bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault disturbances classification analysis using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inferences system
Authors: Shahbudin Shahrani , Kassim Murizah , Mohamad Roslina , Suliman Saiful Izwan , Yusof Yuslinda Wati Mohamad
Published: March 2020

This paper affords the use of neuro-fuzzy technique called the Adaptive Network–based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to highlight its ability to perform fault disturbances classiﬁcation tasks using extracted features based on S-transforms methods. The ANFIS model with a ﬁve-layered architecture was trained using extracted features to classify signal data comprising various faults disturbances, namely, voltage sag, swell, impulsive, interruption, notch, and pure signal.  Results obtained showed that the ANFIS model is very suitable and can generate excellent classification results provided that the right type and number of Membership Functions (MFs) are used in the classification task.
Solutions of reaction-diffusion equations using similarity reduction and HSSOR iteration
Authors: Mat Ali Nur Afza , Rahman Rostang , Sulaiman Jumat , Ghazali Khadizah
Published: March 2020

Similarity method is used in finding the solutions of partial differential equation (PDE) in reduction to the corresponding ordinary differential equation (ODE) which are not easily integrable in terms of elementary or tabulated functions. Then, the Half-Sweep Successive Over-Relaxation (HSSOR) iterative method is applied in solving the sparse linear system which is generated from the discretization process of the corresponding second order ODEs with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Basically, this ODEs has been constructed from one-dimensional reaction-diffusion equations by using wave variable transformation. Having a large-scale and sparse linear system, we conduct the performances analysis of three iterative methods such as Full-sweep Gauss-Seidel (FSGS), Full-sweep Successive Over-Relaxation (FSSOR) and HSSOR iterative methods to examine the effectiveness of their computational cost. Therefore, four examples of these problems were tested to observe the performance of the proposed iterative methods.  Throughout implementation of numerical experiments, three parameters have been considered which are number of iterations, execution time and maximum absolute error. According to the numerical results, the HSSOR method is the most efficient iterative method in solving the proposed problem with the least number of iterations and execution time followed by FSSOR and FSGS iterative methods.
A new species of the Spirobranchus kraussii-complex (Annelida, Serpulidae) from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
Authors: PAZOKI SAMANEH , RAHIMIAN HASSAN , STRUCK TORSTEN H. , KATOUZIAN AHMAD R. , KUPRIYANOVA ELENA K.
Published: March 2020

A recent study (Simon et al. 2019) confirmed that Spirobranchus kraussii is neither a widely distributed tropical species of Indo-Pacific origin nor a Lessepsian migrant to the Mediterranean, but a large complex of species, some of which might be indeed invasive. Thus, a common intertidal gregarious serpulid, previously attributed to S. kraussii in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, is described herein as Spirobranchus sinuspersicus sp. nov., using a combination of morphological and molecular data. The new species differs from S. kraussii by smaller size, fewer abdominal chaetigers, arrangement of abdominal chaetae and shape of opercular endplate talon. Results of phylogenetic analyses of a dataset combining 18S nucleotide and Cyt-b amino-acid sequences of S. sinuspersicus sp. nov. and Spirobranchus spp. available from GenBank supported monophyly of S. kraussii complex (including S. cariniferus) nested within Spirobranchus and thus, provided molecular support for synonymy of Pomatoleios with Spirobranchus proposed based on morphological criteria. The new species forms a well-supported clade with (S. kraussii (sp. 2 Hawaii + sp. 3 Australia)) clade, which in turn forms a clade with Spirobranchus sp.1 from temperate Japan, while S. cariniferus from New Zealand forms a basal grade. Evidence of substitution saturation of Cyt-b nucleotide sequences suggests that using translated amino-acid sequences to exclude non-informative substitutions should provide a better phylogenetic resolution for the genus Spirobranchus. Further studies are required to determine the invasive status of S. sinuspersicus sp. nov. as well as taxonomic and invasive status of S. cf. kraussii populations from the Mediterranean Sea, Suez Bay, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Singapore, and Panama.
New species of Cerambycinae and Lamiinae from Ecuador and Honduras, with transference of a species of Rhinotragini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Authors: VLASAK JOSEF , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: March 2020

Three new species are described from Ecuador: Scythropopsis granitica (Lamiinae, Acanthoderini); Apeba danielvlasaki (Lamiinae, Hemilophini); and Giesberteclipta unicolor (Cerambycinae, Rhinotragini). Two new species are described from Honduras: Anelaphus rotundus (Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini); and Euderces hefferni (Cerambycinae, Tillomorphini). A key to species of Apeba Martins & Galileo, 1991, and Giesberteclipta Santos-Silva et al., 2012 are provided. Euderces hefferni sp. nov. is included in a previous key. Rashelapso morrisoni Bezark & Santos-Silva, 2016 is transferred to Giesberteclipta. The holotype of Anelaphus subinermis Linsley, 1957 is illustrated for the first time.
A Polarimetric Radar Analysis of Ice Microphysical Processes in Melting Layers of Winter Storms Using S-Band Quasi-Vertical Profiles
Authors: Griffin Erica M. , Schuur Terry J. , Ryzhkov Alexander V.
Published: March 2020

