bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relocation experiences of the elderly to a long-term care facility in Taiwan: a qualitative study
Authors: Wu Chia-Shan , Rong Jiin-Ru 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Relocation to a long-term care (LTC) facility is a major life change for most elderly people. Following relocation, many elderly experience difficulties in adapting to changes in the living environment. Taiwan is increasingly becoming an "aging society” and the numbers of those who relocate from family residences to long-term residential care facilities have increased over years. However, in-depth evidence on the experiences of the elderly of their stay in LTC facilities in Taiwan is relatively sparse. This study aimed to explore the relocation experiences of the elderly to a LTC facility to inform policy and practice to address their needs effectively. Methods A qualitative study, using semi-structured in-depth interviews, was conducted to explore the experiences of 16 elderly people who have relocated to and lived in a LTC facility in Taiwan for up to a period of 12 months. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory approach.Results Participants’ accounts reflected four interrelated key themes: wish to minimize the burden, but stay connected with the family; perceived barriers to adaptation; valuing tailored care; and acceptance and engagement. Each theme included interrelated subthemes that influenced one another and represented the different stages in the relocation journey. Most participants viewed relocation as a way of minimizing the burden of their care from family members, but desired to keep a close connection with family and friends. Participants recounted experiences of psychological resistance while making the decision to relocate. Fear of losing autonomy and the ability to perform self-care was a major reason for resistance to adapt. Provision of tailored care was accorded much value by the participants. The decision to accept the relocation and to adapt themselves to the new environment due to their needs for constant care was explicit in some accounts. Conclusions Relocation to LTC facility is a dynamic process in the first year of moving into the facility, and involves a range of emotions, feelings and experiences. Adaptation of the elderly into the LTC facility can be maximized if the relocation is well planned with provisions for individually tailored care and family involvement.
Novel mutations of the SRF gene in Chinese sporadic conotruncal heart defect patients
Authors: Mengmeng Xu , Yuejuan Xu , Sun Chen , Yanan Lu , Fen Li , Kun Sun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) are a group of congenital heart malformations that cause anomalies of cardiac outflow tracts. In the past few decades, many genes related to CTDs have been reported. Serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitous nuclear protein that acts as transcription factor, and SRF was found to be a critical factor in heart development and to be strongly expressed in the myocardium of the developing mouse and chicken hearts. The targeted inactivation of SRF during heart development leads to embryonic lethality and myocardial defects in mice. Methods: To illustrate the relationship between SRF and human heart defects, we screened SRF mutations in 527 CTD patients, a cross sectional study. DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocyte cells for target sequencing. The mutations of SRF were detected and validated by Sanger sequencing. The affection of the mutations on wild-type protein was analyzed by in silico softwares. Western blot and real time PCR were used to analyze the changes of the expression of the mutant mRNA and protein. In addition, we carried out dual luciferase reporter assay to explore the transcriptional activity of the mutant SRF.Results: Among the target sequencing results of 527 patients, two novel mutations (Mut1: c.821A>G p.G274D, the adenine(A) was mutated to guanine(G) at position 821 of the SRF gene coding sequences (CDS), lead to the Glycine(G) mutated to Asparticacid(D) at position 274 of the SRF protein amino acid sequences; Mut2: c.880G>T p.G294C, the guanine(G) was mutated to thymine (T) at position 880 of the SRF CDS, lead to the Glycine(G) mutated to Cysteine (C) at position 294 of the SRF protein amino acid sequences.) of SRF (NM_003131.2) were identified. Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that there were no obvious differences between the protein expression and mRNA transcription of mutants and wild-type SRF. A dual luciferase reporter assay showed that both SRF mutants (G274D and G294C) impaired SRF transcriptional activity at the SRF promoter and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) promoter (p<0.05), additionally, the mutants displayed reduced synergism with GATA4. Conclusion: These results suggest that SRF-p.G274D and SRF-p.G294C may have potential pathogenic effects.
