bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in Semiotics of Translation: A Model of Text Analysis and Comparison for Literary Translation
Authors: Can Rençberler Alize
Published: October 2020

Unlike other text types, literary texts offer signs with semantic diversity and several reading modes to the reader through different genres. Translation of literary texts puts them through cultural circulation across the world. Translators, incurring the responsibility of the original texts, pondering on the ways to overcome the pitfalls, and bringing the translated text to readers’ service, undertake a challenge to succeed in the initiative for this circulation. In the book’s foreword, Sündüz Öztürk Kasar draws attention to this point and clarifies that the act of translation admittedly alters the direction of the text it deals with, evolving it into another world of language and culture. Translation also reveals the meaning of the original text that has not been realized in the target culture’s linguistic and socio-cultural context but conceivably expecting to be discovered between the lines. According to Öztürk Kasar, that is the reason why translators should be more sensitive to the signs than anybody else is and have linguistic and semantic awareness.
A Numerical Method for Calculating the Nonlinear Elastic Characteristic of Longitudinal-Transverse Transducers
Authors: Pyae P.A. , Grigoriev Y.V.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a numerical method for studying the stress-strain state of longitudinal-transverse transducers and obtaining their nonlinear elastic characteristic. The authors propose a mathematical model that uses a direct numerical solution of the boundary value problem based on the plain curved rod equations in MATLAB. The stress-strain state and the nonlinear elastic characteristic of the system are obtained using a method of successive loading based on linearized equations of the curved rod. The proposed model can be considered as an initial approximation to the solution of the spatial problem of the longitudinal-torsional transducer.
Efek Diet Tinggi Fruktosa terhadap Profil Lipid Tikus Rattus Rattus norvegicus Strain Wistar
Authors: Susanti Nurlaili , Rahmawati Ermin , Kristanti Risma Aprinda
Published: October 2020

Sejak beribu tahun yang lalu, orang mengonsumsi fruktosa dalam jumlah terbatas dari buah-buahan segar dan sayuran. Fruktosa yang terdapat dalam bahan alami ini tidak membahayakan kesehatan. Akan tetapi saat ini, fruktosa banyak digunakan sebagai pemanis oleh industri makanan dan minuman dalam bentuk high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Fruktosa sangat efisien menginduksi lipogenesis. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk membuktikan pengaruh konsumsi fruktosa terhadap profil lipid pada hewan coba. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimental laboratoris dengan desain postest only controle group. Sampel dibagi dalam 4 kelompok perlakuan dengan masing-masing 6 ekor tikus terdiri dari tikus diet normal (K), tikus diet fruktosa 10% (P1), tikus diet fruktosa 30% (P2), dan tikus diet fruktosa 60% (P3). Fruktosa diberikan secara peroral dengan menggunakan sonde selama 8 minggu. Pada akhir penelitian, dilakukan pengambilan sampel darah untuk pengukuran profil lipid dengan spektrofotometer. Hasil penelitian pada tikus yang diberikan diet fruktosa menunjukkan kadar kolesterol total, LDL, dan trigliserida yang signifikan lebih tinggi dibandingkan kontrol, sedangkan kadar HDL lebih rendah dibandingkan kontrol. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa diet tinggi fruktosa dapat menginduksi terjadinya dislipidemia. Kata Kunci: fruktosa, profil lipid.
KONSEPSI ILMU KEDOKTERAN MODERN TENTANG LARANGAN INCEST DALAM SURAT AN-NISA’: 23
Authors: Toifah Nur
Published: October 2020

Allah telah menciptakan manusia yang terdiri dari laki-laki dan perempuan, yang mana keduanya mendapatkan hak untuk menyempurnakan ibadah. Cara untuk menyempurnakan ibadah tersebut dengan melaksanakan perbuatan yang halal dan sehat yakni pernikahan. Tujuan pernikahan yang sah dan disyari’atkan dalam Islam adalah untuk memperoleh keturunan yang baik. Lelaki dalam menikahi perempuan boleh memilih mana saja yang ia sukai, akan tetapi ada beberapa wanita yang haram untuk dinikahi. Keharaman menikahinya tersebut telah disebutkan jelas dalam al-Qur’an surat an-Nisa’ ayat 23. Salah satu faktor yang menyebabkan haram adalah karena hubungan nasab atau adanya hubungan darah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana konsep ilmu kedokteran modern tentang larangan pernikahan sedarah tersebut, kemudian peneliti memulai dengan mengaitkan ilmu genetika (keturunan), karena genetika lah yang membawa sifat dan beberapa penyakit turunan. Adapun jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif dengan rancangan grounded theory. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa setiap manusia mewarisi gen yang rusak, dengan demikian saudara dekat memiliki resiko lebih besar untuk mewarisi gen yang rusak sama dari orang tua mereka. maka, jika sesama saudara menikah dan melahirkan seorang anak, terdapat kemungkinan besar bahwa anak tersebut akan mewarisi dua salinan gen rusak yang sama, yang membahayakan semua fungsi organnya, seperti fungsi kekebalan tubuh, fungsi jantung, fungsi ginjal, fungsi saraf, dan juga akan mewarisi karakter buruk yang ada pada kedua orangtuanya. Selain itu, akan banyak dilahirkan individu homozigot abnormal seperti munculnya penyakit himophilia, buta warna, albino, dan juga meningkatnya karakter atau sifat buruk, serta kecerdasan yang minim sperti down syndrome dan gangguan mental pada hasil keturunannya kelak. Masalah lebih lanjut akan muncul anak-anak inbrida, yang mana hal tersebut menciptakan lingkungan biokimia yang sama antara orang tua dan anak, yang menumbuhkan replika organisme penyebab penyakit menular diantara anggota keluarga tersebut.
EMDR Versus Treatment-as-Usual in Patients With Chronic Non-Malignant Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Suárez Nieves Arias , Pérez Joana Moreno , Redolar-Ripoll Diego , Hogg Bridget M. , Gardoki-Souto Itxaso , Guerrero Francisca García , Cabrera Sandra Jaime , Bernal Daniel Samper , Amann Benedikt L. , Moreno-Alcázar Ana
Published: October 2020

In recent years, different studies have observed a strong association between chronic pain (CP) and psychological trauma. Therefore, a trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), could be an innovative treatment option. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether a specific EMDR protocol for CP leads to (a) a reduction in pain intensity, (b) an improvement in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and (c) an improvement in quality of life. 28 CP patients were randomly assigned to EMDR + treatment as usual (TAU; n = 14) or to TAU alone (n = 14). Patients in the EMDR group received 12 psychotherapeutic sessions of 90 minutes over 3 months. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale and the Pain Disability index, quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L, and anxiety and depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale. Measures were taken for both conditions at pre- and post-treatment, and a follow-up in the EMDR condition was taken at 3 months post-treatment. Patients in the EMDR group showed significantly reduced pain intensity and improved quality of life and anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to TAU alone at post-treatment. Improvements were largely maintained at 3-month follow-up. This study suggests that EMDR may be an effective and safe psychological intervention to be used within the multidisciplinary treatment plan of patients with CP.
Intensive Phonological Training With Articulation—An Intervention Study to Boost Pupils' Word Decoding in Grade 1
Authors: Fälth Linda , Svensson Elin , Ström Annika
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to examine how a structured intensive training period with a phonological multisensory reading training method, at the end of Grade 1, can develop pupils' ability to connect phonemes with the corresponding graphemes as well as their ability to decode. A total of 38 pupils in Grade 1 from four elementary schools participated in this randomized controlled trial (RCT) study. Of the 38 pupils 19 were randomly assigned to be part of the intervention group, the other 19 were included in the control group. The intervention involved 30 minutes of intensive training on a total of 20 sessions. The control group participated in regular reading lessons in the classroom. The study included pre- and posttesting of phonological awareness, letter knowledge, and decoding. The result shows that intensive phonological awareness training with articulation, during 20 sessions spread over 4–5 weeks, stimulates pupils' decoding ability in a positive direction.
Foundations of Culture of Peace and Peace Education as a means of Social Inclusion
Authors: Añaños Fanny T. , Rivera Maribel , Amaro Ana
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical and grounded approach to the culture and peace education, both linked to socio-educational inclusion, as well as to the related processes and methods. This is an original proposal from pedagogical and social education approaches where inclusion, its principles, methods, and processes are merged together and applied to peace education in order to construct/deconstruct and promote a culture of peace. The method consisted of an exhaustive and specialized documentary study of written, virtual, and database sources with a subsequent content analysis.

 The conclusions highlight the importance and applicability of the socio-educational approach, coherent with the social reality, especially of vulnerable and conflictive groups, where inclusion is a crucial element to improve the quality of life and social coexistence. It is also a practice that contributes to overcome risk factors and favours protective and potential situations.

 All of the above will have an impact on the strengthening and improvement of  culture of peace as a tool for social and educational transformation, the protection of human rights, fair and sustainable development, management and transformation of  life conflicts in the most comprehensive and inclusive way possible, inside and outside the school context.
THE IMPACT OF HANDS ON PUMPING ON THE LEVEL OF BREAST MILK PRODUCTION ON POST PARTUM MOTHERS
Authors: Marlina Leni , Samaria Dora , Theresia Theresia
Published: October 2020

The exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia has not yet reached the national level target. Data from Private Hospital in West Jakarta found that there were only 60% of mothers who gave exclusive breast feeding in 2016, 38% of whom said they were unsuccessful due to low breast milk. The method that can be used to increase milk production is Hands on Pumping (HOP) technique, HOP is a technique of flushing the breast milk by relying on the strength of our thumb and index finger. To observe the effect of HOP on breast milk production in post partum mothers. We employed a quasi experimental design with pre and post test design, with the control group. The sample size was 68 mothers post multiparous partum with criteria 34 as the HOP experimental group and 34 post partum mothers as the control group (without HOP). On the third day of the intervention group there was a significant increase in breast milk production from the first day. The experimental group received HOP intervention (34 mothers) with a rise of 121.08 ml. This means that there is a difference in milk production before and after treatment. On the third day, the results of the p value are 0,000, with p value <0.05, which brought to the conclusion that there was an influence of HOP on breast milk production. HOP can significantly increase milk production. Next researcher is recommended to conduct similar research by paying attention to other factors that also affect breast milk production, such as psychological, nutrition, maternal breast conditions, and hormones.
People’s Life and Psychological Change after Quarantining Wuhan: Influence of the Epidemic of Covid-19
Authors: Zhang Ling , Chen Qi , Yu Yan , Yao Hui , Zhu Sirong , Tan Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

The epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) has brought many changes to people's life. This study aims to analysis Chinese people's psychological change and life after quarantining Wuhan and explore the influencing factors. Based on data from a web-survey after quarantining Wuhan (N=3268), the principal-component-analysis (PCA), multiple-linear-regression (MLR), propensity-score-matching (PSM) were used to explore the psychological change of people in China and the influencing factors. 83.3% of the respondents said that the impact of the epidemic on their life had increased after quarantining Wuhan. A considerable proportion of people's anxiety increased, being reflected in negative emotion, behavioral response and physiological response. The proportion of people who said their anxiety had increased in Wuhan was higher than that in other regions (p <0.05). The anxiety of people who were in medical isolation increased less than those who were not (p <0.05). All three aspects of people’s anxiety were positively related with time of medical isolation and degree of the attention on the epidemic (p＜0.05) except the effect of attention degree on the physiological response (p＝0.06). The measure of medical isolation at home should be advocated. Yet people should reduce the concern for the epidemic while paying attention to self-protection.
Youth Exposure to Hate in the Online Space: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Harriman Nigel , Shortland Neil , Su Max , Cote Tyler , Testa Marcia A. , Savoia Elena
Published: October 2020

Today’s youth have almost universal access to the internet and frequently engage in social networking activities using various social media platforms and devices. This is a phenomenon that hate groups are exploiting when disseminating their propaganda. This study seeks to better understand youth exposure to hateful material in the online space by exploring predictors of such exposure including demographic characteristics (age, gender and race), academic performance, online behaviours, online disinhibition, risk perception, and parents/guardians’ supervision of online activities. We implemented a cross-sectional study design, using a paper questionnaire, in two high schools in Massachusetts (USA), focusing on students 14 to 19 years old. Logistic regression models were used to study the association between independent variables (demographics, online behaviours, risk perception, parental supervision) and exposure to hate online. Results revealed an association between exposure to hate messages in the online space and time spent online, academic performance, communicating with a stranger on social media, and benign online disinhibition. In our sample, benign online disinhibition was also associated with students’ risk of encountering someone online that tried to convince them of racist views. This study represents an important first step in understanding youth’s risk factors of exposure to hateful material online.
Audio-Based Aircraft Detection System for Safe RPAS BVLOS Operations
Authors: Mariscal-Harana Jorge , Alarcón Víctor , González Fidel , Calvente Juan José , Pérez-Grau Francisco Javier , Viguria Antidio , Ollero Aníbal
Published: October 2020

For the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) market to continue its current growth rate, cost-effective "Detect and Avoid" systems which enable safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations are critical. We propose an audio-based "Detect and Avoid" system, composed of microphones and an embedded computer, which performs real-time inferences using a sound event detection (SED) deep learning model. Two state-of-the-art SED models, YAMNet and VGGish, are fine-tuned using our aircraft sounds dataset and their performances are compared for a wide range of configurations. YAMNet, whose MobileNet architecture is designed for embedded applications, outperformed VGGish both in terms of aircraft detection and computational performance. YAMNet's optimal configuration, with > 70% true positive rate and precision, results from combining data augmentation and undersampling with the highest available inference frequency (i.e. 10 Hz). While our proposed "Detect and Avoid" system already allows the detection of small aircraft from sound in real time, a larger dataset, sensor fusion, or the use of cloud-based services for remote computations could further improve its performance.
Trypanosoma Cruzi Presenilin-like Transmembrane Aspartyl Protease: Characterization and Cellular Localization
Authors: Lechuga Guilherme C. , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , Bottino Carolina C.G. , Pinho Rosa T. , Provance-Jr David W. , De-Simone Salvatore G.
Published: October 2020

The increasing detection of infections of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, in non-endemic regions beyond Latin America has risen to be a major public health issue. With an impact in the millions of people, current treatments rely on antiquated drugs that produce severe side effects and are considered nearly ineffective for the chronic phase. The minimal progress in the development of new drugs highlights the need for advances in basic research on crucial biochemical pathways in T. cruzi to identify new targets. Here, we report on the T. cruzi presenilin-like transmembrane aspartyl enzyme, a protease of the aspartic class in a unique phylogenetic subgroup with T. vivax separate from protozoans. Computational analyses suggests it contains 9 transmembrane domains and an active site with the characteristic PALP motif of the A22 family. Multiple linear B-cell epitopes were identified by SPOT synthesis analysis with Chagasic patient sera. Two were chosen to generate rabbit antisera, whose signal was primarily localized to the flagellar pocket, intracellular vesicles and endoplasmic reticulum in parasites by whole cell immunofluorescence. The results suggest that the parasitic presenilin-like enzyme could have a role in the secretory pathway and serve as a biomarker for infections.
PEMILIHAN LOKASI RUMAH SUSUN SEDERHANA SEWA: STUDI KASUS RUSUNAWA PUTRI CEMPO, SURAKARTA
Authors: Rahma Nona Amaliya , Hardiana Ana , Rahayu Paramita
Published: October 2020

Kota Surakarta memiliki luas wilayah sebesar 44,04 km2 dengan kepadatan penduduk lebih dari 11.340,84 jiwa/km2. Sebagian besar permasalahan yang dihadapi Kota Surakarta adalah pertumbuhan penduduk yang cenderung mengalami peningkatan yang tidak sebanding dengan penyediaan tempat tinggal (backlog). Hal ini dipicu adanya permukiman kumuh yang perlu difasilitasi rumah layak huni. Salah satu upaya untuk mengatasi persoalan tersebut adalah penyediaan rumah susun sederhana sewa sebagai alternatif penyediaan rumah layak huni bagi MBR. Pemerintah Kota Surakarta telah membangun rusunawa di Kelurahan Mojosongo yaitu Rusunawa Putri Cempo. Namun dalam pembangunannya bukan tanpa masalah. Pada faktanya lokasi Rusunawa Putri Cempo kurang strategis karena dekat dengan aktivitas tempat pembuangan akhir (TPA), dekat perternakkan babi dan lokasi yang cenderung terpencil. Sehingga dengan adanya hal ini mengindikasi bahwa pemilihan lokasi Rusunawa Putri Cempo belum sesuai dengan teori atau regulasi yang sudah ditetapkan. Dalam pemilihan lokasi rusunawa terdapat beberapa faktor yaitu kesesuaian dengan rencana tata ruang, aksesbilitas, ketersediaan sarana, ketersediaan prasarana, harga lahan, kerawanan bencana, kondisi lingkungan dan kondisi demografi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat prioritas faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pemilihan lokasi Rusunawa Putri Cempo. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan menggunakan dua tahap analisis (1) analisis deskriptif untuk mengetahui identifikasi faktor yang mempengaruhi pemilihan lokasi Rusunawa Putri Cempo, (2) teknik Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) yang digunakan untuk mengetahui tingkat prioritas faktor yang mempengaruhi pemilihan lokasi Rusunawa Putri Cempo. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 4 (empat) prioritas faktor utama dalam pemilihan lokasi Rusunawa Putri Cempo menurut stakeholders yaitu kesesuaian dengan rencana tata ruang, kerawanan bencana, harga lahan dan aksesibilitas. Selain itu terdapat 4 (empat) faktor yang tidak mempunyai pengaruh besar yang juga sebagai acuan dalam pemilihan lokasi rusunawa yaitu ketersediaan sarana, ketersediaan prasarana, kondisi demografi dan kondisi lingkungan.
Brace Effectiveness Is Related to 3-Dimensional Plane Parameters in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Cheung Amy Ka Po , Koh Hui Yu , Cheung Kenneth Man Chee
Published: October 2020

Background:

Although scoliosis is a 3-dimensional (3D) deformity, little research has been performed on the use of 3D imaging in brace curve correction. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of axial-plane parameters on the outcomes of bracing with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods:

This prospective longitudinal cohort study included patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who fulfilled the criteria for bracing according to the Scoliosis Research Society, and was conducted from the time the patient began wearing the brace through a minimum follow-up of 2 years or until a surgical procedure was performed. Radiographs made with use of an EOS Imaging System were used to reconstruct 3D images of the spine at the pre-brace, immediate in-brace, 1-year in-brace, and latest follow-up out-of-brace stages. Univariate and multiple linear regressions were performed to determine the association between axial rotation correction and curve progression at the time of the latest follow-up. Logistic regressions were performed to model the probability of risk of progression.

Results:

Fifty-three patients were enrolled, and 46 patients were included in the analysis. At the time of the latest follow-up, 30 patients did not experience curve progression and 16 patients had curve progression. There was no difference in baseline demographic characteristics between groups. For the transverse-plane parameters, there was a significant difference between non-progression and progression groups in pre-brace apical vertebral rotation (4.5° ± 11.2° compared with −2.4° ± 9.8°, respectively; p = 0.044) and in 1-year in-brace apical vertebral rotation correction velocity (2.0° ± 5.0°/year compared with −1.7° ± 4.4°/year, respectively; p = 0.016). Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-brace apical vertebral rotation (odds ratio, 1.063; 95% confidence interval, 1.000 to 1.131; p = 0.049) and 1-year in-brace apical vertebral rotation correction velocity (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.021 to 1.38; p = 0.026) were associated with an increased risk of curve progression. There was no difference in Scoliosis Research Society 22-Item scores between patients who experienced curve progression and those who did not.

