bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and adaptation of the Learning Organisation Survey for french speaking countries.
Authors: Diez Amalia Giuliani , Amine Souadka , Majbar Mohammed Anass , Benkabbou Amine , Mohsine Raouf , Akhnif El Houcine
Published: January 2020

Background Learning organizations need a diagnostic tool that allows them to assess how well their team, department, or the entire institution is performing, and help them identify areas of improvement. In turn, having that tool in your own language (in this case, French) and adapted to your own context, gives reliability and ease of application. Health organizations are starting to use more and more tools like this that allow them to improve their learning capabilities and, therefore their performance. The aim of the study was the translation of Garvin's et al. Learning Organization Survey into French to evaluate french-speaking health organizations. Methods the method used to translate the questionnaire was based on Brislin's modified reverse translation technique. Followed by the stage of cross-cultural adaptation through an Atelier of experts, obtaining a pre-final version that was reviewed by a committee of judges with an index of the validity of IVC content ≤ 80%. The French version of the questionnaire proved to be an adequate instrument for the evaluation. The survey was conducted with a sample of 111 workers from the National Oncology Institute of Rabat, who accepted the filling of the survey, ≥ 65%. Results The established validation criteria were exceeded with results > 80% in the assessment of experts. We found a good internal consistency, evidenced by a Cronbach's Alpha of > 0.8 in each block. Conclusion The questionnaire gathers enough psychometric properties to be considered a useful and reliable tool capable of objectively measuring a french speaking Learning Organization.
Hydrogen attenuates postoperative pain through Trx1/ASK1/MMP9 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Juan , Zhang Li , Li Qian , Yang Xing , Teng Peng , Peng Qilin , Shi Yadan , Yu Pan , Hu Liang , Liu Wentao , Duan Manlin
Published: January 2020

Background: Postoperative pain is a serious clinical problem with a poorly understood mechanism and lack of effective treatment. Considering hydrogen (H 2 ) could reduce neuroinflammation, we hypothesizes that hydrogen may alleviate postoperative pain and investigate the mechanism. Methods: Mice were used to establish postoperative pain model via performing a plantar incision surgery. Mechanical allodynia was measured using the Von Frey test. Cell signaling was assayed using gelatin zymography, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. The animals or BV-2 cells were received with/without ASK1 and Trx1 inhibitor to investigate the effects of H 2 on microglia. Results: Plantar incision surgery significantly decreased the mechanical threshold, and increased MMP-9 activity and ASK1 phosphorylation in the spinal cord of mice. MMP-9 knockout and ASK1 inhibitor NQDI-1 attenuated postoperative pain. H 2 treatment increased Trx1 expression, decreased ASK1, p38 and JNK phosphorylation, MMP-9 activity, pro-IL-1β maturation and IBA-1 expression in the spinal cord of postoperative pain mice, and ameliorated postoperative pain. In vitro, H 2 increased Trx1 expression and reduced MMP-9 activity induced by LPS in BV-2 cells. Additionally, H 2 also reduced ASK1, p38 and JNK phosphorylation, and IBA-1 expression induced by LPS, which were abolished by Trx1 inhibitor PX12 in BV-2 cells. Conclusions: For the first time the results confirm that H 2 can work as a therapeutic agent for ameliorating postoperative pain through Trx1/ASK1/MMP9 signaling pathway. MMP-9 and ASK1 may be the targeting molecules to relieve postoperative pain.
Causes and Predictors of Mortality among HIV-Exposed Infants in Rural North-Central Nigeria: Results of a Simple Verbal Autopsy Survey
Authors: Ozigbu Chamberline E. , Erekaha Salome , Chinaeke Eric E. , Jasper Tongdiyen L. , Nwanne Gift , Bathnna Miriam , Nachega Jean B. , Isaac Elon W. , Sam-Agudu Nadia A.
Published: January 2020

Background HIV-exposed infants (HEI) who die before diagnosis or treatment initiation, or who die in spite of being HIV-free constitute missed opportunities for reducing infant mortality. Verbal autopsy (VA) has been successfully applied in the collection of data to determine symptoms and circumstances surrounding death among infants, children and adults among populations that lack vital registration systems. There is little available data on rates and causes of death among HIV-exposed infants (HEI) in Nigeria. We used VA to characterize attributable causes and predictors of mortality among HEI in rural North-Central Nigeria.Methods Pregnant women living with HIV and HEI were enrolled at rural primary healthcare facilities and followed-up for 12 months, post-delivery. A simple 21-item VA instrument was used to collect infant mortality information from mothers, other family members, mentor mothers, and/or healthcare workers. Attributable causes of death were determined by physician coding. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of mortality.Results Data from 455 HIV-exposed infected and uninfected fetus/infant-mother pairs were analyzed. All mothers received anti-retroviral therapy. Seventy-five (16.5%) fetuses/infants died during gestation and within 12 months post-delivery. Forty (53.3%) deaths occurred in utero . The 12-month infant mortality risk among HEI in our study was 88.7/1,000. Among the 35 live-born infants, birth asphyxia (6/17, 35.3%) and sepsis (7/18, 38.9%) were the most common causes of death in the neonatal and post-neonatal periods, respectively. Unadjusted estimates showed that a greater proportion of deceased infants had mothers who did not deliver at a health facility (53.3 vs 31.8%, p=0.003), and who were newly HIV-diagnosed during pregnancy (69.3 vs 50.8%, p=0.029). Infants receiving nevirapine prophylaxis within 72 hours were less likely to have died (aOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9).Conclusions Early HIV diagnosis and treatment among women of child-bearing age, maternal access to facility delivery and timely infant antiretroviral prophylaxis should be programmatically strengthened to reduce HEI mortality. Additionally, robust monitoring and evaluation systems are needed to track and record deaths among HEI.
Systematic analysis of factors that improve HDR efficiency in CRISPR / Cas9 technique
Authors: Foschi Nicola , Athanasakis Emmanouil , Gasparini Paolo , Stazio Mariateresa Di , d’Adamo Adamo Pio
Published: January 2020

The bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system has a proven to be an efficient tool for genetic manipulation in various organisms, but the efficiency of sequence replacement by homologous direct repair (HDR) is substantially lower than random creation of indels. Many studies focused on improving the efficiency of HDR using double sgRNA, cell synchronization cycle and the delivery of ssODN with a rational design. In the present study, we tested and compared the combination of these three methods to improve HDR efficiency. To our tests, we chosen the TNFα gene (NM_000594) for its crucial role in a variety of biological processes and diseases. Our results showed a dramatically increases of HDR efficiency from undetectable HDR event to 39% of HDR efficiency and provide a new strategy to facilitate CRISPR/Cas9-mediated human genome targeting. Furthermore, we showed that TNFα gene could be edited with CRISPR/Cas9 methodology, an opportunity to safely correct, in the future, the specific mutations of each patient.
Clinical application of one-position complete retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical resection of renal pelvis and ureteral carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Yongshuang , Du Wei , Hou Yulong , Li Hailong , Li Shuofeng , Wen Rumin
Published: January 2020

Background: To explore the surgical technique and the clinical efficacy of complete retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical resection in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).Methods: A total of 11 patients (6 males and 5 females) newly diagnosed with UTUC with T1/T2 were enrolled in this study who underwent one-position complete retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical resection in our hospital from March 2016 to December 2018. Among them, 8 cases were of renal pelvis carcinoma and 3 cases were of ureteral carcinoma. The average age was 57.5 years (range, 44-78 years). All patients were presented with painless gross hematuria. CTU and ureteroscopy were used to diagnose.Results All the 11 patients had successful operations without open transition. The mean operating time was 85 min (range 60 to 115 min). The mean amount of intraoperative bleeding was below 90 ml. The postoperative hospital stay was 3-7 days, with an average of 5 days. There was no obvious complication after operation. No local tumor recurrence or new bladder implantation metastasis has already been observed with the postoperative follow-up time in 8 to 40 months.Conclusion One-position complete retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical resection of UTUC is safe and feasible. The curative effect is affirmative. It has the conspicuous advantages in less bleeding during operation, minimally invasive, no posture change, quicker recovery with little disturbance of abdominal organ and shorter postoperative hospital stay, which could particularly reduce workload of operating room nurses, without any extra postoperative complications.
Trends of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Evidence from the SEER Database, 1988 to 2013
Authors: Chalfant Victor , Blute Michael L. , Zahra Hadi , Silberstein Peter
Published: January 2020

Background: Guidelines for Muscle-Invasive Bladder cancer (MIBC) recommends that patients receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy with radical cystectomy or chemoradiotherapy, as treatment over radical cystectomy alone. Though trends and practice patterns of MIBC have been defined using the National Cancer Database, data using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) have been poorly described. Methods: Using the SEER database, we collected data of MIBC according to the AJCC (American Joint Commission on Cancer). We considered differences in patient demographics and tumor characteristics based on three treatment groups: chemotherapy with radical cystectomy, radical cystectomy alone, and chemoradiotherapy. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to compare likelihood ratios. Temporal trends of each treatment were compared. Results: Of 16,728 patients, 10,468 patients received radical cystectomy alone, 3,236 received radical cystectomy plus chemotherapy, and 3,024 received chemotherapy plus radiation. Patients who received chemoradiotherapy tended to be older and African American compared to radical cystectomy alone (<.001); stage III patients tended to be divorced (<.001). Patients who received chemotherapy with radical cystectomy tended to be males (<.001); stage II patients were less likely to be Asian than White (<.001). Stage III patients were less likely to receive chemoradiotherapy as a treatment option than stage II (<.001). Chemotherapy with radical cystectomy and chemoradiotherapy are both used less frequently as treatment, though increasingly utilized (<.001). Conclusion: Radical cystectomy alone is still the most commonly used treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer based on temporal trends. Significant disparities exist in those who receive chemoradiotherapy over radical cystectomy for treatment.
The prevalence of Adverse Drug Events in septic patients after Rapid Response Team Activation
Authors: QAHTANI SAAD AL
Published: January 2020

