bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol Atheroembolism Syndrome: Current State of the Problem
Authors: Mikhailova Z. D. , Klimkin P. F.
Published: July 2020

Cholesterol atheroembolism syndrome is a systemic pathological process caused by the embolization of small arteries with cholesterol crystals, which can develop spontaneously, and it is the result of intravascular surgery and / or the use of anticoagulants. Embolization cholesterol crystals leads to ischemic and inflammatory organ damage. The clinical picture is variable, various organs can be targets, but skin and kidneys are mainly affected. Specific clinical and laboratory signs aren’t. Tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis cholesterol atheroembolism syndrome. The treatment is based on the correction of classical cardiovascular risk factors, the use of statins. In terms of benefit and risk failure from anticoagulants and thrombolytics should be considered. Studies on the use of corticosteroids, cytostatic, and colchicine have conflicting results. The use of monoclonal antibodies of IL-1 antagonists is a perspective direction.
L’amélioration génétique en France : le contexte et les acteurs - Le Porc
Authors: LEGAULT C.
Published: July 2020

L’objet de cet article est d’abord de situer l’élevage moderne du Porc dans son contexte socioéconomique européen : évolution de la consommation de viande de Porc, composantes de la productivité, enjeux de la compétitivité et nouvelles contraintes. Après une brève description des races et types génétiques exploités, la seconde partie est consacrée à la présentation des acteurs de l’amélioration génétique, de leurs modes d’organisation (individuels, coopératives, entreprises) et des outils dont ils disposent (réseau public et privé) des moyens informatiques, et de l’insémination artificielle. Enfin, l’évolution prévisible de la filière et de ses problèmes au cours de la prochaine décennie sont évoqués.
L’amélioration génétique en France : le contexte et les acteurs - Les Volailles
Authors: TIXIER-BOICHARD M.
Published: July 2020

L’aviculture moderne est le fruit des progrès réalisés dans l’alimentation, les systèmes d’élevage et la protection contre les maladies. Les performances zootechniques continuent d’évoluer, en particulier sous l’effet de la sélection, et les produits connaissent une grande diversification de leur transformation. La sélection chez le poulet et chez la dinde est menée au niveau mondial par quelques firmes privées qui organisent leurs schémas à partir de leurs lignées grand-parentales pour produire par croisements successifs les animaux de l’étage de production.
Les bases de la génétique quantitative : Les modèles à un et deux locus
Authors: MINVIELLE F.
Published: July 2020

Intuitivement, il est raisonnable de penser que les "propriétés génétiques" d’une population sont directement fonction des gènes et des génotypes présents dans cette population et de leur transmission d’une génération à l’autre. Mais la fonction qui les lie n’est sans doute pas simple sauf peut-être si l’on a affaire à un caractère dont les variations sont dues à peu de locus (c’est-à-dire à un ou deux). En effet, en se plaçant dans ce cas de figure, on décrit assez facilement la génétique d’un caractère au sein d’une population et surtout on développe les concepts de base qui, étendus aux caractères polygéniques (déterminés par de multiples locus), sous-tendent l’amélioration génétique. Ceci est précisément l’objectif de cet article qui développe successivement la notion de parenté et les mesures qui en découlent, puis l’étude d’un caractère quantitatif déterminé par un seul locus (monogénique) et enfin celle d’un caractère quantitatif digénique (deux locus).
Les bases de la génétique quantitative : Le modèle à plusieurs locus
Authors: OLLIVIER L.
Published: July 2020

Cet article traite de la génétique d’un caractère quantitatif déterminé par plus de deux locus, sur la base du modèle polygénique classique incluant des effets génétiques additifs, de dominance et épistatiques. Par simplifications successives on définit un modèle polygénique additif (sans épistasie et un modèle polygénique additif strict (sans dominance ni épistasie). Le modèle polygénique additif conduit à définir pour un ensemble de plusieurs caractères les paramètres génétiques d’une population. Ceux-ci conditionnent le comportement de ces caractères dans un programme de sélection. Il s’agit d’un modèle avant tout opérationnel, auquel il est souvent fait le reproche de ne pas approcher d’assez près la réalité biologique. Il existe cependant des caractères quantitatifs qui répondent à un déterminisme génétique additif impliquant un nombre élevé de locus. Des méthodes existent par ailleurs pour évaluer le nombre minimum de locus impliqués dans un caractère et plusieurs expériences sur animaux de laboratoires indiquent que ce nombre est au moins de l’ordre de quelques dizaines pour la plupart des caractères.
Les bases de la génétique quantitative : Définition et mesure des paramètres du croisement
Authors: BRUN J.M.
Published: July 2020

