bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles from Plant Extracts, and Their Possible Application as Antimicrobial Agents in the Agricultural Area
Authors: Castillo-Henríquez Luis , Alfaro-Aguilar Karla , Ugalde-Álvarez Jeisson , Vega-Fernández Laura , Montes de Oca-Vásquez Gabriela , Vega-Baudrit José Roberto
Published: July 2020

Currently, metal nanoparticles have varied uses for different medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Nano-biotechnology combined with green chemistry has great potential for the development of novel and necessary products that benefit human activities, while encourages the reduction of hazardous reagents for nanoparticle production. Green chemistry has an important role due to its contribution to unconventional synthesis methods of gold and silver nanoparticles from plant extracts, which have exhibited antimicrobial potential among other outstanding properties. Biodiversity-rich countries need to collect and convert knowledge from biological resources into processes, compounds, methods, and tools, which need to be achieved along with sustainable use and exploitation of biological diversity. Therefore, this review focuses on the importance of metal nanoparticles, the use of plant extract for their synthesis as well as other available methods, and the relevant antimicrobial activity that can be exploited in a sustainable model of agricultural management through a modern nanotechnological approach.
Empathy Adds Incrementally to the Association of Self-Efficacy and Optimism with Psychological Health in Healthcare Volunteers
Authors: Dionigi Alberto , Casu Giulia , Gremigni Paola
Published: July 2020

Optimism and self-efficacy have been associated with psychological health. Empathy has also been found to promote positive functioning and to have a unique role in community health volunteering. This study investigated whether self-efficacy and optimism were associated with psychological and subjective well-being in a group of healthcare volunteers and whether empathy added incrementally to these associations. A sample of 160 Italian clown doctors volunteering in various hospitals completed self-report measures of self-efficacy, optimism, empathy, psychological well-being, and subjective well-being. Results indicated that self-efficacy and optimism were associated with both outcomes and that aspects of empathy, such as others’ perspective-taking and personal distress for others’ difficulties, incrementally added to these associations, although with opposite effects. The present study adds to previous research on the role of self-efficacy, optimism, and empathy for community health volunteers’ psychological health and offers suggestions regarding the training of this type of volunteer.
Genomic Prediction of Tropical Maize Resistance to Fall Armyworm and Weevils: Genomic Selection Should Focus on Effective Training Set Determination
Authors: Badji Arfang , Machida Lewis , Kwemoi Daniel Bomet , Kumi Frank , Okii Dennis , Mwila Natasha , Agbahoungba Symphorien , Ibanda Angele , Bararyenya Astere , Nghituwamhata Selma Ndapewa , Odong Thomas , Wasswa Peter , Ochwo-Ssemakula Mildred , Talwana Herbert , Asea Godfrey , Otim Michael , Kyamanywa Samuel , Rubaihayo Patrick
Published: July 2020

Genomic selection (GS) can accelerate variety release by shortening variety development phase when factors that influence prediction accuracies (PA) of genomic prediction (GP) models such as training set (TS) size and relationship with the breeding set (BS) are optimized beforehand. In this study, PAs for the resistance to fall armyworm (FAW) and maize weevil (MW) in a diverse tropical maize panel composed of 341 double haploid and inbred lines were estimated. Both phenotypic best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) and estimators (BLUEs) were predicted using 17 parametric, semi-parametric, and nonparametric algorithms with a 10-fold and 5 repetitions cross-validation strategy. n. For both MW and FAW resistance datasets with an RBTS of 37%, PAs achieved with BLUPs were at least as twice as higher than those realized with BLUEs. The PAs achieved with BLUPs for MW resistance traits: grain weight loss (GWL), adult progeny emergence (AP), and number of affected kernels (AK) varied from 0.66 to 0.82. The PAs were also high for FAW resistance RBTS datasets, varying from 0.694 to 0.714 (for RBTS of 37%) to 0.843 to 0.844 (for RBTS of 85%). The PAs for FAW resistance with PBTS were generally high varying from 0.83 to 0.86, except for one dataset that had PAs ranging from 0.11 to 0.75. GP models showed generally similar predictive abilities for each trait while the TS designation was determinant. There was a highly positive correlation (R=0.92***) between TS size and PAs for the RBTS approach while, for the PBTS, these parameters were highly negatively correlated (R=-0.44***), indicating the importance of the degree of kinship between the TS and the BS with the smallest TS (31%) achieving the highest PAs (0.86). This study paves the way towards the use of GS for maize resistance to insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa.
ETHNOGRAPHY OF COMMUNICATION: THE ANALYSIS OF DELL HYMES'S SPEAKING IN BALINESE WEDDING PROPOSAL
Authors: Diany Purnama Sari  , Widiastuti Ni Putu Santhi , Gunawan I Made Agus Adi
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT

 The present study conducted a qualitative descriptive method regarding ethnography of communication to analyze a Balinese wedding ceremony of a Balinese couple using Dell Hymes’s SPEAKING mnemonic. The research resulted that there was a relationship between speech event regarding Balinese wedding proposal and Dell Hymes’ SPEAKING mnemonic. The results showed that Balinese wedding proposal of a Balinese couple was held in Bale Dangin  (setting) and people sat in a semicircular including father, mother, sibling, and also some close relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so on (participants) to make an agreement to hold a wedding ceremony (ends). The sequenced of the proposal was started by proposee’s spokesman who delivered the opening then it was continued by the proposer’s spokesman (act of sequence). They were all in serious situation (key) by the use of code-mixing in delivering the speech (instrumentalities) to ensure about their commitment to live together (norms of interaction and interpretation). The genre was proposal which showed serious claim of reasoning of an action.

