bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPLEX OF HAZARD CRITERIA FOR IMPROVEMENT OF HYGIENIC STANDARDS LIST OF CHEMICALS IN WATER
Authors: Mamonov R. A. , Zholdakova Z. I. , Sinitsyna O. O. , Yudin S. M. , Pechnikova Irina A.
Published: October 2019

Analysis of domestic (Russian) and foreign documents revealed the necessity to correct existing standards of chemicals in water according to the new data about previously unexplored toxicological properties including mutagenic, carcinogenic effects, effects on the endocrine system. It is advisable to correct safety levels within the structural sets based on the relationship “structure- biotransformation-activity”. It is necessary to review critically the MACs of aromatic compounds substantiated on the organoleptic sign of harmfulness. The standards of nine carcinogens are proposed to revise with considering the classification and safety levels. Determination of threshold concentration on general sanitary index of harmfulness may be excluded from the regulation system because self-purification processes not sufficient in the Russian climatic conditions are related to ecological indices. This hazard index creates a discrepancy between the assessment of the danger of drinking and surface waters. It is necessary to create unified MACs for groups of substances in view of the forms of their presence in water and matching of toxic mechanism of action in compliance with the principle “unity of standard and method of control”.
TARGETED SYSTEMS OF MEDICAL-PREVENTION AID IN HIGH-RISK GROUPS OF MOST VULNERABLE CATEGORIES OF THE POPULATION RESIDING IN INDUSTRY-AFFECTED AREAS
Authors: Kuzmina E. A. , Malykh O. L. , Soloboyeva Yu. I. , Kochergin Yu. V. , Plotnikova I. A. , Kadnikova E. P.
Published: October 2019

The article describes the organizational structure and results of the implementation of a unique interdepartmental system of targeted health care and disease prevention in risk groups of the most vulnerable categories of the population (children and pregnant women) resided in industry-affected areas, which is an integral part of the regional system of the management chemical risks for population health. The system is represented by a modular stepwise principle of taking a set of science-based hygienic, health care and disease prevention measures and includes hygienic diagnostics and multimedia health risk assessment; environmental epidemiology studies; biological monitoring of toxicants; evaluation of the personal multimedia toxic burden in the most vulnerable population groups; biological disease prevention, clinical and laboratory diagnostics and rehabilitation treatment of diseases, informing population about health risks posed by chemical contamination of the environment and measures of risk elimination and prevention; performance evaluation including a cost-benefit analysis. The system health management has been implemented since 2001 in 17 municipalities of the Sverdlovsk Region with the mean annual coverage of 11,000 preschool children, pregnants and women of childbearing age. In 75-80% of enrolled children, clinical and diagnostic indices improved, thus indicates to the health promotion: morbidity rate in these children decreased by 30-40%, disease frequency and duration became 2-4 times lower, and over 80 additional incident cases per 1,000 children were prevented. In 2005-2016, the prevented economic damage to public health exceeded two billion rubles. Since 2009, the system has been applied in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (the town of Vladikavkaz), the Orenburg Region (the towns of Mednogorsk and Gay), and the Krasnoyarsk Krai (the city of Krasnoyarsk).
CURRENT ISSUES OF THE IMPLEMENTION OF HAZARD ANALYSIS CRITICAL CONTROL POINT (HAССP) PRINCIPLES IN PUBLIC CATERING FACILITIES
Authors: Mazhaeva Tatyana V. , Kozubskaya V. I. , Sinitsyna S. V.
Published: October 2019

The paper discusses the non-mandatory audit experience aimed at the improvement of the relevance of the risk-based sanitary and epidemiological supervision of public catering facilities. The facilities were assessed with the use of a point scale according to the checklist integrating Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 021/2011 on Food Safety and the current Sanitary Regulations. Each procedure was assessed in terms of thoroughness and efficiency of the preventive measures taken by the catering facility ensuring food safety and complying with the HACCP principles.
Examining Mock Jurors' Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence Factors
Authors: Pica Emily , Sheahan Chelsea L. , Pozzulo Joanna
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the current study was to examine whether juror gender, male-to-female or female-to-male abuse, eyewitness age (8, 12, and 16 years old), and type of intimate partner violence witnessed (physical, sexual, and emotional) influenced mock jurors' decision-making. Mock jurors (N = 1,162) read a trial transcript where the child of a married couple witnessed one of the three types of intimate partner violence, perpetrated by the husband against his wife or the wife against her husband, and answered related questions. Mock jurors were asked to render a dichotomous verdict, continuous guilt rating, and rate their perceptions of the victim, defendant, and eyewitness. Male jurors were more likely to find the defendant guilty when the defendant was female and the witness was 16 years old; additionally, female mock jurors assigned higher guilt ratings for the male defendant compared to the female defendant. Mock jurors also assigned higher guilt ratings when the abuse was physical compared to both sexual and emotional; abuse also influenced perceptions of the defendant, victim, and eyewitness. Mock jurors also were more likely to hold positive perceptions of the eyewitness when she was 16 years old compared to 8 years old. The results of the current study suggest that gender of the defendant and victim may combine to influence mock jurors' perceptions of a case involving intimate partner violence; moreover, the type of abuse witnessed by a child also may impact the child's perceived credibility.
All Women Are Welcome: Reducing Barriers to Women's Shelters With Harm Reduction
Authors: Hovey Angela , Scott Susan
Published: October 2019

