bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Exposure to Infants Activates Social and Intergroup Vigilance
Authors: Cheon Bobby , Esposito Gianluca
Published: March 2020

Among humans, simply looking at infants can activate affiliative and nurturant behaviors. However, it remains unknown whether mere exposure to infants also activates other aspects of the caregiving motivational system, such as generalized defensiveness in the absence of immediate threats. Here, we demonstrate that simply viewing faces of infants (especially from the ingroup) may heighten vigilance against social threats and support for institutions that purportedly maintain security. Across two studies, participants viewed and rated one among several image types (between-subjects design): infants, adult males, adult females, and puppies in Study 1, and infants of varying racial/ethnic groups (including one's ingroup) and puppies in Study 2. Following exposure to one of these image types, participants completed measures of intergroup bias from a range of outgroups that differed in perceived threat, belief in a dangerous world, right-wing authoritarianism and social-political conservatism (relative to liberalism). In Study 1 (United States), stronger affiliative reactions to images of infants (but not adults or puppies) predicted stronger perceptions of a dangerous world, endorsement of right-wing authoritarianism, and support for social-political conservatism (relative to liberalism). Study 2 (Italy) revealed that exposure to images of ingroup infants (compared to outgroup infants) increased intergroup bias against outgroups that are characterized as threatening (immigrants and Arabs) and increased conservatism. These findings suggest a predisposed preparedness for social vigilance in the mere suggested presence of infants e.g., viewing images, even in the absence of salient external threats.
In silico Comparative Genomics of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) and Designing of a Cost-effective RFLP-PCR Based Mass Screening Diagnostic Protocol
Authors: Singh Aditya , Bhatia Prateek
Published: March 2020

SARS-CoV 2 also known as COVID-19 is a fast spreading coronavirus related disease that emerged from China in December 2019 and is currently attained the status of a pandemic. There are currently no drugs/ vaccines against the same and moreover limited diagnostic tests to identify the infection. Additionally, these tests are expensive and hence are exclusive for very highly suspected cases of the disease especially in developing countries. This is causing an under-diagnosis which is an alarming state of affairs, as even a single missed SARS-CoV 2 case would spread the disease exponentially and keep it in the community. Through this entirely in silico study, we have developed a cheaper and faster diagnostic method based on simple PCR and restriction enzyme digestion, commonly used in restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) tests. Through comparative genomics, we found the closest neighbours of SARS-CoV 2 then found the highly conserved regions of the genome which were absent in SARS-CoV 1, its closest neighbour. Then we found restriction sites for various enzymes followed by designing of PCR primers flanking those sites. We have found the primer pair to produce a 401 bp amplicon and when digested by SwaI enzyme, it produces two fragments of lengths 216 bp and 185 bp. As an internal control, GAPDH primers are pooled with the SARS-CoV 2 primers as the patient sample will also include human RNA mixed with the viral RNA. This primer pair gives an amplicon of 131 bp and hence a negative sample should show a single band of 131 bp while a positive digested sample will give three bands of 401 bp, 216 bp and 131 bp. The primers are specific to SARS-CoV 2 only and can additionally be used for SYBR green based real time quantification of viral load. The developed tests have not yet been tested in vitro due to stressed out working hours in the only pathogenic virus handling laboratory in our institute. Nonetheless, this study works as a head start for other laboratories to rapidly test the suggested protocols in vitro and make available a cheaper alternative test for SARS-CoV 2 which would especially be beneficial for the lower to middle income countries.
Desdobramentos nas políticas de valorização docente e público-privadas após a reforma do estado
Authors: Silveira Moreira Deise Maíra , Costa Cardoso Berta Leni
Published: March 2020

O texto tem o propósito de discutir sobre o papel desempenhado pelo Estado a partir da reforma de 1990 e as implicações na educação. Diante da reforma foram realizadas mudanças como a descentralização das funções que eram exclusivas do Estado, uma transição do Estado de bem-estar para o Estado mínimo e aprovações de leis que proporcionam as parcerias público-privadas podendo contribuir para a entrada expressiva das ideologias capitalistas na educação pública, essas parcerias são peculiares das políticas neoliberais originarias do sistema capitalista. Nesse contexto, a classe docente sentiu consequências como a desvalorização da profissão mesmo ocorrendo nos últimos anos implementações de políticas educacionais que abordam a valorização docente. No entanto, essas políticas não estão conseguindo resultados totalmente satisfatórios por não concretizar o que é determinado, desta forma, medidas como a colaboração entre União, estados e municípios são necessárias para efetivação das políticas.
LATE CRETACEOUS METHANE SEEPS AS HABITATS FOR NEWLY HATCHED AMMONITES
Authors: ROWE ALISON J. , LANDMAN NEIL H. , COCHRAN J. KIRK , WITTS JAMES D. , GARB MATTHEW P.
Published: March 2020

Cold methane seeps were common in the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America. They provided a habitat for a diverse array of fauna including ammonites. Recent research has demonstrated that ammonites lived at these sites. However, it is still unknown if they hatched at the seeps or only arrived there later in ontogeny. To answer this question, we documented the abundance and size distribution of small specimens of Baculites and Hoploscaphites at eight seep sites in the Pierre Shale of South Dakota. The specimens of Hoploscaphites range from 0.8 to 8.1 mm in shell diameter, with most of them falling between 1 and 1.5 mm. The specimens of Baculites range from 0.7 to 19.2 mm in length, with most specimens falling between 6 and 8 mm. The small size and morphology of these specimens indicate that they are neanoconchs, that is, newly hatched individuals that lived for a short time after hatching. We also analyzed the isotope composition (δ13C and δ18O) of 12 small specimens of Baculites and one specimen of Hoploscaphites with excellent shell preservation from one seep deposit. The values of δ13C and δ18O range from -16.3 to -2.5‰ and -3.0 to -0.9‰, respectively. The values of δ18O translate into temperatures of 19–28°C, which are comparable to previous estimates of the temperatures of the Western Interior Seaway. The low values of δ13C suggest that the tiny animals incorporated carbon derived from anaerobic oxidation of 12C-enriched methane into their shells. Evidently, they must have lived in close proximity to seep fluids emerging at the sediment-water interface and the associated microbial food web. However, this may have contributed to their demise if they were exposed to elevated concentrations of H2S derived from the anaerobic oxidation of methane.
Mechanical Calculation of Flexible Wires Loaded with Concentrated Loads
Authors: Bladyko Y. V.
Published: March 2020

Calculating of wires sag and tension under various modes is the task of mechanical calculation. The article derived formulas for the curve of the wire sag under the action of one or several concentrated forces and with various tensioning insulators strings in the span. Formulas for estimating the distance to the maximum sag have been obtained. Based on the length of the system of “first tension insulators string – conductors – second tension insulators string” that depends on the supporting beam reactions and beam lateral forces in the corresponding sections, the system load factor was determined taking into account structural elements for different climatic loads. The formulas to calculate the load factor for solving the equation of state in the case of different insulators strings in span loaded with one or several concentrated forces have been obtained. The resulting expressions can also be applied in case of horizontal wind loads; in this case the equation of state should take this component into account when calculating the resulting reduced load on the wire in an inclined plane. The reliability of the formulas was proved by the coincidence of the results for the particular case of the arrangement of the insulators strings. An algorithm for calculating sag under the combined action of vertical and horizontal loads, as well as in the case of the location of wire suspension points at different heights, is given. A formula has been proposed for estimating the sag increase factor due to the presence of concentrated forces uniformly distributed along the span and various insulator strings in the span. The dependence of the coefficient of increase of the sag on the distance to the concentrated force in the presence of one and two forces in the span is drawn.
Ensuring the Reliability and Efficiency of the Power Industry in the Agricultural Sector of the Republic of Belarus in Modern Conditions
Authors: Protosovitskii I. V. , Zabello E. P. , Prishchepov M. A. , Daineko V. A.
Published: March 2020

The necessity of improving the power supply system in the agricultural sector is substantiated by the growing share of first-category loads that require targeted reliability. Improving values of the technical and economic indicators of centralized energy generation and its transmission through main and distribution grids cannot ensure high reliability of consumers of the first category, the number of which is constantly growing in agriculture. It is noted that if the power system in outage of the generating source of the high power supply is provided by inputting the emergency reserve, then at emergency switching-off phase of the section of the mains, power supply of the consumers powered by the schemes for both radial and looped distribution network may be absent for a long period of time (several hours). The ways and methods of improving the power supply system, such as integration of a single power system with distributed generation sources, ensuring their parallel operation, load management using complex tariffs for electric energy that take into account the form of load schedules, modernization of technological processes taking into account their automation and improvement of technical and economic indicators, are considered. Taking into account the increase in electricity consumption for heating and hot water supply, we consider the option of eliminating cross-subsidization, which stimulates the interest of consumers in saving electricity and reducing the fee for electricity consumption by changing the operating modes of equipment and devices. The analysis of promising energy-saving measures in agricultural power engineering demonstrated that routine measures are being supplemented by other measures induced by the fact that power electronics and microprocessor technology have significantly advanced in their development in the agricultural energy sector over the past decades, for example, for frequency control of asynchronous motors equipped by a short-circuited rotor that has high values of energy and dynamic indicators. Since there are a number of technologies in agriculture where electric energy is used without the electric drive units application and each of the technological processes has its own requirements for the reliability and quality of electric energy, the scheme of mutual redundancy from adjacent substations using distributed generation sources and technical means of automated energy accounting, control and management of electrical loads, is considered.
Specialized Mobile Applications as Means of Optimizing the Power Supply System of the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Fursanov M. I. , Sazonov P. A.
Published: March 2020

The active development of the mobile platforms sector such as smartphones, smart watches, fitness bracelets and other wearable electronic devices in the last 4 years has caused a huge growth of the market of mobile applications-services. Western countries are actively implementing mobile applications-services for household energy users. In Belarus, there is a positive dynamics in the number of active users of applications-services, every year it is possible to attract 7 % of unique customers. In the present paper the experience of implementation and operation of the mobile application for power systems is analyzed. The dynamics of the market of mobile applications-services has been traced: the amount of time spent by the person in interaction with the device was determined as well as the total expenditure of funds in the application at the moment; also, the growth of expenses within the applications was forecasted. The potential benefits for business and end-users of services from the implementation of mobile applications-services were demonstrated. Their properties, main qualities and advantages over traditional methods of “business – client” interaction are considered. A number of features needed for the successful functioning of the mobile application in the power system of Belarus are identified. The process of creating software for smart devices has been studied and the functionality needed by the mobile application for the power system has been proposed for attracting new users. A special algorithm for the launch and successful “life cycle” of a mobile application has been proposed. It allows to operate and develop mobile applications-services as efficiently as possible, as well as to avoid the most common errors at the stages of their development and launch. The implementation of a mobile application in the power system of the Republic of Belarus, in the long-term, will significantly increase customer loyalty, simplify interaction with users, make it possible to build new models of distribution of electricity, and, consequently, regulate the demand for energy resources.
Development of Solar Accumulating Drying Equipment Based on the Theoretical Studies of Solar Energy Accumulation
Authors: Safarov J. E. , Sultanova Sh. A. , Dadayev G. T.
Published: March 2020

The process of heating a dewatered object in an infrared solar drying plant (with paraffin on the bottom) with solar energy storage is considered. To solve this problem, it is assumed that the heat capacity of paraffin exceeds the heat capacity of the dehydrated object. Infrared rays fall on the upper layer, and heat exchange takes place due to heat and mass transfer with the surface air located between the metal plate and the object to be dehydrated. The equations of thermal conductivity for a dewatered object are given, its relationship at the phase interface is determined using the equality of temperature and heat flow. For an exposure of overheating with a period of 6.5 h, the time of passage of the phase boundary in accordance with the law of motion of the spreading (hardening), was determined according to the formula of  ξ = α √6,5 h ≅ 12 h.

The optimal thickness of the accumulating paraffin layer was ascertained. On the basis of the theoretical studies, experiments were conducted to study the temperature field of various heataccumulating materials in the laboratory of Tashkent State Technical University. It was found that of all heat-accumulating materials, paraffin has the best heat retention ability when its thickness is of 2–4 cm. The optimal variant of a solar accumulator drying plant with a heat accumulator, viz. paraffin has been designed. In particular, 2–4 cm of paraffin layer with a mass of 50 kg with a corresponding flat surface in terms of specific heat of evaporation is 2400 kJ/kg. The specific melting value of paraffin (150 kJ/kg) allows additional evaporation of 5.8 l of moisture when drying objects. The proposed solar accumulator drying plant can be used for dehydration of medicinal herbs.
Syndrome spectrums of error orbits in RS-codes
Authors: Lipnitski V. A. , Semyonov S. I.
Published: March 2020

This article is devoted to the research of the properties of syndromes of errors in Reed-Solomon codes. RS-codes are built on non-binary alphabets. So, unlike BCH-codes, RS-codes contain an extremely large variety of correctable errors. To correct these errors, a systematic application of automorphisms of codes is proposed. Characteristic automorphisms of RS-codes are cyclic and affine substitutions forming cyclic groups Гand A whose orders coincide with the code length. Cyclic and affine substitutions commute with each other and generate a joint АГgroup, what is the product of subgroups A and Г. These three groups act on the space of error vectors of RS-codes, breaking this space into three types of error orbits. As a rule, these orbits are complete and contain the maximum possible number of errors. Syndromes are the main indicator of the presence of errors in each message received by the information system, a means of accurately identifying these errors. The specificity of syndromes of double errors in RS-codes is investigated. Determined that syndrome spectrums of error orbits are also complete in most cases. Proved that the structure of the syndrome spectrums copies the structure of the orbits themselves, which in turn copy the structure of groups of code automorphisms. The results obtained are a significant contribution to the construction of the theory of syndrome norms for RS-codes.
Propuesta de un recurso didáctico para la interpretación del paisaje. La salida de campo en la antigua laguna de Villena (Alicante)
Authors: Morote Seguido Álvaro-Francisco , Hernández Hernández María
Published: March 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es proponer la antigua Laguna de Villena (Alicante, España) como un recurso didáctico para la interpretación y análisis del paisaje. Metodológicamente se han expuesto los materiales, pasos, actividades y evaluación que se lleva a cabo y durante la jornada. Como conclusión cabe indicar que esta experiencia constituye un buen ejemplo didáctico ya que permite al alumnado comprender, por un lado, la complejidad que alcanza la interrelación sociedad-medio y su manifestación a través del paisaje, y por otro, el significado y valor que la sociedad asigna a este a lo largo del tiempo.
Análisis de la práctica educativa con Sistemas de Información Geográfica a través de la perspectiva de los profesores en Baden-Württemberg, Alemania
Authors: Nieto Gustavo , Siegmund Alexander
Published: March 2020

