bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAFE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AS AN OBJECT OF PEDAGOGICAL DESIGN
Authors: Alexаndrоvnа Akimоvа Lyubоv , Valeryevna Chikeneva Irina
Published: October 2019

Purpose of the study: The main task of this research is to analyze the scientific points of view on a safe educational environment.

Methodology: When writing this scientific work, an analysis was conducted of various sources (scientific monographs and publications) on the topic of creating a safe educational environment. Such methods as analysis and synthesis were used, a systematic approach to data analysis was also applied.

Main Findings: The pedagogical reflection of safety is focused on the problem of providing safe conditions for the reproduction of a viable generation, which actualizes the need for the special design of a safe educational environment for students and the preparation of bachelors of education in this direction. The need to design an educational environment to ensure the safety of students stems from their lack of ability to ensure personal safety and the targeted educational priorities in reproducing a viable generation.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The design of a safe educational environment in its turn is regarded as a special creation of opportunities for human self-development, which involves the introduction of innovations in the organization of the educational process to minimize risks to physical, mental and social well-being, as well as to ensure the quality of education.
Enhancing CV feedback: Providing feedback to students and graduates using screencasting technology
Authors: Coney Keren , Simkins Ben
Published: October 2019

Literature suggests that using screencasting technology increases the quality of feedback. However, there appears to be an absence of published work on using screencasting to provide feedback to students/graduates on their CVs. This mixed methods study aims to address this gap in the literature, exploring perceptions of students/graduates who received CV feedback via screencasting. Evidence from a small quantitative survey (n=79) and a focus group (n=4) suggested that the participants found the feedback via screencasting was easy to understand and personalised. Objective measures of the participants’ CVs suggested that the changes participants madefollowing feedback had improved their CVs.
A helping hand: The role of career guidance in finding the right career pathway for at-risk students in three European contexts
Authors: Schmitsek Szilvia
Published: October 2019

This paper explores the educational experiences of young people who had been at risk of dropping out and gained a qualification at a second chance provision. It is based on comparative fieldwork in England, Denmark and Hungary with empirical data collected from observations; and 28 interviews with former students. By listening to the voices of students, the analysis focused on the relevance of different sources of support. The findings revealed that individual study pathways and intensified guidance effort led stu dents to pursue their career in higher education and/or in the labour market.
Áreas de Preservação Permanente e seus serviços ambientais
Authors: Monteiro Josita Soares , Cruz Jussara Cabral , Padilha Damáris Gonçalves , Baumhardt Edner
Published: October 2019

The Permanent Preservation Areas (APP), along watercourses, are determined based on the width of these. However, it is believed that there are more relevant factors, such as environmental services offered by APPs. The present study sought to compile studies that address environmental services from the APPs, such as subsidies for a better understanding on the subject. It was observed that, although there are equations for estimating the minimum width of APPs, some authors argue that the lack of a definitive method for establishing this width that allows for satisfactory protection of the watercourse. Some claim that without studies of the dynamics that occur in the riparian area, there is no way to conclude the distances expressed numerically for APPs are consistent with the principles of preservation for which they propose. Due to different methodologies and parameters involved in the delimitation of APP, are distinct bands of width settings for the same function in the same section of river. Thus, it is considered that one can only make widths indicative of areas to be kept vegetated or revegetated depending on the type of environmental service than expected, without, however, having to determine the proper width to serve simultaneously to all the services.
Genetic selection of Calophyllum brasiliense for seed orchards
Authors: Schühli Guilherme Schnell , Oliveira Thiago Wendling Gonçalves de , Oliveira Maria do Socorro Padilha de , Fowler João Antônio Pereira
Published: October 2019

Calophyllum brasiliense populations are under severe depletion and criteria to improve production and quality of propagative material are therefore necessary. Genetic measures have the potential to reduce consanguinity and maximize allelic representation within target populations. Here, we explored genetic values for this species in a small relic of natural forest in Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil). The objective was to evaluate the potential of some genetic measures for seed orchard establishment. As genomic information of native trees is still scarce, we opted to use a dominant marker: RAPD. DNA from 17 phenotypically superior trees was obtained through the CTAB method and submitted for amplification by PCR. Electrophoresis and electronic documentation was then conducted. We calculated the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB), gene diversity (Ht), Shannon’s information index (i), genetic distance (UPGMA) and parsimony analysis. Six primers were evaluated generating 34 loci. We found high genetic diversity PPB=70.6% with Ht=0.28 and i=0.41. Genetic relationships were reported in dendrograms (maximum parsimony and distance). Simulated sampling within and among clusters suggests that inter cluster sampling is more effective to capture the genetic diversity.
Seleção de genótipos de batata-doce quanto à eficiência ao uso do fósforo em solos da região de cerrado
Authors: Da Silva Luziano Lopes , Da Silveira Márcio Antônio , Fidelis Rodrigo Ribeiro , Tavares Rodrigo de Castro , Momenté Valéria Gomes , Do Nascimento Ildon Rodrigues
Published: October 2019

