bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Has Glycaemic Control in Diabetes Mellitus Improved Since the Introduction of Point-of-Care Glycated Haemoglobin A1c?
Authors: Constance Adams , Frederick Raal 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background: The mortality rate from diabetes-related complications in Sub-Saharan Africa surpassed that of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. Point-of-care (POC) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has been in routine use at a tertiary hospital's diabetic clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. This study set out to determine if having a readily available result on the day of consultation has led to improved glycaemic control.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if an immediately available POC HbA1c would result in more patients achieving target HbA1c compared to previously used laboratory HbA1c.

Methods: A retrospective audit of 195 attendees of the diabetic clinic at a public academic hospital who had been attending before the advent of the POC HbA1c test was recruited. The laboratory HbA1c taken on average 5 years before was compared to the current POC HbA1c to determine if there was any improvement in glycaemic control.

Results: The mean HbA1c before the POC test was 8.8% (SD 1.9) and the current POC HbA1c was 8.9% (SD 1.94). There was no statistically significant improvement in glycaemic control.

Conclusion: The POC test for HbA1c at a tertiary hospital's diabetic clinic did not result in improved glycaemic control. This study has shown that the introduction of new technology alone may not result in better diabetic care. Comprehensive diabetic care is multifactorial and relies on the intensive efforts of a multidisciplinary team including physician and diabetic nurse educator with active patient participation to ensure optimal glycaemic control.
A teoria Queer em uma perspectiva brasileira
Authors: Bandeira Arkley Marques 
Published: July 2020

A ideia de desenvolver este artigo surgiu após muitas reflexões em torno da temática de gênero e da teoria Queer, especialmente após a realização do simpósio Aproximações da Arqueologia Brasileira com a Teoria Queer no IX Encontro de Teoria Arqueológica da América do Sul, ocorrido em Ibarra, Equador, em 2017. Dando continuidade a estes diálogos, proponho apresentar um breve panorama sobre a teoria Queer e os estudos daí derivados, tomando como base as principais referências que vêm contribuindo para a consolidação deste campo de atuação teórica, metodológica e ativista. Apesar de tratar-se de artigo bibliográfico, construirei algumas problematizações acerca de se perceber criticamente a pertinência da teoria Queer no estudo das temáticas subalternizadas e ignoradas pela academia.
Entre a floresta e o jardim
Authors: Piteira Susana 
Published: July 2020

