bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Arthroscopic Lamina-Specific Double-Row Repair of Large Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears in Active Patients
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Kizaki Kazuha , Funakoshi Noboru , Yamashita Fumiharu , Mizuno Yasuyuki , Shirai Takaaki , Kobayashi Masahiko
Published: April 2019

Background:

The presence of delamination and a larger rotator cuff tear (RCT) size have been associated with poorer outcomes in rotator cuff repair. Therefore, we developed a new surgical procedure, arthroscopic lamina-specific double-row fixation (ALSDR), for the repair of large delaminated RCTs.

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical outcomes, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and satisfaction with several variables after ALSDR for large delaminated RCTs.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 30 active patients (mean age, 59.1 years) undergoing ALSDR were assessed by a numeric rating scale (NRS; 0-10) for pain, surgery, work, and exercise as well as American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant, and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores at a mean of 65.9 months postoperatively. Rotator cuff integrity was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. The Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) was used to determine the correlation between clinical and NRS scores.

Results:

Five patients (16.7%) had a retear. Each of the postoperative functional and NRS scores except the NRS work score was significantly better in the healed shoulders than in the shoulders with a retear ( P < .001). The NRS pain score showed a significant negative correlation with ASES, Constant, and SST scores (ρ = −0.775, −0.668, and −0.742, respectively; P < .001 for all). The NRS surgery score had a positive correlation with Constant and SST scores (ρ = 0.393 [ P = .032] and ρ = 0.456 [ P = .011], respectively). The NRS work score had a positive correlation with ASES, Constant, and SST scores (ρ = 0.382 [ P = .037], ρ = 0.386 [ P = .035], and ρ = 0.414 [ P = .023], respectively). The NRS exercise score had a positive correlation with ASES, Constant, and SST scores (ρ = 0.567 [ P = .001], ρ = 0.511 [ P = .004], and ρ = 0.639 [ P < .001], respectively).

Conclusion:

Our results showed that there was a significant correlation between clinical and NRS scores. The results indicate that ALSDR can provide a high degree of functionality and can be a useful alternative treatment for active patients with large delaminated RCTs.
An Economic Evaluation of a Comprehensive School-Based Caries Prevention Program
Authors: Huang S.S. , Ruff R.R. , Niederman R.
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Current economic evaluations of school-based caries prevention programs (SCPPs) do not compare multiple types of SCPPs against each other and do not consider teeth beyond permanent first molars.

Objectives:

To assess the cost-effectiveness of a comprehensive SCPP relative to an SCPP focused on delivering sealants for permanent first molars only and to a default of no SCPP. Based on a societal perspective, a simulation model was used that compared the health and cost impacts on 1) permanent first molars only and 2) all posterior teeth.

Methods:

To calibrate the model, we used data from CariedAway, a comprehensive SCPP that used glass ionomer to prevent and arrest active decay among children. We then evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness of implementing 3 alternate school-based approaches (comprehensive, sealant only, and no program) on only first molars and all posterior teeth. Probabilistic, 1-, and 2-way sensitivity analyses are included for robustness. Cost-effectiveness is assessed with a threshold of $54,639 per averted disability-adjusted life year (DALY).

Results:

We first compared the 3 programs under the assumption of treating only first molars. This assessment indicated that CariedAway was less cost-effective than school-based sealant programs (SSPs): the resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for CariedAway versus SSPs was $283,455 per averted DALY. However, when the model was extended to include CariedAway’s treatment of all posterior teeth, CariedAway was not only cost-effective but also cost-saving relative to SSPs (ICER, –$943,460.88 per averted DALY; net cost, –$261.45) and no SCPP (ICER, –$400,645.52 per averted DALY; net cost, –$239.77).

Conclusions:

This study finds that economic evaluations assessing only cost and health impacts on permanent first molars may underestimate the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive SCPPs 1) preventing and arresting decay and 2) treating all teeth. Hence, there is an urgent need for economic evaluations of SCPPs to assess cost and health impacts across teeth beyond only permanent first molars.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study can be used by policy makers to understand how to evaluate economic evaluations of school-based caries prevention programs and what factors to consider when deciding on what types of programs to implement.
The influence of desilication/dealumination processes on the physicochemical properties of clinoptilolite
Authors: Wojciechowska Kamila
Published: April 2019

A clinoptilolite was exposed to treatments with acid and base solutions that caused desilication, dealumination or a combination of both. The mineralogical and physicochemical properties of clinoptilolite were studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area, differential thermogravimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. The studies provided insight into the structural and textural properties of the treated zeolite. The applied post-synthesis modification techniques proved to be effective for the generation of secondary mesopores.
Constraints on the Equations of State of stiff anisotropic minerals: rutile, and the implications for rutile elastic barometry
Authors: Zaffiro Gabriele , Angel Ross J. , Alvaro Matteo
Published: April 2019