Con  el  objetivo  de  analizar  la  frecuencia  de  uso  de  los  Sistemas  de  Información  Geográfica (SIG) en la Geografía de la educación secundaria, los temas tratados y los factores que afectan a estas herramientas, se realizó una encuesta online en el curso 2014-2015 con una muestra de 146 profesores. Los resultados mostraron un uso esporádico de los Web SIG, una formación autodidacta y que los SIG se utilizan para tratar problemas espaciales  complejos.  Como  resultado,  es  necesario  simplificar  el  uso  de  los  SIG educativos, modificar el plan de estudios y adaptar el software para aumentar su uso.
LEGAL CERTAINTY FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS IN COAL MINING IN INDONESIA
Authors: Velentina Rouli Anita
Published: March 2020

Since 2009, there have been significant regulatory changes in coal mining in Indonesia, beginning with the enactment of Law No.4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining, which replaced the prior system of contracts and mining authorizations (Kuasa Pertambangan; KP) with mining business permits (Ijin Usaha Pertambangan; IUP). There are two types of IUP: exploration and production operation. Then, the mechanism of Clean and Clear was created to reduce the large numbers of overlapping licenses. This article explores Indonesian regulatory changes and court rulings in coal mining and clarifies share divestment requirements for foreign investors in Indonesian coal-mining operations, which should not be classified as indirect expropriations.
The impact of medication reviews conducted in primary care on hospital admissions and mortality - an observational follow up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nymberg Veronica Milos , Lenander Cecilia , Bolmsjö Beata Borgström
Published: March 2020

Background
Drug-related problems among the elderly population are common and increasing. Multi-professional medication reviews (MRs) have arisen as a method to optimize drug therapy for frail elderly patients. Research has not yet been able to show conclusive evidence of the effect of MRs on mortality or hospital admissions.
Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of MRs’ on hospital admissions and mortality after six and 12 months in a frail population of 369 patients in primary care in a randomized controlled study.

Methods
Patients were blindly randomized to an intervention group (receiving MRs) and a control group (receiving usual care). Descriptive data on mortality and hospital admissions at six and 12 months were collected. Survival analysis was performed for time to death and time to the first hospital admission within 12 months.

Results
Of the total number of 369 included patients, 182 were randomized to the intervention group and 187 to the control group. Most of the patients (75%) were females and lived in nursing homes. At six months, 50 patients of the baseline population (27%) in the control group had been admitted to hospital at least once, compared to 40 patients (21%) in the intervention group. At 12 months, the percentage had increased to 70 (37%) in the control group compared to 53 (29%) in the intervention group. Compared to usual care, we found that MRs reduced the risk of hospital admissions within 12 months by 42% (HR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.92), but found no difference on mortality (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.78-1.61) between the groups.
Conclusion
We suggest that MRs should be recommended in the care of frail elderly patients with expected benefits on delayed hospital admissions.
No association between the Ser9Gly polymorphism of the dopamine receptor D3 gene and schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of family-based association studies
Authors: Li Xiao-na , Zheng Ji-long , Wei Xiao-han , Wang Bao-jie , Yao Jun
Published: March 2020