Quasi-vertical profiles (QVPs) obtained from a database of U.S. WSR-88D data are used to document polarimetric characteristics of the melting layer (ML) in cold-season storms with high vertical resolution and accuracy. A polarimetric technique to define the top and bottom of the ML is first introduced. Using the QVPs, statistical relationships are developed to gain insight into the evolution of microphysical processes above, within, and below the ML, leading to a statistical polarimetric model of the ML that reveals characteristics that reflectivity data alone are not able to provide, particularly in regions of weak reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ZH. QVP ML statistics are examined for two regimes in the ML data: ZH ≥ 20 dBZ and ZH < 20 dBZ. Regions of ZH ≥ 20 dBZ indicate locations of MLs collocated with enhanced differential reflectivity ZDR and reduced copolar correlation coefficient ρhv, while for ZH < 20 dBZ a well-defined ML is difficult to discern using ZH alone. Evidence of large ZDR up to 4 dB, backscatter differential phase δ up to 8°, and low ρhv down to 0.80 associated with lower ZH (from −10 to 20 dBZ) in the ML is observed when pristine, nonaggregated ice falls through it. Positive correlation is documented between maximum specific differential phase KDP and maximum ZH in the ML; these are the first QVP observations of KDP in MLs documented at S band. Negative correlation occurs between minimum ρhv in the ML and ML depth and between minimum ρhv in the ML and the corresponding enhancement of ZH (ΔZH = ZHmax − ZHrain).
Conceptions and Experiences of Paternal Involvement among Quebec Fathers: A Dual Parental Experience
Authors: Gervais Christine , de Montigny Francine , Lavoie Kevin , Garneau Julie , Dubeau Diane
Published: March 2020

In Quebec, social changes have reshaped family roles and social expectations for fathers. This article examines Quebec fathers’ conceptions of their paternal role and their experience of paternal involvement. Twenty-six fathers (n = 26) participated in five group interviews. Thematic analysis of their discourse shows that their paternal experience is rooted in various conceptions of the paternal role. Many issues are experienced as dualities: the complexity of inventing a paternal role without having models, being present with their child while being providers, recognizing themselves as fathers despite lack of recognition from family or social circles, and wanting to take action with their child yet being unable to do so. The importance assigned to paternal involvement by fathers in this study shows their desire to develop and maintain paternal engagement during the preschool period, and it highlights the necessity of adapting family services to better support fathers through the transition to fatherhood.
Big Insulin-like Growth Factor 2–Producing Tumor in a Hypoglycemic Dog
Authors: Noguchi Syunya , Kubo Yoshiaki , Araki Mami , Koh Miki , Hamamoto Yuji , Tamura Kyoichi , Otsuka Hirotada , Yasuda Akiko , Azakami Daigo , Michishita Masaki , Soeta Satoshi
Published: March 2020

A 10-year-old female Papillon dog that had previously developed a mammary tumor was admitted for treatment of a hypoglycemic attack. Blood examination showed severe hypoglycemia and decreased blood insulin concentration. Computed tomography indicated multiple tumors in the cranial and caudal lobes of the right lung. These tumors were resected surgically and diagnosed as pulmonary adenocarcinomas by histopathologic examination. Hypoglycemia was temporarily improved after the resection, but a hypoglycemic event occurred 2 months after the surgery. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor demonstrated the expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 in tumor cells. Western blot analysis revealed the expression of high-molecular-weight (big)–insulin-like growth factor 2 in the tumor region. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA expression was also confirmed in the tumor using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. These findings indicate the diagnosis of non–islet cell tumor-induced hypoglycemia caused by big-insulin-like growth factor 2 produced by the tumor in the dog. This report provides information on differentiating tumors that cause paraneoplastic hypoglycemia.
“HIV Is a Gift”: Posttraumatic Growth in Women With HIV
Authors: Lennon-Dearing Robin
Published: March 2020

Given the universally high rates of trauma in women living with HIV and the positive health benefits associated with posttraumatic growth, recognizing how posttraumatic growth is expressed in words by women with HIV has important application to clinicians working with this population. This study examined qualitative narratives from a women’s HIV support group to look for spontaneous statements and comments that corresponded to the five domains of posttraumatic growth identified by Tedeschi and Calhoun. Participants in this study described how their lives had been transformed, consistent with posttraumatic growth, into what was described as a “gift.” Implications for clinical practice are offered.
A School Nurse–Led Asthma Intervention for School-Age Children: A Randomized Control Trial to Improve Self-Management
Authors: Isik Elif , Fredland Nina M. , Young Anne , Schultz Rebecca J.
Published: March 2020