We present an assessment of the thermo-elastic behaviour of rutile based on X-ray diffraction data and direct elastic measurements available in the literature. The data confirms that the quasi-harmonic approximation is not valid for rutile because rutile exhibits substantial anisotropic thermal pressure, meaning that the unit-cell parameters change significantly along isochors. Simultaneous fitting of both the diffraction and elasticity data yields parameters ofKTR0= 205.14(15) GPa,KSR0= 207.30(14) GPa,$K_{TR0}^{\prime} $= 6.9(4) in a 3rd-order Birch-Murnaghan Equation of State for compression, αV0= 2.526(16) × 10–5K–1, Einstein temperature θE= 328(12) K, Anderson-Grüneisen parameter δT= 7.6(6), with a fixed thermal Grüneisen parameter γ = 1.4 to describe the thermal expansion and variation of bulk modulus with temperature at room pressure. This Equation of State fits all of the available data up to 7.3 GPa at room temperature, and up to 1100 K at room pressure within its uncertainties. We also present a series of formulations and a simple protocol to obtain thermodynamically consistent Equations of State for the volume and the unit-cell parameters for stiff materials, such as rutile. In combination with published data for garnets, the Equation of State for rutile indicates that rutile inclusions trapped inside garnets in metamorphic rocks should exhibit negative residual pressures when measured at room conditions.
Does anthropometric status at 6 months predict the over-dispersion of malaria infections in children aged 6–18 months? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bendabenda Jaden , Patson Noel , Hallamaa Lotta , Ashorn Ulla , Dewey Kathryn G. , Ashorn Per , Maleta Kenneth
Published: April 2019

Background

In malaria-endemic settings, a small proportion of children suffer repeated malaria infections, contributing to most of the malaria cases, yet underlying factors are not fully understood. This study was aimed to determine whether undernutrition predicts this over-dispersion of malaria infections in children aged 6–18 months in settings of high malaria and undernutrition prevalence.

Methods

Prospective cohort study, conducted in Mangochi, Malawi. Six-months-old infants were enrolled and had length-for-age z-scores (LAZ), weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ), and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) assessed. Data were collected for ‘presumed’, clinical, and rapid diagnostic test (RDT)-confirmed malaria until 18 months. Malaria microscopy was done at 6 and 18 months. Negative binomial regression was used for malaria incidence and modified Poisson regression for malaria prevalence.

Results

Of the 2723 children enrolled, 2561 (94%) had anthropometry and malaria data. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) of LAZ, WAZ, and WLZ at 6 months were − 1.4 (1.1), − 0.7 (1.2), and 0.3 (1.1), respectively. The mean (SD) incidences of ‘presumed’, clinical, and RDT-confirmed malaria from 6 to 18 months were: 1.1 (1.6), 0.4 (0.8), and 1.3 (2.0) episodes/year, respectively. Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia was 4.8% at 6 months and 9.6% at 18 months. Higher WLZ at 6 months was associated with lower prevalence of malaria parasitaemia at 18 months (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67 to 0.94, p = 0.007), but not with incidences of ‘presumed’ malaria (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.97, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.02, p = 0.190), clinical malaria (IRR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.12, p = 0.571), RDT-confirmed malaria (IRR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.06, p = 0.950). LAZ and WAZ at 6 months were not associated with malaria outcomes. Household assets, maternal education, and food insecurity were significantly associated with malaria. There were significant variations in hospital-diagnosed malaria by study site.

Conclusion

In children aged 6–18 months living in malaria-endemic settings, LAZ, WAZ, and WLZ do not predict malaria incidence. However, WLZ may be associated with prevalence of malaria. Socio-economic and micro-geographic factors may explain the variations in malaria, but these require further study.

Trial registrationNCT00945698. Registered July 24, 2009,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00945698, NCT01239693. Registered Nov 11, 2010,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01239693
Volunteered or Voluntold? The Motivations and Perceived Outcomes of Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentors of Undergraduate Researchers
Authors: Limeri Lisa B. , Asif Muhammad Zaka , Dolan Erin L.
Published: April 2019

Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers (postgraduates) in the life sciences frequently mentor undergraduate researchers, especially at research universities. Yet there has been only modest investigation of this relationship from the postgraduate perspective. We conducted an exploratory study of the experiences of 32 postgraduate mentors from diverse institutions, life sciences disciplines, and types of research to examine their motivations for mentoring and their perceived outcomes. Although some postgraduates reported feeling pressured to mentor undergraduate researchers, all expressed personal motivations, including both agentic (self-focused) and communal (community-focused) motivations. These postgraduates reported benefits and costs of mentoring that had both vocational and psychosocial elements. Given that our results indicated that even postgraduates who engaged in mentoring at the request of their faculty advisors had their own motivations, we conducted a second phase of analysis to determine the extent to which our results aligned with different theories of motivation (self-determination theory, social cognitive career theory, expectancy-value theory, social exchange theory). We end by proposing a model of postgraduate mentoring of undergraduate researchers that integrates the theories supported by our findings.
Uncertainty and Correlation in Seismic Vulnerability Functions of Building Classes
Authors: Silva Vitor
Published: April 2019

The majority of the existing seismic risk studies use a deterministic approach to define vulnerability functions, despite the well-recognized large variability in the probability of loss ratio conditional on ground-shaking intensities. This study explored a statistical framework to simulate this variability, considering the existing correlation between assets separated by a given distance. The impact that these vulnerability modeling approaches may have in probabilistic seismic risk assessment is evaluated considering three fictitious building portfolios with distinct characteristics. To this end, loss exceedance curves and average annualized losses are compared, and recommendations are drawn regarding the optimal vulnerability modeling approach.
Clinician Perspectives on Electronic Health Records, Communication, and Patient Safety Across Diverse Medical Oncology Practices
Authors: Patel Minal R. , Friese Christopher R. , Mendelsohn-Victor Kari , Fauer Alex J. , Ghosh Bidisha , Bedard Louise , Griggs Jennifer J. , Manojlovich Milisa
Published: April 2019

PURPOSE:

We know little about how increased technological sophistication of clinical practices affects safety of chemotherapy delivery in the outpatient setting. This study investigated to what degree electronic health records (EHRs), satisfaction with technology, and quality of clinician-to-clinician communication enable a safety culture.

