bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Seismic Vulnerability Indices for Low-Rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings Including Data from the 6 February 2016 Taiwan Earthquake
Authors: Pujol Santiago , Laughery Lucas , Puranam Aishwarya , Hesam Pedram , Cheng Li-Hui , Lund Alana , Irfanoglu Ayhan ,   Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Purdue University 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA,   Hinman Consulting Engineers, Inc., California, USA
Published: January 2020

Communities need seismic vulnerability indices to identify which buildings are most susceptible to severe damage during earthquakes. To be of greatest value, these indices should be easy to use and should be vetted against data from previous earthquakes. To date, more than 800 reinforced concrete buildings have been surveyed after earthquakes for the purpose of evaluating a seismic vulnerability index proposed by Hassan and Sozen in 1997. This number includes 130 buildings surveyed after the 6 February 2016 earthquake in Taiwan. The data collected during these surveys consist of descriptions and photographs of damage, structural sketches, and measurements. Analyses of the data indicate that probability of severe damage and failure increases with decreasing column index and wall index (normalized measures of column and wall areas). They also suggest that the exact form of the threshold used to distinguish more vulnerable structures from less vulnerable structures is of little consequence in terms of the probable cost and benefits of the strengthening program this threshold may inform.
ANALYSIS OF THE ACRONYM WRITING ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN OF THE 2019-2024 PERIOD
Authors: Faisal Abdul Haris
Published: January 2020

Abstract

This study discusses the renewal carried out by the acronym needed in campaign campaigns for presidential and vice-presidential candidates. To find out the errors related to the acronym that existed in the campaign viewer, this study used a qualitative descriptive method. The results of this study indicate the facts that appear on promotional devices. Mistakes in using this acronym are needed in campaign campaigns for the election of presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The error was issued by a selection error that was too imposing.

Keywords: acronyms, errors, and campaign props
EVALUATIVE LANGUAGE IN THE DISCOURSE OF CEBONG VS KAMPRET (‘TADPOLE VS MICROBATS’) ON TWITTER
Authors: Fadly Ahmad
Published: January 2020

As an interactive social media, Twitter gives significat role in creating social systems. Evaluative language was intensively used on the social media. The Cebong vs Kampret issue coloured on Twitter and polarized people. By using data Tweet and Reply from Twitter during 2019 this researcher investigates evaluative language. This research results that Twitter community were very emotionally force and defense on the Cebong vs Kampret issue, depicted from many evaluative languages classified into subsystem attitude. Subsystem graduation was also intensively used in accordance to that issue. It means that Twitter community emphasized on semantic scale in evaluating things and person.
Designing ICT Competences-Integrated Grammar Assessment Instruments for English Language Study Program
Authors: Pelawi Rinawati , Sri Sumarni  , Darmahusni
Published: January 2020

Technological advancements affect many areas, including education. Proven to bring positive impacts in education, ICT is greatly expected in teaching, learning and assessment. Hence, there is a greater necessity for teachers and lectures to integrate ICT into their teaching, learning, and assessment. This study focuses on the assessment instrument for Grammar course of higher education for English Language Education Study Program. The analysis showed that the ICT Competences integration in the assessment instrument did not reach the levels that are meant for higher education based on standard frameworks UNESCO ICT Competency, EPG and the CEFR. This study aims to design ICT competences-integrated grammar assessment instruments for undergraduate English Language Education Study Program by using standard frameworks UNESCO ICT CFT, EPG and the CEFR. This study adapted Design and Development Research by Peffers. Based on the international standard frameworks, the results of the analyses suggest that the ICT competences of the existing assessment instruments are in the basic phase of EPG and knowledge acquisition level of UNESCO ICT Competency Framework. And the grammatical features are spread from level A2 to C1. Thus, the study proposed a design of ICT Competences-integrated grammar assessment instruments for English Language Education Study Program.

Keywords: ICT competence; assessment instruments; UNESCO ICT; EPG.
Egypt, Empire, and the Gaelic Literary Imagination
Authors: Dziennik Matthew , Newton Micheal
Published: January 2020

This article presents an edition, translation, and analysis of a Scottish Gaelic song by the Reverend Seumas MacLagain [James McLagan] (1728-1805) about the battle of Alexandria of 1801. This text, which has not received any previous scholarly attention, is a rare illustration of an attempt of a member of the Gaelic intelligentsia to re-frame Gaelic identity and history so as to reconcile them with the agenda of British imperialism. While largely unmentioned in analysis of Gaelic Scotland, the victory in Egypt was a crucial moment that was used by McLagan and others to draw the Gaidhealtachd into a British sphere more completely than ever before. By exploring the motifs, formulas, and devices used by McLagan in his song, and contrasting them with other Gaelic and pan-British approaches to the victory in Egypt, this article challenges assumptions about the nature of Gaelic military song in this era and suggests the importance of British imperialism to the Gaelic literary imagination in the early nineteenth century.
Alexander D. Campbell. The Life and Works of Robert Baillie (1602-1662): Politics, Religion and Record-Keeping in the British Civil Wars.
Authors: White Jason Cameron
Published: January 2020

Alexander D. Campbell. The Life and Works of Robert Baillie (1602-1662): Politics, Religion and Record-Keeping in the British Civil Wars. St. Andrews Studies in Scottish History. Woodbridge, UK: Boydell and Brewer, 2017. Pp. 259. ISBN: 978-1-78327-184-9. USD $120.00.
Marilyn Laura Bowman. James Legge and the Chinese Classics: A Brilliant Scot in the Turmoil of Colonial Hong Kong.
Authors: Smith Norman
Published: January 2020

Marilyn Laura Bowman. James Legge and the Chinese Classics: A Brilliant Scot in the Turmoil of Colonial Hong Kong. Victoria: Friesen Press, 2016. Pp. viii and 614. ISBN 978-1-4602-8882-5. $45.99.
Michael Newton, ed. Seanchaidh na Coille~Memory Keeper of the Forest: Anthology of Scottish Gaelic Literature of Canada.
Authors: Falzett Tiber
Published: January 2020

Michael Newton, ed. Seanchaidh na Coille~Memory Keeper of the Forest: Anthology of Scottish Gaelic Literature of Canada. Sydney: Cape Breton University Press. 2015. pp. i-xix; 1-570. ISBN-13: 978-1-77206-016-4; ISBN-10: 1-77206-016-X. $27.95
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Backwash Flow in Nutshell Filter
Authors: Sadeghi F. , Bashiri Hamed , Vissers A. J. W. H.
Published: January 2020

The granular nutshell filter is commonly used as deep-bed media filter to remove insoluble hydrocarbons and suspended solids from water. The important advantage of using such a filter is the ability to backwash and regenerate the media. The process of backwash includes fluidization of the media by applying two fluid flows: backwash flow that is upward vs. a jet flow that is downward. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of such fluidization was performed for a pilot-scale nutshell filter. The effect of the backwash flow, jet flow, and medium depth in the filter on the fluidization quality during the backwash mode of the filter were investigated. The media fluidization uniformity was studied as the media depth and flow patterns varied. A fair consistency was observed between the experimental values and the results obtained by CFD analysis. It was observed that the longer the media depth, the more uniform the media fluidization will occur. Increasing the media depth resulted in longer fluidization times. Shorter media-depth filters are more sensitive to jet flows. For shorter filters, when the jet flow was reduced, a more uniform fluidization was obtained. The fluidization time (the time for the media to reach the top of the vessel) is strongly related to the jet flow for both shorter- and longer-depth media filters. For long-depth media filters, the effect of increasing the backwash flow and reducing the jet flow on the uniformity of media fluidization vs. the fluidization time was studied. The velocity pattern for the fluid showed vortices close to the floor screen in lower mid-depths of the filter. The CFD analysis for the commercial-scale nutshell filter with a diameter of 12 ft (3.65 m) and height of 8 ft (2.4 m) showed a similar vortex pattern with uniform media fluidization.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among antenatal clinic attendees in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors: MUSTAPHA GARBA UMAR , Ibrahim Abdulrasul , Balogun Muhammad Shakir , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Mamman Aisha Indo
Published: January 2020

Background: Hepatitis B virus disease is a potentially life-threatening liver infection and a major global health problem. It causes chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. WHO estimated 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and in 2015 alone HBV resulted in to 887,000 deaths globally. We determined the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among Antenatal Care (ANC) attendees in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional, health facility-based study between March and April 2018. We used systematic random sampling technique to recruit 210 pregnant women aged 15-49 years. With a structured questionnaire, we interviewed the respondents and collected blood sample to test for hepatitis B surface antigen. We calculated frequencies, means, proportions, and tested for associations using Epi Info 7.2 and Microsoft Excel.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 24.5 ± 6.0 years; 112 (53%) of whom were younger than 25 years. All were married, 183 (87%) had no formal education and up to 190 (90%) were employed. Overall, 14 (6.7%) tested positive for HBsAg; women aged ≥35 years had the highest prevalence (10%). None with tertiary education tested positive and women married before 18 years had 13 (6.2%) prevalence.
Conclusions: The prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women in Gamawa LGA was 6.7% which is quite lower than the national prevalence reported. We recommended improved surveillance of HBV infection and screening of women attending ANC.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis B Surface antigen, Prevalence, Pregnancy, Health facilities, Hepatitis B
Child Characteristics and Early Intervention Referral and Receipt of Services: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: McManus Beth , Richardson Zachary , Schenkman Margaret , Murphy Natalie , Everhart Rachel , Hambidge Simon , Morrato Elaine
Published: January 2020

Background Early Intervention (EI) is a federally mandated, state-administered system of care for children with developmental delays and disabilities under the age of three. Gaps exist in the process of accessing EI through pediatric primary care, and low rates of EI access are well documented and disproportionately affect poor and minority children. The aims of this paper are to examine child characteristics associated with gaps in EI (1) referral, (2) access and (3) service use. To our knowledge, this is the first study to leverage linked safety net health system pediatric primary care and EI records data to follow EI-referred children longitudinally to understand EI service use gaps from EI referral to EI service utilization. Methods In a retrospective cohort design (14,710 children with developmental disability or delay), we linked pediatric primary care records between a large, integrated safety net health system in metro Denver and its corresponding EI program (2014-2016). Using adjusted marginal effects [ME, (95% CI)], we estimated gaps in EI referral, access, and service type (i.e., physical [PT], occupational [OT], speech therapy [ST] and developmental intervention [DI]). Analyses accounted for child characteristics including socio-demographics, diagnosis, condition severity, and baseline function. Results Only 18.7% of EI-eligible children (N=2,726) received a referral; 26% of those (N=722) received services for a net enrollment rate of 5% among EI-eligible children. Having the most severe developmental condition was positively associated with EI referral [ME=0.334 [0.249, 0.420]) and Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) receipt [ME=0.156 [0.088, 0.223]). Children less likely to be EI-referred were Black, non-Hispanic (BNH) [ME=-0.029 (-0.054, -0.004)] and had a diagnosed condition ([ME=-0.046 (-0.087, -0.005)]. Children with a diagnosis and those with higher income were more likely to receive PT or OT. Higher baseline cognitive and adaptive skills were associated with lower likelihood of PT [ME=-0.029 (-0.054, -0.004)], OT [ME=-0.029 (-0.054, -0.004)], and ST [ME=-0.029 (-0.054, -0.004)]. Conclusions We identified and characterized gaps in EI referral, access, and service use in an urban safety-net population of children with high rates of developmental delay. Interventions are needed to improve integrated systems of care affecting primary care and EI processes and coordination.
Association among cytokine profiles of innate and adaptive immune responses and clinical-virological features in untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Gu Yurong , Lian Yifan , Zheng Qiaolan , Huang Zexuan , Gu Lin , Bi Yanhua , Li Jing , Huang Yanlin , Wu Yuankai , Chen Lubiao , Huang Yuehua
Published: January 2020

Background: Complete clearance of intracellular viruses depends on effector cells of innate and adaptive immune systems. This study aimed to identify the relationships among antiviral cytokines produced by natural killer (NK) and T cells and clinical-virological characteristics in untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.
Methods: We measured antiviral cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) produced by T, NK and natural killer T (NKT) cells, respectively, in a cohort with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB). We also correlated these cytokines with clinical-virological characteristics using a linear regression model.
Results: levels of IFN-γ + and TNF-α + CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were significantly higher in immune active (IA) phase than in other phases. Immune tolerant (IT) patients showed the lowest expression of IFN-γ by NK and NKT cells, and TNF-α by NK cells. IFN-γ + , TNF-α + and IL-2 + CD4 + and CD8 + T cells frequencies were similar between IA and gray zone (GZ) phases. Principal component analysis based on cytokines confirmed that most IT patients significantly differed from inactive carriers (IC) and IA patients, while GZ patients were widely scattered. Multivariate analysis showed both T and NK cells producing IFN-γ and TNF-α, but not IL-2, had significant association with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Moreover, IFN-γ + NKT cells were associated with HBV DNA, while IFN-γ + CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were correlated with age.
Conclusion : HBV clinical phases are characterized by distinct cytokine signatures, which showed relationship to viral features in these untreated CHB patients.
Closing the (incarceration) gap: Assessing the socio-economic and clinical indicators of Indigenous males by lifetime incarceration status
Authors: Shepherd Stephane M , Spivak Benjamin , Ashford Linda Joyce , Williams Isabel , Trounson Justin , Paradies Yin
Published: January 2020

Background

“Closing the Gap” is an Australian government strategy that was established to address the inequality in health and education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Although some gains have been realised, progress has been ostensibly slow. One potential obstacle is the large number of Indigenous Australians in prison. 1 in 5 to 1 in 6 Indigenous Australian males are currently imprisoned or have previously been imprisoned. Recent work has also pointed to a widening socio-economic gap within the Indigenous population. Given the myriad social, wellbeing and environmental risk factors associated with justice-involvement, it is conceivable that incarceration may contribute to the increasing disparities found within the Indigenous population. This study aimed to explore the presence and extent of an ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous population and to uncover which social factors characterise the disparity.

Methods

The study utilised data from the 2014-5 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS). A number of socio-economic, environmental and clinical factors were compared by life-time incarceration status. Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between incarceration status and each of the comparison variables.

Results

Disparities were observed within the Indigenous Australian population across a number of important health and socio-economic markers by incarceration status - the most pronounced being for educational obtainment – year 10 completion (Never incarcerated 73%, Ever incarcerated 50%), labour force participation (Never incarcerated 56%, Ever incarcerated 26%) and drug/alcohol problems (Never incarcerated 7%, Ever incarcerated 29%). Never-incarcerated Indigenous males yielded aggregate proportions across numerous variables that approximated or matched general Australian population estimates.

Conclusions

There appears to be evidence for an ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous Australian population. It is evident that the national ‘closing the gap’ strategy necessitates contending with Indigenous over-incarceration.
Factors Associated with Salmonella Infection in Patients with Gastrointestinal Complaints Seeking Health Care at Regional Hospital in Southern Highland of Tanzania
Authors: Ngogo Fadhili Ashery , Joachim Agricola , Abade Ahmed M , Rumisha Susan F , Mizinduko Mucho M , Majigo Mtebe Venance
Published: January 2020

Background
Salmonellosis remains an important public health problem globally. The disease is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries that experience poor hygiene and lack of access to clean and safe water. There was an increase in reported cases of Salmonellosis in Njombe region, Southern Highland of Tanzania between 2015 and 2016, based on clinical diagnosis. Nevertheless, little is known about the factors contributing to the transmission of this disease in the region. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and factors associated with Salmonella infection among patients who report gastrointestinal complaints.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to February 2018 among patients with gastrointestinal complaints at Kibena Regional Hospital. Stool samples were submitted for isolation of Salmonella spp. Identification was based on conventional biochemical tests and serotyping to differentiate typhoid and non-typhoid Salmonella (NTS). Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors independently associated with Salmonella infection.
Results
The prevalence of Salmonella infection among participants with gastrointestinal complaints was 16.5% (95% CI: 12.7-21.1) of them, 83.7%, 95% CI: 70.9-91.5 were NTS while 16.3%, 95% CI: 8.5-29.0 were Typhoid Salmonella species.
All isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, whereas 27.8% and 100% were resistant to co-trimoxazole and ampicillin respectively. The odd of Salmonella infection was fourfold higher among participants with formal employment (AOR 3.8, 95% CI, 1.53-9.40). Use of water from wells/rivers (AOR 2.2, 95% CI, 1.07-4.45), drinking untreated water (AOR 2.6, 95% CI, 1.21-5.48) and often eating at a restaurant (AOR 3.4, 95% CI, 1.28-8.93) had increased odds of Salmonella infection. Likewise, having abdominal pain (AOR 8.5, 95% CI, 1.81-39.78) and diarrhea (AOR 2.3, 95% CI, 1.12-4.68) were independent symptoms that predict Salmonella infection.
Conclusion
There is a high prevalence of Salmonella infection among people who report gastrointestinal complaints and it is clinically predicated by diarhoea and abdominal pain. Employed participants and those eating at restaurant and drinking unsafe water had higher risk of infection. Salmonella spp causing gastroenteritis has developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Factors associated with high-risk low-level viremia leading to virologic failure: 16-year retrospective study of a Chinese antiretroviral therapy cohort
Authors: Zhang Tong , Ding Haibo , An Minghui , Wang Xiaonan , Tian Wen , Zhao Bin , Han Xiaoxu
Published: January 2020

Background: Low level viremia (LLV) often occurs during antiretroviral therapy (ART) against HIV-1. However, whether LLV increases the risk of virologic failure (VF) is controversial because of the non-uniform definitions of LLV and VF. Methods: A long-term first line regimen ART cohort from 2002–2018 from Shenyang, northeast China, was retrospectively studied. All participants were followed up every 3 to 6 months to evaluate the treatment effect. The high-risk LLV subgroups leading to VF (with strict standards) were explored with Cox proportional hazards model and linear mixed-effect model. The association factors of high-risk LLV were further explored using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 2155 HIV-1 infected participants were included; of these, 38.7% showed LLV. Both high level LLV (HLLV) and any other level LLV coupled with high level blip (HLB) showed higher risk of VF (hazards ratios, HRHLLV=5.93, and HRHLB=2.84, p<0.05 respectively). Moreover, HR increased with prolonged duration of LLV. Independent factors associated with high-risk LLV included the zenith baseline viral load (VL) above 6 log copies/ml (aOR=3.49, p=0.002), nadir baseline CD4+T cell counts below 200 cells/mm3 (aOR=1.78, p=0.011), Manchu (aOR=2.03, p=0.003), ART over 60 months (aOR=1.81, p=0.004), AZT+3TC+NVP (aOR=2.26, p<0.001) or DDI-based regimen (aOR=9.96, p=0.002), and subtype B’ infection (aOR=8.22, p=0.001). Conclusions: In case of VF with strict standards, high-risk LLV leading to VF includes VL above 400 copies/ml, occurring at least once. Serious laboratory indicators or advanced stage of infection, long term ART and subtype B’ infection might also predict the occurrence of high-risk LLV.
An analysis of clinical risk factors for adolescent scoliosis caused by spinal cord abnormalities in China: Proposal for a selective whole-spine MRI examination scheme
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Xiangyang , Zhu Ying , Zhu Xiaodong , li zhikun , Li Dachuan , Jia Jianjun , Chen Liwei , Wang Silian , Bai Yushu , Li Ming
Published: January 2020

Objective This study examined the risk factors for non-idiopathic scoliosis with intramedullary abnormalities(IA).
Method The clinical data of adolescent patients between July 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, were reviewed. According to the whole-spine MRI results, the patients were divided into either the idiopathic group or the intramedullary abnormality group. 12 data were compared between the two groups. Student’s t test and the chi-square test were used to evaluate the differences in the continuous variables and categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlation between the multivariate risk factors and intramedullary abnormalities.
Result A total of 714 adolescent patients with scoliosis with a mean age of 13.5 (10-18 years) were included in the study, and IA were found in 68 (9.5%) patients. There were statistically significant differences in the incidence rates of intramedullary abnormalities between males and females, left and right thoracic curvatures, angular scoliosis and smooth scoliosis, and abnormal abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus (P<0.01). Logistic regression showed that the ratios for sex, scoliosis direction, scoliosis type, abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus were 2.987, 3.493, 4.823, 3.94 and 8.083, respectively. The ROC curve showed a sensitivity of 66.18% and a specificity of 89.01%(0.5519).
Conclusion The incidence of scoliosis caused by IA was approximately 9.5%.The risk factors associated with AS caused by abnormal IA included the male sex, thoracic scoliosis on the left side, a sharp curvature of the spine, an abnormal abdominal wall reflex and ankle clonus.
Predictive Value of Admission D-dimer for Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury and Poor Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Lin Kai-Yang , Chen Han-Chuan , Jiang Hui , Wang Sun-Ying , Chen Hong-mei , Wu Zhi-Yong , Jiang Feng , Guo Yan-Song , ZHU PENG-LI
Published: January 2020

Introduction: DD was found to be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and renal insufficiency. However, it is uncertain whether DD is an independent risk factor of CI-AKI in patients undergoing pPCI. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 550 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between January 2012 and December 2016. The predictive value of admission DD for CI-AKI was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analysis. CI-AKI was defined as an absolute serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dl or a relative increase in serum creatinine ≥50% within 48 h of contrast medium exposure. Results: Overall, the incidence of CI-AKI was 13.1%. The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff point of DD was 0.69 ug/ml for predicting CI-AKI with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 57.3%. The predictive value of DD was similar to the Mehran score for CI-AKI (AUCDD=0.729 vs AUCMehran=0.722; p =0.8298). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DD >0.69 ug/ml was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio[OR]=3.37,95％CI:1.80-6.33, p <0.0001). Furthermore, DD >0.69 ug/ml was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality during a mean follow-up period of 16 months(hazard ratio=3.41, 95%CI:1.4-8.03, p =0.005). Conclusion: Admission DD >0.69 ug/ml is a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term mortality in patients undergoing pPCI.
Conserved associations between G-quadruplex-forming DNA motifs and virulence gene families in malaria parasites
Authors: Gage Hunter L. , Merrick Catherine J.
Published: January 2020

Background: The Plasmodium genus of malaria parasites encodes several families of antigen-encoding genes. These genes tend to be hyper-variable, highly recombinogenic and variantly expressed. The best-characterized family is the var genes, exclusively found in the Laveranian subgenus of malaria parasites infecting humans and great apes. Var genes encode major virulence factors involved in immune evasion and the maintenance of chronic infections. In the human parasite P. falciparum, var gene recombination and diversification appear to be promoted by G-quadruplex (G4) DNA motifs, which are strongly associated with var genes in P. falciparum. Here, we investigated how this association might have evolved across Plasmodium species – both Laverania and also more distantly related species which lack vars but encode other, more ancient variant gene families. Results: The association between var genes and G4-forming motifs was conserved across Laverania, spanning ~1 million years of evolutionary time, with suggestive evidence for evolution of the association occurring within this subgenus. In rodent malaria species, G4-forming motifs were somewhat associated with pir genes, but this was not conserved in the Laverania, nor did we find a strong association of these motifs with any gene family in a second outgroup of avian malaria parasites. Secondly, we compared two different G4 prediction algorithms in their performance on extremely A/T-rich Plasmodium genomes, and also compared these predictions with experimental data from G4-seq, a DNA sequencing method for identifying G4-forming motifs. We found a surprising lack of concordance between the two algorithms and also between the algorithms and G4-seq data. Conclusions: G4-forming motifs are uniquely strongly associated with Plasmodium var genes, suggesting a particular role for G4s in recombination and diversification of these genes. Secondly, in the A/T-rich genomes of Plasmodium species, the choice of prediction algorithm may be particularly influential when studying G4s in these important protozoan pathogens.
Genome wide association analysis on semen volume and milk yield using different strategies of imputation to whole genome sequence in French dairy goats
Authors: Talouarn Estelle , Bardou Philippe , Palhière Isabelle , Oget Claire , Clément Virginie , Tosser-Klopp Gwenola , Rupp Rachel , Robert-Granié Christèle
Published: January 2020

Background:Goats were domesticated 10,500 years ago to supply humans with useful resources. Since then, specialized breeds that are adapted to their local environment have been developed and display specific genetic profiles. The VarGoats project is a 1,000 genomes resequencing program designed to cover the genetic diversity of theCapragenus. In this study, our main objective was to assess the use of sequence data to detect genomic regions associated with traits of interest in French Alpine and Saanen breeds.Results:Direct imputation from the GoatSNP50 BeadChip genotypes to sequence level was investigated in these breeds using FImpute and different reference panels: within-breed, allCapra hircussequenced individuals, European goats and French mainland goats. The best results were obtained with the French goat panel with allele and genotype concordance rates reaching 0.86 and 0.75 in the Alpine and 0.86 and 0.73 in the Saanen breed respectively. Mean correlations tended to be low in both breeds due to the high proportion of variants with low frequencies.For association analysis, imputation was performed using FImpute for 1,129 French Alpine and Saanen males using within-breed and French panels on 23,338,436 filtered variants. The association results of both imputation scenarios were then compared. In Saanen goats, a large region on chromosome 19 was significantly linked to semen volume and milk yield in both scenarios. Significant variants for milk yield were annotated for 91 genes on chromosome 19 in Saanen goats. For semen volume, the annotated genes include YBOX2 which is related to azoospermia or oligospermia in other species. New signals for milk yield were detected on chromosome 2 in Alpine goats and on chromosome 5 in Saanen goats when using a multi-breed panel.Conclusion:Even with very small reference populations, an acceptable imputation quality can be achieved in French dairy goats. GWAS on imputed sequences confirmed the existence of QTLs and identified new regions of interest in dairy goats. Adding identified candidates to a genotyping array and sequencing more individuals might corroborate the involvement of identified regions while removing potential imputation errors.
Spouse’s participation in perinatal care: a qualitative study
Authors: mehran nahid , Hajian Sepideh , simbar Masoumeh , majd hamid alavi
Published: January 2020

Background: Pregnancy is one of the most important and sensitive periods for any woman that in the case of the support of her relatives, especially her spouse, feels more ability to tolerate it’s difficulties and gives them good memory. However, there are very few studies about the participation of spouses/partners in perinatal period in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to explain the concept of spouses' participation in perinatal care.
Methods: This is a qualitative study that was carried out in Qom, Iran in 2018. Purposive sampling was done from pregnant or postpartum women, spouses, midwifery care providers and key informants according to study inclusion criteria. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out until data saturation. Data analysis was done based on conventional content analysis approach according to Graneheim & Lundman steps and using MaxQDA software (v.10). To ensure the trustworthiness of data, the five Guba and Lincoln criteria were used. Also, COREQ checklist was used for reporting this qualitative research.
Results: fifty-three final codes were classified into 18 sub-categories, 7 main categories and 3 themes include of empathy (emotional understanding, cognitive understanding), accountability (supporting, position management, compassion) and consequences (help improve family function, improve maternal-neonatal health).
Conclusion: since, spouses’ participatory behaviors in perinatal period can lead to improve maternal and neonatal health and family function, it is necessary to be considered in family-based health promotion policies and programming based on these policies such as improving the public culture of spouse participation in the process of child-rearing.
Key words: spouse, partner, participation, perinatal care
Targeting of immunosuppressive myeloid cells from glioblastoma patients by modulation of size and surface charge of lipid nanocapsules
Authors: Pinton Laura , Magri Sara , Masetto Elena , Vettore Marina , Schibuola Ilaria , Ingangi Vincenzo , Marigo Ilaria , Matha Kevin , Benoit Jean-Pierre , Puppa Alessandro Della , Bronte Vincenzo , Lollo Giovanna , Mandruzzato Susanna
Published: January 2020

Background: Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) and Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) are two of the major players involved in the inhibition of anti-tumor immune response in cancer patients, leading to poor prognosis. Selective targeting of myeloid cells has therefore become an attractive therapeutic strategy to relieve immunosuppression and, in this frame, we previously demonstrated that lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) loaded with lauroyl-modified gemcitabine efficiently target monocytic MDSCs in melanoma patients. In this study, we investigated the impact of the physico-chemical characteristics of LNCs, namely size and surface potential, towards immunosuppressive cell targeting. We exploited myeloid cells isolated from glioblastoma patients, which play a relevant role in the immunosuppression, to demonstrate that tailored nanosystems can target not only tumor cells but also tumor-promoting cells, thus constituting an efficient system that could be used to inhibit their function.
Results: The incorporation of different LNC formulations with a size of 100 nm, carrying overall positive, neutral or negative charge, was evaluated on leukocytes and tumor-infiltrating cells freshly isolated from glioblastoma patients. We observed that the maximum LNC uptake was obtained in monocytes with neutral 100 nm LNCs, while positively charged 100 nm LNCs were more effective on macrophages and tumor cells, maintaining at low level the incorporation by T cells. The mechanism of uptake was elucidated, demonstrating that LNCs are incorporated mainly by caveolae-mediated endocytosis.
Conclusions: We demonstrated that LNCs can be directed towards immunosuppressive cells by simply modulating their size and charge and provided a novel approach to exploit nanosystems for anticancer treatment in the frame of immunotherapy.
Characterization of Cystoisospora suis sexual stages in vitro
Authors: Feix Anna Sophia , Cruz-Bustos Teresa , Ruttkowski Bärbel , Joachim Anja
Published: January 2020

Background:
The porcine coccidium Cystoisospora suis is characterized by a complex life cycle during which asexual multiplication is followed by sexual development with two morphologically distinct cell types, the micro- and macrogametes. Genes related to the sexual stages and cell cycle progression were previously identified in related Apicomplexa. Here, the sexual stages of C. suis were characterized in vitro morphologically and for temporal expression changes of the mentioned genes to gain insight into this poorly known phase of coccidian development.
Methods:
Sexual stages of C. suis (micro- and macrogametes) developing in vitro in porcine intestinal epithelial cells were examined by light and electron microscopy. The transcriptional levels of genes related to merozoite multiplication and sexual development were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR at different time points of cultivation. Dynein light chain and male gamete fusion factor HAP2 expression is presumably restricted to microgametes. Tyrosin-rich proteins are a part of the wall-forming bodies and oocyst wall proteins. The RAD51/Dmc1 protein plays a role during the cell division process, and Nima-related protein kinases regulate the cell cycle and are associated with male or female Plasmodium gametocytes. Transcription levels were compared for parasites in culture supernatants at 6–9 doc (day of cultivation) and intracellular parasites at 6–15 doc.
Results:
Sexual stage of C. suis could be found during 8–11 doc in vitro . Microgametes had a spherical body (3.0–5.0 µm) and two flagella (10.8–12.3 µm). Macrogametes were spherical with a diameter of 11.5–13.0 µm. Merozoite gene transcription peaked on 10 doc and then declined. Genes related to the sexual stages and cell cycle showed an upregulation with a peak on 13 doc, after which they declined.
Conclusions:
The present work linked gene expression changes to the detailed morphological description of C. suis sexual development in vitro , including fertilization, meiosis and oocyst formation in vitro . Following this process at the cellular and molecular level will elucidate details on potential bottlenecks of development of C. suis (and coccidian parasites in general) which could be exploited as novel targets for control.
Echocardiographic signs of subclinical cardiac function impairment in Duchenne dystrophy gene carriers
Authors: Kincl Vladimír , Panovský Roman , Pešl Martin , Máchal Jan , Juříková Lenka , Haberlová Jana , Masárová Lucia
Published: January 2020

Aim to assess subclinical cardiac function impairment in Duchenne dystrophy (DMD) female carriers Methods Forty-four female subjects proved as DMD carriers underwent echocardiographic examination including tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of mitral and tricuspid annulus. Seventeen age-matched healthy female subjects served as controls. Results A significant differences in peak systolic annular velocity (Sa) between carriers and controls were found for lateral and septal part of the mitral annulus and for tricuspid annulus (0.09 vs 0.11 m/s, p<0.001, 0.08 vs 0.09 m/s, p<0.01 and 0.13 vs 0.14 m/s, p=0.02 respectively). There was also difference in early diastolic velocity (Ea) of the septal part of the mitral annulus (0.11 vs 0.13 m/s, p=0.03). Conclusion The subclinical deterioration of systolic function is presented even in asymptomatic DMD female carriers.
The efficacy of Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures received surgery: study protocol for a randomized, blinded, controlled trial
Authors: Yin Mengchen , Yan Yinjie , Fan Zhaoxiang , Fang Niankang , Wan Hongbo , Mo Wen , Wu Xuequn
Published: January 2020

Background: Intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) is increasing with the rapid increase in the aging population, often causes a high mortality rate in old patients and increases the economic burden of the family and society. ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) is a powerful guarantee for patients to accelerate their recovery after surgery. TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) promote repair of injured tissues and eliminate traumatic aseptic inflammation. Therefore, this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the clinical effect of the evidence-based ERAS pathway of integrating TCM with and western medicine on perioperative outcomes in ITF patients undergoing intramedullary fixation, and provide reliable evidence-based data for applying the program to clinical practice.
Methods/design: We will conduct a prospective randomized, blinded, controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of ERAS care pathway with traditional care pathway, and to investigate whether the ERAS care pathway can improve the perioperative outcome in ITF patients undergoing intramedullary fixation. A total of 60 patients with ITF will be enrolled and treated with the two care pathway, respectively. Length of stay, economic indicators, Harris score, VAS score, time get out of bed, 30-day readmission rates, postoperative transfusion rates, discharge to home and mortality will be evaluated. Any signs of acute adverse reactions will be recorded at each visit during treatment.
Discussion: Although an evidence-based process using the best available literature and Delphi expert-opinion method has been used to establish an ERAS pathway of integrating TCM with western medicine. But, there is a lack of consensus about its effectiveness. This trial will provide convincing evidence about the effect of ERAS pathway
Trial registration: Registered on 12 Oct 2019; Trial number is ChiCTR190t0026487
Keywords: intertrochanteric fracture; enhanced recovery after surgery; perioperative period; integrating TCM with and western medicine; randomized controlled trial
Walking in the Hibbot, an innovative walking aid improves gait characteristics in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hallemans Ann , Cuppers Ria , Truijen Steven , Ego Frank , Moens Marian , Wenmakers Dirk , Caers Philippe , Lebeer Jo
Published: January 2020

Background: Crouch gait is a common gait impairment in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Growing up and gaining weight, lever arm dysfunctions further deteriorate and walking efficiency progressively worsens over time with risk of losing ambulant capacity in adolescent life. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether walking in an innovative walking aid can reduce the flexed gait pattern by improving alignment of the lower extremity joints and improving weight bearing. Methods: A semi-robotic walking aid called “Hibbot has been designed, which can be used in rehabilitation and daily-life settings. In a cross-sectional study, five children with CP, aged 3-7 years, were familiarized with the Hibbot, by using the walking aid for 30 minutes, twice a week during 3 months under the supervision of their physiotherapists, who were instructed how to use the Hibbot. Using 3D gait analysis kinematics of the lower limb and trunk as well peak vertical ground reaction forces were compared between walking in their habitual (or no) walking aid and walking in the Hibbot, using a paired samples t-test (p < 0.05, spm1d.org). Results: After the familiarization period of 3 months, a significant improvement in hip extension (mean difference 9.4 ± 1.4°) and knee extension (mean difference 10.1 ± 0.5°) during stance was observed when walking in the Hibbot compared to habitual walking. Improvements were also observed in trunk posture. However, differences in peak forces between habitual walking and walking in the Hibbot could not be confirmed. Conclusions: These results are promising as to the possibility of the Hibbot walking aid in counteracting a flexed gait pattern. Further research is necessary to investigate the net joint moments and muscle forces explaining the higher knee and hip extension and improved trunk posture while walking in the Hibbot. Furthermore research should focus on determining which children with CP would benefit most, what are contraindications and what dose effects are to be expected. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04172324. Registered November 21 st , 2019 - Retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04172324
Psychometric Evaluation of Persian Version of the Prenatal Health Behavior Scale
Authors: ghiasvand malihe , Ozgoli Giti , kariman Nourossadat
Published: January 2020

Objective Prenatal behavior, including nutrition, exercise, drug use and smoking, affects health of a pregnant woman and her fetus. Psychometric evaluation of the Prenatal Health Behavior Scale (PHBS) is important for developing research on measurement of such this behavior during pregnancy. Methods The present descriptive study was conducted in 2018. The original version was in English, and was then translated into Persian after obtaining permission from tool designer and using Backward-Forward translation.The final Persian version included 240 pregnant mothers who were selected using random cluster sampling from hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. The factor analysis methods (exploratory and confirmatory), Pearson correlation, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient by SPSS V19 and LISREL V8.80 were used to analyze research findings. Results Content validity and face validity were assessed by survey of 10 experts and 20 pregnant mothers.In general, the CVI was 94%.The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that all factor loadings were appropriate and significant in the initial model. Furthermore, coefficient alpha was 0.932 for prenatal health promoting behavior and 0.935 for Health-impairing behaviors. The values were acceptable and indicated the high validity of tool in the Iranian sample. Conclusion The research findings indicated that the Prenatal Health Behavior Scale (PHBS) had acceptable psychometric properties among Iranian pregnant women and could be used as a valid tool for assessing prenatal health behavior in Iran.
Prediction of a new fracture after a wrist fracture – a five year follow up
Authors: Hansson Eva Ekvall , Dahlberg Leif E , Magnusson Måns , Beckman Anders
Published: January 2020

Background Falls and ensuing fractures are major challenges in our ageing population. The aim of this study was to study if clinical balance measures, function of the inner ear, self-rated health or fracture risk assessed by FRAX ® could predict future admission to hospital because of a fracture among a group of older persons with previous wrist fracture. Methods This was a longitudinal study with a 5-year follow-up. Searches in the local health authority’s patient administrative system (PAS) were performed 5 years after inclusion and baseline measurements were taken. Information was extracted about whether participants had been treated for a fracture or hospitalized other reasons during the 5-year period. Persons, 50 years and above, with previous wrist fracture (n=83). Five different clinical balance measures was assessed, postural sway was assessed by means of a force plate, vestibular asymmetry was assessed with the head- shake test, self-rated health by EuroQol 5 Dimension visual analogue scale and risk of future fracture by the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX ® ). Age and body mass index was also used in the risk analysis. Results Age was associated with risk of future fracture, OR 1,06 (95% CI 1,01-1,12). The ability to stand on one leg with eyes open correlated significantly with future fracture (p=0.011) and so did FRAXosteo, however on the limits of significance (p=0.052). Conclusion This follow-up study showed that the one-leg standing time-test was a stronger predictor for future facture within five-years after a wrist fracture than FRAX not including a measure of balance.