bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How on-the-job training improves general practice service teams’ understanding of GPs’ roles in China: A qualitative case study
Authors: Xia Yinghua , Chen Xi , Liu Shi-Xing , Zhang Xi , Lin Dong-mei , Hong Zi-hui , He Qun
Published: May 2020

Backgroud:

China has introduced series of policies to improve the professional self-image of GPs, however, Chinese general practitioners (GPs) generally have a low professional identity. This study evaluated the effects of on-job-training for medical health professionals that focuses on the recognition of GPs’ roles.
Methods

At a representative training base in Guangdong Province, the most economically developed province in Southern China, 62 workers from community health service centers underwent training for 6 months according to a before-after self-controlled design. A specific module related to professional value recognition was integrated into the training course. Trainees were invited to participate in the open-ended self-questionnair survey. Thematic analysis was used to explore themes within the data. Kappa test was used to compare consistency of career prospects before and after the training.
Results

Before training, participants generally lacked a full and clear understanding of the professional responsibilities of GPs. After the training, participants showed increased awareness of six aspects of general medical practice including a broad understanding of the term, disease treatment, disease prevention, service mode, role of general services in promoting public health, and role of GPs in a service team. Moreover, 84% of participants had a positive opinion of GPs’ career prospects and 90.3% preferred general practice to specialization as a career choice after the training. Current GPs preferred to become a specialist mainly for the higher salary, but current specialists preferred to be a GP for self-growth and sense of community.
Conclusions

These results demonstrate that appropriate on-the-job training can improve GPs’ professional identity in China, and should therefore be included in policies and integrated into programs for medical health professionals.
Coal quality prediction based on multi-feature fusion of flotation foam images
Authors: Bai Yateng , Ma Xiaoping
Published: May 2020

Coal flotation monitoring cannot provide real-time feedback on the yield and ash of coal preparation products because it is influenced by the subjective nature of artificial judgment of coal preparation status and the lag of product quality testing of coal preparation. This paper aims to extract the texture, colour and shape features of floating foam images using various image processing methods, such as colour space, wavelet transform, greyscale co-occurrence matrix and edge operator, and to quantify the characterisation of various characteristic parameters on the basis of the indicative effect of floating foam characteristics on the quality of coal preparation products. The correlation between image features and the yield and ash of flotation products is studied, and a regression prediction model of coal preparation yield and ash was established by combining various image feature parameters using machine learning methods. Experimental results show that the proposed method can realise the real-time monitoring of coal mine flotation and effectively predict coal quality.
Geranylgeraniol in Bone Cement Rescues Osteoclasts from the Toxic Effects of Pamidronate and Restores Function
Authors: Feldman George J , Yagnik Adarsh , Taub Daniel , Diecidue Robert
Published: May 2020

BackgroundExposed intraoral bone in medically related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a devastatingly side effect of treatment with nitrogen containing bisphosphonates(NBPs) The pathogenesis of the condition is thought to be caused by NBP inhibition of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS), a critical enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. This block suppresses the prenylation of factors necessary for the maintenance and survival of osteoclasts. Geranylgeraniol (GGOH), a metabolite in the mevalonate pathway downstream of FDPS, reverses the block NBPs impose on osteoclasts. However, no effective method currently exists to deliver GGOH locally to NBP-induced lesions in the mouth. The purpose of this study is to develop a biocompatible, resorbable and tunable carrier to deliver GGOH intraorally and thereby reverse the damaging effects of MRONJ.MethodsPrimary human oral fibroblasts and RAW264.7 osteoclasts were exposed to pamidronate in vitro and GGOH contained within a bone cement pellet and survival of the cells was measured. The kinetics of release of 3HGGOH from the bone cement was measured.. The resorptive function of osteoclasts exposed to pamidronate with or without GGOH was quantitated by measuring the release of bound fluorescent dye from a CaPO4 coated plate. Resorption areas on this plate were photographed.ResultsHuman gingival fibroblasts exposed to pamidronate (100uM) alone decreased survival by 49% (p<0.001) over 72 hours, 2mM GGOH incorporated into bone cement rescued these cells from the toxic effect of NBP (p=0.0024).Exposure of osteoclasts to 400 and 800uM pamidronate over 72 hours showed a 49% and 69% loss of viability respectively. (p<0.0001 for each concentration). 2mM GGOH incorporated into bone cement increased survival by 247% (p=0.0001) for the cells treated with 800uM pamidronate and 4mM GGOH by 450% (p<0.0001). Pamidronate at both concentrations reduced osteoclast function and 4mM GGOH completely restored resorbtive function. At a powder to liquid ration of 2.5:1 92% of the loaded metabolite was released into medium after in 96 hours.ConclusionsGGOH contained in a bone cement carrier can rescue osteoclast function from the toxic effects of pamidronate. This carrier may be the first step in local delivery of this metabolite in the oral cavity.
The Strategy and Efficacy of Prophylaxis Against Hepatitis B Virus Recurrence After Liver Transplantation in the Era of High Potent Nucleos(t)ide Analogues: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Mingshu , Hou Zhouhua , Yao Guozhu , Tan Deming , Lin Qian
Published: May 2020