METHODS:

We measured actions consistent with a safety culture, satisfaction with practice technology, and quality of clinician communication using validated instruments among 297 oncology nurses and prescribers in a statewide collaborative. We constructed an index to reflect practice reliance on EHRs (1 = “all paper” to 5 = “all electronic”). Linear regression models (with robust SEs to account for clustering) examined relationships between independent variables of interest and safety. Models were adjusted for clinician age.

RESULTS:

The survey response rate was 68% (76% for nurses and 59% for prescribers). The mean (standard deviation) safety score was 5.3 (1.1), with a practice-level range of 4.9 to 5.4. Prescribers reported fewer safety actions than nurses. Higher satisfaction with technology and higher-quality clinician communication were significantly associated with increased safety actions, whereas increased reliance on EHRs was significantly associated with lower safety actions.

CONCLUSION:

Practices vary in their performance of patient safety actions. Supporting clinicians to integrate technology and strengthen communication are promising intervention targets. The inverse relationship between reliance on EHRs and safety suggests that technology may not facilitate clinicians’ ability to attend to patient safety. Efforts to improve cancer care quality should focus on more seamless integration of EHRs into routine care delivery and emphasize increasing the capacity of all care clinicians to communicate effectively and coordinate efforts when administering high-risk treatments in ambulatory settings.
Clinical Factors Associated With Cost in Head and Neck Cancer: Implications for a Bundled Payment Model
Authors: Tom Martin C. , Ross Richard B. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Adelstein David J. , Lorenz Robert R. , Burkey Brian B. , Shah Chirag , Suh John H. , Bolwell Brian J. , Savage Craig , Platz Scott , Ward Matthew C.
Published: April 2019

PURPOSE:

To determine which factors influence cost in head and neck cancer (HNC) to inform the development of a bundled payment model (BPM).

METHODS:

Patients with stages 0 to IVB (by American Joint Commission on Cancer, 7th edition) HNC of various sites and histology treated definitively at a single tertiary care center during 2013 were included. Clinical variables and direct cost data were obtained, and their associations were investigated using χ2, t, Wilcoxon rank sum, and analysis of variance testing. Results were used to develop a BPM.

RESULTS:

One hundred fifty patients were included; 87% were white, 74% were men, 48% had oropharyngeal cancer, and 58% had stage IVA disease. Treatment consisted of surgery alone (17%), radiation alone (11%), surgery plus radiation (14%), chemoradiation (45%), and surgery plus chemoradiation (13%). On multivariable analysis, both increasing group stage and number of treatment modalities used were significantly associated with higher cost. Given that stage often dictates treatment, we developed three cost tiers that were based on overall treatment modality. Tier A, the least costly, consisted of single-modality therapy with either surgery alone or radiation alone (median cost divided by the median overall cost of treatment, 0.54; 25th to 75th percentile range, 0.29 to 1.02), followed by tier B, which consisted of bimodality therapy with either chemoradiation or surgery plus radiation (1.03; range, 0.81 to 1.35), followed by tier C, which consisted of trimodality therapy with surgery plus chemoradiation (1.43; range, 1.10 to 1.96).

CONCLUSION:

The number of treatment modalities required is the primary driver of cost in HNC. These data can simplify development of a comprehensive HNC BPM.
Plasma Free Cortisol in States of Normal and Altered Binding Globulins: Implications for Adrenal Insufficiency Diagnosis
Authors: Dichtel Laura E , Schorr Melanie , Loures de Assis Claudia , Rao Elizabeth M , Sims Jessica K , Corey Kathleen E , Kohli Puja , Sluss Patrick M , McPhaul Michael J , Miller Karen K
Published: April 2019

Context

Accurate diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is critical because there are risks associated with overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Data using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) free cortisol (FC) assays in states of high or low cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) levels, including cirrhosis, critical illness, and oral estrogen use, are needed.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Objective

Determine the relationship between CBG and albumin as well as total cortisol (TC) and FC in states of normal and abnormal CBG. Establish the FC level by LC/MS/MS that best predicts TC of <18 μg/dL (497 nmol/L) (standard adrenal insufficiency diagnostic cutoff) in healthy individuals.

Subjects

This study included a total of 338 subjects in four groups: healthy control (HC) subjects (n = 243), patients with cirrhosis (n = 38), intensive care unit patients (ICU) (n = 26), and oral contraceptive (OCP) users (n = 31).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

FC and TC by LC/MS/MS, albumin by spectrophotometry, and CBG by ELISA.

