bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome profiling of laser-captured germ cells and functional characterization of zbtb40 during MT-induced spermatogenesis in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Wu Xi , Yang Yang , Zhong Chaoyue , Guo Yin , Li Shuisheng , Lin Haoran 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Spermatogenesis is an intricate process regulated by a finely organized network. The orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) is a protogynous hermaphroditic fish, but the process of its spermatogenesis is not well-understood. In the present study, transcriptome sequencing of the male germ cells from orange-spotted grouper was performed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis.

Results: In this study, the orange-spotted grouper was induced to change sex from female to male by 17alpha-methyltestosterone implantation. During the artificial spermatogenesis, different cell types from cysts containing spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa were isolated by laser capture microdissection. Subsequently, transcriptomic analysis for the isolated cells were performed. A series of genes was used to verify and investigate the expression patterns in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we also analyzed the expression of the same set of genes involved with steroid metabolism and sex throughout spermatogenesis (early-mid, late, and maturing stages) in the orange-spotted grouper. Several generally female-related genes took significantly changes in sex reversal hinted that the female-related genes in previously recognized may also play vital roles in spermatogenesis and sex reversal. In the transcriptomic data, we focused on zbtb family genes, which may be related to the process of spermatogenesis. Their expression patterns and cellular localization were examined, and the location of Eczbtb40 in different gonadal stages was investigated. We found that Eczbtb40 was expressed throughout spermatogenesis. These preliminary findings suggest that Eczbtb40 is highly conserved during vertebrate evolution and plays roles in spermatogenesis. Besides, the expression of Eczbtb40 and Eccyp17a1a overlapped in male germ cells, especially spermatogonium and spermatocyte, which suggested that Eczbtb40 might interact with Eccyp17a1a participant in spermatogenesis and sex reversal.

Conclusions: The present study first depicted RNA sequencing of the male germ cells from orange-spotted grouper, and identified many important functional genes and pathways involved in spermatogenesis. The Eczbtb40 gene was subjected to molecular characterization and expression pattern analysis. These results will contribute to future studies of the molecular mechanism of spermatogenesis and sex reversal.
Theoretical asthma self-management program for Taiwanese adolescents with self-efficacy, outcome-expectancy, health behavior, and asthma symptoms: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tseng Tzu-Jung , Wu Chiung-Jung (Jo) , Chang Anne M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: The asthma prevalence of Taiwanese adolescents is continued to rise and affecting sufferers’ daily life. With physical and psychological changes in adolescents, managing asthma can be quite challenges for them and could lead to negative social, emotional and physical impacts if not well managed. Literature found that adolescents with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely to be involved in prevention and management activities. The aim of this study was to develop an effective asthma self-management program by taking account for adolescents’ developmental stages and based on Bandura’s self-efficacy model for this group of young people.
Methods: A randomised controlled trial was used to evaluate effects of the newly developed Asthma Self-management Program for Taiwanese adolescents. The outcomes were self-efficacy, outcome-expectancy, asthma prevention and self-management behaviour, and controlling asthma symptoms. Translation and back-translation process were used for original tools in English. Good consistent reliabilities of Chinese versions tools were identified. A t-test or Mann-Whiney U test was employed to determine any mean differences of outcome variables between groups overtime.
Results: A sample of 83 patients completed (n = 43 in control group, n = 40 in experimental group) the study. The mean age was 14.3 years (SD = 1.85), two-third of the participants were males. Seventy-six percent (n = 68) had a mild to intermittent level of asthma severity. Significant improvements were found on self-efficacy, t =
-2.75; outcome-expectancy, U = 646, prevention behaviours, t = -3.62, and management behaviours, t = -3.19, but non-significant results for the outcome of asthma control, U = 716.
Conclusions: The results provide evidence to support the efficacy of the asthma self-management program based on the self-efficacy model that has taken considerations of developmental phases. The findings indicated the self-management program improved adolescents’ self-confidence in carrying out asthma prevention and management behaviours for effectively manage their asthma symptoms. Future clinical practice should consider delivering an educational program using multifaceted and interactive learning strategies.
Does the Use of a Closed-Suction Drain Reduce the Effectiveness of an Antibiotic-loaded Spacer in Two-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Hip Infection? A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Xu Chi , Jia Cheng-Qi , Kuo Feng-Chih , Chai Wei , Zhang Ming-Hua , Chen Ji-Ying 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Objectives

There is a concern regarding the use of a closed-suction drain (CSD) in two-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection as it may decrease the antibiotic concentrations in the joint fluids. The purpose of this study was to identify whether the use of a CSD could reduce local antibiotic concentrations following spacer implantation.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at our institution between January 2018 and November 2018. We enrolled 32 patients undergoing two-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic hip infection with an interim cement spacer containing 4-g vancomycin and 2-g meropenem per 40-g methyl-methacrylate cement polymer. Patients were randomized and evenly divided into the clamped CSD group and open CSD group after surgery. Drainage samples of joint fluids (n=160) were collected every 24 hours for the first five days following spacer implantation. The antibiotic concentrations of drainage samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the bioactivities of the drainage samples against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) and E. coli were assessed.

Results

There was no significant difference in the decrease of vancomycin (p=0.917) and meropenem concentration (P=0.548) between the two groups during the first five days following spacer implantation. All joint drainage samples in each group exhibited antibacterial activity against MSSA, MRSA and E. Coli.

Conclusions

The use of CSD following the implantation of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer does not reduce the effectiveness of such a spacer in two-stage exchange arthroplasty.
Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University Student’s cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia: an institution based cross sectional study
Authors: Alemnew Birhan , Belay Yalemzewud , Demis Asmamaw 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Abstract Objectives: the main of this study was to assess the Magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among food handlers working at Woldia University Student’s cafeteria, Northeastern Ethiopia. An Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 256 food handlers, Northern Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling were used to select study participants Results: A total of 256 food handlers were enrolled making the overall magnitude of intestinal parasite which was stool specimens positive for different diagnostic stages of parasites was found to be 43(16.8%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasites 14(5.5%), followed by Giardia lamblia 10(3.9%). Lack of food safety training (AOR = 6.58; 95%CI: 2.46–17.62), no regular medical checkup (AOR=2.41; 95 %CI: 1.47-4.24), no hand washing practice after toilet by soap (AOR =3.24; 95%CI: 1.28-8.19), no hand washing practice before eating by soap (AOR =4.03; 95%CI: 1.64-9.91) and haven’t food preparation license (AOR= 6.13; 95 % CI: 2.18-17.22) were significantly associated with parasitic infection among food handlers. Keywords: Intestinal parasites, Food handlers, Student cafeteria, Woldia University
Burden of Viral Pathogens in Pediatric Patients in Southwest Ohio
Authors: DeBurger Barbara , Hanna Sarah , Ankrum Andrea , Schaffzin Joshua , Powell Eleanor , Mortensen Joel E. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Viral gastroenteritis is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Evolving epidemiology, in part due to vaccines, has made identifying specific stool pathogens more relevant for clinical and public health providers. Molecular testing for gastrointestinal viruses is sensitive and effective for rapid identification of viruses from stool samples. In this study we report the prevalence of key viral pathogens in diarrheal stool specimens from a pediatric population.
Methods: From February 2014 to March 2017, remnant stool samples from patients presenting to a healthcare provider with diarrhea were examined for both bacteria (Salmonella species, Shigella species, Campylobacter species, and Shiga toxins 1 and 2) and viruses (norovirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, and rotavirus). Detection of targets was performed using and FDA-approved platform (BD Max™) with PCR/sequencing serving as the reference method.
Results: Of the 386 samples tested, at least one potential pathogen (viral and/or bacterial) was detected in 41.2% of specimens. 136 (35.2%%) samples tested positive for at least one virus; 34 (8.8%) samples tested positive for at least one bacterium. There were 28 dual infections.
Conclusions: The most commonly detected targets were viruses. Norovirus and sapovirus were the most prevalent stool pathogens, especially in very young patients. Shigella species was the most prevalent bacteria and third most detected target overall. Rotavirus prevalence was low, but still detected in 15 (3.9%) of the samples. This may indicate that while vaccine has reduced its prevalence, it should still be considered in clinical evaluation of this population. Of note, the majority (59%) of samples were negative for viral pathogens. Providers should also consider parasites and noninfectious causes such as inflammatory bowel disease when evaluating diarrhea in a pediatric patient.
The effectiveness of an interactive organ donation education intervention for Dutch lower-educated students: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Steenaart Esther , Crutzen Rik , Candel Math JJM , de Vries Nanne K 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Organ donation registration rates remain low, especially among people with lower educational levels. An interactive educational intervention was developed to prepare lower-educated students in the Netherlands for making a well-informed decision about organ donation. This article reports on the effects of this intervention on the intention to register (i.e. the primary outcome in the study at hand) and beliefs regarding organ donation.

