bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Prognostic Factors of Survival in Breast Cancer Using a Frailty Model: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Yazdani Akram , Yaseri Mehdi , Haghighat Shahpar , Kaviani Ahmad , Zeraati Hojjat 
Published: September 2019

Background: Using data from different health centers can provide more accurate knowledge of the survival prognostic factors and their effect on the patient’s survival. In this multicenter study, we aimed to investigate the role of prognostic factors on breast cancer survival with large data set. Methods: This historical cohort study was carried out using data from 1785 participants with breast cancer. Data were gathered from medical records of patients referring to 4 breast cancer research centers in Tehran, Iran, between 1997 and 2013. Age at diagnosis (year), size of the tumor, involve lymph nodes, tumor grade, type of surgery, auxiliary treatment of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, recurrence, and metastasis were the prognosis factors considered in this study. A shared frailty model with a gamma distribution for frailty term was used. Results: The median follow-up period was 29.71 months with the interquartile range of 19 to 61 months. During the follow-up period, 337 (18.9%) patients died from breast cancer and 1448 (81.1%) survived. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 96%, 84%, 76%, and 58%, respectively. In the Cox model by centers, in Center A, the type of surgery, number of nodes involved, and the grade 3 tumor; in center B, age, radiotherapy, metastasis, and between 1 and 3 involved nodes; in center C, age, radiotherapy, recurrence, metastasis, tumor size, and grade 3 tumor; and in center D, chemotherapy, metastasis, and lymph nodes involved were significant. Shared frailty model showed that type of surgery, number of lymph nodes involved, metastasis, radiotherapy, and the tumor grade are the prognostic factors survival in breast cancer. The frailty variance was significant, and it affirmed there was significant variability between centers. Conclusions: This study showed it is necessary to consider the frailty term in modeling multicenter survival studies and confirmed the importance of early diagnosis of cancer before the involvement of lymph nodes and the onset of metastasis and timely treatment could lead to longer life and increased quality of life for patients.
Autophagy in the heart is enhanced and independent of disease progression in mus musculus dystrophinopathy models
Authors: Spaulding HR , Ballmann C , Quindry JC , Hudson MB , Selsby JT 
Published: September 2019

Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a muscle wasting disease caused by dystrophin gene mutations resulting in dysfunctional dystrophin protein. Autophagy, a proteolytic process, is impaired in dystrophic skeletal muscle though little is known about the effect of dystrophin deficiency on autophagy in cardiac muscle. We hypothesized that with disease progression autophagy would become increasingly dysfunctional based upon indirect autophagic markers. Methods Markers of autophagy were measured by western blot in 7-week-old and 17-month-old control (C57) and dystrophic (mdx) hearts. Results Counter to our hypothesis, markers of autophagy were similar between groups. Given these surprising results, two independent experiments were conducted using 14-month-old mdx mice or 10-month-old mdx/Utrn± mice, a more severe model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Data from these animals suggest increased autophagosome degradation. Conclusion Together these data suggest that autophagy is not impaired in the dystrophic myocardium as it is in dystrophic skeletal muscle and that disease progression and related injury is independent of autophagic dysfunction.
An Analysis of Psychological Distress Profiles and their Correlates in Interdisciplinary Health-care Professional Students
Authors: Mladen Samantha , Loughan Ashlee , Kinser Patricia , Crawford MaryKate , Jones Anna , Edwards Sarah , Rybarczyk Bruce , Braun Sarah E 
Published: September 2019

