez-Zamudio
Published: April 2020

SARS-CoV2 infection is causing a pandemic disease that is reflected in important public health problems worldwide. HLA-based epitope prediction and association with susceptibility provides an important base for treatment design. Hence the aim of this study is to predict the best antigen-presenting HLA-class I and II alleles in top affected populations and determine probable susceptibility associations. A bioinformatic prediction of T cell epitopes and their restricted HLA class I and II alleles was performed to predict immunogenic epitopes and HLA alleles from the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, together with molecular modeling analysis and a correlation with the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 infection in 14 countries. Here, we describe a set of ten highly immunogenic epitopes, together with different HLA alleles that can efficiently present these epitopes to T cells. Most of these epitopes are located within the S1 subunit of the spike protein, suggesting that this area is highly immunogenic. A statistical correlation was found between the frequency of HLA-A*02:03 and HLA-A*31:01 and a low cumulative incidence in the selected countries.
Big Data als datenbasierte Programmierung
Authors: Swertz Christian
Published: April 2020

In medienpädagogischen Theorien wird oft auf Analysen medieninduzierter gesellschaftlicher Entwicklungen oder auf Analysen der Inhalte von Medien und ihre Struktur zurückgegriffen. Diese Perspektiven werden in der relationalen Medienpädagogik um die Analyse der Technologie von Medien ergänzt. Im Beitrag wird aus dieser Sicht eine Analyse der datenbasierten Programmierung als Technologie in der Absicht vorgenommen, die medienpädagogische Relevanz der Technologie zu untersuchen.
Operator Entanglement in Local Quantum Circuits II: Solitons in Chains of Qubits
Authors: Bertini Bruno , Kos Pavel , Prosen Tomaz
Published: April 2020

We provide exact results for the dynamics of local-operator entanglement in quantum circuits with two-dimensional wires featuring ultralocal solitons, i.e. single-site operators which, up to a phase, are simply shifted by the time evolution. We classify all circuits allowing for ultralocal solitons and show that only dual-unitary circuits can feature moving ultralocal solitons. Then, we rigorously prove that if a circuit has an ultralocal soliton moving to the left (right), the entanglement of local operators initially supported on even (odd) sites saturates to a constant value and its dynamics can be computed exactly. Importantly, this does not bound the growth of complexity in chiral circuits, where solitons move only in one direction, say to the left. Indeed, in this case we observe numerically that operators on the odd sublattice have unbounded entanglement. Finally, we present a closed-form expression for the local-operator entanglement entropies in circuits with ultralocal solitons moving in both directions. Our results hold irrespectively of integrability.
Pesquerías ribereñas en Baja California
Authors: Avilés Muñoz Ana María , Figueroa Ramírez Leticia
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo establecer los resultados de la investigación sobre las formas de organización y producción de las pesquerías en Baja California, su grado de desarrollo y la participación del Estado en relación con el proceso de consolidación, desarrollo, requerimientos específicos de las pesquerías y estímulos para la generación de productos pesqueros de bajo valor comercial o de consumo mayoritario. Este trabajo se sirvió de dos tipos de investigación: la documental y la de campo. La investigación documental se utilizó para seleccionar elementos teóricos, conocer las políticas y acciones del Estado en cuanto a pesca, obtener estadísticas y recabar información. La investigación de campo fue el medio para lograr acercamientos al universo de estudios. Se puede concluir que tomando en cuenta la particularidad de la actividad pesquera, en tanto ésta depende en mayor medida que otras actividades productivas a las condiciones climáticas y a los ciclos de abundancia y escasez de especies, que la actividad requiere ser intensiva en las temporadas propicias.
El valle de Mexicali: agricultura e inversión extranjera (1901-1986)
Authors: Stamatis Maldonado Martha
Published: April 2020