Asthma is a common disease in children, and obtaining basic knowledge and skills to manage asthma symptoms is critically important. This study examined the effectiveness of a theoretically based school nurse–led asthma intervention on asthma symptoms, self-management, peak flow meter usage, daily activities, and school absences in children 7–12 years old. A randomized controlled, two-group, repeated measures design was conducted in eight public schools. Data collection occurred at three time points. The treatment group had statistically significant differences in reported symptoms ( p < .001), asthma control with a peak flow meter usage ( p < .001), and daily activities ( p < .001) at 6 weeks and at 12 weeks. Although difference in school absences was not statistically significant, the treatment group missed fewer school days than the control group. Self-management is a complex process, and school nurses can provide essential learning steps and continuity of care for school-age children living with asthma.
Cats reorganise their feeding behaviours when moving from ad libitum to restricted feeding
Authors: Ligout Séverine , Si Xuemei , Vlaeminck Hanne , Lyn Sandra
Published: March 2020

Objectives

One identified solution to prevent obesity in cats is to control and limit their calorie intake. The objective of the present work was to better elucidate the impact of calorie cut-off on the feeding behaviour of cats.

Methods

A control (n = 31) and a test group of cats (n = 38) were included in the present study. Both groups received the same food variety during the study. A period of ad libitum feeding was initially set (T0), followed by a 9-month mild calorie restriction period for the test group only (T9; average calorie restriction = 6%), and a final period of ad libitum feeding (T10). The individual cat feeding behaviours were measured via an electronic feeding system, and agonistic interactions between cats during food anticipation via video observations. Generalised linear mixed models were fitted to compare all feeding parameters between periods by group. No statistical analyses could be performed on the agonistic interactions data owing to their structure.

Results

The feeding behaviour of the control group remained stable during the entire study, while the test group showed fewer but larger meals taken at shorter time intervals and a faster eating rate in response to calorie restriction. The average total number of agonistic interactions per cat increased during the calorie cut-off period in the test group only. One month after returning to ad libitum feeding, all behaviours were largely restored to baseline values.

Conclusions and relevance

Behavioural changes expressed by cats under calorie restriction can explain some of the difficulties obtaining cat owners’ compliance with dietary restriction, especially in multi-cat households. Feeding strategies should be utilised to help cats be less impulsive and maintain normal feeding patterns when moving away from ad libitum feeding.
Design and experimental verification of a novel fibre-reinforced polymer sandwich decking system for bridge application
Authors: Kulpa Maciej , Siwowski Tomasz , Rajchel Mateusz , Wlasak Lech
Published: March 2020

The paper presents the selected research results on the development of a novel fibre-reinforced polymer sandwich decking system dedicated for bridge applications and applied in the first Polish all-composite vehicular bridge. Based on a review of recently implemented similar systems, the novel solution has been proposed and checked according to relevant codes as a part of all-composite bridge design. Due to the novelty of sandwich design, the comprehensive structural testing has been carried out to verify design assumptions as well as to assess its stiffness, strength and safety. In order to find the optimized structural solution of fibre-reinforced polymer deck, the laboratory tests were conducted on several FRP sandwich panels having various core foam density and internal ribs’ fabric architecture. The panels were subjected to three loading schemes to check their response under bending, shear and bearing as well as to examine their structural behaviour up to failure and corresponding failure modes. The stiffness, strength and safety against failure were experimentally determined. In this paper, the test results have been compared to the ultimate and serviceability limit state design criteria formulated in the European guidelines and applied in an actual bridge design.
Using photovoice to reflect on poverty and address social inequalities among primary care teams
Authors: Loignon Christine , Dupéré Sophie , Bush Paula , Truchon Karoline , Boyer Sophie , Hudon Catherine
Published: March 2020

A participatory action research project using photovoice was developed in partnership with an international community organization working to overcome poverty. Twenty-eight healthcare professionals and persons in poverty participated in the study. The project consisted of several discussion sessions, creation of a photo exhibition, and knowledge transfer to the community and healthcare system. Photovoice proved to be a transformative method, generating benefits for academic and non-academic researchers, while leading to changes in primary care settings, such as integration of patient socio-economic context in electronic medical records and removal of administrative fees for patients on social assistance.
Clonal hematopoiesis predicts development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms post–autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Soerensen Johannes Frasez , Aggerholm Anni , Kerndrup Gitte Birk , Hansen Marcus Celik , Ewald Ina Kathrine Lykke , Bill Marie , Ebbesen Lene Hyldahl , Rosenberg Carina Agerbo , Hokland Peter , Ludvigsen Maja , Stidsholt Roug Anne
Published: March 2020