Background: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in hospitals, some use are unnecessary or inappropriate, which may increase Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) rate. ADEs can be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, despite this; it is receiving little attention. A meta-analysis done by Lazarou. J and colleagues, estimated that more than 2 million (6.7%) of hospitalized patients have a serious adverse drug reaction (ADR) with a mortality rate of 0.32%, means ADR causing over 100,000 deaths annually. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of antibiotics ADEs in Critical Care Response Team (CCRT) activated patients. Methods Single-center, randomized, prospective observational cohort study took place at an academic tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All adult patients who received antibiotics were included in the study. ADE was defined as any recognized / possible injury associated with antimicrobials use and were evaluated post CCRT (RRT) activation. Results A total of 315 patients with a mean age of 61.1±20.4 who received antibiotics mainly for pneumonia included in the study. 29.5% experienced at least one ADE through the study period. The most frequently common ADE were renal in 12.4%, followed by the hematological adverse events in 11.4% of the patients. Conclusion We found that antibiotics –associated ADEs were common in CCRT patients, minimizing the unnecessary use of antibiotics, following hospital antibiotic guideline and applying other necessary measures can decrease ADEs morbidity rate.
Mapping the Trends in Esophageal Cancer Disease Burden in the United States: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Lu Di , Zhan Jintao , Liu Xiguang , Dong Xiaoying , Feng Siyang , Zhai Jianxue , Mai Shijie , Jiang Jianjun , Wang Zhizhi , Ji Xiuyu , Li Mei , Wu Hua , Cai Kaican
Published: January 2020

Background: Esophageal cancer is the 7th leading cancer globally and the 10th leading cancer in the United States. However, it is has received limited attention over more common malignancies. Only a few studies have comprehensively assessed disease burden from esophageal cancer in the United States (US). Methods: Using states-categorized data on incidence, mortality, and Disability-adjusted Life Years (DALYs), this study analyzed the current trends in esophageal cancer disease burden. Data and risk factor indicators were obtained from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) online resource and used to determine annual relative change. Results: We report here that between 1990 and 2017, the number of esophageal cancer new cases, deaths and DALYs in the US increased significantly, while the Age-standardized Rate (ASR) of disease incidence remained constant. During the same time, disease burden from esophageal cancer in males was higher than that in females. Economically stronger states trend to had lesser disease burden from esophageal cancer. Smoking and alcohol use contributed most of the burden while influence of high body-mass index and diet low in fruits grew largely. Conclusions: This study provided an analysis of esophageal cancer disease burden in the United States that will inform the design of targeted strategies for disease prevention tailored to different states.
Nutritional status of children with CNS diseases
Authors: Flak-Wancerz Anna , Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk Urszula
Published: January 2020

Background Children with neurological disorders are frequently subject to malnutrition, stunted growth or underweight. These are accompanied with oral cavity motility disorders, swallowing disorders and gastroesophageal reflux. Frequently, there is growing insufficiency of the body mass caused by the loss of adipose tissue, decreasing BMI and muscular atrophy, which leads to increased risk of complications and deaths due to nutrition disorders The aim of this research was to examine the state of nutrition of children with central nervous system damage, depending on age, a neurological disorder and the degree of dysphagia. Materials and methods The research encompassed 74 children diagnosed with damage of the central nervous system and sent to the Pediatric Clinic of the Silesian University in Katowice. The children were between 2 and 16 years old and they were subject to the examination from August 2012 to November 2014. The research made use of the prospective method with the help of medical examination, documentation analysis, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests of patients divided into groups depending on their age, a neurological disorder and the degree of dysphagia. Results Using cut-off values of BMI for the population of children according to the WHO reference grids, 62.16% of children showed significant underweight, and 4.06% of children were affected by overweight or obesity. Having analysed the anthropometric measurements, it was possible to prove the connection between BMI, the thickness of the skin fold over the three-headed and the two-headed muscle and the degree of dysphagia and a neurological disorder. On the other hand, there was no connection to the patients’ age. Conclusions Children with cerebral palsy and encephalopathy are more frequently affected by malnutrition than with other causes of central nervous system damage. Children with a higher degree of dysphagia are more frequently affected by underweight and insufficient growth. The patients' age does not influence malnutrition in a substantial way. Keywords: malnutrition, neurological disorders, status of nutrition
PCR-positivity of gerbils and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in a hyperendemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in central Iran
Authors: Azarmi Sahar , Zahraei-Ramazani Alireza , Mohebali Mehdi , Rassi Yavar , Akhavan Amir Ahmad , Azarm Amrollah , Elikaee Samira , Mohtasebi Sina , Abdoli Rahimeh , Mahmoudi Mohsen , Mosawi Sayed Hussain
Published: January 2020