Keywords:  ethnography of communication; Dell Hymes’s SPEAKING; Balinese; wedding proposa
KREATIVITAS DALAM PEMBELAJARAN SENI MUSIK DI SEKOLAH DASAR: SUATU TINJAUAN KONSEPTUAL
Authors: Yuni Qonita Fitra
Published: July 2020

The purpose of musical learning in elementary school is to create and develop students’ personality. In musical learning at school, students have to get musical experience through listening activity, playing music, singing a song, reading music, and dancing to follow the music, so students get intact and comprehensive description about that song. In order to create a qualified music, so that could be realized only by a professional teacher who could create fun and creative learning. Thus, this article aimed to reveal: 1) how is the musical teacher’s role in elementary learning process, 2) how are the ways of elementary musical teacher to improve his/her professionality in developing musical skill mastery, and 3) how is the learning implementation through musical learning approach based creativity in elementary school.

 
SUPERVISI AKADEMIK SEBAGAI DASAR PENGEMBANGAN PEMBELAJARAN GURU
Authors: Ghufron Ahmad , Mubarok Husni
Published: July 2020

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan langkah-langkah supervisi akademik yang dilakukan oleh pengawas sekolah dan menjelaskan peningkatan kreatifitas pembelajaran guru setelah dilakukannya supervisi oleh pengawas. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Subjek penelitian ini adalah pengawas sekolah di Kemenag Kabupaten Demak. Data didapatkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan angket. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah induktif yang berarti bahwa peneliti melakukan observasi terlebih dahulu baru kemudian ditarik kesimpulan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, ditemukan bahwa supervisi akademik dilakukan melalui beberapa tahapan; perencanaan, pelaksanaan, dan pelaporan. Supervisi dilaksanakan dengan cara kunjungan kelas, observasi, dan wawancara. Supervisi yang dilaksanakan oleh pengawas berdampak terhadap pengembangan kualitas pembelajaran guru, perencanaan pembelajaran yang lebih matang, kegiatan pembelajaran terorganisir, penggunaan strategi/metode pembelajaran yang variatif, dan teknik evaluasi yang bervariasi.
Buyback Program of Unused Prescription Opioids in US Rural Communities, 2017–2018
Authors: Liu Jean Y. , Franklin Julie S. , Gesek Frank A. , Anderson Joseph C.
Published: July 2020

Objective. To implement an opioid buyback program after ambulatory surgery.

Methods. We performed a prospective cohort study of 578 opioid-naïve patients prescribed opioids after ambulatory surgery at a rural US Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital from 2017 to 2018. We reimbursed $5 per unused opioid pill ($50 limit) returned to our VA for proper disposal. We tracked the number of participants, number of unused opioid pills returned, surgeon prescribing, and refill requests.

Results. Out of 578 eligible patients, 171 (29.6%) returned 2136.5 unused opioid pills. Information shared with surgeons after 6 months led to a 27% decrease in opioid prescribing without an increase in refills.

Conclusions. With this opioid buyback program, rural patients had a safe and convenient place to dispose of unused opioids. Surgeons used information about returns to adjust opioid prescribing after common ambulatory surgeries without an increase in refill requests.

Public Health Implications. Although providers prescribe within state opioid guidelines, there will be variations in patient use after ambulatory surgery. An opioid buyback program helped our patients and surgeons decrease unused prescription opioids available for diversion in our rural communities.
SOSIALISASI DAN SIMULASI MITIGASI BENCANA GEMPA BUMI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESIAPSIAGAAN SISWA SDN 2 WATES PONOROGO
Authors: Arisona Risma Dwi
Published: July 2020