Comment décrire la variabilité génétique qui existe entre les valeurs moyennes des différents types génétiques issus d’un plan de croisement entre plusieurs populations ? Comment prédire la valeur moyenne des nombreux types génétiques que l’on peut obtenir, en fonction du système de croisement pratiqué, à partir de n populations parentales disponibles ? Ces questions illustrent les deux grandes fonctions des paramètres du croisement : l’analyse génétique et l’amélioration génétique. Contrairement aux paramètres qui décrivent la variabilité génétique intra-population des variances, les paramètres du croisement sont des effets fixés caractérisant les populations parentales étudiées. La première partie de l’article est consacrée à la modélisation du croisement. Nous présentons et analysons les "ingrédients" communs à de nombreux modèles du croisement : (1) les notions de "composante individuelle (ou directe)" et de "composante maternelle" (voire grand-maternelle) de la valeur moyenne d’un croisement, (2) les notions "d’effets moyens (ou additifs) des races parentales" et "d’effets d’hétérosis", (3) les composantes de l’hétérosis respectivement liées à la "dominance" et à "l’épistasie". L’hétérosis, ou "vigueur hybride", fait l’objet d’un développement particulier concernant ses facteurs de variation, ses mécanismes et leurs conséquences pour la prédiction de l’hétérosis à partir du degré d’hétérozygotie. On présente les paramètres du modèle de Dickerson (1969), qui est le plus utilisé en génétique animale : les effets additifs respectivement direct, maternel et grand-maternel (go, gm, gn), les effets d’hétérosis liés à la dominance respectivement direct et maternel (ho et hm) et les pertes épistatiques par recombinaison (ro et rm). La deuxième partie de l’article est consacrée aux protocoles d’estimation des paramètres de Dickerson. Enfin un exemple d’estimation illustre à la fois l’application du modèle de Dickerson à un dispositif diallèle (tous les croisements possibles entre n races prises 2 à 2) et une méthode simple d’estimation des paramètres du croisement.
Les objectifs et les critères de sélection : Aptitude fromagère du lait et polymorphisme des protéines : perspectives d’utilisation en sélection
Authors: PIACERE A. , ELSEN J.M.
Published: July 2020

L’aptitude fromagère d’un lait s’exprime à travers son rendement fromager, la composition du produit final qui doit respecter des normes précises, et la qualité organoleptique du fromage obtenu. La composition du lait, et particulièrement sa teneur en caséines et matière grasse détermine principalement son aptitude fromagère. Depuis plusieurs années la sélection des races laitières porte à la fois sur la quantité et la composition du lait. Jusqu’à présent ces caractères, considérés comme polygéniques, ont donné lieu à une indexation permettant de prédire la valeur génétique des animaux d’après leurs performances, et de choisir les meilleurs reproducteurs pour engendrer la génération suivante. L’étude du polymorphisme des protéines du lait vient remettre en cause ce fonctionnement, dans la mesure où on a pu déterminer le génotype des animaux à des loci "caséines" particuliers, et mettre en évidence que certains allèles améliorent la composition et la valeur fromagère du lait. Utiliser cette information, directement "lue" sur l’animal candidat à la sélection paraît séduisant. Mais il convient d’évaluer les risques aussi bien que l’intérêt de ces nouvelles possibilités d’actions offertes par les techniques de laboratoire. Les effets des différents allèles doivent être recherchés ; cela nécessite des expériences afin de comparer des animaux de différents génotypes. En outre des simulations permettront de choisir une méthode de sélection adaptée à la population, qui favorise les allèles intéressants sans réduire la variabilité génétique. Ces différentes questions sont abordées actuellement à l’INRA, en particulier à travers l’étude des caséines des races caprines françaises.
Les objectifs et les critères de sélection : Les aptitudes bouchères : croissance, efficacité alimentaire et qualité de la carcasse
Authors: SELLIER P. , BOUIX J. , RENAND G. , MOLÉNAT M.
Published: July 2020

Les programmes de sélection sur les aptitudes bouchères ont un double objectif : l’abaissement du coût de production et l’amélioration de la qualité du produit. Cet article rappelle un certain nombre de données de base sur les aptitudes bouchères : courbe de croissance, évolution de la composition chimique et tissulaire chez l’animal en croissance (notion d’allométrie), énergétique de la croissance (relation entre efficacité alimentaire et croissance musculaire), développement des tissus musculaire et adipeux, qualités de la viande et du gras. Les objectifs et les critères de sélection sont décrits pour chacune des espèces bovine, ovine et porcine. L’importance relative accordée aux différents caractères (vitesse de croissance, efficacité alimentaire, teneur en viande de la carcasse, qualité de la viande) varie selon l’espèce. Chez les bovins allaitants et les ovins, l’évaluation génétique des mâles repose dans un premier temp sur le contrôle individuel et dans un second temps sur le contrôle de descendance. Chez le porc, la composition corporelle peut être estimée avec précision sur l’animal vivant (échographie aux ultra-sons) et le contrôle individuel a été largement utilisé dans les deux dernières décennies.
Stratégie d’établissement des cartes géniques des espèces d’élevage
Authors: GELLIN J. , LEVÉZIEL H.
Published: July 2020