El interés de este trabajo es intentar explicar el desarrollo de la agricultura del valle de Mexicali a través de su relación con la inversión extranjera (norteamericana). Relación que está determinada por la función conformadora del sistema económico internacional representada por el capital norteamericano, la cual se va convirtiendo en un hecho, sobre todo a partir de 1940 en la integración nacional de las actividades económicas y sociales que se desarrollan en México. Este proceso de desarrollo ofrece manifestaciones particulares, la agricultura del valle no está ajena a las determinaciones ejercidas por el capital norteamericano sobre la agricultura nacional. De esta forma, este capital sigue manteniendo su presencia en el valle como parte de la función hegemónica para internacionalizar la agricultura mexicana. Las posibilidades que el valle tiene para un mayor crecimiento estriban en factores que permitirían un mayor desplazamiento de la producción de California, tomando en cuenta la corta distancia, entre otros, para que tuvieran un peso suficiente que las convirtiera en ventajas reales.
Commuters en la frontera México-Estados Unidos
Authors: Arámburo Vizcarra Guillermo
Published: April 2020

Este estudio está dirigido al análisis de un sector de la población típicamente fronterizo, comúnmente conocido como "emigrados", "green cards" o "tarjetas verdes". Para efectos de este trabajo se les considera con el nombre con el que son clasificados por el Servicio de Inmigración y Naturalización de los Estados Unidos (SIN), esto es como commuters, que son las personas que tienen autorización legal para residir y trabajar en la Unión Americana; pero que han optado por sólo trabajar en ese país y mantener su lugar de residencia en México. Los trabajadores commuters han actuado en la frontera México-Estados Unidos desde que aparece el control de la línea internacional. Su integración al mercado laboral norteamericano históricamente ha respondido a las necesidades de fuerza de trabajo ahí generadas, así como a la falta de opciones de trabajo en México que sean competitivas con las que se presentan del otro lado de la frontera.
Identificando a trabajadores legales mexicanos en la frontera de Estados Unidos: percepciones y decepciones en el análisis de la migración fronteriza
Authors: R. Stoddard Ellwyn
Published: April 2020

Este artículo profundiza en dos grupos: el de los inmigrantes mexicanos legales y los trabajadores ilegales, quienes se encuentran tan estrechamente integrados dentro de la economía fronteriza de Estados Unidos, que cualquier intento hecho por investigar minuciosamente la condición legal de la población hispanoparlante en el suroeste, a fin de determinar algún tecnicismo legal para identificarlos, tendría devastadoras consecuencias para el suroeste, mismas que serían sentidas en toda la economía norteamericana. Si las políticas de inmigración para el futuro pretenden dar solución al problema de la migración y control sobre la frontera, deben primero entender las realidades funcionales de ésta y formular una política binacional basada en la existencia de los patrones de control informal.
Fronteras paradójicas: contrastes de desarrollo en la frontera México-EUA
Authors: Fernández Raúl
Published: April 2020

La unidad llamada "la frontera" en realidad está caracterizada por grandes diferencias y heterogeneidades. Dentro de esta multiplicidad de facetas se pueden observar muchos otros ejemplos de paradojas del desarrollo; conflictos y contrastes que pueden servir para aprender y para difundir el conocimiento sobre esta parte del continente. La frontera es como una lucha de tensiones; el conocimiento de las diferentes facetas de estas tensiones conducirá a un mejoramiento en el grado de precisión en lo referente a las tendencias actuales en la región. De acuerdo a lo expuesto en este trabajo se puede afirmar que aunque el gobierno de México ha tratado de controlar el área fronteriza económica y políticamente, el probable incremento del poder económico norteamericano en la región y el mayor peso económico de la zona fronteriza norte, podrían conducir a una inversión de papeles en un futuro. Es decir, los desarrollos en la frontera serán por algún tiempo la clave para comprender los desarrollos a nivel nacional; y no a la inversa.
Dwie etyki, podwójna moralność
Authors: Majcherek Janusz A.
Published: April 2020