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (tMN) develop after exposure to cytotoxic and radiation therapy, and due to their adverse prognosis, it is of paramount interest to identify patients at high risk. The presence of clonal hematopoiesis has been shown to increase the risk of developing tMN. The value of analyzing hematopoietic stem cells harvested at leukapheresis before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with next-generation sequencing and immunophenotyping represents potentially informative parameters that have yet to be discovered. We performed a nested case-control study to elucidate the association between clonal hematopoiesis, mobilization potential, and aberrant immunophenotype in leukapheresis products with the development of tMN after ASCT. A total of 36 patients with nonmyeloid disease who were diagnosed with tMN after treatment with ASCT were included as case subjects. Case subjects were identified from a cohort of 1130 patients treated with ASCT and matched with 36 control subjects who did not develop tMN after ASCT. Case subjects were significantly poorer mobilizers of CD34+ cells at leukapheresis (P = .016), indicating that these patients possess inferior bone marrow function. Both clonal hematopoiesis (odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-19.1; P = .003) and aberrant expression of CD7 (odds ratio, 6.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-26.2; P = .004) at the time of ASCT were associated with an increased risk of developing tMN after ASCT. In conclusion, clonal hematopoiesis, present at low variant allele frequencies, and aberrant CD7 expression on stem cells in leukapheresis products from patients with nonmyeloid hematologic cancer hold potential for the early identification of patients at high risk of developing tMN after ASCT.
Single-cell mutational profiling enhances the clinical evaluation of AML MRD
Authors: Ediriwickrema Asiri , Aleshin Alexey , Reiter Johannes G. , Corces M. Ryan , Köhnke Thomas , Stafford Melissa , Liedtke Michaela , Medeiros Bruno C. , Majeti Ravindra
Published: March 2020

Although most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) achieve clinical remission with induction chemotherapy, relapse rates remain high. Next-generation sequencing enables minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) detection; however, clinical significance is limited due to difficulty differentiating between pre-leukemic clonal hematopoiesis and frankly malignant clones. Here, we investigated AML MRD using targeted single-cell sequencing (SCS) at diagnosis, remission, and relapse (n = 10 relapsed, n = 4 nonrelapsed), with a total of 310 737 single cells sequenced. Sequence variants were identified in 80% and 75% of remission samples for patients with and without relapse, respectively. Pre-leukemic clonal hematopoiesis clones were detected in both cohorts, and clones with multiple cooccurring mutations were observed in 50% and 0% of samples. Similar clonal richness was observed at diagnosis in both cohorts; however, decreasing clonal diversity at remission was significantly associated with longer relapse-free survival. These results show the power of SCS in investigating AML MRD and clonal evolution.
Monoallelic loss-of-function THPO variants cause heritable thrombocytopenia
Authors: Cornish Naomi , Aungraheeta M. Riyaad , FitzGibbon Lucy , Burley Kate , Alibhai Dominic , Collins Janine , Greene Daniel , Downes Kate ,   NIHR BioResource, Westbury Sarah K. , Turro Ernest , Mumford Andrew D.
Published: March 2020

Key Points

We report rare monoallelic variants of THPO that alter intracellular trafficking and diminish thrombopoietin secretion. Affected cases have autosomal-dominant thrombocytopenia but no other hematological features.
The impact of ultraviolet- and infrared-based laser microdissection technology on phosphoprotein detection in the laser microdissection-reverse phase protein array workflow
Authors: Hunt Allison L. , Pierobon Mariaelena , Baldelli Elisa , Oliver Julie , Mitchell Dave , Gist Glenn , Bateman Nicholas W. , Larry Maxwell G. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Conrads Thomas P.
Published: March 2020

Reversible protein phosphorylation represents a key mechanism by which signals are transduced in eukaryotic cells. Dysregulated phosphorylation is also a hallmark of carcinogenesis and represents key drug targets in the precision medicine space. Thus, methods that preserve phosphoprotein integrity in the context of clinical tissue analyses are crucially important in cancer research. Here we investigated the impact of UV laser microdissection (UV LMD) and IR laser capture microdissection (IR LCM) on phosphoprotein abundance of key cancer signaling protein targets assessed by reverse-phase protein microarray (RPPA). Tumor epithelial cells from consecutive thin sections obtained from four high-grade serous ovarian cancers were harvested using either UV LMD or IR LCM methods. Phosphoprotein abundances for ten phosphoproteins that represent important drug targets were assessed by RPPA and revealed no significant differences in phosphoprotein integrity from those obtained using higher-energy UV versus the lower-energy IR laser methods.
Efficacy of relaxin for cisplatin-induced testicular dysfunction and epididymal spermatotoxicity
Authors: Kohsaka Tetsuya , Minagawa Itaru , Morimoto Masashi , Yoshida Takuya , Sasanami Tomohiro , Yoneda Yoshitaka , Ikegaya Naoki , Sasada Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

Background

Cisplatin (CP) is an extremely effective anticancer agent widely used to treat various cancer types, however, the potential side effects include testicular dysfunction. This study was to investigate, using a rat model of CP-induced testicular dysfunction, the protective effects of relaxin (RLN) against oxidative stress, testicular function, histological damage, spermatogenesis, germ-cell apoptosis, and sperm output, and to explore the usefulness of RLN as a potential protective drug for use with CP in chemotherapeutic treatments.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley male rats were used, which were divided into three groups: sham control, CP, and CP + RLN. Porcine RLN (500 ng/h) or saline was infused for 5 days using an implanted osmotic mini-pump following intraperitoneal injection of CP (6 mg/kg). RLN dose was chosen based on previous studies showing that it resulted in serum relaxin levels comparable to those in rats at the middle of pregnancy. At 5 days after CP administration, samples were collected and assessment of testicular histopathology, germ-cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and sperm quality was performed as main measures.

Results

The testicular CP model showed reduced testis weight and significantly decreased spermatogenesis scores. Additionally, CP administration induced a 4.6-fold increase in the apoptotic index associated with a significant increase in oxidative stress and upregulation of pro-apoptoticCasp3and downregulation of anti-apoptoticBcl2levels, resulting in a marked reduction in sperm concentration. However, RLN administration caused a significant reduction in CP-mediated damage by attenuating oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. RLN administration efficiently scavenged ROS via the activation of SOD, CAT, and GPx and upregulation of GSH to prevent lipid peroxidation and decreased apoptosis by alteringBcl2andCasp3expression, thereby reducing histopathological damage and restoring spermatogenesis. Furthermore, RLN ameliorated attenuated sperm motility in the cauda epididymis resulting from CP treatment.

Conclusions

This study clearly indicates that RLN exerts a protective effect against CP-induced testicular damage through attenuation of oxidative stress and suppression of apoptosis. Our findings suggest RLN as a potentially efficacious drug for use with cisplatin chemotherapy in order to ameliorate CP-induced side effects and testicular injury adversely affecting spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and oxidative-stress parameters.
Automated verbal autopsy: from research to routine use in civil registration and vital statistics systems
Authors: Hazard Riley H. , Buddhika Mahesh P. K. , Hart John D. , Chowdhury Hafizur R. , Firth Sonja , Joshi Rohina , Avelino Ferchito , Segarra Agnes , Sarmiento Deborah Carmina , Azad Abdul Kalam , Ashrafi Shah Ali Akbar , Bo Khin Sandar , Kwa Violoa , Lopez Alan D.
Published: March 2020

Background

The majority of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have adequate civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems to properly support health policy formulation. Verbal autopsy (VA), long used in research, can provide useful information on the cause of death (COD) in populations where physicians are not available to complete medical certificates of COD. Here, we report on the application of the SmartVA tool for the collection and analysis of data in several countries as part of routine CRVS activities.

Methods

Data from VA interviews conducted in 4 of 12 countries supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health (D4H) Initiative, and at different stages of health statistical development, were analysed and assessed for plausibility: Myanmar, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Bangladesh and the Philippines. Analyses by age- and cause-specific mortality fractions were compared to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study data by country. VA interviews were analysed using SmartVA-Analyze-automated software that was designed for use in CRVS systems. The method in the Philippines differed from the other sites in that the VA output was used as a decision support tool for health officers.

Results

Country strategies for VA implementation are described in detail. Comparisons between VA data and country GBD estimates by age and cause revealed generally similar patterns and distributions. The main discrepancy was higher infectious disease mortality and lower non-communicable disease mortality at the PNG VA sites, compared to the GBD country models, which critical appraisal suggests may highlight real differences rather than implausible VA results.

Conclusion

Automated VA is the only feasible method for generating COD data for many populations. The results of implementation in four countries, reported here under the D4H Initiative, confirm that these methods are acceptable for wide-scale implementation and can produce reliable COD information on community deaths for which little was previously known.
Better data for better outcomes: the importance of process mapping and management in CRVS systems
Authors: Cobos Muñoz Daniel , de Savigny Don , Sorchik Renee , Bo Khin Sandar , Hart John , Kwa Viola , Ngomituje Xavier , Richards Nicola , Lopez Alan D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Despite attempts to apply standard methods proven to work in high-income nations, nearly all civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems in low- and middle-income countries are failing to achieve adequate levels of registration completeness or produce the high-quality vital statistics needed to support better health outcomes and monitor progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This suggests that, rather than simple technical issues, these countries are facing additional or different systemic challenges, including duplication of roles and responsibilities, inefficient methods of data collection, and a reluctance to change.

Applying process management

Process management is a valuable tool that strengthens the production of vital statistics by providing a visualisation of data flow from start to finish. It helps identify gaps and bottlenecks in the process, allowing stakeholders to work collaboratively to find solutions and target interventions. As part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative at the University of Melbourne, 16 countries were supported in mapping the varied processes required in registering a birth or death. Comparative analysis exposed several limitations in the design of CRVS systems that hinder their performance — from ‘passive’ systems, to overly complex and fragmented system design, through to poor collaboration and duplication of efforts.