Au sein des différents pays impliqués dans les programmes de la CEE (BRIDGE et BIOTECH), la structure de recherche française est sans doute à l’heure actuelle, par le nombre de chercheurs, par l’ensemble des secteurs méthodologiques couverts, et par l’ensemble des soutiens dont elle dispose au niveau du Département de Génétique Animale, le regroupement le plus important travaillant sur la cartographie génique des porcs et des bovins. L’activité essentielle de cartographie chez les porcins et les bovins sera de définir, le long du génome, un certain nombre "d’étiquettes" (des microsatellites) permettant d’établir un premier réseau de marques génétiques espacées de 20 cM dont certains seront localisés précisement sur les chromosomes. Cette connaissance recueillie sur le génome sera intégrée aux analyses quantitatives actuelles grâce la mise en oeuvre de nouveaux concepts d’analyse génétique (programme INRA : PRODIGE-MMM). Elle permettra une évolution précoce des génotypes, une amélioration des méthodes d’identification des animaux et de vérification des filiations, la mise en évidence de régions du génome intervenant dans la variabilité de caractères quantitatifs (QTL), une appréciation de la diversité génétique des races. Les connaissances obtenues seront également utiles à la compréhension de certains aspects du génome humain, notamment le séquençage de eDNAs et la recherche de QTL difficile à étudier directement chez l’homme.
Utilisation des marqueurs pour localiser les gènes responsables de la variabilité des caractères quantitatifs (QTL)
Authors: CHEVALET C. , BOICHARD D.
Published: July 2020

Cet article rappelle tout d’abord les conditions expérimentales qui ont permis, chez les plantes, la localisation de gènes ayant des effets sur des caractères quantitatifs, en soulignant l’importance de la notion de déséquilibre de liaison. Les situations qui permettent de s’en rapprocher dans les populations animales sont ensuite évoquées : croisement entre races éloignées, localisation d’un gène majeur attribué à une mutation récente, déséquilibre aléatoire induit par la consanguinité ou déséquilibre systématique dû à la sélection, études de ségrégation intra-familiales. L’ordre de grandeur des effectifs d’animaux qu’il sera nécessaire de typer et d’observer est indiqué, en fonction du nombre et de l’importance des gènes quantitatifs à détecter.
Sélection assistée par marqueurs
Authors: CHEVALET C. , BOICHARD D.
Published: July 2020

L’utilisation de marqueurs génétiques polymorphes en amélioration génétique des animaux est discutée dans deux situations : dans une population issue du croisement entre deux races bien différenciées, ou dans le cadre d’une sélection intra-familiale. En général, il y aurait peu de gain à espérer par rapport à la sélection sur performances pour des caractères d’héritabilité assez élevée et faciles à mesurer. En revanche cette forme de sélection semble indiquée dans les cas suivants : sélection précoce des candidats à la reproduction, optimisation de l’introgression d’un gène marqueur, contrôle de caractères faiblement héritables ou difficiles à mesurer. Dans le cas d’une sélection intra-familiale il semble que la combinaison d’une sélection sur performances avec une sélection sur marqueurs ne soit efficace que si un très petit nombre de marqueurs (un à trois) sont simultanément pris en compte. Dans tous les cas, les effectifs d’animaux à mesurer ou à typer demeurent du même ordre de grandeur que ceux nécessités par les contrôles sur performances habituels.
PRODUCTIVE WAQF FOR THE MODERNIZATION PESANTREN
Authors: Kasdi Abdurrohman
Published: July 2020

The article aims to investigate the role of waqf in the modernization of education in Pesantren, by using a case study of the utilization of productive waqf at Modern Pesantren of Gontor and Pesantren of Tebuireng Jombang. The Method used is qualitative with phenomenological approach and comparative study. The result of the study shows that the pesantren built with Islamic philantrophy in the form of waqf institution is a good model for development of pesantren education in Indonesia’s contemporary era. The development process of waqf pesantren of Gontor Modern Pesantren and Tebuireng Pesantren is carried out with several supporting pillars, including: the pesantren administrators’ dedication of their wealth as waqf, the professional institutionalization of waqf pesantren in the form of the foundation’s legal entity, the productive management of waqf assets, and the productive utilization of waqf for the development of education. Both pesantrens have proven that the foundations’ nazir (administrator of waqf) have succeeded in productively managing the waqf in the pesantren community. This further cement the importance of pesantren as an integral part of the society.
The Future Ready Ideas Lab: Future Proofing Bioscience Students Enterprise Skills
Authors: Barrow John , Perkins Joy , Marini Pietro , Davidson Ann
Published: July 2020

Given the pace of technological change, today’s students need to be prepared for changing employment roles in an ever-evolving world.  Increasingly, employers require graduates to be innovative, adaptable and resilient, and have an enterprising mind-set.  Enterprise education supports students to develop these key attributes and skills, enabling them to engage with the pace of change.  In our teaching context the challenges of delivering enterprise education is to support and engage 300 students, at an early stage in their life sciences degree programme, to start developing core enterprising behaviours.  To address this, a bespoke enterprise workshop was devised.  A Kirkpatrick evaluation-based survey was then used to investigate the following themes:  1) students’ satisfaction and reaction to the enterprise session; 2) students’ ability to articulate their skills; 3) participants’ behaviour post-session and 4) benefits derived from the session.  The data collected reveals students’ awareness of their skills and their understanding of what may be required of future employers and their employees.  Although it is also clear from the data, broadening all students’ horizons and their enterprise engagement is challenging.  The next step is to conduct a longitudinal study to gather a time perspective view on this cohort’s enterprise knowledge and learning.
Improving students’ knowledge and skills using an innovative Pecha Kucha presentation assignment in a History of Economic Thought class
Authors: Helmy Heba Ezzeldin
Published: July 2020