U podstaw dominujących w etyce środowiskowej, jej biocentrycznych odmian leży deklaracja dokonania moralnej ekstensji, czyli rozszerzenia zakresu obowiązywalności norm i nakazów etycznych na istoty żywe inne niż ludzkie. Jeśli miałoby to oznaczać objęcie biosfery identycznymi powinnościami etycznymi jak obowiązujące w antroposferze, to deklaracja ta nie przez wszystkie biocentryczne odmiany etyki środowiskowej jest realizowana konsekwentnie. W ich obrębie wytworzyły się bowiem odmienne, rozbieżne, a często przeciwstawne etyce humanistycznej systemy aksjonormatywne. Stawia to podmiot moralny, którym we wszystkich tych systemach jest istota ludzka, wobec sprzecznych wymagań i zobowiązań etycznych. Kwestią problematyczną pozostaje możliwość kształtowania dwoistego czy wręcz rozdwojonego sumienia moralnego, mogącego sprostać tak rozbieżnym postulatom i powinnościom.
Próba określenia potrzeb osób zwiedzających Warszawski Ogród Zoologiczny
Authors: Mirecka Anna
Published: April 2020

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań przeprowadzonych w Miejskim Ogrodzie Zoologicznym w Warszawie. Celem badań było określenie zachowań i reakcji osób zwiedzających Ogród Zoologiczny. Do badań zostały wybrane cztery ekspozycje. Trzy nowo pobudowane: dla jaguarów, goryli i słoni oraz jedną tradycyjną ekspozycję dla osła i kóz. Do obserwacji zachowań i reakcji zwiedzających – według 25 oddzielnych kategorii – wybrano pięć grup osób: K (kobieta), K+D (kobieta z dzieckiem), M (mężczyzna), M+D (mężczyzna z dzieckiem), D (dziecko). Zachowania i reakcje oceniano w skali porządkowej 0-1, a łączna liczba punktów ujmowała najczęstsze zachowania i reakcje. Wyniki tych badań wskazują, że istnieje korelacja między aranżacją miejsc widokowych a długością czasu spędzonego przy ekspozycji. Ponadto rozmieszczenie i obsługa ma wielkie znaczenie dla zwiększenia atrakcyjności, jak również wartości edukacyjnej ekspozycji. Najciekawszym odkryciem było to, że zwiedzający fotografowali nowoczesne naturalistyczne ekspozycje nawet jeśli zwierzęta były ukryte przed ich wzrokiem. Wydaje się, że dla zwiedzających współczesne naturalistyczne ekspozycje są atrakcyjniejsze niż tradycyjne ekspozycje.
Dialogical and Mediatory Potential of an Integral Ecology
Authors: Jaromi Stanisław
Published: April 2020

The encyclical Laudato si’ is a Catholic document synthesizing the reflection on the main issues related to ecology as well as to nature and climate protection. It provides a new perspective for ecological activity in the light of integral ecology principles. In many countries, this encyclical has become a point of reference for Catholics in the context of the ecological crisis, especially by the fact of its highlighting the religious and spiritual perspective and giving concrete examples of both ecological and Christian lifestyles. Chapter 5 of the encyclical outlines, moreover, the concept of dialogue that brings hope for abandoning the spiral of self-destruction in which humanity is now sinking. The concept of communicative humanism and its mechanisms i.e. actions restoring values and creating a community have been proposed to establish the platform for this dialogue. The program is based on personalism and Christian hermeneutics, and its goal is a Church interested in the world and its problems, a one which on a par with others wants to say STOP to the destruction of the earth and its irresponsible exploitation.
In vitro and in silico Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Selected Phytochemicals Widely Present in Various Edible Plants
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Rehman Ashfaq Ur , Ishaq Muhammad , Zhao Liang , Li Jiayi , Usman Muhammad , Zhao Lei , Rehman Abdur , Zad Oumeddour D. , Wang Chengtao
Published: April 2020

Aims and Objective:

The present study was designed to evaluate the xanthine oxidase
(XO) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of 30 bioactive compounds present in edible food plants
for the possible treatment of hyperuricemia.

Materials and Methods:

The XO inhibitory, SO and DPPH radical scavenging activities of
selected dietary polyphenols were determined by using colorimetric assays. The molecular docking
analysis was performed to evaluate the insight into inhibitory mode of action of bioactive
compounds against XO.