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (l.) Lam.) Lam) is a plant that produces tuberous root belonging to the family convolvulácea explored in practically all states of Brazil. The objective of this work was to select genotypes of the sweet potato as the efficiency of phosphorus use in cerrado soils with high and low availability of this nutrient. Were evaluated nine genotypes of sweet potato coming from the germplasm bank from the Federal University of the Tocantins, Brazil. The experimental design was in randomized block design with three replications being nine genotypes grown in two environments with low and high phosphorus availability, using doses of phosphorus fertilization from 20 and 120 kg ha-1 P2O5, applied at planting. To select genotypes suitable for environments proposed was used methodology for selection of the efficient use and response to phosphorus fertilization (efficiency and response). Genotype Amanda was classified as efficient and responsive, Barbara, Julia, Marcela and Carolina Vitoria as efficient, but not responsive and Livia, Duda, Ana Clara and Beatriz were classified as non-efficient, responsive but the absorption and utilization of phosphorus.
Two Approaches to Philosophically Analyzing Language
Authors: Матерна П.
Published: October 2019

According to some philosophers we can distinguish two trends in dealing with (especially natural) language. One of them is older and uses explications that simplify the richness of the language, so that the result of its efforts is an artificial image of language not corresponding to its real shape. The more recent trend tries to capture all the richness of the language together with all its irregularities and is represented mainly by Quine’s and later Wittgenstein’s philosophy. The older trend (I call it $\textit{analytic group}$, $\textbf{AG}$, here) is sometimes criticized as being somehow obsolete while the more recent trend (called here $\textit{Q-W group}$, $\textbf{Q-W}$, here) is then evaluated as more promising (more ‘progressive’). I try to show that $\textbf{AG}$ is incomparable with $\textbf{Q-W}$ because both try to answer distinct questions, solve distinct problems. (A comparison could be realized on the higher level of evaluating the choice of problems itself, which is another topic.)
Game Theoretical Semantic for Relevant Logic
Authors: Васюков В. Л.
Published: October 2019

In 1979 D.E. Over proposed game theoretical semantics for first-degree entailment formulated by Anderson and Belnap. In order to extend this approach to include other systems of relevant logc (e.g., $\boldsymbol{R}$) we have two promoting facts. Firstly, there is Routley- Meyer’s situational semantic for system$\boldsymbol{R}$ of relevant logic. Secondly, this semantics shows some resemblance with W__ojcicki’s situational semantic of non-fregean logic for which the situational game semantics was developed by author exploiting essentially the notion of non-fregean games. In the paper an attempt is done to give a partial account of these results and some conception of situational games developed which laid down into foundation of the game theoretical semantics of relevant logic $\boldsymbol{R}$.
On First-order Theories Which Can Be Represented by Definitions
Authors: Shalack V. I.
Published: October 2019

In the paper we consider the classical logicism program restricted to first-order logic.The main result of this paper is the proof of the theorem, which contains the necessary and sufficient conditions for a mathematical theory to be reducible to logic. Those and only those theories, which don’t impose restrictions on the size of their domains, can be reduced to pure logic.
Among such theories we can mention the elementary theory of groups, the theory of combinators (combinatory logic), the elementary theory of topoi and many others.
It is interesting to note that the initial formulation of the problem of reduction of mathematics to logic is principally insoluble. As we know all theorems of logic are true in the models with any number of elements. At the same time, many mathematical theories impose restrictions on size of their models. For example, all models of arithmetic have an infinite number of elements. If arithmetic was reducible to logic, it would had finite models, including an one-element model. But this is impossible in view of the axiom $0 \neq x'$.
Пустые термины в логике У. Оккама: к чему отсылают химеры
Authors: Копылова Анастасия Олеговна
Published: October 2019

Статья посвящена проблеме суппозиции терминов в предложениях о вымышленных объектах и их условиям истинности в учении Уильяма Оккама. У. Оккам является одной из главных фигур схоластического номинализма. Его онтологическая позиция достаточно радикальна и предполагает признание $\textit{реального}$ существования только двух типов сущностей – единичных субстанций и качеств. Элиминация универсалий из онтологической системы У.~Оккама привела к трансформации существовавших ранее семантических теорий, в частности теории суппозиции. В реконструкции, ставшей классической, суппозиция сближалась с референцией, однако в 2000-е годы К. Дьютил-Новаэш предлагается реконструкция, в рамках которой суппозиция понимается как теория пропозициональных значений. Этот подход предполагает понимание суппозиции как интенсиональной, а не экстенсиональной теории. Одним из ключевых аргументов в пользу данной интерпретации служит суппозиция в предложениях о вымышленных объектах. На наш взгляд, данный аргумент вызывает затруднения. Термин, отсылающий к вымышленным объектам, не может иметь персональную, но лишь простую или материальную суппозицию. Вымышленные объекты У. Оккам называет невозможными. Химера является невозможным объектом, потому что она понимается как то, что составлено из нескольких различных животных. Свойство быть смесью различных животных ведет к тому, что данная вещь должна включать в себя несколько субстанциальных форм, однако это исключено, поскольку то, что имеет больше чем одну субстанциальную форму, не может существовать в мире. Хотя объект является невозможным, термин, который к нему отсылает, может быть как субъектом, так и предикатом предложения. В учении У. Оккама утвердительные предложения о вымышленных объектах всегда будут ложными, так как в мире отсутствуют реально существующие химеры. Это, на наш взгляд, свидетельствует о том, что предложения о невозможных объектах скорее могут быть аргументом для экстенсионального, чем для интенсионального понимания суппозиции.
Конечная аксиоматизируемость квазинормальных модальных логик
Authors: Горбунов Игорь Анатольевич
Published: October 2019