Background: High potent nucleos(t)ide analogues (HP NAs) with or without hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) is the standard prophylactic therapy for avoiding the HBV recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). While the clinical impact of HP NAs-based prophylaxis has not been well documented, the optimal treatment strategy is currently debated. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate clinical outcome of LT recipients under HP NAs-based regimens and investigate different prophylaxis schemes. Methods: We followed PRISMA statement to conduct this study. Two reviewers independently searched relevant literature via PubMed, EMBAES, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they observed HBV recurrence under HP NAs-based regimens in patients who received HBV-related LT. Primary and secondary outcome were HBV recurrence, HCC recurrence, all-cause and HBV-recurrence related mortality. Incidence with 95% confidence intervals was aggregated and assess by fixed effect model/random effect model. Subgroup analysis was applied to examine the impact of different treatment strategies. Results: 26 studies (n=2374) were included, with a pooled HBV recurrence rate of 0.92% (95% CI 0.47%-1.48%). Studies with and without HBV viremia or HDV superinfected patients demonstrated comparable HBV recurrence (p=0.25, p=0.69). Recurrence rate under indefinite combination of HP NAs and HBIG was lower than that under HP NAs monotherapy (p=0.0003), and similar to that under NAs plus finite course of HBIG (p=0.53). Pooled HCC recurrence rate was 5.34% (95% CI 0.78%-12.48%). HBV-recurrence related mortality and all-cause mortality were 0.17% (95% CI 0.00%-1.51%) and 7.29% (95% CI 4.42%–10.71%) respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests HP NAs-based regimens provide satisfactory HBV antiviral prophylaxis and improved long-term outcome for LT recipients. Finite combination of HP NAs and HBIG is an alternative to lifelong dual therapy.
Compassion Fatigue and Perceived of Social Support Among Polish Nurses
Authors: Metko Paulina Pergol- , Czyżewski Lukasz
Published: May 2020

Background:Social support has an important role to prevent traumatic stress connected with performing a nurse profession. The aim of the study was to measure the relationship between compassion fatigue and perceived social support in polish nurses.Methods:The study was conducted in a group of 862 professionally active nurses in Poland using the CAWI method (Computer-Assisted Web Interview). Professional Quality of Life scale (ProQOL) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for collecting the data.StatSoft, Inc. (2014)was used for data analysis. For comparisons between the groups: Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA Kruskal Wallis test, multiple comparisons (post-hoc). Relationships between variables were tested using the Spearman's R test, Tau Kendall's test and chi 2 test. The level of significance in all calculations was assumed p <0.05.Results:The research showed the presence of Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in the group of Polish hospital nurses. A higher level of perceived social support was associated with a lower level of compassion fatigue (r=-0,35; p<0,001). A higher level of social support was associated with higher job satisfaction (r = 0.40; p <0.001). The study also found that a higher level of social support was associated with a lower risk of Burnout (r = -0.41; p <0.001). Conclusions:Preventing of Compassion fatigue and Burnout should be a priority for health care managers. It is worth noting that an important predictor of Compassion Fatigue is the fact that Polish nurses often work overtime. It is necessary to pay more attention to the key role of Social Support in preventing CF and BO.
Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Elderly Adults in Primary Health Care: A Comparative Analysis Between Brazil and Portugal
Authors: Cavalcante Anna Carolyna Vieira , DANTAS BRUNO ARAÚJO DA SILVA , Miranda Jéssica Maria Arouca de , Toscano Gislani Acásia da Silva , Dionísio Alessandra Justino , Nobre Thaiza Teixeira Xavier , Mendes Felismina Rosa Parreira , Miranda Francisco Arnoldo Nunes de , Torres Gilson de Vasconcelos , Maia Eulália Maria Chaves
Published: May 2020

Background: Depression has a major impact on physical and emotional aspects. It is more prevalent among elderly adults than among those in other age groups and has a relevant influence on the quality of life (QoL) of the population. It is believed that the best scenario for its screening and prevention is primary health care. Our objective was to compare the levels of depressive symptoms and QoL of Brazilian and Portuguese elderly people assisted in primary health care. Method: This was a cross-sectional, comparative study and quantitative approach carried out in Brazil and Portugal between 2017 and 2018. The sample was recruited for convenience and without a sample test. We used the QoL instruments Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Beck Inventory to measure depression levels. The data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: A total of 160 elderly people comprised the sample, including 110 Brazilians and 50 Portuguese individuals. The association between the levels of depression and QoL was manifested significantly in the group from Brazil among participants without depression, in the domains of physical role functioning (p-value > 0.001), emotional role functioning (p-value = 0.030) and total score (p-value < 0.001). In Portugal, those who did not experience depression in the following domains: functional aspects (p-value < 0.001), vitality (p-value = 0.002), social role functioning (p-value = 0.020), emotional aspects (p-value = 0.005), mental health (p-value = 0.046), physical dimensions (p-value = 0.025) and mental health (p-value = 0.005). Conclusion: Our study showed an association between the absence of depressive symptoms and better QoL scores in several domains and dimensions. When comparing Brazil and Portugal, better performances were noted in Portugal for both depression and QoL.
Estimation of Tinnitus Risk in a Community: The Yakumo Study
Authors: Yoshida Tadao , Nakashima Tsutomu , Katayama Naomi , Nakada Takafumi , Yoshihara Anna , Sone Michihiko
Published: May 2020

Background: Tinnitus is an unpleasant symptom, and its prevalence among the elderly is very high. We conducted annual examinations of people in a community using a health survey with an additional item on tinnitus to investigate the risk factors within this community.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 510 Japanese citizens (215 men, 295 women) who attended a health examination. A self-report questionnaire including items on tinnitus and a hearing test were administered. For the examination, body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. A blood examination included counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets, and measures of hemoglobin, total protein, total cholesterol, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and serum calcium.Results: A logistic regression analysis revealed that subjective hearing loss, vertigo, and a high level of serum calcium were associated with tinnitus after adjustment for age and sex. There was a significant correlation between subjective hearing loss and pure tone audiogram results.Conclusions: Hearing loss, vertigo, and serum calcium level are independently associated with subjective tinnitus.
Pediatric Refugees Require More Hospitalizations and Longer in-Patient Stay than the Local Population
Authors: Oziri Avshalom , Schnapper Michael , Ovadia Adi , Abiri Shirli , Meirson Gila , Brantz Ilona , Oziri Osnat Blass , Tasher Diana , Mandelberg Avigdor , Dalal Ilan
Published: May 2020

Background: The ongoing global refugee crises have raised concerns among medical communities worldwide.Methods: We compared data from refugee and Israeli children admitted to the pediatric department (PD) at Wolfson hospital in Israel, between 2013–2017.Results: 104,244 visits (0–18 years) to the pediatric emergency department (PED) were recorded. Admission rate to the PD for refugees was 695/2541 (27%) as compared to 11,858/101,703 (11.7%) for Israeli patients (P < 0.001). After matching for age groups (0–5 years), the hospital stay duration for the 0–2 years age was 3.22 (± 4.80) days for the refugees and 2.78 (± 3.17) for the local population (P < 0.03). For 0–2 year old children, re-admission rates within 7 days, were 1.3% for refugees and 2.6% for Israelis, (p < 0.05). Dermatological diseases (mainly impetigo and cellulitis) were more frequent in refugees (23.30% vs. 13.15%, p < 0.01), however, acute gastroenteritis and respiratory diagnoses were more common in Israeli children (11.72% vs. 18.52%, p < 0.05 and 6.26% vs. 14.84%, p < 0.01, respectively). Neurological diseases (mainly febrile convulsions) were also more frequent in Israeli patients (7.7% vs. 3%, P < 0.05). Very significantly, 23% of refugees had no health care coverage, while only 0.2% of the Israeli patients had no medical coverage (P < 0.001).Conclusion: We found evidence for significant morbidity in refugees as compared to the local Israeli pediatric population, highlighting the need for tailoring different approaches to this fragile population.Key notes· The subject of refugees’ access to health care has been scantly studied so far even though refugees are considered to be a medically high-risk group.· The results indicated a higher rate of hospitalization and morbidity in refugee patients.· These findings highlight the need to tailor a specific approach to treating this population.
The Implementation of Business Intelligence on Cost Accounting – Case Study of XYZ Company
Authors: Gaol Ford Lumban , Abdillah Lufty , Matsuo Tokuro
Published: May 2020

Introduction: XYZ is a company engaged in the port sector. XYZ is engaged in the business of loading and unloading terminal services and container buildup. To support the company's business processes. Case Description: XYZ uses two applications in carrying out operational activities, namely the CARTOS application to manage bills and the Finance application to record company costs and revenues. To produce a cost accounting report, PT XYZ is still processing and visualizing it manually using Microsoft Excel applications with data sources from the two applications previously mentioned. There are problems related to the process, where the processing time to process data into information is quite long. So that reporting to management cannot be done in real time. Discussion and Evaluation: The development of business competition is very rapid, the management of XYZ must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately, so company needs tools that can help the management to analyze and manage data into information in real time. The Business Intelligence (BI) method is one of the solutions to the company's needs, especially in analyzing and providing access to data to help make better decisions. Conclusion: This study discusses the design and implementation of business intelligence solutions ranging from architecture, data warehouse, ETL processes and visualization in the form of a dashboard in accordance with the needs of PT XYZ. The method used in developing the business intelligence dashboard refers to the executive information system lifecycle method which consists of justification, planning, business analysis, design, construction and deployment. The results of this research are dashboard visualization using Power BI tools that display information and knowledge needed in the monitoring process and become material for generating management decisions related to cost accounting reports.
Identification of prognostic genes after platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Feng Jianyang , Xu Lijiang , Chen Yangping , Li Weifeng , Zhu Yuyuan , Wang Gang , Sheng Xiujie
Published: May 2020