Bencana  gempa  bumi  terjadi  secara  tiba-tiba  tanpa  bisa  diprediksi  oleh  manusia.  Dengan mengetahui  bahwa  gempa  bumi  belum  bisa  diduga  secara  ilmiah,  perlu  dilakukan  usaha mengurangi  resiko  akibat  yang  ditimbulkan  gempa  bumi.  Salah  satu  faktor  utama  penyebab timbulnya  banyak  korban  akibat  bencana  seperti  gempa  bumi  adalah  karena  kurangnya pengetahuan  tentang  bencana  dan  kesiapsiagaan  bencana  terutama  gempa  bumi.  Oleh  karena  itu, sosialisasi  dan  simulasi  mitigasi  bencana  gempa  bumi  sejak  dini  kepada  masyarakat  yang  rentan bencana  serta  kesiapsiagaannya  sangat  penting  untuk  menghindari  atau  memperkecil  risiko menjadi  korban  melalui  pendidikan  di  sekolah.  Pendidikan  merupakan  wahana  yang  efektif untuk  membangun  perilaku  peserta  didik  dalam  menghadapi  bencana.  Pengetahuan  yang  dimiliki peserta  didik dapat  memengaruhi sikap  dan  kepedulian untuk siap  dan  siaga  dalam  mengantisipasi bencana.  Penelitian  bersifat  penelitian  praktik  berdasarkan  batasan  masalah,  yang  dilakukan melalui  pemberian  materi  dan  pelatihan  simulasi  mitigasi  bencana  Gempa  Bumi.  Hasil  kegiatan menunjukkan  bahwa:  1)  Materi  yang  disampaikan  menarik,  terdapat  ilmu  yang  sangat  berarti tentang  jenis-jenis  bencana,  simbol-simbol  bencana,  dan  tata  cara  dan  prosedur  kesiapsiagaan dalam  menghadapi bencana  gempa  bumi sebelum, saat terjadi, dan setelah kejadian gempa  bumi; 2) Menambah  pengetahuan  dan  keterampilan  dalam  penyelamatan  diri  bila  terjadi  gempa  bumi;  3) Melatih  reflek  dalam  melakukan  langkah-langkah  penyelamatan  diri  bila  tiba-tiba  terjadi  gempa bumi,  4)  Meningkatkan  kesiapsiagaan  akan  bencana  gempa  bumi  bagi  siswa  sekolah  dasar  dan guru.
Proteomic Study of Hypothalamus in Pigs Exposed to Heat Stress
Authors: Yu Tianyue , Yong Yan-Hong , Li Jun-yu , Fang Biao , Hu Can-ying , Wu Lian-yun , Liu Xiaoxi , Yu Zhichao , Ma Xingbin , Patil Yadnyavalkya , Gooneratne Ravi , Ju Xianghong
Published: July 2020

Background : With evidence of warming climates, it is important to understand the effects of heat stress in farm animals in order to minimize production losses. Studying the changes in the brain proteome induced by heat stress may aid in understanding how heat stress affects brain function. The hypothalamus is a critical region in the brain that controls the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the secretion of several important hormones. In this study, we examined the hypothalamic protein profile of 10 pigs (15 ± 1 kg body weight), with five subjected to heat stress (35 ± 1 °C; relative humidity = 90%) and five acting as controls (28 ± 3°C; RH = 90%). Result: The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) analysis of the hypothalamus identified 1710 peptides corresponding to 360 proteins, including 295 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 148 of which were up-regulated and 147 down-regulated, in heat-stressed animals. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software predicted 30 canonical pathways, four functional groups, and four regulatory networks of interest. The DEPs were mainly concentrated in the cytoskeleton of the pig hypothalamus during heat stress. Conclusions: In this study, heat stress significantly increased the body temperature and reduced daily gain of body weight in pigs. Furthermore, we identified 295 differentially expressed proteins, 147 of which were down-regulated and 148 up-regulated in hypothalamus of heat stressed pigs. The IPA showed that the DEPs identified in the study are involved in cell death and survival, cellular assembly and organization, and cellular function and maintenance, in relation to neurological disease, metabolic disease, immunological disease, inflammatory disease, and inflammatory response. We hypothesize that a malfunction of the hypothalamus may destroy the host physical and immune function, resulting in decreased growth performance and immunosuppression in heat stressed pigs.
Sentinel lymph node mapping using ICG fluorescence and cone beam CT – a feasibility study in a rabbit model of oral cancer
Authors: Muhanna Nidal , Chan Harley HL , Douglas Catriona M , Daly Michael J , Jaidka Atul , Eu Donavan , Bernstein Jonathan , Townson Jason L , Irish Jonathan
Published: July 2020

Background: Current sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) techniques, including use of radioisotopes, have disadvantages including the use of a radioactive tracer. Indocyanine green (ICG) based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and cone beam CT (CBCT) have advantages for intraoperative use. However, limited literature exists regarding their use in head and neck cancer SLNB.Methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized study using a rabbit oral cavity VX2 squamous cell carcinoma model (n = 10) which develops lymph node metastasis. Pre-operatively, images were acquired by MicroCT. During surgery, CBCT and NIR fluorescence imaging of ICG was used to map and guide the SLNB resection.Results: Intraoperative use of ICG to guide fluorescence resection resulted in identification of all lymph nodes identified by pre-operative CT. CBCT was useful for near real time intraoperative imaging and 3D reconstruction. Conclusions: This pre-clinical study further demonstrates the technical feasibility, limitations and advantages of intraoperative NIR-guided ICG imaging for SLN identification as a complementary method during head and neck surgery.
Effectiveness of a Peer-Based Intervention on Loneliness and Social Isolation of Older Chinese Immigrants in Canada: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lai Daniel W.L. , Li Jia , Ou Xiaoting , Li Celia Y.P.
Published: July 2020

Background: Social isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants.Methods: Sixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n=30 each) in a randomized control parallel trial design. Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. Social workers who are not blinded to the group assignment measured the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including three primary outcomes (loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation) and five secondary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life).Results: The 30 intervention group participants showed a statistically significant decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to the 30 control group participants. They reported fewer barriers to social participation, fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group.Conclusions: There is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069Funding: There are no external funding for this study.
Investigating the association between Physicians self-efficacy regarding communication skills and risk of "Burnout".
Authors: Messerotti Andrea , Banchelli Federico , Ferrari Silvia , Barbieri Emiliano , Bettelli Francesca , Bandieri Elena , Giusti Davide , Catellani Hillary , Borelli Eleonora , Colaci Elisabetta , Pioli Valeria , Morselli Monica , Forghieri Fabio , Galeazzi Gian Maria , Marasca Roberto , Bigi Sarah , D'Amico Roberto , Martin Peter , Efficace Fabio , Luppi Mario , Potenza Leonardo
Published: July 2020

Background: Breaking bad news (BBN) may be associated with increasing risk of burnout in practising physicians. However, there is little research on the association between the way bad news is broken and burnout. We investigated the association between physicians' self-efficacy regarding communication to patients and risk of burnout.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study by proposing an ad-hoc survey exploring attitudes and practice regarding BBN and the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Service Survey to 379 physicians from two University Hospitals in Italy. Associations were assessed by multivariable logistic regression models.Results: Two-hundred twenty-six (60%) physicians returned the questionnaires. 76% of physicians acquired communication skills by observing mentors or colleagues, 64% considered BBN as discussing a poor prognosis, 56% reported discussing prognosis as the most difficult task, 38% and 37% did not plan a BBN encounter and considered it stressful. The overall burnout rate was 59%. Considering BBN a stressful task was independently associated with high risk of burnout (OR 3.01; p=0.013). Planning the encounter (OR=0.43, p=0.037), mastering communication skills (OR=0.19, p=0.034) and the self-evaluation as good or very good at BBN (OR 0.32; 0.15 to 0.71; p=0.0) were associated with low risk of burnout.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that some physicians' BBN attitudes and knowledge of conceptual frameworks may influence the risk of burnout and support the notion that increasing knowledge about communication skills may protect clinicians from burnout. Further research is needed in this area.
Large-scale production of recombinant miraculin protein in transgenic carrot callus supension cultures using air-lift bioreactors
Authors: Park Yun-Ji , Han Jong-Eun , Lee Hyoshin , Jung Yu-Jin , Murthy Hoskatte Niranjana , Park So-Young
Published: July 2020

Miraculin, derived from the miracle fruit ( Synsepalum dulcificum ), is a taste-regulating protein that interacts with human sweet-taste receptors and transforms sourness into sweet taste. Since miracle fruit is cultivated in West Africa, mass production of miraculin is limited by regional and seasonal constraints. Here, we investigated mass production of recombinant miraculin in carrot ( Daucus carota L.) callus cultures using an air-lift bioreactor. To increase miraculin expression, the oxidative stress-inducible SWAP2 promoter was used to drive the expression of miraculin gene under various stress treatments. An 8 h treatment of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and salt (NaCl) increased the expression of miraculin gene by 5-fold compared with the untreated control. On the other hand, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and methyl jasmonate treatments showed no significant impact on miraculin gene expression compared with the control. This shows that since H 2 O 2 and NaCl treatments induce oxidative stress, they activate the SWPA2 promoter and consequently up-regulate miraculin gene expression. Thus, the results of this study provide a foundation for industrial-scale production of recombinant miraculin protein using transgenic carrot cells as a heterologous host.
Experiential learning for children's dental anxiety: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Zhu Minmin , Yu Hongbing , Xie Bo , Li Hongwen , He Qian , Li Huimin , Su Jing , Li Xueqi
Published: July 2020

Background: Dental anxiety (DA) has an impact on the quality of dental treatment and may have long-lasting implications for children. A recent study introducing experiential learning (EL) into children’s oral health promotion resulted in better oral hygiene. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether EL can reduce children's DA. Methods: In September 2018, we recruited 988 children aged 7-8 years from 24 classes to participate in a cluster-randomized trial. Classes were randomly assigned to EL (in which children received a lively presentation on oral health and participated in a role play in a simulated dental clinic in the classroom) or the Tell-Show-Do (TSD) group (in which children received a conventional TSD behavior management). The primary outcome was the prevalence of high DA after the procedure of pit and fissure sealant (PFS), assessed by a modified Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale. Secondary outcomes were changes in blood pressures (BP) and pulse rates (PR) before and after the PFS procedure. The intervention effects were estimated by means of mixed effect models, which included covariates of gender and school (and baseline value for BP and PR only), and a random cluster effect.Results: In 396 children of the EL group who received the PFS treatment, the prevalence of high DA (score ≥ 38) was 18.5%, compared with 24.3% in 391 children of the TSD group (OR=0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.93; P=0.019). The increases in BP and PR after the PFS were also significantly less in the EL group. Conclusion: School-based experiential learning intervention before a dental visit is feasible and effective in reducing children’s dental anxiety during PFS.Trial registration: The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 5 January 2020 (No.: ChiCTR2000028878, retrospectively registered), http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=47970&htm=4.
Barriers to Effective Prescribing in Older Adults: Applying the Theoretical Domains Framework in the Ambulatory Setting
Authors: Lau Sabrina , Lun Penny , Ang Wendy , Tan Keng Teng , Ding Yew Yoong
Published: July 2020

