bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multiple-method review of accommodations to gross motor assessments commonly used with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum
Authors: Colombo-Dougovito Andrew M , Block Martin E , Zhang Xiaoxia , Strehli Ildiko
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to understand the common accommodations used during standardized motor assessment of children on the autism spectrum. This study was completed in three parts: (1) a narrative review of the literature; (2) an open-ended survey sent to the first authors of the identified articles; and (3) a descriptive analysis of responses. Results revealed that 56.7% of the identified articles did not report enough information of assessment procedures, 18.9% followed the assessment manual, 16.9% provided accommodations on a needs basis, and 7.5% used a consistent modified protocol. Individual responses showed that extra demonstrations ( n = 5) were the most frequent accommodation, followed by extra breaks ( n = 3), picture cards ( n = 2), and hand-over-hand assistance ( n = 1); some respondents stated that they did not provide accommodations. The findings indicate that a clear set of accommodation for motor skill assessments does not exist, though some commonalities were reported. Further research is necessary to understand the impact of accommodations in the assessment process, as well as which accommodations are needed and/or effective.
Taking Modernity to Extremes: On the Roots of Anti-Politics
Authors: Truffelli Matteo , Zambernardi Lorenzo
Published: November 2019

The term anti-politics has been used in recent years as never before. However, the concept is used to describe political phenomena and actors that appear at first sight to be mutually exclusive. Starting from the difficulties in defining anti-politics, the main goal of the article is to elucidate its intellectual roots, showing that it is a kind of shadow of modern politics, mirroring its many forms. From an examination of Thomas Hobbes’ political philosophy, it will be shown that anti-politics was born at a moment when politics was no longer seen as a natural condition of social life, but an artificial construct that can be dismantled and reassembled. By no means coincidentally, the main manifestations of anti-politics are nothing but the radical and destructive reinterpretation of what Max Weber identifies as the three “inner justifications” of political authority (i.e. tradition, charisma, competence). Although Weber lays down those principles as underpinning political authority in ancient and modern times, the contention of this article is that they can only be used to deny the legitimacy of politics once this comes to be seen as an artifice that can be taken to pieces and put together again: in short, in the modern era.
A Survey of the Interrelation Between Sports and Persistence Among Students in Five Countries
Authors: Kovács Klára
Published: November 2019

The goal of our survey has been to reveal the interrelation between students’ doing sports and the subjective indicators of their persistence in their studies in Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Romania. In the neighboring countries, the students of ethnic Hungarian, minority institutions were involved in the research. The theoretical background for our research was constituted by the development model as well as the institutional integrational model. For the analyses, we used the database of Center for Higher Education Research and Development, Hungary ( N = 2017). Our results contradict the integrational model, as membership in a sports club reduces the persistence of the student concerned, regardless of the gender, the home country of the student’s institution, and the effects of the major social background variables.
DRAV: Detection and repair of data availability violations in Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Jinlin , Yu Haining , Wang Xing , Zhang Hongli , Fang Binxing , Yang Yuchen , Zhu Xiaozhou
Published: November 2019

The application of the Internet of Things has produced large amounts of data in different scenarios, which are accompanied with problems, such as consistency and integrity violations. Existing research on dealing with data availability violations is insufficient. In this work, the detection and repair of data availability violations (DRAV) framework is proposed to detect and repair data violations in Internet of Things with a distributed parallel computing environment. DRAV uses algorithms in the MapReduce programming framework, and these include detection and repair algorithms based on enhanced conditional function dependency for data consistency violation, MapJoin, and ReduceJoin algorithms based on master data for k-nearest neighbor–based integrity violation detection, and repair algorithms. Experiments are conducted to determine the effect of the algorithms. Results show that DRAV improves data availability in Internet of Things compared with existing methods by detecting and repairing violations.
Indian API industry has the tide turned?
Authors: Shreyan ML
Published: November 2019