Background: Ser9Gly (rs6280) is a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human dopamine receptor D3 gene (DRD3). It is still controversial whether Ser9Gly is involved in the occurrence of schizophrenia. While there has been meta-analysis performed previously, that work did not include the family-based studies, which accounted for stratification bias. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis of family-based studies to explore the role of Ser9Gly in the etiology of schizophrenia. Methods: The published family-based association studies were retrieved from the relevant literature databases according to the established inclusion criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the strength of the relationship between Ser9Gly SNP and the occurrence of schizophrenia. Moreover, subgroup analysis was carried out by ethnicity (i.e., East Asian, Caucasian, and other populations). Results: We finally pooled up 13 family-based association studies between Ser9Gly SNP and schizophrenia. It contained 11 transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) studies with 1219 informative meiosis and 5 haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HRR) studies. There was no statistical significance for the heterogeneity in TDT and HRR studies. Therefore, the fixed effect model was used to measure the pooled effect size. The results showed that this association was significantly protective in East Asian in TDT studies (204 informative meiosis, OR=0.744, 95% CI = 0.564-0.980, Z-value = -2.104, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis found no association between DRD3 gene Ser9Gly polymorphism and the risk of schizophrenia. These data provide possible avenues for future family-based studies related to schizophrenia.
Implementation of a new program of gestational diabetes screening and management in Morocco: A qualitative exploration of health workers’ perceptions
Authors: Utz Bettina , Assarag Bouchra , Lekhal Touria , Damme Wim Van , De Brouwere Vincent
Published: March 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk for a future type 2 diabetes mellitus in women and their children. As linkage between maternal health and non-communicable diseases, antenatal care plays a key role in the primary and secondary prevention of GDM associated adverse outcomes. While implementing a locally adapted GDM screening and management approach through antenatal care services at the primary level of care, we assessed its acceptability by the implementing health care providers. Methods : As part of a larger implementation effectiveness study assessing a decentralized gestational diabetes screening and management approach in the prefecture of Marrakech and the rural district of Al Haouz in Morocco, we conducted four focus group discussions with 29 primary health care providers and seven in-depth interviews with national and regional key informants. After transcription of data, we thematically analysed the data using a combined deductive and inductive approach. Results: The intervention of screening and managing women with gestational diabetes added value to existing antenatal care services but presented an additional workload for first line health care providers. An existing lack of knowledge about gestational diabetes in the community and among private health care physicians required of public providers to spend more time on counselling women. Nurses had to adapt recommendation on diet to the socio-economic context of patients. Despite the additional task, especially nurses and midwives felt motivated by their gained capacity to detect and manage gestational diabetes, and to take decisions on treatment and follow-up. Conclusions : Detection and initial management of gestational diabetes is an acceptable strategy to extend the antenatal care service offer in Morocco and to facilitate service access for affected pregnant women. Despite its additional workload, gestational diabetes management can contribute to the professional motivation of primary level health care providers.
Prevalence and associations of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Abebe Ayele Mamo , Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Bihonegn Woldemichael Tadesse
Published: March 2020

Background ፡ Trachoma is a neglected eye problem and an important cause of preventable corneal blindness. In endemic areas, initial infection can occur in early childhood, and following recurrent episodes of infection, it progresses to scarring and blindness. In past decades, trachoma disappeared from developed countries through enhancements of hygiene and sanitation but the disease is still a problem in developing countries. In Ethiopia, data indicate that Amhara is the region with the highest prevalence of active trachome. The aim of this study was to asse{Birlie, 2016 #48}ss prevalence and association of active trachoma among rural preschool children in Wadla district, north Wollo zone, Amhara. Methods: A total of 596 children aged 1–5 years living in 30 of Wadla’s 150 rural villages were screened for signs of active trachoma using a cluster sampling technique. Following pre-testing of the survey instrument in a different district, questions about socio-demographic status were asked of heads of households by health informatics professionals. Integrated eye care workers, previously trained to undertake trachoma screening over one month, performed eye examination. Logistic regression was used to look for associations of active trachoma. Results: The prevalence of active trachoma among rural pre-school age children in Wadla district was 22%. Low economic status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.8 (95% CI 1.3–11.4), being 37– 48 months old (4.2;1.5–12.0), living in a house with thatched roof (4.4;1.4–13.6), presence of flies in the home (4.6;2.1–9.9), once-weekly face-washing frequency (8.6;2.5–29.3), having a face that had not been washed for longer than a week (10.6;2.9–37.7), and not using soap when washing hands (4.5;1.8–11.3) were associated with active trachoma Conclusion: The prevalence of active trachoma among rural pre-school children was high and it is still a major public health problem in Wadla. Thus, the woreda health office should create awareness for Wadla woreda communities. Keywords : Active Trachoma, Associations, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene
Patterns of regional lymph node failure of locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after first-line treatment with surgery and/or intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Yu Shui , Zhai Limin , Xu Jin , Li Baosheng
Published: March 2020

Background : To identify the spatial patterns of regional lymph node failure of locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after first-line treatment with surgery and/or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods : We retrospectively obtained the clinicopathological characters of 123 hypopharyngeal SCC patients, and investigated the patterns of regional lymph node failure. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the risk factors of regional lymph node failure. Results : Forty patients (32.5% of total patients) were suffered regional lymph node failure. In these patients, the ipsilateral neck level II nodal failure account for 55.0% (22/40) followed by level III 30.0% (12/40), level VIb 15.0% (6/40), level VII 15.0% (6/40), and level IV 5.0% (2/40). In addition, 17.5% (7/40) patients suffered contralateral neck level II nodal failure and 7.5% (3/40) patients suffered level III nodal failure. The common failure levels were the II (7/46, 15.2%), III (4/46, 8.7%), VIb (4/46, 8.7%), and VII (5/46, 10.9%) for treatment by surgery. The lymph node recurrence and persistent disease at levels II (19/77, 24.7%) and III (10/77, 13.0%) remained the major cause of failure following curative intent of IMRT. The postoperative radiation significantly decreased the risk of regional lymph node failure (OR=0.082, 95% CI: 0.007–1.000, P=0.049); and the radiologic extranodal extension significantly increased the risk of regional lymph node failure (OR=11.07, 95% CI: 2.870–42.69, P<0.001). Conclusions: Whatever the treatment modality, the lymph node failure at level II and III was the most popular pattern for hypopharyngeal SCC. Moreover, for patients who underwent surgery, the nodal failure at level VIb and VII was frequent. Thus, postoperative radiation of level VIb and VII may give rise to benefit to locally advanced hypopharyngeal SCC patients.
Adolescent physical activity: the role of parental social support and the level of physical activity. Social Support and Physical Activity of Parents and Adolescents.
Authors: Camargo Edina Maria de , López-Gil Jose Francisco , Piola Thiago Silva , Mota Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva , Campos Wagner de
Published: March 2020

Background: Maximising the level of physical activity in adolescents has been a concern for many researchers given the benefits provided by physical activity. Aim: To verify the relationship between the level of moderate vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of parents or legal guardians and that of social support (SS) with the level of MVPA in adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study that selected 1390 (59.6% female) adolescents. The questionnaires IPAQ, QAFA and ASAFA were used. Results: In relation to boys, receiving incentives from parents who “assist always” (OR=1.96 – CI95%=1.16–3.32) and having parents/legal guardians who meet the MVPA recommendations (OR=2.78 – CI95%=1.76–4.38) was associated with meeting the MVPA recommendations. The probability increases when adjusted by socioeconomic status (OR=3.47 – CI95%=1.73–6.96) or education level (OR=4.20 – CI95%=1.96–9.02). Regarding girls, parents who “encourage sometimes” was associated negatively (OR=0.61 – CI95%=0.37–0.98) and meet the MVPA recommendations (OR=2.04 – CI95%=1.46–2.87) was associated positively with meeting the recommendations for adolescents. The likelihood raises when adjusted by socioeconomic status (OR=2.11 – CI95%=1.36–3.29) or education level (OR=4.30 – CI95%=2.41–7.69). Conclusions: Having parents who meet with the physical activity recommendations demonstrated higher results in adolescents engaging 60 minutes of MVPA daily when compared to receiving social support, for both boys and girls.
Knowledge About Diabetic Retinopathy, Eye Check-Up Practice And Associated Factors Among Adult Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Attending At Debark Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Mebratu Muusew , Assem Abel Sinshaw , Alemu Destaye Shiferaw , Woredekal Asamere Tsegaw , Tefera Tsehay Kassa
Published: March 2020

Background:Routine eye examination plays a vital role in detecting diabetic retinopathy in its earliest stage before the onset of blindness. Patients’ knowledge about the nature and the consequences of diabetic retinopathy and routine eye checkup helps in timely identification and early treatment. However, there is limited evidence on knowledge of patients with diabetes mellitus on diabetic retinopathy and their eye check-up practices in Ethiopia.The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, eye check-up practice and associated factors of diabetic retinopathy among adult diabetic patients at Debark hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross – sectional study was conducted at Debark hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, from April 20/2018- May 20/2018. A pretested interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 230 diabetic patients aged 18 years and above. Data were entered in to Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were done. Odds ratio with 95% confidence level was determined and variables with p–value of < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.Result: Out of 238 sample 230 were participated, among this, 119 (51.7%) were males. The mean age of the respondents was 49 (SD ±17.6) years. One hundred nine (47.4%) participants had good knowledge and 91 (39.6%) had good eye check-up practice. Urban residence [AOR= 2.65;95% CI: 1.16-6.07)]), monthly income of 3501-8000 birr [AOR=4.54;(1.31-15.7)], type II diabetes mellitus [AOR=3.9;(1.6-9.6)], duration of diabetes (6-12 years[AOR=4.4;(1.4-13.5)]), history of eye disease [AOR=5.5;(2.3-13.0)] were associated with good knowledge. Similarly, longer duration of diabetes (13-25 years [AOR=3.77; (1.05-13.5)]) and history of eye disease [AOR=2.47; (1.09-5.62)] were associated with good eye check-up practice. Conclusion: The proportion of good knowledge about diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients at Debark hospital was fair (47.4%) and good eye check-up practice (eye examination at least once in the past year) was low (39.6%). Longer duration of diabetes and history of eye disease were identified as positive factors for good knowledge and eye check-up practice. Knowledge and regular eye check-up practice needs to be enhanced through provision of appropriate health education.
Why women chose unassisted home birth in Malaysia: A qualitative study
Authors: Tajuddin Nur Amani @ Natasha Ahmad , Suhaimi Julia , Ramdzan Siti Nurkamilla , Malek Khasnur Abd , Ismail Ilham Ameera , Shamsuddin Nurainul Hana , Bakar Ahmad Ihsan Abu , Othman Sajaratulnisah
Published: March 2020