In this article, the author provides motivation in allocating a new formative Pecha Kucha (PK) presentation assignment on one economic school of thought to groups of students in a History of Economic Thought (HET) course. Each group would then post its PK on the Moodle course forum and comment on other PK presentations. The assignment was aimed at engaging students more with technology; in learning on their own, with each other and from each other; in acquiring abstracting skills; in addressing the breadth rather than only the depth of learning; and in making use of the brevity of PK in shortening the long history of economics. The author expounds the advantages and limitations of this assignment in addition to its applicability in other courses.
Impact of a Maternal Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) Intervention on HIV-exposed Infants in Uganda
Authors: Murillo Anays , DeSilva Mary Bachman , Sabin Lora L. , Halim Nafisa , Chemusto Harriet , Aroda Philip , Gasuza Julia , Hamer Davidson H. , Williams Anna Larson , Mukasa Barbara , Messersmith Lisa J. , Bonawitz Rachael
Published: July 2020

Background: Uganda has successfully reduced pediatric HIV infections through prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs, yet little is known about adherence to infant-specific components of interventions. We hypothesized that infants born to mothers receiving the WiseMama (WM) electronic drug monitoring (EDM)-based adherence intervention would have increased uptake of six-week post-natal nevirapine (NVP) infant prophylaxis and better adherence to six-week early infant diagnosis (EID) HIV testing.

Methods: At two sites in Uganda, the Wise Infant Study (WIN) prospectively followed an infant cohort. Infants were born to women enrolled in an RCT testing the effect of real-time reminders delivered via EDM on maternal adherence to antiretroviral therapy. We assessed intrapartum and discharge receipt of NVP prophylaxis using pharmacy and infant HIV DNA testing laboratory data.

Results: Of 121 women eligible for WIN, 97 (80%) consented and enrolled; 46 had been randomized to control and 51 to intervention. There were no differences in receipt of a six-week NVP supply (control 87%, intervention 82%, p = 0.53). Receipt of any NVP prophylaxis did not vary by delivery location (p = 0.35), and although 12% of infants were delivered at non-study health facilities, they were not less likely to receive NVP at discharge (p = 0.37). Among infants with a completed HIV test, there was no difference in mean time to first test (control 52 days (SD 18), intervention 51 days (SD 15), p = 0.86). Only one infant, in the control group, tested positive for HIV.

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: We found no significant differences in adherence to infant PMTCT practices between intervention and control infants with relatively high rates of NVP receipt albeit with suboptimal adherence to six-week EID testing. Further work is needed to ensure improved access, uptake, and follow-up of HIV-exposed infants in the Option B+ era.

Key words: • Prevention of maternal to child transmission of HIV • HIV • Nevirapine • Antiretroviral therapy prophylaxis • Early infant diagnosis • HIV-exposed infants

 

Copyright © 2020 Murillo et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
Role of Social Determinants of Health in Widening Maternal and Child Health Disparities in the Era of Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dongarwar Deepa , Ajewole Veronica B. , Oduguw Emmanuella , Ngujede Ahone , Harris Kiydra , Ofili Theresa U. , Olaleye Omonike A. , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: July 2020

We present a conceptual model that describes the social determinants of health (SDOH) pathways contributing to worse outcomes in minority maternal and child health (MCH) populations due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. We used International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) codes in the categories Z55-Z65 to identify SDOH that potentially modulate MCH disparities. These SDOH pathways, coupled with pre-existing comorbidities, exert higher-than-expected burden of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality in minority communities. There is an urgent need for an increased infusion of resources to mitigate the effects of these SDOH and avert permanent truncation in quality and quantity of life among minorities following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key words: • COVID-19 • Maternal and child health disparity • Social determinants of health • Minority women

 

Copyright © 2020 Dongarwar et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
Viropolitics and capitalistic governmentality: On the management of the early 21st century pandemic
Authors: Ayala-Colqui Jesús
Published: July 2020

This text offers an analysis of the power apparatuses (dispositifs) employed in the management of the early 21st century Covid-19 pandemic. The paper is divided into two sections. The first part is oriented both towards a characterization of the mode of government that preceded the onset of the viral disease and towards an exposition of the power apparatuses it instrumentalized. This mode of government is referred to in the text as «capitalistic govermentality», a practice combining regimes of knowledge, economically encoded materialities, subjective formations and power apparatuses in order to maintain the valorization of private capital. The second part exposes the ways in which the apparatuses of capitalistic governmentality are modified and articulated in the context of the pandemic, through a phenomen given the provisional name of «viropolitics».
Well-being in high-risk pregnancy: an integrative review
Authors: mirzakhani kobra , Ebadi Abbas , Faridhosseini Farhad , Khadivzadeh Talat
Published: July 2020

Background: A prerequisite to the interventions for well-being improvement in high-risk pregnancy (HRP) is to make the concept clear, objective, and measurable. Despite the wealth of studies into the concept of well-being in HRP, there is no clear definition for it. This study aimed to explore the concept of well-being in HRP. Methods: This integrative review was conducted using the Whittemore and Knafl’s approach. A literature search was done without any data limitation in dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias, well-being-related textbooks, midwifery, psychology, and mental health journals, and Iranian and international databases. The most primary inclusion criterion was relevance to well-being in HRP. The full-texts of all these articles were assessed using the checklists of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data were analyzed through the constant comparison method and were managed using the MAXQDA 10 software. Meaning units were identified and coded. The codes were grouped into subcategories and categories according to the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of well-being in HRP. Results: Thirty articles were included in the review, from which 540 codes were extracted. The codes were grouped into seven main attributes, eight main antecedents, and five main consequences of well-being in HRP. The four unique dimensions of well-being in HRP are physical, mental-emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. These dimensions differentiate well-being in HRP from well-being in low-risk pregnancy and in non-pregnancy conditions. Conclusion: As a complex and multidimensional concept, well-being in HRP refers to the pregnant woman’s evaluation of her life during HRP. It includes physical, hedonic, and eudaimonic components. The assessment of well-being in HRP should include all these components.
The effect of active occupational stress management on psychosocial and physiological wellbeing: a pilot study
Authors: Jukic Tomislav , Ihan Alojz , Strojnik Vojko , Stubljar David , Starc Andrej
Published: July 2020

Background: The aim of the study was to address the working population with an occupational stress prevention program using mHealth solution and encourage them for healthy lifestyle choices.Methods: Sixteen participants were randomized from the corporate setting. A 24alife app with a good compliance program was selected. Test battery has been designed to test the physical readiness, psychological evaluation and biological blood markers for stress. Participants were followed up after 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively, within the intervention period. Weight of participants was tracked three times per month. Univariate analysis compared the continuous variables by One-Way Repeated-Measures ANOVA test when the data were normally distributed, or Wilcoxon rank sum test for abnormal distribution of variables.Results: Participants used the app with a compliance rate of 94.1%. The psychological evaluation revealed higher motivation for work, lower burnout scores and participants gave subjective responses of better general wellbeing. Some of the participants lost up to four kg of body mass. Physical readiness has also improved.Conclusions: Results of mHealth projects on corporate could include primary health care institutions and health ministry to extend the existing system to patients’ pockets where they can monitor their disease and increase the ability of self-care.
Genetic evidence for imported malaria and local transmission in Richard Toll, Senegal
Authors: Volkman Sarah K. , Sarr Oumar , Steketee Richard W. , Schaffner Stephen F. , Dieye Yakou , Dieng Gnagna , Hainsworth Michael , Fall Fatou B. , Diouf Coumba Ndoffene , Ndiop Medoune , Cissé Moustapha , Gueye Alioune Badara , Guinot Philippe , Daniels Rachel F. , Deme Awa B. , Bei Amy K. , Sy Mouhamad , Thwing Julie , MacInnis Bronwyn , Earle Duncan , Guinovart Caterina , Sene Doudou , Hartl Daniel L. , Ndiaye Daouda , Wirth Dyann F.
Published: July 2020

Background Malaria elimination efforts can be undermined by imported malaria infections. Imported infections are classified based on travel history. Methods A genetic strategy was applied to better understand the contribution of imported infections and to test for local transmission in the very low prevalence region of Richard Toll, Senegal. Results Genetic relatedness analysis, based upon molecular barcode genotyping data derived from diagnostic material, provided evidence for both imported infections and ongoing local transmission in Richard Toll. Evidence for imported malaria included finding that a large proportion of Richard Toll parasites were genetically related to parasites from Thiès, Senegal, a region of moderate transmission with extensive available genotyping data. Evidence for ongoing local transmission included finding parasites of identical genotype that persisted across multiple transmission seasons as well as enrichment of highly related infections within the households of non-travellers compared to travellers. Conclusions These data indicate that, while a large number of infections may have been imported, there remains ongoing local malaria transmission in Richard Toll. These proof-of-concept findings underscore the value of genetic data to identify parasite relatedness and patterns of transmission to inform optimal intervention selection and placement.
A modular multi-agent framework for innovation diffusion in changing business environments: conceptualization, formalization and implementation
Authors: Johanning Simon , Scheller Fabian , Abitz Daniel , Wehner Claudius , Bruckner Thomas
Published: July 2020

Understanding how innovations are accepted in a dynamic and complex market environment is a crucial factor for competitive advantage. To understand the relevant factors for this diffusion and to predict success, empirically grounded agent-based models have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Despite the popularity of these innovation diffusion models, no common framework that integrates their diversity exists. This article presents a flexible, modular and extensible common description and implementation framework that allows to depict the large variety of model components found in existing models. The framework aims to provide a theoretically grounded description and implementation framework for empirically grounded agent-based models of innovation diffusion.