Women who experience domestic violence are more likely to use or become dependent on substances. Their health and safety are at greater risk when Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters have policies prohibiting admission if noticeably impaired. Harm reduction strategies can help reduce harms caused by substance use. Minimal research was found about impacts of integrating harm reduction in VAW shelters. We examined women's experiences with a harm reduction service delivery model at a Canadian rural VAW shelter. Interviews were conducted with 25 former residents to explore their experiences. Most women preferred to have harm reduction implemented, although most women also wanted changes made to harm reduction practices. These recommended changes would enhance positive experiences and feelings of safety for all women, thereby achieving the goal of all women welcome. Overall, our findings support the integration of harm reduction in VAW shelters that balances harm reduction philosophy and practices with the individualized needs of traumatized women and safety of children.
Male IPV Perpetrators' Perspectives on Facilitation of Batterer Intervention Program: Results From a 2-Year Study
Authors: Morrison Penelope K. , Cluss Patricia A. , Hawker Lynn , Miller Elizabeth , George Donna , Bicehouse Terry , Fleming Rhonda , Chang Judy C.
Published: October 2019

As part of a two-year ethnographic study of batterer intervention programs (BIPs) we interviewed 76 male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) on their perspectives regarding BIP facilitators. Participants endorsed a number of characteristics of facilitators that helped to reduce their resistance to the group process and assisted in engaging them in the learning process, including facilitators who were invested in the program and its mission, and displayed a non-judgmental demeanor. At the same time, they also endorsed facilitators who were honest with them and challenged them on their behavior, and who exhibited a high degree of experience in IPV. Additionally, participants endorsed the need to have a female facilitator as part of the group to further promote engagement and learning. This study has implications for thinking about what components of BIP facilitation might be important for reducing some of the resistance that may lead to client attrition, and how BIPs can better engage clients in prosocial behavioral changes.
Validating the Experiences of Emotionally Abused Men: A Call to the Profession
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: October 2019

While the prevalence and incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) with males as perpetrators and women as victims has steadily gained public and professional attention since the 1970s, equal attention to the incidence of men as victims of IPV, specifically emotional abuse, has not kept pace. This article will prepare counselors to better understand, assess, and intervene in incidences where men are indeed victims of this dimension of IPV.
Transformations of the Self: Learning From the Experiences of Returned Citizens Participating in Peer Mentor Support Training
Authors: Lopez-Humphreys Mayra , Teater Barbra
Published: October 2019

The integration of peer mentors with a history of incarceration is a strengths-based intervention, primarily emerging within large urban U.S. cities. The Credible Messenger Institute is an innovative training program that aims to prepare adults who were formerly incarcerated to mentor justice-involved youth. Through two focus groups, this study explored the change experiences of 11 peer mentors who participated in the 6-week training. Data analysis revealed five themes and one subtheme that identified the change outcomes and the conditions and relationships that supported internal change. Findings suggest that relationships and specific conditions were critical factors in supporting the peer mentor's identity change process. Implications and recommendations for practice and future research on peer mentor interventions with justice-involved populations are provided.
Cultural Differences in Parental Self-Efficacy in Communicating With Teens About Sex: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ricks Nila , Golman Mandy , Kirby Mia , Gallegos Irene D.
Published: October 2019

Despite the declining national teen birth rates, racial disparities persist. Black and Hispanic teens in some communities continue to experience disproportionately higher teen birth rates. This pilot study explored parental perspectives regarding teen pregnancy and parental self-efficacy in communicating with teens about sex. Seven focus groups were conducted with 35 Black and Hispanic parents who reside in five targeted zip codes with exceptionally high teen birth rates, ranging from 84.2 to 112.9 per 1,000. These rates exceed the 26.5 per 1,000 national teen birth rate by more than 300%. Results reveal cultural differences in parental self-efficacy between Black and Hispanic parents in communicating with teens. Black parents reported higher self-efficacy. Hispanic parents reported cultural beliefs as communication barriers with teens.
Línguas Arawak da Bolívia
Authors: Ramirez Henri , França Maria Cristina Victorino de
Published: October 2019