Квазиномальными модальными логиками называют логики в модальном языке, которые содержат логику ${\bf K}$, замкнуты по правилу modus ponens и для которых не постулирована
замкнутость относительно правила Гёделя. До последнего времени этим логикам уделялось мало внимания, несмотря на то, что среди первых систем модальных логик, сформулированных К. И. Льюисом, содержались и квазинормальные логики. Здесь мы рассмотрим вопрос о конечной аксиоматизируемости квазинормальных модальных логик.

Как известно, квазинормальный напарник логики ${\bf K}$ не имеет конечной аксиоматизации. Кроме того, существуют и другие модальные нормальные конечно-аксиоматизируемые логики, квазинормальные напарники которых не имеют конечной аксиоматизации, например логика ${\bf D}$. Поэтому вопрос о конечной аксиоматизируемости той или иной модальной квазинормальной логики нетривиален.

Отметим, что известные частные критерии конечной аксиоматизируемости квазинормальных логик сформулированы только для квазинормальных напарников нормальных модальных логик.

В данной работе получено обобщение этих частных критериев на случай произвольных квазинормальных модальных логик, попутно указана возможная аксиоматизация этих логик. Таким образом, получен частный критерий конечной аксиоматизируемости, общий как для квазинормальных напарников нормальных логик, так и для квазинормальных логик, которые таковыми не являются.

Также в работе приведен алгоритм, который по относительной аксиоматизации квазинормальной логики $L$ над квазинормальным вариантом логики ${\bf K}$ дает абсолютную аксиоматизацию логики $L$.

Отдельно рассмотрены аксиоматизации расширений логики ${\bf K4}$. Сформулирован частный критерий конечной аксиоматизируемости расширений этой логики. Приведен алгоритм, который по относительной аксиоматизации квазинормальной логики $L$ над квазинормальным вариантом логики ${\bf K4}$ дает абсолютную аксиоматизацию логики $L$.
Accuracy of in vitro mandibular volumetric measurements from CBCT of different voxel sizes with different segmentation threshold settings
Authors: Dong Ting , Xia Lunguo , cai chenglin , Yuan Lingjun , Ye Nainsong , Fang Bing
Published: October 2019

Background: To determine the accuracy of volumetric measurements of the mandible in vitro by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to analyze the inﬂuence of voxel sizes and segmentation threshold settings on it. Methods：The samples were obtained from pig mandibles and scanned with 4 voxel sizes: .125 mm, .20 mm, .30 mm, and .40 mm. The minimum segmentation thresholds in Hounsﬁeld units (HU) were set as 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively, for each voxel size for 3D reconstruction. Laser scanning as the reference, the volumes of each CBCT scanning, the mean iterative distances of superimposition and total positive and negative deviations were recorded and compared. Results：The volumes of CBCT-scan deviated from those of laser-scan by +7.67% to -3.05% with different HU and voxel sizes. The deviation increased with the voxel size. There was a more suitable minimum HU threshold of segmentation (HU100 for .125 mm, 200 for .20 mm, 300 for .30 mm, and 400 for .40 mm) for each voxel size. Conclusions：Voxel sizes and Hounsfield unit thresholds influence the accuracy of volumetric measurements in CBCT scanning. The volume increase with the voxel size, and different voxel sizes correspond to different optimal Hounsfield unit thresholds.
Females Fall More From Heights But Males Survive Less Among A Geriatric Population: Insights From An American Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman , Tilley Elizabeth , Al-Thani Hassan , Latifi Rifat
Published: October 2019

Background

Approximately one third of subjects ≥65 year old and half of subjects ≥80 years old sustain a fall injury each year. We aimed to study the outcomes of fall from a height (FFH) among older adults. We hypothesized that in an elderly population, fall-related injury and mortality are the same in both genders.Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted between January 2012 and December 2016 in patients who sustained fall injury at age of at least 60 years and were admitted into a Level 1 Trauma center. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Gp-I: 60-69, Gp-II: 70-79 and Gp-III: ≥80 years old. Data were analyzed and compared using Chi-square, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression analysis tests.Results

Forty-three percent (3665/8528) of adult trauma patients had FFH and 59.5% (2181) were ≥ 60 years old and 52% were women. The risk of fall increased with age with an Odd ratio (OR) 1.52 for age 70-79 and an OR 3.40 for ≥80.
Females fell 1.2 times more (age-adjusted OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.05-1.45) and 47% of ≥80 years old suffered FFH. Two-thirds of FFH occurred at a height ≤1 meter. Injury severity (ISS, NISS and GCS) were worse in Gp-II, lower extremities max Abbreviated Injury score (max AIS) was higher in Gp-III. Overall mortality was 8.7% (Gp-I 3.6% vs. 11.3% in Gp-II and 14% in Gp- III). Males showed higher mortality than females in the entire age groups (Gp-I: 4.6% vs 1%, Gp-II: 12.9% vs 4.2% and Gp-III: 17.3% vs 6.9% respectively). On multivariate analysis, shock index (OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.27-11.33) and male gender (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.69-4.16) were independent predictors of mortality.Conclusions

Fall from a height is more common in older adult female patients, but male patients have worse outcomes. Preventive measures for falls at home still are needed for the older adults of both genders.
A Qualitative Transcriptional Signature for Predicting Microsatellite Instability Status of Right-sided Colon Cancer
Authors: Fu Yelin , Qi Lishuang , Guo Wenbing , Jin Liangliang , Song Kai , You Tianyi , Zhang Shuobo , Gu Yunyan , Zhao Wenyuan , Guo Zheng
Published: October 2019

Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) accounts for about 15% of colorectal cancer and is associated with prognosis. Today, MSI is usually detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification of specific microsatellite markers. However, the instability is identified by comparing the length of microsatellite repeats in tumor and normal samples. In this work, we developed a qualitative transcriptional signature to individually predict MSI status for right-sided colon cancer (RCC) based on tumor samples. Results: Using RCC samples, based on the relative expression orderings (REOs) of gene pairs, we extracted a signature consisting of 10 gene pairs (10-GPS) to predict MSI status for RCC through a feature selection process. A sample is predicted as MSI when the gene expression orderings of at least 7 gene pairs vote for MSI; otherwise the microsatellite stability (MSS). The classification performance reached the largest F-score in the training dataset. This signature was verified in four independent datasets of RCCs with the F-scores of 1, 0.9630, 0.9412 and 0.8798, respectively. Additionally, the hierarchical clustering analyses and molecular features also supported the correctness of the reclassifications of the MSI status by 10-GPS. Conclusions: The qualitative transcriptional signature can be used to classify MSI status of RCC samples at the individualized level.
Identification and analysis of long non-coding RNAs that are involved in inflammatory process in response to transmissible gastroenteritis virus infection
Authors: Ma Xuelian , Zhao Xiaomin , Wang Kaili , Tang Xiaoyi , Guo Jianxiong , Mi Mi , Qi Yanping , Chang Lingling , Huang Yong , Tong Dewen
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background: Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) infection can cause acute inflammation. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in a number of biological process including inflammation response. However, whether lncRNAs participate in TGEV-induced inflammation in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPECs) is largely unknown.

Results: In this study, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology was used to analyze the profiles of lncRNAs in Mock and TGEV-infected porcine intestinal epithelial cell-jejunum 2 (IPEC-J2) cell line. A total of 106 lncRNAs were differentially expressed. Many differentially expressed lncRNAs act as elements to competitively attach microRNAs (miRNAs) which target to messenger RNA (mRNAs ) to mediate expression of genes that related to Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and RIG-I-like receptor s (RLRs) pathways. Functional analysis of the binding proteins and the up/down-stream genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs revealed that lncRNAs were principally related to inflammatory response. Meanwhile, we found that the differentially expressed lncRNA TCONS_00058367 might lead to a reduction of phosphorylation of transcription factor p65 (p-p65) in TGEV-infected IPEC-J2 cells by negatively regulating its antisense gene romyelocytic leukemia (PML ).