Background: Incidences of unassisted home birthing practices have been increasing in Malaysia despite the accessibility to safe and affordable child birthing facilities. We aimed to explore the reasons for women to make such decisions. Methods: Twelve women participated in in-depth interviews. They were recruited using a snowballing approach. The interviews were supported by a topic guide which was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and previous literatures. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Women in this study described a range of birthing experiences and personal beliefs as to why they chose unassisted home birth. Four themes emerged from the interviews; i) preferred birthing experience, ii) birth is a natural process, iii) expressing autonomy and iv) faith. Such decision to birth at home unassisted was firm and strong despite the possible risks and complications that can occur. Giving birth is perceived to occur naturally regardless of assistance, and unassisted home birth provides the preferred environment which health facilities in Malaysia may lack. They believed that they were in control of the birth processes apart from fulfilling the spiritual beliefs. Conclusions: Women may choose unassisted home birth to express their personal beliefs and values, at the expense of the health risks. Apart from increasing mothers’ awareness of the possible complications arising from unassisted home births, urgent efforts are needed to provide better birth experiences in healthcare facilities that resonate with the mothers’ beliefs and values.
High Dose and Low Dose Oxytocin Regimens as Determinants of Successful Labor Induction: A multicenter comparative study
Authors: TESEMMA MELESE GEZAHEGN , Sori Demisew Amenu , Gemeda Desta Hiko
Published: March 2020

Background: Induction of labor by Oxytocin is a routine obstetric procedure. However, little is known regarding the optimal dose of oxytocin so as to bring successful induction. This study was aimed at comparing the effects of high dose versus low dose oxytocin regimens on success of labor induction. Methods: Hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected hospitals in Ethiopia prospectively from October 1, 2017 to May 30, 2018. A total of 216 pregnant women who undergo induction of labor at gestational age of 37 weeks and above were included. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 20 for cleaning and analysis. Chi-square test and logistic regression were done to look for determinants of successful induction. The result was presented using 95% confidence interval of crude and adjusted odds ratios. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Result: The mean “Induction to delivery time” was 5.9 hours and 6.3 hours for participants who received high dose Oxytocin and low dose Oxytocin respectively. Higher successful induction (72.2% versus 61.1%) and lower Cesarean Section rate (27.8% vs. 38.9) were observed among participants who received low dose Oxytocin compared to high dose. Favourable bishop score [AOR 4.0 95% CI 1.9, 8.5], elective induction [AOR 0.2 95% CI 0.1, 0.4], performing artificial rupture of membrane [AOR 10.1 95% CI 3.2, 32.2], neonatal birth weight of < 4Kg [AOR 4.3, 95% CI 1.6, 11.6] and being parous [AOR 2.1 95% CI 1.1, 4.0] were significantly associated with success of induction. Conclusions: In this study, Different oxytocin regimens didn’t show significant association with success of induction. But, high dose oxytocin regimen was significantly associated with slightly shorter induction to delivery time. Favourable bishop score, emergency induction, performing artificial rupture of membrane and delivery to non-macrosomic fetuses were positive determinants of successful induction. We recommend researchers to conduct multicenter research on a large number of patients that controls confounders to see the real effects of different oxytocin regimens on success of labor induction.
Perfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure in Early Pregnancy and Preterm Birth in Singleton Pregnancies: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huo Xiaona , Zhang Lin , Huang Rong , Feng Liping , Wang Weiye , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2020