Este artigo é um capítulo resumido e extraído de nossa Enciclopédia das Línguas Arawak - acrescida de seis novas línguas e dois bancos de dados (no prelo). Trata do subgrupo Bolívia (mojeño, baure, pauna, tereno) da família arawak. Nenhum ramo da família arawak apresenta tanta coesão como o subgrupo Bolívia: seu léxico, sua gramática, com um inusitado suprafixo A “não-factual”, e duas complexas cadeias de mudanças vocálicas (*i > *i  > *e  > *a  ; *a  >  *ʊ / *o  >  i / i / u) evidenciam uma unidade diagnóstica entre suas línguas. Fornecemos dados detalhados sobre a história e a destruição dialetal dessas quatro línguas (séculos XVI-XVIII), assim como um resumo de suas estruturas fonológicas e gramaticais, antes de propor uma reconstrução do proto-Bolívia e um supergrupo Bolívia-Purus-Kampa-Amuesha (bpka) dentro das línguas arawak. Este estudo termina com uma lista de mais de 500 jogos de cognatos para o subgrupo Bolívia. Desde Payne (1991), os estudos comparativos arawak do subgrupo Bolívia são extremamente caóticos e, de uma certa forma, regrediram. Além disso, uma análise abrangente do paikone, magíana e apolista nos leva a alguns materiais lexicais falsificados que obrigam a rever o estatuto dessas línguas.
Evaluation of grapevine trunk size by use of a handheld camera and three-dimensional modelling
Authors: Bou Nader Khalil , Pfahl Leonard Maximilian , Gomès Eric , Stoll Manfred
Published: October 2019

Background and aims: Measurement of grapevine size is necessary to assess carbon reserves at the level of individual vines and to estimate the carbon sequestration potential of vineyards. Methods of measurement rely mostly on traditional dendrological techniques that may be prone to error. In this study, we examined the use of structure-from-motion with multiview stereophotogrammetry (SfM-MVS) to obtain accurate measurements of vine trunk thickness and volume. SfM-MVS enables the creation of scaled, georeferenced three-dimensional models based on a set of overlapping photographs.Methods and results: The study was conducted using field-grown Vitis vinifera L. cv. Riesling vines aged 5, 22 and 46 years and pruned in a bilateral Guyot. Trunk diameter, cross-sectional area and circumference 10 cm above the grafting point were measured by traditional dendrometry, and the values obtained compared with corresponding estimates from reconstructed three-dimensional SfM-MVS models. SfM-MVS was also used to estimate total trunk volume. Correlation between measured values and modelled estimates was close to unity (0.976 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.988). The estimates for 5-year-old vines had the largest errors.Conclusions: Under adequate lighting conditions and with sufficient image resolution, SfM-MVS is able to produce accurate models of vine trunks.Significance of the study: This work serves as proof of concept for the use of SfM-MVS to measure the trunk size of field-grown grapevines of different ages. This technique, which is relatively new, is cost-effective and easy to implement. Further research is necessary to determine specific applications of SfM-MVS, in which it could supplement or replace traditional dendrological techniques.
Climate Change Impact on Future Wildfire Danger and Activityin Southern Europe: A Review
Authors: Dupuy Jean-luc , Fargeon Hélène , Martin Nicolas , Pimont Francois , Ruffault Julien , Guijarro Mercedes , Hernando Carmen , Madrigal Javier , Fernandes Paulo
Published: October 2019

Wildfire is the main disturbance in forested ecosystems of southern Europe and is due to complex interactions between climate-weather, fuels and people. Warmer and drier conditions projected in this region are expected to profoundly affect wildfires, which will impact ecosystems and humans. We review the scientific literature addressing the assessment of climate change impacts on wildfires in southern Europe, with a twofold objective: (i) report the trends in wildfire danger and activity projected under warming climate in southern Europe and (ii) discuss the limitations of wildfire projections under the specific biogeographical context of southern Europe.We identified 22 projection studies that examined future wildfire danger or wildfire activity at local, regional or continental scale. Under the scenario with the highest greenhouse gas emissions, we found that projections studies estimate an increase in future fire danger and burnt areas varying, on average, from 2 to 4 % and from 15 to 25 % per decade, respectively. Fire-prone area expansion to the north and to Mediterranean mountains is a concern, while climate-induced burnt area increase might be limited by fuel availability in the most arid areas. While all studies agreed on the direction of changes, further comparisons on the magnitude of increase remained challenging because of heterogeneous methodological choices between projections studies (climate models, projection period, spatial scale and fire metrics). We then described three main sources of uncertainty that may affect the reliability of wildfire projections: climate projections, climate-fire models, and the influences of fuel load/structure and human related factors on the climate-fire relationships. We finally suggest research directions to address some of these issues for the purpose of refining fire danger and fire activity projections in southern Europe.
Sea Level Rise Scenario for 2100 A.D. in the Heritage Site of Pyrgi (Santa Severa, Italy)
Authors: Anzidei Marco , Doumaz Fawzi , Vecchio Antonio , Serpelloni Enrico , Pizzimenti Luca , Civico Riccardo , Enei Flavio
Published: October 2019