It identifies 30 component requirements to conceptualize an integrated formal framework description. Based on this formal description, a java-based implementation allowing for flexible configuration of existing and future models of innovation diffusion is developed.

As a variable decision support tool in decision-making processes on the adoption of innovations the framework is valuable for the investigation of a range of research questions on innovation diffusion, business model evaluation and infrastructure transformation.
A pilot randomised trial of home-based rehabilitation compared to usual care in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and their caregiver’s (REACH-HFpEF study): a process evaluation.
Authors: Smith Karen , Lang Chim , Wingham Jenny , Frost Julia , Greaves Colin , Abraham Charles , Warren Fiona , Coyle Joanne , Jolly Kate , Miles Jackie , Paul Kevin , Doherty Patrick , Davis Russell , Dalal Hasnain , Taylor Rod S
Published: July 2020

Background: Whilst heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) affects almost 50 percent of the HF population, evidence-based treatment options remain limited. However, there is emerging growing evidence of the potential value of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. This study reports the process evaluation of the Rehabilitation Enablement in Chronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) intervention for HFpEF patients and their caregivers conducted as part of the REACH-HFpEF pilot trial. This study reports the process evaluation conducted as part of the REACH-HFpEF trial. Methods: Mixed methods Pprocess evaluation sub study parallel to a single centre (Tayside, Scotland) pilot randomised controlled trial with qualitativequantitative assessment of both intervention fidelity delivery and a qualitative exploration of HFpEF patients’ and caregivers’ experiences. The Rehabilitation EnAblement in Chronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) intervention consisted of self-help manual for patients and caregivers, facilitated over 12 weeks by trained healthcare professionals. Data included audio-recorded intervention sessions; demographic information; intervention fidelity scores; and qualitative interviews conducted following completion of intervention in a purposeful sample of 15 HFpEF patients and 7 caregivers.,Results: Intervention fidelity analysis was indicative of the adequate delivery of the majority of the REACH-HF components, with three items relating caregiver involvement (addressing emotional consequences of being a caregiver, caregiver health and well-being, and closure of the session) scoring poorly. Qualitative information from the facilitator interactions and interviews identified three key themes and a number of sub-themes for patients and caregivers: (1) understanding their condition (2) emotional consequences of HF, and (3) patients’ and caregivers’ responses to the REACH-HF intervention were uncovered by qualitative interviews. Different professional backgrounds and typical models of service delivery of facilitators demonstrate to possibility of delivering this through either our HF or CR services of a combination of the two.Conclusions: The REACH-HF home-based facilitated intervention for HFpEF appears feasible and well accepted model for delivery of a CR intervention, with the potential to address key unmet needs of patients and their caregivers who are often excluded from service provision and current CR programmes. Results of this study will inform a future recently funded full multicentre randomised clinical trial.
Self-perceived Workplace Discrimination and Mental Health Among Immigrant Workers in Italy: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Napoli Anteo Di , Rossi Alessandra , Baralla Francesca , Ventura Martna , Gatta Rosaria , Perez Minica , Sarchiapone Marco , Mirisola Concetta , Petrelli Alessio
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe process of immigration is associated with poor mental and physical health. While the workplace represents an important context of social integration, previous studies evaluating the effect of discrimination experienced in the workplace found worse mental health status among immigrants. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-perceived workplace discrimination and other personal experiences, such as self-perceived loneliness, level of life satisfaction, physical health, and mental well-being, among immigrants in Italy.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 12,408 immigrants (aged 15-64) living and working in Italy. Data derived from the first national survey on immigrants carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Mental health status was measured through the mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire. A linear multivariate linear regression was carried out to evaluate the association between mental health status, self-perceived workplace discrimination, and sociodemographic factors; a structural equation model was used to test hypothesized relationships shown in a conceptual path analysis model.ResultsWorse mental health status was independently (p<0.001) associated with self-perceived workplace discrimination (β:-1.873), self-perceived loneliness (β:-3.021), level of life satisfaction (β:-2.775), and physical health status (β:-0.088). As confirmed by the structural equation model, the effect of self-perceived workplace discrimination on MCS was mediated by the other factors considered: self-perceived loneliness (13.6%), level of life satisfaction (13.6%), and physical health status (3.9%).ConclusionsOur study suggests that self-perceived workplace discrimination is associated with worse mental health status in immigrant workers, through personal experiences in the workplace and explain the effect of the exposure to workplace discrimination on immigrants’ psychological well-being. Our findings suggest that an overall public health response is needed to facilitate the social integration of immigrants and their access to health services, particularly those services that address mental health issues.
An Empirical Analysis of the Socioeconomic and Demographic characteristics influencing Birth Certification in Nigeria
Authors: Anaduaka Uchechi Shirley
Published: July 2020

