bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assentamentos rurais na agenda política do desenvolvimento local: a retórica e a prática
Authors: Silveira Botta Ferrante Vera Lúcia , Barone Luis Antonio
Published: September 2020

O texto procura discutir as relações dos assentamentos com o poder local, encarado como expressão dearranjos, de tensões, de gestação de novas estratégias de recusa e de aceitação à propostas de parcerias entreprefeituras e usinas da região e do engendramento de uma nova cultura. O artigo, produto inicial de um projeto emandamento, descreve ações das prefeituras e demais instituições públicas nos rumos dos assentamentos, encaradoscomo alternativas de desenvolvimento local.
Relevance of Curriculum, Instruction, and Facilities to Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of Masters in Business Administration Program Graduates of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Authors: Thamar M. CUYA , Amayna Shaene C. DAYRIT , Olive Chester CUYA-ANTONIO , Marilou P. PASCUAL , Jennifer G. FRONDA
Published: September 2020

Graduate education plays a significant role in the development and the economy of the nation. Therefore, it is significant to evaluate the program it offers as they provide relevant contributions to their graduates’ knowledge, skills, and ability in the workplace. This study explored the relevance of curriculum, instruction, and facilities of the Master in Business Administration program (MBA) at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) to the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the graduates. Guided by Active Learning Theory, the study utilized a qualitative research design to understand the meaning and actual experience of the participants in their natural work settings. The emerging themes and recurring patterns from the interview and field notes are presented, discussed, and supported by the actual data and existing studies. The analysis showed that the curriculum, instruction, and facilities are relevant to their acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities, which are significant to their workplace. Furthermore, the university’s approach of providing actual work environment experience coupled with instructors who are experts in the field provides the relevant learning experience for the graduates. The least relevant and the least rating was given to the facilities. For the graduate education to be relevant, it needs to cope with the constantly changing and developing environment. It needs continuous enhancement and it can be done through the evaluation and feedbacks of the graduates. Future researchers might consider a more comprehensive evaluation of the graduates’ experience both quantitatively and qualitatively for future study.
Workflow for Sensitivity Analysis and Decision Making on the Lower Limit of the Mud-Weight Window in an Overpressured Formation
Authors: Paglia Jacopo , Eidsvik Jo , Cerasi Pierre
Published: September 2020

When drilling a well, it is important to choose a reasonable mud density to ensure safe operations. This is not a trivial task because a balanced mud-weight has a complex relation to the uncertain formation conditions and properties. This paper presents a method for conducting sensitivity analysis (SA) over the uncertainties involved in the mud-weight window (MWW) assessment, to learn the most important input parameters for the mud density. The uncertainties in the parameters are taken into account using predrill realizations of the formation conditions (vertical stress, minimum horizontal stress, pore pressure, and temperature) and properties (unconfined compressive strength, tensile strength, friction angle, and porosity). The limit pressures of the MWW are computed to avoid shear and tensile failure. The software used to study well stability returns a mud window that could enable underbalanced drilling while still avoiding borehole collapse; this is emphasized by equating the lower stability limit with shear failure and not pore pressure. However, drilling below the pore-pressure limit entails risks with regard to kicks or blowouts. The Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion is used, but other possible shear failure criteria are discussed as well. The output from the SA is used to evaluate how the possibility of gathering more information about the most relevant parameters can improve our knowledge about the appropriate mud density. This is done in the form of value of information (VOI) analysis, coupling the uncertain variables with drilling decisions in a tradeoff between costs and risks. The interest is on deciding what information to acquire when, at a given depth, the drilling operator must decide on whether to keep drilling or set casing. Additional well data are valuable when they can materialize in improved decision making. The case study presented is from an overpressured shale layer in a field in the North Sea. The focus is on the lower allowed well pressure of the mud-weight window for a vertical well, exploring the possibility of underbalanced drilling. The SA shows that the most important uncertainties in this case are pore pressure, unconfined compressive strength, and minimum horizontal stress. The most valuable information-gathering strategy is to observe these main three parameters, which is worth USD 386,980 when acquisition costs are subtracted. The VOI analysis further indicates that data about the rock's unconfined compressive strength are the most valuable in this case, and if the decision maker can afford to acquire only one data type, this should be chosen. Although these results are case specific, we believe that a similar workflow could be useful in other drilling situations.
Sagittal Abdominal Diameter and its Socioeconomic Correlates: Perspective of Sex Differences
Authors: Li Chang , Harris Marcelline , Tsilimingras Dennis , Liu Sophia , Sheng Ying , Liu Xuefeng
Published: September 2020

Background Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) is an anthropometric index associated with visceral adiposity. It remains unclear whether SAD and its socio-economic correlates differ in women and men, which limits the epidemiological and clinical applications of the SAD measurement. The aims of this study are to examine the sex differences in SAD and its socio-economic correlates.Methods A complex stratified multistage clustered sampling design was used to select 6,975 men and 7,079 women aged 18 years or more from the National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey 2011-2016, representative of the US civilian non-institutionalized population. SAD was measured in accordance to the standard protocols using a two-arm abdominal caliper. The sex differences in SAD and its socio-economic correlates were evaluated by performing weighted independent t tests and weighted multiple regression. Results SAD was lower in women than in men in the entire sample, as well as in all the subgroups characterized by age, race, birth place, household income, and body mass index except for non-Hispanic blacks and those with household income < $20,000. Adjusted for other characteristics, age, birth place, household income, and body mass index were associated with SAD in both women and men. Black women were associated with higher SAD then white women (p<.0001), and Hispanic and Asian men were associated with lower SAD than white men (both p<.01). Women born in other countries were more likely to have lower SAD than women born in the US (p<.0001), and so were men (p=.0118). Both women and men with a household income of <$75,000 had higher SAD than those with an income of over $75,000. The associations of age, race, and household income with SAD differed in women and men.Conclusion SAD is lower in women than in men, in the general population as well as in the most socio-economic subgroups. While socio-economic correlates of SAD are similar in women and men, the associations of age, race, and household income with SAD vary across sex.
Chinese Public's Knowledge, Perceived Severity, and Perceived Controllability of COVID-19 and Their Associations with Emotional and Behavioural Reactions, Social Participation, and Precautionary Behaviour: A National Survey
Authors: Li Jian-Bin , Yang An , Dou Kai , Wang Lin-Xin , Zhang Ming-Chen , Lin Xiao-Qi
Published: September 2020

Background: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has caused enormous stress among the public in China. Intellectual input from various aspects is needed to control COVID-19, including understanding of the public’s emotion and behaviour and their antecedents from the psychological perspectives. Drawing upon the cognitive appraisal theory, this study examined three cognitive appraisals (i.e., perceived severity, perceived controllability, and knowledge of COVID-19) and their associations with a wide range of emotional and behavioural outcomes among the Chinese public.Methods: Participants were 4607 citizens (age range: 17–90 years, Mage=23.71 years) from 31 provinces in China and they took part in a cross-sectional survey online.Results: The results showed that the public’s emotional and behavioural reactions were slightly affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. Moreover, the public had limited participation in the events regarding COVID-19 but actively engaged in precautionary behaviour. In addition, results of structural equation model with latent variables revealed that the three appraisals were differentially related to the outcome variables (i.e., negative emotion, positive emotion, sleep problems, aggression, substance use, mobile phone use, social participation, and precautionary behaviour).Conclusions: The findings highlight the utility of cognitive appraisal, as a core process of coping stress, in explaining the public’s emotion and behaviour in the encounter of public health concern. Practically, the findings facilitate the government and practitioners to design and deliver targeted intervention programs to the public affected by COVID-19.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of H2AFY in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: ma xuyang , Ding Ying , Zeng Li
Published: September 2020

Background: The potential correlation between H2AFY (also known as MacroH2A1) and the clinical characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients was analysed through gene expression profiles and clinical data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the diagnostic and prognostic value of H2AFY in HCC was discussed. Methods: The gene expression data of HCC and the corresponding clinical characteristics of HCC patients were downloaded from the TCGA database. The differences in H2AFY in normal liver tissues and HCC were analysed. The relationship between H2AFY and clinical characteristics was analysed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test, logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis test. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression method were used to analyse the relationship between overall survival and clinical characteristics of the patients. An ROC curve was used to predict the diagnostic value of H2AFY in HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyse the pathway enrichment of H2AFY. Result: Compared with normal liver tissues, H2AFY was significantly highly expressed in HCC. H2AFY was positively correlated with the age, clinical stage, G stage (grade) and T stage (tumor stage) of liver cancer patients. Higher H2AFY expression predicted a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Cox regression analysis suggested that H2AFY was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of HCC patients. The ROC curve suggested that H2AFY had certain diagnostic value in HCC. GSEA suggested that H2AFY was correlated with lipid metabolism and a variety of tumour pathways. ﻿Conclusion: Our study showed that H2AFY was significantly overexpressed in HCC. H2AFY may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for HCC, and high expression of H2AFY predicts a poor prognosis in patients with HCC.
A linear-time algorithm that avoids inverses and computes jackknife (leave-one-out) products like convolutions or other operators in commutative semigroups
Authors: Spouge John , Ziegelbauer Joseph M. , Gonzalez Mileidy
Published: September 2020

[Please see the manuscript file pdf to view the full abstract.]Background: Data about herpesvirus microRNA motifs on human circular RNAs suggested the following statistical question. Consider independent random counts, not necessarily identically distributed. Conditioned on the sum, decide whether one of the counts is unusually large. Exact computation of the p-value leads to a specific algorithmic problem. Given elements in a set with the closure and associative properties and a commutative product without inverses, compute the jackknife (leave-one-out) products ( ).Results: This article gives a linear-time Jackknife Product algorithm. Its upward phase constructs a standard segment tree for computing segment products like ; its novel downward phase mirrors the upward phase while exploiting the symmetry of and its complement . The algorithm requires storage for elements of and only about products. In contrast, the standard segment tree algorithms require about products for construction and products for calculating each , i.e., about products in total; and a naïve quadratic algorithm using element-by-element products to compute each requires products.Conclusions: In the herpesvirus application, the Jackknife Product algorithm required 15 minutes; standard segment tree algorithms would have taken an estimated 3 hours; and the quadratic algorithm, an estimated 1 month. The Jackknife Product algorithm has many possible uses in bioinformatics and statistics.
An analytical investigation for optimizing the support stiffness and positions of the bearings of a flexible rotor system
Authors: Liu Jing , Tang Changke
Published: September 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Psychological correlates of COVID-19 pandemic in the Austrian population
Authors: Traunmüller Claudia , Stefitz Rene , Gaisbachgrabner Kerstin , Schwerdtfeger Andreas
Published: September 2020

Background: COVID-19 poses the greatest challenge for the entire world since the Second World War. Governments are forced to define strict measures to avoid the spreading of the virus, which may further impose psychological burden for the majority of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress in Austria during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: From 25 March to 3 April 2020, an anonymous online survey was conducted. Target group included all members of the Austrian population older than 16 years. The survey addressed the following areas (1) and sociodemographic data, (2) physical and mental health; (3) knowledge and concerns about COVID-19; (4) contact with infected people; (5) prevention efforts; (6) need for further information. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to assess mental health. Analyses were based on 4,126 individuals (74% female, age: M = 38.68, SD = 13.36).Results: 43.3% rated the psychological impact as moderate (5.6%) or severe (37.7%). 26.5% reported moderate (13.3%) to severe (13.2%) depression; 20.3% moderate (8.9%) to severe (11.4%) anxiety and 21.2% reported to suffer from moderate (10.5%) or severe stress (10.7%). Being female, higher age, lower levels of education, concern about family members, internet as main source of information, student or pupil status, poor self-rated health, and downplaying the seriousness of the problem were signiﬁcantly associated with higher psychological burden. Protective factors were the possibility to work in home office, frequent (indirect) contact with family or friends, the availability of virus-specific information, confidence in the diagnosis capability, and physical activity during the crisis.Conclusion: This study is among the first in Europe on the psychological correlates of the COVID-19 pandemic. 37.7% of the Austrian study population reported a severe psychological impact on the event and 1 in 10 is considered to suffer from severe depression, anxiety or stress. The present findings inform about the identification of protective factors, psychologically vulnerable groups and may guide the development of psychological interventions.
Pediatric neurodevelopment by prenatal Zika virus exposure: A cross-sectional study of the Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Cohort
Authors: Silva Paula Fabiana Sobral , Eickmann Sophie Helena , Ximenes Ricardo Arraes de Alencar , Montarroyos Ulisses Ramos , Lima Marília de Carvalho , Martelli Celina M Turchi , de Araújo Thalia Velho Barreto , Brickley Elizabeth , Rodrigues Laura Cunha , Gonçalves Fabiana Cristina Lima Pastich , Carvalho Maria Durce Costa Gomes , de Souza Wayner Vieira , Miranda-Filho Democrito de Barros
Published: September 2020

Background: The implications of congenital Zika Virus (ZIKV) infections for pediatric neurodevelopment and behavior remain inadequately studied. The aim of this study is to investigate patterns of neurodevelopment and behavior in groups of children with differening severities of ZIKV-related microcephaly and children with prenatal ZIKV exposure in the absence of microcephaly.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, nested in a cohort, of 274 children (aged 10-45 months) who were born during the peak and decline of the microcephaly epidemic in Northeast Brazil. Participants were evaluated between February 2017 and August 2019 at two tertiary care hospitals in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. We analyzed the children in four groups assigned based on clinical and laboratory criteria: Group 1 had severe microcephaly; Group 2 had moderate microcephaly; Group 3 had prenatal ZIKVexposure confirmed by maternal RT-PCR testing but no microcephaly; and Group 4 was a neurotypical control group. Groups were evaluated clinically for neurological abnormalities and compared using the Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children (SWYC), a neurodevelopment and behavior screening instrument validated for use in Brazil. Children with severe delays underwent further evaluation with an adapted version of the SWYC.Results: Based on the SWYC screening, we observed differences between the groups for developmental milestones but not behavior. Among the 114 children with severe microcephaly of whom 98.2% presented with neurological abnormalities, 99.1% were ‘at risk of development delay’ according to the SWYC instrument. Among the 20 children with moderate microcephaly of whom 60% presented with neurological abnormalities, 65% were ‘at risk of development delay’. For children without microcephaly, the percentages found to be ‘at risk of developmental delay’ were markedly lower and did not differ by prenatal ZIKV exposure status: Group 3 (N=94), 13.8%; Group 4 (N=46), 21.7%.Conclusions: Among children with prenatal ZIKV exposure, we found a gradient of risk of development delay according to head circumference. Children with severe microcephaly were at highest risk for delays, while normocephalic ZIKV-exposed children had similar risks to unexposed control children. We propose that ZIKV-exposed children should undergo first-line screening for neurodevelopment and behavior using the SWYC instrument. Early assessment and follow-up will enable at-risk children to be referred to a more comprehensive developmental evaluation and to multidisciplinary care management.
Person-centred care in practice: Perspectives from a short-course regimen for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Authors: Horter Shona , Stringer Beverley , Gray Nell , Parpieva Nargiza , Safaev Khasan , Tigay Zinaida , Singh Jatinder , Achar Jay
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Person-centred care, an internationally recognised priority, describes the involvement of people in their care and treatment decisions, and the consideration of their needs and priorities within service delivery. Clarity is required regarding how it may be implemented in practice within different contexts. The standard multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment regimen is lengthy, toxic and insufficiently effective. 2019 World Health Organisation guidelines include a shorter (9-11-month) regimen and recommend that people with MDR-TB be involved in the choice of treatment option. We examine the perspectives and experiences of people with MDR-TB and health-care workers (HCW) regarding person-centred care in an MDR-TB programme in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, run by Médecins Sans Frontières and the Ministry of Health.Methods: A qualitative study comprising 48 interviews with 24 people with MDR-TB and 20 HCW was conducted in June-July 2019. Participants were recruited purposively to include a range of treatment-taking experiences and professional positions. Interview data were analysed thematically using coding to identify emerging patterns, concepts, and categories relating to person-centred care, with Nvivo12.Results: People with MDR-TB were unfamiliar with shared decision-making and felt uncomfortable taking responsibility for their treatment choice. HCW were viewed as having greater knowledge and expertise, and patients trusted HCW to act in their best interests, deferring the choice of appropriate treatment course to them. HCW had concerns about involving people in treatment choices, preferring that doctors made decisions. People with MDR-TB wanted to be involved in discussions about their treatment, and have their preference sought, and were comfortable choosing whether treatment was ambulatory or hospital-based. Participants felt it important that people with MDR-TB had knowledge and understanding about their treatment and disease, to foster their sense of preparedness and ownership for treatment. Involving people in their care was said to motivate sustained treatment-taking, and it appeared important to have evidence of treatment need and effect. Conclusions: There is a preference for doctors choosing the treatment regimen, linked to shared decision-making unfamiliarity and practitioner-patient knowledge imbalance. Involving people in their care, through discussions, information, and preference-seeking could foster ownership and self-responsibility, supporting sustained engagement with treatment.
Impact of sugarcane irrigation on malaria vector Anopheles mosquito fauna, abundance and seasonality in Arjo-Didessa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shifera Assalif Demissew , Hawaria Dawit , Kibret Solomon , Animut Abebe , Tsegaye Arega , Lee Ming-Cheih , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: September 2020

BackgroundDespite extensive irrigation development in Ethiopia, limited studies assessed the impact of irrigation on malaria vector mosquito composition, abundance and seasonality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sugarcane irrigation on species composition, abundance and seasonality of malaria vectors.MethodsAdult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps from three irrigated and three non-irrigated clusters in and around Arjo-Didessa sugarcane irrigation scheme in southwestern Ethiopia. Mosquitoes were surveyed in four seasons: two wet and two dry, in 2018 and 2019. Mosquito species composition, abundance and seasonality were compared between irrigated and non-irrigated clusters. Anopheles mosquitoes were sorted out to species using morphological keys and molecular techniques. Chi-square was used to test the relationships between Anopheles species occurrence, and environmental and seasonal parameters.ResultsOverall, 2,108 female Anopheles mosquitoes comprising of six species were collected. Of these, 92.7% (n=1,954) were from irrigated clusters and 7.3% (n=154) from the non-irrigated. The Anopheles gambiae complex was the most abundant (67.3%) followed by Anopheles coustani complex (25.3 %) and Anopheles pharoensis (5.7%). PCR-based identification revealed that 74.7% (n=168) of the An. gambiae comlex were Anopheles arabiensis and 22.7% (n=51) Anopheles amharicus. The density of An. gambiae complex (both indoor and outdoor) was higher in irrigated than non-irrigated clusters. The overall anopheline mosquito abundance during the wet seasons (87.2%; n=1,837) was higher than the dry seasons (12.8%; n=271).ConclusionThe ongoing sugarcane irrigation activities in Arjo-Didessa created conditions suitable for malaria transmitting Anopheles species diversity and abundance. This could drive malaria transmission in Arjo-Didessa and its environs in both dry and wet seasons. Currently practiced malaria vector interventions need to be strengthened by including larval source management to reduce vector abundance in the irrigated areas.
Short- and long-term outcomes after colonic self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant large-bowel obstruction as a bridge to surgery focus on the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach: a retrospective, single center study
Authors: Tajima Jesse Yu , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Takahashi Takao , Mizutani Chika , Iwata Yoshinori , Kiyama Shigeru , Kubota Masaya , Ibuka Takashi , Araki Hiroshi , Shimizu Masahito , Doi Kiyoshi , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Malignant large-bowel obstruction (MLBO) is a highly urgent condition in colorectal cancer with high complication rates. Self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement in MLBO is a new decompression treatment in Japan. Preoperative stent placement (bridge to surgery: BTS) avoids emergency surgery, but oncological influences of stent placement and post-BTS surgical approach remain unclear. We examined short- and long-term results of surgery for MLBO after SEMS placement in our hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 75 patients with MLBO who underwent resection after SEMS placement at our hospital from June 2013 to December 2018. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated by comparison with the surgical approach.

Results

Tumor location was significantly higher in the left-side colon and rectum (n=59, 78.7%) than right-side colon (n=16, 21.3%). Technical and clinical success rates for SEMS placement were 97.3% and 96.0%, respectively. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 54 patients (69.0%), and one-stage anastomosis was performed in 73 (97.3%). Postoperative complications were similar in the open surgery (Open) group (n=5, 23.8%) and laparoscopic surgery (Lap) group (n=7, 13.0%), with no severe complications requiring reoperation. Three-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were not significantly different in the Lap vs Open group (67.5% vs 66.4%; 82.2% vs 62.5%).

Conclusion

Preoperative stent treatment avoids stoma construction but allows anastomosis. One-time surgery was performed safely contributing to minimally invasive treatment and acceptable short- and long-term results.
Combining quantitative analysis with an elliptic Fourier descriptor: A study of pottery from the Gansu-Zhanqi site based on 3D scanning and computer technology
Authors: WANG JIN , Qian wei , Chen guoke
Published: September 2020

Pottery is an important material in archaeological studies, and the accurate classification of pottery shapes largely depends on the experience and knowledge of archaeologists. In this thesis, pottery taken from the Gansu-Zhanqi site is used for sampling. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the pottery were obtained using 3D scanning, and a computer-assisted pottery typology was studied through quantitative analysis and elliptic Fourier descriptor. This method, which can enhance and supplement the traditional methods of classifying pottery in archaeology and thereby enrich the parameters and breadth of pottery analysis, represents a new means for exploring and experimenting with objective classification and provides a new tool for traditional archaeological analysis methods.
Analysis and Best Parameters Selection for Person Recognition based on Gait model using CNN algorithm and Image Augmentation
Authors: Saleh Abeer , Hamoud Talal
Published: September 2020

Person recognition based on gait model and motion print is indeed a challenging and novel task due to its usages and to the critical issues of human pose variation, human body occlusion, camera view variation, etc. In this project, a deep convolution neural network (CNN) was modiﬁed and adapted for person recognition with image augmentation technique. CNN is best algorithm of deep learning algorithms. Adaptation aims to get best values for CNN parameters to get best CNN model. In Addition to the CNN parameters, the design of CNN model itself was adapted to get best model design; number of layers and normalization between them. After choosing best parameters and best design, Image augmentation was used to increase train dataset with many copies of the image to boost the number of diﬀerent images that will be used to train Deep learning algorithms. The tests were achieved using known dataset (Market dataset). The dataset contains sequential pictures of people in diﬀerent gait status. The image in CNN model as matrix is extracted to many images or matrices, so dataset size may be bigger by hundred times to make the problem a big data problem, in this project Results show that adaptation has improved the accuracy of person recognition using gait model, that is represented in many successive images for the same person. In addition, dataset contains images of person carrying things. The improved model of CNN is robust to image dimensions (quality and resolution) and to carried things by persons.
Machine Learning Based DWDM Design Using Regression Modelling
Authors: K Venkatesan , A Chandrasekar , P.G.V Ramesh
Published: September 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Psychometric properties of a Persian version of Respectful Maternity Care Questionnaire
Authors: Esmkhani Mina , Namadian Masoumeh , Nooroozy Ali
Published: September 2020

Background: Getting a high quality and respectful care during pregnancy and delivery is one of the ways to reduce complications in women. Respectful care is a type of care that requires a valid instrument to measure. This study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) questionnaire in 2018.Methods: This study was performed on 150 women (In the first 48 hours after delivery), who were admitted in the postpartum wards of public hospitals from 1st January until 6th April 2018 in Zanjan city in Iran. Participants were selected randomly using Poisson distribution (Time) sampling method. After receiving the permission from the questionnaire’s author, the internal consistency of the tool was measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient after the Forward translation of Persian version of the tool under the supervision of experts. The reliability of the modified questionnaire was assessed using a test-retest method in 10 eligible postpartum women, who completed the same questionnaire after 72 hours again. The validity of the tool was confirmed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using LISREL and SPSS soft wares. Results: The original RMC tool was achieved an overall high internal reliability (α =0.839). Confirmatory factor analysis of original RMC scores demonstrated poor fit indices. In LISREL proposed paths for model, one item was excluded and a re-exploratory factor analysis was performed with the remaining 14 items. Four new subscales were defined for the revised tool including Abusive Care, Effective Care, Friendly Care, and Respectful Communication , which explained 60% of the variance. Conclusions: The revised included four subscales of Abusive Care, Effective Care, Friendly Care, and Respectful Communication in 14 items which explained 60% of the variance. Given the importance of providing a high quality care in maternity, and variety of cultures and service delivery in different countries, further researches are needed on this RMC tool to be used in maternity care in different places.
A Study of Community and Health Clinic Approaches to Addressing Toxic Stress and Promoting Protective Factors among Families with Infants
Authors: McCrae Julie S. , Robinson JoAnn L , Spain Angeline K , Byers Kaela , Axelrod Jennifer L
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHealth care administrators must promote effective partnerships with community agencies to address social determinants of health, including reducing exposure to chronic stress in early childhood. Important targets for mitigating “toxic” levels of young child exposures are through reducing parents’ experiences of chronic stress as well as protecting children from direct experiences of harm such as physical or sexual abuse. Conducting screening to identify when parents and children are exposed to early life adversity is a first step; bringing in or referring out families to needed support services is an essential component. This paper describes a multi-modal investigation of health care systems innovations to engage and support parents to prevent and mitigate children’s toxic stress exposures through pediatric primary care and community services partnerships.MethodsKey study features include: 1) multi-component, multi-site study in five U.S. communities of pediatric health care clinics and the families they serve, 2) a developmental evaluation approach that describes how systems innovations are experienced over time at three levels (community systems, pediatric providers, and families), and 3) rapid cycle feedback in partnership with communities, clinics and families to co-interpret data and findings. The methodology includes: 1) focus groups and interviews with community stakeholders, clinic staff, and families, 2) electronic health record and Medicaid services data extracted to assess health care quality, and 3) clinic-recruitment of 908 parents of newborns in a longitudinal survey.ResultsThe sample is briefly characterized based on responses to the enrollment phase of the parent survey.ConclusionsWe discuss the study design elements’ contribution to generate evidence needed by innovators, communities, and clinics to modify and sustain investments in these innovations.
Learning Styles of Medical Students With Different Routes of Admission
Authors: HSU HSIANG-CHIN , Jeng Shuen-Lin , Shih Shin-I , Huang Yu-Chiao , Lin Chih-Hao , Yao Wei Ren
Published: September 2020

BackgroundA learning style is the complex manner to learn material most efficiently and effectively and also a good predicator of their preferred learning behaviors. This study explored the status of new medical students’ learning patterns between application and entrance examination.MethodsThis is a cross sectional analysis of learning styles among newly enrolled first year medical students in each first academic year from September 2015 to September 2017. The Memletic Learning Style Inventory was applied as instrument for assessment. Latent class analysis was applied to classify different classes among medical students. Result98 students underwent a national college entrance examination, and 150 students was enrolled through application. All medical students could be assigned into 4 classes according to learning styles, including logical type, solitary type, mix aural-verbal-visual type, and social type. Both gender and admission routes were strong predictors of latent class of learning styles. ConclusionThrough the interview process, we can screen out students with mix aural-verbal-visual class of learning styles through interview in application process. While examination route can select students with logical type and solitary type learning style. This study can improve our understanding of student learning patterns to design learner-specific courses and effective curricula.
Analysis of IL-1β, CXCL8, and TNF Levels in the Crevicular Fluid of Patients With Periodontitis or Healthy Implants
Authors: Aleksandrowicz Paweł , Brzezińska-Błaszczyk Ewa , Kozłowska Elżbieta , Żelechowska Paulina , Borgonovo Andrea Enrico , Agier Justyna
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The evaluation of periodontal and peri-implant tissue condition is mainly based on clinical examination and imaging diagnostics. Some data implies that an examination of cytokine level in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) might prove useful when evaluating the condition of peri-implant tissues and monitoring the development of peri-implant inflammation, including both mucositis and peri-implantitis. Thus, in this paper, it has been decided to assess the level of TNF, CXCL8, and IL-1β in PISF collected from patients with no clinical symptoms of mucositis or peri-implantitis and compare them with cytokine concentration in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) acquired from patients with healthy periodontium and those with varying severity of periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 189 subjects were included in the study, and GCF/PISF samples were checked for TNF, CXCL8, and IL-1β levels using an ELISA test.Results: We documented that the IL-1β level, in PISF in patients with implants, was significantly lower than in GCF in patients with mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis. We also revealed that their CXCL8 level in PISF was considerably lower than in patients with moderate periodontitis. However, the TNF level in PISF in patients with implants was markedly higher compared to subjects with healthy periodontium or patients with mild periodontitis. Conclusion: Our observation might imply that the monitoring of TNF, CXCL8, and IL-1β levels in PISF could help with the diagnosis of mucositis/peri-implantitis before any clinical manifestations, thus allowing a quicker appropriate therapy intervention at an early stage.
Insulin Secretory Granules Release Exosomal miR-503 to Promote Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Senescence
Authors: Han Xiao , Zhou Yuncai , Liu Kerong , Sun Yi , Zhang Yan , Wu Yangyang , Shi Ying , Yao Zhengjian , Li Yating , Bai Rongjie , Liang Rui , Sun Peng , Chang Xiaoai , Tang Wei , Wang Shuseng , Zhu Yunxia
Published: September 2020

Chronic inflammation promotes pancreatic β-cell decompensation to insulin resistance due to local accumulation of supraphysiologic IL-1β levels. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remains elusive. We show that miR-503, exclusively induced in islets from type 2 diabetic humans and rodents, is specifically upregulated by IL-1β in β cells. β-cell–specific miR-503 transgenic (miR-503TG) mice display expression-dependent mild diabetes, severe diabetes, and premature death due to inflammation-induced multiple organ failure. By contrast, deletion of the miR-503 cluster protects mice from high-fat-diet–induced insulin resistance. Single-cell RNA sequencing indicates infiltration of immune cells and senescent β cells in miR-503TG islets. Exosomes containing miR-503 localize in insulin granules of senescent β cells. Autocrine miR-503 activates MAPKs to inhibit β-cell function and replication. Telecrine miR-503 targets Insr/Igf1r to dampen insulin signals in liver and adipose tissues. A metaflammation-related and inflammaging-related miR-503 expression may therefore induce type 2 diabetes via insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction.
Preoperative Estimation of Endodontic Working Length With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Standardized Paralleling Technique in Comparison to Its Real Length: an in Vitro Study.
Authors: Faraj Bestoon Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Background: An accurate estimation of the working canal length is essential for successful root canal treatment. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of root canal length estimation on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and digital paralleling radiographs (PAs), using the real canal length as a gold standard, and to evaluate the influence of canal curvature on this estimation. Methods: Sixty extracted human premolar teeth selected for this study. Root canal length measurement performed on CBCT scans (NewTom, Giano, Verona, Italy) and digital paralleling radiography (EzRay Air W; Vatech, Korea). The real working length established by subtracting 0.5 mm from the actual canal length. Results: No significant difference was found between CBCT and digital paralleling radiography. There was a tendency for underestimation of the root canal length measured on the CBCT images in 52 (86.7%) of the examined teeth and overestimated it in 5 teeth (8.3%). All the digital radiographs slightly overestimated the real canal length. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between the estimation from moderate to severe curvature for digital radiography, and CBCT images. Conclusion: Preoperative working length estimation can be made closest to its real clinical canal length on the standardized paralleling technique, using a long (16-inch) target–receptor distance.
Expression of Substance P, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Dental Pulp Under Different Clinical Stimuli
Authors: Caviedes-Bucheli Javier , Lopez-Moncayo Luis Fernando , Munoz-Alvear Hernan Dario , Gomez-Sosa Jose Francisco , Diaz-Barrera Luis Eduardo , Curtidor Hernando , Munoz Hugo Roberto
Published: September 2020

Background To quantify the expression of SP, CGRP, and VEGF in human dental pulps as a response to occlusal interferences, moderate orthodontic forces, and occlusal interferences plus moderate orthodontic forces simultaneously.Methods Forty human dental pulp samples were collected from healthy premolars indicated for extraction for orthodontic reasons. The teeth were divided into four groups with 10 samples each: Healthy pulp control group, occlusal interference group, moderate orthodontic forces group; and occlusal interferences plus moderate orthodontic forces group. Stimuli were applied for 24 h before tooth extraction in all experimental groups. All samples were processed, and SP, CGRP, and VEGF were measured by radioimmunoassay. The ANOVA test was performed to establish significant differences between groups and Tukey’s HSD post hoc comparisons were also performed.Results The highest increase in SP, CGRP, and VEGF expressions was found in the occlusal trauma plus orthodontic forces group, followed by the moderate orthodontic forces, the occlusal interferences and the control groups, with statistically significant differences between all groups (ANOVA p<0.001) and post-hoc comparisons (Tukey HSD p<0.001).Conclusion SP, CGRP, and VEGF expressions significantly increase in human dental pulps when stimulated by occlusal interferences combined with moderate orthodontic forces, as compared with when these two stimuli are applied independently. Peptides expression is directly proportional to the magnitude of the stimulus.Name of the registry: Importance of Neurogenic Inflammation in the Angiogenic Response of the Dental Pulp as a Defensive ResponseTrial registration number: NCT03804034Date of registration: 01/15/2019 Retrospectively registeredURL of trial registry record: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03804034?term=NCT03804034&draw=2&rank=1
Perceived walking difficulties in Parkinson’s disease – predictors and changes over time
Authors: Lindh-Rengifo Magnus , Jonasson Stina B. , Ullén Susann , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Nilsson Maria H.
Published: September 2020

Background
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have described their walking difficulties as linked to activity avoidance, social isolation, reduced independence and quality of life. There is a knowledge gap regarding predictive factors of perceived walking difficulties in people with PD. Such knowledge could be useful when designing intervention studies. This study aimed to investigate how perceived walking difficulties evolve over a 3-year period in people with PD. A specific aim was to identify predictive factors of perceived walking difficulties.
Methods
149 people with PD (mean age 67.9 years) completed the Walk-12G questionnaire (which assesses perceived walking difficulties) at both baseline and the 3-year follow-up. Paired samples t-test was used for comparing baseline and follow-up mean scores. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify predictive factors of perceived walking difficulties.
Results
Perceived walking difficulties increased after 3 years: mean Walk-12G score 14.7 versus 18.6, p < 0.001. Concerns about falling was the strongest predictor (β = 0.467) of perceived walking difficulties, followed by problems maintaining balance while dual tasking (β = 0.265), pain (β = 0.137) and postural instability (β = 0.116). Problems maintaining balance while dual tasking was the strongest predictor (β = 0.180) of a change in perceived walking difficulties, followed postural instability (β = 0.098).
Conclusions
Perceived walking difficulties increase over time in people with PD. The predictive factors identified in this study (concerns about falling, problems maintaining balance while dual tasking, pain, postural instability) are modifiable. Future intervention studies that address these factors need to confirm their preventative effect on perceived walking difficulties.
Role of ATF3 as a prognostic biomarker and correlation of ATF3 expression with macrophage infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Lijuan , Song Shaohua , Fang Xuailin , Cao Donglin
Published: September 2020

Background The abnormal expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), a member of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors, is associated with carcinogenesis. However, the expression pattern and exact role of ATF3 in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.Methods We used UALCAN, ONCOMINE, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and cBioPortal databases to investigate the prognostic value of ATF3 expression in HCC.Results ATF3 was found to be expressed at low levels in multiple HCC tumor tissues. Moreover, low ATF3 expression was significantly associated with clinical cancer stage and pathological tumor grade in patients with HCC. Therefore, low expression of ATF3 was significantly associated with poor overall survival in patients with HCC. Functional network analysis showed that ATF3 regulates cytokine receptors and signaling pathways via various cancer-related kinases, miRNAs, and transcription factors. ATF3 expression was found to be correlated with macrophage infiltration levels and with macrophage immune marker sets in HCC patients.Conclusions Using data mining methods, we clarified the role of ATF3 expression and related regulatory networks in HCC, laying a foundation for further functional research. Future research will validate our findings and establish clinical applications of ATF3 in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Observation of Antichiral Edge States in a Circuit Lattice
Authors: Yang Yuting , Zhu Dejun , Hang Zhi Hong , Chong Yidong
Published: September 2020

We constructed an electrical circuit to realize a modified Haldane lattice exhibiting the unusual phenomenon of antichiral edge states. The circuit consists of a network of inductors and capacitors with interconnections reproducing the effects of a magnetic vector potential. The next nearest neighbor hoppings are configured differently from the standard Haldane model, and as predicted by earlier theoretical studies, this gives rise to antichiral edge states that propagate in the same direction on opposite edges and co-exist with bulk states at the same frequency. Using pickup coils to measure the voltage distributions in the circuit, we experimentally verify the key features of the modified Haldane lattice, including the group velocities of the antichiral edge states.