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy plays a crucial role in pre- and post-operative therapy in advanced stage ovarian cancer (OC). The objective of this study was to explore differentially expression genes (DEGs) and their survival impact after exposing to platinum-based chemotherapy in OC patient via integrated bioinformatics analysis.Methods: Gene expression profiles of RNA-seq data in OC were extracted from the GEO and TCGA databases respectively. DEGs were sent to perform functional Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Survival analysis was processed to identify significant prognostic genes. After overlapping between DEGs and prognostic genes, univariate and multivariate Cox proportion hazards models were utilized to estimate the hazard ratio of the potential genes with a 95% confidence interval. Finally, the Kaplan-Meier log rank test and the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate the potential prognostic prediction in platinum-based chemotherapy OC patients.Results: A total of 484 up-regulated and 495 down-regulated DEGs were identified. Down-regulated DEGs remarkedly enriched in the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, homologous recombination in KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. After overlapping with survival genes in the TCGA cohort, 64 DEGs were demonstrated prognostic potential. Then 29 genes were further identified by univariate analyses. Multivariate analyses indicated eight of 29 genes (DHRS9, OVOS2, STAC2, TCF15, AADAC, LOC730183, LOC440910, ARHGDIG) demonstrated survival prediction potential in platinum-based chemotherapy OC patients. The area under the curve of the time-dependent ROC curve was 0.725 for 5-year survival prediction based on those eight genes.Conclusion: These prognostic genes identified in this study indicate some significance for prognosis prediction in platinum-based chemotherapy OC patients.
How did the Beneficiary Groups of Curative Care Expenditure Distribute? Based on SHA 2011: A Case Study in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China
Authors: Feng Honghong , Mao Lu , Li Xiaoju , Zhang Liwen , Rui Dongsheng
Published: May 2020

Background

System of Health Accounts 2011 (SHA2011) not only meets the analysis of health policies but also increases the comparability of international health from expenditure. This study analyzes the distribution of beneficiary groups of curative care expenditure (CCE) in Xinjiang based on SHA 2011, and provides references for making health policies.
Methods

A total of 352 sample health institutions were collected with multistage stratified random sampling method in Xinjiang. According to the accounting framework of the SHA 2011, the CCE distribution, institutional flow and disease distribution of different age groups were analyzed.
Results

In 2016, the CCE in Xinjiang was 50.05 billion Chinese Yuan (CNY), accounting for 70.18% of current health expenditure (CHE), 6.66% of GDP, and per capita CCE was 2366.56 CNY. People aged over 65 was the consumed major CCE, different diseases treatment costs have a different distribution in the age groups. Three types of diseases with the highest CCE were circulatory, respiratory and digestive system diseases. All of the beneficiary expenditure mainly occurred in hospitals, the proportion of primary health care institutions was relatively small. Family health expenditure accounts for a relatively high proportion, especially children aged 14 years old and below.
Conclusion

This study used SHA2011 to capture large data and analyzed from the newly added beneficiary dimension. The population had a heavy burden of medical financing, the allocation of medical resources was unreasonable, and the scale of primary medical institutions needs to be reasonably expanded. The financing plan for CCE needs to be optimized to decrease the medical burden of disease.
Eating habits and lifestyle Changes during COVID-19 lockdown: an Italian survey
Authors: Renzo Laura Di , Gualtieri Paola , Pivari Francesca , Soldati Laura , Attinà Alda , Cinelli Giulia , Leggeri Claudia , Caparello Giovanna , Barrea Luigi , Scerbo Francesco , Esposito Ernesto , De Lorenzo Antonino
Published: May 2020

Background: On December 12, 2019 a new coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) emerged in Wuhan, China, sparking a pandemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19). At 24th of April 2020, the number of COVID-19 deaths in the world, according to the COVID-Case Tracker by Johns Hopkins University, was 195,313 and the number of Covid-19 confirmed cases was 2,783,512. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a massive impact on human health, causing sudden lifestyle changes, through social distancing and isolation at home, with social and economic consequences. Optimizing public health during this pandemic requires not only knowledge from the medical and biological sciences, but also of all human sciences related to lifestyle, social and behavioural studies, including dietary habits and lifestyle. Methods: Our study aimed to investigate the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits and lifestyle changes among Italian population aged ≥12 years. The study instrument comprised a structured questionnaire packet that inquired demographic information (age, gender, place of residence, current employment); anthropometrics data (reported weight and height); dietary habits information (Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, daily intake of certain foods, food frequency, number of meals/day); lifestyle habits information (grocery shopping, smoke habit, sleep quality and physical activity). The survey was conducted from 5th to 24th of April 2020. Results: the perception of weight gain was observed in 48.6% of the population; 3.3% of smokers decided to quit smoking; a slight increased physical activity has been reported, especially for bodyweight training, in 38.3% of respondents; the population group aged 18-30 years resulted to have a higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet when compared to the youngers and the olders (p=0.000; p=0.000); 15% of respondents turned to farmers or organic purchasing groups for fruit and vegetables, especially in North and Center Italy, where BMI values were lower. Conclusions: In the present study, we provided for the first time data on the Italian population lifestyle, eating habits and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet pattern during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, our data need to be confirmed and investigated in future larger population studies.
LncRNA HOXA-AS3 promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma through sponging miR-218-5p
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yao Rui
Published: May 2020