Results:

The results show that apigenin, galangin, kaempferol, quercetin, genistein and resveratrol
potently inhibit XO enzyme among all tested compounds. Flavonoids exhibit higher, anthocyanins
and hydroxycinnamic acids moderate, maslinic acid, ellagic acid, salicylic acid, [6]-gingerol and
flavan-3-ols showed weak XO inhibitory activity. The results of molecular docking study revealed
that these bioactive compounds bind with the active site of XO and occupy the active site which
further prevents the entrance of substrate and results in the inhibition of XO.

Conclusion:

Inhibition of XO gives a robust biochemical basis for management of hyperuricemia,
gout and other associated diseases via controlling uric acid synthesis.
In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase Inhibition, Antioxidant, Anti- Inflammatory Activity and GC-MS Profiling of Avicennia alba Blume
Authors: Das Swagat K. , Dash Sagarika , Thatoi Hrudayanath , Patra Jayanta K.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Avicennia alba Blume, is a well-known mangrove plant used in traditional medicinal practices for several human ailments.

Objective:

The study aimed at evaluation of antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of A. alba ethanolic leaf (AAL) and bark (AAB) extract along with phytochemical investigation.

Methods:

In vitro antidiabetic study was done by α-amylase, α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assay; antioxidant study by DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, and metal chelating assays, antiinflammatory study by protein denaturation assay. The cytotoxicity study was done on TC1 murine cell line. Further, GC-MS analysis was carried out for AAL extracts.

Results:

AAL exhibited better antidiabetic activities with IC50 values of 1.18 and 0.87 mg/ml against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes respectively. The AAL exhibited better ABTS, superoxide scavenging and metal chelating potential with IC50 values of 0.095, 0.127 and 0.444 mg/ml. However, AAB showed higher DPPH scavenging potential with IC50 value of 0.163 mg/ml. The AAL also exhibited higher protein denaturation potential with IC50 value of 0.370 mg/ml. The bark extract exhibited better cytotoxic activity as compared to leaf extracts on the TC1 murine cell line. The phytochemical study revealed higher total phenol (25.64 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (205.09 mg QE/g), and tannin content (251.17 mg GAE/g) in AAL. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds in AAL extract.

Conclusion:

The result of the present study highlights the antidiabetic, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of mangrove plant Avicennia alba.
Recent Development of Machine Learning Methods in Microbial Phosphorylation Sites
Authors: Rashid Md. Mamunur , Shatabda Swakkhar , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Kurata Hiroyuki
Published: April 2020

A variety of protein post-translational modifications has been identified that control many
cellular functions. Phosphorylation studies in mycobacterial organisms have shown critical importance
in diverse biological processes, such as intercellular communication and cell division. Recent technical
advances in high-precision mass spectrometry have determined a large number of microbial
phosphorylated proteins and phosphorylation sites throughout the proteome analysis. Identification of
phosphorylated proteins with specific modified residues through experimentation is often laborintensive,
costly and time-consuming. All these limitations could be overcome through the application
of machine learning (ML) approaches. However, only a limited number of computational phosphorylation
site prediction tools have been developed so far. This work aims to present a complete survey of
the existing ML-predictors for microbial phosphorylation. We cover a variety of important aspects for
developing a successful predictor, including operating ML algorithms, feature selection methods, window
size, and software utility. Initially, we review the currently available phosphorylation site databases
of the microbiome, the state-of-the-art ML approaches, working principles, and their performances.
Lastly, we discuss the limitations and future directions of the computational ML methods for
the prediction of phosphorylation.
New Anti-VEGF Drugs in Ophthalmology
Authors: Campa Claudio
Published: April 2020

:

This review focuses on 5 new anti-VEGF drugs in the advanced stage of clinical development
(i.e., phase 3): conbercept, brolucizumab, port delivery system with ranibizumab, abicipar pegol
and faricimab.

:

Results of clinical trials and the advantages of each drug compared to the available molecules are discussed
in detail.
MicroRNAs as Biomarker for Breast Cancer
Authors: Aggarwal Taru , Wadhwa Ridhima , Gupta Riya , Paudel Keshav Raj , Collet Trudi , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Gupta Gaurav , Perumalsamy Haribalan , Mehta Meenu , Satija Saurabh , Hansbro Philip M. , Dua Kamal , Maurya Pawan Kumar
Published: April 2020

Regardless of advances in detection and treatment, breast cancer affects about 1.5 million
women all over the world. Since the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been
extensively conducted for breast cancer to define the role of miRNA as a tool for diagnosis, prognosis
and therapeutics. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that are associated with the regulation of
key cellular processes such as cell multiplication, differentiation, and death. They cause a disturbance
in the cell physiology by interfering directly with the translation and stability of a targeted gene transcript.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a large family of non-coding RNAs, which regulate target
gene expression and protein levels that affect several human diseases and are suggested as the novel
markers or therapeutic targets, including breast cancer. MicroRNA (miRNA) alterations are not only
associated with metastasis, tumor genesis but also used as biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis or
prognosis. These are explained in detail in the following review. This review will also provide an impetus
to study the role of microRNAs in breast cancer.
ANALYSIS OF INTI - PLASMA PALM OIL PLANTATION PARTNERSHIP's PERFORMANCE IN KUANTAN SINGINGI REGION
Authors: Lukman Indra Agus , Ismail Munawar , - Sasongko , Budi Dwi
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTÂ The Inti - Plasma partnership program for managing oil palm plantations in Kuantan Singingi Regency is carried out in different forms for each company and has not yet realized the roles equality of stakeholders, especially between farmers / KUD and companies. At PT. CRS and PT. SAR farmers are involved in managing farming, but at PT. TBS farmers are not involved and do not know anything about farming management. Yields and prices of Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) are determined unilaterally by the company. Meanwhile, the government's role is still weak for doing supervision. Such conditions create asymmetrical information and the potential for earnings management practices to harm farmers / KUD, thus weakening partnership performance and impacting the Â farmersâ€™ welfare.This study aims to analyze and evaluate the performance of the Inti - Plasma partnership management of oil palm plantations in Kuantan Singingi Regency. The focus of the research is on the Â field research through a quantitative description analysis approach using Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the help of AMOS 2 software. Observations were made on 5 (five) latent variables namely members participation, stakeholders role, and stakeholder character as exogenous variables, as well as KUD performance and farmer welfare as endogenous variables. The indicator for each latent variable is given based on the Likert scale (1 to 5) obtained from 258 respondents, consisting of companies, banks and farmers.Based on the results of quantitative analysis showed that the model which is compiled based on theory is marginal fit, but all indicators are able to reflect the latent variables. The members participation and the role of stakeholders proved to have a significant effect on KUD performance. Thus, the performance of KUD was very significant and had a direct effect on the farmersâ€™ welfare. Therefore, in order to improve farmersâ€™ welfare, efforts must be made to improve the performance of KUD, especially by increasing the role of farmers and KUD as stakeholders, as well as increasing farmer participation in KUD and in farming management.Â Kata Kunci : Inti-Plasma partnership, asimmetrical information, KUD performance, farmersâ€™ welfare, SEMÂ
Analysis of Changes in Awareness and Attitude Toward Hearing-Impaired Students by Experiencing Handicap in College Students
Authors: Han Woojae , Hong Minki , Kim Taeoh , Park Sihun
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare change in the perception of hearing impairment before and after the handicap experience and to qualitatively analyze accepting attitude and change toward the impairment in college students. Methods: Twenty college students were asked to wear personalized earplugs on their ears to experience the handicap of hearing loss for five days. They reported 12-items questionnaire before and after the experience and had also 1:1 individual interview using a structured format with open questions. Results: Although the negative attitude toward the hearing impairment (78.30%) was high enough before the handicap experience, the positive attitude (78.02%) was prominent after the experience. Further, the participants had expressed negative feeling such as guilt and avoidance toward the hearing impairment before the experience, while showing discrepancies between their cognition and behaviors. However, their perception and attitude were changed with positive recognition after the experience. Conclusion: Although it was a short period of the experience, the present results confirmed that the non-disabled students had an internal understanding and distracted negative attitudes toward the hearing impairment. The systematic and detailed handicap experiences might be expected to maintain a positive attitude toward the students with disabilities for a while.
Evaluation of the Universal Prevention Program Klasse2000 in Fourth Grade Primary School Children: Protocol for a Propensity Score-Matching Approach
Authors: Kliem Sören , Krieg Yvonne , Lohmann Anna , Mößle Thomas
Published: April 2020

Background

Klasse2000 is the most widely adopted school-based prevention program in Germany. It addresses health promotion, addiction, and violence prevention in primary schools. As a universal prevention program, it has reached more than 1.4 million German children in the past 25 years.

Objective

The effectiveness of Klasse2000 will be evaluated with a large representative survey among students. Students who have participated in the prevention program (intervention group) will be compared with students who did not participate (control group). The comparison will cover the following outcome domains: well-being, self-esteem, emotion regulation, food habits, behavioral problems, and school and classroom atmosphere. Furthermore, victimization and perpetration regarding bullying, alcohol consumption, smoking, and media consumption are assessed.

Methods

To control for potential group differences, treatment effects will be estimated using propensity score-matching, which matches students from the intervention and control groups based on an identical propensity score or a propensity score that does not differ by more than a previously defined distance. The treatment effect will then be estimated in the matched sample taking the matching process into account.

Results

Enrollment of schools began in March 2017. A total of 6376 students participated in the survey (n=4005 in control group; n=2371 in Klasse2000). The parent survey was returned by 52.13% (3324/6376) of parents. Results are expected in mid-2020.

Conclusions

The results on the effectiveness of the Klasse2000 prevention program will form an empirical basis for legitimizing universal prevention programs and for planning future prevention approaches.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014332; https://tinyurl.com/y2trvq4p

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/14371
The Influence of Gender on the Choice of Radiology as a Specialty Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abduljabbar Ahmed H , Alnajjar Sara F , Alshamrani Hussein , Bashamakh Lujain F , Alshehri Hisham Z , Alqulayti Waleed M , Wazzan Mohammad A
Published: April 2020

Background

Medical undergraduates are the future doctors of the country. Therefore, determining how medical students choose their areas of specialty is essential to obtain a balanced distribution of physicians among all specialties. Although gender is a significant factor that affects specialty choice, the factors underlying gender differences in radiology are not fully elucidated.

Objective

This study examined the factors that attracted medical students to and discouraged them from selecting diagnostic radiology and analyzed whether these factors differed between female and male medical students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, used an electronic questionnaire sent to medical students from all medical years during February 2018. Subgroup analyses for gender and radiology interest were performed using the chi-square test and Cramér’s V test.

Results

In total, 539 students (276 women; 263 men) responded. The most common factor preventing students from choosing radiology as a career was the lack of direct patient contact, which deterred approximately 47% who decided against considering this specialty. Negative perceptions by other physicians (P<.001), lack of acknowledgment by patients (P=.004), and lack of structured radiology rotations (P=.007) dissuaded significantly more male students than female students. Among those interested in radiology, more female students were attracted by job flexibility (P=.01), while more male students were attracted by focused patient interactions with minimal paperwork (P<.001).

Conclusions

No significant difference was found between the genders in terms of considering radiology as a specialty. Misconception plays a central role in students’ judgment regarding radiology. Hence, early exposure to radiology, assuming a new teaching method, and using a curriculum that supports the active participation of students in a radiology rotation are needed to overcome this misconception.
A Mind-Body Physical Activity Program for Chronic Pain With or Without a Digital Monitoring Device: Proof-of-Concept Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Greenberg Jonathan , Popok Paula J , Lin Ann , Kulich Ronald J , James Peter , Macklin Eric A , Millstein Rachel A , Edwards Robert R , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: April 2020

Background

Chronic pain is associated with poor physical and emotional functioning. Nonpharmacological interventions can help, but improvements are small and not sustained. Previous clinical trials do not follow recommendations to comprehensively target objectively measured and performance-based physical function in addition to self-reported physical function.