Sea level rise is one of the main factor of risk for the preservation of cultural heritage sites located along the coasts of the Mediterranean basin. Coastal retreat, erosion and storm surges are yet posing serious threats to archaeological and historical structures built along the coastal zones of this region. In order to assess the coastal changes by the end of 2100 under an expected sea level rise of about 1 m, a detailed determination of the current coastline position and the availability of high resolution DSM, is needed. This paper focuses on the use of very high-resolution UAV imagery for the generation of ultra-high resolution mapping of the coastal archaeological area of Pyrgi, near Rome (Italy). The processing of the UAV imagery resulted in the generation of a DSM and an orthophoto, with an accuracy of 1.94 cm/pixel. The integration of topographic data with two sea level rise projections in the IPCC AR5 2.6 and 8.5 climatic scenarios for this area of the Mediterranean, were used to map sea level rise scenarios for 2050 and 2100. The effects of the Vertical Land Motion (VLM) as estimated from two nearby continuous GPS stations located as much as close to the coastline, were included in the analysis. Relative sea level rise projections provide values at 0.30±0.15 cm by 2050 and 0.56±0.22 by 2100, for the IPCC AR5 8.5 scenarios and at 0.13±0.05 cm by 2050 and 0.17±0.22 by 2100, for the IPCC AR5 2.6 scenario. These values of rise will correspond to a potential beach loss between 12.6% and 23.5% in 2100 for RCP 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively, while during the highest tides the beach will be reduced up to 46.4%. With these sea level rise scenarios, Pyrgi with its nearby Etruscan temples and the medieval castle of Santa Severa will be soon exposed to high risk of marine flooding, especially during storm surges, thus requiring suitable adaptation strategies.
Entegre Raporlama ile ilgili Yapılan Çalışmalar: Literatür Taraması
Authors: ÇELEBİER Mahmut , ÇANKAYA Prof. Dr. Fikret
Published: October 2019

Dünyada entegre rapor yayınlayan işletmeler olmasına ve raporların hazırlanması için işletmelere yönelik bir entegre raporlama çerçevesi yayınlanmış olmasına rağmen işletmelere kılavuzluk edecek veya ana hatları ortaya koyacak standart bir entegre rapor modeline ulaşılamamıştır. Çalışmanın temel amacı geçmişte yapılan entegre rapor çalışmalarını ortaya koyarak mevcut durumu görmek ve bu çalışmalardaki eksiklikleri belirleyerek literatürün sistematik bir şekilde incelemesini yapmaktır.   Ayrıca, entegre raporun ne ölçüde faydalı olduğu tartışılmaktadır. Çalışmada, entegre raporlama ile ilgili yapılan çalışmalar “esas alınan yönteme ve esas alınan konulara” göre iki temel grup altında incelenmiştir. İncelemeler sonucunda mevcut çalışmalardaki eksikliklerin ortaya çıkarılması amaçlanarak gelecekte yapılacak çalışmalarda bu eksikliklerin giderilmesinde yönlendirici olmak hedeflenmiştir. Çalışmada elde edilen veriler ışığında 24 araştırmayla en çok çalışma esas alınan yöntem grubundan olduğu görülmektedir.
Örgütsel Sessizlik ve Boyutları Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma
Authors: ÖZTÜRK İlknur
Published: October 2019

Örgütsel sessizlik, işgörenlerin farklı nedenlere bağlı olarak, fikirlerini ve görüşlerini ifade etmekten çekinerek sessiz kalmayı tercih ettikleri durumu ifade etmektedir. Bu çalışma, çalışanların sessiz kaldıkları durumları literatürde yer alan sessizlik boyutlarına (kabullenici, korunmacı ve koruma amaçlı) göre incelemek için yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın örneklemini, bir eğitim kurumunda çalışan 3-10 yıl iş deneyimine sahip 10 kadın oluşturmaktadır. Görüşme birebir yapılarak örgütsel sessizlik ile ilgili deneyimlerini anlatmaları istenmiştir. Örgütsel sessizlik boyutlarına ait kodlama temaları verdikleri cevaplardan çıkarılmıştır. Çalışmada elde edilen veriler, Tematik İçerik Analizi yöntemini kullanarak çözümlenmiştir. Tematik analiz sürecinde: verilerin kodlanması, temaların oluşturulması, temaların düzenlenmesi, bulguların tanımlanması ve yorumlanması aşamaları izlenmiştir. Yapılan görüşmeler sonucunda, çalışanların kabullenici, korunmacı ve koruma amaçlı sessizlik türlerine uygun ifadelere yer verdiği görülmüştür. Ayrıca, örgütsel sessizliği yordayan faktörlerden, örgütsel adalet, örgütsel bağlılık ve mobbing gibi faktörlerinden kaynaklı sessizliği tercih ettiklerini göstermiştir.
Asymmetric Bilateral Hip Dislocations with a Pulseless Left Lower Extremity
Authors: Hoffman Adam , Taylor Benjamin C.
Published: October 2019

Case:

Traumatic bilateral asymmetric hip dislocation represents an exceedingly rare injury pattern in which one hip dislocates anteriorly and the contralateral hip dislocates posteriorly. Few reports of this injury pattern have been published in the English literature, and no report of this pattern with arterial occlusion has been described. We report a case of asymmetric hip dislocations presenting with a pulseless lower extremity after a motor vehicle accident. No arterial injury was identified on computed tomography angiogram. Fractures of the proximal femur and acetabulum were also absent, bilaterally.

