bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population’s unmet needs in relation to primary care in Romania- a pilot survey in County Brasov.
Authors: Neculau Andrea Elena , Rogozea Liliana , Popa Daniela , Atudorei Ioana , Leasu Florin , Moga Marius Alexandru , Lacatus Anca
Published: September 2019

Background
Patients’ expectations and needs for healthcare services are changing. These changes are correlated with changes in disease profiles, a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, the introduction of new and innovative treatments and health technologies, and the emergence of new social and economic contexts.
National health reports on Romania show that decisions in healthcare planning are not correlated with the health needs of the population. At the same time, this report shows a high degree of unmet healthcare needs of the Romanian population (related to cost, distance and waiting times), especially for low-income populations.
The objective of the study was to identify the unmet needs of the population in relation to primary care medical services in the context of actual health regulations through a pilot study in a representative county in Romania.
Methods
The study is survey-based, and part of a health needs assessment programme commissioned by the District Health Authority to the university. A questionnaire with 21 items was designed to gather information about the structures, processes and outcomes of primary care from the perspective of the population. A total of 877 questionnaires were returned and validated. The data were analysed with SPSS version 25.
Results
Access to primary care was considered to be good by most of the population. Most of the settlements have a family doctor, and 80.5% can schedule an appointment on the same or the following day. Most basic medical services are provided, except for out-of-hours primary care services and cervical cancer screening. The family doctors are considered to be a reliable health resource.
Conclusions
Despite limitations in the practice of family medicine in Romania and therefore a narrow spectrum of services offered by primary care in general, the level of contentment of the population with this healthcare resource is still high. Barriers to access are related to the lack of some essential services, especially preventive and out-of-hours services. Unmet needs are presumably not recognised by patients due to a lack of medical culture. Further research is needed to clarify this conclusion.
Key words: unmet health needs, primary care, Romania
Risk factors for recurrent vitreous haemorrhage in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Authors: BAGET-BERNALDIZ Marc , Romero-Aroca Pere , Mercado-Gonzalez Joaquin , Bautista-Perez Angel , Soler-Lluís Núria , Navarro-Gil Raúl
Published: September 2019

Background : To investigate which demographic and clinical factors are related to the presence of recurrent vitreous haemorrhage in a population of diabetic patients diagnosed with proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]. Methods: This was a retrospective review-based study. We studied 285 eyes from 165 patients with PDR. We recorded age, gender, type of diabetes mellitus [DM] , type of DM treatment, history of hypertension and body mass index, panretinal photocoagulation status and the presence of concomitant anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment. We evaluated the mean glycosylated haemoglobin, mean haemoglobin, the urine albumin to creatinine ratio and the estimated glomerular filtration rate in each patient. In addition, we recorded the smoking history [pack-years] and the systemic complications related to DM. We used the logistic regression analysis to study which independent variables were significantly related to the presence of recurrent vitreous haemorrhage. Results: In total, 183 eyes [64%] with PDR had vitreous haemorrhage, of which 68 [37%] underwent recurrent vitreous haemorrhage. In our study, tobacco consumption [OR= 1.21, 95% CI, 1.10- 1.32, P <0.001], duration of diabetes [OR= 1.03, 95% CI, 1.0-1 .07 P = 0.04] and haemoglobin level [OR= -0.24 , 95% CI, -0.16, -0.06 , P <0 .001] had an independently significant associaton with recurrent vitreous haemorrhage. There was a positive correlation between pack-years consumed and the number of vitreous haemorrhages [r=0.339; p<0.001]. In addition, patients with diabetic polineuropathy, myocardial infarction and ischemia in lower limbs had more vitreous haemorrhage events [p<0.001]. Conclusion s : In our study, those patients with PDR who smoked, with longer duration of their diabetes, anaemia and that had previously suffered from cardiovascular events were more prone to suffer from recurrent vitreous haemorrhage.
Tongue pressure resistance training for swallowing impairment post-stroke: study protocol for a randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Smaoui Sana , Richardson Denyse , Peladeau-Pigeon Melanie , Steele Catriona
Published: September 2019

Introduction For patients who have suffered a stroke, tongue strength may be decreased compared to healthy individuals. Patients with dysphagia following stroke are more likely to experience aspiration pneumonia, which has been associated with higher mortality rates and medical complications. Research on strengthening the tongue in the stroke population has shown positive effects of a tongue resistance training protocol. Research also suggests that swallow safety, or protection of the airway, may be improved as a result of such interventions, however the mechanism of improvement remains poorly understood, particularly whether improvement is attributed to the intervention alone, or to spontaneous recovery. This study aims to determine what aspects of the swallowing mechanism (response time, movement, etc. of different structures) are directly impacted in order to provide guidance to clinicians using such treatments.Methods and analysis A multi-site, assessor-blinded, randomized crossover trial was designed to determine the effects of a 4-week course of tongue pressure intervention supplemented with home practice in participants who experience dysphagia (PAS of 3 or greater) at baseline. An instrumental evaluation of swallowing (videofluoroscopic swallowing study) is utilized at baseline to determine whether swallowing safety is impaired. Additionally, a requirement for reduced tongue pressures (<40 kilopascals) on all three trials was added in order to target patients who would benefit from this training. Participants are randomized into a delayed treatment group or an immediate treatment group to control for the effects of spontaneous recovery. All participants receive the 4 week treatment consisting of 2 weekly sessions with a speech-language pathologist and complete daily homework plans. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies are also performed pre and post intervention to quantify the degree of change attributed to the intervention. The study launched in May 2019 and will enroll a maximum of 40 participants.Discussion This study will explore the effects of tongue pressure intervention on swallowing parameters in patients presenting with dysphagia post-stroke. Describing how the intervention effects specific swallowing mechanisms will provide guidance to clinicians using such treatments with this population. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03969095, published May 31 2019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03969095?term=NCT03969095&rank=1
Association studies of candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms with Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Yu Fang , Zhou Xiaoqing , Zeng Sian , Feng Xianjing , Li Zhibin , Wang Junyan , Zhan Qiong , Yan Junxia , Xiao Bo , Xia Jian
Published: September 2019

Background: Genetic factors underlying predisposition to Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis (sICAS) remain unknown, the purpose of the present study was to identify genetic variants that confer susceptibility to sICAS in a Chinese Han population. Methods: The study population comprised of 379 Chinese individuals, including 193 patients with sICAS and 186 unrelated healthy controls. A total of 96 polymorphisms selected by genome-wide association or candidate-gene association studies of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic diseases were examined in the present study with the use of Illumina VeraCode technology. Statistical analyses were performed with PLINK and SPSS software, and each genotype was assessed according to dominant, recessive, and additive genetic models. Results: Comparisons between subjects with sICAS and controls revealed that rs3798220 of the lipoprotein(a) gene (LPA) and rs9818870 of the muscle RAS oncogene homolog gene (MRAS) were significantly (P<0.0005, Bonferroni correction) associated with the prevalence of sICAS. Comparisons of genotypes in three genetic models (dominant, recessive and additive models) between groups showed that rs3798220 (LPA) was associated with sICAS in the dominant model (P=0.000005, OR=2.629, 95% CI=1.735-3.985) and additive model (P=0.000005, OR=2.293, 95% CI=1.605-3.276),while rs9818870 (MRAS) was associated with sICAS in the additive model (P=0.000464, OR=3.245, 95% CI=1.679-6.272). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis showed that the genotype distribution of rs3798220 (LPA) was significantly associated with sICAS, with its minor C allele elevating sICAS risk (P=0.00002, dominant model, OR=3.951, 95% CI=2.100-7.434 and P=0.000053, additive model, OR=2.916, 95% CI=1.736-4.899). While rs9818870 (MRAS) showed no such significance (P>0.0005). Conclusion: LPA rs3798220 might be susceptibility loci for sICAS in Chinese Han individuals. Keywords: Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis; risk factors; candidate gene; SNP.
The Trend and Age-Period-Cohort Analysis on the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease attributable to Tobacco Exposure in China, Japan, USA and World
Authors: Wu Wenying , Zhu Bo , Xu Shuang , Liu Yong , Bi Yifei , wu xiaomei
Published: September 2019

Background Tobacco exposure is the major contributor of CVD mortality, but none of the published studies on CVD mortality attributable to tobacco exposure analyzed the possible reasons underlying the long-term trends and the differences between age-groups in China.Methods The mortality data in China, Japan, USA and World were obtained from GBD 2017. The joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the magnitude and direction of trends over time for CVD morality, and the age-period-cohort method was used to analyze the temporal trends of CVD mortality by age, period, and cohort. The smoking prevalence was acquired from WHO.Results There was a significant downward trend in ASMR of CVD attributable to smoking in four regions, but China has the smallest decline and the ASMR of CVD attributable to smoking in China rose to the first place in 2017 (41.41 per 100,000). All the net drifts per year in four regions were negative, and the local drift values were below zero in all age groups. The longitudinal age curves of the CVD mortality attributable to smoking increased in four regions and China had the largest increase. The period/cohort RRs indicated a decline, and China has the smallest decline. All the cohort/period RRs and net drifts per year in female had more quickly declining trends than that in male. All the results of secondhand smoke were similar to that of smoking. For Stroke and IHD, their results were similar to those of CVD.Conclusions Although CVD mortality attributable to tobacco exposure had declined in four regions, CVD mortality attributable to tobacco exposure in China was at a high level, and the high CVD mortality attributable to secondhand smoke caused by high smoking prevalence. China should strengthen tobacco control measures to reduce the burden of CVD.
Identifying risk factors for perinatal death at Tororo District Hospital, Uganda: a case-control study
Authors: Tesfalul Martha , Natureeba Paul , Day Nathan , Thomas Ochar , Gaw Stephanie L
Published: September 2019

Background Sub-Saharan Africa faces a disproportionate burden of perinatal deaths globally. However, data to inform targeted interventions on an institutional level is lacking, especially in rural, non-academic settings. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for perinatal death at a resource-limited hospital in Uganda. Methods This is a case-control study at a district hospital in eastern Uganda using birth registry data. Cases were admissions with stillbirths or neonatal deaths within 7 days of birth. Controls were admissions immediately preceding and following each case. We compared demographic and obstetric factors between cases and controls to identify risk factors for perinatal death. Subgroup analysis of twin compared to singleton gestation was also performed. Chi square, Fisher's exact, T, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank sum tests were utilized for bivariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results From January 2014 to December 2014, there were 185 cases of perinatal death, of which 36% (n=69) were macerated stillbirths, 40% (n=76) were fresh stillbirths, and 25% (n=47) were neonatal deaths. The rate of perinatal death prior to discharge was 35.5 per 1,000 deliveries. Factors associated with increased odds perinatal death included: prematurity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 19.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.2-49.2), breech presentation (aOR 7.0, CI 1.4-35.5), multiple gestation (aOR 4.0, CI 1.1 – 13.9), cesarean delivery (aOR 3.8, CI 2.3 – 6.4) and low birthweight (aOR 2.5, CI 1.1-5.3). Fresh stillbirth and neonatal deaths were more associated with nulliparity (p = 0.03), grand multiparity (p = 0.01), low birthweight (p = 0.01) and cesarean delivery (p <0.001) than macerated stillbirths. Subgroup analysis of twin pregnancies revealed that compared to singletons, twins were more likely to have a fresh stillbirth (68.4% vs 36.8%, p = 0.01). Conclusions The rate of perinatal death at a rural district hospital was higher than national rates, and the 67% of cases were fresh stillbirths or neonatal deaths. Significant risk factors for perinatal death were prematurity, breech presentation, and multiple gestation. Targeted interventions to identify these higher risk pregnancies, such as the prenatal identification of twins, may reduce the rate of perinatal death in rural settings.
Research Ethics Training Needs in Thailand and Vietnam
Authors: Wang C Jason , Pulendran Uma Palam , Wise Diana , Thomas-Uribe Monika , Mahaisavariya Punkae , Hoang Yen , Huong Tran Thi Thanh , Trinh Oanh , Luan Nguyen Huy , Vinh Nguyen Nhu , An Pham Le , Huang Andrew T , Wise Paul H. , Cho Mildred K.
Published: September 2019

Background To describe the types of research being conducted and the availability of research ethics training and research ethics review in Thailand and Vietnam. Methods An English survey with four major domains, Research Area, Societal Conditions, Research Ethics, and Basic Information was translated into Thai and Vietnamese by native training partners from the NIH Fogarty Research Ethics Training Program. Setting/Participants The survey was administered in two modes - an online survey distributed via an email link in Thailand, and an onsite paper survey in Vietnam. Participants were Thai and Vietnamese trainees and investigators from prestigious universities. Results In Thailand, there were 363 respondents (9.3% online response rate); in Vietnam there were 117 survey participants. Among those who conduct research, 81% in Thailand and 92% percent in Vietnam reported that their research involves human subjects. Among human subject researchers, 83% in Thailand reported having ethics training, and among these, only 44% reported having formal training. In Vietnam, 66% reported having research ethics training; among them, 72% had formal training. Human subject research reported include clinical observations (26% from Thailand and 26% from Vietnam) and clinical interventions (29% from Thailand and 26% from Vietnam). Significant proportion of respondents reported that their institutions have guidelines (97% in Thailand; 89% from Vietnam) and have established Institutional Review Boards (92% in Thailand; 77% in Vietnam). 76% and 79% of respondents in Thailand and Vietnam respectively reported no experience in teaching research ethics. Lack of trained research ethics teachers (38% in Thailand and 59% in Vietnam), training materials (34% in Thailand; 43% in Vietnam), and an adequate curricular “delivery platform” (58% in Thailand; 49% in Vietnam) are most pressing issues. Conclusions We identified gaps in research ethics training in these two South East Asian countries undergoing rapid socioeconomic transition and identified future curricular focus opportunities.
Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair, a comparative study between two approaches.
Authors: Ahmed Abeer , Fawzy Maher , Nasr Mohamed AR. , Hussam Ayman M. , Fouad Eman , Aboeldahb Hesham , Saad Dalia , Osman Safinaz , Fahmy Rania Samir , Farid Mohamed , Waheb Mohsen M.
Published: September 2019

Background : early postoperative ambulation and reduction of hospital stay necessitate efficient postoperative analgesia. Quadrates Lumborum Block (QLB) has been described to provide adequate postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgery. This randomized comparative trial was designed to compare the duration of analgesia provided by two different QLB approaches; the posterior QLB (QLB-2) and transmuscular QLB (QLB-3) in patients undergoing surgical repair of unilateral inguinal hernia.
Methods: Forty patients, aged from 18-50 years, ASA physical status I or II, scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernia repair were enrolled. At the end of the surgical procedure and before recovery from general anesthesia, Patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either posterior QLB (Group QLB-2) or transmuscular QLB (Group QLB-3) using 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine. Duration of analgesia, postoperative VAS and postoperative opioid consumption were recorded.
Results : duration of block was significantly longer in QLB-3 group when compared to QLB-2 group (20.1 + 6.2 hours versus 12.0 + 4.8 respectively) with P value of < 0.001. A statistically significant lower VAS score was recorded in QLB-3 group immediately and 12 hrs postoperative. QLB-3 group showed a statistically significant delayed time of first analgesic request and less postoperative morphine consumption with P value of < 0.001 and 0.001 respectively.
Conclusions : Ultrasound guided postsurgical transmuscular approach of QLB (QLB-3) using 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine produces more postoperative analgesic effect and less postoperative opioid consumption when compared to posterior QLB approach (QLB-2) in patients underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.
Trial Registration : ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03526731- on 16 May 2018
Decreased Kernel Moisture in Medium‐Maturing Maize Hybrids with High Yield for Mechanized Grain Harvest
Authors: Wang Xingya , Wang Xinglong , Xu Chenchen , Tan Weiming , Wang Pu , Meng Qingfeng
Published: September 2019

Kernel moisture influences harvest timing and the consequent mechanized harvest of maize (Zea mays L.). To decrease kernel moisture, growth season (the period from sowing to physiological maturity) was usually shortened for new hybrids in China, which also resulted in lower yield. Our objective was to understand the underlying mechanism to achieve both high grain yield and low grain moisture simultaneously for new hybrids. Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in North China Plain with three different hybrids (ZD958 as the traditional hybrid, JNK728 and DK517 as the new hybrids, and XY335 as the transitional hybrid) under three densities (60,000, 75,000, 90,000 plants ha−1). For new hybrids, growth season was 9 to 12 d shorter than for other hybrids. Under the density of 60,000 plants ha−1, grain yield of new hybrids was 9.1% lower compared with the traditional and transitional hybrids. When the density was increased to 75,000 plants ha−1, grain yield of new hybrids (12.9 Mg ha−1) was similar or even higher. Grain moisture at physiology maturity averaged 272 g kg−1 for new hybrids, similar to the transitional hybrid and 7.5% lower compared with the traditional hybrid. The lower grain moisture mainly resulted from >30% of stover dry matter translocated to grain for new hybrids, similar to the transitional hybrid and 235.0% greater than the traditional hybrids. Furthermore, higher translocation rate was mainly from stalk in late grain‐filling stage. Our study highlighted the importance of yield improvement and the relationship between kernel moisture and dry matter translocation for new hybrids.
Effect of Crop Residue Removal and Straw Addition on Nitrous Oxide Emissions from a Horticulturally Used Soil in South Germany
Authors: Seiz Perik , Guzman‐Bustamante Ivan , Schulz Rudolf , Müller Torsten , Ruser Reiner
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

The main aim was to reduce N2O emission through crop residue removal or N immobilization through straw addition in fall.

Annual N2O emission was reduced by 74% through removal of vegetable crop residues in fall.

N2O emission in the removal treatment was as low as in the unfertilized control.

Straw addition in autumn failed to reduce N2O emission (p= 0.057).

Vegetable production, such as cauliflower (Brassica oleraceavar.botrytisL.) or broccoli (Brassica oleraceavar.italicaP.), is often associated with high N surpluses, posing the risk for substantial N losses. Straw addition in autumn to immobilize surplus N over winter or removal of vegetable crop residues were shown to reduce nitrate leaching efficiently. However, the effect of these management measures on the release of nitrous oxide (N2O) is still unclear. We determined N2O fluxes from a vegetable field with a silty texture in southern Germany over 2 yr in the following treatments: no N fertilization (−N), conventional N fertilization without (CON), and N fertilization with crop residue removal (−CR) or straw addition (+S). Marketable fresh matter yields and N uptake showed only minor differences among all N‐fertilized treatments. Enhanced N2O fluxes occurred over a period of nearly 6 mo in the first year in autumn and winter after crop residue incorporation. Positive correlations between N2O fluxes and driving soil variables suggested denitrification as the major N2O source. Cumulative N2O emission ranged between 5.2 (−CR) and 37.2 kg N2O–N ha−1yr−1(CON). Crop residue removal reduced N2O emission in CON very efficiently by 74%. Straw addition reduced N2O emission in only 1 yr. The N2O emission factors were 4.3, 1.9, and 3.1 for CON, −CR, and +S, respectively. The high N2O reduction by crop residue removal seems to be promising in terms of mitigation, but long‐term effects, such as missing humus reproduction, should be considered in future studies.
Rye Cover Crop Impacts Soil Properties in a Long‐Term Cotton System
Authors: DeLaune P. B. , Mubvumba P. , Lewis K. L. , Keeling J. W.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Soil nitrate was lower due to a cereal rye cover crop during the active growing season.

Infiltration was greater for no‐till with rye cover crop than conventional tillage.

After 17 years, no‐till with rye had greater soil organic C than conventional tillage in surface layers.

Soil organic C did not differ between no‐till with rye and conventional tillage for subsurface layers.

No‐till with rye has potential to alleviate resistance and compaction at subsurface layers.

Adoption of conservation tillage in cotton cropping systems lags well behind other major crops in the United States. The Texas High Plains region is the largest cotton‐producing region in the United States and is in an area where soil and water conservation are of utmost importance. There is little information of the impacts of conservation tillage on soil function within this environment, and long‐term studies are critical to understanding potential impacts of implemented practices. As conservation tillage expands in use, understanding the impact of transitioning to such systems on nutrient cycling and soil compaction becomes paramount. Our objective was to quantify the impact of a long‐term no‐till cover crop system on soil chemical and physical properties in a continuous cotton system within a semiarid environment. Two systems implemented in 1998 were evaluated: (1) conventional tillage (CT); and (2) no‐till with a cereal rye cover crop (NT‐rye). Soil NO3–N was significantly lower due to NT‐rye treatments during the active cover crop growing season. However, NO3–N concentrations were not different between tillage treatments in the cotton growing season. Soil organic C (SOC) was significantly greater for NT‐rye in the upper 10 cm, and there were no significant differences for SOC between treatments to a depth of 90 cm. Bulk density and penetration resistance varied by sampling time and depth and infiltration was as much as 34% greater for NT‐rye. No‐till with a rye cover crop can increase surface SOC levels while improving infiltration and penetration resistance in semiarid continuous cotton cropping systems.
Bound Water, Phase Configuration, and Dielectric Damping Effects on TDR‐Measured Apparent Permittivity
Authors: Dyck Miles , Miyamoto Teruhito , Iwata Yukiyoshi , Kameyama Koji
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Frequency‐dependent bound water permittivity influences TDR‐measured Ka.

Predictive power of frequency‐independent dielectric mixing models is limited.

TDR measurements of Ka should be paired with effective frequency measurements.

The time domain reflectometry (TDR) method measures the soil apparent permittivity (Ka), which is the basis for estimation of soil volumetric water content (θ) via an empirical calibration equation or dielectric mixing model. The relationship between Ka and θ [i.e., Ka(θ)] in soils with significant volumetric fractions of bound water and with bimodal pore‐size distributions displays a distinct increase in slope after θ exceeds a threshold value. The interpretation of this change in slope has been aided with application of dielectric mixing models through the inclusion of a bound water phase and/or θ‐dependent changes in phase configuration. However, Ka measured with time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) in soils with significant volumetric fractions of bound water has been previously observed to change as a function of the effective frequency of the soil‐attenuated bandwidth. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to investigate the influence of bound water and phase configuration in four, high‐surface‐area Japanese Andisols with bimodal pore‐size distributions using dielectric mixing models alone or coupled with a dielectric damping model. Soil‐specific Ka(θ) relationships were measured in the laboratory using standard methods and were simulated with two frequency‐independent, real‐valued dielectric mixing models and a complex‐valued, frequency‐dependent model coupled with a dielectric damping model. The results of the simulations indicate that frequency‐dependent dielectric permittivity of the bound water phase significantly influences TDR‐measured Ka(θ), suggesting that soil‐ and probe‐specific calibrations may be required for soils with significant volumetric fractions of bound water.
Mathematics Teaching Anxiety Scale: Construction, Reliability and Validity
Authors: ALKAN Vesile , COŞGUNER Tolga , FİDAN Yücel
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to develop mathematics teaching anxiety scale for prospective primary school teachers. It was designed based on survey method and conducted with four sampling group consisting of 956 prospective primary school teachers at Education Faculties in Turkey. First sampling group was consisted of 404 prospective primary school teachers and 96 out of it were involved in the application of open-ended questions and 308 were involved in exploratory factor analysis. 305 prospective primary school teachers in the second sampling group participated in the confirmatory factor analysis, 108 prospective teachers in the third group were involved in criterion validity and 139 prospective teachers in the fourth one participated in the test-retest reliability analysis. As a result of the principal component analysis of the Mathematics Teaching Anxiety Scale (MTAS), it was found that the scale indicating single factor structure and consisting of 31 items (47.43% of the total variance). After suggested modifications, the scale MTAS was constructed with 19 items. 12 items were removed from the scale and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out with 19 items. According to CFA results (0≤X2 / df = 1.483≤2, RMSEA = 0.040, RMR = 0.050, AGFI = 0.908, TLI = 0.972, CFI = 0.976, IFI = 0.976, GFI = 0.928, NFI = 0.930 and RFI = 0.919), it was confirmed that the scale structure was consisting of 19 items and one dimension. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the final form of Mathematics Teaching Anxiety Scale was calculated as 0.93.
E-marketing strategy: to improve customer preference for local brand over foreign brand in the era of a developing country
Authors: Al Adwan Ahmad
Published: September 2019

This research will determine the factors that influence customer preference for local brands over foreign brands in the era of a developing country. This is a quantitative research design. Questionnaires have been used to collect the data on product standards, social media engagement, local positive testimonials, brand application and brand trust. The sample size was 80 – randomly selected. Organizations should improve quality, design, compatibility, consistency, attitude and online appearance on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Celebrity testimonials have more influence on consumers than a non-celebrity testimonial. The research is original in that it was conducted from scratch. Moreover, the researchers sought help from previous research in the field to define technical terms, of which have been cited accordingly.
Evaluation and Management of Patients with Hematoma after Gynecologıc and Obstetric Surgery
Authors: Kahveci Bekir , Obut Mehmet , Ege Serhat , Sucu Mete , Peker Nurullah , Uzundere Osman , Kahveci Gaye , Budak Mehmet Sukru
Published: September 2019

Objective: Postoperative hematoma following abdominal surgery is relatively rare and mainly depends on the type of surgery. Specific treatment including surgery or interventional radiology is sometimes necessary. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cases of postoperative hematoma after gynecologic and obstetric surgery.Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study of 30 patients with hematoma developed after gynecologic and obstetric surgery. We included the patients who hospitalized with the diagnosis of a postoperative hematoma between June 2017 and April 2019 at Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital of Health Sciences University. Hematomas occurring after endoscopic surgery and episiotomy were not included. The diagnosed cases were divided into three groups as wound hematoma, rectus sheath hematoma and intra-abdominal hematoma (intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal). All cases were assessed by patient demographics and clinical findings, hematoma of characteristics, treatment methods and results.Results: A total of 30 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 33.0±8.6 years. Incidence of hematoma account for 0.2%. The mean c-reactive protein was 37.9±47.4 mg/dL at admission and 14.6±25.8 mg/dL at discharge, respectively. The decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean hemoglobin was 10.6±2.1 g/dL at admission and 10.7±1.5 g/dL at discharge. Fever was detected in 7 (23.3%) patients. Only 12 patients (40%) were followed up by observation and symptom management. In 10 (33.3%) patients, antibiotics were included in the treatment due to infection. In addition, 4 patients (13.3%) had relaparotomy, 5 patients (16.7%) underwent percutaneous radiological drainage and 8 (26.7%) received blood transfusion. The mean time of resorption of the hematoma was 4.6 ± 2.0 days. The evaluation of the hematoma locations revealed that 14 patients (46.7%) had wound hematoma, 7 patients (23.3%) had rectus sheath hematoma (Type I: 2 cases, type II: 3 cases, type III: 2 cases), 8 patients (26.7%) had pelvic hematoma and 2 patients (6.7%) had a retroperitoneal hematoma. The mean hematoma size was 68.1±15.18 mm. Conclusions: In cases of hematoma resistant to antibiotic treatment and non-resorbable hematoma, we can consider percutaneous catheter drainage as an alternative to surgical intervention.
Objetos ressonadores:
Authors: Faraco Julia
Published: September 2019

Este artigo procura descrever o processo de fabricação dos bichinhos – esculturas em madeira pirografadas produzidas pelos Guarani – a partir da análise de uma cadeia operatória. Refletindo sobre o potencial de uma abordagem centrada sobre as técnicas, sugere o “fazer bichinho” como algo constitutivo para os Mbyá-Guarani, capaz de nos dar índices de sua forma de apreensão do mundo.
Transformações no trabalho de fotógrafos de casamento a partir da passagem da fotografia analógica para a fotografia digital
Authors: Marins Cristina Teixeira
Published: September 2019

Este artigo parte de minha pesquisa etnográfica sobre o trabalho exercido por fotógrafos de casamento e tem como principal propósito a elaboração de uma reflexão acerca de mudanças recentes neste campo profissional, em especial aquelas acarretadas pela passagem da fotografia analógica para a fotografia digital. Com este intuito, tomo como foco de análise a noção de técnica que, no meu campo empírico, se traduz na relação dos fotógrafos de casamento com seu equipamento (o que inclui a câmera fotográfica, mas não se limita a esta), com seu corpo e sentidos a fim de desempenhar seu trabalho através de um processo de caráter eminentemente social. Os argumentos apresentados no artigo se baseiam em material etnográfico construído através de intensa interlocução com fotógrafos de casamento cujas trajetórias variam substancialmente em termos de tempo de carreira.
The Emerging Role of the SLCO1B3 Protein in Cancer Resistance
Authors: Sun Ruipu , Ying Ying , Tang Zhimin , Liu Ting , Shi Fuli , Li Huixia , Guo Taichen , Huang Shibo , Lai Ren
Published: September 2019

Currently, chemotherapy is one of the mainstays of oncologic therapies. But the efficacy
of chemotherapy is often limited by drug resistance and severe side effects. Consequently, it is
becoming increasingly important to investigate the underlying mechanism and overcome the
problem of anticancer chemotherapy resistance. The solute carrier organic anion transporter family
member 1B3 (SLCO1B3), a functional transporter normally expressed in the liver, transports a
variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds, including hormones and their conjugates as well
as some anticancer drugs. The extrahepatic expression of SLCO1B3 has been detected in different
cancer cell lines and cancer tissues. Recently, accumulating data indicates that the abnormal
expression and function of SLCO1B3 are involved in resistance to anticancer drugs, such as
taxanes, camptothecin and its analogs, SN-38, and Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in breast,
prostate, lung, hepatic, and colorectal cancer, respectively. Thus, more investigations have been
implemented to identify the potential SLCO1B3-related mechanisms of cancer drug resistance. In
this review, we focus on the emerging roles of SLCO1B3 protein in the development of cancer
chemotherapy resistance and briefly discuss the mechanisms of resistance. Elucidating the function
of SLCO1B3 in chemoresistance may bring out novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Nanoparticles and Immune Cells
Authors: Mitarotonda Romina , Giorgi Exequiel , Desimone Martín F. , De Marzi Mauricio C.
Published: September 2019

Nanoparticles have gained ground in several fields. However, it is important to consider their potentially
hazardous effects on humans, flora, and fauna. Human exposure to nanomaterials can occur unintentionally
in daily life or in industrial settings, and the continuous exposure of the biological components (cells, receptors,
proteins, etc.) of the immune system to these particles can trigger an unwanted immune response (activation or
suppression). Here, we present different studies that have been carried out to evaluate the response of immune
cells in the presence of nanoparticles and their possible applications in the biomedical field.
Lock Stock and Barrel of Wound Healing
Authors: Dhingra Gitika A. , Kaur Malkiet , Singh Manjinder , Aggarwal Geeta , Nagpal Manju
Published: September 2019

Any kind of injury may lead to wound formation. As per World Health Organization Report, “more
than 5 million people die each year due to injuries. This accounts for 9% of the world’s population death, nearly
1.7 times the number of fatalities that result from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. In addition, ten
million people suffer from non-fatal injuries which require treatment”. This scenario leads to increased health and
economic burden worldwide. Rapid wound healing is exigent subject-field in the health care system. It is imperative
to be updated on wound care strategies as impaired wound healing may lead to chronic, non-healing wounds
and thus further contributes to the national burden. This article is a comprehensive review of wound care strategies.
The first and second part of this review article focuses on the understanding of wound, its types and human
body’s healing mechanism. Wound healing is natural, highly coordinated process that starts on its own, immediately
after the injury. However, individual health condition influences the healing process. Discussion of factors
affecting wound healing has also been included. Next part includes the detailed review of diverse wound healing
strategies that have already been developed for different types of wound. A detailed description of various polymers
that may be used has been discussed. Amongst drug delivery systems, oligomers, dendrimers, films, gels,
different nano-formulations, like nanocomposites, nanofibers, nanoemulsions and nanoparticles are discussed.
Emphasis on bandages has been made in this article.
Boosting Granular Support Vector Machines for the Accurate Prediction of Protein-Nucleotide Binding Sites
Authors: Zhu Yi-Heng , Hu Jun , Qi Yong , Song Xiao-Ning , Yu Dong-Jun
Published: September 2019

Aim and Objective:

The accurate identification of protein-ligand binding sites helps elucidate protein function and facilitate the design of new drugs. Machine-learning-based methods have been widely used for the prediction of protein-ligand binding sites. Nevertheless, the severe class imbalance phenomenon, where the number of nonbinding (majority) residues is far greater than that of binding (minority) residues, has a negative impact on the performance of such machine-learning-based predictors.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we aim to relieve the negative impact of class imbalance by Boosting Multiple Granular Support Vector Machines (BGSVM). In BGSVM, each base SVM is trained on a granular training subset consisting of all minority samples and some reasonably selected majority samples. The efficacy of BGSVM for dealing with class imbalance was validated by benchmarking it with several typical imbalance learning algorithms. We further implemented a protein-nucleotide binding site predictor, called BGSVM-NUC, with the BGSVM algorithm.

Results:

Rigorous cross-validation and independent validation tests for five types of proteinnucleotide interactions demonstrated that the proposed BGSVM-NUC achieves promising prediction performance and outperforms several popular sequence-based protein-nucleotide binding site predictors. The BGSVM-NUC web server is freely available at http://csbio.njust.edu.cn/bioinf/BGSVM-NUC/ for academic use.
Measurement of the Cellular Hemoglobin Concentration by Laser Scatter Method from Excessive Lipemic Sample: CASE REPORT
Authors: Gönel Ataman , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: September 2019

A 33-month old female child presented at a pediatric clinic with acute tonsillitis, and it was subsequently discovered that she had familial hyperlipidemia. Measurement of the patient’s whole blood tests was performed by a multiparameter automated hematology analyzer, the CELLDYN Ruby System® (Abbott, Lake Forest, USA) using venous blood extracted from a tube containing 3.0 mL of EDTA. Although her hematocrit levels were within normal limits, the hemoglobin (Hgb) level, mean corpuscular volume (MCH) and mean corpuscular Hgb concentration (MCHC) could not be determined using the spectrophotometric method. The results of these tests could not be measured when repeated using dilution. When the sample was left to rest for several minutes, it was observed to be excessively lipemic. The measurements were repeated using the Alinity HQ Analyzer® (Abbott), which determines Hgb concentration using laser scatter and spectrophotometry. Hgb cellular concentration was incorrectly measured as being 21.9 mg/dL using routine spectrophotometry (denoted by a flag indicating Hgb interference) and correctly found to be 10.8 mg/dL. Thus, in samples of excessive lipemia, Hgb, MCH, and MCHC levels cannot be measured accurately using spectrophotometry. Hematology analyzers that can measure cellular hemoglobin (cHGB) and average erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (cHCM) by laser scatter method may be recommended when analyzing a blood sample that contains excessive lipemia.
Structural Diversity in Calmodulin - Peptide Interactions
Authors: Dürvanger Zsolt , Harmat Veronika
Published: September 2019

Calmodulin (CaM) is a highly conserved eukaryotic Ca2+ sensor protein that is able to bind a large variety of target sequences without a defined consensus sequence. The recognition of this diverse target set allows CaM to take part in the regulation of several vital cell functions. To fully understand the structural basis of the regulation functions of CaM, the investigation of complexes of CaM and its targets is essential. In this minireview we give an outline of the different types of CaM - peptide complexes with 3D structure determined, also providing an overview of recently determined structures. We discuss factors defining the orientations of peptides within the complexes, as well as roles of anchoring residues. The emphasis is on complexes where multiple binding modes were found.
Advances in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer Using PARP Inhibitors and the Underlying Mechanism of Resistance
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Qi , Xu Yangchun , Cui Manhua , Han Liying
Published: September 2019

The standard treatment for advanced ovarian cancer is cytoreductive surgery followed by
cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, it has high risk of recurrence and poor prognosis. Poly(ADPribose)
polymerase (PARP) inhibitors selectively target DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in tumor
cells that cannot be repaired and induce the synthetic lethality of BRCA1/2 mutation cancers. PARP
inhibitors are clinically used to treat recurrent ovarian cancer and show significant efficacy in ovarian
cancer patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway defects. PARP inhibitors also
have significant clinical benefits in patients without HR defects. With the increasingly extensive clinical
application of PARP inhibitors, the possibility of acquiring drug resistance is high. Therefore,
clinical strategies should be adopted to manage drug resistance of PARP inhibitors. This study aims to
summarize the indications and toxicity of PARP inhibitors, the mechanism of action, targeted treatment
of drug resistance, and potential methods to manage drug-resistant diseases. We used the term
“ovarian cancer” and the names of each PARP inhibitor as keywords to search articles published in the
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) on Pubmed, along with the keywords “clinicaltrials.gov” and
“google.com/patents” as well as “uspto.gov.” The FDA has approved olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib
for the treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Talazoparib and veliparib are currently
in early trials and show promising clinical results. The mechanism underlying resistance to
PARP inhibitors and the clinical strategies to overcome them remain unclear. Understanding the
mechanism of resistance to PARP inhibitors and their relationship with platinum resistance may help
with the development of antiresistance therapies and optimization of the sequence of drug application
in the future clinical treatment of ovarian cancer.
Structural and Mechanistic Insights of CRAC Channel as a Drug Target in Autoimmune Disorder
Authors: Bhuvaneshwari Sampath , Sankaranarayanan Kavitha
Published: September 2019

Background:

Calcium (Ca2+) ion is a major intracellular signaling messenger, controlling a diverse array of cellular functions like gene expression, secretion, cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. The major mechanism controlling this Ca2+ homeostasis is store-operated Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. CRAC channels are integral membrane protein majorly constituted via two proteins, the stromal interaction molecule (STIM) and ORAI. Following Ca2+ depletion in the Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) store, STIM1 interacts with ORAI1 and leads to the opening of the CRAC channel gate and consequently allows the influx of Ca2+ ions. A plethora of studies report that aberrant CRAC channel activity due to Loss- or gain-of-function mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 disturbs this Ca2+ homeostasis and causes several autoimmune disorders. Hence, it clearly indicates that the therapeutic target of CRAC channels provides the space for a new approach to treat autoimmune disorders.

Objective:

This review aims to provide the key structural and mechanical insights of STIM1, ORAI1 and other molecular modulators involved in CRAC channel regulation.

Results and Conclusion:

Understanding the structure and function of the protein is the foremost step towards improving the effective target specificity by limiting their potential side effects. Herein, the review mainly focusses on the structural underpinnings of the CRAC channel gating mechanism along with its biophysical properties that would provide the solid foundation to aid the development of novel targeted drugs for an autoimmune disorder. Finally, the immune deficiencies caused due to mutations in CRAC channel and currently used pharmacological blockers with their limitation are briefly summarized.
Hypericum spp.: An Update on the Biological Activities and Metabolic Profiles
Authors: Marrelli Mariangela , Statti Giancarlo , Conforti Filomena
Published: September 2019

:

Plants from the genus Hypericum, one genus of the Hypericaceae family, have attracted a
lot of attention for their potential pharmaceutical applications. Most of the studies in the literature focus
on H. perforatum L. (common St. John's wort), whose complex spectrum of bioactive compounds
makes this species one of the top herbal remedies and supplements in the world. It is also important to
compare the studies on other Hypericum species, both from the phytochemical and biological point of
view. The aim of this review was to provide an update of most recent studies about biological investigations
of plants belonging to Hypericum genus. The metabolic profiles of Hypericum spp. were also discussed
in order to present a spectrum of secondary metabolites not previously identified in this genus.