bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of PTSD-Linked Strain Sensitivity on Violent Offending: Differences in Effects During Adolescence Versus Early Adulthood
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas W.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Investigate the relevance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-linked strain sensitivity associated with exposure to violence for predicting violence outcomes among juvenile offenders during adolescence and early adulthood.

Methods

This study uses the Pathways to Desistance data and to test relevant relationships. Two series of negative binomial regression models were estimated to test hypotheses, one corresponding to each period of the life course.

Results

Results indicated that witnessed violence interacted with PTSD status in adolescence, indicating that individuals afflicted with PTSD demonstrated heightened sensitivity to this strain, manifested in increased violent offending.

Conclusions

Results indicate that witnessed violence may act as a trigger during adolescence, resulting in juvenile offenders with PTSD responding with violence. This may have treatment implications for individuals suffering from PTSD.
Potential for COVID-19 Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Exposure During Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgery
Authors: Taylor Graham , Shannon-Lowe Claire , Long Heather , Sundar Sudha
Published: April 2020

The potential for transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, on the reproductive tract of patients with COVID-19 is not known. We examined existing data for prevalence of virus in the reproductive tract and other bodily fluids.
Multiple Groundwater Parameters and Environmental Changes using Geospatial Techniques in the Permian Basin, Texas
Authors: Nelson Robert , Heo Joonghyeok
Published: April 2020

This study evaluates spatial analyses of groundwater quality and environmental changes to obtain information on the groundwater contamination in the Permian Basin, Texas. Coupled with the U.S. government’s open data, these analyses can identify regions where environmental change could have potentially effected groundwater quality. A total of thirty-six wells were selected within the six counties: Andrews, Martin, Ector, Midland, Crane, and Upton. Spatial distribution maps were created for six different parameters: pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and arsenic. Total groundwater quality maps incorporate all the contaminants and denote regions of poor, medium, and optimum conditions. To identify spatial changes in groundwater quality, maps were separated into two different time intervals, 1992-2005 and 2006-2019. We found that groundwater contamination resulted primarily from the mobilization of the contaminant from natural sources or anthropogenic activities such as chemical fertilizers. Overall, groundwater quality decreased during the study period from 1992 to 2019 as population and urban growth began to develop in the Permian Basin. This study contributes on understanding of the response of groundwater quality associated with environmental change in the Permian Basin. Therefore, this research provides important information for groundwater managements in developing plans for the use of water resource in the future for Texas.
Inflamm-Aging: Why Older Men Are the Most Susceptible to SARS-Cov-2 Complicated Outcomes
Authors: Bonafè Massimiliano , Prattichizzo Francesco , Giuliani Angelica , Storci Gianluca , Sabbatinelli Jacopo , Olivieri Fabiola
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is characterized by a high mortality of elderly men with age-related comorbidities. In most of these patients, uncontrolled local and systemic hyperinflammation induces severe and often lethal outcomes. The aging process is characterized by the gradual development of a chronic subclinical systemic inflammation (inflamm-aging) and by acquired immune system impairment (immune senescence). Here, we advance the hypothesis that some key features of aging contribute to the disproportionate SARS-CoV-2 mortality suffered by elderly men. At least four well-recognized aging-related characteristics that are strongly expressed in older men go some way towards explaining why these patients account for the vast majority of fatalities: i. the presence of subclinical systemic inflammation without overt disease, ii. a blunted acquired immune system and type I interferon response due to the chronic inflammation; iii. the downregulation of ACE2 (SARS-CoV-2 receptor), which triggers inflammation, particularly in patients with age-related comorbid diseases such as type II diabetes; and iv. accelerated biological aging, as measured by epigenetic and senescence markers (e.g. telomere shortening) associated to the chronic inflammatory state. Though typical of the aged, especially of elderly men, it is conceivable that these features are also shared by some subsets of the younger population. The high mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests that clarification of the mechanisms of inflamm-aging and immune senescence can help combat not only age-related disorders but also SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Enhancement of Hydrothermally Co3O4 Thin Films as H2S Gas Sensor by Loading Yttrium Element
Authors: Et al. Hamdan
Published: April 2020

The gas sensing properties of Co3O4 and Co3O4:Y nano structures were investigated. The films were synthesized using the hydrothermal method on a seeded layer. The XRD, SEM analysis and gas sensing properties were investigated for Co3O4 and Co3O4:Y thin films. XRD analysis shows that all films are polycrystalline in nature, having a cubic structure, and the crystallite size is (11.7)nm for cobalt oxide and (9.3)nm for the Co3O4:10%Y. The SEM analysis of thin films obviously indicates that Co3O4 possesses a nanosphere-like structure and a flower-like structure for Co3O4:Y.

The sensitivity, response time and recovery time to a H2S reducing gas were tested at different operating temperatures. The resistance changes with exposure to the test gas. The results reveal that the Co3O4:10%Y possesses the highest sensitivity around 80% at a 100oC operating temperature when exposed to the reducing gas H2S with 0.8sec for both recovery and response times.
Finding Common Ground in Indigenous Communities
Authors: Mendez Sixto R. , Wasserstrom Robert F. , Parnell Jennifer A.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive, Volume 1, Number 1, 1998, pages 18-21,51-53.

On 4 March 1994, an unusual meeting took place at Arco Intl. Oil and Gas Co. headquarters in Plano, Texas. At the table were Louis Soileau IV, development manager of Arco Oriente (the company's joint venture with Agip in Ecuador); W. Ken Keag, Arco's resident manager in Ecuador; Leonardo Viteri, head of the Organization of Indigenous Peoples of Pastaza (OPIP) -affiliated Amazanga Inst.; Hector Villamil, OPIP president; and two representatives of Oxfam America (a community development and human rights advocacy group based in Boston, Massachusetts). Discussions included subjects as diverse as native land claims, health care, and the lack of adequate schools throughout Ecuador's Amazonian region, known as the "Oriente." By midnight, Arco and OPIP had agreed to begin a "serious and positive dialogue" about social and environmental questions arising from the company's proposed development of a major oil field at Villano in Block 10, located deep in the forests of Pastaza Province. Villano, with a population of about 300 families, is a cluster of seven or eight communities located near an old airstrip of the same name.

A final question raised by Viteri was why oil companies don't try to understand the social and natural environment for proposed projects "before they even buy the bidding packages." Arco officials agree that beginning such discussions as early as possible is the key to a successful venture. They recognize, however, that this can be difficult because, in many cases, bidding processes are managed closely by government oil companies and information is limited at best. They suggest that the CTA, with all of its imperfections, remains the best response to skeptics who warn that they are giving the Indians "too much voice" in their decision-making. These officials point out that such skeptics have offered no viable alternative, or at least no alternative that is acceptable to a major international company.
Oral Health Policy making Challenges in Iran: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Mohammadpour Mohammadtaghi , Bastani Peivand , Ghanbarzadegan Arash , Bahmaei Jamshid
Published: April 2020

Background: As the strategies proposed for oral health improvement in developed countries do not adapt for the setting of the developing ones, this study aimed to identify the challenges of oral health policy implementation in Iran as a low-income developing country. Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted in 2019 in Iran as a middle-eastern developing country. The study population consisted of all the experts who had enough experience in the oral health and were willing to participate in the study. Snowball sampling was used to select 12 participants for semi-structured interviews and saturation was achieved after 16 interviews with them. Guba and Lincoln criteria including credibility, transferability, confirmability and dependability were used to determine the reliability and transparency, and finally five-step framework analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results: The analysis of the interviews resulted in identification of 7 main themes that are categorized in 5 problems of policy implementation proposed by Matus framework. The main themes of executive and preventive challenges to implement oral health policies are categorized as organizational problem, the main themes of educational and resource challenges are situated as the material problems, and the present main themes of insurance, policy making and trusteeship challenges are considered as the legal, policymaking and perspective. Conclusion: According to the present results, the implementation of oral health policies has faced some challenges. It seems that the national coverage of oral health and integration of these services in prevention and serious attention to the private sector can be considered as the most important strategies for achieving improved oral health in Iran.
Dental care for drug users in Norway: Dental professionals’ attitudes to treatment and experiences with interprofessional collaboration
Authors: Hovden Ewa , Ansteinsson Vibeke , Klepaker Ingrid Volden , Widström Eeva , Skudutyte-Rystad Rasa
Published: April 2020

Objective: The present study aimed to assess dental professionals’ attitudes and experiences related to the dental treatment of drug users and experiences with interprofessional collaboration with the rehabilitation institutions. Materials and methods: The study population comprised 141 dentists and dental hygienists (response rate 73%) working in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in three counties in Norway. All of the participants completed an electronically distributed questionnaire on existing practices and experiences regarding dental treatment for drug users and interprofessional collaboration with rehabilitation institutions (RIs). The Norwegian Centre for Research Data (NSD) approved the study. Results: The majority of dentists and dental hygienists in the present study used more time for examination and treatment of drug users compared to other patient groups. Over 70% of dental clinicians considered drug users as demanding patients due to fear, missing appointments, and poor compliance with oral hygiene advice. The overall perception was that drug users often had higher expectations of dental treatment than what could be defined as necessary care and provided by the PDS. One-third of dental professionals reported that they were satisfied with the collaboration they had with RIs . Most of the respondents agreed that personnel from rehabilitation institutions could positively influence interprofessional collaboration by having sufficient knowledge of drug users statutory rights to free of charge dental treatment, as well as by close follow-up and motivation of patients before dental treatment. Conclusions: Dental professionals perceived the management of drug users as demanding due to dental fear, difficulties in coping with appointments, poor compliance to preventive measures, and disagreement between dental treatment defined as necessary and drug users’ expectations. Organizational barriers regarding leadership, accessibility, and collaborative routines, as well as lack of interprofessional communication, suggest current models of health care delivery to drug users need reviewing.
Quitting the quitline: a qualitative study of patient experience of electronic referrals to quitlines
Authors: Albert Elizabeth , Rose Jeanmarie C , Gill India J , Flocke Susan A
Published: April 2020

Background: The use of electronic referrals (eReferrals) to state quitlines (QLs) for tobacco-using patients is a promising approach for addressing smoking cessation on a large scale. However, QL contact, enrollment, and completion rates are low. The purpose of this study was to examine the eReferral to QL process from the patient’s perspective in order to inform strategies for improving QL engagement. Methods : We conducted interviews with 55 patients who agreed to an eReferral at a primary care visit to 1 of 8 safety-net community health centers in Cuyahoga County, Ohio (September 2017-August 2018). Interviews were designed to explore the experiences of three subgroups of patients who subsequently: 1) declined participation in the QL; 2) were unreachable by the QL; or 3) were enrolled in or had completed the QL program. Analysis was guided by a phenomenological approach designed to identify emergent themes. Results: Reasons for QL program non-completion included changing life circumstances and events making cessation unviable; misunderstandings about the QL; discomfort with telephonic counseling; perceived lack of time for counseling; cell phone barriers; and having already quit smoking. We found that some individuals who were no longer engaged with the QL still desired continued support from the QL. Conclusions: Participants intentionally and unintentionally disengage from the QL for a wide variety of reasons, several of which are mediated by low socioeconomic status. Integrating QL care with community-based resources that address these mediators could be a promising strategy.
HIV understanding, experiences and perceptions of HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Amazonian Peru: A qualitative study.
Authors: Tattsbridge Jasmine , Wiskin Connie , De Wildt Gilles , Llavall Anna Clavé , Ramal-Asayag César
Published: April 2020

Background HIV-related incidence and mortality is increasing across Peru, with highest mortality rates recorded in Amazonian Loreto. This epidemic is concentrated in men who have sex with men, a population with 14% HIV treatment adherence despite free national provision. This study investigates barriers and facilitators to following healthcare advice through experiences and perceptions of HIV-positive men who have sex with men and healthcare professionals in Loreto. Methods Twenty qualitative interviews with HIV-positive men who have sex with men and one focus group with HIV-specialist healthcare professionals were conducted in Loreto, January-February 2019. Thematic content analysis was used. Results A culture of isolation and discrimination was identified, propagated by poor public knowledge surrounding HIV transmission and treatment. Employment potential was hampered and 7/20 patients had suicidal thoughts post-diagnosis. Barriers to care included: shame, depression, travel cost/times, a preference for traditional plant-based medicine and side-effects of ART. Facilitators included: education, family and clinic support, disease acceptance and lifestyle changes. Conclusion More effective, focussed community education and workplace discrimination investigations are recommended.
Accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography for the evaluation of mandible invasion by oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zezheng , Zhang Shuang , Pu Yumei , Wang Yuxin , Lin Zitong , Wang Zhiyong
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Surgery for oral cancer with mandibular invasion requires an accurate preoperative assessment. Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which yields high spatial resolution, is used widely for mandibular examinations, evidence supporting its accuracy for the evaluation of malignant mandibular invasion is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the accuracy of CBCT for the preoperative assessment of mandibular invasion. Methods: Thirty mandibular specimens acquired via mandibulectomy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment were collected. The excised samples were marked and subjected to CBCT imaging. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used for histopathological assessment. Mandibular invasion was estimated based on CBCT and pathologic findings. Invasive borders were delineated via histopathological examination and CBCT and merged to compare the extent of invasion. Results: Although CBCT predicted the excised mandible invasion with 100% accuracy, it predicted nerve invasion with only 69.2% accuracy. The bone samples exhibited significant shrinkage (8.9%) due to tissue processing. This bone mass shrinkage led to a tendency of CBCT to underestimate the extent of invasion, with a mean difference of 2.97 mm. Conclusion: CBCT can reliably assess mandibular invasion, but is much less accurate for the estimation of nerve invasion. Given the potential for underestimation of the extent of mandibular invasion, CBCT would be better used to determine the extent of osteotomy.
Functional disability and associated factors among patients with severe mental illness attending psychiatry outpatient unit at Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Amare Tesfalem , Seifu Natnael , Shewangzaw Mirkat
Published: April 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to author disagreement.
ADS-B spoofing attack detection method based on LSTM
Authors: Wang Jing , Zou Yunkai , Ding Jianli
Published: April 2020

The open and shared nature of the ADS-B protocol makes its messages extremely vulnerable to various security threats, such as jamming, modification, and injection. This paper proposes an LSTM-based ADS-B spoofing attack detection method from the perspective of data. First, the message sequence is preprocessed in the form of a sliding window, and then a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used to perform prediction training on the windows. Finally, the residual set of predicted values and true values is calculated to set a threshold. As a result, we can detect a spoofing attack and further identify which feature was attacked. Experiments show that this method can effectively detect 10 different kinds of simulated manipulated ADS-B messages without further increasing the complexity of airborne applications. Therefore, the method can respond well to the security threats suffered by the ADS-B system.
Association between pulse pressure and body mass index in the Chinese adult population in Jilin Province 2013.
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Jingjing , Liu Jinghui , Liu Siyu , Gao Yue , Shen Yuhang , Sun Pinghui
Published: April 2020

Background: Pulse pressure and body mass index were associated with cardiovascular disease, and the relationship of pulse pressure and body mass index exhibited different situation in different study population. We want to access the association among pulse pressure, body mass index, and other factors in different gender Chinese population in Jilin Province. Methods: A multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to randomly select 3789 residents who without history of taking hypertension medication for questionnaire surveys, physical examinations and laboratory tests. IBM SPSS version 24.0 was used to perform all analysis, and Chi -square test and multinomial logistic regression were applied to analysis data.Results: For males, the multinomial logistic regression analysis shown that overweight was risk factor for other three pulse pressure groups. Besides, the older people(age≥60 years), and hypertension were risk factors for PP3 and PP4. In females results, aged≥45 years, hypertension and waist circumference was risk factor for three higher pulse pressure groups. Body mass index and pulse pressure was no significant association in three pulse pressure groups, and people with higher education level and above were protective factors in the PP3 and PP4 both in males and females.Conclusion: the relationship between body mass index and pulse pressure in different gender displayed different situation, and the association of waist circumference and pulse pressure was stronger than the relationship between body mass index and pulse pressure for women.
Implementation fidelity of Iron and Folic Acid supplementation (IFAs) and associated challenges among pregnant women in Uasin Gishu County Kenya
Authors: Riang'a Roselyter Monchari , Nangulu Anne Kisaka , Broerse Jacqueline E.W.
Published: April 2020

Introduction While Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAs) policy is offered free of charge in Kenya and has been implemented in Kenya and other low and middle-income-countries for decades, effectiveness of this intervention in improving maternal nutrition status has been inadequate. This study aims to acquire insight into the degree to which IFAs policy guidelines during pregnancy have been implemented as intended and the challenges to implementation fidelity. Methods Data was collected in rural Uasin Gishu County in the western part of Kenya through document analysis, questionnaires among programme recipients (n=188) and semi-structured interviews with programme implementers (n=6). Themes emerging from data are critically discussed using a conceptual framework based on programme theory and the programme implementation fidelity framework. Results Coverage of IFAs is widespread. However, policy content, frequency and participant responsiveness is not fully implemented. Only 10% accessed intervention within the first trimester as recommended by policy guidelines, only 18% and 15% of the respondents received 90 or more iron and folic acid pills respectively during their entire pregnancy period only 28% reported receiving nutritional counselling, and 66% completed taking the IFAs pills that were issued to them. Late initial bookings to antenatal care, drug stock shortage, staff shortage and long queues, confusing dosage instructions, side effects of the pills were established to be the main challenges to effective implementation fidelity. Anticipated health consequences and emphasis by the health officer to take the pills were established to be motivations for adherence to supplements. Conclusions Rather than targeting pregnant women who turn up for care at the health facilities, IFAs interventions should introduce community-based outreach programmes and make use of community-based health workers. This will not only relief the crowded health facilities for effective implementation integrity, but will also reach out to pregnant women within the first trimester when IFAs impact on health is greater and reach out to those women do not turn up at all for interventions at a health facility. Due to shortage and low compliance to IFAs pills, nutritional counselling is vital to promote consumption of locally available micro-nutrient rich food sources.
Post-Cholecystectomy Gall Bladder Remnant and Cystic Duct Stump stone: surgical pitfalls, causes of occurrence and completion cholecystectomy (open versus laparoscopic) as a safe surgical option of treatment: short and long term outcome. Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.
Authors: alnaimy tamer A , mokhtar Mohammed Mahmoud , Refaat Doaa Omar , Lotfy Mohamed , Osman Gamal , Ibrahim Amr , Metwalli Abd-Elrahman M. , Elshahidy Tamer Mohamed , Riad Mohamed , Sarhan Abd-Elrahman , safwat Khaled , Abdellatif Tarek E. , Abdelhady Waleed A. , Helmy El-Shewy Ali , Abdalla Wael M , Mohamed Hatem , Khalil Osama M.H. , Salah Emad , Orban Yasser A. , Mansour Mohamed Ibrahim , Amr Wesam M. , Mawla Walid A. , mohamed Ahmed Shafik , negm Said mohamed , Wasefy Tamer , Baghdadi Muhammad Ali , Elaidy Mostafa M. , Ahmed Mahmoud Abdou yassin , Sallam Ahmed M. , Habib Fady Mehaney , Goda Ashraf , Abdelhamid Mohamed I.
Published: April 2020

Introduction : cholecystectomy is the standard surgical option of symptomatic gallbladder disease. The symptoms persist after cholecystectomy in 10 - 20% of cases. Residual gall bladder/cystic duct stump stone is one of the most important cause. Aim : to compare between open and laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for gall bladder (GB) remnant and cystic duct stump stones as regard short and long term outcome.Methods : This study was conducted on 84 cases with residual GB/cystic duct stump stone that were divided into 2 groups, the open completion cholecystectomy group and the laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy group. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography.Results : The mean operative time was 120±13 minutes in open group and 160±10 in laparoscopic group. Blood loss occurred in 8 cases in open group and 2 cases in laparoscopic group that necessitated blood transfusion. Biliary injuries detected intraoperative occurred in 3 cases with open approach and 2 cases with laparoscopic approach and suture immediately by vicryl 3/0. The mean hospital stay was shorter in laparoscopic group than open group. .Conclusion : laparoscopic Completion cholecystectomy is a safe surgical approach for cystic duct stump stone.Research question: is laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy is safe in managing gall bladder and cystic duct stump stones?Hypothesis: laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy is safe in managing gall bladder and cystic duct stump stones.All ethical approval was given by our local Faculty of Medicine ethical committee.Registration at clinicaltrials.gov protocol registration quality control review criteria: NCT04329143 registered in 31 March 2020.retrospective registeredThe work described has been carried out in accordance with The Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki) for experiments involving humans.
Identification of 10 Important Genes with Poor Prognosis in Non-small cell Lung Cancer through Bioinformatical Analysis
Authors: Wu Wenbin , Fang Cheng , Zhang Chaochao , Hu Nanhua , Wang Lixin
Published: April 2020

Background: The lung cancer has become the most lethal cause of cancer-related death in China and is responsible for more than 1 million deaths all of the world every year, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although great advance in pharmaceutical therapies for lung cancer patients, the overall survival is still poor. It is necessary to find out the effective biomarkers in order to improve and predict the prognosis of lung cancer patients. The integrated bioinformatical analysis, as a useful tool to dig up the valuable clues, can be applied to search new effective therapeutic targets. Methods: In this work, we utilized four NSCLC datasets (GSE18842, GSE31210, GSE33532 and GSE101929) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to analyze. We totally found that there were 162 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these four datasets, including 41 up-regulated genes and 121 down-regulated genes in NSCLC tissues. The analysis of GO enrichment and KEGG pathway was done by DAVID software. Then, we identified 10 core oncogenes by constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Last, we further analyzed the 10 core oncogenes through Kaplan Meier plotter online database and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) respectively. Results: We discovered 10 key oncogenes which were associated with the progression and poor prognosis for NSCLC, including ANLN, CCNA2, CDCA7, DEPDC1, DLGAP5, HMMR, KIAA0101, RRM2, TOP2A, and UBE2T. Conclusion: These 10 genes can be served as the therapeutic targets and useful prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC treatment.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) into German: a qualitative study in three countries
Authors: Krieger Beate , Schulze Christina , Boyd Jillian , Amann Ruth , Piškur Barbara , Beurskens Anna , Teplicky Rachel , Moser Albine
Published: April 2020

Background Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequently, to use a measure like the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) in other than the original English-speaking contexts, cultural adaptation needs to be assured. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and adapt the PEM-CY into German as it is used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Methods Fifteen parents of children and adolescents with disabilities from three German speaking countries participated in three rounds of think-aloud interviews. We followed the procedure of cultural equivalence guidelines including two additional steps. Data was analyzed by content analysis using semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence. Results Results show adaptations mainly focused on experiential and conceptual equivalence. Examples of experiential equivalence included adapting the examples of activities in the PEM-CY to reflect typical ones in German speaking countries. Conceptual equivalence mainly addressed aspects of “involvement” and “environment” of children and adolescents and was reached through adaptations such as enhanced instructions and structures, and additional definitions. Conclusion This study presents a cross-cultural translation and adaptation process to develop a German version of the PEM-CY that is suitable for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As participation and environment are both complex concepts to measure, conceptual equivalence posed the highest challenges for this cultural adaptation. A culturally adapted version of PEM-CY (German) is now available for research, practice and further validation.
Combination of size-exclusion chromatography and ultracentrifugation improves the proteomic profiling of plasma derived small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Wei Rui , Zhao Libo , Kong Guanyi , Liu Xiang , Zhu Shengtao , Zhang Shutian , Min Li
Published: April 2020

Background: Circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and its associated proteins are of great interest in the early detection of many diseases. However, there is no gold standard for plasma sEVs isolation, especially for proteomic profiling which could be largely affected by contamination such as lipoproteins. Previous studies suggested combinations of different sEVs isolation methods could improve the purity of the isolated fractions. Nevertheless, there is no systematic evaluation of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), ultracentrifugation (UC) and their combination in a proteomic perspective. Results: Here we exhibited that SEC+UC showed comparable recovery of sEVs with higher purity in contrast to single-step UC or SEC isolation. In our proteomic analysis, there are 992 protein species identified in the sEVs fractions isolated by SEC+UC, much more than the sEVs fractions isolated by UC (453) or SEC (682) alone. As compared to Vesiclepedia and Exocarta databases, SEC+UC kept 584 previously identified sEV-associated proteins and 360 other proteins. Furthermore, detailed analysis suggested that sEV-associated proteins, such as CD9, CD81 and ITGB1, showed the better protein rank in SEC+UC group than UC group and SEC group. Lipoproteins, the most common contamination in sEVs proteomic analysis, along with other free-floating proteins in the plasma, were largely removed in SEC+UC. Conclusions: We suggested that combining SEC with UC could significantly improve the performance of mass-spectrum (MS)-based proteomic profiling in analyzing plasma-derived sEVs.
Teaching of medical science using mother language with bi-lingual approach, an experimental cross over trial
Authors: Alsaid Bayan , Alhimyar Maryam , Naem Antoine , Alasadi Lugien , Alsuliman Tamim
Published: April 2020

Background: Using the mother-tongue language in educational programs increases the students’ comprehension and facilitates the communication with their teachers and instructors. It also prevents linguistic dualism. However, teaching medical sciences in a language other than English remains controversial. The bi-lingual method is using important English terms in context beside the Arabic main text. This study examines the efficiency of using the bi-lingual approach as an alternative educational method that provides the advantages of using the native language and avoids the linguistic barriers when dealing with a foreign environment.Methods: Third-year medical students of the faculty of Medicine of Damascus University were included in a three-week comparative study. They were divided into three groups. Each group attended a 20 minutes' neuroanatomy lecture in three topics using three linguistic methods: Arabic, English or bi-nomenclature. Each lecture with one topic and one linguistic method. Two tests were performed in each lecture (pre- and post-lecture test) with six points as the total score of each test. The participating students had the same pre- and post-lecture test regardless of the used linguistic method. The same professor presented all lectures.Results: A total number of (277) students participated in the study. After excluding all participants who failed to attend the three lectures, the final participants were (147) students The bi-nomenclature method had the highest mean of points: [3.70/6], while the Arabic only method had a mean of [3.19/6] and the English-only method’s mean was [2.76/6]. These results were statistically significant (p-value less than 0.001). It was significant that Arabic questions were answered correctly regardless of the used linguistic method (p-value <0.001).Conclusion: The bi-lingual pedagogic method which combines mother language in the main text and providing of medical terms in both mother langue and English could present suitable medical education strategy in non-English speaking countries.
Relationship between renal biopsy and renal survival in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease: A propensity score matching approach
Authors: Lou Xiaowei , Yuan Shizhu , Shen Wei , Liu Yueming , Jin Juan , Gong Jianguang , Zhao Li , He Qiang , Li Yiwen
Published: April 2020

Background The effect of renal biopsy on the prognosis of elderly patients with chronic kidney disease remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between renal biopsy and renal survival in this population.Methods In this multi-centre retrospective study, the baseline characteristics among three groups were balanced by propensity matching. All patients were divided into three groups according to age and renal biopsy. The clinicopathological features at biopsy and renal outcomes during the follow-up were collected and analysed. Renal outcomes were defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, dialysis, renal transplantation, or death. The prognostic effects of renal biopsy were evaluated using Cox regression models. Results A total of 1313 patients were identified. After propensity matching, 390 patients were selected and divided into three groups. After a total follow-up period of 55 months, 20 (13.3%) patients (47.6% group 1 vs 7.41% group 2 vs 39.1% group 3) reached renal outcomes. No significant differences were found in renal outcomes among aged patients whether they underwent renal biopsy or not. Cox regression analysis revealed risk factors in aged patients including low albumin and high levels of proteinuria and serum creatinine (P < 0.05). Platelet count was significant only in aged patients who underwent renal biopsy (hazard ratio: 0.642, P < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, renal biopsy in the elderly has not shown benefits in terms of renal survival, conservative treatment appears to be a viable therapeutic option in the management of those people.
Evaluation of image quality at the detector’s edge of dedicated breast positron emission tomography: Can small breast cancer near the chest wall be detected ?
Authors: Satoh Yoko , Motosugi Utaroh , Imai Masamichi , Omiya Yoshie , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Purpose : We assessed image quality of dedicated breast positron emission tomography (dbPET) at the detector's edge by phantom and clinical studies.Methods: A breast phantom with four spheres (16, 10, 7.5, and 5 mm in diameter) was filled with 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose solution of sphere-to-background ratio was 8:1. It was positioned such that the spheres were five different positions from the top edge to the centre of the detector and scanned for 5 min in each position. Reconstructed images were visually evaluated, and % background variability ( %N 5mm ), % contrast ( %Q H ,5mm ), contrast-to-noise ratio ( Q H ,5mm / N 5mm ), and coefficient of variation of the background ( CV background ) were calculated. Next, tumour-to-background ratios (TBRs) between breast cancer near the chest wall (close to the detector’s edge; peripheral group) and at other locations (non-peripheral group) were compared. The TBR of each lesion was also compared between dbPET and PET/computed tomography (CT).Results: As closer to the detector’s edge, the %N 5mm and CV background increased and %Q H ,5mm and Q H ,5mm / N 5mm decreased in the phantom study. The disadvantages of this placement were visually confirmed. With regard to clinical images, TBR of dbPET was significantly higher than that of PET/CT in both the peripheral (12.1±6.2 vs. 6.5±3.4, p =0.0001) and non-peripheral (13.1±7.1 vs. 7.7±7.4, p =0.0004) groups. There was no significant difference in TBR of dbPET between the peripheral and non-peripheral groups (12.1±6.2 vs. 13.1±7.1, p= 0.6367).Conclusion : In the phantom study, the image quality decreased closer to the detector’s edge than at a depth of 1/8. In clinical studies, however, the lesion detectability of dbPET was the same even if the lesion was close to the detector’s edge or not, and it was higher than that in PET/CT. dbPET has a great potential for detecting breast lesions near the chest wall even in young women with small breasts.
Performance of a three-level triage scale in live triage encounters in an emergency department in Hong Kong.
Authors: Lam Rex Pui Kin , Kwok Shing Lam , Chaang Vi Ka , Chen Lujie , Lau Eric Ho Yin , Chan Kin Ling
Published: April 2020

Background Despite its continued use in many low-volume emergency departments (EDs), 3-level triage systems have not been extensively studied, especially on live triage cases. We have modified from the Australasian Triage Scale and developed a 3-level triage scale, and sought to evaluate its validity, reliability, over- and under-triage rates in real patient encounters in our setting. Method This was a cross-sectional study in a single ED with 24,000 attendances per year. At triage, each patient was simultaneously assessed by a triage nurse, an adjudicator (the “criterion standard”), and a study nurse independently. Predictive validity was determined by comparing clinical outcomes, such as hospitalization, across triage levels. The discriminating performance of the triage tool in identifying patient requiring earlier medical attention was determined. Inter-observer reliability between the triage nurse and criterion standard, and across providers were determined using kappa statistics. Results In total, 453 triage ratings of 151 triage cases, involving 17 ED triage nurses and 57 nurse pairs, were analysed. The proportion of hospital admission significantly increased with a higher triage rating. The performance of the scale in identifying patient requiring earlier medical attention was: sensitivity, 68.2% (95% CI 45.1-86.1%); specificity, 99.2% (95% CI 95.8-100%); positive predictive value, 93.8% (95% CI 67.6-99.1%); negative predictive value, 94.8% (95% CI 90.8-97.1%). The over-triage and under-triage rates were 0.7% and 4.6%, respectively. Agreement between the triage nurse and criterion standard was substantial (quadratic-weighted kappa = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.60-0.92, p<0.001), so was the agreement across nurses (quadratic-weighted kappa=0.81, 95% CI 0.65-0.97, p<0.001). Conclusions The 3-level triage system appears to have good validity and reasonable reliability in a low-volume ED setting. Further studies comparing 3-level and prevailing 5-level triage scales in live triage encounters and different ED settings are warranted.
New Findings on Submerged Patch-reefs and Reefal Carbonate Rocks at Water Depths of 70-100 meters on the Insular Shelf off Miyako-jima, South Ryukyus, Japan
Authors: Inoue Takahiko , Arai Kohsaku
Published: April 2020

Sub-bottom profiling (SBP) surveys and bathymetric mapping conducted off the shore of Miyako-jima, which belongs to the southern Ryukyus in the Ryukyu Island Arc, have revealed the presence of mound-shaped structures 3-8 m high and 50-120 m wide at depths ranging from 70-100 m. The SBP surveys showed that the mounds possess strong distinct, convex upward reflector shapes at the top, which we interpret as submerged reefs and reefal sediments. Additionally, modern stratified sediment layers that cover these mound-shaped structures indicate that those reefs began forming and advancing shoreward in a back-stepping fashion as a result of sea level rise. An analysis of the mound distribution shown by SBP and multibeam echo sounding (MBES) surveys suggest that they might have been formed during the lowstand stage of sea level change, which includes the last glacial period, because the distribution of these mounds is limited to water depths of 70 m to 100 m, which are deeper than where present-day reefs grow. The SBP images hint that such high-resolution seismic profiles, accompanied by detailed bathymetric mapping off the reefal area, have the potential to provide effective indicators of not only coral reef paleoenvironment development, but also the tectonic setting of this offshore area.
Spatial Distribution And Determinant Factors Of Birth Interval Among Reproductive Age Group Women, Based On Edhs 2016, Ethiopia, 2019.
Authors: Regasa Zegeye , Tilahun Biniyam chakilu , Mesfin Araya
Published: April 2020

Birth interval is time between two successive live births. Ethiopia is one of the populated African countries with total fertility rate of 4.6 and annual population growth rate of 2.6.Short birth intervals (<24 months) contribute to infant and child mortality risks. Currently, in Ethiopia women still have shorter birth intervals and studies addressing its determinants and maps to show the varied spatial distribution are scarce. This study examined individual and community level factors associated with duration of birth interval.Method: Data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey undertaken in 2016 was used for this analysis. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14, Arc Map GIS 10.3 and SaTScan. Multilevel Binary Logistic regression models were also used to explain regional inequalities in duration of birth intervals among women of reproductive age.Result: The median birth interval of the study population was 32 months (2.67 years). The result of this study reveals that 1935(25%) of women have intervals shorter than 24 months. Duration of birth interval was associated with index child died, women from highest economic level, women who breastfeed and women aged 45-49. Duration of birth interval had spatial variation across the country. A high proportion of shorter duration of birth interval was identified in Somalia and Affar Regions. Whereas the lower proportion of short birth interval found in Amhara, Tigray and Gambela.Conclusion: In this study both the individual and community level Factors were found to have significant influence on preceding birth interval of children. The spatial effect of duration of birth was captured by the spatial analysis. Additionally dissemination of information about recommended interval and cooperative effort to improve women’s economic independency and decision making power to increase maternal social status has to be conducted.
Dust Emission Source Characterization for Visibility Hazard Assessment on Lordsburg Playa in Southwestern New Mexico, USA
Authors: Pelt Robert Scott Van , Tatarko John , Gill Thomas E. , Chang Chunping , Li Junran , Eibedingil Iyasu , Mendez Marcos
Published: April 2020

Ephemeral lakes (playas) at the termination of drainages are a common feature of drylands. When dry, playa sediments can be highly wind-erodible, becoming potent local and regional sources of dust and PM 10 , airborne particles with diameters less than 10 µm, causing potentially sudden loss of visibility to travelers on downwind roadways. Lordsburg Playa, in southwestern New Mexico, USA is bisected by Interstate Highway 10. Dust storms emanating from the playa have been responsible for numerous visibility-related road closures (including 39 road closures between 2012- 2019) causing major economic losses, as well as hundreds of dust-related vehicle crashes, causing 41 lost lives in the last 53 years. We investigated the critical wind friction velocity thresholds and the dust emissivities of surfaces representing areas typical of Lordsburg Playa’s stream deltas, shorelines, and ephemerally flooded lakebed using a Portable In-Situ Wind ERosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL). Mean threshold friction velocities for PM 10 entrainment ranged from less than 0.30 m s -1 for areas in the delta and shoreline to greater than 0.55 m s -1 for ephemerally flooded areas of the lakebed. Similarly, we quantified mean PM 10 vertical flux rates ranging from less than 500 µ g m -2 s -1 for ephemerally flooded areas of lakebed to nearly 25,000 µg m -2 s -1 for disturbed delta surfaces. The apparently unlimited PM 10 supply of the relatively coarse sediments along the western shoreline however is problematic and indicates that this may be the source area for longer-term visibility limiting dust events and should be a focus area for dust mitigation efforts.