Results

TC correlated with FC in the ICU (R = 0.91), HC (R = 0.90), cirrhosis (R = 0.86), and OCP (R = 0.70) groups (all P < 0.0001). In receiver operator curve analysis in the HC group, FC of 0.9 μg/dL (24.8 nmol/L) predicted TC of <18 μg/dL (497 nmol/L; 98% sensitivity, 91% specificity; AUC, 0.98; P < 0.0001). Decreasing the cutoff to 0.7 μg/dL led to a small decrease in sensitivity (92%) with similar specificity (91%).

Conclusions

A cutoff FC of <0.9 μg/dL (25 nmol/L) in this LC/MS/MS assay predicts TC of <18 μg/dL (497 nmol/L) with excellent sensitivity and specificity. This FC cutoff may be helpful in ruling out adrenal insufficiency in patients with binding globulin derangements.
eIF4G2 balances its own mRNA translation via a PCBP2-based feedback loop
Authors: Smirnova Victoria V. , Shestakova Ekaterina D. , Bikmetov Dmitry V. , Chugunova Anastasia A. , Osterman Ilya A. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Sergeeva Olga V. , Zatsepin Timofey S. , Shatsky Ivan N. , Terenin Ilya M.
Published: April 2019

Poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2, hnRNP E2) is one of the most abundant RNA-binding proteins in mammalian cells. In humans, it exists in seven isoforms, which are assumed to play similar roles in cells. The protein is shown to bind 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTRs) of many mRNAs and regulate their translation and/or stability, but nothing is known about the functional consequences of PCBP2 binding to 5′-UTRs. Here we show that the PCBP2 isoform f interacts with the 5′-UTRs of mRNAs encoding eIF4G2 (a translation initiation factor with a yet unknown mechanism of action, also known as DAP5) and Cyclin I, and inhibits their translation in vitro and in cultured cells, while the PCBP2 isoform e only affects Cyclin I translation. Furthermore, eIF4G2 participates in a cap-dependent translation of the PCBP2 mRNA. Thus, PCBP2 and eIF4G2 seem to regulate one another's expression via a novel type of feedback loop formed by the translation initiation factor and the RNA-binding protein.
No-Wait Scheduling for Locks
Authors: Passchyn Ward , Briskorn Dirk , Spieksma Frits C. R.
Published: April 2019

We introduce and investigate the problem of scheduling a single lock with parallel chambers. Special cases of this problem are related to interval scheduling. We focus on the existence of no-wait schedules and characterize their feasibility for a lock consisting of two chambers using new graph-theoretical concepts. We obtain a linear time algorithm for this special case. We also provide an efficient algorithm for the case where all chambers of the lock are identical. Furthermore, we describe a dynamic programming algorithm for the general case with arbitrary chambers. Finally, we indicate how our methods for the no-wait case can be applied to practical settings where waiting time is unavoidable.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Mechanisms, Risk Factors and the Role of the Nurse
Authors: Brennan Deborah L , Powell Andrew D
Published: April 2019

Epilepsy is a disease that can have significant effects upon a person's life. A subject discussed less frequently is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This article summarises the main risk factors for its occurrence; notably, seizure types, medications management and sleeping position. It discusses potential pathophysiological mechanisms, including the emerging research on laryngospasm and the role that genetics may play in increasing risk. Finally, it identifies several nursing responsibilities within the structure of a SUDEP checklist that have been shown to improve patient outcomes. It discusses how these responsibilities are underpinned by patient education and the need for all nurses to develop their own knowledge of epilepsy and SUDEP to facilitate this.
Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Recognition: Using Co-Design to Improve Patient Self-Reports
Authors: d’Young Fiona , Samadi Nazila , Boyd Hilary , Pereira Jennifer , Andrews Carol , Radak Predrag
Published: April 2019

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are encouraged to report suspected relapses to their MS specialist nurse (MSN) so that appropriate care can be co-ordinated. However, this is not always straightforward, as MS relapses can be difficult for patients to recognise and, sometimes, complicated even for clinicians, especially GPs, to diagnose; this is recognised as a factor contributing to under-reporting of symptoms. This article describes the outcomes of a service improvement project that used co-design methodology to gain an understanding of the factors influencing relapse under-reporting, leading to the redesign of an existing MS relapse service and the development of a patient self-reporting tool and a complementary tool designed to guide relapse management for GPs.
Assessment and Treatment of Central Post-Stroke Pain: an Overview
Authors: Sayat Alvin Ryan G , Mestecky Ann-Marie , Hassanzadeh Ateyeh
Published: April 2019

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of central post-stroke pain (CPSP). CPSP is a specific type of neuropathic pain that is caused by disruption to the normal pain pathways within the brain following stroke. The normal pain pathways and mechanisms of CPSP are outlined here, and the importance of a comprehensive pain assessment and a multidisciplinary approach to management are considered. CPSP is more difficult to treat than nociceptive pain and can cause considerable suffering. Moreover, it can have a significant impact on the patient's engagement with rehabilitation and on their psychological wellbeing. There is wide variability in individual response to pharmacological treatment, from significant benefit to little or no benefit. Non-pharmacological treatments are sometimes employed in medication-resistant cases, and include motor cortex stimulation and deep brain stimulation. However, evidence for their use is limited.
Decorin Expression in Human Vulva Carcinoma: Oncosuppressive Effect of Decorin cDNA Transduction on Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Nyman Marie C. , Jokilammi Anne B. , Boström Pia C. , Kurki Samu H. , Sainio Annele O. , Grenman Seija E. , Orte Katri J. , Hietanen Sakari H. , Elenius Klaus , Järveläinen Hannu T.
Published: April 2019