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles and molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA-AS3 in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods The expression of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p was detected in OSCC tissues and cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to examine the effects of HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p on the proliferation of OSCC cells. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to confirm the directly binding condition between lncRNA HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p in OSCC cells. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was employed to verify the interaction between HOXA-AS3 and miR-218-5p. Results The relative expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 was observably upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines compared with the para-cancerous tissues and normal human oral keratinocyte (NHOK), respectively. Knockdown of HOXA-AS3 significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of OSCC cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay showed that HOXA-AS3 directly bound to miR-218-5p. Moreover, the expression of miR-218-5p was negatively regulated by HOXA-AS3, and there was an inverse correlation between them. Silencing miR-218-5p reversed the inhibitory effect of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 knockdown on the proliferative potential of OSCC cells. Conclusion In summary, our study illustrated lncRNA HOXA-AS3 promoted cancer cell proliferation in OSCC possibly by sponging miR-218-5p for the first time, which provides a new target or a potential diagnostic biomarker of the treatment for OSCC.
Prognostic values and prospective pathway signaling of miR-126 in non-small cell lung cancer: a study based on gene expression omnibus and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Jiao Zichen , Yu Ao , He Xiaofeng , Xuan Yulong , Zhang He , Wang Guojun , Shi Minke , Wang tao
Published: May 2020

Objective MiRNAs are considered to be crucial for NSCLC’s initiation and development. MiRNAs have been widely identified in NSCLC. However, the role of miR-126 in NSCLC has not been fully explained.Methods miR-126 Expression in NSCLC was evaluated by analyzing the common data sets in Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database and reviewing former thesis papers. Three mRNA datasets, GSE18842, GSE19804 and GSE101929, from GEO to indentify the differentially expressed genes (DEG). We prognosed the target genes of hsa-miR-126-5p using TargetScan and analyzed the gene overlap between the target genes of miR-126 and DEG in NSCLC. Subsequently, we analyzed Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. We used STRING and Cytoscape to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and analyzed the influence of HUB gene on the prognosis of NSCLC.Results A common pattern of mir-126 downregulation in NSCLC was identified in the literature review. A total of 187 DEGs were identified, both NSCLC-related and miR-126-related. Many DEGs are extendedly enriched in cell membranes, signal receptor binding, and biological regulation. Among the 10 main Hub genes analyzed by PPI, 4 HUB genes (NCAP-G,MELK,KIAA0101,TPX2) were obviously related to the poor recuperation of NSCLC patients. When these genes highly expressed, survival rate of NSCLC patients was low. Furthermore, we identified the recessive miR-126-related genes that may be involved in NSCLC, such as TPX2, HMMR, and ANLN through network analysis.Conclusion this study suggests that mir-126 is radical for the biological processing of NSCLC.
Technical Efficiency of Teff Farms Controlling for Neighborhood effects in Ethiopia
Authors: Fikadu Asmiro Abeje , Heckelei Thomas , Woldeyohanes Tesfaye Berhanu
Published: May 2020

Teff can be called the lifeblood of the majority of Ethiopians. However, Teff production is constrained by farmers’ own and neighbor farmers’ socioeconomic, demographic, intuitional, and farm characteristics that decrease Teff productivity. To fill this gap, a combination of modern technologies with a better level of farm efficiency becomes indispensable. Hence, this study aims to examine the technical efficiency of Teff farms controlling for neighborhood effects in Ethiopia using 858 Teff farmers. The stochastic frontier translog production and Spatial Lagged Explanatory (SLX) models are estimated using two waves of panel data from the Ethiopian socioeconomic survey. The unobserved heterogeneity has been controlled for by a correlated random effect estimation. The results show that the average technical efficiency of Teff farm is 78.5%, indicating that farmers have about 21.5% likelihood for improving their Teff farm efficiency, averagely. Besides, the estimated correlated random effect of the spatial lagged explanatory model indicates that gender, age, education, family size, community participation, planting method, average neighbors' community participation, average neighbors' planting method, average neighbors' mineral fertilizer application, and average neighbors' use of improved seed were found to significantly affect the level of technical efficiency of Teff farms in the study area. Moreover, we show that controlling for the neighborhood effects in the estimation of technical efficiency of Teff production statistically and significantly changes the inferences. Therefore, neighborhood effects can be the best alternative platform for farm knowledge transmission and use as a development actor if properly managed and organized.
Microstructure evolution of tailing-based nanocrystalline glass-ceramics under microwave irradiation
Authors: Bai Qingwei , Wen Ming
Published: May 2020