Background Health-care professional (HCP) students experience high levels of burnout, characterized by work- and school-related stress. Burnout is associated with a host of negative psychological and health outcomes. It may also contribute to cognitive dysfunction and decreased work productivity and may be related to trait mindfulness. This study cross-sectionally explored psychological distress and its correlates in a sample of interdisciplinary HCP students using cluster analysis. Method Fifty-seven interdisciplinary HCP students completed validated measures of burnout, depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and rumination, which were entered into a cluster analysis. A neuropsychological test measured executive function; validated questionnaires assessed work productivity and trait mindfulness. Relationships between cluster membership and classroom productivity, executive function, and trait mindfulness were investigated. Results Burnout, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress were reported at high rates in this sample. The cluster analysis yielded 4 clusters, categorized as follows: Healthy, Ruminative Healthy, Moderate Distress, and High Distress. Cluster membership significantly differed based on trait mindfulness and classroom productivity. Trait mindfulness was related to classroom productivity. Although not significant, there were small to medium associations between executive function and both cluster membership and trait mindfulness. Discussion Cluster membership was highly related to trait mindfulness and classroom productivity, suggesting these are important correlates of psychological distress in HCP students. Taken together, these results underscore the need for interventions, especially ones that are mindfulness-based, to manage stress and work-relevant functioning in HCP students.
CT density of cervical thymus, in comparison with mediastinal thymus
Authors: Sen Anitha , Valsalamony Jiji , Raj Jubie 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesCervical component of thymus is noted more in children and young adults than in older age group. CT texture (lobules of soft tissue interspersed with fat), similarity with CT density of mediastinal thymus and continuity with mediastinal thymus on sagittal/coronal images, are given as the criteria for diagnosis of the cervical thymus. But CT densities of cervical and mediastinal components of the thymus may vary. The purpose of our study was to compare CT densities of cervical and mediastinal parts of the thymus, in cases where ultrasonography correlation was available.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 22 patients who had undergone CT between May 2015 and May 2017 and in whom ultrasonography (USG) correlation was available. CT densities of cervical and mediastinal components of thymus were measured.ResultsCT density of cervical thymus is lower than the CT density of mediastinal thymus by ~ 25 HU.There is a moderate positive correlation between CT densities of cervical and mediastinal parts of the thymus.CT densities of both cervical and mediastinal thymus were found to reduce with age, but the reduction was statistically significant only in the cervical thymus in this study.ConclusionsCT densities of cervical and mediastinal components of the thymus may vary, with CT density of cervical thymus being lower. There is a positive correlation between CT densities of cervical and mediastinal parts of the thymus.CT density of cervical thymus reduces with age.Understanding these may help avoid confusion on CT and avoid the need for correlative USG, saving time and effort.
An isopentyl transferase gene driven by the senescence-inducible SAG12 promoter improves salinity stress tolerance in cotton
Authors: SHAN Yi , ZHAO Peng , LIU Zhao , LI Fangjun , TIAN Xiaoli 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Soil salinity seriously affects cotton growth, leading to the reduction of yield and fiber quality. Recently, genetic engineering has become an efficient tool to increase abiotic stress tolerance in crops.

Results
In this study, isopentyl transferase (IPT), a key enzyme involved in cytokinin (CTK) biosynthesis from Agrobacterium tumefaciens, was selected to generate transgenic cotton via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A senescence-inducible SAG12 promoter from Arabidopsis was fused with the IPT gene. Ectopic-expression of SAG12::IPT significantly promoted seed germination or seedling tolerance to salt stress. Two IPT transgenic lines, OE3 as a tolerant line during seed germination, and OE8 as a tolerant line at seedling stage, were selected for further physiological analysis. The data showed that ectopic-expression of SAG12::IPT induced the accumulation of CTKs not only in leaves and roots, but also in germinating seeds. Moreover, ectopic-expressing IPT increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which was associated with the less reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation compared with control plants. Also, ectopic-expression of IPT produced higher K+/Na+ ratio in cotton shoot and root.

Conclusion
The senescence-induced CTK accumulation in cotton seeds and seedlings positively regulates salt stress partially by elevating ROS scavenging capability.
Prevention of Early Postoperative Decline: A Randomized, Controlled Feasibility Trial of Perioperative Cognitive Training
Authors: O’Gara Brian P. , Mueller Ariel , Gasangwa Doris Vanessa I. , Patxot Melissa , Shaefi Shahzad , Khabbaz Kamal , Banner-Goodspeed Valerie , Pascal-Leone Alvaro , Marcantonio Edward R. , Subramaniam Balachundhar 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:
Postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are common after cardiac surgery and contribute to an increased risk of postoperative complications, longer length of stay, and increased hospital mortality. Cognitive training (CT) may be able to durably improve cognitive reserve in areas deficient in delirium and POCD and, therefore, may potentially reduce the risk of these conditions. We sought to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of a perioperative CT program to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium and POCD in older cardiac surgery patients.

METHODS:
Randomized controlled trial at a single tertiary care center. Participants included 45 older adults age 60–90 undergoing cardiac surgery at least 10 days from enrollment. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 fashion to either perioperative CT via a mobile device or a usual care control. The primary outcome of feasibility was evaluated by enrollment patterns and adherence to protocol. Secondary outcomes of postoperative delirium and POCD were assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively. Patient satisfaction was assessed via a postoperative survey.

RESULTS:
Sixty-five percent of eligible patients were enrolled. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) adherence (as a percentage of prescribed minutes played) was 39% (20%–68%), 6% (0%–37%), and 19% (0%–56%) for the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and postdischarge periods, respectively. Median (IQR) training times were 245 (136–536), 18 (0–40), and 122 (0–281) minutes for each period, respectively. The incidence of postoperative delirium (CT group 5/20 [25%] versus control 3/20 [15%]; P = .69) and POCD (CT group 53% versus control 37%; P = .33) was not significantly different between groups for either outcome in this limited sample. CT participants reported a high level of agreement (on a scale of 0–100) with statements that the program was easy to use (median [IQR], 87 [75–97]) and enjoyable (85 [79–91]). CT participants agreed significantly more than controls that their memory (median [IQR], 75 [54–82] vs 51 [49–54]; P = .01) and thinking ability (median [IQR], 78 [64–83] vs 50 [41–68]; P = .01) improved as a result of their participation in the study.