Self-Analysis of Repeat Proteins Reveals Evolutionarily Conserved Patterns
Authors: Merski Matthew , Młynarczyk Krzysztof , Ludwiczak Jan , Skrzeczkowski Jakub , Dunin-Horkawicz Stanisław , Górna Maria W. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Protein repeats can confound sequence analyses because the repetitiveness of their amino acid sequences lead to difficulties in identifying whether similar repeats are due to convergent or divergent evolution. We noted that the patterns derived from traditional “dot plot” protein sequence self-similarity analysis tended to be conserved in sets of related repeat proteins and this conservation could be quantitated using a Jaccard metric. Results: Comparison of these dot plots obviated the issues due to sequence similarity for analysis of repeat proteins. A high Jaccard similarity score was suggestive of a conserved relationship between closely related repeat proteins. The dot plot patterns decayed quickly in the absence of selective pressure with an expected loss of 50% of Jaccard similarity due to a loss of 8.2 % sequence identity. To perform method testing, we assembled a standard set of 79 repeat proteins representing all the subgroups in RepeatsDB. Comparison of known repeat and non-repeat proteins from the PDB suggested that the information content in dot plots could be used to identify repeat proteins from pure sequence with no requirement for structural information. Analysis of the UniRef90 database suggested that 16.9% of all known proteins could be classified as repeat proteins. These 13.3 million putative repeat protein chains were clustered and a significant amount (82.9%) of clusters containing between 5 and 200 members were of a single functional type.Conclusions: Dot plot analysis of repeat proteins attempts to obviate issues that arise due to the sequence degeneracy of repeat proteins. These results show that this kind of analysis can efficiently be applied to analyze repeat proteins on a large scale.
Tumor Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Older Patients with Breast Cancer in Jordan
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Rahman Fadwa Abdel , Al-Masri Hanan , Abdulelah Hazem , Nasser Mahmoud Abu , Salam Mourad , Taqash Ayat 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Less than 10% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in Jordan are diagnosed in women 70 years or older. Treatment plans of such patients is less clear and could result in poor outcomes. In this paper, we describe clinical presentation, tumor characteristics and treatment outcomes in this population of breast cancer patients.Methods: Consecutive patients aged 65 years or older with pathologically-confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer were included. Medical records and hospital databases were searched for patients’ characteristics and treatment outcomes.Results: A total of 553 patients, mean age ± SD (71± 5.1) years, were included. On presentation, 114 (20.6%) patients had metastatic disease and was mostly visceral (81; 71.1%). Patients with non-metastatic disease had poor pathological features including node-positive in 244 (55.6%), high grade (grade III) in 170 (38.7%) and lymphovascular invasion in 173 (39.4%). Patients were treated less aggressively; 144 (32.8%) patients with early-stage disease and 98 (86.0%) with metastatic disease never had chemotherapy. After a median follow up of 45 months, 5-year overall survival for the whole group was 67.6%. Survival was better for patients with non-metastatic disease (78.8% vs. 25.4%, P<0.001) and for those with node-negative compared to node-positive disease (85.4% vs. 74.1%, P=0.002). On Cox regression, only positive lymph nodes were associated with poor outcome in patients with non-metastatic disease (Hazard Ratio [HR], 1.75; 95% CI: 1.006-3.034, P=0.048).Conclusions: Older Jordanian patients with breast cancer present with more aggressive features and advanced-stage disease that reflect poorly on treatment outcomes. Older patients were treated less aggressively with less than a third received any chemotherapy.
Molecular detection of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Porcine Circovirus 2 and Hepatitis E Virus in oral fluid compared to their detection in faeces and serum
Authors: Plut Jan , Jamnikar-Ciglenecki Urska , Stukelj Marina 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are common and economically important viral disease causative agents detected in pig oral fluid (OF), faeces and serum at some infection stages. The purpose of this study was to detect PRRSV, PCV2 and HEV on six pig farms to determine which of the three sample types, OF, faeces or serum is appropriate for the diagnosis of these viruses in different pig categories. The following pig categories were included: 5 weeks-old (w/o), 7 w/o, 9 w/o, 11 w/o weaners, fatteners and breeding sows. Pursuant to the preliminary detection of each pathogen at the selected farms, OF samples, faeces, serum pools and 10 individual sera were examined, using PCR, for each age category. If any of the viruses were found in pools of faeces and OF, then faeces and OF from positive farms were tested separately for each pig category. The viral nucleic acids were detected using RT-PCR, PCR and real-time RT-PCR, for PRRSV, PCV2 and HEV respectively.Results PRRSV and HEV were detected on one farm and PCV2 on three others, positive results being more often obtained from the OF than from the faeces of the same animals. Ten individual serum samples from pigs from the same group of animals were also tested. The viruses were detected in almost all individual sera and OF in the same pig category with some exceptions: PRRSV was detected in the OF of fatteners but was absent in their sera; on Farm 2, PCV2 was detected in sera of 11 w/o pigs and fatteners but absent in group samples of their OF and, vice versa, in case of 9 w/o animals; HEV was detected in the OF of the youngest, 5 w/o weaners and absent in sera of the same age group.Conclusions The primary finding of the study is that OF is a welfare-friendly, non-invasive and highly efficient matrix for pathogen detection, thus evidencing the usefulness of pig OF as a matrix in which each of the three viruses considered can be detected with the highest probability.
Five Novel PRNP Gene Polymorphisms and Their Potential Effect on Scrapie Susceptibility in Three Native Ethiopian Sheep Breeds
Authors: Teferedegn Eden Yitna , Yaman Yalcin , Un Cemal 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Classical scrapie susceptibility in sheep has been linked to three polymorphisms at codon 136, 154, and 171 in the prion protein gene (PRNP) whereas atypical scrapie susceptibility is related to polymorphisms at codon 141. Many other variants over the length of the PRNP have been reported. Some of the variants may play crucial roles in fighting against the emergence of a new form of scrapie disease. Scrapie surveillance, scrapie associated genotyping and PRNP characterization studies have been conducted across the globe. However, such in-depth studies have never addressed the African continent’s sheep breeds. Therefore, genotyping native Ethiopian sheep breed’s PRNP gene has socioeconomic and scientific merits. This study aimed to identify PRNP variants in three native Ethiopian sheep breeds and their potential effect on scrapie susceptibility. Results Five novel variants were identified in the PRNP gene of three native Ethiopian sheep breeds. Four non-synonymous heterozygous substitutions i.e. H99Q (CAC-->CAA), H99L (CAC-->CTA), A116E (GCA-->GAA), A116T (GCA-->ACA), and one synonymous N103N (AAC-->AAT) were detected. In addition to the novel variants, polymorphisms at codon 126,127,138,142,146,231, and 237 were also identified. The haplotype ARR was observed in Menz and Afar breeds at frequencies of 0.02 and 0.05 respectively. Neither ARR/ARR nor VRQ/VRQ genotypes were identified in the population under study. Conclusion Two of the novel variants at codon 99 and 103 that are placed closer to the proteinase K cleavage site and the variant at codon 116 in the palindrome region along with variants at codon 127 in glycine repeat domain may influence the conformational flexibility of prion protein. The rarity of ARR haplotype and the abundance of 141L variant demonstrated that the present study population was less resistant to classical scrapie and less predisposed to genotype associated atypical scrapie. This study provides a valuable dataset that can be potentially integrated into selective breeding strategies during interbreeding, crossbreeding and help to take precautionary measures against scrapie.
The effect of quitting water pipe during pregnancy on Anthropometric measurements at birth: a population-based prospective cohort study in South of Iran
Authors: Nematollahi Shahrzad , Holakouie-Naieni Koroush , Madani Abdolhossain , Shabkhiz Hossein , Torabi Elham , Lotfi Samaneh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Evidence regarding health effects of tobacco cessation during pregnancy is mainly restricted to cigarette while water pipe is the preferred method of tobacco smoking among women in the Middle-East. The present ‎study aimed to assess the effects of cessation of water pipe during pregnancy on ‎birth anthropometric measures in the south of Iran.Methods: Data on 1,120 singleton pregnancies (response rate=93.4%) from a population-based prospective cohort study in suburban communities in Bandar Abbas city was used. Based on water pipe ‎smoking status, the study subjects were categorized into: 1) those who never smoke water pipe ‎‎(never smoker); 2)those who stopped water pipe during pregnancy and resumed it postpartum (quitters); 3) those who continued smoking water pipe during their pregnancy (always smokers). The ‎Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were utilized for the analyses.Results: Compared to never smokers, quitting water pipe in pregnancy decreased mean birthweight of infants by 99.30 ‎grams (β:-99.30, 95%CI:-204.35,-5.75‎) and an additional decrease of 37.83 grams occurred in infants of always smokers (β:-137.13‎;95%CI:-262.21,-‎‎12.05‎). Means of birth length ‎did not significantly differ among the three water pipe groups. Means of head ‎circumference, however, significantly increased by 0.79 centimeter in infants of always smokers (β:079,95%CI:0.13,1.45). ‎Conclusion: Quitting water pipe during pregnancy had positive effects on infant growth, especially birth weight. Awareness campaigns about health benefits of quitting water pipe during routine prenatal checkups and integration of active follow-up visits into prenatal care protocols for smoking mothers are provided.
WITHDRAWN: High Failure Rate after Beta-tricalcium Phosphate Grafting for the Treatment of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Liu Pei , Mu Xiao-hong , Yu Hua-chen , Jian-lei Guan , Liu Zhao-hui , Wang Wei-guo , Zhang Qi-dong , Guo Wanshou 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Non-vascularized bone grafting is a promising head-preserving technique for younger patients diagnosed as non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH). Among the various types of bone grafting techniques, “light-bulb” procedure grafting with synthetic bone substitute is an attractive option. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for the treatment of pre-collapse and early post-collapse lesions NONFH.Methods: From April 2010 to June 2014, 33 patients (47 hips) with NONFH were treated using the afore-mentioned technique. The clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded and compared statistically between pre- and post-operation. Harris hip score (HHS) was used to evaluate the clinical results, and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage was applied to assess the radiological outcomes.Results: The 5-years survival rate of using β-TCP grafting was accounting for 25.5%. HHS was decreased from 78.47 to 52.87 points, and a very significant worsening of radiological results were revealed (P < 0.05). 2 hips collapsed more than 2 mm were awaiting for THA, and 33 of the 47 hips had converted to THAs in an average time to failure of 24.24 months postoperatively. Meanwhile, only 4 hips survived without collapse, and 8 hips collapsed less than 2 mm. After surgery, the time onset of head collapse was 3.65 months on average, and the first conversion to THA was performed at 5 months postoperative.Conclusions: Our results suggest that “light-bulb” procedure grafting with β-TCP sticks presented with a high failure rate in the early postoperative period. It is not proposed for the treatment of pre-collapse and early post-collapse lesions NONFH.
Reablement through time and space: A scoping review of how the concept of ‘reablement’ for older people has been defined and operationalised
Authors: Clotworthy Amy , Kusumastuti Sasmita , Westendorp Rudi GJ 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: While the field of rehabilitation has determined a common definition of professional practice, legislators and healthcare professionals in various Western countries have been struggling to reach consensus about how the newer offer of ‘reablement’ should be organised, operationalised, and understood as a health service for older adults. International research indicates that a great deal of confusion, ambiguity, and disagreement has arisen regarding the terminology and the structure of these programmes, and they may not be adequately supporting older people. Could a clarification of the concept help reablement become more effective in theory and in practice?Methods: We conducted a qualitative and quantitative scoping review to determine how reablement has developed through time and space. Eligible articles (n=86) had to focus on any of the defined features of current reablement programmes; there were no restrictions on study designs or publication dates. In articles published from 1947–2019, we identified themes and patterns, commonalities, and differences in how various countries described and defined reablement. We also performed an analysis using computer software to construct and visualise term maps based on significant words extracted from the article abstracts.Results: The fundamental principles of reablement have a long history. However, these programmes have undergone a widespread expansion since the early 2000s with an intention to reduce costs related to providing long-term care services and in-home assistance to growing older populations. As reablement programmes have developed internationally, they have begun to overemphasise training older people to (re)gain their skills and confidence in maintaining or improving functional ability related to activities of daily living (ADLs). Conclusions: Reablement programmes are fundamentally intended to be person-centred and should support older people in attaining their self-defined goals to be both more physically independent at home and socially involved in their communities. However, the rapid implemention of these programmes without clear evidence for the full scope of their potential effects and impact means that they may not adequately consider older people’s own goals. A continued lack of agreement about what reablement is (and what it should achieve) may lead to ineffective programmes and unclear guidance on which outcomes to measure.
Understanding transmission and control of the pork tapeworm with CystiAgent: a spatially explicit agent-based model
Authors: Pray Ian Wright , Wakeland Wayne , Pan William , Lambert William E. , Garcia Hector H. , Gonzalez Armando E. , O’Neal Seth E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The pork tapeworm ( Taenia solium ) is a serious public health problem in rural low-resource areas of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where the associated conditions of nuerocysticercosis (NCC) and porcine cysticercosis cause substantial health and economic harms. An accurate and validated transmission model for T. solium would serve as an important new tool for control and elimination, as it would allow for comparison of available intervention strategies, and prioritization of the most effective strategies for control and elimination efforts. Methods We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model (ABM) for T. solium (“CystiAgent”) that differs from prior T. solium models by including a spatial framework and behavioral parameters such as pig roaming, open human defecation, and human travel. In this article, we introduce the structure and function of the model, describe the data sources used to parameterize the model, and apply sensitivity analyses (Latin hypercube sampling–partial rank correlation coefficient (LHS-PRCC)) to evaluate model parameters. Results LHS-PRCC analysis of CystiAgent found that the parameters with the greatest impact on model uncertainty were the roaming range of pigs, the infectious duration of human taeniasis, use of latrines, and the set of “tuning” parameters defining the probabilities of infection in humans and pigs given exposure to T. solium. Conclusions CystiAgent is a novel ABM that has the ability to model spatial and behavioral features of T. solium transmission not available in other models. There is a small set of impactful model parameters that contribute uncertainty to the model and may impact the accuracy of model projections. Field and laboratory studies to better understand these key components of transmission may help reduce uncertainty, while current applications of CystiAgent may consider calibration of these parameters to improve model performance. These results will ultimately allow for improved interpretation of model validation results, and usage of the model to compare available control and elimination strategies for T. solium .