bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
English for European Communication and Tourism: Focus on Pragmatic Competence
Authors: Klimczak-Pawlak Agata
Published: August 2020

Pragmatic competence in L2 English is claimed here to be crucial for successful communication in a variety of communicative contexts across Europe. However, due to language background, cultural and identity differences among users of English, there is a need for reflection and data-driven examination of how the language is used in specific situations. This paper adopts a cross-cultural perspective on the study of the use of English in the European Union with focus on its role in tourism. The role of English as the language of communication in Europe is discussed, followed by a proposal as to the way in which its actual usage can be studied. The data-driven approach to pragmatic behavior is advocated as the basis for the development of pragmatic competence in learners of English with focus on those who wish to engage in tourism.
La incapacidad temporal y variables relacionadas: revisión bibliográfica
Authors: Casillas Casillas Elizabeth , Bernal Escalante Jaime , Ramírez González Sergio , Salas Hernández Luis Héctor , Arias Ulloa Raúl , Espinosa Galaviz José de Jesús , Barba-Gallardo Luis Fernando
Published: August 2020

El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) se caracteriza por una alteración generalizada del desarrollo cerebral, que afecta la socialización, comunicación, imaginación y reciprocidad emocional y se evidencia mediante conductas repetitivas e inusuales. El uso de prismas gemelos estimula una reorganización neurológica y provoca cambios en la percepción visual. El objetivo del presente artículo fue evaluar las habilidades visuales y determinar el efecto de los prismas gemelos en la atención, postura y comportamiento de los niños con TEA. Se elaboró un estudio de intervención con muestras pareadas antes-después; se incluyeron 20 niños con diagnóstico de TEA en edades de 4 a 16 años, y se realizó una evaluación optométrica basal, aplicando un cuestionario para identificar síntomas y otra posterior al uso de un anteojo con prismas base superior, durante 4 meses. El análisis estadístico se realizó con prueba t de Student para muestras no independientes. Se halló que la media de edad fue de 10,05 años, 90 % sexo masculino, 45 % hipermetropía, 30 % insuficiencia de convergencia, 90 % fusión y 85 % estereopsis gruesa. El promedio de aciertos en el cuestionario inicial fue de 18,50 ± 7,64 y en el final de 13,20 ± 7,53 p = 0,000. Finalmente, se concluye que la hipermetropía se presenta en el 45 % de los casos; un 30 % presenta insuficiencia de convergencia, y el 85 %, estereopsis gruesa; asimismo, el uso de prismas gemelos de 3 dioptrías base superior produce cambios estadísticamente significativos en la postura, atención y comportamiento, por lo que se propone como alternativa de manejo adicional en niños con TEA
The upper Eocene-Oligocene carnivorous mammals from the Quercy Phosphorites (France) housed in Belgian collections
Authors: SOLÉ Floréal , FISCHER Valentin , DENAYER Julien , SPEIJER Robert P. , FOURNIER Morgane , LE VERGER Kévin , LADEVÈZE Sandrine , FOLIE Annelise , SMITH Thierry
Published: August 2020

The Quercy Phosphorites Formation in France is world famous for its Eocene to Miocene faunas, especially those from the upper Eocene to lower Oligocene, the richest of all. The latter particularly helped to understand the ‘Grande Coupure’, a dramatic faunal turnover event that occurred in Europe during the Eocene-Oligocene transition. Fossils from the Quercy Phosphorites were excavated from the middle 19th century until the early 20th century in a series of sites and became subsequently dispersed over several research institutions, while often losing the temporal and geographical information in the process. In this contribution, we provide an overview and reassess the taxonomy of these barely known collections housed in three Belgian institutions: the Université de Liège, KU Leuven, and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. We focus our efforts on the carnivorous mammals (Hyaenodonta and Carnivoramorpha) and assess the stratigraphic intervals covered by each collection. These fossils are derived from upper Eocene (Priabonian), lower Oligocene (Rupelian), and upper Oligocene (Chattian) deposits in the Quercy area. The richness of the three collections (e.g., the presence of numerous postcranial elements in the Liège collection), the presence of types and figured specimens in the Leuven collection, and some identified localities in the RBINS collection make these collections of great interest for further studies on systematics and the evolution of mammals around the ‘Grande Coupure’.
EFFECT OF KARAMUNTING LEAF EXTRACT (Melastoma malabathricum L.) ON GLUCOSYLTRANSFERASE ENZYME OF Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Fajar Ferdy Juliannor , Tri Putri Deby Kania , Sukmana Bayu Indra
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackground: Karamunting leaf extract has secondary metabolite compounds such as tannin, flavonoid, and phenol that have antibacteria potential to be used as an alternative to mouthwash in addition to Chlorhexidine 0.12% to lower the incidence of tooth caries. Caries is caused by several important virulence factors, including Streptococcus mutans Glucosyltransferase (GTF) enzyme. Karamunting leaf extract can inhibit the work of GTF enzyme by precipitating, denaturing protein and damaging cell walls. Inhibition of Streptococcus bacteria enzyme activity will decrease plaque formation, thus decreasing the potential of dental caries. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Karamunting leaf extract and 0,12% Chlorhexidine on Glucosyltransferase enzyme activity of Streptococcus mutans. Methods: This study used true experimental design with post test only with control group design using 7 groups, including Karamunting leaf extract group with 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% concentrations to determine the activity of S. mutans GTF enzyme. Results: The results showed that Karamunting leaf extract with 20% concentration was able to decrease the activity of Glucosyltransferase enzyme in Streptococcus mutans. Conclusion: Karamunting leaf extract affects Streptococcus mutans Glucosyltransferase enzyme activity. Keywords: Chlorhexidine 0,12%, Glucosiltransferase, Melastoma malabathricum L., Streptococcus mutans.
GINGIVECTOMY AS A CROWN LENGTHENING PROCEDURE FOR ALTERED PASSIVE ERUPTION TREATMENT
Authors: Bhakti Wildhan Septianda , Krismariono Agung
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackground: Altered passive eruption is a condition that can make clinical crown of teeth seems shorten. The excessive gum or dentogingival junction level that overlap to enamel become causal factor for altered passive eruption.  Crown lengthening is one of treatment that can treat altered passive eruption. One of crown lengthening procedure is gingivectomy. Purpose:  To correct excessive gingiva and achieve ideal teeth appearance by using gingivectomy as crown lengthening procedure. Case: A 21‑years‑old, systemically healthy, non‑smoking female, referred from orthodontist to treat patient’s overlap gingiva. From the patient’s point of view, her upper front teeth were unpleasant to see. There were no abnormalities in extraoral. Intraoral, there were upper front clinical crown of teeth that seem shorter. Case management: The treatment started from administration of anesthetic agent, application of pocket marker forceps, gingival cutting and trimming process, then periodontal pack application. Treatment results were quite good. The appearance of upper front teeth became ideal in width and length ratio. Conclusion: Gingivectomy is one of crown lengthening method that can solve excessive gingiva in altered passive eruption.Keywords: Altered passive eruption; Crown lengthening; Dentogingival junction; Gingivectomy
EFFECTIVENESS IN THE USE OF SOFT AND MEDIUM TOOTHBRUSH BRISTLES WITH FONE’S TECHNIQUE FOR PLAQUE REDUCTION
Authors: Himawan Fennita , Hatta Isnur , Wardani Ika Kusuma
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBackground: Dental and oral hygiene of children in Indonesia is so alarming that serious awareness and attention are needed. Poor dental and oral hygiene is characterized by the presence of plaque deposits on tooth surface, forming an intercellular matrix that may instigate various dental and mouth problems. The prevalence of correct tooth brushing in Indonesia was very low at only 2.80%, in which South Kalimantan Province was 4.97% and Barito Kuala Regency was 3.55%. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of using soft and medium toothbrush bristles with fone’s technique to reduce plaque in students aged 10-11 years at SDN Berangas Timur 1, Barito Kuala Regency. Methods: The study used a true experimental method with a pretest-posttest with control group design consisting of pre-test and 8 post-test, and control group that was not given any treatment. Samples were randomly allocated by name sequence through simple random sampling technique of students aged 10-11 years at SDN Berangas Timur 1, Barito Kuala Regency. Inspection using PHPM plaque index was assessed on 6 index teeth. Research data were analysed using Mann Whitney's post hoc Friedman test. Results: The results for Friedman test in the treatment group showed p = 0.000. Mann Whitney test results in the treatment group with the control group showed p = 0.000 with a comparison of mean difference of 1.29 and 1.22 between the use of soft and medium toothbrush bristles with fone's technique. Conclusion: The use of soft toothbrush bristles with fone’s technique is the most effective in plaque reduction. Keywords : Effectiveness of brushing teeth, Fone’s technique, Plaque index, Soft and medium toothbrush dental
The Teleuts: from non-Russians to Indigenous Minority of the North’
Authors: Batyanova E.P.
Published: August 2020

This paper concerns the study of the specifics of self-consciousness and self-identity of one of the indige-nous minorities of Siberia — the Teleuts, in different periods of their ethnic history from the mid. 18th century until the present time. Main forms of Teleuts’ identity are considered: national; class; ethnic; ancestral and local. The instances of using various ethnonyms, genonymums and class attributes by Teleuts are analyzed. Identity multi-variance is considered as a mechanism of minority self-preservation and adaptation to the continuous assimilative influence of the nonethnic majority. The paper is based on the archival sources and field materials of the author collected during the expeditions to Teleuts in 1978–2014. The field materials include samples of the folklore, writ-ten folk literature, records of biographies, family chronicles and narratives about other societies recorded by the author. It has been shown how Teleuts ideas about other societies adjusted in the course of their adaptation to the new social and cultural environment within the Russian state. The attention has been drawn to how the ethnic consolidation of the Teleuts in the 19th–20th cc. transformed the local self-consciousness and self-identity. The names associated with small territorial communities often acquired derogatory sense and transferred from endo- to exo-type. It has been deduced how the legal status of the ethnic group within the state influences development of their ethnic culture. Notably, the non-Russians status of the Teleuts brought to them some rights and privileges in terms of the land tenure, taxes and exemption from the compulsory military service. On one hand, this has been helping to strengthen the national identity of the Teleuts, but on the other hand, it facilitates their ethnic self-affirmation. Teleuts have always been proud with their non-Russians status within the Russian state. The ethnic status of the Teleuts in the post-Soviet period is protected by their official recognition in 1989 as a separate ethnic group and subsequent affiliation with the indigenous minorities of the North.
Deconstruction of Peter Pan’s Character in Edward Kitsis’ and Adam Horowitz’s Once Upon a Time, Season Three (2013)
Authors: Safira Alya , Aeni Eni Nur , Sudja’ie Mimien Aminah
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research is to find out the deconstruction of Peter Pan’s character in Kitsis’ and Horowitz’s work as described in Barrie’s Peter Pan. Kitsis’ and Horowitz’s Once Upon a Time, Season Three is the first film that deconstructs the character of Peter Pan from Barrie’s Peter Pan. The qualitative method is used in analyzing the main data that are taken from both works, Barrie’s Peter Pan and Kitsis’ and Horowitz’s Once Upon a Time, Season Three. The data analysis starts by selecting the data from re-watching and re-reading the works. Then analyzing them using the theory of deconstruction, character and characterization and cinematography. The theory is used to find the binary opposition and analyzing the characteristics of Peter Pan in both works. The cinematography is also needed to support the analysis and strengthens the argument of the analysis from the character’s deconstruction. The result of the analysis shows that the characteristic of Peter Pan in Barrie’s Peter Pan is deconstructed from hero into villain. It shows that there are four characteristics of Peter Pan as a hero that are deconstructed, namely, honest, fearless, polite and caring. Those characteristics are deconstructed into the character of Peter Pan as a villain who is manipulative, fearful, impolite and selfish. The four characteristics that are deconstructed can be seen from Peter Pan’s action towards other characters, from other characters’ explanation or the character’s emotions through every relevant scene in the film.
Science-Driven Societal Transformation, Part II: Motivation and Strategy
Authors: Boik John C.
Published: August 2020

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and other social and environmental problems pose grave risks. Progress so far has been incremental and insufficient, and as a result scientists, global policy experts, and the general public increasingly conclude that bold change is required across all sectors of society. At least two kinds of bold change are conceivable: reform of existing societal systems (e.g., financial, economic, legal, and governance systems), including their institutions, policies, rules, and priorities; and transformation, understood as the de novo development of and migration to new, improved systems. This paper is the second in a series of three that together propose a novel science-driven research and development program aimed at societal transformation. Moreover, the series advances a conceptual framework and formal mechanics by which societal transformation might be approached. Two of the underlying hypotheses are that new societal systems can be developed in a science-driven process to be fit for purpose, and system fitness can be compared across designs. Societies are viewed as superorganisms, and systems are viewed as a societal cognitive architecture. The first paper in the series provides definitions, aims, hypotheses, and a worldview. This paper discusses motivations, the role of science in societal transformation, a theory of change, and fitness metrics. The proposed R&D program and theory of change are sound, viable, and affordable. The local-global-viral strategy invites the global science community to play a unique co-leadership role with local communities in the development, testing, and monitoring of new societal systems. Systems are implemented via a novel civic club model, where participation is voluntary. Clubs grow and replicate based on merit and aided by club networks, whose systems are also viewed as societal cognitive architectures. Benefits of the program and strategy are discussed.
Multimodal-Multisensory Experiments
Authors: Razavi Moein , Yamauchi Takashi , Janfaza Vahid , Leontyev Anton , Longmire-Monford Shanle , Orr Joseph
Published: August 2020

The human mind is multimodal. Yet most behavioral studies rely on century-old measures of behavior—task accuracy and latency (response time). Multimodal and multisensory analysis of human behavior creates a better understanding of how the mind works. The problem is that designing and implementing these experiments is technically complex and costly. This paper introduces versatile and economical means of developing multimodal-multisensory human experiments. We provide an experimental design framework that automatically integrates and synchronizes measures including electroencephalogram (EEG), galvanic skin response (GSR), eye-tracking, virtual reality (VR), body movement, mouse/cursor motion and response time. Unlike proprietary systems (e.g., iMotions), our system is free and open-source; it integrates PsychoPy, Unity and Lab Streaming Layer (LSL). The system embeds LSL inside PsychoPy/Unity for the synchronization of multiple sensory signals—gaze motion, electroencephalogram (EEG), galvanic skin response (GSR), mouse/cursor movement, and body motion—with low-cost consumer-grade devices in a simple behavioral task designed by PsychoPy and a virtual reality environment designed by Unity. This tutorial shows a step-by-step process by which a complex multimodal-multisensory experiment can be designed and implemented in a few hours. When conducting the experiment, all of the data synchronization and recoding of the data to disk will be done automatically.
Parks are Critical Urban Infrastructure: Perception and Use of Urban Green Spaces in NYC During COVID-19
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Kennedy Christopher , McPhearson Timon
Published: August 2020

Urban green spaces provide a range of environmental and health benefits, which may become even more critical during times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, with a radical shift in mobility, additional concerns over safety, and access temporarily restricted during the implementation of social distancing policies, the experience and use of urban green spaces may be reduced. This is particularly concerning for densely populated cities like New York, considered the first U.S. epicenter or vanguard of the outbreak. To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the perception and use of urban green spaces, we conducted a social survey during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City (May 13 - June 15, 2020). The results of the survey show respondents continued to use urban green spaces during the pandemic and consider them to be more important for mental and physical health than before the pandemic began. However, the study revealed a pattern of concerns residents have about green space accessibility and safety, and found key differences between the concerns and needs of different populations, suggesting a crucial role for inclusive decision-making, support for additional management strategies, and urban ecosystem governance that reflect the differential values, needs and concerns of communities across the City. As urban centers face looming budget cuts and reduced capacity, this study provides some empirical evidence to illustrate the value of urban green spaces as critical urban infrastructure, and may have implications for funding, policy, and management, of urban green spaces in NYC, with potential applications to other cities, particularly during times of crisis.
Investigation of Ixodidae ticks infesting camels at slaughterhouse and its potential role in transmitting Coxiella burnetii in Egypt
Authors: Ghoneim NH , KA Abdel-Moein , Zaher HM , Abuowarda Mai , abuowarda Mai
Published: August 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Association between rural-to-urban migration and the cognitive aging trajectories of older Chinese adults: results from a prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Xie Jinzhao , Liao Jing , Zhang Jing , Gu Jing
Published: August 2020

Background: Increasingly, older Chinese adults from rural areas are moving to urban areas to live with their children who have already migrated to these areas. However, few studies have examined this pattern of migration and its effects on cognitive function. We aimed to investigate the association between domestic rural-to-urban migration and the trajectories of cognitive function in older Chinese adults, as well as the factors contributing to these association.Methods: Data for this study were drawn from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Migrants were defined as participants who had rural hukou status (under China’s household registration system) but resided in an urban area. Cognitive functions were measured using an adapted Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. We used multilevel linear regression models to examine the association between internal migration and cognitive function trajectories.Results: The study included 3,876 Chinese adults aged ≥60 years at baseline. Compared with their rural non-migrant counterparts, migrants (n = 850) had higher levels of education and reported more interactions with family. Additionally, female migrants were more likely to participate in leisure activities. All cognitive function scores declined over time, but no significant differences were observed in rates of cognitive decline between migrants and non-migrants, regardless of sex. Female migrants exhibited significantly better performance in terms of total cognition (β = 0.77, P < .001) and mental status (β=0.68, P < .001) than female non-migrants, whereas no inter-group difference was observed regarding memory (β= 0.09, P > .05). Among the male subjects, no significant differences in cognitive function levels were observed between migrants and non-migrants. A series of adjusted models revealed that psychosocial factors such as residing with children, caring for grandchildren, depression and participation in leisure activities partly explained the association between migration and cognition in women.Conclusions: Rural-to-urban migration was positively associated with cognitive functions only in women. However, this pattern did not affect the rate of cognitive decline in either sex. Our findings provide directions for tailored interventions improving cognitive functions of older adults and rural non-migrating older adults, especially female non-migrants.
Clinical characteristics of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma infiltration in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Miike Tadashi , Kawakami Hiroshi , Kameda Takuro , Yamamoto Shojiro , Tahara Yoshihiro , Hidaka Tomonori , Kubuki Yoko , Yorita Kenji , Akiyama Yutaka , Arimura Yasuji , Kubota Yoshimasa , Kataoka Hiroaki , Shimoda Kazuya
Published: August 2020

Background: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a peripheral T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. The clinical course of ATLL is very heterogeneous, and many organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, can be involved. However, there are few detailed reports on ATLL infiltration in the GI tract. We investigated the clinical characteristics of ATLL infiltration in the GI tract.Methods: This retrospective observational single-center study included 40 consecutive ATLL patients who underwent GI endoscopy. The patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics and endoscopic findings were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with ATLL who were diagnosed by histological examination were divided into two groups based on GI tract infiltration.Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that the absence of skin lesions was significantly associated with GI infiltration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the infiltration group tended to have similar macroscopic lesions in the upper and lower GI tracts, such as diffuse type, tumor-forming type, and giant-fold type.Conclusions: GI endoscopy may be considered for ATLL patients without skin lesions.
A unique type of fully covered metal stent for the management of post liver transplant biliary anastomotic strictures
Authors: Warner Ben , Harrison Phillip , Farman Muhammad , Devlin John , Reffitt David , El-Sherif Yasser , Khorsandi Shirin E , Prachalias Andreas , Cerisuelo Miriam Cortes , Menon Krish , Jassem Wayel , Sriniva Parthi , Vilca-Melendez Hector , Heneghan Michael , Heaton Nigel , Joshi Deepak
Published: August 2020

Background: We report our experience of treating anastomotic strictures using a novel type of fully covered metal stent (FCSEMS). This stent, known as the Kaffes Stent, is short-length with an antimigration waist and is easily removable due to long retrieval wires deployed within the duodenum. Methods: 62 patients underwent ERCP and Kaffes stent insertion for post-transplant anastomotic strictures following confirmation of a stricture on MRCP. These patients were retrospectively analysed for immediate and long-term stricture resolution, improvement in symptoms and liver function tests (LFTs), stricture recurrence and complication rates. Results: Of the 56 patients who had their stent removed at the time of analysis, 54 (96%) had immediate stricture resolution and 42 continued to have long-term resolution (mean follow-up period was 548 days). Of the 16 patients with symptoms of biliary obstruction, 13 had resolution of their symptoms. Overall, there was a significant improvement in LFTs after stent removal compared to before stent insertion. Complication rates were 15% with only one patient requiring biliary reconstruction. Conclusions: The Kaffes stent is effective and safe at resolving post liver transplant biliary anastomotic strictures.
Should we remain hopeful? The key 8 weeks: Spatiotemporal epidemic characteristics of COVID-19 in Sichuan Province and its comparative analysis with other provinces in China and global epidemic trends
Authors: Xu Xinyin , Zeng Jing , Liu Runyou , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiaobo , Zhou Lijun , Dong Ting , Cha Yuxin , Wang Zhuo , Deng Ying , Zhang Yu , Feng Liao , Pu Chen , Wu Xianping , Zhong Bo
Published: August 2020

Background: The COVID-19 spread worldwide quickly. Exploring the epidemiological characteristics could provide a basis for responding to imported cases abroad and to formulate prevention and control strategies in areas where COVID-19 is still spreading rapidly.Methods: The number of confirmed cases, daily growth, incidence and length of time from the first reported case to the end of the local cases (i.e., non-overseas imported cases) were compared by spatial (geographical) and temporal classification and visualization of the development and changes of the epidemic situation by layers through maps.Results: In the first wave, a total of 539 cases were reported in Sichuan, with an incidence rate of 0.6462/100,000. The closer to Hubei the population centres were, the more pronounced the epidemic was. The peak in Sichuan Province occurred in the second week. Eight weeks after the Wuhan lockdown, the health crisis had eased. The longest epidemic length at the city level in China (except Wuhan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) was 53 days, with a median of 23 days. Spatial autocorrelation analysis of China showed positive spatial correlation (Moran's Index >0, p<0.05). Most countries outside China began to experience a rapid rise in infection rates 4 weeks after their first case. Some European countries experienced that rise earlier than the USA. The pandemic in Germany, Spain, Italy, and China took 28, 29, 34, and 18 days, respectively, to reach the peak of daily infections, after their daily increase of up to 20 cases. During this time, countries in the African region and Southeast Asian region were at an early stage of infections, those in the Eastern Mediterranean region and region of the Americas were in a rapid growth phase.Conclusions: After the closure of the outbreak city, appropriate isolation and control measures in the next 8 weeks were key to control the outbreak, which reduced the peak value and length of the outbreak. Some countries with improved epidemic situations need to develop a continuous "local strategy at entry checkpoints" to to fend off imported COVID-19.
Beyond clinical food prescriptions and mobile markets: parent views on the role of a healthcare institution in increasing healthy eating in food insecure families
Authors: DeWit Emily L. , Meissen-Sebelius Emily M. , Shook Robin P. , Pina Kimberly Ann , De Miranda Evelyn Donis , Summar Michelle J. , Hurley Emily A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Children in food-insecure families face increased barriers to meeting recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption. Hospitals and pediatric healthcare institutions have attempted to alleviate food-insecurity through various internal programs like food prescriptions, yet little evidence for these programs exist. Consistent with a patient-centered perspective, we sought to develop a comprehensive understanding of barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption and a parent-driven agenda for healthcare system action. Methods: We conducted six qualitative focus group discussions (four in English, two in Spanish) with 29 parents and caregivers of patients who had screened positive for food-insecurity during visits to a large pediatric healthcare system in a midwestern U.S. city. Our iterative analysis process consisted of audio-recording, transcribing and coding discussions, aiming to produce a) a conceptual framework of barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption and b) a synthesis of participant programmatic suggestions for their healthcare system.Results: Participants were 90% female, 38% Black/African American and 41% Hispanic/Latino. Barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption in their families fell into three intersecting themes: affordability, accessibility and desirability. Participant-generated intervention recommendations were multilevel, suggesting healthcare systems focus not only on clinic and community-based action, but also advocacy for broader policies that alleviate barriers to acquiring healthy foods. Conclusion: Parents envision an expanded role for healthcare systems in ensuring their children benefit from a healthy diet. Findings offer critical insight on why clinic-driven programs aimed to address healthy eating may have failed and healthcare organizations may more effectively intervene by adopting a multilevel strategy.
LINC02418 promotes colon cancer progression by suppressing apoptosis via interaction with miR-34b-5p/BCL2 axis
Authors: Tian Jun , Cui Peng , Li Yifei , Yao Xuequan , Wu Xiaoyu , Wang Zhirong , Li Chunsheng
Published: August 2020

Background LncRNAs act as functional regulators in tumor progression through interacting with various signaling pathways in multiple types of cancer. However, the effect of LINC02418 on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and the underling mechanisms remain unclear.Methods LncRNA expression profile in CRC tissues was investigated by the TCGA database. The expressional level of LINC02418 in CRC patients was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Kaplan-Meier analyses was used to investigate the correlation between LINC02418 and overall survival (OS) of CRC patients. Cell proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities were detected by CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays and trans-well assays in HCT116 and LoVo cells which were stably transduced with sh-LINC02418 or sh-NC. The binding between LINC02418 and miR-34b-5p, and the interaction between miR-34b-5p and BCL2 were determined by dual-luciferase assays. Western blot experiments were conducted to further explore the effect of miR-34b-5p on BCL2 signaling pathway. Rescue experiments were performed to uncover the role of LINC02418 /miR-34b-5p/ BCL2 axis in CRC progression.Results LINC02418 was upregulated in human colon cancer samples when compared with adjacent tissue, and its high expressional level correlated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. LINC02418 promoted cancer progression by enhancing tumor growth, cell mobility and invasiveness of colon cancer cells. Additionally, LINC02418 could physically bind to miR-34b-5p and subsequently affect BCL2 signaling pathway. Down-regulation of LINC02418 reduced cell proliferation, while transfection of miR-34b-5p inhibitor or BCL2 into LINC02418-silenced CRC cells significantly promoted CRC cells growth.Conclusions LINC02418 was upregulated in human CRC samples and could be used as the indicator for prediction of prognosis. LINC02418 acted as a tumor driver by negatively regulating cell apoptosis through LINC02418 /miR-34b-5p/ BCL2 axis in CRC.
World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0): development and validation of the Nigerian Igbo version in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Igwesi-Chidobe Chinonso N , Kitchen Sheila , Sorinola Isaac Olubunmi , Godfrey Emma Louise
Published: August 2020

BackgroundGlobally, the leading cause of years lived with disability is low back pain (LBP). Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is responsible for most of the cost and disability associated with LBP. This is more devastating in low income countries, particularly in rural Nigeria with one of the greatest global burdens of LBP. No Igbo back pain specific measure captures remunerative or non-remunerative work outcomes. Disability measurement using these tools may not fully explain work-related disability and community participation, a limitation not evident in the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0). This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the WHODAS 2.0 and validate it in rural and urban Nigerian populations with CLBP.Methods Translation, cultural adaptation, test–retest, and cross-sectional psychometric testing was performed. WHODAS 2.0 was forward and back translated by clinical/non-clinical translators. Expert review committee evaluated the translations. Twelve people with CLBP in a rural Nigerian community piloted/pre-tested the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha assessing internal consistency; intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots assessing test–retest reliability; and minimal detectable change were investigated in a convenient sample of 50 adults with CLBP in rural and urban Nigeria. Construct validity was examined using Spearman’s correlation analyses with the back-performance scale, Igbo Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and eleven-point box scale; and exploratory factor analysis in a random sample of 200 adults with CLBP in rural Nigeria. Ceiling and floor effects were investigated in both samples.ResultsPatient instructions were also translated. ‘Waist pain/lower back pain’ was added to ‘illness(es)’ to make the measure relevant for this study whilst allowing for future studies involving other conditions. The Igbo phrase for ‘family and friends’ was used to better represent ‘people close to you’ in item D4.3. The Igbo-WHODAS had good internal consistency (α = 0.75–0.97); intra class correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.81–0.93); standard error of measurements (5.05–11.10) and minimal detectable change (13.99–30.77). Igbo-WHODAS correlated moderately with performance-based disability, self-reported back pain-specific disability and pain intensity, with a seven-factor structure and no floor and ceiling effects.ConclusionsIgbo-WHODAS appears psychometrically sound. Its research and clinical utility require further testing.
Mapping the prevalence of the neglected sexual side effects after prostate cancer treatment and the questionnaires used in their screening: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Roscher Pierre , Wyk Jacqueline M Van
Published: August 2020

Background: Interventions to treat early prostate cancer (PCa) can leave men with debilitating sexual side effects. The cluster of side effects referred to as the neglected sexual side effects (NSSE) may remain permanent, undiagnosed and untreated because men are hesitant to disclose them. Questionnaires offer a discreet way into the discussion, subsequent diagnosis and possible treatment of the NSSE. This study will be conducted to map the evidence about the prevalence of the neglected sexual side effects (NSSE) after PCa treatment, and use of questionnaires in its diagnosis and screening. Methods: This systematic scoping review's search strategy will involve the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Following title searching, two-independent reviewers will conduct screening of abstracts and full articles. Eligibility criteria will guide the screenings. Data will be extracted from the included studies, and the emerging themes will be analysed. The review team will analyse the implications of the findings concerning the research question and aim of the study. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be employed for quality appraisal of included studies.Discussion: We anticipate finding a number of studies that describe the prevalence of NSSE after early PCa treatment and that report on using questionnaires to screen for the presence of symptoms including orgasm-associated incontinence, urinary incontinence during sexual stimulation, altered perceptions of orgasm, orgasm associated pain, penile shortening, and penile deformity. The study findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, peer presentations, as well as presentations at relevant conferences.
Over-expression of ANP32E is associated with poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer and promotes cell proliferation and migration through regulating β-catenin
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Lan Zhongmin , Qiu Guotong , Ren Hu , Zhao Yajie , Gu Zongting , Li Zongze , Feng Lin , He Jin , Wang Chengfeng
Published: August 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor with high mortality. Acidic nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member E (ANP32E), a specific H2A.Z chaperone, has been shown to contribute to breast cancer development. However, the significance of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer.Methods: The expression of ANP32E in 179 pancreatic cancer tissues and 171 normal tissues, and the correlation between ANP32E expression and patients’ survival were analyzed from the TCGA database. ANP32E was over-expressed and silenced using lentivirus. siRNA was used to knock down β-catenin. CCK8, colony formation, cell cycle and transwell experiments were performed to determine cell proliferation and migration. qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to detect mRNA and protein expression.Results: ANP32E was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Up-regulation of ANP32E predicted poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of ANP32E suppressed the proliferation, colony growth and migration of PANC1 and MIA cells. By contrast, ANP32E over-expression promoted the proliferation and migration of both cells. In addition, ANP32E accelerated the cell cycle progression in PANC1 and MIA cells. Molecular experiments showed that ANP32E activated β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling. Silencing of β-catenin reduced cell proliferation and migration in ANP32E over-expressed cells.Conclusion: Our results propose that ANP32E functions as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer via activating β-catenin.
Landmark-guided Versus Modified Ultrasound-assisted Paramedian Techniques in Combined Spinal-epidural Anesthesia for Elderly Patients with Hip Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Qu Bo , Chen Luying , Zhang Yuling , Jiang Mengting , Wu Caineng , Ma Wuhua , Li Yuhui
Published: August 2020

Background: Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia is considerably challenging for elderly patients with hip fractures due to spine degeneration and limitations in positioning. This study aimed to investigate the ability of a modified preprocedural ultrasound-guided technique to improve the success rate and efficacy of CSE anesthesia for elderly patients with hip fractures. Methods: This prospective, single-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 80 patients (aged ≥ 65 years) who were scheduled for elective hip fracture surgery with CSE anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated into landmark group (n = 40) or the ultrasound group (n = 40). The primary outcome was first-pass success rate. Secondary outcomes included first-attempt success rate; number of needle insertion attempts; number of needle passes; locating, puncture, and total time; level of block; procedural adverse reactions and postoperative complications; and patient satisfaction score. Patients were blinded to group allocation.Results: 80 patients completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The first-pass success rates for the landmark and ultrasound groups were 20% and 70%, respectively (P < 0.001). The first-attempt success rates in the landmark and ultrasound groups were 42.5% and 85%, respectively (P < 0.001). The median number of attempts was lower in ultrasound-assisted group (1[1,1]) than landmark-guided group (2[1,2]), P < 0.001). The median number of needle passes was lower in ultrasound group (1[1,2]) than in landmark-guided group (3[2,4], P < 0.001). The locating time (P < 0.001) and total time (P = 0.001) were longer in the ultrasound group, while puncture time was shorter (P = 0.003). No significant difference was found regarding the incidence of adverse reactions and complications. More patients in the ultrasound group had a high satisfaction score of 4–5 (P = 0.007). Interestingly, subgroup analysis demonstrated benefits for ultrasound in patients with scoliosis.Conclusions: Modified ultrasound-assisted CSE anesthesia increases first-pass and first-attempt success rates, and reduces needle insertion attempts, passes, and puncture time for elderly patients with hip fracture, especially those with scoliosis. This technique improves patient satisfaction and warrants consideration for application in clinical practice.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Register (identifier, ChiCTR1900020819; date of registration, January 20, 2019).
Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging can be used to predict the pathologic stages of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Na , Zeng Weike , Deng Hong , Hu Huijun , Cheng Ziliang , Yang Zehong , Jiang Shuqi , Duan Xiaohui , Shen Jun
Published: August 2020

Background: To investigate whether quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) pharmacokinetic parameters can be used to predict the pathologic stages of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).
Methods: For this prospective study, DCE-MRI was performed in participants with OTSCC from May 2016 to June 2017. The pharmacokinetic parameters, including K trans , K ep , V e , and V p , were derived from DCE-MRI by utilizing a two-compartment extended Tofts model and a three-dimensional volume of interest. The postoperative pathologic stage was determined in each patient based on the 8th AJCC cancer staging manual. The quantitative DCE-MRI parameters were compared between stage I-II and stage III-IV lesions. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of tumor stages, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the predictive performance.
Results: The mean K trans , K ep and V p values were significantly lower in stage III-IV lesions compared with stage I-II lesions ( p = 0.013, 0.005 and 0.011, respectively). K ep was an independent predictor for the advanced stages as determined by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. ROC analysis showed that K ep had the highest predictive capability, with a sensitivity of 64.3%, a specificity of 82.6%, a positive predictive value of 81.8%, a negative predictive value of 65.5%, and an accuracy of 72.5%.
Conclusion: The quantitative DCE-MRI parameter K ep can be used as a biomarker for predicting pathologic stages of OTSCC.
Physical Disabilities Caused by Leprosy in 100 Million Cohort in Brazil
Authors: Sanchez Mauro Niskier , Nery Joilda Silva , Pescarini Júlia Moreira , Mendes André Alves , Ichihara Maria Yury , Teixeira Camila Silveira Silva , Penna Maria Lúcia Fernandes , Smeeth Liam , Rodrigues Laura Cunha , Barreto Maurício Lima , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Penna Gerson Oliveira
Published: August 2020

Background: Leprosy continues to be an important cause of physical disability in endemic countries such as Brazil. Knowledge of determinants of these events may lead to better control measures and provide , as targeted interventions may to mitigate their its impact on affected individuals. This study investigated such determinants factors among the most vulnerable portion of the Brazilian population.Methods: A large cohort was built from secondary data originated from a national registry of applicants to social benefit programs, spanning covering the period 2001- to 2015, and including over 114 million individuals. Data were linked to the Leprosy leprosy disease notification system utilizing data from 2007 until 2014. Descriptive and bivariate analyses lead to the a multivariate analysis using a multinomial logistic regression model with cluster-robust standard errors. Associations were reported as Odds Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervalsResults: Among the original cohort members 21,565 new leprosy cases were identified between 2007-2014 were identified among the original cohort members from the study period. Most of the cases (63.1%) had grade zero disability. Grades 1 and 2 represented 21% and 6%, respectively. Factors associated with increasing odds of grades 1 and 2 disability were age over 15 years old (ORs 2,39 and 1,95 respectively), having less schooling (with a clear dose response effect), being a multibacillary patient (ORs 3,5 and 8,22). Protective factors for both grades were being female (ORs 0,81 and 0,61) and living in a high incidence municipality (ORs 0,85 and 0,65).Conclusions: The findings suggest that the developing of physical disabilities remain a public health problem which incresead the burden of leprosy, mainly for those with severe clinical features and worse socioeconomic condtions. Early diagnosis is paramount to decrease the incidence of leprosy-related disability and our study point to the need for strengthening control actions in non-endemic areas in Brazil, where cases may be missed when presented at early stages in disease. Both actions are needed, to benefit patients and to achieve the WHO goal in reducing physical disabilities among new cases of leprosy.Worse socioeconomic conditions might act as barriers to early diagnosis, which increases the risk of developing physical disabilities. Early diagnosis is paramount to decrease the incidence of leprosy-related disability, and our findings point to the need for strengthening these actions in non-endemic areas, where cases may be missed when presented at early stages in disease progression. In addition, data linkage proved to be useful in generating evidence for improving policy target at leprosy control in Brazil.