Background: Sand flies are the only known vectors of Leishmania parasites. Various arthropods, including ticks have been suggested as secondary vectors of Leishmania spp. many years ago. This study was conducted to determine PCR-positivity of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis reservoir hosts and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in central Iran. Methods: Microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested-PCR) were used to detect and identify species of Leishmania and the results were confirmed by two methods, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing. Results: Totally, 93 rodents (Rhomombis opimus (n=92) and Nesokia indica (n=1)) were captured during different seasons and 9 different species of ectoparasites were collected from them. Out of 92 collected R. opimus, 14 were positive for Leishmania spp. by microscopic examination while one N. indica and 77 R. opimus were positive by nested-PCR. The infection rate of rodents with Leishmania major and Leishmania turanica was 39.79% and 15.05%, respectively. Mixed natural infections with L. major and L. turanica were seen in 15.05% of rodents, in 7.53% of the rodents with L. major and Leishmania gerbilli, and in 6.45% of the rodents with the three species. The leishmanial infection rate of the rodents was the highest (94.29%) in summer and lowest (45.45%) in the winter. Moreover, 39 out of 54 fleas, 5 out of 8 mites, and 1 tick were PCR positive for Leishmania parasites. Conclusions: The highest rate of infection with L. major and L. turanica in R. opimus populations was observed in the summer and spring respectively, and the highest percentage of L. major and L. turanica coinfection was seen in the winter. It is suggested that the role of L. turanica and the probable role of ectoparasites in the transmission of epidemiology should be investigated carefully. Xenodiagnostic testing is recommended for future testing.
Assessment Of Breast Self- Examination And Associated Factors Among Women Age 20-64 Years At Arba Minch Zuria District, Gamo Zone Snnpr Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Mereta Birknesh , Shegaze Mulugeta , Mekonnen Bitew , Desalegn Nathan , Getie Asmare , Abdilwohab Mustefa Glagn
Published: January 2020

Background Breast self-examination is simple, low cost and non-invasive method of noticing breast cancer by the women themselves for looking at and feeling for any change in their breast. Studies have shown that in Ethiopia the practice of breast self-examination is poor. So, the aim of this study is to address breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women aged 20-64 years at Arba Minch Zuria district, Gamo Zone southern Ethiopia. Methods community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 634 women aged 20-64 years at Arbaminch Zuria district using multi-stage sampling technique to select the study participants. Structured, pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered in to EPI INFO version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association between independent and outcome variables. Adjusted odd ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value of <0.05 was considered to declare a result as statistically significant. Result A total of 634 study participants were involved, making a response rate of 100%. From the total study participants only 21.3% had ever practice breast self-examination. There were a negative association between women age 40-49(AOR: 2.95; 95%CI: 1.23, 7.06), and women who attended elementary level of education (AOR 0.33; 95% CI 0.14, 0.60). While women having good knowledge (AOR 0.58; 95% CI0.30, 0.92), and having good perceived benefit (AOR 2.22; 95% CI 1.85, 34.1) were the factors who were significantly positively associated with breast self-examination practice. Conclusion Breast Self-Examination Practice among the study participants was low. Educational status, age, knowledge and perceived benefits towards breast -self-examination were associated with breast self- examination practice. Therefore, much more Efforts should be taken by stakeholders in different hierarchies to promote women’s education, promoting and advocating breast self-examination practice.
The relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and liver enzymes in healthy adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Ji-nian , Li Li , Li Liang-yun , Yan Qi , Lian Pan-pan , Liu Ying , Cheng Shu-qi , Li Jun , Hu Hua-qing , Xu Tao
Published: January 2020

Background: Studies have shown that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a product of exogenous vitamin D, plays an influential role in calcium and phosphorus balance, anti-inflammation, and cardiovascular protection. There were long-standing interests in the potential benefits of vitamin D for preventing liver diseases. Investigations showed that 25(OH)D was increased in adolescents with abnormal liver function. Yet data about the relationship of 25(OH)D concentration and liver enzymes from prospective cross-sectional study was limited. The present study is undertaken to examine whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ，glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were closely related. Methods: The cross-sectional study of 368 healthy volunteers with no history of liver diseases was used to examine risk factors. The associations between ALT, G and ALP and 25(OH)D were assessed by Pearson correlation and Spearman correlation, respectively. Linear regression analysis was carried out in different models with ALT, GGT and ALP as dependent variables. Results: The results found no significant difference between ALT and ALP in different vitamin D groups (25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L、25-50 nmol/L and > 50 nmol/L) ( Kruskal-Wallis test, all p > 0.05 ). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that there were no significant association between ALT, GGT and ALP levels and 25(OH)D concentration, respectively, after adjusting covariates including age, BMI, sex, BuN, Cr, UA, AST, Ghb, ALB, WBC, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, and total protein. (All p > 0.1). Conclusion: This study suggested that there was no association between the 25(OH)D concentration and the levels of ALT, GGT or ALP in normal population.
BTP2 negatively regulates Orai1 and ryanodine receptor function in skeletal muscle
Authors: Meizoso-Huesca Aldo , Launikonis Bradley
Published: January 2020

Background. BTP2 is known to block Orai1, the Ca 2+ channel of store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE) but no detailed analysis has been undertaken in skeletal muscle, where the drug has been used extensively to study SOCE.

Methodology. We trapped a Ca 2+ sensitive dye in the tubular (t-) system of mechanically skinned fibres from rat to define the effect of BTP2 on SOCE in skeletal muscle fibres and used a cytoplasmic rhod-2 to track Ca 2+ release in the presence of BTP2.

