bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Group-Dynamics, Collaboration and Tutor Style on the Perception of Professional Stereotypes: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post-Design on Interdisciplinary Tutorial Groups.
Authors: Chiriac Eva Hammar , Sjøvold Endre , Hjelm Alexandra Björnstjerna 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Group processes in inter-professional Problem-Based Learning (iPBL) groups have not yet been studied in health-care educational context. In this paper we present findings on how group-dynamics, collaboration and tutor style influence the perception of professional stereotypes of students collaborating in iPBL groups. Health-care students are trained in iPBL groups to increase their ability for collaboration between healthcare professionals. Previous research focusing iPBL in healthcare, infers that more systematic studies are desired, especially concerning interaction between group processes, and internalized professional stereotypes. The aim of this study is to investigate if changes in group processes, collaboration and if tutor style, influence the perception of professional stereotypes of physician- and nurse-students. Methods: The study is a quasi-experimental pre- post-design. The participants included 30 students from five different healthcare professions, mainly medicine and nursing. Other professions were physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. The students were divided into four iPBL groups, each consisting of six to nine students and a tutor. Data were collected through systematic observation using four video-recorded tutorials. SPGR (Systematizing the Person Group Relation), a computer-supported method for direct and structured observation of behavior, were used to collect and analyze data. Results: Traditional stereotypical professional behaviors were identified in the first observed group meeting. Although the groups followed different paths of development, the group-dynamics changed in all groups over the six weeks of collaboration. Two of the groups became more cohesive, one more fragmented and one more polarized. Stereotypical behaviors became less frequent in all groups. Our findings indicate that tutor behavior has a strong influence on the development of the group’s dynamics. Conclusion: Our findings strongly suggest iPBL is a mean to reduce stereotypical behaviors, that may positively increase member’s ability for inter-professional collaboration. Although the pattern of dynamics took different forms in different groups, we argue that iPBL forces students to see the colleague behind his or her profession, thus breaking professional boundaries. The tutor style significantly influenced the IPBL groups development. This study contributes to our field by emphasizing the effect of group-processes to increase mutual understanding across professions.
Comparison of Growth Performance and Meat Quality Traits of Commercial Cross-bred Pig versus Large Black Pig Breeds
Authors: Wang Yongjie , Thakali Keshari , Morse Palika , Shelby Sarah , Chen Jinglong , Apple Jason , Huang Yan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe meat quality of different pig breeds is associated with their different muscle tissue physiological processes, which involves a large variety of genes related with muscle fat and energy metabolism. Understanding the differences of biological processes of muscle after slaughter is helpful to reveal the meat quality development of different breeds. Therefore, 8 domestic Large Black pigs (BP), a domestic breed with high fat contents in meat, and 7 Cross-bred commercial pig (CP), which has a high feed efficiency with high lean meat, was used to investigate the differences of their meat quality and genotype.ResultsThe average daily gain (ADG) and hot carcass weight (HCW) of CP were higher than BP, but the back-fat thickness of BP was higher than CP ( P < 0.05). The CP had higher a* but lower h value than BP ( P < 0.05). The metmyoglobin (MMb) percentage of CP was higher ( P < 0.05) than BP. The fat content and oxygen consumption of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle in BP were higher ( P < 0.05) than CP. BP had higher SFA and MUFA content, but CP had higher PUFA content ( P < 0.05). The RNA-seq was applied to compare the genome differences between the two pig breeds. The RNA-seq data highlighted 201 genes differentially expressed between breeds ( P < 0.05), with 75 up-regulated and 126 down-regulated genes in BP compared with CP. The real-time PCR was used to validate the results of RNA-seq for 8 genes, and the genes related with lipid and energy metabolism were highly expressed in BP ( P < 0.05).ConclusionsBased on the results, BP had superior general meat quality to CP, while the growth performance of CP was better, and the genotype differences between these two breeds may cause the meat quality and growth performance variance.