The extracellular matrix proteoglycan decorin is well-known for its oncosuppressive activity. Here, decorin expression was examined in human vulva carcinoma tissue samples and in primary and commercial cell lines representing this malignant disease. Furthermore, the effect of adenovirus-mediated decorin cDNA (Ad-DCN) transduction on the viability, proliferation, and the expression and activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB/HER) family members of the cell lines were investigated. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for decorin, it was demonstrated that malignant cells in human vulva carcinoma tissues lack decorin expression. This result was true independently on tumor stage, grade or human papillomavirus status. RT-qPCR analyses showed that the human vulva carcinoma cell lines used in this study were also negative for decorin expression. Transduction of the cell lines with Ad-DCN caused a marked reduction in cell viability, while the proliferation of the cells was not affected. Experiments examining potential mechanisms behind the oncosuppressive effect of Ad-DCN transduction revealed that ErbB2/HER2 expression and activity in carcinoma cells were markedly downregulated. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that human vulva carcinoma cells lack decorin expression, and that Ad-DCN transduction of these cells induces oncosuppressive activity in part via downregulation of ErbB2/HER2.
Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Circulating Cell-Free DNA by Methylated CpG Tandem Amplification and Sequencing
Authors: Li Jingyi , Zhou Xin , Liu Xiaomeng , Ren Jie , Wang Jilian , Wang Wendong , Zheng Yuxuan , Shi Xinyun , Sun Tao , Li Zhifei , Kang Anding , Tang Fuchou , Wen Lu , Fu Wei
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Aberrant DNA hypermethylation of CpG islands occurs frequently throughout the genome in human colorectal cancer (CRC). A genome-wide DNA hypermethylation analysis technique using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is attractive for the noninvasive early detection of CRC and discrimination between CRC and other cancer types.

METHODS

We applied the methylated CpG tandem amplification and sequencing (MCTA-Seq) method, with a fully methylated molecules algorithm, to plasma samples from patients with CRC (n = 147) and controls (n = 136), as well as cancer and adjacent noncancerous tissue samples (n = 66). We also comparatively analyzed plasma samples from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 36).

RESULTS

Dozens of DNA hypermethylation markers including known (e.g., SEPT9 and IKZF1) and novel (e.g., EMBP1, KCNQ5, CHST11, APBB1IP, and TJP2) genes were identified for effectively detecting CRC in cfDNA. A panel of 80 markers discriminated early-stage CRC patients and controls with a clinical sensitivity of 74% and clinical specificity of 90%. Patients with early-stage CRC and HCC could be discriminated at clinical sensitivities of approximately 70% by another panel of 128 markers.

CONCLUSIONS

MCTA-Seq is a promising method for the noninvasive detection of CRC.
Trematodiasis occurrence in cattle along the Progo River, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Rinca Korbinianus Feribertus , Prastowo Joko , Widodo Dwi Priyo , Nugraheni Yudhi Ratna
Published: April 2019

Aim: This study aimed to measure the occurrence of trematodiasis in cattle along the Progo River, a district of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The findings help to establish the magnitude of the disease and encourage prevention and treatment of this condition.

Materials and Methods: Trematode eggs were extracted from 100 fecal samples collected from cattle. The eggs were examined using the sedimentation technique, and the method of Parfitt and Banks was used to differentiate Paramphistomum spp. eggs from Fasciola spp. eggs.

Results: The infection rate of trematode parasites was 50%. Cattle experienced multiple infections of both Paramphistomum spp. and Fasciola spp., as well as single infections of one species or the other. All breeds were vulnerable to infections of both trematode species, although different cattle breeds, including Peranakan Ongole crossbreeds, Simmental crossbreeds, and Limousin crossbreeds, showed differences in infection rate. The highest rate of infection with Paramphistomum spp. (15.78%) occurred in the Simmental crossbreeds. The highest rate of infection (31.57%) with Fasciola spp. was in the Peranakan Ongole crossbreeds. Multiple infections of both Paramphistomum spp. and Fasciola spp. were highest in Simmental crossbreed cattle (28.97%).

Conclusion: The high infection rates of trematode parasites found in fecal samples, particularly of Fasciola spp., indicate that the cattle along the Progo River in Indonesia experience a high rate of trematodiasis disease.
Molecular Composition of and Potential Health Benefits Offered by Natural East African Virgin Sunflower Oil Products: A 400 MHz 1H NMR Analysis Study
Authors: Percival Benita , Savel Etienne , Ampem Gilbert , Gibson Miles , Edgar Mark , Jafari Fereshteh , Woodason Katy , Frederick Kianna , Wilson Philippe , Grootveld Martin
Published: April 2019

Objectives:
Sunflower oil (SFO) is regularly employed for cosmetic, emollient and food frying purposes, the latter representing its foremost use globally. Therefore, full investigations of the molecular composition and quality of SFO products are a major requirement. In this study high-field 1H NMR analysis was employed to explore the molecular composition and authenticities of East African virgin (EAV) SFO products, particularly their acylglycerol fatty acid contents, together with those of selected minor constituents. Results acquired were statistically compared to those obtained on commercially-available, EU-approved refined SFO products via NMR-linked multivariate chemometrics strategies.

Methodology:
High-field 1H NMR spectra of EAV and refined SFOs (n = 55 and 4 respectively) were acquired at an operating frequency of 400 MHz. Their triacylglycerol fatty acid, triacylglycerol hydrolysis product, and sterol and stanol contents were determined via intelligent frequency bucketing and electronic integration of selected resonances. Univariate analysis-of-variance, and multivariate ROC curve evaluations were conducted to determine the magnitude and statistical significance of analyte concentration differences between these two sample classifications. Further multivariate NMR-linked chemometrics analyses such as principal component, random forest and support vector machine classification analyses were also utilised for this purpose.

Key Results:
Multicomponent 1H NMR analysis demonstrated that EAV SFOs had significantly higher and lower contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), respectively, than those of refined SFOs. Furthermore, significantly higher concentrations of ‘health-friendly’, cholesterol-blocking sterols and stanols were also found in these virgin SFO products.

Major Conclusions:
1H NMR analysis provides much valuable molecular information regarding the composition and virginal status of SFOs.The high [MUFA]:[PUFA] content ratio of unrefined EAV SFO products renders them more suitable and safer for commercial or domestic deep-frying episodes than refined SFOs (MUFAs are much more resistant to thermally-induced peroxidation than PUFAs). These products also potentially offer valuable health benefits in view of their high natural sterol and stanol contents.
Novel Circulating miRNA Signatures for Early Detection of Pancreatic Neoplasia
Authors: Vila-Navarro Elena , Duran-Sanchon Saray , Vila-Casadesús Maria , Moreira Leticia , Ginès Àngels , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Lozano Juan José , Bujanda Luis , Castells Antoni , Gironella Meritxell
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents the lowest survival rate of all cancers because only 6% of patients reach five-year survival. Alterations in the expression of several microRNAs (miRNAs) occur in the tumor of PDAC and in preneoplastic lesions as the called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Here, we aimed at identifying which miRNAs are significantly altered in liquid biopsies from patients with PDAC and IPMN to find new noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of PDAC.

METHODS:

We analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) the expression of 17 circulating miRNAs, previously found to be significantly overexpressed in tissue pancreatic neoplasms, in a set of 182 plasma samples (94 PDAC, 19 IPMN, 18 chronic pancreatitis, and 51 disease-free controls). Then, we analyzed CA19.9 levels in the same plasma set, and we assessed the diagnostic values of differentially expressed miRNAs, CA19.9, and all possible combinations.

RESULTS:

Of note, 16, 14, and 9 miRNAs were significantly increased in PDAC, IPMN, and chronic pancreatitis, respectively, compared with control plasmas. miR-21-5p, miR-33a-3p, miR-320a, and miR-93-5p showed the highest discriminating capacity for pancreatic neoplasia (PDAC or IPMN) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.86, 0.85, 0.85, and 0.80, respectively. 2-miRNA combinations improved these performances reaching AUC = 0.90 for “miR-33a-3p+miR-320a.” Addition of CA19.9 increased the diagnostic potential of miRNA signatures even further achieving an AUC of 0.95 (93% sensitivity and 85% specificity) for the combination of “miR-33a-3p+miR-320a+CA19.9.”

CONCLUSIONS:

Novel signatures combining miRNAs and CA19.9 could be used as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of PDAC.
Breaking the Pendulum: Una sugerente lectura agonística sobre la penalidada
Authors: Rochow Diego , Brandariz José Ángel
Published: April 2019

lDurante el año 2017 se publicó uno de los ibros más relevantes de los últimos años en el estudio del castigo y la sociedad: Breaking the Pendulum: The Long Struggle Over Criminal Justice. En este artículo presentamos una revisión general de la obra a través de la descripción de sus principales aportes teóricos a la disciplina, así como las consecuencias que podría generar su marco metodológico para el estudio de la penalidad en Latinoamérica. Destacamos, especialmente, las críticas que realizan sus autores a los relatos «epocales» en el campo penal y sus conexiones con la realidad de la región. Asimismo, presentamos algunas lecciones teóricas que pueden extraerse de la obra, al situarla en diálogo con parte de los últimos desarrollos criminológicos y socio-jurídicos sobre la penalidad.
Entrevista com Luciano Cintra
Authors: Cintra Luciano , Alcalde Murilo Priori
Published: April 2019

» Graduado em Odontologia pela Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba – Unesp (1997-2000).
» Especialista em Endodontia pela Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba – Unesp (2001-2002).
» Mestre em Odontologia, área de Endodontia, pela Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru – USP (2003-2005).
» Doutor em Clínica Odontológica, área de Endodontia, pela Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba – Unicamp (2005-2008).
» Pós-doutor pela Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM (2011).
» Livre-docente pela Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba – Unesp (2014).
» Professor Associado da Disciplina de Endodontia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba – Unesp, desde 2010.
» Coordenador do Curso de Especialização em Endodontia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba – Unesp.
» Coordenador do Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Odontológica da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba – Unesp.
Investigation of the effect of local vibration on injection pain in invasive dental filling treatments
Lokal vibrasyon uygulamasının invaziv diş dolgu tedavilerinde enjeksiyon ağrısına etkisinin incelenmesi
Authors: Alp Hayriye Baltaoğlu , Karabekiroğlu Said
Published: April 2019