A comparison of tailing-based nanocrystalline glass-ceramics prepared by microwave and conventional heat treatment has been made to investigate the effect of slightly microstructure differences on the mechanical properties and thermal stability. Contrast conventional heat treatment, the flexural strength of the samples increased from 169 MPa to 219.9 MPa under the microwave radiation, and the temperature of the hemisphere-stage increased by 81 oC during the melting. The main factors affecting materials properties under microwave radiation are the increased Si-O stretching vibrations frequency and bond force, and the substitution effectively of Ce3+/Ce4+ in the diopside during crystallization. Besides, the polymeric character of silicon-oxygen network can be reduced by microwave radiation to promote the nucleation. Microwave radiation is an energy-efficient technology for the preparation of rare earth tailing-based material.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Related to Smokeless Tobacco and Areca Nut Cessation Among Dental Surgeons in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasinghe Ruwan Duminda , Jayasooriya PR , Amarasinghe H , Hettiarachchi PVKS , Siriwardena BSMS. , Wijerathne UKYGDM , Kithalawarachchi SK. , Tilakaratne WM
Published: May 2020

Background: Prevalence of smoking in Sri Lanka shows a gradual reduction whilst the use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut shows an increasing trend. At present adequate numbers of smokeless tobacco / areca nut cessation counseling programs are not being carried out in Sri Lanka. As the Dental surgeons could play a significant role in smokeless tobacco / areca nut cessation activities, capacity building programmes for dental surgeons on smokeless tobacco/ areca nut control were carried out. The study was planned to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices related to smokeless tobacco/ areca nut control among dental surgeons.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted. Two questionnaires were used to assess the improvement of knowledge and change of attitudes following programmes on smokeless tobacco / areca nut control. Results: There were 663 participants in the study. 27.1% of them had received formal tobacco cessation training in the past. Majority had a good knowledge on harmful effects of smokeless tobacco but not on areca nut. Their knowledge on the current legislation on smokeless tobacco control in Sri Lanka and carcinogenicity of areca nut was not satisfactory. Almost all agreed that proper counseling leads to patient quitting the habit, a formal training is necessary to conduct tobacco control activities and it should be the part of the regular treatment modalities. More than 80% of the Dental surgeons believed that they should support strict legislation. Almost 50% agreed on tobacco and areca nut free environment in their dental clinics. Most important factors leading to poor involvement in tobacco cessation activities were lack of expertise and inadequate educational material, not breach of patient privacy and lack of financial incentives. Surprisingly, 20.1% of the dental surgeons had consumed smokeless tobacco / areca nut products in the past and only a few were current users of tobacco and/or areca nut. Conclusions: Well planned workshops are efficient and cost effective in improving knowledge, practices and attitudes of Dental surgeons towards smokeless tobacco / areca nut cessation.
Small airways and bronchial hyper-responsiveness in cough-variant asthma
Authors: gao jie , Wu Feng , Yang Xing , Wu Sifang
Published: May 2020

Background

Cough variant asthma (CVA) is one of the special populations of asthma. The study was to compare spirometric parameters of small airways and the degree of bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) between CVA and classic asthma (CA), and examine the relationship between BHR and small airways to determine the accuracy of these markers as indicators of CVA.
Methods

A total of 825 asthmatic patients were screened for the study and 614 were included. All patients performed spirometry and underwent a bronchial challenge with methacholine. It has been estimated that less than 65% of the small airways must be obstructed before changes can be detected using routine pulmonary function tests.
Results

CVA patients showed less small airway dysfunction (< 65%) than those of CA patients with MMEF% predicted (70% vs 80.91%, p = 0.002) and FEF50% predicted (62.71% vs 73.5%, p = 0.004). The function of small airways was higher in the CVA group compared with the CA group (p < 0.001). CVA patients had a mild BHR (p = 0.005). Significant positive correlations were observed between PD20 and MMEF% predicted (r = 0.282, p < 0.001), FEF50% predicted (r = 0.2522, p < 0.001), FEF75% predicted (r = 0.2504, p < 0.001) in patients with CVA. The area under curve of MMEF, FEF50 and FEF75 (% predicted) was 0.615, 0.621, 0.606, respectively. 0.17mcg of PD20 was the best diagnostic value for CVA with an AUC of 0.582 (p = 0.001).
Conclusions

Small airway dysfunction is milder showed in CVA. The value of BHR combined with small airways in CVA prediction, which reflected significant, but not enough to be clinically useful.
Does the Cortisol:CRP ratio inform the measurement of Individual Burden of Illness for Depression in Community Samples?
Authors: Sharpley Christopher Francis , Bitsika Vicki , McMillan Mary E , Jesulola Emmanuel , Agnew Linda L
Published: May 2020