Objective

This study aimed to establish feasibility benchmarks and explore improvements in physical (self-reported, performance based, and objectively measured) and emotional function, pain outcomes, and coping through a pilot randomized controlled trial of a mind-body physical activity program (GetActive) with and without a digital monitoring device (GetActive-Fitbit), which were iteratively refined through mixed methods.

Methods

Patients with chronic pain were randomized to the GetActive (n=41) or GetActive-Fitbit (n=41) programs, which combine relaxation, cognitive behavioral, and physical restoration skills and were delivered in person. They completed in-person assessments before and after the intervention. Performance-based function was assessed with the 6-min walk test, and step count was measured with an ActiGraph.

Results

Feasibility benchmarks (eg, recruitment, acceptability, credibility, therapist adherence, adherence to practice at home, ActiGraph wear, and client satisfaction) were good to excellent and similar in both programs. Within each program, we observed improvement in the 6-min walk test (mean increase=+41 m, SD 41.15; P<.001; effect size of 0.99 SD units for the GetActive group and mean increase=+50 m, SD 58.63; P<.001; effect size of 0.85 SD units for the GetActive-Fitbit group) and self-reported physical function (P=.001; effect size of 0.62 SD units for the GetActive group and P=.02; effect size of 0.38 SD units for the GetActive-Fitbit group). The mean step count increased only among sedentary patients (mean increase=+874 steps for the GetActive group and +867 steps for the GetActive-Fitbit group). Emotional function, pain intensity, pain coping, and mindfulness also improved in both groups. Participants rated themselves as much improved at the end of the program, and those in the GetActive-Fitbit group noted that Fitbit greatly helped with increasing their activity.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings support a fully powered efficacy trial of the two programs against an education control group. We present a model for successfully using the Initiative on the Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials criteria for a comprehensive assessment of physical function and following evidence-based models to maximize feasibility before formal efficacy testing.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrial.gov NCT03412916; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03412916
A Tailored Motivational Messages Library for a Mobile Health Sleep Behavior Change Support System to Promote Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Use Among Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Development, Content Validation, and Testing
Authors: Alismail Sarah , Olfman Lorne
Published: April 2020

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite the reported benefits of CPAP therapy in treating OSA, its effectiveness is reduced by less-than-optimal adherence or use. Up to 50% of patients who accept CPAP therapy fail to adhere to it. As a lack of commitment to CPAP therapy is one of the most significant factors that hinder OSA treatment effectiveness, patient motivation and education are critical to help alleviate the problem of poor CPAP adherence or use.

Objective

This study aims to support the development of mobile health interventions or information systems solutions to promote CPAP adherence and use among patients with OSA through development, content validation, and testing of tailored motivational messages.

Methods

In phase 1, an initial library of 60 messages was developed to promote CPAP use among patients with OSA. In phase 2, draft messages were evaluated for content validation testing for relevance and clarity by research and clinical experts. In phase 3, patients with OSA (N=24) were recruited through a Qualtrics panel to rate the perceived persuasiveness of the messages in terms of threat and efficacy perceptions, as per their computed extended parallel process model (EPPM) response states. The average score of the ratings was calculated for each message. The messages were sorted according to their average (from highest to lowest) to select the best 12 messages for each tailored set based on the potential responses from the EPPM.

Results

In phase 1, 60 messages were developed based on the existing literature and a review of existing materials. In phase 2, the enumerated content validity of the messages was established through the use of the content validity index for items. A total of 57 messages were found to have acceptable content relevance and clarity. In phase 3, patients with OSA perceived the final library of 48 messages to be persuasive.

Conclusions

After the process of content validation and testing, the final library of messages met the criteria for clarity, relevance, and perceived persuasiveness. This study emphasizes the importance of developing and validating the content of motivational messages, grounded in EPPM theory, across the 4 possible response states in terms of high or low efficacy and threat perceptions.
Availability and Quality of Web Resources for Parents of Children With Disability: Content Analysis and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Buteau-Poulin Anabel , Gosselin Camille , Bergeron-Ouellet Andréa , Kiss Jocelyne , Lamontagne Marie-Ève , Maltais Désirée , Trottier Christiane , Desmarais Chantal
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The internet is a valuable resource for parents of typical children, who are looking for information about their children’s growth and development and how to boost them. However, for parents of children with special needs, especially for non–English-speaking parents, there are anecdotal reports stating that specific and accurate information is not available on the internet.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the type of information available on the internet for French-speaking parents of children with disability as well as assess the quality of the information collected.

METHODS

We carried out a search of the existing relevant websites targeted at parents of children with disability. We used a validated instrument to extract structural, textual, and visual characteristics of these websites and evaluate their usability.

RESULTS

In all, 42 websites were analyzed; of these, the information had been validated by a trustworthy source in only 18 (43%) websites. Networking opportunities for parents were available in only 7 (17%) websites. Most websites provided information related to autism spectrum disorder (20/42, 42%) and learning disabilities (19/42, 45%), and only a few websites discussed other disability types such as behavorial disorders and developmental language disorders (4/42, 10% each). Community, social, and civic life (9/42, 22%); domestic life (12/42, 29%); and mobility (15/42, 36%) were the less frequently covered topics. With regard to the usability evaluation, 22 of the 42 (52%) websites received a global score <70%, whereas 20 (48%) scored ≥70%

CONCLUSIONS

Although the internet is an infinite source of information, it is not necessarily actionable for parents of children with disability. Some information remains difficult to find online, and networking opportunities with other parents dealing with similar challenges are scarce.
Pola Implementasi Gerakan Literasi Sekolah Di SMP Negeri 5 Malang
Authors: Rahman Syaiful
Published: April 2020

Abstract: The students 'reading ability is low, it certainly affects the students' writing ability. Implementation of the School Literacy Movement is a solution to students' low reading ability. This study aims to describe the pattern of Implementation of School Literacy Movement that took place in SMP Negeri 5 Malang. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive type that describes the School Literacy Movement in SMP Negeri 5 Malang. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that the pattern of implementation of school literacy measures in SMP Negeri 5 Malang included: 1) The habituation phase was carried out by way of students bringing reading books from home or borrowing books to the library. At this stage a class reading corner was prepared, reading 15 minutes before learning began, and a literacy journal; 2) The Development and Learning Phase increases the school resources especially at the State Junior High School 5 Malang, namely the existence of a reading corner in each class, an increase in the number of books, a 30-minute reading club, and a product of the School Literacy Movement.Keywords: School Literacy Movement, Habituation Phase, Development Phase, LearningAbstrak: Kemampuan membaca peserta didik tergolong rendah pasti berpengaruh terhadap kemampuan menulis peserta didik. Implementasi Gerakan Literasi Sekolah menjadi solusi atas kemampuan membaca siswa yang rendah.  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pola Implementasi Gerakan Literasi Sekolah yang berlangsung di SMP Negeri 5 Malang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis deskriptif yang mendeksripsikan Gerakan Literasi Sekolah di SMP Negeri 5 Malang. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pola implementasi geakan literasi sekolah di SMP Negeri 5 Malang meliputi: 1) Tahap Pembiasaan dilaksanakan dengan cara peserta didik membawa buku bacaan dari rumah atau meminjam buku ke perpustakaan. Pada tahap ini sudah disiapkan pojok baca kelas, membaca 15 menit sebelum pembelajaran dimulai, dan jurnal literas; 2) Tahap Pengembangan dan Pembelajaran meningkatkan sumber daya sekolah khusnya di Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 5 Malang yaitu adanya pojok baca di masing-masing kelas, penambahan jumlah buku, adanya club baca 30 menit, dan hasil produk Gerakan Literasi Sekolah.Kata Kunci: Gerakan Literasi Sekolah, Tahap Pembiasaan, Tahap Pengembangan,  Pembelajaran