Research problem: Dental injection and the fear of pain are among the reasons why dental patients are delayed treatment and do not come to their appointments. njection of local anesthesia is one of the most important issues that cause pain and anxiety, which may lead to unpleasant experiences in patients (2) .This may also discourage clinicians or prevent them from working comfortably.The pain relief mechanism of the vibration can be explained by the door-control theory demonstrated by Melzack and Wall. Metod:In the first study group (Group 1), topical anesthesia (20% benzocaine) was applied with sterile cotton pellet and it was kept for 1 min. In the second group (Group 2), vibration was induced by vibration device which was formed by modified toothbrush with tongue cleaner. In the third group (Group 3); First, 1 min topical anesthesia was applied for 1 min.Results:According to the results of this study, it was observed that topical anesthesia with vibration resulted in lower VAS score than other methods.Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetAraştırma problem: Dental enjeksiyon ve ağrı korkusu, diş hastalarının tedaviyi geciktirme ve randevularına gelmeme nedenleri arasındadır.(1) Lokal anestezi enjeksiyonu hastalarda hoş olmayan deneyimler yaşamasına neden olabilen, ağrı ve anksiyete yaratan en önemli konulardan biridir(2).Bu durum aynı zamanda klinisyenlerin de cesaretlerini kırabilir, yada rahat çalışmasını engelleyebilir.Vibrasyonun ağrıyı giderme mekanizması Melzack ve Wall’un gösterdiği kapı-kontrol teorisi ile açıklanabilir. Derideki reseptörlerden alınan dokunma ve vibrasyon duyusunun, A-β sinir lifleri aracılığıyla medullaspinalistekiintermedier inhibitör nöronları uyarması ile açıklamışlardır.Metod: İlk çalışma grubunda (Grup 1) steril pamuk pelet yardımı ile topikal anestezi (20% benzocaine) uygulandı ve 1 dk bekletildi. İkinci grupta (Grup 2),  kurutulan bölgeye şarjlı diş fırçasının dil temizleyici ile modifiye edilmesiyle oluşturulan vibrasyon cihazı ile 1 dk titreşim verildi. Üçüncü grupta ise (Grup 3); önce 1 dk vibrasyon uygulandı ardından 1 dk topikal anestezi uygulandı.Sonuç: Bu çalışmanın sonuçlarına göre titreşim ile beraber topikal anestezi uygulanmasının diğer yöntemlere göre daha düşük VAS skoru sonuçları ortaya çıkardığı görülmüştür.
PERANCANGAN PERANGKAT KERAS ALAT UJI BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTOR BERBASIS MIKROKONTROLER
Authors: Perkasa Dedy Bagus , Andromeda Trias , Riyadi Munawar A
Published: April 2019

Transistor bipolar merupakan piranti elektronika yang banyak digunakan dalam teknologi elektronika. Salah satu penggunaan transistor adalah sebagai amplifier audio. Pada rangkaian digital transistor digunakan sebagai saklar berkecepatan tinggi. Agar transistor bekerja dengan optimal, pemasangan transistor dalam rangkaian harus benar. Untuk itu, posisi kaki-kaki pin transistor dan nilai parameter yang ada pada transistor perlu diperhatikan. Alat bantu atau tester yang handal diperlukan untuk mengetahui letak pin pada transistor. Penelitian ini merancang suatu perangkat keras yang dapat digunakan untuk membaca jenis, letak kaki, nilai penguatan, dan tegangan maju transistor BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor). Perangkat keras  ini dirancang menggunakan mikrokontroller dan resistor untuk analisis titik kerja transistor. Pengujian dilakukan dengan menguji beberapa transistor BJT dengan tipe yang berbeda-beda. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa perangkat telah dapat bekerja dengan baik.
Theoretical prediction of performance of Single and Double pass solar air heaters with artificial roughened absorber plates
Authors: Sam Stanley S. G. , Reddy K.Kalidasa Murugavel Kumar , Queen Mary M. Blessy
Published: April 2019

Investigations are carried out on artificial roughened absorber plates on Solar air heater. The roughness parameters are identified in to five basic profiles A, B, C, D and E. The profiles A, B and C are basic cubical and cylindrical profiles
and the profiles D and E are categorized as rod arrangement of inline and staggered nature. Both frictional and heat transfer characteristics have been studied. Optimum results of frictional and heat transfer characteristics have been arrived out.
Results show a higher value of frictional factor for the profile E. All reasons of variations have been justified and discussed. The deviation of friction factor from modified Balsius equation is within the limit of 4.32 %. Results also show higher
value of Nusselt number for the inline rod arrangement of SAH than the other profiles.
The effect of resistance training on health-related quality of life in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hart Peter D. , Buck Diona J.
Published: April 2019

Background: Resistance training (RT) is recommended as part of our national physical activity guidelines which includes working all major muscle groups on two or more days a week.Older adults can gain many health benefits from RT, such as increased muscle strength,increased muscle mass, and maintenance of bone density. Additionally, certain dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have been shown to improve in older adults due to RT intervention. The purpose of this study was to use systematic review and meta-analytic techniques to examine the effect of RT on HRQOL in older adults. Methods: A systematic review of current studies (2008 thru 2017) was conducted using PubMed. Studies were included if they used a randomized controlled design, had RT as an intervention, measured HRQOL using the SF-36/12 assessment, and included adults 50+ years of age. Eight dimension scores (physical functioning, bodily pain, physical role function, general health, mental health, emotional role function, social function, and vitality) and two summary scores (physical component and mental component) were extracted. Ten meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean effect sizes and random effects models. Study quality,moderator and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 16 studies were included in the analyses with a mean Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score of 4.9 (SD=1.0). Among the mental health measures, RT had the greatest effect on mental health (Effect size [ES]=0.64, 95% CI: 0.30-0.99, I2=79.7). Among the physical health measures, RT had the largest effect on body pain (ES=0.81, 95% CI: 0.26-1.35, I2=85.9).Initially, RT did not significantly affect measures of emotional role function, social function or physical role function. However, after removing a single study, RT significantly increased all HRQOL measures. Conclusion: The meta-analytic evidence presented in this research clearly supports the promotion of RT in improving HRQOL in older adults.
The impact of indoor air temperature on the executive functions of human brain and the physiological responses of body
Authors: Abbasi Ali Mohammad , Motamedzadeh Majid , Aliabadi Mohsen , Golmohammadi Rostam , Tapak Leili
Published: April 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect size (ES) of air temperature on the executive functions of human brain and body physiological responses. Methods: In this empirical study, the participants included 35 male students who were exposed to 4 air temperature conditions of 18°C, 22°C, 26°C and 30°C in 4 separate sessions in an air conditioning chamber. The participants were simultaneously asked to take part in the N-backtest. The accuracy, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and the respiration rate were recorded to determine the effect of air temperature. Results: Compared to moderate air temperatures (22°C), high (30°C) and low (18°C) air temperatures had a much more profound effect on changes in heart beat rate, the accuracy of brain executive functions and the response time to stimuli. There were statistically significant differences in the accuracy by different workload levels and various air temperature conditions(P<0.05). Although the heart beat rate index, the ratio between low frequency and high frequency (LF/HF), and the respiratory rate were more profoundly affected by the higher and lower air temperatures than moderate air temperatures (P<0.05), this effect was not statistically significant, which may be due to significant reduction in the standard deviation of normal-to normal intervals (SNND) and the root of mean squared difference between adjacent normal heart beat (N-N) intervals (RMSSD) (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results confirmed that the unfavorable air temperatures may considerably affect the physiological responses and the cognitive functions among indoor employees.Therefore, providing them with thermal comfort may improve their performance within indoor environments.
Association between habitual physical activity on episodic memory strategy use and memory controllability
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: April 2019

Background: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between habitual physical activity engagement and perceived controllability of memory function. Secondary objectives included the evaluation of physical activity on memory strategy use, and whether the latter mediates the relationship between physical activity on memory controllability. Methods: Two-hundred and nine young adults (Mage=25 y) completed a brief survey evaluating physical activity (Physical Activity Vital Signs Questionnaire), memory strategy use (Memory Functioning Questionnaire), and memory controllability (Memory Controllability Inventory). Results: Physical activity was not associated with memory strategy use (β=0.68; 95% CI: -1.25,2.62; P=0.48), nor was memory strategy use associated with memory controllability. Physical activity was consistently associated with various attributes of memory controllability, including Present Ability (β=1.10; 95% CI: 0.07, 2.12; P=0.03), Potential Improvement (β=0.84; 95% CI:0.05, 1.63; P=0.03), Effort Utility (β=0.87; 95% CI: 0.11, 1.61; P=0.02), Inevitable Decrement (β=-1.19; 95% CI: -2.19, -0.19; P=0.02) and Alzheimer’s likelihood (β=-1.21; 95% CI: -2.29,-0.12; P=0.02). Conclusion: Physical activity is consistently associated with greater perceptions of memory controllability. Future longitudinal and experimental work on this topic is warranted to evaluate if physical activity can foster an individual’s ability to modify their behavior and cognitions to enhance and preserve memory function.
Dietary patterns in relation to lipid profiles among Iranian adults
Authors: Zaribaf Fatemeh , Mohammadifard Noushin , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Karimi Golgis , Gholampour Abdolali , Azadbakht Leila
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Lipid metabolism is one of the main concerns of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Little is known about the association between dietary patterns and dyslipidemia. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine such association among Iranian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1433 Iranian adults in Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP). Usual dietary intakes were assessed with the use of a 48 items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Three major dietary patterns were identified: western, semi healthy and healthy fat patterns. Results: After adjustment, subjects in the upper quartiles of western dietary pattern were more likely to have high total cholesterol concentrations than those in the first quartile (odds ratio [OR]: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.25-3.42). Individuals with greater adherence to western dietary pattern had greater odds of having high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels compared with those in the lowest quartiles (2.53; 1.45-4.40). Conclusion: Semi healthy dietary pattern was not associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Same trend was observed for healthy fat dietary pattern. Significant association was found between western dietary pattern and dyslipidemia among Iranian adults.