Conclusions

The experiences from Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Rwanda reported in this paper illustrate the benefits of process management to improve CRVS. While these three countries are at different stages of system development, each uniquely benefited. Process management is a useful tool for all CRVS systems, from the most rudimentary to the most developed. It can strengthen CRVS systems and improve the quality and completeness of vital statistics, resulting in more robust, reliable and timely vital statistics for health planning and better monitoring of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal agenda.
Where there is no hospital: improving the notification of community deaths
Authors: Adair Tim , Rajasekhar Megha , Bo Khin Sandar , Hart John , Kwa Viola , Mukut Md. Ashfaqul Amin , Reeve Matthew , Richards Nicola , Ronderos-Torres Margarita , de Savigny Don , Muñoz Daniel Cobos , Lopez Alan D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Globally, an estimated two-thirds of all deaths occur in the community, the majority of which are not attended by a physician and remain unregistered. Identifying and registering these deaths in civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, and ascertaining the cause of death, is thus a critical challenge to ensure that policy benefits from reliable evidence on mortality levels and patterns in populations. In contrast to traditional processes for registration, death notification can be faster and more efficient at informing responsible government agencies about the event and at triggering a verbal autopsy for ascertaining cause of death. Thus, innovative approaches to death notification, tailored to suit the setting, can improve the availability and quality of information on community deaths in CRVS systems.

Improving the notification of community deaths

Here, we present case studies in four countries (Bangladesh, Colombia, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea) that were part of the initial phases of the Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative at the University of Melbourne, each of which faces unique challenges to community death registration. The approaches taken promote improved notification of community deaths through a combination of interventions, including integration with the health sector, using various notifying agents and methods, and the application of information and communication technologies. One key factor for success has been the smoothing of processes linking notification, registration and initiation of a verbal autopsy interview. The processes implemented champion more active notification systems in relation to the passive systems commonly in place in these countries.

Conclusions

The case studies demonstrate the significant potential for improving death reporting through the implementation of notification practices tailored to a country’s specific circumstances, including geography, cultural factors, structure of the existing CRVS system, and available human, information and communication technology resources. Strategic deployment of some, or all, of these innovations can result in rapid improvements to death notification systems and should be trialled in other settings.
Implementing and scaling verbal autopsies: into the unknown
Authors: Boyce Ross M. , Reyes Raquel
Published: March 2020

Please see related article: http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-020-01520-1.
TRIP6 enhances stemness property of breast cancer cells through activation of Wnt/β-catenin
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Jiang Chao , Xu Rui , Liu Qingnan , Liu Guanglin , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2020

Background

The urgent problem in the treatment of breast cancer is the recurrence induced by breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding the role and molecular mechanism of specific molecules in breast cancer stem cells can provide a theoretical basis for better treatment. TRIP6 is an adapter protein which belongs to the zyxin family of LIM proteins and is important in regulating the functions of CSCs. The present study aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of TRIP6 in breast cancer.

Methods

TRIP6 expression in breast cancer cells and tissues were detected by Real-Time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). MTT assays, colony formation assays, Xenografted tumor model and mammosphere formation assays were performed to investigate the oncogenic functions of TRIP6 in the tumorigenic capability and the tumor-initiating cell-like phenotype of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Luciferase reporter, subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to determine the underlying mechanism of TRIP6-mediated stemness of breast cancer cells.

Results

TRIP6 expression was significantly upregulated in breast cancer, and was closely related to the clinicopathologic characteristics, poor overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS) and poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Functional studies revealed that overexpression of TRIP6 significantly enhanced proliferative, tumorigenicity capability and the cancer stem cell-like properties of breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. On the contrary, silencing TRIP6 achieved the opposite results. Notably, we found that TRIP6 promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer to strengthen the tumor-initiating cell-like phenotype of breast cancer cells.

Conclusions

This study indicates that TRIP6 plays an important role in maintaining the stem cell-like characteristics of breast cancer cells, supporting the significance of TRIP6 as a novel potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
PTH Derivative promotes wound healing via synergistic multicellular stimulating and exosomal activities
Authors: Shen Yi-Fan , Huang Jing-Huan , Wang Kai-Yang , Zheng Jin , Cai Lin , Gao Hong , Li Xiao-Lin , Li Jing-Feng
Published: March 2020

Background

Diabetic wounds are a disturbing and rapidly growing clinical problem. A novel peptide, parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP-2), is assumed as multifunctional factor in angiogenesis, fibrogenesis and re-epithelization. This study aims to test PTHrP-2 efficiency and mechanism in wound healing.

Methods

Through repair phenomenon in vivo some problems were detected, and further research on their mechanisms was made. In vivo therapeutic effects of PTHrP-2 were determined by HE, Masson, microfil and immunohistochemical staining. In vitro direct effects of PTHrP-2 were determined by proliferation, migration, Vascular Endothelial Grown Factor and collagen I secretion of cells and Akt/ Erk1/2 pathway change. In vitro indirect effects of PTHrP-2 was study via exosomes. Exosomes from PTHrP-2 untreated and treated HUVECs and HFF-1 cells were insolated and identified. Exosomes were co-cultured with original cells, HUVECs or HFF-1 cells, and epithelial cells. Proliferation and migration and pathway change were observed. PTHrP-2-HUVEC-Exos were added into in vivo wound to testify its hub role in PTHrP-2 indirect effects in wound healing.

Results

In vivo, PTHrP-2 exerted multifunctional pro-angiogenesis, pro-firbogenesis and re-epithelization effects. In vitro, PTHrP-2 promoted proliferation and migration of endothelial and fibroblast cells, but had no effect on epithelial cells. Therefore, we tested PTHrP-2 indirect effects via exosomes. PTHrP-2 intensified intercellular communication between endothelial cells and fibroblasts and initiated endothelial-epithelial intercellular communication. PTHrP-2-HUVEC-Exos played a hub role in PTHrP-2 indirect effects in wound healing.

Conclusion

These findings of this study indicated that PTHrP-2, a multifunctional factor, could promote wound healing via synergistic multicellular stimulating and exosomal activities.

Graphical abstract
Role of verbal and non-verbal communication of health care providers in general satisfaction with birth care: a cross-sectional study in government health settings of Erbil City, Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Hamdia Mirkhan
Published: March 2020

Background

Effective communication by maternity care staff can help a woman during labor and birth have a positive birth experience. Due to limited knowledge regarding this topic in Iraqi Kurdistan, therefore, this study assessed: 1) The level of women’s satisfaction regarding verbal and non-verbal communication of midwives and physicians in the delivery room and 2) the association between this satisfaction level and socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics of the women and their general satisfaction with care during labor and delivery.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenient sample of 1196 women recruited between January and March 2019 from Erbil city, Iraq, who gave birth in the year before that. Data were collected from women through direct interview. A questionnaire which included sociodemographic, obstetrical information and 28 items related to verbal and non-verbal communication of physicians and midwives in the delivery room was used. Chi-square tests were used to find the association between dependent and independent variables.

Results

Although 58.4% of the women were generally satisfied with communication of midwives and physicians in the delivery room, a large percentage (41.6%) were not satisfied. Only 14.6 and 27.3% of the women were completely satisfied with verbal and non-verbal communication of health care providers, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between women’s satisfaction with care during labor and their satisfaction with health care providers’ communication; 70.4% of women who were satisfied with care during birth were also satisfied with the communication of delivery room staff. There were statistically significant associations between the satisfaction of women with the communication of midwives and physicians and their level of education, parity, having stillbirth or neonatal death, and the setting of the last delivery.

Conclusions

Women’s satisfaction with verbal and nonverbal communication of health care providers in the delivery room is associated with their satisfaction with birth care. Improving communication skills of health care providers can be a considerable part of improving care in delivery room.
Hemispheric asymmetry in the human brain and in Parkinson’s disease is linked to divergent epigenetic patterns in neurons
Authors: Li Peipei , Ensink Elizabeth , Lang Sean , Marshall Lee , Schilthuis Meghan , Lamp Jared , Vega Irving , Labrie Viviane
Published: March 2020

Background

Hemispheric asymmetry in neuronal processes is a fundamental feature of the human brain and drives symptom lateralization in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its molecular determinants are unknown. Here, we identify divergent epigenetic patterns involved in hemispheric asymmetry by profiling DNA methylation in isolated prefrontal cortex neurons from control and PD brain hemispheres. DNA methylation is fine-mapped at enhancers and promoters, genome-wide, by targeted bisulfite sequencing in two independent sample cohorts.

Results

We find that neurons of the human prefrontal cortex exhibit hemispheric differences in DNA methylation. Hemispheric asymmetry in neuronal DNA methylation patterns is largely mediated by differential CpH methylation, and chromatin conformation analysis finds that it targets thousands of genes. With aging, there is a loss of hemispheric asymmetry in neuronal epigenomes, such that hemispheres epigenetically converge in late life. In neurons of PD patients, hemispheric asymmetry in DNA methylation is greater than in controls and involves many PD risk genes. Epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic differences between PD hemispheres correspond to the lateralization of PD symptoms, with abnormalities being most prevalent in the hemisphere matched to side of symptom predominance. Hemispheric asymmetry and symptom lateralization in PD is linked to genes affecting neurodevelopment, immune activation, and synaptic transmission. PD patients with a long disease course have greater hemispheric asymmetry in neuronal epigenomes than those with a short disease course.

Conclusions

Hemispheric differences in DNA methylation patterns are prevalent in neurons and may affect the progression and symptoms of PD.
Addition of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to cardiorespiratory training in patients poststroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Souza Renata Janaína Pereira , Brandão Daniella Cunha , Martins José Vicente , Fernandes Juliana , Dornelas de Andrade Armele
Published: March 2020

Background

Individuals affected by stroke present with changes in cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Cardiorespiratory training (CRT) is one of the classic intervention guidelines for cardiorespiratory fitness. CRT in association with the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique for respiratory muscles could improve the quality of life, cardiorespiratory function and gait parameters of patients after stroke.

Objective

To assess the effects of respiratory and trunk patterns of CRT associated with PNF on the quality of life, gait, oxygen consumption, respiratory muscle strength and thoracic volumes.

Methods/design

A blind, randomized clinical trial with allocation confidentiality will be performed. Forty patients will be randomized into four groups: CRT-lower limb (LL) plus PNF; CRT-LL and respiration; CRT-upper limb (UL) plus PNF; or CRT-UL and respiration. Individuals will be evaluated at three different times (pretreatment, after 20 days of treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment). The treatment protocol consists of respiratory exercises, 30 min of CRT (cycle ergometer) and then repetition of the respiratory exercises, performed three times a week over a period of 20 days. Primary outcome measures are quality of life, gait, balance, peak oxygen uptake and rib cage compartment volumes. As secondary outcomes, respiratory function and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures will be measured.