Pulse Radar Randomly Interrupted Transmitting and Receiving Optimization Based on Genetic Algorithm in Radio Frequency Simulation
Authors: LIU Xiaobin , Zhao Feng , Ai Xiaofeng , Wu Qihua 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The interrupted transmitting and receiving (ITR) can be used in anechoic chamber to solve the coupling between the transmitted and reflected signals. When the ITR periods are random, the fake peaks in high resolution range profile (HRRP) of ITR echo can be reduced. Then, by utilizing the piecewise sparse property of ITR echo, the HRRP is reconstructed based on compressive sensing (CS). However, the periods of ITR determine the restricted isometry property (RIP) condition and the HRRP reconstruction performance. In order to improve the HRRP reconstruction performance, the ITR periods sequence optimization method based on genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed in this paper. The correlation coefficient of the sensing matrix columns is minimized after optimization so that the RIP of sensing matrix can be well satisfied . Simulation results illustrate that the optimization method converges fast and the HRRP reconstruction performance is improved with the optimized ITR periods .
Myanmar Continues to Curb Malaria amid Coronavirus Disease-2019 Crisis
Authors: Thapa Badri , Thi Aung , Than Wint Phyo , Win Kyawt Mon , Khine San Kyaw 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Myanmar has targeted Plasmodium falciparum malaria elimination by 2025 and all human malaria elimination by 2030. Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could jeopardize the current gains. The objective of the study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 on epidemiology and malaria services in Myanmar. Methods: This is cross sectional study using retrospective routine programme data reported by Ministry of Health and Sports (for COVID-19) and National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) (for malaria) during January – September 2019 and 2020. Results: Myanmar implemented whole of society COVID-19 response since its first 2 cases were detected on 23 March 2020. NMCP mobilized US$ 7 mil to support, protect and mitigate COVID-19 impact on malaria through implementation of tailored guidelines, job aids and risk communication materials starting April 2020. Front line health workers were protected through supplies of surgical masks, hand sanitizer, aprons, gloves, non-contact digital thermometers among others. During January-September 2020, reported malaria cases, severe cases and deaths declined by 11%, 34% and 27%, respectively in the same period in 2019. Total P. falciparum cases declined by 55% with minimal increase in tests (0.14%). 80% of cases and 98% of foci were investigated in 2020 in comparison to 68% and 54% in 2019, respectively (p<0.05). In 2020, NMCP distributed 72% of the targeted long-lasting insecticidal nets (vs 49% in 2019) (p<0.05). Integrated Community Malaria Volunteers (ICMVs) trained in 2020 was 49% in comparison to 94% in 2019 (P<0.05), while number of functional ICMVs remained at 91% (vs 94% in 2019). Overall monthly reports from all reporting units received slightly dropped by 5%. In 2020, NMCP was able to conduct 59% supervision visits at various levels, which was higher than 2019 (56%). Conclusions: Malaria cases, severe cases and deaths continued to decline amid COVID-19 in Myanmar with 55% decline in P. falciparum . Programme need to continue essential malaria services during the upsurge of COVID-19 and simultaneously plan proactively to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential malaria commodities for 2021 to ensure P. falciparum elimination by 2025.
Insecticide Resistance Exerts Significant Fitness Costs in Immature Stages of Anopheles Gambiae in Western Kenya.
Authors: Osoro Joyce K , Machani Maxwell Gesuge , Ochomo Eric , Wanjala Christine , Omukunda Elizabeth , Munga Stephen , Githeko Andrew K. , Yan Guiyun , Afrane Yaw A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite increasing documentation of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors against public health insecticides in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a paucity of information on the potential fitness costs of pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors which is important in improving the current resistant management strategies. This study aimed to assess the fitness cost effects of insecticide resistance on the development and survival of immature Anopheles gambiae from western Kenya.Method: Two-hour old first instar larvae (L1) were introduced and raised in basins containing soil and rainwater in a semi-field setup. Each day the number of surviving individuals per larval stage was counted and their stage of development were recorded until they emerged as adults. The larval life history trait parameters measured include mean larval development time, daily survival and pupal emergence. Pyrethroid selected resistant colony of An. gambiae s.s and unselected colony originating from the same site and with same genetic background were used. Kisumu laboratory susceptible colony was used as a reference.Results: The selected resistant colony had a significantly longer larval development time through the developmental stages than the unselected susceptible colony. The selected colony took an average of 2 days longer to develop from first instar (L1) to fourth instar (L4) (8.8 ± 0.2 days) compared to unselected colony (6.6 ± 0.2 days). The development time from first instar to pupa formation was significantly longer by 3 days in the selected colony (10.28 ± 0.3 days) than in unselected colony (7 ± 0.2 days). The time from egg hatching to adult emergence was significantly longer for the selected colony (12.1 ± 0.3 days) than the unselected colony (9.2 ± 0.2 days). The pupation rate (80%; 95% [CI: 77.5-83.6] vs 83.5%; 95% [CI: 80.6-86.3]) and adult emergence rate (86.3% vs 92.5%) did not differ between the selected and unselected colonies respectively. The sex ratio of the females to males for the selected (1:1.21) and unselected colonies (1:1.07) was significantly different.Conclusion: The study showed that pyrethroid resistance in An. gambiae had a fitness cost on their pre-imaginal development time and survival. Insecticide resistance delayed the development and reduced the survivorship of An. gambiae larvae. The study findings are important in understanding the fitness cost of insecticide resistance vectors that could contribute to shaping resistant management strategies.
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Should Not Be Recommended for Male Infertility Treated With IUI
Authors: Tang Yan , He Qian-Dong , Zhang Ting-Ting , Wang Jing-Jing , Huang Si-Chong , Ye Yun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Some studies stated that intra-uterine insemination (IUI) with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) might increase the chance of pregnancy, while others suggested that IUI in natural cycle (NC) should be the treatment of first choice. Whether it is necessary to use COS at the same time, when IUI is applied to treat male infertility solely? There is still no consensus.Objective: To investigate the efficacy of IUI with COS in male infertility solely?Methods: 544 IUI cycles from 280 couples who sought medical care for male infertility from January 2010 to February 2019 were divided into two groups: group NC-IUI and group COS-IUI. Besides, the COS-IUI group was further divided into two subgroups according to the number of pre-ovulatory follicles on the day of HCG: cycles with monofollicular development (1 follicle group) and cycles with at least two pre-ovulatory follicles (≥ 2 follicles group). The outcome of IUI, including clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, spontaneous abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate were compared.Results: The clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, early spontaneous abortion rate, and ectopic pregnancy rate were comparable between NC-IUI group and COS-IUI group. Similar results were observed among NC-IUI group, 1 follicle group and ≥ 2 follicles group. However, when it comes to the multiple pregnancy rate, a trend toward higher multiple pregnancy rate was observed in the COS-IUI group compared that in the NC-IUI group (10.5% (2/19) vs. 0 (0/42), P=0.093), furthermore, a significant difference was found between NC-IUI group and ≥ 2 follicles group (0 vs. 20%, P =0.034).Conclusion: For male infertility, since in cycles with COS, especially in those with at least two pre-ovulatory follicles cycles, the multiple pregnancy rate increased without substantial gain in overall pregnancy rate, COS in IUI should not be recommended. If COS is required, one stimulated follicle and one health baby should be the goal considering the safety both for mothers and fetuses.
A time-domain phase diagram of metastable states in a charge ordered quantum material
Authors: Ravnik Jan , Diego Michele , Gerasimenko Yaroslav , Vaskivskyi Yevhenii , Vaskivskyi Igor , Mertelj Tomaz , Vodeb Jaka , Mihailovic Dragan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Metastable self-organized electronic states in quantum materials are of fundamental importance, displaying emergent dynamical properties that may be used in new generations of sensors and memory devices. Such states are typically formed through phase transitions under non-equilibrium conditions and the final state is reached through processes that span a large range of timescales. By using time-resolved optical techniques and femtosecond-pulse-excited scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), the evolution of the metastable states in the quasi-two-dimensional dichalcogenide 1T-TaS2 is mapped out on a temporal phase diagram using the photon density and temperature as control parameters on timescales ranging from 10-12 to 103 s. The introduction of a time-domain axis in the phase diagram enables us to follow the evolution of metastable emergent states created by different phase transition mechanisms on different timescales, thus enabling comparison with theoretical predictions of the phase diagram and opening the way to understanding of the complex ordering processes in metastable materials.
Methodology for Triage of Urologic Surgical Cases in the Setting of A Pandemic
Authors: Aboumohamed Ahmed , Gottlieb Josh , DeMasi Matthew , Barry Emily , Watts Kara 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic forced our healthcare system in the Bronx, New York to cancel nearly all surgeries. With the possible second wave approaching, we developed a framework for the prioritization of Urologic surgeries that can be used as a model for those experiencing surges elsewhere. Methods: Each surgeon in the department was asked to rank their cancelled surgeries by priority (Level 1 – least urgent; Level 2 – moderately urgent; Level 3 – most urgent). A committee of urologists assigned a subclass to Level 3 and 2 cases (3a – least urgent; 3b – moderately urgent; 3c – most urgent; 2a – lower priority; 2b – higher priority). The committee then reviewed cases by urgency to arrive on a final priority ranking. Results: A total of 478 total cases were categorized: 250 Level 1, 130 Level 2, 98 Level 3 (73 adult, 25 pediatric). Level 3c involved renal cell carcinoma ≥ T2b, high-grade bladder urothelial carcinoma, adrenal mass/cancer > 6 cm, testicular cancer requiring radical orchiectomy, and penile cancer. Level 3b involved T2a renal masses requiring nephrectomy; high-risk prostate cancer and symptomatic nephrolithiasis were classified as 3a. Level 2 included testicular cancer requiring retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and complicated benign prostatic hyperplasia. Surgeries for urologic reconstruction, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence were considered Level 1.Conclusions: Our disease-specific approach to surgical rescheduling offers appropriate guidance for triaging Urologic surgeries. Our system can provide guidance to other institutions as COVID-19 surges in different regions and with the growing possibility of a second wave.
Myogenic Transdifferentiation of Pig Fibroblasts Using the Porcine MYOD1 Inducible Vector
Authors: Jeong Jinsol , Choi Kwang-Hwan , Kim Seung-Hun , Lee Dong-Kyung , Oh Jong-Nam , Lee Mingyun , Choe Gyung Cheol , Lee Chang-Kyu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Myogenic transdifferentiation can be accomplished through ectopic MYOD1 expression, which is facilitated by various signaling pathways associated with myogenesis. In this study, we attempted to transdifferentiate pig embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs) myogenically into skeletal muscle through overexpression of the pig MYOD1 gene and modulation of the FGF, TGF-β, WNT, and cAMP signaling pathways.Results The MYOD1 overexpression vector was constructed based on comparative sequence analysis, demonstrating that pig MYOD1 has evolutionarily conserved domains across various species. Although forced MYOD1 expression through these vectors triggered the expression of endogenous muscle markers, transdifferentiated muscle cells from fibroblasts were not observed. Therefore, various signaling molecules, including FGF2, SB431542, CHIR99021, and forskolin, along with MYOD1 overexpression were applied to enhance the myogenic reprogramming. The modified conditions led to the derivation of myotubes and activation of muscle markers in PEFs, as determined by qPCR and immunostaining. Notably, a sarcomere-like structure was observed, indicating that terminally differentiated skeletal muscle could be obtained from transdifferentiated cells.Conclusions In summary, we established a protocol for reprogramming MYOD1-overexpressing PEFs into the mature skeletal muscle using signaling molecules. Our myogenic reprogramming can be used as a cell source for muscle disease models in regenerative medicine and the production of cultured meat in cellular agriculture.
Short-chain Fatty Acids can Improve Lipid and Glucose Metabolism Independently of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhou Hua , Yu Bing , Sun Jing , Liu Zuohua , Chen Hong , Ge Liangpeng , Chen Daiwen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous research has shown that exogenously short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) infusion attenuated the body fat deposition in both mice, humans, and pigs. However, limited studies have evaluated the effects of SCFAs on lipid and glucose metabolism independently of the gut microbiota. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of exogenous infusion of SCFAs on lipid and glucose metabolism in a germ-free (GF) pig model. Methods: Twelve hysterectomy-derived newborn pigs were reared in six sterile isolators. All pigs were hand-fed Co60-γ-irradiated sterile milk powder for 21 days and switched from liquid to sterile solid feed for another 21 days. In the second 21-days period, GF pigs (n = 6) were orally infused with 25 mL/kg sterile saline per day, FA pigs (n = 6) were orally infused with 25 mL/kg SCFAs mixture (acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, 45, 15, and 11 mM, respectively) per day.Results: Orally infused with SCFAs tended to increase the concentration of adiponectin in serum, the activity of CPT-1 in longissimus dorsi, and the ANGPTL4 mRNA expression in colon (P < 0.10). Meanwhile, the mRNA abundances of ACC, FAS, and SREBP-1C in liver and CD36 in longissimus dorsi were decreased (P < 0.05), and the concentrations of ATP, ADP, or AMP in liver and longissimus dorsi were reduced (P < 0.05) in FA group. Besides, the mRNA expressions of PGC-1α in liver and LPL in longissimus dorsi were tended to (P < 0.10) increase and downregulate in FA group respectively. Moreover, the protein level of GPR43 was tended to increase (P < 0.10), and ACC was tended to decrease (P < 0.10), while the p-AMPK/T-AMPK ratio (P < 0.05) was upregulated in liver of FA group. Also, oral administration of SCFAs upregulated the mRNA expressions of SLC2a and GYS2 in liver (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the metabolic pathway associated with the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids was significantly promoted (P < 0.05) by orally infused with SCFAs.Conclusions: Short-chain fatty acids could attenuate fat deposition and to some extent improve glucose control, and were occur independently of the gut microbiota.
Colo-pancreaticoduodenectomy for Locally Advanced Colon Carcinoma- Feasibility in Patients Manifesting as Acute Abdomen
Authors: Chen Joe-Bin , Luo Shao-Ciao , Chen Chou-Chen , Wu Cheng-Chung , Yen Yun , Chang Chuan-Hsun , Chen Yun-An , P’eng Fang-Ku 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe only curative option for locally advanced colon carcinoma invading duodenum and/or pancreatic head is the en-bloc right hemicolectomy plus pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), so called colo-pancreaticoduodenectom (cPD). Patients with this disease may present as an acute abdomen. Emergent PD often has high postoperative morbidity and mortality. Here we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of emergent cPD for such patients of advanced colon carcinoma, manifesting as life-threatening acute abdominal conditions.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively review of 4,793 patients who underwent curative colectomy for the treatment of colorectal cancer in the period from 1993 and 2017. Among these patients, 30 had locally advanced right colon cancer and underwent a cPD. The cPD of 11 patients were performed in acute abdomen conditions (bowel obstruction 6, perforation 3, tumor bleeding 2). Selection criteria for emergent cPD were: (1) age ≦60 years, (2) body mass index <35 kg/m2, (3) no poorly-controlled comorbidities, and (4) perforation time ≤6 hours. Three patients who failed to meet these criteria received non-emergent cPD after a life-saving diverting ileostomy, and cPD was performed three months later. The patients clinicopathological characteristics, the early and long-term postoperative outcomes were compared between emergent cPD (e-group, n=11) and non-emergent cPD (non-e group, n=19). After cPD, staged pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) was performed in all e-group, and on 15 of 19 non-e group patients.ResultsThe non-e group had significant higher patient age and higher incidence of associated comorbidities, while clinicopathological characteristics were otherwise similar. None of the patients in the two groups succumbed from cPD. Postoperative complication rate was 63.6% in the e-group, and 42.1% in the non-e group (p=0.449). The 5-year overall survival rate was 15.9% in the e-group, and 52.6% in the non-e-group (p=0.192).ConclusionsIn highly selected patients, emergent cPD is feasible by cooperation of experienced colorectal and pancreatic surgeons. The early and long-term outcomes of emergent and were similar to those after non-emergent cPD.