CONCLUSIONS:
A CT program designed for use in the preoperative period is an attractive target for future investigations of cognitive prehabilitation in older cardiac surgery patients. Changes in the functionality of the program and enrichment techniques may improve adherence in future trials. Further investigation is necessary to determine the potential efficacy of cognitive prehabilitation to reduce the risk of postoperative delirium and POCD.
Influência da renda e do nível educacional sobre a condição de saúde percebida e autorreferida de pessoas idosas
Authors: Oliveira Janayne de Sousa , Freitas Sandy Kaena Soares de , Vilar Nathalie Barreto Saraiva , Saintrain Suzanne Vieira , Bizerril Davi Oliveira , Saintrain Maria Vieira de Lima 
Published: September 2019

Resumo: Objetivo: levantar a condição da saúde percebida e autorreferida de pessoas idosas no que tange à questão da renda financeira e do nível educacional. Métodos: estudo transversal e descritivo, cujo universo foi constituído por pessoas residentes no Município de Fortaleza, no Estado do Ceará - Brasil. A amostra foi constituída por um corte da população por gênero do Município de Fortaleza. A coleta de dados foi realizada mediante entrevistas individuais, em que se utilizou um questionário contendo questões fechadas (dicotômicas e de múltipla escolha) sobre dados sociodemográficos (idade, sexo, estado civil, renda, escolaridade), saúde sistêmica (doenças autorreferidas) e percepção sobre a saúde geral (excelente, razoável e/ou ruim). Resultados: o nível educacional dos idosos revelou diferenças quanto à renda e à condição de saúde autorreferida, mostrando que quanto mais anos de estudo, mais chances de melhor renda salarial e menor chance de adoecer, haja vista a diferença na percepção da saúde. Conclusão: há influencia nas condições de saúde geral dos idosos mediante o nível de renda e de educação.
A survey on the occurrence of Brachyspira pilosicoli and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Dors Arkadiusz , Czyżewska-Dors Ewelina , Woźniakowski Grzegorz 
Published: September 2019

Background: The major pathogenic intestinal spirochetes affecting pigs during the growing- finishing stage of production includeBrachyspira hyodysenteriaeandBrachyspira pilosicoli. Infections by these pathogens, which affect the economics of pig production, can result in mortality, growth rate losses and substantial antibiotic costs. The aim of this study was to assess the current occurrence ofB. hyodysenteriaeandB. pilosicoliin Polish pig herds. Moreover, associations between the presence of diarrhea or other intestinal pathogens and occurrence ofB. hyodysenteriaeandB. pilosicoliin pigs were investigated.Methods: Between January 2017 and August 2019, a total of 401 samples of pig feces from 95 different herds were submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute of Poland. These samples were obtained from pigs older than 7 weeks. All the received fecal samples were examined for the presence ofB. hyodysenteriae,B. pilosicoliandLawsonia intracellularisby real-time PCR.Results: ForB. pilosicoli,4.5% (95% CI, 2.5–7.0%) of samples and 13.7% (95% CI, 7.5–22.3%) of herds were positive. Out of 12 samples,B. pilosicoliwas detected simultaneously withL. intracellularis,B. hyodysenteriaeandB. pilosicoliwere detected alone in two samples each. In terms ofB. hyodysenteriae,7.0% of samples (95% CI, 4.7–9.9%) from 18.9% of herds (95% CI, 11.6–28.3%) were positive in real time PCR. The presence ofB. hyodysenteriaein fecal samples was associated with the presence of diarrhea in pigs.Conclusions: This study confirmed thatB. pilosicoliinfections occur in Polish pig herds, but the prevalence is at a low level and the presence ofB. pilosicoliis not associated with the development of diarrhea in pigs.B. hyodysenteriaeis still a common cause of diarrhea among pigs from Polish herds.
Using figured worlds to explore parents' attitudes and influences for choosing the content of primary school packed lunches
Authors: Jackson Jessica Eve , Giles Dave , Gerrard Clarabelle 
Published: September 2019