Alberto Carneiro, Fernando Lanhas e Clara Menéres, abriram em Portugal, no Século XX, um campo de trabalho entre a arte e o território, definindo novas géneses artísticas a partir da natureza. Neste artigo, a obra de Carneiro, revela aproximações às acções artísticas que, a partir de uma nova atitude perante a natureza, informam sobre componentes intrínsecas da prática da arte e da escultura, através do território. Numa leitura do país, as obras em causa abriram caminho às gerações de artistas mais novos, em consonância com tendências internacionais contemporâneas. Pesquisando a paisagem, Carneiro associa a actividade de escultor com práticas da jardinagem e da horticultura, procura equivalências do sentir estético no vazio como forma de conhecimento e eternidade, entre a arte e o ritmo espontâneo da natureza, articulando a prática da escultura com problemas de espaço e construção e com um saber-fazer manual. Em cerca de quarenta anos, Portugal mudou radicalmente, esta obra documenta-o evocando o país rural (memória) e país actual (ausência).
KEGIATAN FIELDSTUDY DALAM PEMBENTUKAN KOMPETENSI PROFESIONAL CALON GURU GEOGRAFI
Authors: Munandar Aris 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to measure the formation of professional competencies in field study activities. The research was conducted on students who conducted field studies with the names PKL (Field Lecture Practices) at UNJ and KKL (Field Work Lectures) at UPI. There were 120 samples from 580 participants with sample quota with each of 20 students from 6 groups — measurement of professional competence by using multiple choice questions, 30 questions. Questions were constructed from the courses taken by participants in semesters 2, 4 and 6. The test results showed an average value of 56.84 with the lowest score of 44 and the highest of 77. The test results showed more in the medium category; there were no lows and fewer with the high category. The researcher concludes that professional competence in mastering the material has a low relationship. Professional competence in the form of knowledge is formed from other activities such as teaching in the classroom.Keywords: Field study, competence, professionalsAbstrakTujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengukur pembentukan kompetensi professional dalam kegiatan fieldstudy. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap mahasiswa yang melakukan fieldstudy dengan nama PKL (Praktek Kuliah Lapangan) di UNJ dan KKL (Kuliah Kerja Lapangan) di UPI. Jumlah sampel 120 dari 580 peserta dengan kuota sampel dengan masing-masing 20 mahasiswa dari 6 kelompok. Pengukuran kompetensi profesional dengan meggunakan instrument soal pilihan ganda, 30 soal. Soal dikontruksi dari matakuliah yang sudah diambil peserta di semester 2, 4 dan 6. Hasil tes menunjukan nilai rata-rata 56,84 dengan nilai terendah 44 dan tertinggi 77. Hasil tes menunjukan lebih banyak pada kategori sedang, tidak ada yang rendah dan sedikit dengan kategori tinggi. Peneliti berkesimpulan kompetensi profesional penguasaan materi memiliki hubungan yang rendah. Kompetensi profesional berupa pengetahuan terbentuk dari kegiatan lain seperti pengajaran dikelas.
Kata kunci : Fieldstudy, kompetensi, profesional
Reduced Bacterial Burden of the Skin Surrounding the Shoulder Joint Following Topical Protocatechuic Acid Application
Authors: Jalali Omid , Best Molly , Wong Alison , Schaeffer Brett , Bauer Brendon , Johnson Lanny 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Reducing the rising health-care burden associated with shoulder surgical site infection (SSI) is of paramount importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of protocatechuic acid (PCA) as a topical reagent for surgical skin antisepsis surrounding the shoulder joint.

Methods:
This was a 2-phase skin-disinfection trial involving the human shoulder. The shoulders of healthy volunteers were randomized to topical treatment with PCA (a 10% concentration of PCA in Phase I [11 subjects] and a 17% concentration in Phase II [12 subjects]), with a control of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) applied to the contralateral shoulder. Mechanical scraping was performed for skin harvest following reagent application, and samples were sent for aerobic and anaerobic culture. Sterilization rates and bacterial counts were determined for each treatment group, and the proportion of subjects with persistent Cutibacterium acnes colonization following topical application of PCA was determined using DNA sequencing analysis.

Results:
The topical application of 10% PCA was associated with significantly higher aerobic and anaerobic sterilization rates (90.9% and 81.8%, respectively) compared with treatment with IPA (p = 0.0143 and p = 0.0253, respectively). The topical application of 17% PCA was associated with a significantly higher anaerobic sterilization rate (83.3%) and trended toward a significantly higher aerobic sterilization rate (91.7%) compared with treatment with IPA (p = 0.0143 and p = 0.083, respectively). C. acnes was identified in 18.2% and 0% of subjects following treatment with 10% and 17% PCA, respectively.

Conclusions:
The topical application of PCA was associated with a reduction in the bacterial burden of human shoulder skin and demonstrated dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against C. acnes in young, healthy subjects. Clinical studies in a shoulder surgical population are warranted to determine the potential for application in surgical skin antisepsis to reduce shoulder SSI.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Confirmation of Alleles Inheritance in F1 Progenies Derived from a Cross of Calcutta-4 [Musa acuminata ssp. burmannicoides] and Musa acuminata ssp. microcarpa Based on SSR Markers
Authors: Rosalia Dea , Lestari Puji , Soegianto Andy , Saptadi Darmawan , Sutanto Agus , Nugroho Kristianto , Terryana Rerenstradika T. , Tasma I Made , Roostika Ika 
Published: July 2020