Conclusions:

We present a patient who patient underwent successful closed reduction with return of pulses in the left leg and required no further intervention for his hip dislocations.
Media Internal Berbasis Aplikasi PJB M-Office dan Kinerja Karyawan
Authors: Abadi Totok Wahyu , Permadi Fauji Bagus
Published: October 2019

None of the world-class corporations did not use communication information technology (ICT) in running their business wheels. ICT had become a social engineering technology for the advancement of a corporation. The purpose of this study discussed effect of use of internal media based on PJB mOffice, information accessibility, and corporate communication climate on employee performance. By using organizational communication theory, technology acceptance model (TAM) measured usefulness of PJB mOffice applications, information accessibility, corporate communication climate and employee performance. This study located at Pembangkitan Jawa-Bali Head Office in Surabaya with a sample of 82 permanent employees who installed and used the PJB mOffice application as respondents. Data was collected by questionnaires randomly. Analyzing data used multiple linear regression with SPSS 20. The results showed that the use of android-based internal relations media, information accessibility, and organizational communication climate simultaneously had an effect on employee performance. The most influential factor in employee performance was corporate communication climate. The better and conducive to the corporate communication climate, the higher the employee's performance. The use of android-based media internal relations and corporate information accessibility was not a determinant in improving employee performance.
Analisis Semiotik Iklan Mars Perindo
Authors: Zain Muhammad Dhaldiri , Febriana Poppy
Published: October 2019

This study aims to see what the meaning of Perindo Marching adverstiment is. This study used qualitative approach and semiotics method especially television codes proposed by John Fiske that divided into three levels. They are reality, representation, and ideology levels. The result showed that the meaning of Perindo marching tune is an effort of forming its identity to the society. Perindo marching advertisement showed the realization of people prosperity by Hary Tanoesoedibyo and looked at him as the candidate who will make Indonesia to be better. Perindo advertisement was a campaign media to introduce Hary Tanoesoedibyo to the society. The positive perception in this advertisement was making Perindo and Hary Tanoesoedibjo to be known and accepted and supported by society when the political season will come.
Naturally Occurring Asbestos: A Global Health Concern? State of the Art and Open Issues
Authors: Gualtieri Alessandro F.
Published: October 2019

Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) is a global public health issue because minerals that may be classified as asbestos are a common constituent of certain types of rock and soil, found in many regions on every continent. Disturbance of these rocks and soils, especially through construction activities, can result in airborne particles, leading to inhalation and risk of disease from these known human carcinogens. The presence of NOA in the environment affects all the human activities aimed at its modification, and all engineering/geological actions in the natural environment should take it into account. In the presence of NOA, specific procedures for sampling, evaluation of environmental risk, and monitoring should be applied to minimize the risk of exposure for the workers and the general public. Unfortunately, detailed procedures have been lacking to date, and consensus is difficult to achieve because basic issues, such as the definition of asbestos itself, are still open and being debated by scientists and regulators. While the term “asbestos” has been used in older geological publications, it is not currently defined by geologists. For the past century, “asbestos” was a commercial term used to describe minerals mined for specific purposes, and the term then entered the legal lexicon for purposes of control and compensation. All these basic matters are critically illustrated in the article. Finding clear and universally accepted definitions is mandatory; otherwise, there will continue to be controversial positions that can cause regulatory and legal issues and the outcome of lawsuits to be very subjective.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Mental and General Health Status of Informal Carers in Australia
Authors: Mohanty Itismita , Niyonsenga Theo
Published: October 2019

Background: The study investigated the self-assessed mental and general health status of informal carers in Australia. It evaluated the influence of carer’s health behaviours, namely: physical activity, smoking and drinking status; along with their social connectedness and workforce engagement on their health status.
Methods: The study used a retrospective longitudinal design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, waves 5-15 (2005-2015). It included individuals aged 15 years and older from Australian households surveyed over a period of 11 years. The sample consisted of 23,251 individuals. The outcome measures included: Mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire , a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life. Using fixed effects regression and following individuals over time, the analysis took care of the issue of individuals self-selecting themselves as carers due to some predisposing factors such as age, poor health, socioeconomic status and sedentary behaviour.
Results: There were statistically significant carer-noncarer status differences in mental (Beta = -0.587, p=0.003) and general health (Beta = -0.670, p=0.001) outcomes. Aging had a modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health outcomes. Older carers coped better with their caregiving responsibilities than younger ones. Moreover, while physical activities had a positive influence on both mental and general health for non-carers, with more activities generating better health outcomes, it only had a modifying impact on carers’ mental health. Furthermore, the study found that moderate levels of social drinking had beneficial modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health.
Conclusion: This study added value to the literature on informal carers’ mental and general health in Australia by identifying some of the protective and risk factors. The study found the modifying effects of carers’ age, health behaviours such as physical activity, smoking and drinking status on their health. Finally, the study identified an apparent beneficial link between moderate levels of social drinking and carer health that needs to be further explored with more targeted future research.
Post-lingual non-syndromic hearing loss phenotype: a novel homozygous missense mutation in MITF
Authors: Khalil Athar , Karroum Samer Bou , Barake Rana , Dunya Gabriel , Abou-Rizk Samer , Kamar Amina , Nemer Georges , Bassim Marc
Published: October 2019