Over the past decade or so, API industry has lost out to Generics in attracting investments due to prevailing industry structure which favoured greater returns from Generics – faster growth and better margins among others. In the past three to five years, with Generics losing sheen with normalised margins and returns, API businesses are getting back onto investor radar. With inherent chemistry and engineering complexity, API manufacturing has the potential to create businesses protected by better moats. Another pain point of the API industry was Chinese exuberance in offering APIs at irrationally low prices, which eventually destroyed value for the entire industry as a whole. A slew of recent measures and events has established parity among all players – Chinese, Indian and European, with the anticipation that it should better industry wide performance. Indian API companies are well positioned to leverage the situation and improve their standing in the API industry. Financial markets have begun to recognise some of these players like Divis Laboratories, trading at market capitalisations comparable to generic companies with 10 times higher revenue. Besides large players like Divis, a bunch of upcoming Indian API suppliers led by MSN Labs have focused on developing a large number of niche, low competition APIs for supplying to the regulated markets. Such portfolio lends towards above industry average realisations and wider customer penetration. Besides public listing, API companies have been sought after targets for adjacent players in CDMO space, chemical companies, chemical distributors for forward/backward integration and creating additional revenue streams. A bunch of private equity players have already setup or in the process of setting up platforms to consolidation API companies, as we speak. For an investor, it is the key to understand the various business models and the key factors driving the choice of targets to ensure the strategy is well designed to succeed.
Establishment of a mouse model for injury-induced scar formation and the accompanying chronic pain: Comprehensive microarray analysis of molecular expressions in fibrosis and hyperalgesia
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Iida Hiroki , Kimata Koji , Zhuo Lisheng , Ota Akinobu , Kimura Shinya , Yin Xiaojian , Deie Masataka , Ushida Takahiro
Published: November 2019

Background

Surgery is often accompanied by scar formation, which results in a pathological state called fibrosis. Fibrosis is characterized by the excess deposition of extracellular matrix molecules in the connective tissue, leading to tissue contracture and chronic pain. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes and their causative relationships, we performed comprehensive analyses of gene expression changes in the hind paw tissue of a mouse model established by generating a scar in the sole.

Results

Subcutaneous tissue was extensively stripped from the sole of the operation group mice, while a needle was inserted in the sole of the sham group mice. Pain threshold, as evaluated by mechanical stimulation with von Frey fiber, decreased rapidly in the operated (ipsilateral) paw and a day later in the nonoperated (contralateral) paw. The reductions were maintained for more than three weeks, suggesting that chronic pain spread to the other tissues via the central nervous system. RNA from the paw and the dorsal root ganglion (L3–L5) tissues were subjected to microarray analyses one and two weeks following the operation. The expressions of a number of genes, especially those coding for extracellular matrix molecules and peripheral perceptive nerve receptors, were altered in the operation group mice paw tissues. The expression of few genes was altered in the dorsal root ganglion tissues; distinct upregulation of some nociceptive genes such as cholecystokinin B receptor was observed. Results of real-time polymerase chain reaction and immune and histochemical staining of some of the gene products confirmed the results of the microarray analysis.

Conclusion

Analyses using a novel mouse model revealed the extensive involvement of extracellular matrix-related genes and peripheral perceptive nerve receptor genes resulting in scar formation with chronic pain. Future bioinformatics analyses will explore the association between these relationships.
Intersectional sustainability and student activism: A framework for achieving social sustainability on university campuses
Authors: Hudler Keara , Dennis Lilly , DiNella Muriel , Ford Nataley , Mendez Joanna , Long Joshua
Published: November 2019

In recent decades, universities have made significant progress toward environmental sustainability and have likewise tightened their budgets and restructured economic models in the name of financial sustainability. However, institutions of higher education have failed to address issues of social sustainability and social injustice, many of which are increasing in number and severity on college campuses. This article takes a student activist perspective on these issues, suggesting that a comprehensive and intersectional approach toward university sustainability (with particular re-affirmation of the social sustainability pillar) can empower students and their allies, raise awareness about the causes of these issues, and allow a more constructive environment for collaborative approaches and policy formation on college campuses.
Responding to depression-related Imgur posts: A content analysis of social support and non-bona fide features in user-generated comments
Authors: Hale Brent J
Published: November 2019

Objectives

A growing body of health communication scholarship has explored the utility of social media platforms for eliciting social support, although much of this scholarship has focused on Facebook and Twitter. This study contributes to this body of research by identifying support in comments submitted to depression-related Imgur posts. Furthermore, the use of non-bona fide linguistic features (e.g. humor, sarcasm, and irony) is documented for comparison with supportive elements.

Methods

A content analysis was performed of 1530 comments submitted in response to 20 popular Imgur posts about depression, including the emergence of four social support types outlined by the Multi-Dimensional Support Scale—reassuring, empathic, informational, and tangible support—as well as non-bona fide features.

Results

Findings suggest a supportive discourse, with nearly 60% of comments containing some supportive element. Reassuring and informational support emerged most prominently (26.3% and 26.2% of comments, respectively), followed by empathic (22.9%) and tangible (0.3%) support types. Non-bona fide features manifested in 28.8% of comments. Results indicate significant covariation between non-bona fide features and support, as these infrequently co-occurred.

Conclusions

This study’s findings suggest that depression-related messages frequently receive support from Imgur commenters, especially reassuring and informational support. Additionally, this study provides a conceptual framework for future analyses of online social support by integrating non-bona fide communication with established support types. The results of this study could have implications for health professionals and scholars interested in the use of social media platforms such as Imgur, which serves a predominantly young male demographic, for support provision.
“Feel in Your Body”: Fat Activist Affects in Blogs
Authors: Hynnä Kaisu , Kyrölä Katariina
Published: November 2019

This article interrogates how body positive and fat activist blogs offer alternative ways of feeling one’s body, using the Finnish More to Love ( MTL, 2009–2013) and its successor PlusMimmi ( PM, 2013–) and the American Queer Fat Femme Guide to Life ( QFF, 2008–) as its examples. We investigate how these blogs, despite their differences, invite their publics not only to feel positive about their own and others’ norm-exceeding bodies, but to feel in their bodies. While previous studies have criticized body positive discourses for employing a simplistic language of choice and relying on heteronormative logics of feminine attractiveness, they have not paid specific attention to how exactly body positive media attract and engage people affectively. In this article, MTL, PM, and QFF’s strategies of inviting their followers to feel in their bodies are analyzed in the context of three key themes: exercise, fashion, and sex. We argue that when explored through the framework of affect, fat activist blogs do not present body positivity simply as a matter of choice but offer a space to feel through the affective contradictions of inhabiting a fat feminine body in a sizeist society. At their best, body positive blogs open up spaces of comfort which can be radical for bodies accustomed to discomfort.
Platformization of the Unlikely Creative Class: Kuaishou and Chinese Digital Cultural Production
Authors: Lin Jian , de Kloet Jeroen
Published: November 2019

This article studies the platformization of cultural production in China through the specific lens of Kuaishou, an algorithm-based video-sharing platform targeting second- and third-tier cities as well as the countryside. It enables the forming of an “unlikely” creative class in contemporary China. Kuaishou’s platform business fits into the Party State’s socio-economic agenda of “Internet+” and “Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” and is also folded into the state’s demand for cultural censorship and social stability. As we will show, this state-commerce relationship largely shapes Kuaishou’s interface and its affordances as encoded in its algorithm. Nevertheless, Kuaishou enables the diverse, often marginalized, Chinese living outside the urban centers of the country to become “unlikely” creative workers, who have become self-employed creative, digital entrepreneurs. For these “grassroots individuals,” creativity, life, and individuality are constantly mobilized and calculated according to the workings of the platform. This grassroots entrepreneurship, in tandem with the institutional regulation and censorship of the Internet, contributes to the transformation of Chinese economy and the production of social stability and a digital culture permeated with contingency and negotiation.
The BJP’s Welfare Schemes: Did They Make a Difference in the 2019 Elections?
Authors: Deshpande Rajeshwari , Tillin Louise , Kailash K.K.
Published: November 2019

In this article, we use data from the 2019 NES post-poll survey to assess the impact of BJP’s welfare schemes on voting behaviour. We demonstrate that compared to earlier elections, voters are more likely to give credit to the central government as opposed to state governments or local politicians for welfare schemes. This centralization is especially the case for some of the BJP’s new welfare programmes such as Ujjwala and the Jan Dhan Yojana. However, even earlier Congress-era schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Awas Yojana are now more associated with the central government. Schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Old Age Pensions are still more likely to be associated with state governments. At the all-India level, we find some evidence that voters who received benefits under Ujjwala, Jan Dhan Yojana or Awas Yojana schemes were more likely to vote for the BJP, whereas recipients of pensions or MGNREGA were less likely to support the BJP.
Moderately High Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Indicates Drug Resistance in Viremic Persons Living with HIV
Authors: Yager Jenna Lynn , Coyle Ryan Patrick , Coleman Stacey Summer , Ellison Lucas , Zheng Jia-Hua , Bushman Lane , Gardner Edward Michael , Morrow Mary , MaWhinney Samantha , Anderson Peter L. , Justice Kiser Jennifer , Castillo-Mancilla Jose Ramon
Published: November 2019

Background:

Tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) is a strong predictor of viral suppression in persons living with HIV (PLWH). Its association with antiretroviral therapy (ART) resistance remains unknown.

Methods:

Blood was collected in PLWH receiving TDF-containing ART enrolled in a 48-week study. Tenofovir diphosphate/emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC-TP) were quantified from the same sample as HIV viral load (VL) in PLWH who developed resistance within ≤12 months.

Results:

The study enrolled 807 participants, of whom 10 had new resistance-conferring mutations. Among these, median (interquartile range) TFV-DP and HIV VL were 956 (407-1510) fmol/punch and 9840 (513-68,200) copies/mL, respectively. Five had quantifiable FTC-TP in DBS. Based on previously published data, a TFV-DP concentration of 956 fmol/punch would have an adjusted odds of virologic suppression of 32.8 versus TFV-DP <350 fmol/punch, making viremia of ∼10,000 copies/mL an unexpected outcome.

Conclusion:

Moderately high TFV-DP in DBS (700-1249 fmol/punch) in PLWH with high viremia suggest that antiretroviral drug resistance might be present.
A review of language regression in autism spectrum disorder and the role of language theories: Towards explanation
Authors: Clarke Kaitlyn A
Published: November 2019

Background & aims

The purpose of this study is to summarize characteristics of language regression—a phenomenon most commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder, outline language theories of early word learning, and use them to propose theoretical bases to language regression.

Method

Using a systematic review of the current literature in language regression and a purposive sampling of language theories, hypotheses for the cause of language regression are discussed.

Results

The following hypotheses were developed based on the reviewed theories of word learning: (a) Initial first words were not true words, but instead were protowords; (b) fast mapped forms never progressed to truly learned words; (c) initial first words were echoed productions of heard words; (d) the described regression is actually a maintenance of previous developmental levels with increasing chronological age.

Conclusions

It is possible that individuals with autism spectrum disorder are not “losing” words, but instead are not progressing in their ability to learn and use new words. Early word learning in typically developing children is seemingly similar to early development in individuals with autism spectrum disorder; however, the ability to expand from early “intermediate words” to expansive vocabularies, word combinations, and morphological variations is impeded. Clinical implications for evaluation of word “loss” and treatments are discussed.
The Texture of Entrepreneurship Programs: Revisiting Experiential Entrepreneurship Education Through the Lens of the Liminal–Liminoid Continuum
Authors: Gaggiotti Hugo , Jarvis Carol , Richards Jeremy
Published: November 2019

Positioning the liminal and the liminoid on a continuum, we define a “space” within which practice-led, experiential learning occurs. The more liminal processes within this space are associated with familiarity, wide social recognition, and relative security, the more liminoid are allied with risk-taking, innovation, creativity, and higher levels of uncertainty. Our research was conducted among student or founders on M-Entrep, an integrated Masters and venture creation program. Our findings suggest it is the coexistence of the liminal program experiences, such as the “rite of passage” of obtaining a Masters qualification, that act as a safety net as students embrace the fluidity and lack of security associated with the more liminoid experiences many associate with the venture creation endeavor. We argue that M-Entrep is an example of a program that interweaves liminal and liminoid processes, creating a texture that is both open and containing, facilitating “entrepreneuring” and encouraging students to reimagine themselves in new roles and statuses. By exploring entrepreneurship education through the lens of the liminal and the liminoid continuum, facilitators of entrepreneurship education programs can better appreciate, design, and influence the texture of this space to benefit the student learning experience.
Human ectoenzyme-expressing ILC3: immunosuppressive innate cells that are depleted in graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Hazenberg Mette D. , Haverkate Nienke J. E. , van Lier Yannouck F. , Spits Hergen , Krabbendam Lisette , Bemelman Willem A. , Buskens Christianne J. , Blom Bianca , Shikhagaie Medya M.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Ecto+ ILC neutralize extracellular ATP and suppress autologous T cells via the production of adenosine. Human acute GVHD is associated with a depletion of tissue ecto+ ILC3 and a reduction in serum adenosine levels.
Sptlc1 is essential for myeloid differentiation and hematopoietic homeostasis
Authors: Parthibane Velayoudame , Acharya Diwash , Srideshikan Sargur Madabushi , Lin Jing , Myerscough Dru G. , Abimannan Thiruvaimozhi , Vijaykrishna Nagampalli , Blankenberg Daniel , Bondada Lavanya , Klarmann Kimberly D. , Fox Stephen D. , Andresson Thorkell , Tessarollo Lino , Acharya Usha , Keller Jonathan R. , Acharya Jairaj K.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Sptlc1 is essential for myeloid differentiation during hematopoiesis; ER stress prevents myeloid development in Sptlc1 mutant mice. Accumulation of fatty acid promotes ER stress in Sptlc1 mutant myeloid progenitors.
Using a machine learning algorithm to predict acute graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic transplantation
Authors: Arai Yasuyuki , Kondo Tadakazu , Fuse Kyoko , Shibasaki Yasuhiko , Masuko Masayoshi , Sugita Junichi , Teshima Takanori , Uchida Naoyuki , Fukuda Takahiro , Kakihana Kazuhiko , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Eto Tetsuya , Tanaka Masatsugu , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Mori Takehiko , Iwato Koji , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Kanda Yoshinobu , Atsuta Yoshiko
Published: November 2019

Key Points

The machine learning algorithms produced clinically reasonable and robust risk stratification scores for aGVHD. Predicting scores for aGVHD also demonstrated the link between risk of development of aGVHD and overall survival after HSCT.
Correction to: Determinants of prenatal care use and HIV testing during pregnancy: a population-based, cross-sectional study of 7080 women of reproductive age in Mozambique
Authors: Yaya Sanni , Oladimeji Olanrewaju , Oladimeji Kelechi Elizabeth , Bishwajit Ghose
Published: November 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified that the name of the author two was spelled incorrectly as Oladimeji Olarewaju, when the correct spelling is Oladimeji, Olanrewaju.
Effectiveness of digital health using the transtheoretical model to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in impaired glucose tolerance patients: protocol for a randomized control trial
Authors: Alzeidan Rasmieh , Shata Zeinab , Hassounah Marwah Mazen , Baghdadi Leena Rashad , Hersi Ahmad , Fayed Amel , Kashour Tarek , Elmorshedy Hala
Published: November 2019

Background

There is high prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Saudi Arabia that is still increasing. Early diagnosis of prediabetes, and immediate, effective intervention is yet unestablished. Conventional health promotion approaches are used to educate prediabetic patients. Behavior modification is very effective in prediabetics to delay T2DM. Thus, the main objective of this study is to examine the effect of the new behavioral model, the Transtheoretical Model short messages (text 4 change) to modify lifestyle to prevent or delay the onset of T2DM, through promotion of a healthy diet and increased physical activity, in impaired glucose tolerance patients. Another objective is to estimate the impact of this model on markers of cardiovascular and metabolic risks as T2DM is one of the modifiable risk factors to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled trial. One thousand and sixteen, eligible Saudi adults will be recruited from the Heart Health Promotion study (HHP), which was conducted at the King Saud University from July 2013 to April 2014. These adults were at a higher risk of developing T2DM within 2–3 years. The research team’s database has a contact list and they will recruit individuals over 6–8 weeks. All participants will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio into two groups, receive group education about lifestyle modifications and written information about diet and physical activity. Text 4 change SMS texts will be sent only to the intervention group. All participants will be assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months for behavioral change using a World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaire and for glycated hemoglobin, biochemical and anthropometric measurements using standard methods.

Discussion

This new approach for promoting the importance of behavior modification in prediabetics is expected to delay and/or prevent the development of T2DM in Saudi Arabia, subsequently reducing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality too. Results from this study will promote an innovative and high-tech way to decrease the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomized Control Trial, registration numberISRCTN10857643. Registered 4 June, 2018.
Determinants of efficiency growth of county-level public hospitals-evidence from Chongqing, China
Authors: Liu Jing , He Beibei , Xu Xiaolan , Zhou Leming , Li Jiang , Wang Gongru , Chen Yingyao
Published: November 2019

Background

The reform of county-level public hospitals is a breakthrough in the new era of healthcare reform in China and has attracted considerable attention since 2012. Continuous and efficient operations of hospital are primary concerns of this reform. To ensure the effectiveness of county-based intervention reform measures in Chongqing, it is significant to understand how hospital and county characteristics are associated with county-level public hospital efficiency due to significant development differences between counties. This study identifies the trajectory of hospital efficiency over time and determinants. It will also provide preliminary references for advancing reform.

Methods

This study employs data from the Chongqing Regional Health Information Platform, Chongqing Health and Family Planning Statistical Yearbook, and Chongqing Statistical Yearbook for 2012–2016. A three-level growth model is used to estimate the efficiency growth trajectories within the contexts of hospitals and counties.

Results

The intra-hospital level factors that affect the initial efficiency include government financial assistance, daily charge per bed, total assets turnover, number of hospital healthcare technicians, and medical costs per 100-yuan medical income. Inter-hospital variance is explained by hospital type. Inter-county level factors affecting the growth rate include the number of healthcare technicians per 1000 people and population density of the county. The interaction effect of the number of hospital healthcare technicians, hospital type, and number of healthcare technicians per 1000 people on hospital efficiency growth is significant.

Conclusions

This study identifies determinants that contribute to efficiency changes in public county-hospitals over time by using a three-level growth model. The differences in efficiency are associated with intra-hospital, inter-hospital, and inter-county characteristics in Chongqing, which provides useful insight into government decision-making and the progress of reform. The stability and reasonable increase in the number of healthcare technicians in a county are the key factors that improve the efficiency. Further reform should focus on maternal and child healthcare hospitals for increasing investment and implementing government compensation.
Current state of knowledge of basic life support in health professionals of the largest city in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Irfan Babar , Zahid Ibrahim , Khan Muhammad Sharjeel , Khan Omar Abdul Aziz , Zaidi Shayan , Awan Safia , Bilal Sobia , Irfan Omar
Published: November 2019

Background

Basic Life Support (BLS) is the recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system, followed by resuscitation, and rapid defibrillation. According to WHO, Pakistan has one of the highest mortality rates from accidental deaths therefore assessment and comparison of BLS knowledge in health professionals is crucial. We thereby aim to assess and compare the knowledge of BLS in doctors, dentists and nurses.