Objective: This study aimed to explore parents' attitudes toward the content of their child's packed lunch, school healthy eating policies, and their child's wishes. Furthermore, in this context, it also aimed to explore perceptions of health promotional materials and how these interventions interplayed with issues parents felt were important. Design: The ideology of ‘figured worlds’ was used as a stance to consider the relationship between bounding structures within society and the individual positional identity. Focus groups interviews obtained qualitative data of parents' multiple viewpoints. Iterative categorisation was employed as a method of analysis to observed findings in the data in relation to the individuals as intersubjective beings and their behaviour influenced by environmental conditions. Setting: A cross selection of local schools and parenting network were approached. Snowballing techniques were implemented highlighting the inclusion criteria. Subjects: Participants were required to have a child attending primary school who they provided a packed lunch for on a regular basis. Results: Three umbrella themes were identified: ‘The parents ideal’, ‘The child's desires’, and ‘Inconsistencies of the governing school’. A fourth theme, ‘The health promotional intrusion’ provides insight into the parents' reality when being presented with health promotional materials. Conclusions: This study has highlighted the complex, conflicting interplay between parents' ideal for their child's diet, their child's desires and the governing approaches to encouraging healthier choices. This understanding is vital when designing specific interventions to meet the needs of individuals, which prevent, protect and promote a healthy lifestyle for children and their families.
The Teaching Profession according to Communication Styles while Solving Conflict Situations
Authors: Kolenova Zuzana , Halakova Zuzana 
Published: September 2019

<p style="text-align:justify">An essential qualification requirement of the teachers´ profession is to handle the conflict situations effectively focusing on cultivation healthy kinds of relationship with other participants of the educational process, keeping discipline, communicative and good teaching atmosphere. In this contribution, we compare styles used in solving the conflict situations insight teaching profession objectively. Slovak elementary school teachers (N = 22) and secondary grammar school teachers (N = 42) were ask to complete a questionnaire consisting of 25 questions with 5 types of solving the conflict situations at school (avoiding, fighting, compromising, accommodating, collaborating). The occurrence and the use of different teachers´ approaches to solving the conflict situation were compared and analyzed. The Likert scaling and the method verified by professor Northouse were used for data evaluation. It is of high importance to pay attention to the dominant style (or the absent one) of solving the conflict situations in the teacher-student, teacher-teacher or teacher-superior interactions and to explore the differences of applying them.</p>
Adaptation of the Test Developed to Measure Mathematical Knowledge of Teaching Geometry in Turkey
Authors: Esendemir Ozan , Bindak Recep 
Published: September 2019

<p style="text-align:justify">“Mathematical knowledge for teaching” is a concept indicating the requirement for a specific kind of knowledge required to teach mathematics. Mathematical knowledge for teaching necessitates a more complex structure than what is required to carry out mathematical tasks and the knowledge to do that. The purpose of this study is to realize the adaptation of “Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching -Geometry (MKT-G)” Test that was initially conceived in English to Turkish (or to Turkish culture). During the adaptation process; after the translations of the items, focus group interviews were held with a group consisting of mathematics teacher educators and experienced mathematics teachers, and then the data from 243 elementary mathematics teachers was analyzed via Item Response Theory (IRT). As a result of the analysis of the test items, psychometric values of the test items indicated that the items in the test performed well in Turkey. Besides, validity and reliability arguments were also tested. As a result, the Turkish version of the MKT-G test is highly reliable and valid to measure the teachers’ knowledge of teaching geometry.</p>
In vivo assessment of high-molecular-weight polyethylene core suture tape for intra-articular ligament reconstruction
Authors: Soreide Endre , Denbeigh Janet M. , Lewallen Eric A. , Thaler Roman , Xu Wei , Berglund Lawrence , Yao Jie J. , Martinez Anthony , Nordsletten Lars , van Wijnen Andre J. , Kakar Sanjeev 
Published: September 2019

Aims Options for the treatment of intra-articular ligament injuries are limited, and insufficient ligament reconstruction can cause painful joint instability, loss of function, and progressive development of degenerative arthritis. This study aimed to assess the capability of a biologically enhanced matrix material for ligament reconstruction to withstand tensile forces within the joint and enhance ligament regeneration needed to regain joint function. Materials and Methods A total of 18 New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by autograft, FiberTape, or FiberTape-augmented autograft. Primary outcomes were biomechanical assessment (n = 17), microCT (µCT) assessment (n = 12), histological evaluation (n = 12), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis (n = 6). Results At eight weeks, FiberTape alone or FiberTape-augmented autograft demonstrated increased biomechanical stability compared with autograft regarding ultimate load to failure (p = 0.035), elongation (p = 0.006), and energy absorption (p = 0.022). FiberTape-grafted samples also demonstrated increased bone mineral density in the bone tunnel (p = 0.039). Histological evaluation showed integration of all grafts in the bone tunnels by new bone formation, and limited signs of inflammation overall. A lack of prolonged inflammation in all samples was confirmed by quantification of inflammation biomarkers. However, no regeneration of ligament-like tissue was observed along the suture tape materials. Except for one autograft failure, no adverse events were detected. Conclusion Our results indicate that FiberTape increases the biomechanical performance of intra-articular ligament reconstructions in a verified rabbit model at eight weeks. Within this period, FiberTape did not adversely affect bone tunnel healing or invoke a prolonged elevation in inflammation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1238–1247.