Conclusions:

In this prospective study, we demonstrated that axial-plane parameters and the correction of these parameters during bracing are related to the successful use of the brace.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
BrrICE1.1 is associated with putrescine synthesis through regulation of the arginine decarboxylase gene in freezing tolerance of turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa)
Authors: Yin Xin , Yang Yunqiang , Lv Yanqiu , Li Yan , Yang Danni , Yue Yanling , Yang Yongping
Published: October 2020

Background: In the agricultural areas of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, temperature varies widely from day to night during the growing season, which makes the extreme temperature become one of the limiting factors of crop yield. Turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) is a traditional crop of Tibet grown in the Tibet Plateau, but its molecular and metabolic mechanisms of freezing tolerance are unclear. Results: Here, based on the changes in transcriptional and metabolic levels of Tibetan turnip under freezing treatment, the expression of the arginine decarboxylase gene BrrADC2.2 exhibited an accumulative pattern in accordance with putrescine content. Moreover, we demonstrated that BrrICE1.1 (Inducer of CBF Expression 1) could directly bind to the BrrADC2.2 promoter, activating BrrADC2.2 to promote the accumulation of putrescine, which was verified by RNAi and overexpression analyses for both BrrADC2.2 and BrrICE1.1 using transgenic hair root. The function of putrescine in turnip was further analyzed by exogenous application putrescine and its inhibitor DL-α-(Difluoromethyl) arginine (DFMA) under freezing tolerance. In addition, the BrrICE1.1 was found to be involved in the ICE1-CBF pathway to increase the freezing stress of turnip. Conclusions: BrrICE1.1 could bind the promoter of BrrADC2.2 or CBFs to participate in freezing tolerance of turnip by transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics analyses. This study revealed the regulatory network of the freezing tolerance process in turnip and increased our understanding of the plateau crops response to extreme environments in Tibet.
Incidence and risk factors of Postdural Puncture Headache: Prospective cohort study design
Authors: Weji Bedilu Girma , Obsa Mohammed Suleiman , Melese Kidest Getu , Azeze Gedion Asnake
Published: October 2020

Background:Postdural puncture headache is one of the complications following spinal anaesthesia and accidental dural puncture. Several modifiable risk factors contribute to the development of headache after lumbar puncture, which includes needle size, needle design, direction of the bevel and number of lumbar puncture attempts. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk of postdural puncture headache.Methods:This prospective cohort study design was conducted using a consecutive sampling method. Regular supervision and follow-up were performed. Data were entered into Epi info version 7 software and transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were computed. The findings of the study were reported using tables, figures and narrations. Variables that were found to be candidates (p value < 0.25) on binary logistic regression entered into a multiple logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of postdural puncture headache.Results:One hundred fifty eligible study participants were included in our study, of which 28.7% had developed postdural puncture headache. This study found that needle size, number of cerebro spinal fluid drops and multiple attempts were significant independent predictors of postdural puncture headache (p < 0.05). In addition, twenty-five needles were identified as the strongest preoperative independent predictor of postdural puncture headache (AOR = 4.150, CI = 1.433- 12.021)Conclusions:A recent study revealed that a small spinal needle was much better than a large cutting spinal needle regarding the frequency of postdural puncture headache. In addition, frequent attempts during lumbar puncture and increased cerebro spinal fluid leakage were associated with the events. In view of this, we recommend the use of a small spinal needle to avoid more leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and multiple attempts at spinal anesthesia and lumbar puncture.
The Physical Activity Wearables in the Police Force (PAW-Force) study: Acceptability and impact
Authors: Buckingham Sarah Ann , Morrissey Karyn , Williams Andrew James , Price Lisa , Harrison John
Published: October 2020

Background: Policing is a highly stressful and increasingly sedentary occupation. The study aim was to assess the acceptability and impact of a mobile health (mHealth) technology intervention (Fitbit® activity monitor and ‘Bupa Boost’ smartphone app) to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary time in the police force.Methods: Single-group, pre-post, mixed methods pilot study. Police officers and staff (n=180) were recruited from two police forces in South West England. Participants used the technology for 12 weeks (an ‘individual’ then ‘social’ phase) followed by five months of optional use. Data sources included Fitbit®-recorded objective step count, questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews (n=32). Outcome assessment points were baseline (week 0), mid-intervention (week 6), post-intervention (week 12) and follow-up (month 8). Paired t-tests were used to investigate changes in quantitative outcomes. Qualitative analysis involved framework and thematic analysis.Results: Changes in mean daily step count were non-significant (p>0.05), but self-reported PA increased in the short term (e.g. +465.4 MET-minutes/week total PA baseline to week 12, p=0.011) and longer term (e.g. +420.5 MET-minutes/week moderate-to-vigorous PA baseline to month 8, p=0.024). The greatest impact on behaviour was perceived by less active officers and staff. There were no significant changes in sedentary time; the qualitative findings highlighted the importance of context and external influences on behaviour. There were no statistically significant changes (all p-values >0.05) in any secondary outcomes (physical and mental health-related quality of life, perceived stress and perceived productivity), with the exception of an improvement in mental health-related quality of life (SF-12 mental component score +1.75 points, p=0.020) from baseline to month 8. Engagement with and perceived acceptability of the intervention was high overall, but a small number of participants reported negative physical (skin irritation) and psychological (feelings of guilt and anxiety) consequences of technology use. Individual app features (such as goal-setting and self-monitoring) were generally preferred to social components (social comparison, competitions and support). Conclusions: mHealth technology is an acceptable and potentially impactful intervention for increasing PA in the police force. The intervention was less useful for reducing sedentary time and the impact on secondary outcomes is unclear.Trial registration: NCT03169179 (registered 30th May 2017).
Gene expression kinetics of Exaiptasia pallida innate immune response to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection
Authors: Seneca Francois , Davtian David , Boyer Laurent , Czerucka Dorota
Published: October 2020

Background Recent sequencing projects on early-diverging metazoans such as cnidarians, have unveiled a rich innate immunity gene repertoire; however, little is known about immunity gene regulation in the host’s early response against marine bacterial pathogens over time. Here, we used RNA-seq on the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida (Ep) strain CC7 as a model to depict the innate immune response during the onset of infection with the marine pathogenic bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) clinical strain O3:K6, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) exposure. Pairwise and time series analyses identified the genes responsive to infection as well as the kinetics of innate immune genes over time. Comparisons between the responses to live Vp and purified LPS was then performed.Results Gene expression and functional analyses detected hundreds to thousands of genes responsive to the Vp infection after 1, 3, 6 and 12 hours, including a few shared with the response to LPS. Our results bring to light the first indications that non-canonical cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as NOD-like and RIG-I-like receptor homologs take part in the immune response of Ep. Over-expression of several members of the lectin-complement pathways in parallel with novel transmembrane and Ig containing ficolins (CniFLs) suggest an active defense against the pathogen. Although lacking typical Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Ep activates a TLR-like pathway including the up-regulation of MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB and AP-1 genes, which are not induced under LPS treatment and therefore suggest an alternative ligand-to-PRR trigger. Two cytokine-dependent pathways involving Tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) and several other potential downstream signaling genes likely lead to inflammation and/or apoptosis. Finally, both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways were strongly supported by over-expression of effector and executioner genes.Conclusions To our knowledge, this pioneering study is first to follow the kinetics of the innate immune response in a cnidarian during the onset of infection with a bacterial pathogen. Overall, our findings reveal the involvement of both novel immune gene candidates such as NLRs, RLRs and CniFLs, and previously identified TLR-like and apoptotic pathways in anthozoan innate immunity with a large amount of transcript-level evidence.
Geographic location of health facility and immunization program performance in Hoima district, western Uganda, a Health Facility level assessment
Authors: Kwikiriza Nicholas Magambo , Bajunirwe Francis , Bagenda Fred
Published: October 2020

Background: Globally immunization coverage for childhood vaccines is below the immunization target of achieving at least 90% coverage with the pentavalent vaccine. In Uganda, a recent survey shows 80% of districts had poor immunization program performance. However, there is significant variation in performance within and between districts. We hypothesized that geographic location of a health facility may influence performance of its immunization programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether geographical location of a health facility within a district is associated with performance of the immunization program in Hoima district, western Uganda.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study using a mixed methods approach. The study unit was a health center and we interviewed health workers in-charge of the facilities and reviewed their health facility records. We reviewed the Uganda Health Management Information System (HMIS) 105 reports of six months to obtain data on immunization program performance. Performance was categorized using World Health Organization’s Reach Every District (RED) criteria and classified as poor if a facility fell in category 3 or 4 and good if 1 or 2. We also conducted key informant interviews with immunization focal persons in the district. We examined the association between dependent and independent variables using Fisher’s exact test. Results: We collected data at 49 health facilities. Most of these facilities (55.1%) had poor immunization program performance. Proximal location to the central district headquarters was significantly associated with poor immunization program performance (p<0.05). Attitudes of health workers in the more urban areas, differences in strategies for outreach site selection and community mobilization in the rural and urban areas were suggested as possible explanations.Conclusions: Proximal location to the urban setting near district headquarters was strongly associated with poor immunization program performance. To be able to reach larger numbers of children for vaccination, interventions to improve performance should target health facilities in urban settings.
Evaluating variability in coseismic slips of paleo-earthquakes from an incomplete slip history: an example from displaced terrace flights across the Kamishiro fault, central Japan
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Toda Shinji
Published: October 2020

Examining the regularity in slip over seismic cycles leads to an understanding of earthquake recurrence and provides the basis for probabilistic seismic hazard assessment. Systematic analysis of three-dimensional paleoseismic trenches and analysis of offset markers along faults reveal slip history. Flights of displaced terraces have also been used to study slips of paleoearthquakes when the number of earthquakes contributing to the observed displacement of a terrace is known. This study presents a Monte Carlo-based approach to estimating slip variability using displaced terraces when a detailed paleoseismic record is not available. First, we mapped fluvial terraces across the Kamishiro fault, which is an intra-plate reverse fault in central Japan, and systematically measured the cumulative dip slip of the mapped terraces. By combining these measurements with the age of the paleoearthquakes, we estimated the amount of dip slip for the penultimate event (PE) and antepenultimate event (APE) to be 1.6 and 3.4 m, respectively. The APE slip was nearly three times larger than the most recent event of 2014 (Mw 6.2): 1.2 m. This suggests that the rupture length of the APE was much longer than that of the 2014 event and the entire Kamishiro fault ruptured with adjacent faults during the APE. Thereafter, we performed the Monte Carlo simulations to explore the possible range of the coefficient of variation for slip per event (COVs). The simulation considered all the possible rupture histories in terms of the number of events and their slip amounts. The resulting COVs typically ranged between 0.3 and 0.54, indicating a large variation in the slip per event of the Kamishiro fault during the last few thousand years. To test the accuracy of our approach, we performed the same simulation to a fault whose slip per event was well constrained. The result showed that the error in the COVs estimate was less than 0.15 in 86 % of realizations, which was comparable to the uncertainty in COVs derived from a paleoseismic trenching. Based on the accuracy test, we conclude that the Monte Carlo-based approach should help assess the regularity of earthquakes using an incomplete paleoseismic record.
Beach boys in Galle, Sri Lanka: Multiple HIV risk behaviours and potential for HIV bridging
Authors: Bozicevic Ivana , Manathunge Ariyaratne , Beneragama Sriyakanthi , Gadjaweera Chathrini
Published: October 2020

Background: There are limited data globally on HIV in men who engage in casual and transactional sex with female tourists. Methods: In 2018 we carried out a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey among beach boys in Galle, Sri Lanka, to determine prevalence of HIV and other infections, HIV risk behaviours and utilisation of HIV prevention services. Eligibility criteria included men who cruise in and around beach areas and who had anal and/or vaginal sex with female or male tourists in the 12 months before the survey. Results: We recruited 373 beach boys. Approximately 49.6% of the participants were married, while 45.7% were single and 4.7% divorced, separated or widowed. A lower percentage of beach boys reported regular partners in the past 12 months (52.3%) compared to casual partners (95.4%). Condom use at last sex with a casual partner was higher (76.7%) compared to condom use with regular partners (58.3%). Condom use at last sex with a tourist was reported by 75.3%. Ever receiving money, goods or services in exchange for sex was reported by 39.7%. For 85.5% of beach boys who sold sex, the last paying partner was a tourist (85.5%) and a woman (82.0%). In the past 12 months before the survey, 32.3% of beach boys paid money for sex, and 99.5% did so from women. Ever been tested for HIV was reported by 35.3%, and 69.1% of those were tested in the six months before the survey. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, significant correlates of never testing for HIV were lack of comprehensive knowledge about HIV and unprotected last sexual intercourse with tourists. The prevalent infections were: HIV, 0.3% (95% CI 0.0-0.4%); syphilis, 0.5% (0.0-1.2%); herpes virus type-2, 5.0% (2.5%-7.5%). Conclusions: There are low level HIV and syphilis prevalence among beach boys in Galle but a high level of sexual risk taking. Beach boys may be acting as a bridge for HIV transmission between higher-risk groups (paying female tourists, men who have sex with men) and lower-risk heterosexual female population in Sri Lanka. More research is needed in South-East Asia on men who trade sexual services to female and male tourists.
Cost and Time Differences between Three Types of Restorations for Primary Teeth: Amalgam, Composite and Glass-Ionomer Cement.
Authors: Phan Hanthao Thi , Powers John M. , Garcia-Godoy Franklin , Brown Timothy , Pinzon Lilliam Marie
Published: October 2020

Background: Early Childhood Caries is the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the United States. Three common approaches for treatment of dental caries in general population include: amalgam, composite, and glass ionomer. The purpose of this study was to measure the treatment cost differences for amalgam, composite, and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations of primary teeth and evaluate possible factors that could influence the cost of treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study randomly selected data of 120 restorations from a clinical observational study of the restoration of primary teeth in children aged 5 – 10 years old. The 120 selected restorations in primary teeth, half with two surfaces and half with three surfaces, were performed by two operators at the Asian Health Center and Centro American Resources Center in California. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression. Results: Performing ART was found to take 7.8 minutes less than amalgam (p<0.01) and 19.0 minutes less than composite. ART was found to be 6.4% (p=0.01) less costly than amalgam and 62.4% (p<0.01) less costly than composite. Conclusions: ART was found to be the least costly treatment compared to amalgam and composite restoration procedures. ART also required the shortest time during the clinical procedure. Trial Registration: UCSF CHR Number: H55840-32823-02
Loranthus Micranthus Extracts Suppress the Expression and Enzymatic Activity of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase in Human Breast Cancer Cells via the Inhibition of JAK/STAT and NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Ebokaiwe Azubuike P. , Peng Ting , Njoya Emmanuel M. , Zhou Zongyuan , Hussein Ahmed A. , Zhang Guolin , Wang Fei , Li Lin
Published: October 2020

Background: Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe) is a woody parasitic plant. It is found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. Its leaves and stem/twigs have been used in traditional medicine in various continents for the treatment of metabolic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of Loranthus micranthus leaves and stem (LML and LMS) extracts on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO); a key regulator of cancer immunity; and the possible molecular mechanism(s) involved.Methods: Human breast cancer cells; MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 were pre-treated with LML and LMS at doses of 1-30µg/mL for 2 hours. This was followed by interferon-γ (INF-γ) stimulation at 50 ng/mL for 24 hours. After the treatment period, the activity of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) and T cell proliferation were determined using a spectrophotometric assay. Protein expression of IDO-1, IDO-2, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase-2 (TDO-2), Bridging inhibitor 1 (BIN-1), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), Inhibitor of κ B (IκBα) and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway were analyzed using the western blotting technique. The mRNA expression of IDO-1 was quantified using the qRT-PCR technique. Results: MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 cells pre-treated with LML and LMS exhibited lower kynurenine synthesis than that of INF-γ treatment. We observed downregulation of IDO-1, IDO-2, and TDO-2 protein expressions, and lower IDO-1 catalytic activity in LML and LMS pretreated cells than those of INF-γ treated cells alone. Cells pretreated with LML and LMS exhibited significant downregulation of phosphorylation of JAK-1, JAK-2, STAT-1, and STAT-3 than those of IFN-γ treatment alone. Furthermore, LML and LMS pre-treated cells exhibited upregulation of IκBα and BIN-1 protein expression compared with IFN-γ treated cells alone. Additionally, LML and LMS pretreatment significantly improved T cell viability when compared with IFN-γ treated cells alone. Conclusion: These findings indicate that LML and LMS extracts regulate immune responses in cancer cells by inhibiting IDO activity/expression in a JAK/STAT and NF-κB-dependent manner. This accounts for their anticancer effects in traditional medicine, hence a promising candidate for future drug development.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Open Phase IV Clinical Trial to Evaluate The Efficacy and Safety of A Chinese Patent Medicine Combined With Mesalazine for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zhu Lei , Hu Naizhong , Ren Shunping , Sun Hongpu , Wang Shaofeng , Meng Xianmei , Feng Peimin , Zhang Suyun , Wu Jieqiong , Hu Yangqian , Zhao Baisui , Chen Wenxi , Zhang Sumin , Wang Min , Tian Yaozhou , Xiao Jianguo , Wang Qi , Yang Xiaojun , Shen Hong
Published: October 2020

Background: Enteric-coated HuDi capsules（HuDi）have been approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. In this clinical trial, we objectively evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of HuDi combined with enteric-coated mesalazine tablets in the treatment of active UC.Methods: A total of 355 patients from 18 hospitals in China were randomly divided into the HuDi group, enteric-coated mesalazine tablet group (mesalazine group) or combined group with randomized, controlled double-blinding and double-modeling methods. The patients were followed every two weeks and reexamined by endoscopy at the end of six weeks of treatment. The clinical response; clinical remission rate; endoscopic response rate; mucosal healing rate; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP); and safety indicators were evaluated after treatment.Results: The clinical response rate was 58% in the HuDi group and 58.82% in the mesalazine group, while the clinical effective rate in the combined group was 82.46%. A total of 32% of the patients receiving the enteric-coated HuDi capsules and 29.41% of the patients receiving the enteric-coated mesalazine tablets achieved clinical remission. The clinical remission rate in the combined group was 52.63%, which was better than that in the mesalazine group (P = 0.0145)and HuDi group(P = 0.0315). Moreover, the endoscopic response rates were 50% in the HuDi group, 47.06% in the mesalazine group and 64.91% in the combined group, with no significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05). Further, the mucosal healing rates in the three groups were 44%, 41.18% and 63.16%, respectively, the combined group was better than that in the HuDi group(P=0.0472) and mesalazine group (P=0.0223). Finally, there was no significant difference in the normalization rates of the ESR and CRP among the three groups (P > 0.05).There were no serious adverse events in the combined drug group. Conclusions: In patients with mild and moderate active UC, combined treatment with enteric-coated mesalazine tablets and enteric-coated HuDi capsules improved the Clinical response and induced clinical remission. However, further studies need extended follow-up periods to determine the efficacy.Trial registration: Chinese It was registered in Clinical Trial Registry on 2015-01-14.