Methods

A multi-centric cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi at different institutions belonging to the private as well as government sector from January to March 2018. We used a structured questionnaire which was adapted from pretested questionnaires that have been used previously in similar studies. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS v22.0, where adequate knowledge was taken as a score of at least 50%.P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors affecting the knowledge regarding BLS in health care professionals.

Results

The responders consisted of 140 doctors, nurses and dentists each. Only one individual (dentist) received a full score of 100%. In total, 58.3% of the population had inadequate knowledge. Average scores of doctors, dentists and nurses were 53.5, 43.3 and 38.4% respectively. Doctors, participants with prior training in BLS and those with 6 to 10 years after graduation were found to be a significant predictor of adequate knowledge, on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Even though knowledge of BLS in doctors is better than that of dentists and nurses, overall knowledge of health care professionals is extremely poor. Present study highlights the need for a structured training of BLS for health care workers.
Factors of patient satisfaction in adult outpatient departments of private wing and regular services in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Geberu Demiss Mulatu , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Gebremedhin Tsegaye , Mekonnen Tesfaye Hambisa
Published: November 2019

Background

Knowing the factors for patient satisfaction is an important and direct indicator of quality of health care which is essential for providers to fill their gaps. Although few studies have been conducted on patient satisfaction in Ethiopia; but there is limited evidence for comparing patient satisfaction and associated factors in the public and private wing of the health services. Thus, this study aimed to investigate factors of patient satisfaction in adult outpatient departments in the private wing and regular services at public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A comparative institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2018. A total of 955 systematically selected patients were interviewed by using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis p value < 0.05 and adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify the associated factors.

Results

The overall patient satisfaction was 89.3% (95% CI: 87.2–91.2). At the regular and private wings of outpatient departments it was 88.3% (95% CI: 85.4–91.2) and 90.4% (95% CI: 87.6–93), respectively. At regular service OPD, patient satisfaction was affected by female sex (AOR: 7.78; 95% CI: 2.89–20.93), long waiting time (AOR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07–0.73), information on the prevention of recurrent illnesses (AOR: 14.16; 95% CI: 4.58–43.83), and information on drug use and side effects (AOR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08–0.63). In private wing, it was affected by being in the age group of 38 to 47 years (AOR: 22.1; 95% CI: 2.39–203.6), attended elementary school (AOR: 4.69; 95% CI: 1.04–21.26), availability of drugs (AOR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.04–0.58), and the accessibility of latrines (AOR: 6.56; 95% CI: 1.16–37.11).

Conclusions

Patient satisfaction at the private wing and regular adult OPDs’ of public hospitals had no statistically significant difference. Female sex and information on the prevention of recurrent illnesses were factors positively affected patient satisfaction at regular services, whereas at private wing OPDs’ age, attended elementary school, and accessibility of latrines were factors that positively affected patient satisfaction.
Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: a rare type of lung cancer with a favorable outcome in comparison to squamous carcinoma
Authors: Chen Bojiang , Chen Xuping , Zhou Ping , Yang Lan , Ren Jing , Yang Xiaodong , Li Weimin
Published: November 2019

Background

Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare tumor and often misdiagnosed as squamous carcinoma. In the current study, clinical characteristics and outcome of primary pulmonary LELC were systematically compared with pulmonary squamous carcinoma.

Methods

Forty-two cases of primary pulmonary LELC and 134 squamous carcinomas were enrolled retrospectively. Characteristic and prognosis difference between the two groups was compared, and the independent prognostic factor for pulmonary LELC was identified as well.

Results

In comparison to squamous carcinoma, pulmonary LELC was more common in women with a younger median age and less smokers. LELC seemed to be smaller in diameter on computed tomography (CT) scans than squamous carcinoma, with scarce spiculation and vascular convergence signs. Epstein-Bar virus-encoded RNA (EBER) by in-situ hybridization was detected in 33 LELC cases, among whom 27 ones were positive in serum EBV-DNA examination. LELC patients presented a much longer median progression-free survival (PFS) than squamous carcinoma. Positive serum EBV-DNA, distant lymph node invasion, advanced clinical stage and receiving radiotherapy were correlated with the shorter PFS in LELC patients. However, only positive serum EBV-DNA was the independent PFS predictor.

Conclusion

Pulmonary LELC looks like distinct from squamous carcinoma. Middle-aged women and nonsmokers are comparatively predominated. CT features of pulmonary LELC are relatively less-malignant. Correspondently, the progression of pulmonary LELC is seemingly favorable than squamous carcinoma and the positive serum EBV-DNA appears to be the predictor of PFS.
Expression profile analysis identifies IER3 to predict overall survival and promote lymph node metastasis in tongue cancer
Authors: Xiao Fang , Dai Yinhua , Hu Yujiao , Lu Mengmeng , Dai Qun
Published: November 2019

Background

Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important factors affecting the prognosis of tongue cancer, and the molecular mechanism regulating lymph node metastasis of tongue cancer is poorly known.

Methods

The gene expression dataset GSE2280 and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) tongue cancer dataset were downloaded. R software was used to identify the differentially expressed hallmark gene sets and individual genes between metastatic lymph node tissues and primary tongue cancer tissues, and the Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the association with overall survival. The screening and validation of functional genes was performed using western blot, q-PCR, CCK-8, migration and invasion assays, and lymphangiogenesis was examined by using a tube formation assay.

Results

Thirteen common hallmark gene sets were found based on Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and then subjected to differential gene expression analysis, by which 76 deregulated genes were found. Gene coexpression network analysis and survival analysis further confirmed that IER3 was the key gene associated with the prognosis and lymph node metastasis of tongue cancer patients. Knockdown of IER3 with siRNA inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of Tca-8113 cells in vitro and it also inhibited the secretion and expression of VEGF-C in these cells. The culture supernatant of Tca-8113 cells could promote lymphangiogenesis and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells, and knockdown of IER3 in Tca-8113 cells suppressed these processes.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that IER3 plays important roles in lymphangiogenesis regulation and prognosis in tongue cancer and might be a potential therapeutic target.
Enhanced osteopontin splicing regulated by RUNX2 is HDAC-dependent and induces invasive phenotypes in NSCLC cells
Authors: Huang Jing , Chang Siyuan , Lu Yabin , Wang Jing , Si Yang , Zhang Lijian , Cheng Shan , Jiang Wen G.
Published: November 2019

Background

Increased cell mobility is a signature when tumor cells undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. TGF-β is a key stimulating factor to promote the transcription of a variety of downstream genes to accelerate cancer progression and metastasis, including osteopontin (OPN) which exists in several functional forms as different splicing variants. In non-small cell lung cancer cells, although increased total OPN expression was observed under various EMT conditions, the exact constitution and the underlining mechanism towards the generation of such OPN splicing isoforms was poorly understood.

Methods

We investigated the possible mechanisms of osteopontin splicing variant and its role in EMT and cancer metastasis using NSCLC cell line and cell and molecular biology techniques.

Results

In this study, we determined that OPNc, an exon 4 excluded shorter form of Opn gene products, appeared to be more potent to promote cell invasion. The expression of OPNc was selectively increased to higher abundance during EMT following TGF-β induction. The switching from OPNa to OPNc could be enhanced by RUNX2 (a transcription factor that recognizes the Opn gene promoter) overexpression, but appeared to be strictly in a HDAC dependent manner in A549 cells. The results suggested the increase of minor splicing variant of OPNc required both (1) the enhanced transcription from its coding gene driven by specific transcription factors; and (2) the simultaneous modulation or fluctuation of the coupled splicing process that depends to selective classed of epigenetic regulators, predominately HDAC family members.

Conclusion

Our study not only emphasized the importance of splicing variant for its role in EMT and cancer metastasis, but also helped to understand the possible mechanisms of the epigenetic controls for defining the levels and kinetic of gene splicing isoforms and their generations.
The potential of pregnant women as a sentinel population for malaria surveillance
Authors: Brunner Nina C. , Chacky Frank , Mandike Renata , Mohamed Ally , Runge Manuela , Thawer Sumaiyya G. , Ross Amanda , Vounatsou Penelope , Lengeler Christian , Molteni Fabrizio , Hetzel Manuel W.
Published: November 2019

Background

With increasing spatial heterogeneity of malaria transmission and a shift of the disease burden towards older children and adults, pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) have been proposed as a pragmatic sentinel population for malaria surveillance. However, the representativeness of routine ANC malaria test-positivity and its relationship with prevalence in other population subgroups are yet to be investigated.

Methods

Monthly ANC malaria test-positivity data from all Tanzanian health facilities for January 2014 to May 2016 was compared to prevalence data from the School Malaria Parasitaemia Survey 2015, the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) 2015/16, the Malaria Atlas Project 2015, and a Bayesian model fitted to MIS data. Linear regression was used to describe the difference between malaria test-positivity in pregnant women and respective comparison groups as a function of ANC test-positivity and potential covariates.

Results

The relationship between ANC test-positivity and survey prevalence in children follows spatially and biologically meaningful patterns. However, the uncertainty of the relationship was substantial, particularly in areas with high or perennial transmission. In comparison, modelled data estimated higher prevalence in children at low transmission intensities and lower prevalence at higher transmission intensities.

Conclusions

Pregnant women attending ANC are a pragmatic sentinel population to assess heterogeneity and trends in malaria prevalence in Tanzania. Yet, since ANC malaria test-positivity cannot be used to directly predict the prevalence in other population subgroups, complementary community-level measurements remain highly relevant.
LncRNA-HGBC stabilized by HuR promotes gallbladder cancer progression by regulating miR-502-3p/SET/AKT axis
Authors: Hu Yun-ping , Jin Yun-peng , Wu Xiang-song , Yang Yang , Li Yong-sheng , Li Huai-feng , Xiang Shan-shan , Song Xiao-ling , Jiang Lin , Zhang Yi-jian , Huang Wen , Chen Shi-li , Liu Fa-tao , Chen Chen , Zhu Qin , Chen Hong-zhuan , Shao Rong , Liu Ying-bin
Published: November 2019

Backgrounds

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential factors that regulate tumor development and metastasis via diverse molecular mechanisms in a broad type of cancers. However, the pathological roles of lncRNAs in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remain largely unknown. Here we discovered a novel lncRNA termed lncRNA Highly expressed in GBC (lncRNA-HGBC) which was upregulated in GBC tissue and aimed to investigate its role and regulatory mechanism in the development and progression of GBC.

Methods

The expression level of lncRNA-HGBC in GBC tissue and different cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The full length of lncRNA-HGBC was obtained by 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE). Cellular localization of lncRNA-HGBC was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays and subcellular fractionation assay. In vitro and in vivo assays were preformed to explore the biological effects of lncRNA-HGBC in GBC cells. RNA pull-down assay, mass spectrometry, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to identify lncRNA-HGBC-interacting proteins. Dual luciferase reporter assays, AGO2-RIP, and MS2-RIP assays were performed to verify the interaction between lncRNA-HGBC and miR-502-3p.

Results

We found that lncRNA-HGBC was upregulated in GBC and its upregulation could predict poor survival. Overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA-HGBC in GBC cell lines resulted in increased or decreased, respectively, cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in xenografted tumors. LncRNA-HGBC specifically bound to RNA binding protein Hu Antigen R (HuR) that in turn stabilized lncRNA-HGBC. LncRNA-HGBC functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA to bind to miR-502-3p that inhibits target gene SET. Overexpression, knockdown or mutation of lncRNA-HGBC altered the inhibitory effects of miR-502-3p on SET expression and downstream activation of AKT. Clinically, lncRNA-HGBC expression was negatively correlated with miR-502-3p, but positively correlated with SET and HuR in GBC tissue.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that lncRNA-HGBC promotes GBC metastasis via activation of the miR-502-3p-SET-AKT cascade, pointing to lncRNA-HGBC as a new prognostic predictor and a therapeutic target.
Distinct functions of AKT isoforms in breast cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Hinz Nico , Jücker Manfred
Published: November 2019

Background

AKT, also known as protein kinase B, is a key element of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, AKT regulates the hallmarks of cancer, e.g. tumor growth, survival and invasiveness of tumor cells. After AKT was discovered in the early 1990s, further studies revealed that there are three different AKT isoforms, namely AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3. Despite their high similarity of 80%, the distinct AKT isoforms exert non-redundant, partly even opposing effects under physiological and pathological conditions. Breast cancer as the most common cancer entity in women, frequently shows alterations of the PI3K/AKT signaling.

Main content

A plethora of studies addressed the impact of AKT isoforms on tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of breast cancer as well as on therapy response and overall survival in patients. Therefore, this review aimed to give a comprehensive overview about the isoform-specific effects of AKT in breast cancer and to summarize known downstream and upstream mechanisms. Taking account of conflicting findings among the studies, the majority of the studies reported a tumor initiating role of AKT1, whereas AKT2 is mainly responsible for tumor progression and metastasis. In detail, AKT1 increases cell proliferation through cell cycle proteins like p21, p27 and cyclin D1 and impairs apoptosis e.g. via p53. On the downside AKT1 decreases migration of breast cancer cells, for instance by regulating TSC2, palladin and EMT-proteins. However, AKT2 promotes migration and invasion most notably through regulation of β-integrins, EMT-proteins and F-actin. Whilst AKT3 is associated with a negative ER-status, findings about the role of AKT3 in regulation of the key properties of breast cancer are sparse. Accordingly, AKT1 is mutated and AKT2 is amplified in some cases of breast cancer and AKT isoforms are associated with overall survival and therapy response in an isoform-specific manner.

Conclusions

Although there are several discussed hypotheses how isoform specificity is achieved, the mechanisms behind the isoform-specific effects remain mostly unrevealed. As a consequence, further effort is necessary to achieve deeper insights into an isoform-specific AKT signaling in breast cancer and the mechanism behind it.