Objective

To test if the collection of an objective biological index of the balance between two major physiological systems significantly adds to the contribution made by an IBI-D.
Methods

Responses to scales measuring depressive symptoms, functional impairment due to mental and physical health, and saliva samples were collected from 111 community volunteers from rural Australia. Saliva was assayed for cortisol and C-Reactive Protein concentrations, and the ratio of these was used as an indicator of the balance between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and the inflammatory response from the immune system.
Results

Principal Components Analysis (PCA) produced two- and three-factor solutions from the psychological and biological data, and were used to form weighted models of two IBI-D equations. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that the addition of the biological index to the second IBI-D made a significant extra contribution to variance in depression score.
Discussion

Valid assessment of the symptoms of depression provides one aspect of diagnostic information, but the addition of biological information can further inform clinicians and researchers about the effect that these symptoms have upon patient functioning.
Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes on Genomic Index Maps of Hierarchy
Authors: Zheng Jeffrey , Zhou Yang , Zhu Minghan , Qiao Mu , Zhang Zhigang
Published: May 2020

Using visual technologies, COVID-19 patients worldwide are conveniently described by position information to collect sample, modern GIS maps are useful to show influenced flows and numbers of patients on various regions of a pendamic. From an analysis viewpoint, it is more interesting to organize genomic information into a phylogenic tree with multiple branches and leaves in representations. Clusters of genomes are organized as phylogenic trees to represent intrinsic information of genomes. However, there are structural difficulties to project phylogenic information into 2D distributions as GIS maps naturally.In this paper, a novel projection is proposed to arrange SARS-CoV-2 genomes by genomic indexes to make a structural organization as 2D GIS maps. For any genome, there is a unique invariant under the certain conditions to provide an absolute position on a specific region. In this hierarchical framework, it is possible to use a visual tool to represent any selected region for clustering genomes on refined effects. Visual effects are complementarily provided with Phylogenic tree technology. Sample regions and various projections show spread effects of five thousand SARS-CoV-2 genomes in 72 countries and special four countries are selected on genomic index maps.
Impulse buying behavior among female shoppers: Exploring the effects of selected store environment elements
Authors: P Vinish , Pinto Prakash , Thonse Hawaldar Iqbal , Pinto Slima
Published: May 2020

This paper intends to analyze the impact of store layout, ambient factors, and employees on impulsive decision-making among female customers visiting the apparel outlets. The responses were collected through a single-stage mall intercept survey method using a structured questionnaire from 385 respondents in leading apparel stores in selected Tier I and Tier II cities in the state of Karnataka, India. The responses were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Constructs such as store layout, ambience and employees were found to be significantly positively correlated with impulse buying behavior. The variables largely explain the variation in impulse buying under store ambiance. Except ‘attention to the window display’ and ‘friendly staff’ all other twelve variables considered in the study were found to have significant impact on the impulse buying behavior. Though store ambiance, well-structured layout, and pleasant shopping experience are essential determinants of customer satisfaction, the study results imply that the number of store staff and sales skills are critical aspects of impulse buying in the apparel business and true assets to the retail organization. Additionally, poor customer interaction, staff shortage, and high employee attrition could discourage the store’s revenue generation.
Optimizing water-reuse and increasing water-saving potentials by linking treated industrial and municipal wastewater for a sustainable urban development
Authors: Bauer S. , Linke H. J. , Wagner M.
Published: May 2020

New industrial and urban developments in water-scarce regions are often inhibited by their high demand for water from natural resources. In addition, there often is a lack of water for purposes that contribute to an improved quality of life, such as urban green spaces. Therefore, the integrated industrial-urban water-reuse concept presents a strategy by linking and reusing treated industrial and municipal wastewater flows to increase urban water-reuse potentials. The concept of combining different reuse water flows, from wastewater treatment plants from industrial parks, aims at significantly increasing the water-saving potentials compared to a separate consideration of the industrial wastewater flows.
Comparison of the Expression of Periodontal Markers in Dental and Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Authors: Garna Devy , Kaur Manmeet , Hughes Francis J , Ghuman Mandeep
Published: May 2020

Background:

Periodontal ligament stem cells are a source of mesenchymal stem cells, but it is unclear whether their phenotype is distinct from mesenchymal stem cells derived from different tissues, such as those derived from bone marrow.

Objective:

To investigate the expression of the putative PDL markers asporin, periostin, nestin and cementum protein 1, by periodontal ligament stem cells both constitutively and during osteogenic differentiation when compared to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and dental pulp stem cells.

Methods:

The primary human periodontal ligament, bone marrow, and dental pulp stem cells, and osteoblasts from different donors were cultured in vitro. The expression of periodontal marker associated genes during osteogenic induction was tested by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining.

Results:

Asporin expression was detected in periodontal ligament stem cells and increased markedly during the time in culture (upregulated x53 fold at 21 days post-induction). During osteogenic differentiation, asporin expression significantly decreased in periodontal ligament cells whereas periostin significantly decreased in dental pulp cells. Periostin expression was absent in osteoblasts, but expression gradually increased in all other cells with time in culture. Nestin expression was mainly seen in the periodontal ligament and dental pulp cells and was largely absent in osteoblasts and bone marrow cells. Cementum protein-1 was most highly expressed in bone marrow cells and osteoblasts following osteogenic induction.

Conclusions:

The results provide further evidence that periodontal ligament-derived and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells are phenotypically distinct. Periodontal markers are also expressed in dental pulp stem cells.
Prevalence of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tariq Muhammad H. , Sulaiman Syed A.S.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) lead to low bone mass and osteoporosis.

Objective:

To review the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among CKD patients.

Methods:

Potential studies were identified through a systematic search of recognized databases using keywords “prevalence,” “osteopenia,” “osteoporosis,” “Chronic Kidney Disease,” “CKD patients,” “Chronic Renal Failure,” “CRF patients,” “Bone Mineral Density,” and “low bone mass” to identify relevant articles. An article was included in the review if the study met the following criteria: 1) conducted in CKD patients aged 18 years and above, 2) Osteopenia and osteoporosis were determined through Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing, and 3) T scores were determined for all patients. The studies including transplant patients were not included in this review.

Results:

A total of 2142 titles were retrieved and of these 8 studies, based on the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in CKD patients were included in the final review. The review found that the prevalence of osteopenia reported in the studies was between 33.3% and 81% with an average of 45.91% and the prevalence of osteoporosis was between 2.24% and 31.3% with an average of 23.29%. Higher prevalence rates were observed among female gender and CKD patients with low Body Mass Index. Lumbar spine (LS) was found to be the most vulnerable site for osteoporosis among the majority of the studies.

Conclusion:

The review found a high prevalence rate of osteopenia and osteoporosis among CKD patients. The review further identified that BMD testing at the LS site is more reliable and suitable to determine the risk of fracture and osteoporosis.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Ankle Sprain Among Male Soccer Players in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al Amer Hamad S. , Mohamed Shahul Hameed Pakkir
Published: May 2020

Background:

Ankle sprains are common among soccer players, and their risk factors are well documented in the literature. In Saudi Arabia, some healthcare and sport-related characteristics provide the necessity for investigating the prevalence and risk factors of ankle sprain in that region as well.

Objective:

To analyze the prevalence of lower limb injuries and risk factors of ankle sprains among male soccer players in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study among 400 male soccer players from different sports clubs in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia was conducted. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data related to ankle sprains. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and unpaired t-tests were used to test the association between variables. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors.

Results:

Ankle sprains were the most prevalent, reported by 63.8%. Previous ankle injury, lack of stretching, lack of warm-up, and not wearing bracing were identified as significant risk factors. A total of 47.9% of players preferred to go to the hospital for treatment, 15.8% selected physical therapy, while 56% had no prior education regarding injury prevention.

Conclusion:

Ankle sprain is the most prevalent lower limb injury. Risk factors include previous ankle injuries, lack of stretching, lack of warm-up, and not wearing bracing. Players have little knowledge of physical therapy measures and lack of injury prevention education. Our findings suggest that increasing the awareness of injuries and proper physical therapy measures might assist in preventing recurrence of ankle sprains among male soccer players.
Peer‐Assisted Learning in Dental Students’ Patient Case Evaluations: An Assessment of Reciprocal Learning
Authors: Hunt Taylor , Jones Tobie A. , Carney Patricia A.
Published: May 2020

Little research exists on reciprocal learning, a type of peer‐assisted learning in which students act concurrently as both teacher and learner in small groups. The aims of this pilot study were to assess the feasibility of using case‐based reciprocal learning with dental students and to assess its impact on students’ satisfaction and perceived clinical reasoning, educational value, and use of evidence‐based dentistry. In this quasi‐experimental mixed methods study conducted in 2018, small‐group sessions led by a third‐year dental student were designed to expose second‐year students to clinical portfolios prior to clinical rotations, promote evidence‐based dentistry, and improve students’ clinical critical thinking skills by having them work in small groups to teach and learn from each other. After the intervention, all 76 students in the sessions were invited to complete a survey with 11 Likert‐scale items and six open‐response questions assessing their engagement in learning, perceived educational value, and perceived quality of facilitation associated with reciprocal learning. Sixty‐five students completed the surveys for a response rate of 86%. Among the survey respondents, 87.7% agreed/strongly agreed that the small groups facilitated enhanced learning, and 66.2% agreed/strongly agreed that they learned the material better because they had to teach it to their peers. Also, 74.6% agreed/strongly agreed that their clinical critical thinking improved, and 92.3% agreed/strongly agreed that they felt better prepared to complete a patient portfolio once they reach clinic. This study found that reciprocal learning had favorable outcomes in terms of students’ perceptions of learning. The students reported that the small groups enhanced their learning, improved their comfort in asking questions in small groups, and exposed them to a variety of clinical situations.