Background: Promoting birth certification is instrumental to achieving target 16.9 of the Sustainable Development Goals: legal identity for all by 2030. However, limited research has investigated the determinants of birth certification of children in the sub-Saharan African context. This study analyzes the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the birth certification of children under-five years in Nigeria.
Methods: The study employed three rounds of the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey involving 79487 children (0-4 years) in Nigeria. Birth certification was defined as whether a parent/caregiver had a child’s birth certificate at the time of the interview. Ordinary least squares and multilevel logistic regression models established the relationships between the socioeconomic and demographic factors and birth certification.
Results: Children under-five years who had a skilled attendant at birth, at least one vaccination, and maternal access to prenatal visits had about 25.6%, 60.5% and 35.0% higher odds of having their births certified. Children born to more educated mothers and fathers had 1.023 and 1.012 times the odds of birth certification. Children from average and rich households also had 13.2% and 34.2% higher odds of birth certification, respectively. Conversely, child age, higher birth order, longer birth intervals, polygyny, having at least two dead siblings, father being employed in a low skilled job, living far from a registration center and in a poor community are risk factors for birth certification. Maternal age at birth and paternal has non-linear, albeit weak effects on birth certification. Being large at birth, bank account ownership were also significant predictors of birth certification. Mixed effects were noted for religion, ethnicity and region. Finally, no significant effects were noted for gender, maternal occupation and rural residence.
Conclusions: The findings identify several socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with birth certification suggesting possible risks with improving birth certification in Nigeria. Access to health care and higher socioeconomic backgrounds are significant protectors of and distance to registration centers as obstacles to birth certification for children in Nigeria. Public policy strategies should encourage the use of health care services and also increase the number of registration centers in Nigeria.
Hypoxia induced interstitial transformation of microvascular endothelial cells by mediating HIF-1α/VEGF signaling in systemic scleroderma
Authors: Mao Jing , Liu Jiexiong , Zhou Mei , Wang Guiqiang , Xiong Xia , Deng Yongqiong
Published: July 2020

Background: Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a key pathological event for vasculopathy, and is one of the early features and hallmarks of systemic scleroderma (SSc). It has been well-established that hypoxia contributes to EndMT. However, little is known about the effects of EndMT induced by hypoxia on the skin microvascular remodeling of SSc, as well as the underlying mechanism. Methods: Skin biopsy was performed for SSc patients and healthy controls, and skin tissues were collected for isobaric tags for the relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics and immunohistochemical test. Human microvascular endothelial cell line-1 (HMEC-1) cultured in hypoxic or normal conditions was treated by tamoxifen or bevacizumab. The expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-a, CD31, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), VE-cadherin, and fibronectin were detected at both the protein and mRNA level.Results: The iTRAQ-based proteomics indicated the significantly upregulated HIF-1 signal in the skin tissues of SSc patients. The immunohistochemical results demonstrated the significant downregulation of endothelial cell (EC) marker CD31 and the distinct positive staining of interstitial cell (IC) marker α-SMA at sites that lined the vessel lumens in skin tissues of SSc. Meanwhile, the positive staining of HIF-1α, which is a key transcription factor in response to chronic hypoxia, and VEGF-a were found to be diffusely distributed in SSc skin tissues. Consistent with these observations, HMEC-1 cells cultured under hypoxic conditions exhibited a significant decrease in CD31 and VE-cadherin expression, alongside the marked increase in the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, as well as the distinct upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF-a, when compared with those under normal conditions. It is noteworthy that the inhibition of HIF-1α by tamoxifen effectively downregulated the hypoxic induction of VEGF-a and α-SMA, while rescuing the hypoxic suppression of CD31. In addition, the VEGF-a inhibitor bevacizumab treatment had the same effect on the hypoxic expression of α-SMA and CD31, as a tamoxifen intervention, but did not reduce HIF-1α. Conclusion: These results suggest that the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway has a critical role in mediating the effect of hypoxia-induced EndMT on the skin microvascular remodeling of SSc.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_000780 has been identified by genomic expression profile analysis as a potential diagnostic marker for gastric cancer
Authors: Song Jian , Yu Shuyong , Zhong Dunjing , Yang Weizhong , Jia Zhen , Yuan Guihong , Li Ping , Zhang Ronglin , Li Yini , Zhong Guobing , Chen Zhaowei
Published: July 2020