Background: As the population ages, potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in the older adults may become increasingly prevalent. This undermines patient safety and creates a potential source of major morbidity and mortality. Understanding the factors that influence prescribing behaviour may allow development of interventions to reduce PIP. The aim of this study is to apply the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore barriers to effective prescribing for older adults in the ambulatory setting. Methods: A scoping review was performed based on the five-stage methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. From 30 Aug 2018 to 5 Sep 2018, we conducted our search on PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science. We also searched five electronic journals, Google and Google Scholar to identify additional sources and grey literature. Two reviewers applied eligibility criteria to the title and abstract screening, followed by full text screening, before systematically charting the data. Results: A total of 5,731 articles were screened. 29 studies met the selection criteria for qualitative analysis. We mapped our results using the 14-domain TDF, eventually identifying 10 domains of interest for barriers to effective prescribing. Of these, significant domains include physician-related factors such as “Knowledge”, “Skills”, and “Social/Professional Role and Identity”; issues with “Environmental Context and Resources”; and the impact of “Social Influences” and “Emotion” on prescribing behaviour.Conclusion: The TDF elicited multiple domains which both independently and collectively lead to barriers to effective prescribing for older adults in the ambulatory setting. Changing the prescribing climate will thus require interventions targeting multiple stakeholders, including physicians, patients and hospital/clinic systems. Further work is needed to explore individual domains and guide development of frameworks to aid guide prescribing for older adults in the ambulatory setting.
Vibroarthrographic analysis of patellofemoral joint arthrokinematics during squats with increasing external loads
Authors: Ołowiana Ewelina , Selkow Noelle , Laudner Kevin , Puciato Daniel , Bączkowicz Dawid
Published: July 2020

Background: The patellofemoral joint (PFJ) provides extremely low kinetic friction, which results in optimal arthrokinematic motion quality. Previous research showed that these friction-reducing properties may be diminished due to the increase in articular contact forces. However, this phenomenon has not been analyzed in vivo during functional daily-living activities. The aim of this study was the vibroarthrographic assessment of changes in PFJ arthrokinematics during squats with variated loads. Methods: 114 knees from 57 asymptomatic subjects (23 females and 34 males) whose ages ranged from 19 to 26 years were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked to perform 3 trials: 4 repetitions of bodyweight squats (L0), 4 repetitions of 10 kg barbell back loaded squats (L10), 4 repetitions of 20 kg barbell back loaded squats (L20). During the unloaded and loaded (L10, L20) squats, vibroarthrographic signals were collected using an accelerometer placed on the patella and were described by the following parameters: variation of mean square (VMS), mean range (R4), and power spectral density for frequency of 50-250 Hz (P1) and 250-450 Hz (P2). Results: Obtained results showed that the lowest values were noted in the unloaded condition and that the increased applied loads had a significant concomitant increase in all the aforementioned parameters bilaterally (p<0.05). Conclusion: This phenomenon indicates that the application of increasing knee loads during squats corresponds to higher intensity of vibroacoustic emission, which might be related to higher contact stress and kinetic friction as well as diminished arthrokinematic motion quality.
Candida tropicalis distribution and drug resistance is correlated with ERG11 and UPC2 expression
Authors: Wang Dan , An Na , Yang Yuwei , Yang Xianggui , Fan Yingzi , Feng Jiafu
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study analyzed the distribution and drug resistance of Candida tropicalis ( C. tropicalis ) and the relationship between ERG11 and UPC2 expression and resistance to azole antifungal agents.

Methods

C. tropicalis was cultured and identified by Sabouraud Agar Medium, CHROM Agar Candida and ATB tests (Bio-Mérieux, France). Total RNA was extracted from the collected strains, and the ERG11 and UPC2 mRNA expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

In total, 2872 clinical isolates of Candida , including 319 strains of C. tropicalis , were analyzed herein; they were mainly obtained from the Departments of Respiratory Medicine and ICU. The strains were predominantly isolated from airway secretion samples, and the detection trend in four years was mainly related to the type of department and specimens. The resistance rates of C. tropicalis to fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole had been increasing year by year. The mRNA expression levels of ERG11 and UPC2 in the fluconazole-resistant group were significantly higher than they were in the sensitive group. In addition, there was a significant positive linear correlation between these two genes in the fluconazole-resistant group.

Conclusions

Overexpression of the ERG11 and UPC2 genes in C. tropicalis could increase resistance to azole antifungal drugs. The routine testing for ERG11 and UPC2 in high-risk patients in key departments would provide a theoretical basis for the rational application of azole antifungal drugs.
Left Atrial Spontaneous Echo Contrast Occurring in Patients with Low CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc Scores
Authors: Akamatsu Kanako , Ito Takahide , Ozeki Michishige , Miyamura Masatoshi , Sohmiya Koichi , Hoshiga Masaaki
Published: July 2020

Background: Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), although scarce information exists on LASEC occurring in nonvalvular AF patients who have low thromboembolic risk scores. We therefore examined prevalence and determinants of LASEC under low CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores in these patients.Methods: Among 713 patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography, 349 with a CHADS2 score <2 (CHADS2 group) (93 women, mean age 65 years) and 221 with a CHA2DS2-VASc score <2 (CHA2DS2-VASc group) (39 women, mean age 62 years) were separately examined for clinical and echocardiographic findings.Results: LASEC was found in 77 patients of CHADS2 group (22%) and in 41 of CHA2DS2-VASc group (19%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for several parameters including non-paroxysmal AF, LA enlargement (LA diameter ≥50 mm), left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and an elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (BNP ≥200 pg/mL) revealed that for CHADS2 group, non-paroxysmal AF (Odds ratio 5.65, 95%CI 3.08-10.5, P <0.001), BNP elevation (Odds ratio 3.42, 95%CI 1.29-9.06, P = 0.013), and LV hypertrophy (Odds ratio 2.26, 95%CI 1.19-4.28, P = 0.013) were significant independent determinants of LASEC, and that for CHA2DS2-VASc group, non-paroxysmal AF (Odds ratio 3.38, 95%CI 1.51-7.54, P = 0.003) and LV hypertrophy (Odds ratio 2.53, 95%CI 1.13-5.70, P = 0.025) were significant independent determinants of LASEC.　Conclusions: LASEC was present in a considerable proportion of patients with nonvalvular AF under low thromboembolic risk scores. Information on AF chronicity, BNP, and LV hypertrophy may help avoid transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of LASEC, but large-scale studies are necessary to confirm our observations. Information on AF chronicity, BNP, and LV hypertrophy might help identify patients at elevated risk for thromboembolism, although large-scale studies are necessary to confirm our observations.
Tissue mechanics and expression of TROP2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma with varying differentiation
Authors: Zhang Baoping , Gao Shuting , Li Yiting , Li Ruiping , Cao Rui , Cheng Jingyang , Guo Yumeng , Wang Errui , Huang Ying , Zhang Kailiang
Published: July 2020

Background Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is overexpressed in many squamous cell carcinomas and promotes tumor development and invasion. The association between TROP2 expression and occurrence and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains to be understood.Methods We investigated the role of TROP2 in OSCC patients using a combination of biophysical approaches. A total of 108 OSCC patient specimens with varying degrees of differentiation were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis, and atomic force microscopy to analyze TROP2 expression, morphology, and mechanical properties of OSCC tissues.Results TROP2 was overexpressed in 34% of poorly differentiated OSCC samples. High levels of TROP2 were associated with 10.2% survival rate lower than 45.4% and patient age (odds ratio [OR]=0.437, P=0.039, 95% confidence interval [CI, 0.198–0.966]), tumor size (OR=13.148, P=0.000, 95% CI [5.060–34.168]), and TNM stage (OR=0.141, P=0.000, 95% CI [0.082–0.244]). Average surface roughness of low, medium, and highly differentiated OSCC tissues were 448.9±54.8, 792.7±83.6, and 993.0±104.3 nm, respectively. The Pearson coefficient revealed a negative association between tumor stiffness and TROP2 expression (r=-0.84, P<0.01).Conclusion Overexpression of TROP2 negatively associated with patient survival, degree of tumor differentiation, and tissue mechanics. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that TROP2 may be an indicator of OSCC differentiation leading to the altered mechanical properties of OSCC tissues.
Staging Procedures Fail to Benefit Women with Borderline Ovarian Tumours Who Want to Preserve Fertility: A Retrospective Analysis of 448 cases
Authors: Li Na , Gou Jinhai , Li Lin , Ming Xiu , Hu Tingwenyi , Li Zhengyu
Published: July 2020

Background: To evaluate the effect of clinicopathologic factors on the prognosis and fertility outcomes of BOT patients.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of BOT patients who underwent surgical procedures in West China Second University Hospital from 2008 to 2015. The DFS outcomes, potential prognostic factors and fertility outcomes were evaluated.Results: 448 patients were included; 52 recurrences were observed. 92 patients undergoing FSS achieved pregnancy. No significant differences in fertility outcomes were found between the staging and unstaged surgery groups. Staging surgery was not an independent prognostic factor for DFS. Laparoscopy resulted in better prognosis than laparotomy in patients with stage I tumours and a desire for fertility preservation.Conclusion: Patients with BOT fail to benefit from surgical staging. Laparoscopy is recommended for patients with stage I disease who desire to preserve fertility. Physicians should pay more attention to risk of recurrence in patients who want to preserve fertility.
Medical education too: sexual harassment within the educational context of medicine – insights from undergraduates
Authors: Schoenefeld Eva , Marschall Bernhard , Paul Berit , Ahrens Helmut , Sensmeier Janina , Coles Jan , Pfleiderer Bettina
Published: July 2020