<p>Banana breeding to produce improved varieties with disease resistance haracters and other desired traits could sustain its yield. Alleles harbored by parents could be passed on to the offsprings through hybridization, but need to be confirmed using molecular markers. This study aimed to confirm allele inheritance in F1 progenies derived from a cross of Calcutta-4 (Musa acuminata ssp. burmannicoides) and M. acuminata ssp. microcarpa based on SSR markers. Eleven pairs of SSR primers were used to amplify DNA of 44 progenies using the PCR technique. The results showed that six SSR markers (MaSSR 1.1, MaSSR<br />5.1, MaSSR 6.1, MaSSR 7.1, MaSSR 8.1, and MaSSR 11.1) were polymorphic in both parents. Four markers (MaSSR 1.1, MaSSR 5.1, MaSSR 6.1, and MaSSR 8.1) had PIC &gt;0.7, indicating their informativeness to distinguish these progenies and other genetic studies of banana germplasms. A total of 44 F1 individuals were confirmed to harbor alleles inherited from their parents,<br />suggesting as true progenies from the cross of Calcutta-4 and M. acuminata ssp. microcarpa. This population demonstrated 100% success of hybridization performed. Chi-Square analysis revealed that segregation of all markers did not match to Mendelian ratio 1:2:1, except for MaSSR 1.1 (x2 = 5,62) and MaSSR 6.1 (x2 = 3,77) markers. The genetic traceability of banana F1 progenies demonstrating the usefulness and feasibility of SSR markers in this study provided information on selection of true progenies which may be valuable for breeders to assist selection process in future banana breeding program in Indonesia.</p>
Spatial Filtering for Enhanced High-Density Surface Electromyographic Examination of Neuromuscular Changes and Its Application to Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhang Xu , Li Xinhui , Tang Xiao , Chen Xun , Chen Xiang , Zhou Ping 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Spatial filtering of multi-channel signals is considered to be an effective pre-processing approach for improving signal-to-noise ratio. The use of spatial filtering for preprocessing high-density (HD) surface electromyogram (sEMG) helps to extract critical spatial information, but its application to non-invasive examination of neuromuscular changes have not been well investigated. Methods: Aimed at evaluating how spatial filtering can facilitate examination of muscle paralysis, three different spatial filtering methods are presented using principle component analysis (PCA) algorithm, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm, and both combination, respectively. Their performance was evaluated in terms of diagnostic power, through HD-sEMG clustering index (CI) analysis of neuromuscular changes in paralyzed muscles following spinal cord injury (SCI). Results: The experimental results showed that: 1) The CI analysis of conventional single-channel sEMG can reveal complex neuromuscular changes in paralyzed muscles following SCI, and its diagnostic power has been confirmed to be characterized by the variance of Z-scores; 2) the diagnostic power was highly dependent on the location of sEMG recording channel. Directly averaging the CI diagnostic indicators over channels just reached a medium level of the diagnostic power; 3) the use of either PCA-based or NMF-based filtering method yielded a greater diagnostic power, and their combination could even enhance the diagnostic power significantly. Conclusions: This study not only presents an essential preprocessing approach for improving diagnostic power of HD-sEMG, but also helps to develop a standard sEMG preprocessing pipeline, thus promoting its widespread application.
Process evaluation of the implementation of a parenting programme for Somali-born parents living in Sweden
Authors: Osman Fatumo , Schön Ulla-Karin , Klingberg-Allvin Marie , Flacking Renée , Tistad Malin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Forced migration has been shown to have a negative impact on family dynamics, parenting and the parent-child relationship. Parental support programmes aim to strengthen family functioning and the parent-child relationship and to promote the mental health of children and parents. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how parenting support programmes can be implemented for newly arrived immigrant parents. This process evaluation, therefore, describes the implementation of a successful parenting programme for immigrant parents from Somalia and identifies key components in the implementation process.Method: This process evaluation considered context, implementation and mechanism of impact, in accordance with the Medical Research Councils guidance. Data were collected through focus group discussions, a questionnaire, attendance lists, field and reflection notes, and observations of the sessions. The data were then analysed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. Results: The findings showed that of the 60 parents who were invited to the parenting programme, 58 participated in the sessions. The study showed that involving key individuals in the early stage of the implementation facilitated reaching the Somali-born parents in the parenting programme. To retain the participants in the programme, parents were offered free transportation. The programme was implemented and delivered as intended. A majority of the parents were satisfied with the programme, and they reported increased knowledge about children’s rights and the support they might seek from social services. Conclusions: This study illustrates how a parenting support programme can be implemented for Somali-born parents and provides guidance on how to engage and attract immigrant parents to participate in parenting support programmes.
Intravertebral insertion of Interbody fusion cage via transpedicular approach for the treatment of stage III Kümmell disease：a technical note and case presentation
Authors: Chen changjun , Gao Xianlei , Li Hao , Pan Xin , Wang Songgang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Kümmell disease usually occurs in the elderly osteoporosis population and develops gradually into symptomatic, progressive kyphosis of the spine. Several alternative surgical procedures, including vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and osteotomy, can be chose for the treatment of the disease. However, current surgical methods to deal with stage III Kümmell disease are less satisfying.

Method

A modified technique of intravertebral insertion of interbody fusion cage with posterior spine stabilization was applied to treat stage III Kümmell disease.

Results

This study details a modified technique applied in a patient with stage III Kümmell disease, showing significant improvement in pain relief, anterior column height recovery, and kyphotic angle correction. And no complications was reported during our follow-up.

Conclusions

Intravertebral insertion of interbody fusion cage via transpedicular approach provides advantages of acceptable correction of kyphosis, bony fusion, minimal invasion. Thus, our method was a good alternative choice for stage III Kümmell disease.
Asiaticoside reduces autophagy and improves memory in rat model of dementia through mTOR signaling pathway regulation
Authors: Guo Min , Xu Jianmeng , Wang Shiwei , Dong Baohua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD) is one of the leading causes of neurological disorders following Alzheimer's disease. The present study evaluated asiaticoside for possible role in treatment of VD in the rat model and inhibition of autophagy in hippocampus tissues. Asiaticoside treatment of the VD rats significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated the impairment in spontaneously altered behaviors and significantly (P < 0.05) reduced escape latency. VD mediated decrease in distance travelled, swim time and count of platform crossings was significantly (P < 0.02) alleviated by asiaticoside. The VD mediated hippocampus tissue damage was alleviated significantly (P < 0.05) by asiaticoside treatment. Treatment of the VD rats with asiaticoside alleviated formation of autophagosome and markedly suppressed count of primary lysosomes. In asiaticoside treated rats VD mediated increase in Beclin-1 and Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3II (LC3II) expression in the hippocampus tissues was alleviated. Asiaticoside treatment prevented suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation in VD rat hippocampus tissues. The rapamycin mediated suppression of p-mTOR and elevation of Beclin 1 and LC3II expression in rat hippocampus could not be alleviated by asiaticoside treatment. In summary, asiaticoside effectively prevents cerebral ischemia mediated cognitive impairment and neuronal damage in the rats. Moreover, autophagy was inhibited and mTOR pathway activated in rats with cerebral ischemia by asiaticoside treatment. Therefore, asiaticoside may be studied further as therapeutic agent for treatment of dementia.
Inflammatory Response and Cell Apoptosis are Inhibited by Indirubin-3′-Oxime via PI3K/Akt Pathway in Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury ​
Authors: Zhu Yan , Wu Lixue , Zhou Qiuxiang , Yan Yueyue , Qu Jinlong , Wang Lv 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) main cause of motor dysfunction results in loss of feelings partially or completely. The current study investigated indirubin-3′-oxime (IR3O) for treatment of SCI in rat model and evaluated the related mechanism. Rats in model SCI and ID30 groups were subjected to laminectomy at 8th thoracic vertebra level. Vertebral column was secured by clamping T6 and T10 and SCI model was established by dripping a hammer. Treatment groups received 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 mg/kg doses of ID30 daily for 2-weeks post-surgery. Treatment with ID30 effectively improved BBB score in rats with SCI in dose-based manner. Accumulation of water in spinal cord tissues was alleviated significantly on treatment of SCI rats with ID30. ID30 treatment significantly alleviated SCI mediated higher serum levels of TNF-α and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) in SCI rats. In ID30 treated SCI rats SOD, CAT and GSH activities were significantly alleviated. The SCI mediated increased cleaved caspase-3 and -9 levels were alleviated by ID30 treatment significantly. Moreover, ID30 treatment suppressed SCI mediated elevation of PGE2, COX‑2 levels and significantly (P<0.05) elevated PPAR-γ expression. The ID30 treatment of SCI rats significantly (P<0.05) elevated PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. Thus, ID30 inhibited edema and improved BBB score in rats with SCI by targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative response. Moreover, in SCI rats ID30 treatment down-regulated apoptotic proteins, promoted PPAR-γ activation and elevated PI3K/Akt phosphorylation. Thus, ID30 has potential to be studied further for development of therapeutic strategy for SCI.
An Investigation of Spectrum of Diseases and Medication Use in Discharged Patients with Mental Disorders in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Authors: cao xue , Chen Lixia , Ma Jun , Liu Yongyi , Wang Qihui , Liu Linan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective We aim to investigate the inpatient status of patients with mental disorders who had been discharged from psychiatric hospitals in 2016 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and through this, to provide theoretical basis for further improving the security system for patients with mental disorders in this region. Method: A two-phased stratified sampling method was used to collect data from selected hospitals. Results: A total of 1646 cases with valid data were obtained. The most common mental diseases were schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; atypical antipsychotic drugs played a dominant role (95.78%) among various antipsychotics, with risperidone being the most frequently used drug. Conclusion: We need to further improve the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as the hospital-community integration mode. Standardized training of residents and further education for clinicians should be enhanced to improve doctors’ clinical skills and promote drug prescribing in a scientific, rational and standardized manner.
Self-poisoning with pesticides in Jiangsu Province, China: a cross-sectional study on 24,602 subjects
Authors: Wang Boshen , Han Lei , Wen Jinbo , Zhang Juan , Zhu Baoli 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
With an estimated > 800,000 suicide-related deaths and potentially several attempts for each death in the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of self-poisoning with pesticides within the Jiangsu province in China.
Methods
We evaluated the incidence of pesticide self-poisoning using the Routine Surveillance System by Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Results
In recent years, Jiangsu Province has witnessed a decrease in pesticide self-poisoning cases and consequent deaths. Among all suicides by deliberate ingestion of pesticides, the proportion of cases were mainly in the age 40, accounting for 3.43% of all cases with pesticide suicide. The proportion of suicide due to pesticide poisoning in females was markedly higher than that in males (p < 0.001). Moreover, higher numbers of self-poisoning cases and deaths were reported in the farming season. Suicide using organophosphate and carbamate insecticides was most common, with 10,303 reported cases accounting for 42.02% of all suicides.
Conclusions
For national responses to be effective, the characteristics of pesticide suicides should be comprehensively investigated for the formulation of corresponding prevention strategies. Restriction of access to means plays an important role in suicide prevention, particularly in impulsive suicide cases. Implementation of these prevention strategies should result in an ongoing decline in the proportion of suicide.
Development of a Multi-Antigenic SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Using a Synthetic Poxvirus Platform
Authors: Chiuppesi Flavia , Salazar Marcela d’Alincourt , Contreras Heidi , Nguyen Vu , Martinez Joy , Park Soojin , Nguyen Jenny , Kha Mindy , Iniguez Angelina , Zhou Qiao , Kaltcheva Teodora , Levytskyy Roman , Ebelt Nancy , Kang Tae , Wu Xiwei , Rogers Tom , Manuel Edwin , Shostak Yuriy , Diamond Don , Wussow Felix 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) is a highly attenuated poxvirus vector that is widely used to develop vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer. We developed a novel vaccine platform based on a unique three-plasmid system to efficiently generate recombinant MVA vectors from chemically synthesized DNA. In response to the ongoing global pandemic caused by SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), we used this novel vaccine platform to rapidly produce fully synthetic MVA (sMVA) vectors co-expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid antigens, two immunodominant antigens implicated in protective immunity. Mice immunized with these sMVA vectors developed robust SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, including potent neutralizing antibodies. These results demonstrate the potential of a novel vaccine platform based on synthetic DNA to efficiently generate recombinant MVA vectors and to rapidly develop a multi-antigenic poxvirus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate.