bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Could the disclosure of individual health results hamper biobanking? Findings from a survey on potential donors screened for depression
Authors: Toccaceli Virgilia , Fagnani Corrado , Gigantesco Antonella , Angelo Picardi , Stazi Maria Antonietta 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Research based on the use of biological material stored in biobanks together with health information and clinical data may produce new strategies for prevention, early detection, accurate diagnoses, and tailored treatments. A postal survey on the knowledge and attitude towards research biobanking was conducted among a sample of individuals previously recruited in urban primary care services in Rome (Italy), and screened for major depressive disorder (MDD) (SET-DEP project). The present study aims at exploring the attitude of these participants towards the potential future disclosure of individual health results when participating in research biobanking. Methods: The survey was conducted with a validated questionnaire on the knowledge and preferences about donation for research biobanks; self-perceived health was collected and The Satisfaction With Life Scale was administered. Means and percentages were compared across groups by using t test or ANOVA and chi-square test respectively. Results: Out of 416 subjects who underwent the screening for MDD, 51 (12.2%) subjects responded to the mail questionnaire. The large majority of respondents (42 subjects, >82%) declared they would agree to the potential use of their biological samples for biomedical research purposes only if no feedback results regarding health or predisposition to diseases would be given to them. The agreement towards research biobanking was not associated with satisfaction with life (ANOVA: p=0.82) or self-perceived health (chi-square test: p=0.98). Conclusions: It is widely recognized that willingness to donate diminishes when the research scenario raises moral, religious or political concerns. Nevertheless, other emerging concerns, more deeply linked to an individual psychosocial sphere, may also affect research biobanking. Our findings show a prevailing preference opposing the disclosure of individual health results not only among MDD positive screened but also – and even more – among MDD negative screened participants. This suggests that there might be relevant personal factors influencing people’s preferences with respect to the feedback of individual results in the case of psychiatric disorders such as depression. Moreover, these preferences do not seem to depend on the perceived heath status or subjective wellbeing of respondents.
The moral foundations of child health and social policies: A critical interpretive synthesis
Authors: Denburg Avram , Giacomini Mita , Ungar Wendy J. , Abelson Julia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Allusions to the uniqueness and value of childhood abound in academic, lay, and policy discourse. However, little clarity exists on the values that should guide child health and social policymaking. We review extant academic literature on the normative dimensions of child health and social policy to provide foundations for the development of child-focused public policies. Methods: We conducted a critical interpretive synthesis of academic literature on the normative dimensions of child health and social policy-making. We employed a social constructivist lens to interpret emergent themes. Political theory on the social construction of target populations served as a bridge between sociologies of childhood and public policy analysis. Results: Our database searches returned 14,658 unique articles; full text review yielded 72 relevant articles. Purposive sampling of relevant literature complemented our electronic searches, adding 51 original articles, for a total of 123 articles. Our analysis of the literature reveals three central themes: potential, rights, and risk. These themes retain relevance in diverse policy domains. A core set of foundational concepts also cuts across disciplines: well-being, participation, and best interests of the child inform debate on the moral and legal dimensions of a gamut of child social policies. Finally, a meta-theme of embedding encompasses the pervasive issue of a child’s place, in the family and in society, at the heart of much social theory and applied analysis on children and childhood. Conclusions: Foundational understanding of the moral language and dominant policy frames applied to children can enrich analyses of social policies for children in a range of sociopolitical contexts. Our proposed schema of values, and allied exploration of their points of consonance and tension, is an important step in efforts to gauge social policy prescriptions not only by measures of outcome but also by evidence of their alignment with social values.
Effect of a nutrition education programme on metabolic risk factor and metabolic syndrome in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a Level 5 Hospital in Kenya: “a randomized controlled trial”
Authors: THUITA-Wambugu ANN Watetu , Kiage Beatrice Nyanchama , Onyango Arnold N , Anselimo Makokha O 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus; a chronic disorder characterized by poor glycemic control, is a life threatening condition of global public health concern which worsens in the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated risks. However application of lifestyle intervention may reduce this risk. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of nutrition education programme with inclusion of peer to peer support on MetS and Mets risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patient. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups and one control. The intervention groups included nutrition education peer to peer support group (NEP) (n=51) and nutrition education group (NE) (n=51) which participated in an eight week (2 h per week) group nutrition education sessions and follow-up sessions for six month. The NEP in addition had a peer to peer support component on weekly basis for the eight weeks of training and monthly support for six months. The control group (C) (n 51) received standard care. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted using analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA).Results: Differences in MetS were -38.1 and -31.7% (P<0.01) at 6 months in the NEP group as per Harmonized and WHO criteria respectively. Significant improvement was seen in number of participant achieving recommended waist circumference; WC (33.9 %) and high density lipoprotein; HDL (35.2%) in the NEP group and blood pressure; BP (reduction by 39.2 and 31.6) as per harmonized and WHO criteria respectively in the NE group. six month post intervention Statistical mean change was also noted six month post intervention in; weight lost (-6.26kg), BMI (-2.37 kg/m2), waist hip ratio; WHR (-0.03), WC (-14.51 cm) and HDL (+0.34mmol/l in the NEP group and diastolic blood pressure; DBP (-5.17 mmhg) in the NE group. Comparison of the NEP and NE with control showed that NEP and NE had better outcome.Conclusions: Nutrition education with inclusion of peer to peer support was of clinical benefit in reducing metabolic outcomes and MetS in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patient. Optimal goal setting and self-effective training could benefit future nutrition education programmes with peer to peer support component for people with Type 2 Diabetes and at risk of Mets.
The impact of community based prevention on quality of life – the necessity to control for general health trends. The Northern Sweden MONICA Study in 2014
Authors: Spegel Elin , Ek Kristina , Söderberg Stefan , Eliasson Mats 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The Västerbotten intervention program (VIP), is a public health promotion program in northern Sweden with the aim of preventing cardiovascular disease. Positive effects on risk factors and risk of coronary heart disease have been reported although the evidence is not unequivocal. Since only historical controls have been used, effects from other sources than the program have largely been uncontrolled for and health related quality of life (QoL) has not been evaluated. Aim: By using the neighbouring county of Norrbotten (NB) as the reference population, we compare QoL in Västerbotten (VB) and in NB. Method: The Northern Sweden MONICA survey in 2014 examined a random sample from the two counties. QoL was measured with the EQ-5D-3L. In total, 1112 subjects participated aged 40-74 years, 516 in VB and 594 in NB. Results: Average QoL measured by the EQ-5D-index was 0.798 in VB and 0.811 in NB, a difference of 0.013 (p=0.2, CI -0.009 to 0.036). For subjects aged 45-54 years, the QoL was lower in VB than in NB, a difference of 0.048 (p=0.041; CI 0.002 to 0.0094). In NB, QoL decreased with age, a pattern not seen in VB. Men had higher QoL than women, and university educated had higher QoL than those without university education. EQ-VAS showed similar results. Subjects from NB and from VB did not differ regarding age, gender and level of education. Conclusion: We found similar levels of QoL in VB and in NB.
Suicide among people treated for drug use disorders: a Danish national record-linkage study
Authors: Hesse Morten , Thylstrup Birgitte , Seid Abdu Kedir , Skogen Jens Christoffer 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Substance use disorders are a major risk factor for suicide. However, less is known about specific risk factors for suicide in people with substance use disorders. Methods This population cohort study assessed suicide among people treated for drug use disorders in Denmark 2000-2010, and described risk factors for completed suicide. Data from 27,942 individuals enrolled in treatment were linked to national registers and matched with controls. Competing risk regression was used to identify risk factors of completed suicide. Results There were 163 suicides among patients with a history of drug treatment (0.6% of patients). Increased risk was associated with younger age at enrolment (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.98), history of psychiatric care (HR=1.96, CI 95%: 1.39, 2.77), opioid use (HR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.68) and alcohol use (HR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.23). Lower risk was associated with cannabis use (HR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.96). The standard mortality ratio was 7.13 for people with drug use disorder without a history of psychiatric care (95% CI: 5.81, 8.44), 13.48 for people with drug use disorder and psychiatric history (95% CI: 9.75, 17.22), and 13.61 for people with psychiatric history only (95% CI: 6.72, 20.50) Conclusions Risk of suicide is increased among people with drug use disorders. Access to treatment for co-morbid mental health problems for people with drug use disorders could potentially reduce risk of suicide.
Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of flower form development in tree peony ( Paeonia suffriticosa ) through comparative transcriptome analysis of floral parts
Authors: Lu Jiuxing , Zheng Yun , Wang Haoning , Wang Zheng , Li Yonghua , Gao Gary , Li Yan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticasa) is an economically, medicinally ornamentally important woody flowering woody plants in East Asia and is a common also ornamental shrub in Europe and North America. It is well known and prized for their beautiful flowers in many different forms. Samen petalody has been shown to be the most effective way to modify flower forms. However, there is limited information on the molecular mechanisms of stamen petalody and flower form formation in tree peony.Results: In this study, RNA sequencing was used to assemble and annotate the unigenes in the tree peony to identify the critical genes related to flower parts formation and verify the key genes in different flower forms of tree peony cultivar. A total of 76,007 high quality unigenes were assembled and 30,505 were successfully annotated. A total of 1,833 TFs were identified in our study, among them 16 MADS-box genes were found and characterized. Six key genes were selected to verity their functions in stamen petalody. AG and SEP showed high expression level in carpals and sepals separately both in stamen petalody group and non-stamen petalody groups. PI and AP3 showed high expression levels in inter-petals in stamen petalody groups than in staments in non-stamen petalody.Conclusion: Sixteen MADS-box genes were identified for the first time in tree peony through RNA-seq method. We identified six key genes based on their differential expression levels in different flower parts. These six key genes represented all categories in the ABCDE model to verify the functions in stamen petalody. PI and AP3 were verified to likely play important roles in regulating stamen petalody in tree peony. Our study has helped establish the flower development model in tree peony, identified key molecular mechanisms in the development of different flower forms, and provided valuable information in improving genetic diversity of tree peony and many other woody plants.
High post-anthesis temperature effects on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain transcriptome during early grain-filling
Authors: Kino Richard Ian , Pellny Till , Mitchell Rowan Andrew Craig , Gonzalez-Uriarte Asier , Tosi Paola 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: High post-anthesis (p.a) temperatures reduce mature grain weight in wheat. However, the causes of this reduction are not entirely known. Control of grain expansion by the maternally derived pericarp of the grain has previously been suggested, although this interaction has not been investigated under high p.a. temperatures. Down-regulation of pericarp localised genes that regulate cell wall expansion under high p.a. temperatures may limit expansion of the encapsulated endosperm due to a loss of plasticity in the pericarp, reducing mature grain weight. Here the effect of high p.a. temperatures on the transcriptome of the pericarp and endosperm of the wheat grain during early grain-filling was investigated via RNA-Seq and is discussed alongside grain moisture dynamics during early grain development and mature grain weight. Results: High p.a. temperatures applied from 6-days after anthesis (daa) and until 18daa reduced the grain’s ability to accumulate water, with total grain moisture and percentage grain moisture content being significantly reduced from 14daa onwards. Mature grain weight was also significantly reduced by the same high p.a. temperatures applied from 6daa for 4-days or more, in a separate experiment. Comparison of our RNA-Seq data from whole grains, with existing data sets from isolated pericarp and endosperm tissues enabled the identification of subsets of genes whose expression was significantly affected by high p.a. temperature and predominantly expressed in either tissue. Hierarchical clustering and gene ontology analysis resulted in the identification of a number of genes implicated in the regulation of cell wall expansion, predominantly expressed in the pericarp and significantly down-regulated under high p.a. temperatures, including endoglucanase, xyloglucan endotransglycosylases and a β-expansin. An over-representation of genes involved in the ‘cuticle development’ functional pathway that were expressed in the pericarp and affected by high p.a. temperatures was also observed. Conclusions: High p.a. temperature induced down-regulation of genes involved in regulating pericarp cell wall expansion. This concomitant down-regulation with a reduction in total grain moisture content and grain weight following the same treatment period, adds support to the theory that high p.a. temperatures may cause a reduction in mature grain weight as result of decreased pericarp cell wall expansion.
The SPOT GRADE II: Clinical Validation of a New Method for Reproducibly Quantifying Surgical Wound Bleeding
Authors: Spotnitz William , Gaizo Daniel J. Del , Hoffman Rachel W. , Hermann Mark Christopher , Sher Linda S. , Spotnitz Russell H. , Genyk Yuri S. , Schorn Ian J. , Gillen Daniel L. , White Bobby L. , Miller Bruce G. , Manson Roberto J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The SPOT GRADE (SG), a surface bleeding severity scale (SBSS), is a unique visual method for assessing bleeding severity based on quantitative determinations of blood flow. This study assessed the reliability of the SG scale in a clinical setting and collected initial data on the safety and efficacy of HEMOBLAST Bellows (HB), a hemostatic agent, in abdominal and orthopedic operations.Methods: Twenty-seven (27) subjects were enrolled across three (3) centers and received the investigational device. Bleeding severity and hemostasis were independently assessed by two (2) surgical investigators at baseline and at 3, 6, and 10 minutes after application of HB and compared for agreement.Results: The mean paired Kappa statistic for assignment of SG scores was 0.7754. The mean paired Kappa statistics for determining eligibility for participation in the trial based on bleeding severity and the mean paired Kappa statistics determining the presence of hemostasis were 0.9301 and 0.9301, respectively. The proportion of subjects achieving hemostasis within 3, 6, and 10 minutes of HB application were 50.0%, 79.2%, and 91.7%, respectively. There were no unanticipated adverse device effects (UADEs) and one possible serious adverse device effect (SADE), as determined by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC).Conclusions: The reliability of the SG scale was validated in a clinical setting. Initial data on the safety and efficacy of HB in abdominal and orthopedic operations were collected and there were no concerns raised by the Investigators or the IDMC.
The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills on The Macula, the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, The Ganglion Cell Layer and The Choroidal Thickness
Authors: Shaaban Yasmine Maher , Badran Tamer Abdel-Fattah 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background To evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) on the macula, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), the ganglion cell layer ( GCL), and the choroidal thickness (CT). Methods In this prospective observational cross-sectional study, 60 eyes of 30 healthy women taking mono phasic OCP (0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel) for contraception for at least one year were compared with 60 eyes of a control group of 30 healthy women who were not taking any OCP. Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) was used to evaluate the macula, the RNFL, the GCL, and the CT. Measurements were taken in the follicular phase (day 3) of the last menstrual cycle in all women. The body mass index (BMI) scores of all participants were also recorded. Results No disparity in terms of age and BMI between both groups was observed (p=0.444, p=0.074, respectively). All the macular parameters measurements were considerably lower in the OCP group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Also, the RNFL thickness, the GCL thickness, and the CT were all significantly thinner in the OCP group (p<0.001). Conclusions The use of OCP can cause significant changes in the retina and choroid thickness over one year period. The women who are using OCP for a longer duration could have some eye problems. OCT should be routinely done for follow up. Further long term studies are required, using different preparations of OCP. It is important to find out when this thickness alterations can be clinically significant or symptomatic and if these changes are reversible or not. Keywords Oral Contraceptive, Macula, Nerve fiber, Ganglion, Choroid, Ocular Coherence Tomography.
Impact of future climate change on water supply and irrigation demand in a small mediterranean catchment. Case study: Nebhana dam system, Tunisia
Authors: Allani M. , Mezzi R. , Zouabi A. , Béji R. , Joumade-Mansouri F. , Hamza M. E. , Sahli A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study evaluates the impacts of climate change on water supply and demand of the Nebhana dam system. Future climate change scenarios were obtained from five general circulation models (GCMs) of CMIP5 under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios for the time periods, 2021–2040, 2041–2060 and 2061–2080. Statistical downscaling was applied using LARS-WG. The GR2M hydrological model was calibrated, validated and used as input to the WEAP model to assess future water availability. Expected crop growth cycle lengths were estimated using a growing degree days model. By means of the WEAP-MABIA method, projected crop and irrigation water requirements were estimated. Results show an average increase in annual ETo of 6.1% and a decrease in annual rainfall of 11.4%, leading to a 24% decrease in inflow. Also, crops' growing cycles will decrease from 5.4% for wheat to 31% for citrus trees. The same tendency is observed for ETc. Concerning irrigation requirement, variations are more moderated depending on RCPs and time periods, and is explained by rainfall and crop cycle duration variations. As for demand and supply, results currently show that supply does not meet the system demand. Climate change could worsen the situation unless better planning of water surface use is done.
Development and adoption of wastewater treatment system for peri-urban agriculture in Multan, Pakistan
Authors: Kanwar Rana Muhammad Asif , Khan Zahid Mahmood , Farid Hafiz Umar 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The present research was conducted to assess the feasibility of biological treatment of a typical wastewater (WW) stream in Multan, Pakistan, using daily trends of WW characteristics and to design a wastewater treatment (WWT) system for that stream. The pH (5.8–6.2), temperature (24–30 °C), biological oxygen demand (BOD5: 128–265 mg/L), ultimate BOD (BODu: 227–438 mg/L), BOD/total Kjeldahl nitrogen (BOD5/TKN:5.9–11.2), BODu/BOD5 (1.6–2.0), carbonaceous BODu/nitrogenous BODu (CBODu/NBODu:1.6–2.8) of the WW was found to support the biological WWT. The inclusion of NBOD also indicated the need for nitrification-denitrification. The linear regression analysis of volatile suspended solids (VSS) with total suspended solids (TSS) indicated the high content of organic solids, which also made the WW suitable for biological treatment. The BOD/COD (chemical oxygen demand) &lt;0.8 indicated the requirement for biomass acclimation. The major process units of the WWT system developed included a primary clarifier, cascade aeration, trickling filter, adsorption filter and chlorination contact tank. During the validation of design procedures, considerable removal of TSS (91%), TDS (46%), BOD5 (88%), COD (87%) was observed over the 15 week operational period of the secondary WWT system. The WWT system developed was appropriate as a sustainable WWT system that consumed less energy and had lower operational costs.