Conclusions: The data showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs might be involved in inflammatory response induced by TGEV through acting as miRNA sponges, regulating their up/down-stream genes, or directly binding proteins.
Acceptability of the BATHE technique amongst GPs and frequently attending patients in primary care: a nested qualitative study
Authors: Thomas Clare , Cramer Helen , Jackson Sue , Kessler David , Metcalfe Chris , Record Charlie , Barnes Rebecca K.
Published: October 2019

Background

BATHE is a brief psychosocial intervention designed for physician use in patient consultations. The technique has gained some international recognition, but there is currently limited research evidence to demonstrate its acceptability and benefits to patient care. We conducted a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial and feasibility study to explore the use of BATHE as a key component of a person-focused intervention to improve the care of frequent attending patients in UK primary care.Methods

A nested qualitative interview study conducted within a pilot trial. The trial took place in six general practices in the South West of England. Eligible patients had been identified as being in the top 3% of attenders in the previous 12 months. General practitioners (GPs) were trained to use BATHE during a one-hour initial training session, and two top-up trainings which included feedback on implementation fidelity. GPs were asked to use BATHE with their study patients for a period of 12 months. 34 GPs were trained and documented using BATHE in a total of 577 consultations with eligible patients during the intervention period. At the end of the intervention period, GPs and study patients from the intervention practices were invited to take part in an interview. Interviews were semi-structured, audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used.Results

Eleven GPs and 16 patients took part in post-intervention interviews. Benefits of using BATHE included making consultations more person-centred, challenging assumptions that the GP knew what was going on for the patient and their main concerns, and supporting self-management. Difficulties reported included changing existing consultation habits, identifying appropriate consultations in which to use BATHE, and organisational constraints.Conclusions

The study suggests that using BATHE is both acceptable and beneficial but also highlighted some of the difficulties GPs had incorporating BATHE into routine practice. Strategies to reduce these difficulties are needed before the extent of the potential benefits of BATHE can be fully assessed.
An assessment for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Modalities for Management of Pediatric Iron Defficiency Anemia in Saudi Arabia: a Crossectional Study
Authors: Sulayyim Hadi J Al , Omari Ali Al , Badri Motasim
Published: October 2019

Abstract (249 words).

Introduction : Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global public health issue that affect more than 2 billion individuals worldwide. However evidence for optimal management of IDA is lacking.
Methods : To assess the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic modalities for pediatric IDA employed by physicians in a major public healthcare facility in Riyadh, a validated questionnaire including demographic data and patient case-scenarios related to diagnosis and treatment of IDA was employed. Robust regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with overall score of participants.
Results : Of the 166 physicians surveyed 147(88.6%) were included in the study. Wide variability was observed in IDA diagnosis and therapy practises. For nutritional IDA, only 15.6% recommended no other laboratory tests in addition to CBC. The majority preferred treatment with ferrous sulfate (77.6%) divided into two doses (57.1%), but the total daily elemental iron doses varied widely from 2 to 6 mg/kg. For intravenous iron, 42.9% recommended iron dextran, 32.7% iron sucrose, and 13.4% would continue oral iron. Of all assessed factors, median score was significantly highest in pediatric hematologists compared with pediatricians, family medicine specialists and GPs; p=0.007, and those work in tertiary care compared with those in primary care; p=0.043. However, in multivariate robust regression analysis, overall score was only significantly associated with professional qualification [pediatric hematologist β= 13.71,95%CI 2.48-24.95, p=0.017; pediatrician β= 1.77,95%C (-6.05-9.59, p=0.66; family medicine β= 2.66,95%CI-4.30-9.58, p=0.45 compared with general practitioner].

Conclusion : Wide variations exist among physicians in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric IDA. Intervention programs and national guidelines are urgently needed.
Three-dimensional photographic analysis of the face in European adults from southern Spain with normal occlusion: reference anthropometric measurements
Authors: López-Mateos María Luisa Menendez , Carreño-Carreño Javier , Palma Juan Carlos , ALARCON JOSE ANTONIO , López-Mateos Cristina Menendez , Menéndez-Núñez Mario
Published: October 2019

Background Recent non-invasive 3D photography method has been applied to facial analysis, offering numerous advantages in orthodontic. The purpose of this study was to analyze the faces of a sample of healthy European adults from southern Spain with normal occlusion in order to establish reference facial soft tissue anthropometric parameters in this specific geographic-ethnic population, as well as to analyze sexual dimorphism. Methods A sample of 100 healthy adult volunteers consisting of 50 women (mean age, 22.92 ± 1.56 years) and 50 men (mean age, 22.37 ± 2.12 years) were enrolled in this study. All participants had normal occlusion, skeletal Class I, mesofacial pattern, and healthy body mass index. Three-dimensional photographs of the faces were captured non-invasively using Planmeca ProMax 3D ProFace®. Thirty landmarks related to the face, eyes, nose, and orolabial and chin areas were identified. Results Male displayed higher values in all vertical and transversal dimensions, with the exception of the lower lip height. Larger differences between sexes were observed in face, mandible, and nose. Male also had higher values in the angular measurements which referred to the nose. No sex differences were found in transverse upper lip prominence or transverse mandibular prominence. No differences were found in the ratio measurements, with the exception of intercantal width/nasal width, which was higher in women than in men. Conclusions Reference anthropometric measurements of facial soft tissues have been established in European adults from southern Spain with normal occlusion. Significant sexual dimorphism was found, with remarkable differences in size between sexes.
Measles and Mumps Outbreaks in Lebanon : Trends and Links
Authors: Zarif Talal El , Kassir Mohamed Faisal , Bizri Nazih , Kassir Ghida , Musharrafieh Umayya , Bizri Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2019

Abstract:
Background: Lebanon has experienced several measles and mumps outbreaks in the past twenty years . In this article, the trend of measles outbreaks in Lebanon was studied in an attempt to outline factors contributing to the failure of elimination plans, and to provide potential solutions. The relationship between measles and mumps outbreaks in Lebanon was described and explored.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of confirmed cases of measles and mumps in Lebanon between 2003 and 2018 collected from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health Epidemiological Surveillance Unit public database was carried out. The information collected was graphically represented taking into consideration dates of cases, age groups affected, and vaccination status.
Results: The mean number of measles cases was 150.25 cases/year in the 1-4 years age group, 87 cases/year in individuals aging between 5 and 14, and 63.68 cases/year in those > 14 years old. In the latter group, only 18.05% were unvaccinated. The mean number of mumps cases was 30.4 cases/year in the <4 year age group and 53.8 cases/year in the 10-19 years age group. During the study period, every spike in measles cases was followed by a similar spike in mumps. 9.66% of measles cases occurred in individuals who received at least 2 doses of the vaccine, 52.26% in the unvaccinated, and 38% in those whose vaccination status was undetermined.
Conclusions: Measles in Lebanon is a disease of the pediatric population, but adults remain at risk. Outbreaks of mumps followed those of measles and were mainly among adolescents. Presence of a large number of Syrian refugees in the country may further complicate the situation. Vaccination activities need to be intensified.
Keywords: Measles, mumps, elimination, vaccine, Lebanon.
Accuracy of Prescribing Documentation by UK Junior Doctors Undertaking Psychiatry Placements: a Multi-centre Observational Study
Authors: Dey Mrinalini , Buhagiar Kurt , Jabbar Farid
Published: October 2019

Objectives : Medical records are critical to patient care, but often contain incomplete information. In UK hospitals, record-keeping is traditionally undertaken by junior doctors, who are increasingly completing early-career placements in psychiatry, but negative attitudes towards psychiatry may affect their performance. Little is known about the accuracy of medical records in psychiatry in general. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) pertinent to clinical decision-making (“rationale”) for prescribing completed by junior doctors during a psychiatry placement, focusing on the differences between psychotropic vs. non-psychotropic drugs and the temporal association during their placement.
Results : EMRs of 276 participants yielding 780 ward round entries were analysed, 100% of which were completed by Foundation Year or General Practice specialty training junior doctors rather than more senior clinicians. Compared with non-psychotropic drugs, documentation of prescribing rationale for psychotropic drugs was less likely (OR=0.24, 95% CI 0.16-0.36, p <0.001). The rate of rationale documentation significantly declined over time especially for psychotropic drugs ( p <0.001). Prescribing documentation of non-psychotropic drugs for people with mental illness is paradoxically more accurate than that of psychotropic drugs. Early-career junior doctors are therefore increasingly shaping EMRs of people receiving psychiatric care.
Potential biological control of the pupal stage of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria pseudobassiana in the winter season in Chile
Authors: Altimira Fabiola , Barra Nathalia De La , Rebufel Patricia , Soto Sylvana , Soto Rodrigo , Estay Patricia , Vitta Nancy , Tapia Eduardo
Published: October 2019

Objective: Lobesia botrana, the European grapevine moth, affects Vitis vinifera L. and other species of economic importance in a number of countries through damage caused by its larvae in berries and associated secondary diseases such as Botrytis cinerea . Control of the moth in urban areas is difficult due to poor chemical management of infested plants in houses. Additionally, in winter, L. botrana is in its pupal stage covered with a cocoon that prevents the penetration of chemical pesticides. For this reason, the objective of this work was to control the pupal stage with a formulation based on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria pseudobassiana in urban areas.
Results: The strain RGM 1747 was identified as B. pseudobassiana by multilocus sequence analysis . The biocontrol activity of this formulated fungus against the infestation of vines with breeding pupae without cocoons showed 100% infection 21 days after inoculation under winter conditions. Finally, the biocontrol activity of the formulated fungus against natural infestations of L. botrana in winter in urban areas reached an efficacy of 51%. This result suggests that the B. pseudobassiana formulation is able to penetrate the cocoon and contributes to the integrated pest management of L. botrana .
Genomic content of chemosensory genes correlates with host range in wood-boring beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae, Agrilus planipennis, and Anoplophora glabripennis)
Authors: Andersson Martin N. , Keeling Christopher I. , Mitchell Robert F.
Published: October 2019

Background
Olfaction and gustation underlie behaviors that are crucial for insect fitness, such as host and mate selection. The detection of semiochemicals is mediated via proteins from large and rapidly evolving chemosensory gene families; however, the links between a species’ ecology and the diversification of these genes remain poorly understood. Hence, we annotated the chemosensory genes from genomes of wood-boring coleopterans, and compared the gene repertoires from stenophagous species with those from polyphagous species.

Results
We annotated 86 odorant receptors (ORs), 60 gustatory receptors (GRs), 57 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 4 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 36 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and 11 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) in the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), and 47 ORs, 30 GRs, 31 IRs, 4 SNMPs, 12 OBPs, and 14 CSPs in the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). Four SNMPs and 17 CSPs were annotated in the polyphagous wood-borer Anoplophora glabripennis. The gene repertoires in the stenophagous D. ponderosae and A. planipennis are reduced compared with those in the polyphagous A. glabripennis and T. castaneum, which is largely manifested through small gene lineage expansions and entire lineage losses. Alternative splicing of GR genes was limited in D. ponderosae and apparently absent in A. planipennis, which also seems to have lost one carbon dioxide receptor (GR1). A. planipennis has two SNMPs, which are related to SNMP3 in T. castaneum. D. ponderosae has two alternatively spliced OBP genes, a novel OBP “tetramer”, and as many as eleven IR75 members. Simple orthology was generally rare in beetles; however, we found one clade with orthologues of putative bitter-taste GRs (named the "GR215 clade"), and conservation of IR60a from Drosophila melanogaster.

Conclusions
Our genome annotations represent important quantitative and qualitative improvements of the original datasets derived from transcriptomes of D. ponderosae and A. planipennis, facilitating evolutionary analysis of chemosensory genes in the Coleoptera where only a few genomes were previously annotated. Our analysis suggests a correlation between chemosensory gene content and host specificity in beetles. Future studies should include additional species to consolidate this correlation, and functionally characterize identified proteins as an important step towards improved control of these pests.
A Comparison of Ocular Trauma Scores in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Awidi Abdelhalim , Kraus Courtney L
Published: October 2019

Objective: Pediatric ocular trauma represents a major concern for ophthalmologists. Delays in presentation, incomplete exams, inaccurate visual acuity (VA) results, and amblyopia can limit accurately predicting final visual outcomes in pediatric eye trauma. We performed a retrospective clinical study to describe the demographics and causes of eye trauma. We also compared 2 ocular trauma scoring systems, one specifically designed for pediatric trauma, to classify injuries and determine which better predicted VA outcomes. A retrospective chart review of 3 years of pediatric globe trauma was performed. Analysis was focused on mechanisms of injury and VA outcomes. Complex factors that may worsen outcomes were recorded. Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) and Pediatric Ocular Trauma Score (POTS) were used to assign Groups 1-5 to each case. Group 1 was poorest prognosis, Group 5 best. Association between Group and final VA was examined. Accuracy of the two systems was compared. Results: 23 children met eligibility criteria (13 male). Initial VA averaged 20/200 (range no light perception (NLP) – 20/20). Final VA was 20/150 (range NLP - 20/20). Objects of injury were sharp metallic household objects (7), miscellaneous (4), toys (3), BB pellets (2), stick/wood (2), pencil/pen (1).
Tobacco Use and Associated Risk Factors in Burkina Faso: Results from a Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Kadari Cissé , Tiéba Millogo , Gautier Ouédraogo H. , Franck Garanet , Mariam Ouedraogo A. , Gabriela Boyle , Sékou Samadoulougou , Seni Kouanda , Fati Kirakoya-Samadoulougou
Published: October 2019

Background: Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Studies characterizing the prevalence of tobacco use in low-income countries are lacking. This study describes the prevalence of tobacco use in Burkina Faso and its associated factors.
Methods: Data from the 2013 Burkina Faso World Health Organization (WHO) Stepwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) were analyzed. The prevalence of any tobacco product use, cigarette smoking, and other tobacco use was calculated. Logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with tobacco use. Overall, 4,691 people were included in this analysis.
Results: The prevalence of any tobacco use was 19.8% (95% CI: 18.4–21.2). Tobacco use was higher for men (29.2% [27.0–31.5]) than women (11.8% [10.3–13.4]). The prevalence of smoked tobacco was 11.3% (10.3–12.4), with a significantly higher prevalence among men (24.5% [22.1–27.0]) than women (0.1% [0.01–0.3]). The overall prevalence of other tobacco use was 8.9% (7.4–10.7), with lower values for men (5.6% [4.1–7.2]) compared to women (11.7% [9.4–14.1]). Tobacco smoking among men was significantly associated with an increased age and alcohol consumption. The analysis of risk factors for other tobacco use stratified by gender showed that age, education, residence, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with consumption for women, and age and alcohol consumption for men.
Conclusion: Tobacco use is common in Burkina Faso. To effectively reduce tobacco use in Burkina Faso, a comprehensive tobacco control program should consider associated factors, such as gender, age, and alcohol consumption.
Patient’s perception of kidney stone prevention within the emergency department and its adherence factors: A single institution study.
Authors: Moussa Mohamad , Chakra Mohamed Abou
Published: October 2019

Background:
No known data in the literature assessing practice of kidney stone prevention in the emergency department (ED) is available.
Objectives:
Assess patient perception and compliance to kidney stone prevention given within the emergency department. It also indirectly detects the attitude and practice patterns of primary care providers in kidney stone prevention.
Materials and Methods
This is a qualitative study done in a single institution from January 2018 to January 2019 that includes 99 patients that were diagnosed with kidney or ureteral stone in ED and were discharged home, all of them where stone formers. They were asked to fill a self- administered questionnaire when they are able to read, or interviewed by the resident within the ED when they are unable to read.
Results
The majority of patients (68%) did not receive any instructions about kidney stones prevention within the ED. Most of patients who follow instructions if it was given were educated (90 %), had an insurance coverage (85%), and had an income higher than $1000 per month (76%), (p<0.05).
Seventy one percents of patients believe in the effectiveness of stone prevention if it was provided and most of them are interested in learning about these preventive strategies (82%).
Reasons for not following the instructions about kidney stones prevention measures were the cost (53.1%) following by the lack of explanation by ED physicians (18.8%).
The majority of patients (62.6%) prefer to receive kidney stones prevention measures from urologists.
Conclusion:
Most of patients in our institute did not receive kidney stones prevention measures in ED despite that they declared their interest in following these measures. Most of the time they did not adhere to those measures due to socioeconomic factors and lack of clarifications. If these instructions were given within the ED, it could lead to an acceptable compliance rate.
Clonal diversity of Haemophilus influenzae carriage isolated from under the age of 6 years children
Authors: Shooraj Fahimeh , Author) Bahman Mirzaei(Former Corresponding , Author) Seyed Fazlollah Mousavi(New Corresponding , Hosseini Farzaneh
Published: October 2019

Objectives: Pharyngeal carriers such as H. influenzae seem to constitute the only reservoir and probably the only transmission vehicle of the invasive disease. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of H. influenzae carriage, to characterize antibiotic susceptibility, and to explore genetic diversity of H. influenzae isolates. Sampling was carried out as nasopharynx swabs among children less than 6 years old volunteers. After traditional biochemical tests, isolates were confirmed by targeting omp6 sequence. Following the susceptibility tests, genomic diversity of strains was analyzed by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis procedure.
Results: Out of 328 nasopharynx swabs,73 strains were identified as H. influenzae. Among H. influenzae isolates, resistance to chloramphenicol (42%) and ampicillin (43%) was observed. Levofloxacin is the most effective antibiotic and the least effect belonged to tetracycline. By genomic analysis of selected H. influenza, 28 PFGE patterns were achieved among which 11 patterns included at least 2 strains. All strains clustered into 25 different clones. The dendrogram analysis of the isolated H. influenzae strains showed that some of these strains had a clonal relationship and common genetic origin. According to our results, antibiotic resistance didn’t show any significant correlation with the clonality of strains.
Transcriptomic evidence connecting low aggression to disease risk in honey bees
Authors: Rittschof Clare C , Rubin Benjamin E.R. , Palmer Joseph H.
Published: October 2019

Background: Many organisms display a generalized suite of behaviors that indicate infection or predict infection susceptibility. We apply this concept to honey bee aggression, a behavior that has been associated with positive health outcomes in previous studies. We sequenced the transcriptomes of the brain, fat body, and midgut of adult sibling worker bees who developed as pre-adults in relatively high versus low aggression colonies. Previous studies showed that this pre-adult experience impacted both aggressive behavior and resilience to pesticides. We performed enrichment analyses on differentially expressed genes to determine whether variation in aggression resembles the molecular response to infection. We further assessed whether the transcriptomic signature of aggression in the brain overlapped with that observed following acute predator threat, exposure to a high-aggression environment as an adult, or changes associated with adult behavioral maturation.
Results: Across all three tissues assessed, genes that are differentially expressed as a function of aggression significantly overlap with genes whose expression is modulated by a variety of pathogens. In the fat body, and to a lesser degree the midgut, we find evidence of directional concordance consistent with the hypothesis that low aggression resembles a diseased or parasitized state. However, we find little evidence of acute infection in low aggression individuals. Furthermore, we find little evidence that the brain molecular signature of aggression in the current study is enriched for genes modulated by either ephemeral or stable social cues that induce aggression in adults. However, we do find evidence that genes associated with adult behavioral maturation are enriched in our brain samples, with no clear directional bias.
Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis that low aggression resembles a molecular state associated with infection. This pattern is most robust in the peripheral fat body, an immune responsive tissue in the honey bee. Although these results are correlative, we find no evidence of acute infection in low aggression bees, suggesting the physiological state associated with low aggression may predispose bees to negative health outcomes. The similarity of molecular signatures associated with the seemingly disparate traits of aggression and disease suggests that these characteristics may, in fact, be intimately tied.