Discussion

The association of PNF with CRT may be a viable and accessible alternative to increase cardiorespiratory function in patients with stroke.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03171012. Registered on 6 June 2017.
The smoking cessation in pregnancy incentives trial (CPIT): study protocol for a phase III randomised controlled trial
Authors:   for the CPIT III local research teams, Sinclair Lesley , McFadden Margaret , Tilbrook Helen , Mitchell Alex , Keding Ada , Watson Judith , Bauld Linda , Kee Frank , Torgerson David , Hewitt Catherine , McKell Jennifer , Hoddinott Pat , Harris Fiona M. , Uny Isabelle , Boyd Kathleen , McMeekin Nicola , Ussher Michael , Tappin David M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Eighty per cent of UK women have at least one baby, making pregnancy an opportunity to help women stop smoking before their health is irreparably compromised. Smoking cessation during pregnancy helps protect infants from miscarriage, still birth, low birth weight, asthma, attention deficit disorder and adult cardiovascular disease. UK national guidelines highlight lack of evidence for effectiveness of financial incentives to help pregnant smokers quit. This includes a research recommendation: within a UK context, are incentives an acceptable, effective and cost-effective way to help pregnant women who smoke to quit?

Methods

The Cessation in Pregnancy Incentives Trial (CPIT) III is a pragmatic, 42-month, multi-centre, parallel-group, individually randomised controlled superiority trial of the effect on smoking status of adding to usual Stop Smoking Services (SSS) support, the offer of up to £400 of financial voucher incentives, compared with usual support alone, to quit smoking during pregnancy.

Participants (n = 940) are pregnant smokers (age > 16 years, < 24 weeks pregnant, English speaking), who consent via telephone to take part and are willing to be followed-up in late pregnancy and 6 months after birth.

The primary outcome is cotinine/anabasine-validated abstinence from smoking in late pregnancy. Secondary outcomes include engagement with SSS, quit rates at 4 weeks from agreed quit date and 6 months after birth, and birth weight. Outcomes will be analysed by intention to treat, and regression models will be used to compare treatment effects on outcomes. A meta-analysis will include data from the feasibility study in Glasgow. An economic evaluation will assess cost-effectiveness from a UK NHS perspective. Process evaluation using a case-study approach will identify opportunities to improve recruitment and learning for future implementation.

Research questions include: what is the therapeutic efficacy of incentives; are incentives cost-effective; and what are the potential facilitators and barriers to implementing incentives in different parts of the UK?

Discussion

This phase III trial in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland follows a successful phase II trial in Glasgow, UK. The participating sites have diverse SSS that represent most cessation services in the UK and serve demographically varied populations. If found to be acceptable and cost-effective, this trial could demonstrate that financial incentives are effective and transferable to most UK SSS for pregnant women.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN15236311. Registered on 9 October 2017.
Effect of mini-screw-facilitated micro-osteoperforation on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: a single-center, split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Babanouri Neda , Ajami Shabnam , Salehi Parisa
Published: March 2020

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of MOP over a 3-month period and to determine the influence of the number of perforations on the rate of canine retraction. In addition, the amount of pain and discomfort caused by the MOP method was evaluated.

Trial design

A single-center, split-mouth, triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted.

Methods

The clinical trial was conducted from December 2018 to July 2019 in the Orthodontic Clinic, Shiraz Dental School. Twenty-eight patients (range from16.3 to 35.2 years) who need fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited and randomly assigned to MOP1 and MOP2 groups. In each patient one side of the mouth worked as a control side which received no MOPs. Four months after first premolars extraction, patients in MOP1 group received 3 MOPs on the buccal surface of alveolar bone in the experimental side to accelerate canine retraction whereas patients in MOP2 group received 3 buccal MOPs and 3 palatal MOPs in the experimental side. The amount of canine retraction was measured every 28 days at three intervals on both sides of the mouth. Pain perception was also measured on the day of MOP procedure and subsequently at 24 h. Randomization was performed using online software RANDOM.ORG; the recruited patients were divided into two parallel groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio then the side of MOPs intervention in each subject was randomly determined with coin tossing. Triple blinding design was employed.

Results

The result of the intra-examiner reliability using ICC was 0.97 (P <  0.001), indicating excellent repeatability and reliability of the measurements. The baseline characteristics between the groups were similar (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the rate of canine retraction between the MOP groups and the contralateral control sides, as well as between the MOP1 and MOP2 groups (P <  0.05).

Conclusion

The MOP procedure was effective in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement, although the amount of acceleration was not clinically significant in the case of canine retraction. An increase in the number of MOPs resulted in a significant acceleration of the canine retraction.

Trial registration

The trial was registered 30 November 2018 at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181121041713N1).