Results. In addition to blocking Orai1-dependent SOCE, we found a BTP2-dependent inhibition of Orai1 channel resting Ca 2+ conductance. Intriguingly, increasing concentrations of BTP2 displayed a hormetic effect on resting [Ca 2+ ] in the t-system ([Ca 2+ ] t-sys ), shifting from inducing an accumulation of Ca 2+ in the t-system presumably due to Orai1 channels blocking, to reducing the resting [Ca 2+ ] t-sys . This biphasic effect is not observed in presence of a ryanodine receptor (RyR) inhibitor, suggesting that above the hormetic zone, BTP2 impairs RyR function. Additionally, we found that BTP2 impairs the cytoplasmic Ca 2+ transients during repetitive excitation-contraction coupling (EC coupling) cycles independent of extracellular Ca 2+ entry. We determined that the release of Ca 2+ through the RyR was inhibited by BTP2, strongly suggesting that the RyR was the point of inhibition during the cycles of EC coupling.

Conclusion. Our results show that both Ca 2+ channels, the Orai1 and RyR, are negatively regulated by BTP2, shedding new light on previous work that applied BTP2 to block SOCE in muscle.
THE IMAGE OF HOME SN P. KULISH’S SHORT PROST
Authors: Yankovska Zhanna
Published: January 2020

In the year of 200th anniversary of P. Kulish’s birth, who was a famous Ukrainian writer, scientist, philosopher, translator, folklorist, historian, a person with encyclopedic knowledge, the topicality of this paper is determined both by the commemoration of this event and an attempt to scrutinize his works from a different angle.
This paper offers the opportunity for new interpretation of P. Kulish’s short prose written in the Ukrainian language. The purpose of the study is to combine literary view on his fiction works and their analysis applying interdisciplinary method, partially involving archetypal method and comparative analysis which allows more “stereoscopic” view on characters and conflicts depicted by the author. To achieve this purpose, an archetypal concept “Home – Field – Temple” has been utilized, the universal nature of which was proven by K. Jung, M. Heidegger, H. Gachev, S. Krymskyi. This paper in particular contains the analysis of the image of Home in P. Kulish’s short prose. Thus, the analysis of the literary work has also involved certain philosophical categories. The abovementioned conceptual topoi form an existential basis of an epic work the recognition of which facilitates perception of the events in a work as not “plane”.
Basically, P. Kulish’s short stories also contain other existential topoi (“Field”, “Temple”) in the form of redefined fictional images which present prospects for the future research.
The abovementioned methods have already been used by the author to analyze certain literary works including P. Kulish’s historical novel “Chorna Rada” (The Black Council), in which Home is represented more as existential space whereas in the writer’s short prose it emerges as a fictional image with its characteristic features.
Having analyzed the image of Home in P. Kulish’s short stories we can conclude that it integrates several meanings, acting as Home for a family, a house, a native neighbourhood, a village, reflecting the image of Ukraine.
Keywords: P. Kulish’s short stories, concept “Home – Field – Temple”, the image of Home.
Mass agnostic jet taggers
Authors: Bradshaw Layne , Mishra Rashmish K. , Mitridate Andrea , Ostdiek Bryan
Published: January 2020

Searching for new physics in large data sets needs a balance between
two competing effects—signal identification vs background distortion. In
this work, we perform a systematic study of both single variable and
multivariate jet tagging methods that aim for this balance. The methods
preserve the shape of the background distribution by either augmenting
the training procedure or the data itself. Multiple quantitative metrics
to compare the methods are considered, for tagging 2-, 3-, or 4-prong
jets from the QCD background. This is the first study to show that the
data augmentation techniques of Planing and PCA based scaling deliver
similar performance as the augmented training techniques of Adversarial
NN and uBoost, but are both easier to implement and computationally
cheaper.
Silent Representation of Kurdish Identity in Cinema through "Sarmaşık (Ivy)"
Authors: TANRIVERMİŞ Şenay
Published: January 2020

All this – all the meanness and agony without endI sitting look out uponSee, hear and am silent.Walt Whitman, ‘I Sit and Look’(Genius, 2018).  Kurdish people constitute a significant part of the Turkish society for ages with some cultural and linguistic differences. This article focuses on the symbolic representation of Kurds in Turkish cinema through a close reading of the movie Sarmaşık (Ivy) in order to reveal how and at what limits the movie touches upon different forms of verbal and sound control imposed over them. Mainstream media portrays Kurds speaking Turkish with a heavy and funny accent. This tradition has changed by independent movies and at least they become visible in different types of silence. As a movie, one of the themes Sarmaşık discusses is the silence of Kurds and the role of discrimination process again by using and recreating the concrete silence. On the other hand this movie reveals how this silence provoke anxiety of majority towards minority identities, especially towards Kurds in last decades. The movie also stimulates a very important reality that losing a useful and functional part of a society is a severe lost that most people are not even aware of, and that they notice it in fear and with sorrow only after losing it.
Markaların Sosyal Medyada Gündem Kullanımı: Gerçek Zamanlı Reklamlar
Authors: Bozkurt Yasemin
Published: January 2020

İletişim uygulamaları, gündem belirleme kuramı temelinde çeşitli yönlendirici ve ikna mekanizmalarını kullanarak belirli konularla ilgili kamuoyu ve gündemi oluşturabilmektedir. Özellikle sosyal medya ortamlarının kullanılmaya başlamasıyla birlikte, iletişim uygulamaları aracılığıyla gündemi etkileyebilmek, çok daha hızlı ve etkili olabilmektedir. Markalar da, ürünlerini ya da işletmelerini tüketici gündemine sokabilmek ve ilgilerini çekebilmek için, gerçek zamanlı gündemin içeriğiyle markanın kendisini ya da ürün özelliğini birleştirerek reklam mesajına dönüştürmektedir. Reklamda gündem kullanımı, medya araçlarının yönlendiriciliği olarak değil; gündemi reklam mesajına dönüştürerek, tüketicinin gerçek gündeme yoğunlaşmış ilgisini markaya çekip, gündeme markanın yerleştirilmesiyle yapılmaktadır. Uygulamanın markalara önemli kazanımlar sunması, birçok markanın gerçek zamanlı reklam çalışması yapmasına neden olmuştur. Gündem konusu, marka ve ürüne uygun olsun olmasın, rakiplerinden geri kalmamak ya da rakiplerin önüne geçebilmek adına markalar hemen bu reklam uygulamasını tasarlamaktadır. Özellikle planlı olmayan gündemden faydalanma durumu söz konusu olduğunda, çarçabuk yapılan uygulamalardaki reklam mesajı nedeniyle, reklamın görsel ve metinsel içeriklerin gündem konusuyla uyumluluğu konusunda çeşitli problemler yaşanabilmektedir. Bu doğrultuda gerçek zamanlı reklamların genel durumunu ortaya koymak ve doğru tasarlanıp tasarlanmadığını belirlemek amacıyla yapılan bu çalışmada, 2018 yılında yaşanan elektrik kesintisini gündem konusu olarak seçen markaların bu konu temelinde geliştirdikleri reklamlara içerik analizi uygulanmıştır. 70 adet gerçek zamanlı reklamın incelendiği çalışmanın bulgularına göre, markalar genel olarak ürün/hizmetleriyle ilgili bilgi vermek için bu uygulamaları yapmaktadır. Markaların genel olarak görsel ve metinsel içeriği birlikte kullanmayı tercih ettiği reklamlarda; gündem konusuyla ürünlerin uyumlu olmadıkları, buna karşılık reklam mesajının ve görsel içeriğin gündemle yüksek uyumlu olduğu; diğer taraftan metin içeriğiyle gündem konusunun yüksek uyuma sahip reklamlarla, hiç ilişkisi olmayan reklam oranının da eşit olduğu belirlenmiştir.
The Critical Period for Neuroprotection by Estrogen Replacement Therapy and the Potential Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Guo Hang , Liu Min , Zhang Lixia , Wang Long , Hou Wugang , Ma Yaqun , Ma Yulong
Published: January 2020

17β-Estradiol (estradiol or E2) is a steroid hormone that has been broadly applied as a neuroprotective therapy for a variety of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disorders such as ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Several laboratory and clinical studies have reported that Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) had no effect against these diseases in elderly postmenopausal women, and at worst, increased their risk of onset and mortality. This review focuses on the growing body of data from in vitro and animal models characterizing the potential underlying mechanisms and signaling pathways that govern successful neuroprotection by ERT, including the roles of E2 receptors in mediating neuroprotection, E2 genomic regulation of apoptosis- related pathways, membrane-bound receptor-mediated non-genomic signaling pathways, and the antioxidant mechanisms of E2. Also discussed is the current evidence for a critical period of effective treatment with estrogen following natural or surgical menopause and the outcomes of E2 administration within an advantageous time period. The known mechanisms governing the duration of the critical period include depletion of E2 receptors, the switch to a ketogenic metabolic profile by neuronal mitochondria, and a decrease in acetylcholine that accompanies E2 deficiency. Also the major clinical trials and observational studies concerning postmenopausal Hormone Therapy (HT) are summarized to compare their outcomes with respect to neurological disease and discuss their relevance to the critical period hypothesis. Finally, potential controversies and future directions for this field are discussed throughout the review.
3-O-Acyl Triterpenoids and Antileishmanial Effect of the Ethanolic Extract from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Inflorescences
Authors: Araújo Bruno Q. , Monção Nayana B.N. , Oliveira Luciano G.C. , Santana Lorena C.L.R. , Arcanjo Daniel D.R. , Rodrigues Klinger A.F. , Carvalho Fernando A.A. , Citó Antonia M.G.L.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (Mimosaceae) is a native plant from Brazilian
Caatinga/Cerrado used in the traditional medicine. The aim of this work was to investigate the chemical
composition and the antileishmanial activity of the inflorescences from M. caesalpiniifolia.

Methods:

The ethanolic extract from M. caesalpiniifolia inflorescences was submitted to fractionation
in silica gel chromatography column, and the known structures were elucidated using spectroscopic
methods. The antileishmanial activity of the EtOH extract and pure compounds was evaluated against
the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis.

Results:

In this study, the EtOH extract from M. caesalpiniifolia inflorescences (IC50= 74.52 μg mL-1)
and lupeol (IC50 = 15.40 μg mL-1) demonstrated significant inhibition of the growth at 48 h for promastigote
forms of L. amazonensis when compared with Glucantime® (IC50 = 1190.21 μg mL-1), a reference
drug. Moreover, the cytotoxicity evaluation of EtOH extract of M. caesalpiniifolia inflorescences
against murine peritoneal macrophages was also determined. Then, the selectivity index shows that the
EtOH extract of M. caesalpiniifolia inflorescences is more toxic to the parasite than mammalian host
cells. The chemical characterization of the ethanolic extract from M. caesalpiniifolia inflorescences
resulted in the identification of fatty acids and isoprenoids as lupeol acetate, lupeol, β-amyrin, a mixture
of steroids and a mixture of fatty acid triterpenyl esters. 3-O-Acyl triterpenoids are being reported for
the first time in M. caesalpiniifolia.

Conclusion:

The EtOH extract of M. caesalpiniifolia inflorescences is a rich source of triterpenoids and
a promising natural product against leishmaniasis.
Removal of Formaldehyde from the Indoor Environment Using Porous Carbons and Silicas
Authors: Wang Junyi , Tao Yousheng
Published: January 2020

Formaldehyde, carcinogenic for humans, is a common indoor air pollutant emitting
from furniture coatings and flooring materials. Porous carbon and silica materials have
applications in the removal of formaldehyde because of their large specific surface areas,
obedience to surface modification for enhanced adsorption of pollutants, high chemical and
mechanical stabilities, and reusability. This work briefly summarized available porous carbon
and silica materials for the removal of formaldehyde from the indoor environment.
Effects of Interactivity on Recall of Health Information: Experimental Study
Authors: Pajor Emília Margit , Eggers Sander Matthijs , de Vries Hein , Oenema Anke
Published: January 2020

Background

Information provided in an interactive way is believed to be engaging because users can actively explore the information. Yet empirical findings often contradict this assumption. Consequently, there is still little known about whether and how interactivity affects communication outcomes such as recall.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate mechanisms through which interactivity affects recall of online health information. We tested whether and how cognitive involvement, perceived active control, and cognitive load mediate the effects of interactivity on recall. In addition, we examined need for cognition and health literacy as potential moderators of the mediation effects. Given the increasing popularity of dietary supplement use, our health website focused on this topic.

Methods

In an online between-subjects experiment (n=983), participants were randomly assigned to control condition (no interactive features), moderate interactivity (dropdown menus), and high interactivity (dropdown menus and responsive infographics). Two weeks before the experiment, background characteristics and moderating variables were measured. During website visit, data on users’ online behavior were collected. Recall was measured postexposure.

Results

Participants recalled significantly less information in the moderate (mean 3.48 [SD 2.71]) and high (mean 3.52 [SD 2.64]) interactivity conditions compared with the control condition (mean 5.63 [SD 2.18]). In the mediation analysis, we found direct, negative effects of moderate (b=–2.25, 95% CI –2.59 to –1.90) and high (b=–2.16, 95% CI –2.51 to –1.81) levels of interactivity on recall as well. In the relationship between interactivity and recall, cognitive involvement had a partial negative mediation effect (moderate interactivity: b=–.20; 95% CI –0.31 to –0.10; high interactivity: b=–.21, 95% CI –0.33 to –0.10) and perceived active control had a partial positive mediation effect (moderate interactivity: b=.28, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.40; high interactivity: b=.27, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.40).

Conclusions

Interactivity decreased recall. In addition, through interactivity participants were less involved with the content of the information, yet they felt they had more control over the information. These effects were stronger in the high need for cognition and high health literate groups compared with their counterparts.
Patient-Reported Outcomes During Immunotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma: Mixed Methods Study of Patients’ and Clinicians’ Experiences
Authors: Tolstrup Lærke K , Pappot Helle , Bastholt Lars , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe , Dieperink Karin B
Published: January 2020

Background

The benefits of electronic patient reported outcomes (PRO) questionnaires have been demonstrated in many settings, including in hospitals and patient homes. However, it remains to be investigated how melanoma patients and their treating clinicians experience the electronic self-reporting of side effects and the derived communication.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to examine patients’ and clinicians’ experiences with an eHealth intervention for weekly monitoring of side effects during treatment with immunotherapy.

Methods

An eHealth intervention based on questions from the PRO-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) library was used and tested in a randomized clinical trial with patients receiving immunotherapy for malignant melanoma and clinicians at a university hospital in Denmark. On a weekly basis, patients reported their symptoms from home during the treatment via a provided tablet. The electronic patient reports were available to clinicians in the outpatient clinic. A mixed methods approach was applied to investigate the patients’ and clinicians’ experiences with the intervention. Data from patient experiences were collected in a short survey, the Patient Feedback Form. Moreover, a subset of the patients participating in the survey was interviewed about their experience. Furthermore, one focus group interview with clinicians was carried out to elucidate their views.

Results

A total of 57 patients completed the Patient Feedback Form, and 14 patients were interviewed. The focus group interview included 5 clinicians. Overall, patients and clinicians were satisfied with the tool. They believed it enhanced patients’ awareness of side effects and increased their feeling of involvement. The patients reported that it was easy to fill out the questionnaire and that it made sense to do so. However, a minority of the patients expressed in the interviews that they did not believe that the health care professionals had seen their reports when they came to the clinic, and that the reporting did not lead to increased contact with the department.

Conclusions

Overall, satisfaction with the eHealth intervention was high among patients and their treating clinicians. The tool was easy to use and contributed to greater symptom awareness and patient involvement. Thus, in terms of patient and clinician satisfaction with the tool, it makes sense to continue using the tool beyond the project period.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03073031; https://tinyurl.com/tjx3gtu
Preparing African American Men to Make Informed Prostate Cancer Screening Decisions: Development and Pilot Testing of an Interactive Online Decision Aid
Authors: Allen Jennifer Dacey , Reich Amanda , Cuevas Adolfo G , Ladin Keren
Published: January 2020

Background

African American men are at a higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer compared to white men. The serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test has a high risk of false-positive results and overdiagnosis; therefore, it is not routinely recommended. Rather, men are encouraged to make individualized decisions with their medical providers, after being fully informed about its potential benefits, limitations, and risks.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the development and pilot testing of an interactive Web-based decision aid (DA; Prostate Cancer Screening Preparation [PCSPrep]) for African American men, designed to promote informed decision making for prostate cancer screening.

Methods

Four focus groups (n=33) were conducted to assess men’s reactions to DAs developed in prior studies and gather information to modify the content and format. The pilot test employed a pre-posttest evaluation design. A convenience sample of 41 men aged 45-70 years with no history of prostate cancer was recruited from community settings. Participants completed online surveys before and after using PCSPrep that assessed prostate cancer screening knowledge, decision self-efficacy, decisional conflict, and preparation for decision making.

Results

Use of PCSPrep was associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer knowledge (49% vs 62% correct responses; P<.001), and men also experienced less decisional conflict (24 vs 15 on a scale of 0-100; P=.008). No changes in self-efficacy about decision making or screening preferences were observed. Most men (81%) reported that using PCSPrep prepared them to make informed decisions in partnership with their provider.

Conclusions

PCSPrep was an acceptable DA that improved men’s knowledge, reduced decisional conflict, and promoted the perception of being prepared for shared decision making. Further research is needed to test the DA in a larger randomized trial.
Public Awareness of Sepsis Compared to Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Questionnaire Study
Authors: Al-Orainan Nourah , EL-Shabasy Adel Mohamed , Al-Shanqiti Khawlah Alamin , Al-Harbi Rawan Awad , Alnashri Hadeel Rajeh , Rezqallah Raghad Ahmed , Mirghani Alanoud Abdallah
Published: January 2020

Background

Sepsis is a state of organ dysfunction caused by an impaired host response to infection. It is one of the leading causes of death globally. Sepsis, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and stroke share the primary management requirement of rapid intervention. This could be achieved through early presentation to the hospital, which demands previous knowledge of the disease to ensure better outcomes.

Objective

Our study aimed to assess the level of public awareness of sepsis compared with AMI and stroke.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey study performed in June and July 2018, with 1354 participants from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aged ≥18 years. Data entry was performed using Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis including chi-square tests and multilogistic regression was performed using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 1354 participants were included. Only 56.72% (768/1354) had heard of the term “sepsis” and 48.44% (372/768) of these participants were able to correctly identify it. In addition, 88.33% (1196/1354) had heard the term “myocardial infarction” and 64.63% (773/1196) knew the correct definition of that condition. Stroke was recognized by 81.46% (1103/1354) of participants and 59.20% (653/1103) of these participants correctly identified the condition. The difference between those who had heard of these diseases and those who knew the correct definition significantly differed from the values for awareness of sepsis and its definition.

Conclusions

We found that public awareness and knowledge of sepsis are poor amongst the population of Jeddah compared with the awareness and knowledge of AMI and stroke. This lack of knowledge may pose a serious obstruction to the prompt management needed to limit fatal outcomes.
Perceptions About Technologies That Help Community-Dwelling Older Adults Remain at Home: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Verloo Henk , Kampel Thomas , Vidal Nicole , Pereira Filipa
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The population of Europe is aging rapidly. Most community-dwelling older adults (CDOAs) want to remain in their homes, particularly those experiencing functional decline. Politicians and academics repeatedly praise technological instruments for being the preferred solution for helping older adults with deteriorating health to remain at home.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the perceptions of CDOAs and their informal caregivers (ICs) and professional caregivers (PCs) about technologies that can help keep older adults at home.

METHODS

This qualitative study used personal interviews, focus groups, and photo-elicitation interviews to better understand the perceptions of a convenience sample of 68 CDOAs, 21 ICs, and 32 PCs.

RESULTS

A fraction of CDOAs did not perceive technological instruments to be a very useful means of helping them remain at home. However, the ICs and PCs were more positive. The CDOAs preferred and were more willing to adopt technologies related to their mobility and safety and those that would help slow down their cognitive decline. The ICs preferred technological aids that assist in the activities of daily living as well as safety-related technologies for detecting falls and helping to locate disoriented older adults. The PCs preferred integrated communication and information systems to improve collaboration between all stakeholders, housing equipped with technologies to manage complex care, high-performance ancillary equipment to transfer people with reduced mobility, and surveillance systems to ensure safety at home.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our study reports that CDOAs have limited interest in innovative technologies to help them remain at home, their technological skills will undoubtedly improve in the future, as will those of ICs and PCs. Technological tools will play an increasingly important role in home health care.