Methods

The effectiveness was investigated in a post-test only cluster randomized controlled trial, in which the intervention was offered to the experimental group and after measurement also to the control group. Randomization to the experimental and control groups took place at a class level. Teachers of schools for intermediate vocational education who taught a course on Citizenship delivered three intervention elements (i.e. video fragments and discussion, quizzes with tailored feedback and exercise filling out a registration form) to their students during two 50-minute lessons.

Results

A total of 1170 students participated in the trial and filled out a questionnaire. After receiving the intervention, more students were intending to register a decision (OR=1.81; 95%CI [1.10-2.96]), their perceived knowledge increased (B=.62; 95%CI [.23-1.01]) and they had higher intentions to talk to family members (B=.68; 95%CI [.28-1.08]) and friends (B=.36; 95%CI [.07-.66]) about organ donation. There were no effects on the choice students intended to register (OR=1.08; 95%CI [.67-1.73]).

Conclusions

Providing education in a classroom setting is an effective tool in increasing registration intentions. Despite uncertainties about the effects on actual registration behavior, a larger scale dissemination of this intervention is recommended. Providing clear information and opening the discussion about organ donation is an important and promising first step towards higher registration rates.

Trial registration: The Dutch Trial Register, NTR6771. Registered on 24 October 2017. https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6557
Reducing violent discipline by teachers using Interaction Competencies with Children for Teachers (ICC-T): Study protocol for a matched cluster randomized controlled trial in Tanzanian public primary schools
Authors: Masath Faustine Bwire , Hermenau Katharin , Nkuba Mabula , Hecker Tobias 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Despite the existing national and international plans of action to end violent discipline strategies used by teachers in schools, it still prevails in Tanzanian schools. This underlines the need to implement school-based interventions that aim at reducing violent discipline by teachers. In this study, we will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the preventative intervention Interaction Competencies with Children for Teachers in Tanzanian primary schools. Following its success in secondary schools, we hypothesize that the intervention will reduce teachers’ positive attitudes towards and their use of violent discipline at school.

Methods

The study will be conducted in six randomly selected regions in Tanzania. We have already randomly selected two schools in each region (12 in total) that fulfill our inclusion criteria. From each region, one school will be randomly assigned to the intervention and the other to the monitoring group (no intervention). Eighty students between the ages of nine to twelve years (N = 960) and 20 teachers from each school (N = 240) will be included in the trial. We will collect data directly before the intervention (t1) and six months after the intervention (t2) both at intervention and monitoring schools. Using guided questionnaire assessments, we will measure violence by teachers using students’ reports on their exposure to and teachers’ reports on their use of violence using the Conflict Tactics Scale. Furthermore, we will assess teachers’ positive attitudes towards violent discipline using a modified version of the Conflict Tactic Scale. The feasibility of the intervention will be evaluated using purpose-built measures assessing the demand, applicability, acceptability and integration of core elements into the daily work in the participating schools.

Discussion

The proposed study will allow us to test the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention aiming to reduce positive attitudes towards and the use of violent discipline by teachers in school settings. With the reduction of violent discipline by teachers, this study contributes to national and international efforts towards ending violence against children as well as the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that also aim for preventing children from all types of maltreatment.
Effects of the Informed Health Choices primary school intervention on the ability of children in Uganda to assess the reliability of claims about treatment effects, one-year follow-up: a cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Nsangi Allen , Semakula Daniel , Oxman Andrew David , Dalghren Astrid Austvoll- , Oxman Matt , Rosenbaum Sarah , Morelli Angela , Glenton Claire , Lewin Simon , Kaseje Margaret , Chalmers Iain , Freithem Atle , Ding Kristoffer Yunpeng , Sewankambo Nelson Kaulukusi Kaulukusi 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Introduction
We evaluated an intervention designed to teach 10 to 12-year-old primary school children to assess claims about the effects of treatments (any action intended to maintain or improve health). We report here on outcomes measured one year after the intervention.
Methods
In this cluster-randomised trial, we included primary schools in the central region of Uganda that taught year-five children (aged 10 to 12 years). We randomly allocated a representative sample of eligible schools to either an intervention or control group. Intervention schools received the Informed Health Choices primary school resources (textbooks, exercise books, and a teachers’ guide). The primary outcome, measured at the end of the school term and again after one year, was the mean score on a test with two multiple-choice questions for each of the 12 concepts and the proportion of children with passing scores.
Results
We assessed 2960 schools for eligibility; 2029 were eligible, and a random sample of 170 were invited to recruitment meetings. After recruitment meetings, 120 eligible schools consented and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=60, 76 teachers and 6383 children) or control group (n=60, 67 teachers and 4430 children). After one year, the mean score in the multiple-choice test for the intervention schools was 68.7% compared to 53.0% for the control schools (adjusted mean difference 16.7%, 95% CI 13.9 to 19.5; p<0·00001). In the intervention schools, 3160 (80.1%) of 3943 children that completed the test after one year achieved a predetermined passing score (≥13 of 24 correct answers) compared with 1464 (51.5%) of 2844 children in the control schools (adjusted difference 39.5%, 95% CI 29.9 to 47.5).
Conclusion
Use of the learning-resources led to a large improvement in the ability of children to assess claims, which was sustained for at least one year.
Effect of Coflex interspinous stabilization on the prevention of progression of adjacent segment degeneration after single level and skipped level spinal fusion in a canine model
Authors: Liang Jia-ming , Lin Fang-qi , Ding Jia-ning , Xu Jian-guang 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Interspinous spacer (ISPs) was a promising treatment method for adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after spinal fusion. Coflex, one of ISPs, has been deceived to prevent or decelerate ASD after spinal fusion, while the proof of the effectiveness of such device is still very limited. The purpose of this study was further to investigate the protection role of Coflex in vivo after spinal fusion, when implanted in adjacent segment and middle segment.

Methods

Three groups of beagles were allocated as follows (n=6): (1)L4-5 lumbar interbody fusion(IF). (2) L4-5 lumbar interbody fusion +L5-6 interspinous Coflex implantation(Cof1).(3) L4-5 and L6-7 interbody fusion+ L5-6 interspinous Coflex implantation (Cof2). In all animals, L5-6 discs were punctured to generate degeneration, and the intact L2–3 disc served as a noninjuries control (Con group). The effectiveness of Coflex on the prevention or deceleration of the progression of ASD was determined by magnetic resonance imaging, gross anatomical observation, histological and immunohistochemically analysis, and Real-time PCR analysis of gene expression.

Results

The objective disc in every group showed degeneration, however, the degeneration was more significant in IF group than Cof1 and Cof2 groups. MRI and histologic assay demonstrated that the discs of Cof1 and Cof2 groups maintained a relatively well-preserved structure as compared to the discs of IF group. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis and real-time PCR demonstrated that the indicators of disc degeneration, TIMP1, BMP2, Col I, were up-regulated and disc matrix gene, Col II was down-regulated in IF group significantly

Conclusions

Coflex could decelerate the progression of ASD after spinal fusion, and it holds the same value not only at adjacent segment after single level spinal fusion, but also dose at the middle segment after “skipped” level (nonconsecutive) fusion
Female clients’ gender preferences for frontline health workers who provide maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services at primary health care level in Nigeria
Authors: Okereke Ekechi , Unumeri Godwin , Akinola Akinwumi , Eluwa George , Adebajo Sylvia 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

In Nigeria, anecdotes abound that female clients, particularly within northern Nigeria, have gender-based preferences for frontline health workers (FLHWs) who provide healthcare services. This may adversely affect uptake of maternal newborn and child health services, especially at primary healthcare level in Nigeria, where a huge proportion of the Nigerian population and rural community members in particular, access healthcare services. This study explored female clients’ gender preferences for frontline health workers who provide maternal, newborn and child healthcare (MNCH) services at primary healthcare level in Nigeria.

Methods

The study adopted a cross-sectional quantitative design with 256 female clients’ exit interviews from 66 randomly selected primary health facilities within two States - Bauchi (northern Nigeria) and Cross-River (southern Nigeria). Data was collected using Personal Digital Assistants and data analysis was done using SPSS software. Descriptive analysis was carried out using percentage frequency distribution tables. Bivariate analysis was also carried out to examine possible relationships between key characteristic variables and the gender preferences of female clients involved in the study.

Results

Out of 256 women who accessed maternal, newborn and child health services within the sampled health facilities, 44.1% stated preference for female FLHWs, 2.3% preferred male FLHWs while 53.5% were indifferent about the gender of the health worker. However only 26.6% of female clients were attended to by male FLHWs. Bivariate analyses suggest a relationship between a female client’s health worker gender preference and her pregnancy status, the specific reason for which a female client visits a primary healthcare facility, a female client’s location in Nigeria as well as the gender of the health worker(s) working within the primary healthcare facility which she visits to access maternal, newborn and child health services.

Conclusions

The study findings strongly suggest that female clients at primary healthcare level in Nigeria possibly have gender preferences for the frontline health workers who provide services to them. There should be sustained advocacy and increased efforts at community engagement to promote the acceptability of healthcare services from male frontline health workers in order to have a significant impact on the uptake of MNCH services, particularly within northern Nigeria.