Background: Assessment of the presence and the characteristics of sexual harassment in academic medicine is a global issue. Only limited international data are available so far.Methods: Aim: To assess the extent of sexual harassment and to identify the perpetrators in the student population of the medical school of Münster, Germany.A survey was undertaken, using the Medical Womens’ International Association sexual harassment questionnaire translated into German. The anonymous online questionnaire was sent as a link to all medical undergraduates at Münster Medical School via a mailing list between 1st October and the 30th November 2018. Identifying and potentially identifying data was not collected.Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods such as categorical variables. Baseline characteristics, e.g. answers by male or female medical students, were correlated with their individual sexual harassing experiences and perpetrator groups by means of univariate analysis. Results: A total of 2162 medical students were asked to participate: 623 (28.8%) completed the survey. Sexual harassment is a significant issue among medical students at Münster, with 87.6% of female students experiencing some verbal and /or physical sexual harassment. The majority of perpetrators were patients, followed by medical superiors and educators, and less frequently by colleagues. All students who had experiences with forced sexual contact were females. Over half (58.9%) of all undergraduates were exposed to sexually harassing behaviour: 41.3% of those suffered from verbal harassment and 31.8% from unwanted physical sexual contact such as e.g. unwanted physical touch, while 8.5% of faced forced sexual contact e.g. such as oral, anal or vaginal penetration, intercourse and rape. Perpetrators were mostly male medical superiors (7.0%) and male patients (18.3%).Conclusions: Sexual harassment in medical education and the medical working place are a significant problem in a German medical school. The majority of students experiencing sexual harassment are females. Female students also experience the more serious forms of sexual harassment more often.
Inverse correlation between Interleukin-34 and gastric cancer, a potential biomarker for prognosis
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Zhang Ying , Zhang Jiwei , Tao Kun , Hambly Brett D , Bao Shisan
Published: July 2020

Background : Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with high morbidity/mortality, partly due to a lack of reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis. It is important to develop reliable biomarker(s) with specificity, sensitivity and convenience for early diagnosis. The role of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and survival of GC patients are controversial. Macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) regulates monocytes/macrophages. Elevated MCSF is correlated with invasion, metastasis and poor survival of tumour patients. IL-34, a ligand of the MCSF receptor, acts as a “twin” to MCSF, demonstrating overlapping and complimentary actions. IL-34 involvement in tumours is controversial, possibly due to the levels of MCSF receptors. While the IL‑34/MCSF/MCSFR axis is very important for regulating macrophage differentiation, the specific interplay between these cytokines, macrophages and tumour development is unclear. Methods : A multi-factorial evaluation could provide more objective utility, particularly for either prediction and/or prognosis of gastric cancer. Precision medicine requires molecular diagnosis to determine the specifically mutant function of tumours, and is becoming popular in the treatment of malignancy. Therefore, elucidating specific molecular signalling pathways in specific cancers facilitates the success of a precision medicine approach. Gastric cancer tissue arrays were generated from stomach samples with TNM stage, invasion depth and the demography of these patients (n=185). Using immunohistochemistry/histopathology, MCSF, IL-34 and macrophages were determined. Results : We found that IL-34 may serve as a predictive biomarker, but not as an independent, prognostic factor in GC; MCSF inversely correlated with survival of GC in TNM III‑IV subtypes. Increased CD68 + TAMs were a good prognostic factor in some cases and could be used as an independent prognostic factor in male T3 stage GC. Conclusion : Our data support the potency of IL-34, MCSF, TAMs and the combination of IL‑34/TAMs as novel biological markers for GC, and may provide new insight for both diagnosis and cellular therapy of GC.
Methylation of WT1, CA10 in peripheral blood leukocyte is associated with breast cancer risk: a case-control study
Authors: Ge Anqi , Gao Song , Liu Yupeng , Zhang Hui , Wang Xuan , Zhang Lei , Pang Da , Zhao Yashuang
Published: July 2020

Background: Studies have shown that abnormal changes of specific-gene DNA methylation in leukocytes may be associated with an elevated risk of cancer. However, associations between the methylation of the zinc-related genes, WT1 and CA10, and breast cancer risk remain unknown. Methods: The methylation of WT1 and CA10 was analyzed by methylation-sensitive high-resolution-melting (MS-HRM) in a case-control study with female subjects (N=959). Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations, and propensity score (PS) method was used to adjust confounders. Results: The results showed that WT1 hypermethylation was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.07 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.67-5.64, P<0.01]. Subgroup analyses showed that WT1 hypermethylation was specifically associated with an elevated risk of luminal A subtype (OR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.11-6.20, P=0.03) and luminal B subtype (OR=3.23, 95% CI: 1.34-7.80, P=0.01). CA10 hypermethylation was associated with an increased risk of luminal B subtype (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.09-2.98, P=0.02). Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the hypermethylation of WT1 methylation in leukocytes is significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The hypermethylation of WT1 is associated with an increased risk of luminal subtypes of breast cancer, and the hypermethylation of CA10 is associated with an increased risk of luminal B subtype of breast cancer.
Circular DNA intermediates in the generation of large human segmental duplications.
Authors: Chicote Javier Ugarte , López-Sánchez Marcos , Marquès-Bonet Tomàs , Callizo José , Pérez-Jurado Luis Alberto , Garcia-España Antonio
Published: July 2020

Background: Duplications of large genomic segments provide genetic diversity in genome evolution. Despite their importance, how these duplications are generated remains uncertain, particularly for distant duplicated genomic segments. Results: Here we provide evidence of the participation of circular DNA intermediates in the single generation of some large human segmental duplications. A specific reversion of sequence order from A-B/C-D to B-A/D-C between duplicated segments and the presence of only microhomologies and short indels at the evolutionary breakpoints suggest a circularization of the donor ancestral locus and an accidental replicative interaction with the acceptor locus. Conclusions: This novel mechanism of random genomic mutation could explain several distant genomic duplications including some of the ones that took place during recent human evolution.
Cancer Patient Management Strategy in a Cancer Center of Zhejiang, China During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Song-xiao , Cheng Xiang-dong , Pan Zhi-wen , Song Qian , Wang Yi-hong , Xiong Juan , Chen Yong-yi , Fan Fan , Zhu Jing , Wu Wan-ying , Deng Xue-ying , Yu Yan-pin , Xu Xiao-hong , Chen Wen-hu , Zhu Tao , Yu Yang , Liu Kai-zhong , Shao Guo-liang , Chen Ming , Yu En-yan
Published: July 2020

Background: Due to the increased risk of viral infection and the severe shortage of medical resources during the pandemic of COVID-19, most hospitals in the epidemic areas significantly reduced non-emergency admissions and services, if not closed. As a result, it has been difficult to treat cancer patients on time, which adversely affects their prognosis. To address this problem, cancer centers must develop a strategic plan to manage both inpatients and outpatients during the pandemic, provide them with the necessary treatment, and at the same time prevent the spread of the virus among patients, visitors and medical staff. Methods: Based upon the epidemic situation in Zhejiang Province, China, the number of running non-emergency medical wards in the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital was gradually increased in a controlled manner. All staff of the hospital received COVID-19 preventive training and was provided with three different levels of protection according to the risks of their services. Only patients without a known history of SARS-CoV-2 contact were eligible to schedule an appointment. Body temperature was measured on all patients upon their arrival at the hospital. Chest CT image, blood cell counting and travel/contact history were investigated in patients with fever. Respiratory tract samples, such as sputum and throat swabs, from all patients, including those clinically suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection, were collected for nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2 before treatment.Results: A total of 3697 inpatients and 416 outpatients seeking cancer treatment were enrolled from February 1 to April 3, 2020, in compliance with the hospital’s infection-control interventions. The clinicopathological parameters of the patients were summarized herein. 4237 samples from 4101 patients produced negative RNA testing results. Four clinically suspected patients all presented negative RNA test results and were excluded from the SARS-CoV-2 infection through follow-up retesting and monitoring. Seven patients with only N-gene positive results were retested, followed by CT scan and SARS-CoV-2 contact history investigation. All of them were finally diagnosed as non-infected patients. There was one outpatient who was confirmed positive by virus RNA test and then followed up. She might be an asymptomatic laboratory-confirmed case. During the study period, there was no SARS-CoV-2 infection among staff, patients and escorts of patients in the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.Conclusion: This study suggested our infection-control interventions, including viral nucleic acid test, could be used as a reliable method to screen cancer patients in the area with moderate COVID-19 prevalence. Cancer may not be a high-risk factor of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Peer supervision experiences of drug sellers in a rural district in East-Central Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Bagonza Arthur , Wamani Henry , Peterson Stefan , Mårtensson Andreas , Mutto Milton , Musoke David , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Mukanga David , Gibson Linda , Awor Phyllis
Published: July 2020

Background

Support supervision improves performance outcomes among health workers. However, the national professional guidelines for new licenses and renewal for class C drug shops in Uganda prescribe self-supervision of licensed private drug sellers. As such, inappropriate treatment of malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea among children under five years of age continues unabated. This study assessed experiences of drug sellers and peer supervisors at the end of a peer supervision intervention in Luuka district in East Central Uganda.

Methods

Eight in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with peer supervisors while five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among registered drug sellers at the end of the peer supervision intervention. The study assessed experiences and challenges of peer supervisors and drug sellers regarding peer supervision. Transcripts were imported into Atlas ti 7 qualitative data management software (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Berlin) where they were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis.

Results

Initially, peer supervisors were disliked and regarded as another extension of drug inspectors by drug sellers. However, with time a good relationship was established between drug sellers and peer supervisors leading to regular, predictable and supportive peer supervision. This increased confidence of drug sellers in using respiratory timers and rapid diagnostic tests in diagnosing pneumonia symptoms and uncomplicated malaria respectively among children under five years. There was also an improvement in completing the sick child register which was used for self-assessment by drug sellers. The drug shop association was mentioned as a place where peer supervision should be anchored since it was a one-stop center for sharing experiences and continuous professional development. Drug sellers proposed including community health workers in monthly drug shop association meetings so that they may also gain from the associated benefits. Untimely completion of the sick child registers by drug sellers and lack of adequate resources were the main peer supervision challenges mentioned.

Conclusion

Drug sellers benefitted from peer supervision by developing a good relationship with peer supervisors. This relationship guaranteed reliable and predictable supervision ultimately leading to improved treatment practices. There is need to explore the bare minimum resources needed for peer supervision.