Background : The present study attempted to detect a specific circular RNA (circRNA) for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC). Methods: We selected four patients with GC for this study. The total RNA of the malignant and adjacent tissues was extracted, and the circRNA was screened. The eight most upregulated and downregulated circRNAs with a statistically significant relation to GC and paired adjacent nontumorous tissues were identified using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CircRNA expression was identified by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR in 78 cases of GC and adjacent tissues, and in the gastric fluids of 30 patients with chronic nonatrophic gastritis, 30 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, 21 with early GC, and 57 with advanced GC. Results: A total of 445 circRNAs, including 69 upregulated and 376 downregulated circRNAs, showed significant aberrant expression in GC tissues. A majority of the differentially expressed circRNAs originated from chr1, chr3, chr4, chr6, and chr11. Hsa_circ_000780 was significantly downregulated in 80.77% of GC tissues, and its level in GC tissues correlated with the tumor size, tumor stage, T stage, venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 expression. A crucial observation was the presence of this circRNA in the gastric fluid of patients with early and advanced GC. Conclusions: The present study uncovered a new hsa_circRNA expression profile in human GC, of which hsa_circ_000780 was significantly downregulated in GC tissues and in gastric fluid. It can be potentially used as a novel biomarker for early GC screening.
Occupational risk factors for shoulder chronic tendinous pathology in the Spanish automotive manufacturing sector: a case-control study.
Authors: DIEZ-CABALLERO BEATRIZ RODRIGUEZ , Alfonso-Beltran Joaquin , Bautista Iker J. , Pitarque Carlos Barrios
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Musculoskeletal Diseases (MSDs) are among the most prevalent health problems encountered in the workforce in Europe. Multiple risk factors contribute to their onset. In the present study, different individual risk factors for chronic tendinous pathology affecting the shoulder were analysed in a sample of workers from the automotive manufacturing sector. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted with 73 cases of officially recognised and compensated occupational diseases and 94 aleatory cases of healthy workers from the same car assembly company. The experimental group comprised individuals with tendinous chronic pathology of the rotator cuff. Multiple variables that identified the risks present in the job were assessed along with participants clinical evaluation. Furthermore, two standardised guidelines for risk factors assessment were also used: the Spanish National Institute of Social Security (INSS) and the American Occupational Information Network (O*Net). Both descriptive statistical analysis and Odds ratios calculations considering the occupational disease as a dependent variable were performed. Results: Using univariate analysis, the use of hand tools, exposure to mechanical pressure in the upper limbs and awkward postures were the most prevalent risk factors. Pressure on the palm of the hand and the hand tool impacting the hand were also important risk factors. Some psychosocial factors such as lack of autonomy and mental workload were also associated shoulder tendinous diseases. In the logistic regression model, age, load handling, and awkward postures were the core risk factors responsible for most of the tendinous chronic injuries of the shoulder in this sample of car assembly workers.Conclusions: Both ergonomic and psychosocial factors were present and increased the risk of developing occupational chronic tendinopathies at the shoulder in this sample of workers. Aging, load handling, and awkward postures showed the strongest predictive values. Greater knowledge of how risk factors interact would facilitate the design of better preventive workplace strategies.
Sedimentation and sediment geochemistry in a tropical mangrove channel meander, Sungai Kerteh, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Shaari Hasrizal Bin , Nasir Qatrunnada Mohd , Mohamed Che Abd Rahim , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz , Khalid Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd , Naim Erick , Setiawan Riza Yuliratno , Anthony Edward J.
Published: July 2020

Tropical mangrove swamps are commonly characterized by dense networks of tidal channels that may show pronounced meandering and dendritic patterns. Channel meanders are sometimes accompanied by cut offs, and, like classical fluvial meanders, record changes in hydrology and sedimentation over time. Channel meandering can, thus, be an important process that contributes to spatial and temporal variability in the preserved record of the sedimentology and geochemistry of mangrove sediments. The aim of this study is to highlight changes in channel meander sedimentation in response to a meander cut-off in a tropical mangrove swamp. Two short sediment cores were sampled, respectively from a point bar (core KR1, 122 cm) at the junction with the neck cut-off and inside the cut-off (core KR2, 98 cm) in the Sungai Kerteh mangroves of Peninsular Malaysia. The profile comparison was based on sediment characteristics, total organic carbon (TOC) and selected elements (Fe, Na, Mg, Mn, Ba and Sr). Sedimentation rates at both sites were determined from 210 Pb. A smaller standard deviation of mean grain size (MGS) was found at the point bar (4.37±0.51 ϕ) than in the cut-off (4.43 ±1.76 ϕ), indicating a difference in flow velocity between the two settings. A small difference in sedimentation rate between the upper (0.41 cm.yr -1 ) and bottom (0.50 cm.yr -1 ) parts of core KR1 suggests that water velocity at the point bar area has been rather uniform over the timescale of sedimentation. On the other hand, a higher sedimentation rate in the bottom (0.60 cm.yr -1 ), compared to the upper (0.39 cm.yr -1 ) part of core KR2 may reflect a reduction in sediment supply following cut-off. This change also resulted in increased accumulation of selected elements and TOC at the cut-off site from a depth of ~ 60 cm to the core-top segment probably associated with a slowing down of sediment settling. A higher TOC recorded in the cut-off (2.74±1.42%) compared to the point bar (1.14±0.46%) suggests a propensity for prolonged in-situ accumulation of organic matter in the abandoned meander bend. This study provides grain-size and sediment geochemical information that is consistent with patterns of long-term active and inactive sedimentation in the meander bends of mangrove channels.