Background Hearing loss (HL) represents the most common congenital sensory impairment with an incidence of 1-5 per 1000 live births. Non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is an isolated finding that is not part of any other disorder accounting for 70% of all genetic hearing loss cases. Methods In the current study, we report a multifactorial genetic mode of inheritance in a NSHL consanguineous family using exome sequencing technology. We evaluated the possible effects of the single nucleotide variants (SNVs) detected in our patients using in silico methods. Results Two bi-allelic SNVs were detected in the affected patients; a MYO15A (. p.V485A) variant, and a novel MITF (p.P338L) variant. Along with these homozygous mutations, we detected two heterozygous variants in well described hearing loss genes (MYO7A and MYH14). The novel p. Pro338Leu missense mutation on the MITF protein was predicted to change the protein structure and function. Conclusion The novel MITF variant is the first bi-allelic SNV in this gene to be associated with an autosomal recessive non-syndromic HL case with a post-lingual onset. Our findings highlight the importance of whole exome sequencing for a comprehensive assessment of the genetic heterogeneity of HL.
Patterns of physical activity and health-related quality of life amongst patients with multimorbidity in a multi-ethnic Asian population
Authors: Subramaniam Mythily , Zhang Yunjue , Lau Jue Hua , Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Abdin Edimansyah , Chong Siow Ann , Lee Eng Sing
Published: October 2019

Background: The co-occurrence of two or more chronic medical conditions in an individual is defined as multimorbidity. Lifestyle factors, including poor dietary patterns, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption are key modifiable risk factors that play a role in the development of chronic medical conditions and potentially multimorbidity. The current study aimed to examine the levels of physical activity among those with multimorbidity and its association with socio-demographic factors, clinical parameters, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among community-dwelling adults attending a primary care clinic in Singapore.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with multimorbidity between August 2014 and June 2016. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-3L). Data on clinical parameters like hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood pressure were collected from patient records. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and linear regression were performed to determine the association between IPAQ and clinical health outcomes, as well as HRQoL measures, respectively.
Results: In all, 932 respondents with multimorbidity were recruited for the study. Of them, 500 (53.8%) had low physical activity, 325 (35.0%) had moderate physical activity, while 104 (11.2%) had high physical activity. Respondents who were insufficiently active had significantly higher odds of being overweight/ obese (OR: 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1- 1.9, p = 0.01) as compared to those were sufficient physical active. The multiple linear regression model revealed that insufficient activity level was negatively associated with EQ-5D index scores (β = -0.05, p < 0.001) and the visual acuity scale measuring HRQoL as compared to sufficient activity levels in respondents with multimorbidity.
Conclusions: The low levels of physical activity among patients with multimorbidity, and its association with overweight status and poorer HRQoL emphasizes the importance of increasing physical activity in this population. Family physicians treating patients with chronic diseases need to continue encouraging and helping individuals to initiate and maintain appropriate physical activity levels.
Evaluation of an online knowledge translation intervention to promote cancer risk reduction behaviours: findings from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Neil-Sztramko Sarah , Belita Emily , Levinson Anthony , Boyko Jennifer , Dobbins Maureen
Published: October 2019

Background: Many cancers are preventable through lifestyle modification; however, few adults engage in behaviours that are in line with cancer prevention guidelines. This may be partly due to the mixed messages on effective cancer prevention strategies in popular media. The goal of the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (the Portal) is to increase access to trustworthy health information. The purpose of this study was to explore if and how knowledge translation strategies to disseminate cancer prevention evidence using the Portal influence participants’ knowledge, intentions and health behaviors related to cancer risk. Methods: Adults ≥40 years old, with no cancer history were randomized to a 12-week intervention (weekly emails and social media posts) or control group. Quantitative data on knowledge, intentions and behaviors (physical activity, diet, alcohol consumption and use of tobacco products) were collected at baseline, end of study and three months later. Participant engagement was assessed using Google Analytics, and participant satisfaction through open-ended survey questions and semi-structured interviews. Results: Participants (n = 557, mean age 64.9) were predominantly retired (72%) females (81%). Knowledge of cancer prevention guidelines was higher in the intervention group at end of study only (+0.3, p = 0.01). Intentions to follow cancer prevention guidelines increased in both groups, with no between-group differences. Intervention participants reported greater light-intensity physical activity at end of study (+0.7 vs. 0.1, p = 0.03), and reduced alcohol intake at follow u (-0.2 vs. + 0.3, p < 0.05), but no other between-group differences were found. Overall satisfaction with the Portal and intervention materials was high. Conclusions: Dissemination of evidence-based cancer prevention information through the Portal results in small increases in knowledge of risk-reduction strategies and with little to no impact on self-reported health behaviours, except in particular groups. Further tailoring of knowledge translation strategies may be needed to see more meaningful change in knowledge and health behaviours. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03186703, registered June 14, 2017
Transcriptomic profiling identifies candidate genes involved in salt tolerance of the xerophyte Pugionium cornutum
Authors: Cui Yan-Nong , Wang Fang-Zhen , Yang Cheng-Hang , Yuan Jian-Zhen , Guo Huan , Zhang Jin-Lin , Wang Suo-Min , Ma Qing
Published: October 2019

Background: Pugionium cornutum is a xerophytic plant that primarily adapts to salt stress by accumulating inorganic ions (e.g., Cl - ) for osmoregulation, improving its reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging ability and maintaining high photosynthetic carbon assimilation efficiency, but the associated molecular mechanisms still remain unclear.
Results : Here, we present an analysis of gene responses to salt stress based on the transcriptome of P. cornutum exposed to 50 mM NaCl treatment. The data revealed that, after NaCl treatment for 6 or 24 h, the transcript levels of multiple genes encoding proteins facilitating Cl - accumulation and NO 3 - homeostasis such as SLAH1, CLCg, CCC1, and NPF6.4, as well as the transport of other major inorganic osmoticums were significantly upregulated in roots and shoots, which should be favorable to enhancing osmotic adjustment capacity and maintaining the plant uptake and transport of nutrient elements; a large number of genes related to ROS-scavenging pathways were also significantly upregulated, which should be beneficial for mitigating salt-induced oxidative damage to the cell metabolism. Meanwhile, many genes encoding components of the photosynthetic electron transport and carbon fixation enzymes were significantly upregulated in shoots after salt treatment, possibly resulting in a high carbon assimilation efficiency in P. cornutum . Additionally, numerous salt-inducible transcription factor genes probably regulating the abovementioned processes were found.
Conclusion : Candidate genes involved in salt tolerance of P. cornutum were identified, which lays a preliminary foundation for clarifying the molecular mechanism of the xerophytes adapting to harsh environments.
Development of PATS: A tool to assess professionalism
Authors: Khan humaira Fayyaz , Yasmeen raheela , Ali Shabana , sadiq Tahira
Published: October 2019

Background:
Professionalism has become a specific requirement for medical graduates because of dissatisfaction regarding their preparedness to adequately deal with the challenges of the medical world. It should be assessed as a competency in the final year of study using a valid and reliable instrument. The purpose was to develop and validate a tool to assess the development of professionalism in final year medical students in the local context to assess the readiness of medical graduates.
Method:
This was a mixed method study. Micro scenarios for the preliminary instrument were developed after a focus group meeting. These were validated using a 3-round modified Delphi technique by email. Twenty-four participants responded in the first round, and 15 in the second and third rounds. After the first round, relevance of the item was obtained. The content validity ratio was calculated after second round. Cut off value for items were approximated to be 0.6 and 0.73 for modification and 0.8 for item retention. The second round revised analysis was sent to participants for the third round and the content validity index average and universal agreement were calculated. Cognitive pretesting was performed. Cronbach’s Alpha for reliability and Confirmatory factor analysis were carried out.
Results:
The focus group produced 46 micro-scenarios using a manual qualitative analysis. The first round of Delphi produced 35 items. On calculation of Content validity ratio 12 items were retained, 18 were revised and 5 were removed. Content validity index (I-CVI) and content validity scale (S-CVI) were 0.94 and 0.64 respectively. Pre-cognitive testing resulted in the modification of 4 items. The Confirmatory factor analysis was 4.1. Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.96.
Conclusion:
The final instrument developed has a 27 item 5-point Likert scale. It has good content validity, reliability and acceptable construct validity. The strength of the instrument is in its process of development i.e. focus group discussion, the iterative Delphi rounds, cognitive pre-testing and piloting. It can be used to assess the development of professionalism in final year medical students.
Keywords:
Professionalism, respect, altruism, honor and integrity, accountability, content validity, construct validity, cognitive pre-testing, and confirmatory factor analysis
Simple Carbohydrate Derivatives Diminish the Formation of Biofilm of Candida albicans
Authors: Ishchuk Olena P. , Sterner Olov , Ellervik Ulf , Manner Sophie
Published: October 2019

The opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans rely on cell morphological transitions to develop biofilm and invade the host. In the current study, we developed new regulatory molecules, which inhibit the morphological transition of C. albicans from yeast-form cells to cells forming hyphae. These compounds, benzyl α-L-fucopyranoside and benzyl β-D-xylopyranoside, inhibit the morphological switching and adhesion of C. albicans to a polystyrene surface, resulting in a reduced biofilm formation. The addition of cAMP to cells treated with α-L-fucopyranoside restored the yeast-hyphae switch and the biofilm level to that of the untreated control. In the β-D-xylopyranoside treated cells, the biofilm level was only partially restored by the addition of cAMP, and these cells remained mainly as yeast-form cells.
neoANT-HILL: an integrated tool for identification of potential neoantigens
Authors: Coelho Ana Carolina , de Souza Sandro
Published: October 2019

Background Cancer neoantigens have attracted great interest in immunotherapy due to their capacity to elicit antitumoral responses. These molecules arise from somatic mutations in cancer cells, resulting in alterations on the original protein. Neoantigens identification remains a challenging task due largely to a high rate of false-positives.Results We have developed an efficient and automated pipeline for the identification of potential neoantigens. neoANT-HILL integrates several immunogenomic analyses to improve neoantigen detection from NGS data. The pipeline has been compiled in a pre-built Docker image such that minimal computational background is required for download and setup. NeoANT-HILL was applied in the TCGA melanoma dataset and found several putative neoantigens including ones derived from the recurrent RAC1:P29S and SERPINB3:E250K mutations. neoANT-HILL was also used to identify potential neoantigens in RNA-Seq data with a high sensitivity and specificity.Conclusion neoANT-HILL is a user-friendly tool with a graphical interface that performs neoantigens prediction efficiently. neoANT-HILL is able to process multiple samples, provides several binding predictors, enables quantification of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and considers RNA-Seq data for identifying potential neoantigens. The software is available on Github at https://github.com/neoanthill/neoANT-HILL.
Psychometric properties of the new Persian version of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI-PV) and its short form (GAI -PV-SF)
Authors: Shati Mohsen , mortazavi Seyede salehe , Malakouti Seyed Kazem , Mehravaran Shiva ASCEND Center for Biomedical Research , Norouzi Ali , Pachana Nancy A.
Published: October 2019

Background The aim of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI-PV) and its short form (GAI-PV-SF) in a sample of older adults in Iran.Methods In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 150 community-dwelling and a psychogeriatric sample of 48 adults older than 60 years completed the GAI-PV and GAI-PV-SF, the anxiety sub-scale of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I).Results Both the GAI-PV and GAI-PV-SF exhibited excellent internal consistency and desirable concurrent validity against GHQ-28 and GDS-15. The optimal cutpoint score to detect current generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was 10/11 and 13/14 for GAI-PV in the community-dwelling and psychogeriatric samples, respectively, and 3/4 for GAI-PV-SF in both study samples. A good test-retest reliability and a single-factor structure were also demonstrated.Conclusion Sound psychometric properties of the GAI-PV in both subsamples suggest that the instrument could be used successfully as an accurate screening instrument in the elderly Iranian population.
Another face Of DMSO: Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the pluripotency and differentiation capacity of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Yi JunKoo , Ha Jae-Jung , Kim Dae-Hyun , Ryoo Zae-Young , Kim Sung-Hyun , Kim Myoung-Ok
Published: October 2019

Background Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) go through self-renewal in the existence of the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). LIF is add to the mouse stem cells culture medium, and its removal results in fast differentiation. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is one of the most general used solvents in drug test. Methods We exposed 4-day mESC cultures to different concentrations of DMSO (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) to identify the safest dose exhibiting efficacy as a solvent. mESCs grown under general pluripotency conditions in the absence of LIF were treated with DMSO. In addition, as a control for differentiation, mESCs were grown absence of LIF. Results DMSO downregulated the mRNA expression level of pluripotency markers. Moreover, DMSO reduced the mRNA expression levels of ectodermal marker (β-tubulin3) and a mesodermal marker (Hand1) and endodermal markers (Foxa2 and Sox17) in mESCs. These results indicate that DMSO treatment enhances the pluripotency and disrupts the differentiation of mESCs. We also show that members of the Tet oncogene family are critical to inhibiting the differentiation and methylation of mESCs. Conclusion DMSO is appropriate to sustain the pluripotency of mESCs in the absence of LIF, and that mESCs can be sustained in an undifferentiated state using DMSO. Therefore, DMSO may, in part, function as a substitute for LIF.
Recombinant rabies virus expressing chimeric Omp31/sodC or AHCY gene from Brucella melitensis elicits high level of antibodies and secretary cytokines in mice
Authors: Li Zhenguang , Zhu Hongwei , Yang Yanling , Wang Fengxue , Wang Menghang , Sun Na , Cheng Shipeng , Fu Zhen F. , Wen Yongjun
Published: October 2019

Background: The rabies virus (RV) vector LBNSE expressing foreign antigens has shown considerable promise as vaccines against viral and bacteria diseases, which is effective and safe. We produced a new RV-based vaccine vehicle expressing Brucella melitensis Omp31/sodC or AHCY gene by reverse genetics technology. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular and humoral immunity of recombinant viruses.
Results: The recombinant virus rLBNSE-SOD and rLBNSE-AHC retained growth properties similar to those of vector rLBNSE both in BSR and mNA cell culture. The Omp31/SODC and AHCY gene was expressed and detected by immunostaining. To compare the immunogenicity of LBNSE-SOD and LBNSE-AHC, mice were immunized with each of recombinant virus by intramuscular (i.m.). Then mice were bled at days 7, 14 after the immunization for the measurement of cytokines and virus neutralizing antibody (VNAs). The parent virus (LBNSE) without expression of any foreign molecules was included for comparison. It was found that mice inoculated with LBNSE-SOD and LBNSE-AHC showed no any signs of disease and exhibited seroconversion against RV. Our findings showed that mice were immunized with each of these recombinant RVs by intramuscular (i.m.) developed efficacy cellular and humoral immunity. The mRNA level of cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2; IL-4 and IL-10) and VNA level against rabies virus in the blood of mice were increasing after immunization with recombinant RVs. There were no obvious histopathological changes in the brain samples of all mice.
Conclusions: The studies suggested that recombinant RVs expressing Omp31/SodC or AHCY gene would elicit high level of antibodies and secretary cytokines and provided a promising vaccine candidate in mice.