bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caregiver perceptions of child development in rural Madagascar: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chung Esther O. , Fernald Lia C. H. , Galasso Emanuela , Ratsifandrihamanana Lisy , Weber Ann M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundHuman capital (the knowledge, skills, and health that accumulate over life) can be optimized by investments in early childhood to promote cognitive and language development. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the promotion and support of cognitive development in their children. Thus, understanding caregiver perceptions of a child’s capabilities and attributes, including intelligence, may enhance investments early in life. To explore this question, we asked caregivers to rank their child’s intelligence in comparison with other children in the community, and compared this ranking with children’s scores on an assessment of developmental abilities across multiple domains.MethodsOur study examined cross-sectional data of 3361 children aged 16–42 months in rural Madagascar. Child intelligence, as perceived by their caregiver, was captured using a ladder ranking scale based on the MacArthur Scale for Subjective Social Status. Children’s developmental abilities were assessed using scores from the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Inventory (ASQ-I), which measures cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development. Ranked percentiles of the ASQ-I were generated within communities and across the whole sample. We created categories of under-estimation, matched, and over-estimation by taking the differences in rankings between caregiver-perceived child intelligence and ASQ-I. Child nutritional status, caregiver belief of their influence on child intelligence, and sociodemographic factors were examined as potential correlates of discordance between the measures using multinomial logistic regressions.ResultsWe found caregiver perceptions of intelligence in Madagascar did not align consistently with the ASQ-I, with approximately 8% of caregivers under-estimating and almost 50% over-estimating their children’s developmental abilities. Child nutritional status, caregiver belief of their influence on child intelligence, caregiver education, and wealth were associated with under- or over-estimation of children’s developmental abilities.ConclusionsOur findings suggest parents may not always have an accurate perception of their child’s intelligence or abilities compared with other children. The results are consistent with the limited literature on parental perceptions of child nutrition, which documents a discordance between caregiver perceptions and objective measures. Further research is needed to understand the common cues caregivers that use to identify child development milestones and how these may differ from researcher-observed measures in low-income settings.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled TrialsISRCTN14393738. Registered June 23, 2015.
Experience of an endocrine surgeon in laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy
Authors: Teksöz Serkan , Kılboz Bekir Burak , Bükey Yusuf 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is currently recognized as the gold standard for the treatment of most adrenal lesions, with a high safety and feasibility profile. This study aimed to present the extensive experience of a specialized endocrine surgeon in LA in a relatively large series of patients.

Methods
A total of 116 LAs performed from June 2009 to 2018 were evaluated in terms of adrenal pathologies, perioperative management, complications, conversions, tumor size, operative time, and learning curve. The learning curve was assessed using the cumulative sum (CUSUMOT) technique.

Results
Of 116 LAs, 107 (92.2%) were completed successfully, 77 (72%) of which were for Cushing’s syndrome (n = 43, 55.8%), pheochromocytoma (n = 26, 33.8%), and Conn’s syndrome (n = 8, 10.4%). Conversion was required in 9 cases (7.8%), the most common cause being limited space complicating dissection (n = 3). The mean operative time for successful LAs (unilateral 85, bilateral 22) was 74.7 min (range 40–210 min) and the mean hospital stay was 1.7 days (range 1–5 days). Gender, tumor size and body mass index were found to have no significant relationship with the operative time (p > 0.05). Postoperative normalization in hormone profiles was obtained in all patients but one. Aside from grade-I port-site infections in four patients (3.7%), no postoperative major complications and 30-day mortality were observed. On the CUSUMOT graph, the learning period covered the first 34 operations.

Conclusions
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe and advantageous, but requires a dedicated team involving experienced endocrine surgeons who have achieved competency after completion of the learning curve.
Effects of parathyroidectomy on tumoral calcinosis in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Wang Jing , Zeng Ming , Yang Guang , Huang Yaoyu , Wu Buyun , Guo Jing , Wang Ningning , Xing Changying 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundTumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare disease derived from uremic secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). However, parathyroidectomy (PTX) seems to be ineffective at relieving TC in some patients. In this study, we investigated the relationship between PTX and TC shrinkage.MethodsWe retrospectively followed up nine TC patients who underwent PTX, dividing them into two groups: those with TC size reduced by > 80% were in the “effective group” (group A), and the rest in the “ineffective group” (group B).ResultsWe enrolled nine patients (7 men; mean age 38.6 ± 10.9 years) with SHPT-related TC. One patient with calciphylaxis was excluded due to sudden death. The efficiency of PTX in causing TC regression was 62.5% (5 patients in group A). Group A had a shorter overall duration of TC (6 [5.5, 6.0] vs. 9 [8.0, 10.0] months;P = 0.02) and higher serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP; 408.0 [217.9, 1101.7] vs. 90.8 [71.0, 102.1] pg/ml;P = 0.03) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; 82.7 [55.0, 112.4] vs. 3.1 [3.1, 4.5] mg/l;P = 0.02). Average calcium supplementation within 1 week of surgery was significantly greater in group A than in group B (96.8 [64.1, 105.3] vs. 20.1 [13.1, 32.7] g;P = 0.04). Patients in both the groups demonstrated similar serum phosphate levels before PTX, but these levels were higher in group B than in group A at follow-up times (3 months,P = 0.03; 6 months,P = 0.03).ConclusionsThe shorter duration of pre-existing TC and higher ALP levels before PTX, as well as lower serum phosphate levels after PTX, were correlated with effective SHPT-TC shrinkage.
Rejuvenation of chicory and lettuce plants following phase change in tissue culture
Authors: Conner Anthony J. , Searle Helen , Jacobs Jeanne M. E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundA frequent problem associated with the tissue culture of Compositae species such as chicory (Cichorium intybusL.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.) is the premature bolting to in vitro flowering of regenerated plants. Plants exhibiting such phase changes have poor survival and poor seed set upon transfer from tissue culture to greenhouse conditions. This can result in the loss of valuable plant lines following applications of cell and tissue culture for genetic manipulation.ResultsThis study demonstrates that chicory and lettuce plants exhibiting stable in vitro flowering can be rejuvenated by a further cycle of adventitious shoot regeneration from cauline leaves. The resulting rejuvenated plants exhibit substantially improved performance following transfer to greenhouse conditions, with increased frequency of plant survival, a doubling of the frequency of plants that flowered, and substantially increased seed production.ConclusionAs soon as in vitro flowering is observed in unique highly-valued chicory and lettuce lines, a further cycle of adventitious shoot regeneration from cauline leaves should be implemented to induce rejuvenation. This re-establishes a juvenile phase accompanied by in vitro rosette formation, resulting in substantially improved survival, flowering and seed set in a greenhouse, thereby ensuring the recovery of future generations from lines genetically manipulated in cell and tissue culture.
Comparison of feeding habits and habitat use between invasive raccoons and native raccoon dogs in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Osaki Aya , Sashika Mariko , Abe Go , Shinjo Kohei , Fujimoto Ayako , Nakai Mariko , Shimozuru Michito , Tsubota Toshio 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn Japan, invasive raccoons cause severe ecological and social problems by transmitting pathogens to humans, livestock, and native species, causing substantial crop damage, and competing with native species. Possible competition between invasive raccoons and native raccoon dogs is of concern in Japan because Japanese raccoon dogs have a limited distribution and are native only to Japan and the two species have similar characteristics. We assessed potential competition between raccoons and raccoon dogs by comparing feeding habits and habitat use.ResultsBoth species were captured in Hokkaido, Japan from 2004 to 2017. More raccoons were captured close to agricultural land at the forest periphery (70.1%, 358/511); conversely, more raccoon dogs were captured in the forest core (74.9%, 253/338). Feeding habits were then examined by fecal analysis and stable isotope analyses. Fecal analysis revealed both species to be opportunistic omnivores that consumed easily found food items. However, raccoon feces contained more crops, whereas raccoon dog feces contained more insects, reflecting the different locations in which the species were trapped. Moreover, stable isotope ratios were significantly higher in raccoons than raccoon dogs (Corn has the highest carbon stable isotope (δ13C) value, and amphibians and reptiles are high in nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N); forest resources such as insects and wild fruits are low in δ13C and δ15N).ConclusionsWe conclude that both species ate similar food types, but their food preferences appeared to differ. Raccoon and raccoon dog habitat use also differed, possibly because the two species inhabited areas where they could easily obtain their preferred foods. Therefore, the current feeding habits and habitat use of raccoons do not appear to overlap sufficiently with those of raccoon dogs to impact the latter. The results of this study, particularly the stable isotope data, may provide a useful precedent for future studies of competition in medium-sized mammals, particularly canids.
Patient-centred orientation of students from different healthcare disciplines, their understanding of the concept and factors influencing their development as patient-centred professionals: a mixed methods study
Authors: Rosewilliam Sheeba , Indramohan Vivek , Breakwell Richard , Liew Bernard Xian Wei , Skelton John 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundA patient-centred approach to care is increasingly the mandate for healthcare delivery. There is a need to explore how health professional students develop patient-centred attributes. This study aims to understand the extent of patient-centred orientations of health professional students, their perceptions and factors influencing their adoption of the approach.MethodsThe study used a cross-sectional, parallel mixed methods design combining a survey using the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) followed by focus groups with medical, nursing, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy students. Data included students’ age, gender, programme, and placements experienced. Pearson’s chi squared and the non-parametric equivalent Kruskal-Wallis H test were done to test for differences in demographics for appropriate variables. One-way ANOVA or Welch test was done to explore differences in PPOS scores. Regression analysis was done to test the influence of the demographic variables on PPOS scores. Data from focus groups were coded, categorised and organised under themes appropriate to the research aims.ResultsOf the 211 complete responses, significant differences were observed between medical and physiotherapy students in total PPOS scores, (MD -8.11 [95% CI -12.02 - 4.20]p = 0.000), Caring component (MD -4.44 [95% CI - 6.69, − 2.19] p = 0.000) and Sharing component (MD -3.67 [95% CI -6.12 -1.22]p = 0.001). The programme in which students were enrolled i.e. Medicine and SALT were the only indicators of higher PPOS total scores (F = 4.6 Df 10,69;p = 7.396e-06) and caring scores (F = 2.164 Df 10, 69p = 0.022). Focus groups revealed that students perceived patient-centredness as holistic yet individualised care through establishing a partnership with patient. They identified that their student status, placement pressures, placement characteristics especially mentoring influenced their development of patient-centred attributes.ConclusionThis study highlights the fact that the pressures of training in the National Health Service affects the development of students’ patient-centred orientation. There is a need for further work to explore aspects related to mentor training, for the development of patient-centred attributes, in a curricular framework structured on students’ needs from this study.
Public and physicians’ support for euthanasia in people suffering from psychiatric disorders: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Evenblij Kirsten , Pasman H. Roeline W. , van der Heide Agnes , van Delden Johannes J. M. , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Although euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) in people with psychiatric disorders is relatively rare, the increasing incidence of EAS requests has given rise to public and political debate. This study aimed to explore support of the public and physicians for euthanasia and assisted suicide in people with psychiatric disorders and examine factors associated with acceptance and conceivability of performing EAS in these patients.

Methods
A survey was distributed amongst a random sample of Dutch 2641 citizens (response 75%) and 3000 physicians (response 52%). Acceptance and conceivability of performing EAS, demographics, health status and professional characteristics were measured. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results
Of the general public 53% were of the opinion that people with psychiatric disorders should be eligible for EAS, 15% was opposed to this, and 32% remained neutral. Higher educational level, Dutch ethnicity, and higher urbanization level were associated with higher acceptability of EAS whilst a religious life stance and good health were associated with lower acceptability. The percentage of physicians who considered performing EAS in people with psychiatric disorders conceivable ranged between 20% amongst medical specialists and 47% amongst general practitioners. Having received EAS requests from psychiatric patients before was associated with considering performing EAS conceivable. Being female, religious, medical specialist, or psychiatrist were associated with lower conceivability. The majority (> 65%) of the psychiatrists were of the opinion that it is possible to establish whether a psychiatric patient’s suffering is unbearable and without prospect and whether the request is well-considered.

Conclusion
The general public shows more support than opposition as to whether patients suffering from a psychiatric disorder should be eligible for EAS, even though one third of the respondents remained neutral. Physicians’ support depends on their specialization; 39% of psychiatrists considered performing EAS in psychiatric patients conceivable. The relatively low conceivability is possibly explained by psychiatric patients often not meeting the eligibility criteria.
Geomagnetic disturbances driven by solar activity enhance total and cardiovascular mortality risk in 263 U.S. cities
Authors: Zilli Vieira Carolina Leticia , Alvares Danilo , Blomberg Annelise , Schwartz Joel , Coull Brent , Huang Shaodan , Koutrakis Petros 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundShort-term geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) driven by the quasi-periodic 11-year cycle of solar activity have been linked to a broad range of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and total deaths. We conducted a large epidemiological study in 263 U.S. cities to assess the effects of GMD on daily deaths of total, CVD, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke.MethodsWe employed a two-step meta-analysis approach, in which we estimated city-specific and season-stratified mortality risk associated with a GMD parameter (Kp index) in 263 U.S. cities. In addition, sensitivity analysis was performed to assess whether effect modification of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the prior day changed Kp index effects on daily deaths after adjusting for confounders.ResultsWe found significant association between daily GMD and total, CVD, and MI deaths. The effects were even stronger when we adjusted the models for 24-h PM2.5for different seasons. For example, in the winter and fall one standard deviation of z-score Kp index increase was associated with a 0.13 and 0.31% increase in total deaths, respectively (Winter:p = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.24; Fall:p = 0.00001; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.4), without adjusting for PM2.5.The effects of GMD on total deaths were also observed in spring and summer in the models without PM2.5(p = 0.00001). When the models were adjusted for PM2.5the total deaths increased 0.47% in winter (p = 0.00001, 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.65) and by 0.23% in fall (p = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.37). The effects of GMD were also significant associated with MI deaths and CVD. No positive significant association were found between Kp and stroke. The GMD effects on deaths were higher than for 24 h-PM2.5alone, especially in spring and fall.ConclusionOur results suggest that GMD is associated with total, CVD and MI deaths in 263 U. S cities. Increased mortality in the general population during GMD should be further investigated to determine whether those human physiological dynamics driven by variations in solar activity can be related to daily clinical cardiovascular observations.
Two cases of lung neuroendocrine carcinoma with carcinoid morphology
Authors: Inafuku Kenji , Yokose Tomoyuki , Ito Hiroyuki , Eriguchi Daisuke , Samejima Joji , Nagashima Takuya , Nakayama Haruhiko , Suzuki Masaki , Yamada Kouzo , Masuda Munetaka 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe category of grade 3 neuroendocrine tumor (NET G3) was newly introduced in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO 2017) classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas. Pancreatic NET G3 shows a carcinoid-like morphology with high proliferative activity and the prognosis is intermediate between NET G2 and neuroendocrine carcinoma. There is no category corresponding to NET G3 in the current WHO 2015 classification of lung tumors. Herein, we report two cases of lung neuroendocrine carcinoma with carcinoid morphology that correspond to NET G3.Case presentationCase 1: An abnormal chest shadow was detected in a 78-year-old female never-smoker during a routine medical examination. She was asymptomatic. The radiological assessment revealed a mass in the peripheral S4 segment of the right lung. She underwent right middle lobectomy for the mass preoperatively diagnosed as non-small cell lung carcinoma. Postoperative histological examination revealed a neuroendocrine tumor with carcinoid morphology and a mitotic count of 15/2 mm2. Case 2: An abnormal chest shadow was detected in a 74-year-old female never-smoker undergoing follow-up for another disease. She was asymptomatic. The radiological assessment revealed a mass in the peripheral S3 segment of the right lung. She underwent right upper lobectomy for the mass suspected to be lung carcinoma. Postoperative histological examination revealed a neuroendocrine tumor with carcinoid morphology with mitotic count of 13/2 mm2. Both of these tumors showed carcinoid morphology but with a mitotic count exceeding 10/2 mm2; thus, we diagnosed them as small cell lung carcinomas according to the current WHO 2015 classification.ConclusionsOur tumors occurred in female never-smokers and their histology showed carcinoid morphology without extensive necrosis. Moreover, proliferative abilities of them were extremely low compared to small cell lung carcinoma. The clinical and pathological features of our tumors appeared to be different from those of small cell lung carcinoma. Although there is no category corresponding to NET G3 in the current classification of lung tumors, we consider that our tumors may correspond to NET G3 and identification of this subset is relevant for therapeutic management.
circPTN sponges miR-145-5p/miR-330-5p to promote proliferation and stemness in glioma
Authors: Chen Jiansheng , Chen Taoliang , Zhu Yubo , Li Yan , Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Yun , Li Xiao , Xie Xiaomi , Wang Jihui , Huang Min , Sun Xinlin , Ke Yiquan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Growing evidences indicate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of biological behavior of tumor. We aim to explore the role of circRNA in glioma and elucidate how circRNA acts.

Methods
Real-time PCR was used to examine the expression of circPTN in glioma tissues and normal brain tissues (NBT). Assays of dual- luciferase reporter system, biotin label RNA pull-down and FISH were used to determine that circPTN could sponge miR-145-5p and miR-330-5p. Tumor sphere formation assay was performed to determine self- renewal of glioma stem cell (GSCs). Cell counting Kit-8 (CCK8), EdU assay and flow cytometry were used to investigate proliferation and cell cycle. Intracranial xenograft was established to determine how circPTN impacts in vivo. Tumor sphere formation assay was performed to determine self- renewal of glioma stem cell (GSCs).

Results
We demonstrated circPTN was significantly higher expression in glioma tissues and glioma cell lines, compared with NBT and HEB (human astrocyte). In gain- and loss-of-function experiments, circPTN significantly promoted glioma growth in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we performed dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA pull-down assays to verify that circPTN acts through sponging miR-145-5p and miR-330-5p. Increasing expression of circPTN rescued the inhibition of proliferation and downregulation of SOX9/ITGA5 in glioma cells by miR-145-5p/miR-330-5p. In addition, we found that circPTN promoted self-renewal and increased the expression of stemness markers (Nestin, CD133, SOX9, and SOX2) via sponging miR-145-5p. Moreover, this regulation was disappeared when circPTN binding sites in miR-145-5p were mutated.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that circPTN is an oncogenic factor that acts by sponging miR-145-5p/miR-330-5p in glioma.