bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating in a proper way: How people from high-/low-context culture choose their media for communication
Authors: Yang Xiaoxu , Hou Jue , Arth Zachary W
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the relationship between cultural influence and people’s daily media choices. From the perspective of high-context and low-context culture, an online survey was conducted with 351 participants from China and America filling out questions about culture content, media richness, and daily media choices. Findings not only supported the general notion that China has a relatively high-context culture while the US is comparatively low on the scale, but also indicated that people in different cultures perceive the same communication medium differently. The current study also found out that the perceived media richness of a medium may have a negative impact on the likelihood that it would be chosen for communication. Possible reasons for these findings were explained from the perspective of media richness and social presence. This study suggested further research on variables of convenience, privacy and power distance regarding the utilization of various communication media in different contexts.
Comment: Emotions Are Abstract, Conceptual Categories That Are Learned by a Predicting Brain
Authors: Hoemann Katie , Devlin Madeleine , Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: February 2020

In their review, Ruba and Repacholi summarize the methods used to assess preverbal infants’ understanding of emotions, and analyze the existing evidence in light of classical and constructionist accounts of emotional development. They conclude that aspects of both accounts are plausible and propose a perceptual-to-conceptual shift in infants’ emotional development. In this comment, we clarify the nature of emotions as abstract, conceptual categories and suggest that infants may learn them as such from the start by using language to infer functional similarities across highly variable instances. This hypothesis is supported by predictive processing accounts of brain function, which can speak to the context-dependent nature of emotion and may be able to resolve debates in the study of emotion concept development.
Exposure to Closed Loop Barriers Using Virtual Reality
Authors: Lanning Monica , Shen Jessica , Wasser Daniel , Riddle Scott , Agustin Bianca , Hood Korey , Naranjo Diana
Published: February 2020

Background:

Closed loop (CL) automated insulin delivery systems are demonstrated to be safe and effective in regulating glucose levels and reducing cognitive burden in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, given the limited market options and the do-it-yourself nature of most systems, it can be difficult for potential users to shape their expectations fitting them into daily lives and management routines. As such, we examined the potential feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) intervention.

Methods:

A four-part VR intervention was created to expose adults with T1D to expected CL system barriers: body image, perceived hassles of using CL, deskilling fears, and unwanted social attention. Goals of the pilot were to assess feasibility and expose patients to CL. Surveys were conducted pre- and postparticipating in the VR experience.

Results:

A total of 20 adults with T1D completed the pilot. Average time to complete the experience was 14.1 minutes (8.8-39.9). Reported VR sickness was low. Willingness to use VR was maintained in 90% ( n = 18) and did not change expectations of CL in 95% ( n = 19). Virtual reality changed perceived hassles of CL in 25% ( n = 5) with four concerned over alarms and one connectivity issues: positive diabetes technology attitudes, confidence in managing hypoglycemia, overall perceptions of appearance, and positive affect maintained after the VR intervention. Negative affect significantly decreased after exposure and perceptions of being overweight trended toward significance.

Conclusion:

This pilot VR intervention demonstrated high potential in addressing expected barriers to uptake and usage of CL systems without decreasing enthusiasm or changing expectations of CL.
Introduction to the Special Theme: Pentecostalism and Spiritual Formation
Authors: Chan Simon
Published: February 2020

The last thirty years have seen significant developments in Pentecostal studies. Among them are a broader understanding of key Pentecostal symbols such as Spirit baptism, glossolalia, and eschatology; the grounding of Pentecostal experience in the larger spiritual tradition; and the development of pneumatological perspectives on various theological and practical concerns. The articles dealing with spiritual formation from a Pentecostal perspective are examples of some of these new developments.
Coiling for an unruptured saccular aneurysm at the non-branching segment of the distal anterior cerebral artery: Case report and literature review
Authors: Maeda Kazushi , Kawano Yosuke , Maehara Naoki , Michiwaki Yuhei , Nagaoka Shintaro , Uno Junji , Gi Hidefuku , Kanemoto Yukihide
Published: February 2020

Background

Saccular aneurysms in the non-branching segment of the distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) are extremely rare. Here, we describe the first case of coil embolization using a simple, non-adjunctive technique for an aneurysm at this rare location.

Case description

A 74-year-old man with an asymptomatic, unruptured aneurysm of the right DACA was followed up annually for 3 years by medical checkup. Endovascular treatment was proposed because of a slight angiographic change in the shape of the aneurysm in the past year. The aneurysm at the non-branching site of the right calloso-marginal artery was 2 mm distal to the origin, and measured 3 mm in height and 3.3 mm in width, with a neck measuring 1.7 mm wide; the calloso-marginal artery diameter was 1.6 mm. The aneurysm was successfully embolized with a simple technique using a Pre-Shaped S Microcatheter and two coils.

Conclusions

The simple, non-adjunctive technique for coil embolization of saccular side-wall type aneurysm in the non-branching segment of the DACA could be performed using the appropriate catheter and a softer coil.
Emerging treatments for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hazel Karl , O’Connor Anthony
Published: February 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is characterized by chronic inflammation, a relapsing and remitting clinical course, requirement for lifelong medication and often, significant morbidity. While multiple effective therapeutic options exist for the treatment of IBD, a proportion of patients will either fail to respond or lose response to therapy. Advances in therapeutics, such as the gut-specific anti-integrins, now offer patients an alternative option to systemic immunosuppression. Anti-interleukin 12 (anti-IL-12)/IL-23 agents offer new and effective treatment options for CD, while the oral small molecules now offer an oral alternative for the treatment of moderate-to-severe disease, previously requiring subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. Alternatives to pharmacological treatment such as stem-cell transplant and faecal microbiota transplant are also showing some promise in the treatment of both CD and UC.
The challenges of working with “real” teams: Challenges, needs, and opportunities
Authors: Shuffler Marissa L. , Cronin Matthew A.
Published: February 2020

Teams are ubiquitous in organizations, yet work contexts now make traditional teams—those that have identifiable boundaries, stable membership, and members who belong only to that single team—a rarity. Teamwork has evolved along with work itself, making the traditional means of studying and validating team experiences (e.g., agreement statistics) inadequate. Yet it is not merely that current measures are antiquated, many of the assumptions about teams themselves are no longer correct. We felt that rather than simply trying to further exploit our traditional approaches to studying teams, the field should explore new or different ways to capture the team experience. New ideas about how to study teams will necessarily start out as theoretical—arguments made based on disciplined imagination and actual experience for why such new approaches are credible. If those who study new forms of teams can then validate these theories, then such new approaches expand the field’s capabilities. Thus, over the next few issues of OPR, we will be featuring papers that present new stances on how to study real teams. Such papers will provide arguments as to why these approaches are legitimate and necessary, to hopefully help bring these new approaches to future empirical work on teams in the real world.
Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index scores predict long-term cardiovascular disease mortality and other causes of death in an ecological analysis of the Seven Countries Study
Authors: Puddu Paolo E , Shivappa Nitin , Menotti Alessandro , Hébert James R , Tolonen Hanna , Kafatos Anthony , Adachi Hisashi
Published: February 2020

Using data from the Seven Countries Study of Cardiovascular Diseases, the first study to conduct international comparisons of men in different European, USA, and Japanese cohorts, we examined the effect of diet-associated inflammation on prediction of coronary heart disease-, other major cardiovascular disease- and all-cause mortality after 50-years of follow-up. The energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index was used to quantify the effect of diet on systemic inflammation. Positive linear correlations were observed between the cohort-average energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index score and both overall death rates (R = 0.61, p = 0.0114) and major cardiovascular disease mortality rates (R = 0.51, p = 0.0337) but not cancer. Correlations for all-cause mortality were higher when the Belgrade outlier cohort was omitted (R = 0.72, p = 0.0024) or when analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic status (R = 0.67, p = 0.0065). There was also a significant reverse correlation between energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index score and age at death (R = –0.50 to –0.68, p = 0.0480 to 0.0012). Adjusting for systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking habits did not modify these correlations that were still significant. With control for these covariates a significant correlation emerged for coronary heart disease. Results obtained using a 25-year follow-up to allow unprojected data from all cohorts were similar. Results from this long-term follow-up study are consistent with a recommendation to increase consuming an anti-inflammatory diet characterized by high concentrations of fruits and vegetables and low consumption of simple carbohydrates and fats.
Detecting Rotator Cuff Tears: A Network Meta-analysis of 144 Diagnostic Studies
Authors: Liu Fanxiao , Dong Jinlei , Shen Wun-Jer , Kang Qinglin , Zhou Dongsheng , Xiong Fei
Published: February 2020

Background:

Many imaging techniques have been developed for the detection of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Despite numerous quantitative diagnostic studies, their relative accuracy remains inconclusive.

Purpose:

To determine which of 3 commonly used imaging modalities is optimal for the diagnosis of RCTs.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Studies evaluating the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and ultrasound (US) used in the detection of RCTs were retrieved from the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Diagnostic data were extracted from articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A network meta-analysis was performed using an arm-based model to pool the absolute sensitivity and specificity, relative sensitivity and specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio as well as the superiority index for ranking the probability of these techniques.

Results:

A total of 144 studies involving 14,059 patients (14,212 shoulders) were included in this network meta-analysis. For the detection of full-thickness (FT) tears, partial-thickness (PT) tears, or any tear, MRA had the highest sensitivity, specificity, and superiority index. For the detection of any tear, MRI had better performance than US (sensitivity: 0.84 vs 0.81, specificity: 0.86 vs 0.82, and superiority index: 0.98 vs 0.22, respectively). With regard to FT tears, MRI had a higher sensitivity and superiority index than US (0.91 vs 0.87 and 0.67 vs 0.28, respectively) and a similar specificity (0.88 vs 0.88, respectively). The results for PT tears were similar to the detection of FT tears. A sensitivity analysis was performed by removing studies involving only 1 arm for FT tears, PT tears, or any tear, and the results remained stable.

Conclusion:

This network meta-analysis of diagnostic tests revealed that high-field MRA had the highest diagnostic value for detecting any tear, followed by low-field MRA, high-field MRI, high-frequency US, low-field MRI, and low-frequency US. These findings can help guide clinicians in deciding on the appropriate imaging modality.
Publisher Correction to: Frontiers of Business Research in China
Authors:   Frontiers of Business Research in China
Published: February 2020

An error occurred during the publication of the below two articles in Frontiers of Business Research in China. They were published in volume 14 with incorrect citation number.
Quantitative site- and structure-specific N-glycoproteomics characterization of differential N-glycosylation in MCF-7/ADR cancer stem cells
Authors: Xu Feifei , Wang Yue , Xiao Kaijie , Hu Yechen , Tian Zhixin , Chen Yun
Published: February 2020

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are reported to be responsible for tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance where P-glycoprotein (P-gp) as well as other glycoproteins are involved. Identification of these glycoprotein markers is critical for understanding the resistance mechanism and developing therapeutics.

Methods

In this study, we report our comparative and quantitative site- and structure-specific N-glycoproteomics study of MCF-7/ADR cancer stem cells (CSCs) vs. MCF-7/ADR cells. With zic-HILIC enrichment, isotopic diethyl labeling, RPLC–MS/MS (HCD) analysis and GPSeeker DB search, differentially expressed N-glycosylation was quantitatively characterized at the intact N-glycopeptide level.

Results

4016 intact N-glycopeptides were identified with spectrum-level FDR ≤ 1%. With the criteria of ≥ 1.5 fold change and p value < 0.05, 247 intact N-glycopeptides were found differentially expressed in MCF-7/ADR CSCs as putative markers. Raw data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD013836.

Conclusions

Quantitative site- and structure-specific N-glycoproteomics characterization may help illustrate the cell stemness property.
Impact of conflict resolution parameters on combined alternate-directions lane assignment and reservation-based intersection control
Authors: Stevanovic Aleksandar , Mitrovic Nikola
Published: February 2020

We recently proposed a concept, called Combined Alternate-Direction Lane Assignment and Reservation-based Intersection Control (CADLARIC), for organizing directionally unrestricted traffic flows in automated vehicle environment. The conflicts between through movements are handled by a reservation-based algorithm while the turning conflicts at the intersections are avoided altogether. This paper extends this research by analyzing the impacts that CADLARIC’s parameters, used to control the conflict-resolution processes, have on the efficiency and surrogate safety indicators. The investigated parameters include: (i) buffer time in cell’s reservation schedule; (ii) allowed speed to cross the reserved cell; (iii) distance from intersection from which a vehicle can make reservation, and (iv) duration of the lane-change process. For most of the investigated parameters, the numerical results show that less efficient operations lead not just to an increase in delay time and number of stops but also increase number of conflicting situations, because of vehicular queues formed within the intersection zone.
Mechanism underlying the negative inotropic effect in rat left ventricle in hyperthermia: the role of TRPV1
Authors: Obata Koji , Morita Hironobu , Takaki Miyako
Published: February 2020

We have previously reported that the negative inotropic effects of hyperthermia (42 °C) on left ventricular (LV) mechanoenergetics using the excised, cross-circulated rat heart model. Here, we investigated the role of TRPV1 on LV mechanoenergetics in hyperthermia. We analyzed the LV end-systolic pressure–volume relation (ESPVR) and the linear relation between the myocardial oxygen consumption per beat (VO2) and the systolic pressure–volume area (PVA; a total mechanical energy per beat) during infusion of capsazepine (CPZ) in hyperthermia, or capsaicin (Cap) under 300 bpm pacing. LV ESP decreased in each LV volume and the resultant downward-shift of LV ESPVR was suppressed by CPZ infusion in hyperthermia-hearts. In Cap-treated hearts, LV ESPVR shifted downward from the control ESPVR, similar to hyperthermia-hearts. The slopes of VO2–PVA relationship were unchanged. The VO2 intercepts in hyperthermia-hearts did not decrease because of decreased E–C coupling VO2, and inversely increased basal metabolic VO2, which was suppressed by CPZ, though the VO2 intercepts in Cap-treated hearts significantly decreased. The levels of phosphorylated phospholamban at serine 16 decreased significantly in hyperthermia-hearts, as well as Cap-treated hearts. These results indicate that a Cap-induced decrease in the LV contractility, like in cases of hyperthermia, are due to the down-regulation of the total calcium handling in E–C coupling, suggesting that negative inotropic effect in hyperthermia-heart is, at least in part, mediated through TRPV1 signaling pathway.
ECFS-DEA: an ensemble classifier-based feature selection for differential expression analysis on expression profiles
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Jiao Qing , Li Hangyu , Wu Yiming , Wang Hanxu , Huang Shan , Wang Guohua
Published: February 2020

Background

Various methods for differential expression analysis have been widely used to identify features which best distinguish between different categories of samples. Multiple hypothesis testing may leave out explanatory features, each of which may be composed of individually insignificant variables. Multivariate hypothesis testing holds a non-mainstream position, considering the large computation overhead of large-scale matrix operation. Random forest provides a classification strategy for calculation of variable importance. However, it may be unsuitable for different distributions of samples.

Results

Based on the thought of using an ensemble classifier, we develop a feature selection tool for differential expression analysis on expression profiles (i.e., ECFS-DEA for short). Considering the differences in sample distribution, a graphical user interface is designed to allow the selection of different base classifiers. Inspired by random forest, a common measure which is applicable to any base classifier is proposed for calculation of variable importance. After an interactive selection of a feature on sorted individual variables, a projection heatmap is presented using k-means clustering. ROC curve is also provided, both of which can intuitively demonstrate the effectiveness of the selected feature.

Conclusions

Feature selection through ensemble classifiers helps to select important variables and thus is applicable for different sample distributions. Experiments on simulation and realistic data demonstrate the effectiveness of ECFS-DEA for differential expression analysis on expression profiles. The software is available at http://bio-nefu.com/resource/ecfs-dea.
The Tyrolean early vascular ageing-study (EVA-Tyrol): study protocol for a non-randomized controlled trial
Authors:   for the Early Vascular Aging (EVA) Study Group, Bernar Benoît , Gande Nina , Stock Katharina A. , Staudt Anna , Pechlaner Raimund , Geiger Ralf , Griesmacher Andrea , Kiechl Stefan , Knoflach Michael , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula
Published: February 2020

Background

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading non-communicable cause of death. Awareness of the individual risk profile is crucial to implement a healthy lifestyle and prevent CVDs. Multiple studies demonstrated that atherosclerosis, the main cause of CVDs, begins early in life. Therefore, it may be necessary to start prevention programs already in childhood.

Methods

The EVA-Tyrol study is a population-based non-randomized controlled trial that will prospectively enroll 2000 participants from high schools and training companies in North- and East-Tyrol (Austria) and South-Tyrol (Italy). Participants will be assigned to either an intervention (n = 1500) or a control (n = 500) group. Intervention group participants will be enrolled at the 10th school grade (mean age 15–16 years), undergo two examinations within a two-year interval, with follow-up at the 12th grade (mean ages 17–18 years). Control group participants will be enrolled at the 12th grade (mean age 17–18 years). Medical examination will include anthropometric measurements, comprehensive lifestyle and dietary questionnaires, a fasting blood sample, high-resolution ultrasound of the carotid arteries, and measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Active intervention will consist of (1) enhancing knowledge about CVDs, (2) individual medical counseling based on the results of the baseline examination, (3) an online health promotion tool and (4) involvement of participants in planning and implementation of health promotion projects. Effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed by comparing the proportion subjects with ideal health metrics as defined by the American Heart Association between study groups.

Discussion

This study aims to improve cardiovascular health in Tyrolean adolescents by demonstrating the efficacy of a multi-layer health promotion program and may yield novel insights into the prevalence of vascular risk conditions and mechanisms of early vascular pathologies in adolescents.

Trial registration

EVA-Tyrol has been retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov under NCT03929692 since April 29, 2019.
Satisfaction with high-resolution anoscopy for anal cancer screening among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional survey in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors:   on behalf of the TRUST/RV368 Study Group, Nowak Rebecca G. , Nnaji Chinedu H. , Dauda Wuese , Mitchell Andrew , Olaomi Oluwole , Jibrin Paul , Crowell Trevor A. , Baral Stefan D. , Ndembi Nicaise , Charurat Manhattan E. , Palefsky Joel M. , Bentzen Søren M. , Cullen Kevin J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are at increased risk for anal cancer. We evaluated satisfaction with first-time anal cancer screening using high resolution anoscopy (HRA) as a cross sectional survey among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending a community-engaged clinic in Abuja, Nigeria.

Methods

Between March and August 2017, 342 MSM underwent screening and 307 (89%) completed a satisfaction survey that evaluated 8 domains related to expectations, convenience, staff interpersonal skills, physical surroundings, technical competence, pain/discomfort, general satisfaction, and intention to re-screen if symptomatic. The 22-item questionnaire used 5-point Likert scales ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). For each domain, responses to specific items were averaged, aggregated, and converted to a 100-point scaled score (SS) with 25 and 75 corresponding to disagree and agree, respectively.

Results

Median age was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 22–28), median years since anal coital debut was 7 (IQR: 4–12), and 58% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52–64%) were living with HIV. Despite respondents reporting pre-procedure anxiety (SS:73), most were comfortable with the setting and procedure and reported overall satisfaction (SS:74–76). Willingness to undergo future screening had the lowest score (SS:69) within the general satisfaction domain. The lowest scoring domains were pain/discomfort (SS:57) and agreement to re-screen if symptomatic (SS:59), which correlated with lower overall satisfaction (p < 0.001). Domain responses did not differ by HIV infection after adjusting for multiple comparisons (p > 0.006) or number of anal biopsies (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, HRA was satisfactory for those naïve to screening but moving forward necessitates monitoring levels of discomfort with pain scales and normalizing dialogue around clinical symptoms of anal cancer and overall anal health to sustain future screening.
Neonatal sepsis and its association with birth weight and gestational age among admitted neonates in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belachew Amare , Tewabe Tilahun
Published: February 2020

Background

Neonatal sepsis is an invasive infection, usually bacterial, and often occurring during the neonatal period (0–28 days). Neonatal sepsis causes a high burden of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Ethiopia. There are fragmented, inconsistency, and no review has been conducted to report the magnitude and associated factors of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis and its association with birth weight and gestational age among admitted neonates in Ethiopia.

Methods

Electronic media searches like PubMed, CINHAL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane library databases and African health science library were used. All original peer-reviewed papers which reported the prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia were included in this study. Two reviewers independently extracted the data using a standardized data extraction format for eligibility and appraised their quality. Data were analyzed using Stata version 14 software. The pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis was estimated with the random-effect model. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed byI2statistics test. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were done to assess the source of variation between the studies. Egger’s test followed by trim and fill analysis were used to determine publication bias. A sensitivity analysis was carried out.

Result

A total of 952 research papers reviewed, of which, eight studies were finally included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The random effect pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia was 49.98% (CI: 36.06, 63.90). In subgroup analysis, the pooled estimated neonatal sepsis among cross-sectional studies was 53.15% while the cohort was 40.56%. Newborns with a birth weight of less than 2.5 kg were 1.42 times more likely to develop neonatal sepsis infection compared to normal babies. The odds ratios of preterm babies were 3.36 to develop neonatal sepsis compared to term infants.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia was high. Thus, health care providers should adhere to aseptic precautions while performing procedures, especially in preterm and low birth weight infants were recommended.
Necrotizing soft tissue infection of both ear lobules occurring concomitantly in a set of twins following non-aseptic ear piercing: a case report
Authors: Nnadozie U. U. , Ezeanosike O. B. , Maduba C. C. , Obu D. C. , Unigwe U. S. D.
Published: February 2020

Background

Necrotizing soft tissue infection of the ear following ear piercing is a very rare condition. It is easily misdiagnosed leading to reconstructive morbidities and mortality in neonates. High clinical suspicion is important for early diagnosis. Our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature in this unique initial presentation. We hope to heighten the awareness of necrotizing soft tissue infection of the ear following ear piercing to ensure early aggressive intervention.

Case presentation

We report a set of 19-day-old female twin neonates who developed bilateral ear sores following ear piercing in a primary healthcentre without adherence to surgical asepsis. Examination findings showed features consistent with necrotizing soft tissue infections of the ears. They were successfully managed with antibiotics and wound care.

Conclusion

Necrotizing soft tissue infections is a very rare complication of neonatal ear piercing. It may occur following suboptimal aseptic procedure and a high index of suspicion is necessary to make this diagnosis to ensure early intervention and to forestall the potential reconstructive morbidities and mortality associated with late recognition. Adherence to basic aseptic surgical principles is the key to prevention of necrotizing soft tissue infections.
Factors associated with health survey response among young employees: a register-based study using online, mailed and telephone interview data collection methods
Authors: Lallukka Tea , Pietiläinen Olli , Jäppinen Sauli , Laaksonen Mikko , Lahti Jouni , Rahkonen Ossi
Published: February 2020

Background

Declining response rates are a common challenge to epidemiological research. Response rates further are particularly low among young people. We thus aimed to identify factors associated with health survey response among young employees using different data collection methods.

Methods

We included fully register-based data to identify key socioeconomic, workplace and health-related factors associated with response to a health survey collected via online and mailed questionnaires. Additionally, telephone interviews were conducted for those who had not responded via online or to the mailed survey. The survey data collection was done in autumn 2017 among young employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland (18–39 years, target population n = 11,459).

Results

The overall response to the survey was 51.5% (n = 5898). The overall findings suggest that differences in the distributions of socioeconomic, workplace and health-related factors between respondents in the online or mailed surveys, or telephone interviews, are relatively minor. Telephone interview respondents were of lower socioeconomic position, which helped improve representativeness of the entire cohort. Despite the general broad representativeness of the data, some socioeconomic and health-related factors contributed to response. Thus, non-respondents were more often men, manual workers, from the lowest income quartile, had part-time jobs, and had more long sickness absence spells. In turn, job contract (permanent or temporary) and employment sector did not affect survey response.

Conclusions

Despite a general representativeness of data of the target population, socioeconomically more disadvantaged and those with long sickness absence, are slightly overrepresented among non-respondents. This suggests that when studying the associations between social factors and health, the associations can be weaker than if complete data were available representing all socioeconomic groups.
Model of goal directed behavior for limiting Latino preschoolers’ television viewing: validity and reliability
Authors: Ogren Marissa , Baranowski Tom , Lowry Sarah J. , Mendoza Jason A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Accurately measuring parents’ attitudes and beliefs regarding limiting their children’s TV viewing is important to inform the design and evaluation of effective interventions. This manuscript assesses the internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and construct validity of the Model of Goal Directed Behavior (MGDB) scales among parents of Latino preschoolers to characterize Latino parents’ attitudes and beliefs toward limiting their preschoolers’ TV viewing.

Method

Participants included parents of Latino preschoolers in the United States, 3–5 years old (n = 186). Parents completed a socio-demographic survey and the 105-item MGDB questionnaire (Attitudes, Perceived Positive/Negative Behavioral Control, Subjective Norms, Positive and Negative Anticipated Emotions, Habits, Self-Efficacy, Desires, and Intentions surrounding their child’s TV viewing) which was used to measure internal consistency reliability and construct validity. A subsample of participants completed the questionnaire twice to measure test-retest reliability. Further, parents completed a 7-day TV viewing diary for their preschooler, and a TV parenting practices questionnaire as measures of convergent validity.

Results

Internal consistency reliability was generally acceptable for the MGDB scales (Cronbach’s alphas> 0.7), except for the Desires scale, which was revealed to have two factors and the Attitudes and Perceived Behavioral Control scales. Test-retest reliability over 2 months had negligible to moderate correlations (r’s = 0.28 to 0.61). Two structural equation models were conducted. One yielded acceptable model fit (x2 (97) = 113.65, p = .119) and the other had questionable model fit (x2 (97) = 125.39; p = .028). Testing convergent validity, only two MGDB scales (Habits and Self-Efficacy) were positively correlated with the TV parenting practices questionnaire (r’s = 0.33 to 0.51), and none were meaningfully correlated with preschoolers’ mean daily TV viewing.

Conclusions

Initial reliability and validity for some of the MGDB scales appear acceptable among parents of Latino preschoolers. Refinement of the instrument and testing among larger samples is necessary to fully evaluate psychometric properties. This instrument may be useful for characterizing Latino parents’ attitudes and beliefs toward limiting their preschoolers’ TV viewing and informing future TV reduction interventions.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials NCT01216306 Registered October 6, 2010.
The effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on serum S100B and NSE levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Rezaei Farzad , Abbasi Hooshyar , Sadeghi Masoud , Imani Mohammad Moslem
Published: February 2020

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder that is accompanied by structural brain changes. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of OSAS on the serum levels of astrocytic protein (S100B) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in observational studies.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases to assess the serum level of S100B and/or NSE in patients with OSAS and/or controls. The quality of the study was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects model was performed using RevMan 5.3 with the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Out of 63 studies found in the mentioned databases and one identified by a manual search, nine studies were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis (three cross-sectional and six case-control studies). The analysis showed that the S100B [MD = 53.58 pg/ml, 95%CI: 1.81, 105.35;P = 0.04] and NSE levels [MD = 3.78 ng/ml, 95%CI: 2.07, 5.48;P < 0.0001] were significantly higher in patients than the controls. However, there were no significant differences between the S100B [MD = -28.00 pg/ml, 95%CI: − 79.48, 23.47;P = 0.29] and NSE levels [MD = 0.49 ng/ml, 95%CI: − 0.82, 1.80;P = 0.46].

Conclusions

This meta-analysis found elevated serum S100B and NSE levels in OSAS patients compared to the controls, which suggests that these markers may be used as peripheral indicators of brain damage in OSAS.
Effect of silver diamine fluoride solution application on the bond strength of dentine to adhesives and to glass ionomer cements: a systematic review
Authors: Jiang Meng , Mei May Lei , Wong May Chun Mei , Chu Chun Hung , Lo Edward Chin Man
Published: February 2020

Background

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution gains increasing popularity in arresting dentine caries in clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the findings from laboratory studies on the influence of SDF application on the bond strength of dentine to various adhesives and to glass ionomer cements (GICs).

Methods

Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search in the databases Medline, Ovid, PubMed and Web of Science until 15th August 2019 using the search keywords [‘bond strength’] AND [‘silver diamine fluoride’ OR ‘silver diammine fluoride’ OR ‘SDF’ OR ‘silver fluoride’ OR ‘diamine silver fluoride’]. Articles investigating the effect of SDF application on the bond strength of dentine to various adhesives and to GICs were included in this review. Information on how SDF application influenced the bond strength was extracted from the included articles. Besides, related information, e.g. test method of bond strength, concentration and brand of SDF, type of adhesive system and GIC, testing dental substrate, protocol of specimen preparation, and failure mode was also reviewed.

Results

A total of 13 articles were included in this review, with 8 and 6 studies investigating the effect of SDF application on the bond strength of dentine to various adhesives and to GICs, respectively. Sound dentine as well as demineralized dentine created by chemical methods, e.g. immersing in a demineralizing solution, was commonly adopted as the testing dental substrate. The microtensile bond strength (mTBS) test was the predominant method employed. However, the bond strength values had large variations among studies, ranging from <10 to 162 Mpa. Regarding the bond strength to different adhesives, 4 studies indicated that SDF application followed by rinsing with water had no significant influence. However, another 4 studies reported reduced bond strength after SDF application. Regarding the bond strength to GICs, 4 studies concluded that SDF application had no adverse impact on the bond strength.

Conclusions

No solid conclusion can be drawn on the effect of SDF application on the bond strength of dentine to adhesives and to GICs due to the high degree of variation of the included studies.
Network pharmacology-based study on the mechanism of Yiganling capsule in hepatitis B treatment
Authors: Lu Chao , Fu Wanjin , Zhou Renpeng , Hu Wei
Published: February 2020

Background

Yiganling (YGL) capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation consisting of eight herbs that has been clinically proven to have a favorable treatment effect on Hepatitis B (HB). However, due to its multiple targets and multi-pharmacological effects, the mechanisms of YGL capsule in the treatment of HB are unknown.

Methods

First, the chemical constituents of YGL capsules were obtained from the Chinese medicine database, and YGL capsules were constructed. Second, active compounds were screened by the ADME model. The target fishing model was used to screen the corresponding targets of active compounds and to construct a compounds and compound targets network. Using human disease databases and literature mining, we systematically identified genes associated with HB, constructed disease-specific protein-protein interaction networks, and performed clustering and enrichment analyses of these networks. These networks were then merged to obtain a compound-disease target network, and cluster and enrichment analyses were performed on the compound-disease target network to acquire a compounds-disease targets-mechanism network and a clustering network.

Results

We successfully built eight pharmacological network diagrams, including four primary networks and other network maps. The four dominating network maps included a HB disease-associated protein-protein interaction network, a YGL capsule compounds-target network, a YGL capsule ingredient target-HB disease target network, and a YGL-HB disease mechanism network. Other networks included a pathway of HB disease targets, the HB disease protein-protein interaction cluster analysis network, and the YGL-HB target clustering network.

Conclusion

This study successfully forecasted, illuminated, and confirmed the synergistic effects of HB disease molecules and discovered the potential of HB relevant targets, clusters, and target-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Our research not only provides theoretical support for the molecular and pharmacological mechanisms of YGL capsule in HB treatment, but also provides new research methods for the study of the other traditional Chinese medicinal compounds.
The cox-filter method identifies respective subtype-specific lncRNA prognostic signatures for two human cancers
Authors: Tian Suyan , Wang Chi , Zhang Jing , Yu Dan
Published: February 2020

Background

The most common histological subtypes of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC). It has been demonstrated that non-marginal differences in gene expression and somatic alternation exist between these two subtypes; consequently, biomarkers that have prognostic values for them are expected to be distinct. In contrast, laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC) has a better prognosis than hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). Likewise, subtype-specific prognostic signatures may exist for LSCC and HSCC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) hold promise for identifying prognostic signatures for a variety of cancers including esophageal cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

In this study, we applied a novel feature selection method capable of identifying specific prognostic signatures uniquely for each subtype – the Cox-filter method – to The Cancer Genome Atlas esophageal cancer and HSNCC RNA-Seq data, with the objectives of constructing subtype-specific prognostic lncRNA expression signatures for esophageal cancer and HNSCC.

Results

By incorporating biological relevancy information, the lncRNA lists identified by the Cox-filter method were further refined. The resulting signatures include genes that are highly related to cancer, such as H19 and NEAT1, which possess perfect prognostic values for esophageal cancer and HNSCC, respectively.

Conclusions

The Cox-filter method is indeed a handy tool to identify subtype-specific prognostic lncRNA signatures. We anticipate the method will gain wider applications.
Capicua suppresses colorectal cancer progression via repression of ETV4 expression
Authors: Lee Jeon-Soo , Kim Eunjeong , Lee Jongeun , Kim Donghyo , Kim Hyeongjoo , Kim Chang-Jin , Kim Sanguk , Jeong Dongjun , Lee Yoontae
Published: February 2020

Background

Although major driver gene mutations have been identified, the complex molecular heterogeneity of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Capicua (CIC) functions as a tumor suppressor in various types of cancers; however, its role in CRC progression has not been examined.

Methods

Databases for gene expression profile in CRC patient samples were used to evaluate the association of the levels of CIC and Polyoma enhancer activator 3 (PEA3) group genes (ETS translocation variant 1 (ETV1), ETV4, and ETV5), the best-characterized CIC targets in terms of CIC functions, with clinicopathological features of CRC. CIC and ETV4 protein levels were also examined in CRC patient tissue samples. Gain- and loss-of function experiments in cell lines and mouse xenograft models were performed to investigate regulatory functions of CIC and ETV4 in CRC cell growth and invasion. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to verify the CIC regulation of ETV4 expression in CRC cells. Rescue experiments were conducted using siRNA against ETV4 and CIC-deficient CRC cell lines.

Results

CIC expression was decreased in the tissue samples of CRC patients. Cell invasion, migration, and proliferation were enhanced in CIC-deficient CRC cells and suppressed in CIC-overexpressing cells. Among PEA3 group genes, ETV4 levels were most dramatically upregulated and inversely correlated with the CIC levels in CRC patient samples. Furthermore, derepression of ETV4 was more prominent in CIC-deficient CRC cells, when compared with that observed for ETV1 and ETV5. The enhanced cell proliferative and invasive capabilities in CIC-deficient CRC cells were completely recovered by knockdown of ETV4.

Conclusion

Collectively, the CIC-ETV4 axis is not only a key module that controls CRC progression but also a novel therapeutic and/or diagnostic target for CRC.
German recommendations for physical activity and physical activity promotion in adults with noncommunicable diseases
Authors: Geidl Wolfgang , Abu-Omar Karim , Weege Mayra , Messing Sven , Pfeifer Klaus
Published: February 2020

Background

Existing physical activity guidelines predominantly focus on healthy age-stratified target groups. The objective of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for physical activity (PA) and PA promotion for German adults (18–65 years) with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Methods

The PA recommendations were developed based on existing PA recommendations. In phase 1, systematic literature searches were conducted for current PA recommendations for seven chronic conditions (osteoarthrosis of the hip and knee, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stable ischemic heart disease, stroke, clinical depression, and chronic non-specific back pain). In phase 2, the PA recommendations were evaluated on the basis of 28 quality criteria, and high-quality recommendations were analysed. In phase 3, PA recommendations for seven chronic conditions were deducted and then synthesised to generate generic German PA recommendations for adults with NCDs. In relation to the recommendations for PA promotion, a systematic literature review was conducted on papers that reviewed the efficacy/effectiveness of interventions for PA promotion in adults with NCDs.

Results

The German recommendations for physical activity state that adults with NCDs should, over the course of a week, do at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic PA, or 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA, or a combination of both. Furthermore, muscle-strengthening activities should be performed at least twice a week. The promotion of PA among adults with NCDs should be theory-based, specifically target PA behaviour, and be tailored to the respective target group. In this context, and as an intervention method, exercise referral schemes are one of the more promising methods of promoting PA in adults with NCDs.

Conclusion

The development of evidence-based recommendations for PA and PA promotion is an important step in terms of the initiation and implementation of actions for PA-related health promotion in Germany. The German recommendations for PA and PA promotion inform adults affected by NCDs and health professionals on how much PA would be optimal for adults with NCDs. Additionally, the recommendations provide professionals entrusted in PA promotion the best strategies and interventions to raise low PA levels in adults with NCDs. The formulation of specific PA recommendations for adults with NCDs and their combination with recommendations on PA promotion is a unique characteristic of the German recommendations.