Background: Preterm birth (PTB, < 37 completed weeks’ gestation) is one of the global public health concerns. Epidemiologic evidence on the potential impact of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on PTB is still limited and inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and PTB among singleton live births.Methods: We studied 2849 mother-infant pairs in the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) from 2013 to 2016. Ten PFAS in maternal plasma in early pregnancy (gestational age, median (interquartile range): 15 (13 - 16) weeks) were measured. Primary outcomes were duration of gestation, PTB, spontaneous PTB and clinically indicated PTB. A linear regression model was used to assess the associations between ln-transformed PFAS and duration of gestation (in weeks). Logistic regression models were applied to estimate the relative risks of these outcomes. Results: The incidence of overall PTB was 4.8% (95% confidence limit: 4.0% - 5.6%, n = 136) in this study population. In the linear regression analyses, PFAS were not associated with the duration of gestation after controlling for potential confounders. In the multiple logistic models, no significant associations were observed between PFAS and overall PTB, spontaneous or indicated PTB. Conclusion: Our prospective cohort study shows that maternal plasma PFAS concentrations in early pregnancy was not associated with gestational length, overall PTB, spontaneous or indicated PTB.
Genome wide identification and characterization of cucumber bHLH family genes and the functional characterization of CsbHLH041 in NaCl and ABA tolerance in Arabidopsis and cucumber
Authors: Li Jialin , Wang Ting , Han Jing , Ren Zhonghai
Published: March 2020

Background: The basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family exists in all three eukaryotic kingdoms as important regulatory components in biological growth and development. To date, there has been relatively little effort to systematically carry out comprehensive genomic and functional analyses of bHLH genes in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.). Results: Here, a total of 142 bHLH genes were identified in the recently released cucumber genome and further classified into 32 subgroups based on the phylogenetic analysis, conserved motifs and gene structures. Multiple sequence alignment analyses showed that the sequences of CsbHLH proteins were highly conserved. The chromosomal distribution, synteny analysis, and gene duplications of these 142 CsbHLHs were further analysed. A cis-element analysis revealed many elements related to stress responsiveness and plant hormones in the promoter regions of CsbHLH genes. Phylogenetic comparison of the bHLH members between cucumber and Arabidopsis , revealed that cucumber bHLH proteins were clustered into the different functional clades of Arabidopsis bHLH members. The transcript abundance analysis of selected CsbHLHs under abiotic stresses (NaCl, ABA and low-temperature treatments) identified five CsbHLH genes that could simultaneously respond to the three abiotic stresses. Tissue-specific expression profiles of these five genes were also analysed. In addition, 35S : CsbHLH041 enhanced the tolerance to salt and ABA in transgenic Arabidopsis and in cucumber seedlings, suggesting CsbHLH041 is an important regulator in response to abiotic stresses. Finally, the functional interoperability network among the CsbHLH proteins was analysed. Conclusion: This study provided a good foundation for further research into the functions and regulatory mechanisms of CsbHLH proteins and identified candidate genes for stress resistance in cucumber.
Serum Levels of Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Predicts Hemodialysis After Coronary Angiography in High Risk Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
Authors: Reyes Luis Felipe , Severiche-Bueno Diego Fernando , Bustamante Carlos A. , Murillo Sixta , Soni Nilam J. , Poveda Marcela , Gomez Efrain , Buitrago Ricardo , Rodriguez Alejandro
Published: March 2020

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the third most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) worldwide. Patients who require hemodialysis secondary to CIN have an elevated mortality rate as high as 55%. The current definition of CIN is based on an elevation of creatinine and decrease in urinary output. Creatinine typically increases 48 hours after the contrast exposure, which delays the diagnosis and treatment of CIN. The neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a sensitive and specific biomarker of renal injury. Limited data exists about the effectiveness of NGAL to predict CIN in high-risk patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that underwent PCI. The primary aim of this study was to determine the association of serum NGAL levels and the need for hemodialysis after PCI. Methods: This is a prospective, observational study. NGAL levels were measured using ELISA. Blood samples were obtained within the first 6 hours of hospital admission, and 12 and 24 hours after contrast exposure from angiography. The primary outcome was the requirement of hemodialysis. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for differences in median serum levels of NGAL. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was developed to assess the accuracy of NGAL to predict the need for hemodialysis after PCI. Results: A total of 2,875 were screened; however, 45 patients with ACS that underwent PCI were included. All patients were at high risk of developing CIN defined by Mehran score >11 points. The median (IQR) serum concentration of NGAL was significantly higher in patients that required versus did not require hemodialysis (340 [83-384] vs. 169 [100-210], p=0.01). Elevated serum levels of NGAL with a cut-off at 6 hours post PCI of 281 mg/dL predicted the need for hemodialysis with an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.66-1.00). Conclusions: In patients with ACS undergoing PCI; and high risk of developing CIN, an elevated serum level of NGAL 6 hours after contrast exposure predicts the development of acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis.