bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide epigenetic analyses in Japanese immigrant plantation workers with Parkinson’s Disease and exposure to organochlorines reveal glial genes and pathways involved in neurotoxicity
Authors: Go Rodney C.P. , Corley Michael J , Ross George Webster , Petrovich Helen , Masaki Kamal H , Maunakea Alika K , He Qimei , Tiirikainen Maarit I 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a disease of the central nervous system that progressively affects the motor system. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence that exposure to agriculture-related occupations or agrichemicals elevate a person’s risk for PD. Here, we sought to examine the possible epigenetic changes associated with working on a plantation on Oahu, HI and/or exposure to organochlorines (OGC) in PD cases. Results: We measured genome-wide DNA methylation using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip array in matched peripheral blood and postmortem brain biospecimens in PD cases (n=21) assessed for years of plantation work and presence of organochlorines in brain tissue. The comparison of 10+ to 0 years of plantation work exposure detected 7 and 123 differentially methylated loci (DML) in brain and blood DNA, respectively ( P <0.0001). The comparison of cases with 4+ to 0-2 detectable levels of OGC, identified 8 and 18 DML in brain and blood DNA, respectively ( P <0.0001). Pathway analyses revealed links to key neurotoxic and neuropathologic pathways related to impaired immune and proinflammatory responses as well as impaired clearance of damaged proteins, as found in the predominantly glial cell population in these environmental exposure-related PD cases. Conclusions : These results suggest that distinct DNA methylation biomarker profiles related to environmental exposures in PD cases with previous exposure can be found in both brain and blood.
Molecular Dynamics simulations of TREM2 variants R47H and R62H show structural alterations at key binding regions leading to possible implications for mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease.
Authors: Menzies Georgina Elizabeth , Sims Rebecca , Williams Julie 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background There is strong evidence supporting the association between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and protein-coding variants, R47H and R62H in triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). The TREM2 protein is an immune receptor protein found in brain microglia. These two variants are in a similar position in the protein but cause a different functional outcome. A structural alteration caused by the variants could be having a large effect on the protein. A crystallised structure was used to investigate structural differences. Both variants were inserted into the protein structure and these were subjected to 300ns of molecular dynamic simulation (MD) in order to investigate the link between structural change and AD risk.Results Results suggest structural alterations in both variant models of TREM2 which could be causing the reduced functional outcome. A large change was noted in the R47H model in the complementarity-determining region two (CDR2) loop, a proposed binding site for ligands such as APOE, a smaller change was observed in the R62H model in this same loop. The overall structure remained stable, possibly accounting for the reduced, not missing, function of TREM2 in disease.Conclusions These differing levels of structural impact could explain the in vitro observed differences in TREM2-ligand binding when the mutations are present. Further studies to investigate this binding loop could help not only a better understanding of TREM2’s role in the onset of dementia but also possibly provide a target for therapeutics.
Borrelia miyamotoi DNA in a patient suspected of Lyme borreliosis
Authors: Fiecek Beata , Lewandowska Grazyna , Roguska Urszula , Rozej-Bielicka Wioletta , Tylewska-Wierzbanowska Stanislawa , Chmielewski Tomasz 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Clinical manifestations in infection caused by B. miyamotoi can mimick highly variable symptoms of Lyme disease. The aim of our studies was to detect DNA of B. miyamotoi spirochetes in clinical materials from patients suspected of neuroborreliosis(retrospectively).Methods Samples of blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid were collected from 133 patients with clinical manifestations of neuroborreliosis. Diagnosis was established by detection of IgM and / or IgG specific antibodies to B. burgdorferi with ELISA in both sera and CSF. Specificity of positive ELISA results in sera were confirmed with Western-blot test. Bacterial DNA from the collected material was extracted, amplified and sequenced.Results Among 133 patients with clinical manifestations of neuroborreliosis recognized in the years 2010-2018., DNA of B. miyamotoi was detected in CSF from 1 (0.8%) patient with extraocular optic neuritis of the left eye (GenBank accession No. MK674170 and MK674171).Conclusion Detection of B. miyamotoi in patients with central nervous system infections, will allow a better understanding of the epidemiology of infections caused by Borrelia sp. spirochetes. Patients with neurological symptoms and questionable serological findings are a serious diagnostic problem, due to failure to meet the criteria for neuroboreliosis. This indicates the need for further studies of patients with signs of CNS infection.
Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy for suspected and confirmed sepsis of patients in a surgical-trauma ICU: a prospective, two-period cross-over, interventional study
Authors: Chomba Rispah , Moeng Maeyane Steve , Lowman Warren 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Biomarkers like procalcitonin (PCT) are an important antimicrobial stewardship tool for critically ill patients. The purpose of our study was to compare a procalcitonin guided antibiotic algorithm to standard antibiotic treatment in surgical trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: A prospective, two period cross-over study was conducted in a surgical trauma intensive care unit in South Africa. In the first period, 40 patients were recruited into the control group and antibiotics were discontinued as per standard of care. In the second period, 40 patients were recruited into the procalcitonin group and antibiotics were discontinued if the PCT decreased by ≥ 80% from the peak PCT level, or to an absolute value of less than 0.5 µg/L. Antibiotic duration of treatment was the primary outcome. Patients were followed up for 28 days from the first sepsis event.Results: For the first sepsis event the PCT group had a mean antibiotic duration of 9.3 days while the control group had a mean duration of 10.9 days (p=0.10). Patients in the intervention group had more antibiotic free days alive (mean 7.7±6.57 days) compared to the control group ﴾mean 3.8±5.22 days, (p=0.004﴿. The length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay for the two groups were similar. The in-hospital mortality was reduced in the intervention group (15%) compared to the control group (30%).Conclusion: There was no significant difference in duration of antibiotic treatment between the two groups. However, the PCT group had more antibiotic free days alive and lower in-hospital mortality compared to the control group.Trial registration: Pan African clinical trial registry, PACTR201909715467725, date of registration: 20.9.2019; retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Search.aspx
Antibacterial effect of propolis nanoparticles against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in the root canal
Authors: Parolia Abhishek , Kumar Haresh Kumar , Ramamurthy Srinivasan Ramamurthy , Pau Allan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: To determine the antibacterial effect of propolis nanoparticles (PNs) as an endodontic irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in root canal. Methods: PNs were prepared by ultrasonication and the particle size distribution and polydispersity index were determined by dynamic light scattering using Zetasizer Nano S90. 210 extracted human teeth were sectioned to obtain 6mm of the middle third of the root. The root canal was enlarged to an internal diameter of 0.9mm. The specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis for 21 days. Following this, specimens were randomly divided into seven groups having 30 dentinal blocks in each group including group I: saline, group II: propolis 100µg/ml, group III: propolis 300µg/ml, group IV: propolis nanoparticle 100µg/ml, group V: propolis nanoparticle 300µg/ml, group VI: 6% sodium hypochlorite, group VII: 2% chlorhexidine. Dentine shavings were collected at 200 and 400 μm depths, and total numbers of CFUs were determined at the end of one, five, and ten minutes. The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the differences in reduction of CFUs between all groups and probability values of P < 0.05 were set as the reference for statistically significant results. The scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscopy were also performed after exposure to PNs. Results: PN300 was significantly more effective in reducing CFUs compared to all other groups (p <0.05) except 6% NaOCl and 2% CHX (p >0.05) at all-time intervals and both depths. At five minutes, 6% NaOCl and 2 % CHX were the most effective in reducing CFUs (p <0.05) however, no significant difference was found in between PN300, 6% NaOCl and 2 % CHX at 10 minutes (p >0.05). SEM images also showed the maximum reduction of E. faecalis with PN300, 6% NaOCl and 2% CHX (>90 %) at five and ten minutes. CLSM images showed the number of dead cells in dentin was highest with PN300 (>90%) compared to PN100 (>40%) and saline (all live cells). Conclusion: PN300 was equally effective as 6% NaOCl, and 2% CHX in reducing E. faecalis CFUs after one minute, five and ten minutes at both depths.
Investigating the Utilization of Ground Palm Kernel Shells for Partial Replacement of Cement in Concrete Using Nondestructive Method
Authors: Armah Esau Abekah , Koffi Hubert Azoda , Sogbey Bright J. A. Y , Amuzu Josef K. Ametefe 
Published: September 2019

The objective of this research is to investigate the utilization of palm kernel shells in ground form (GPK) for partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete by investigating its optimal strength using nondestructive ultrasonic pulse velocity method for both cubic and cylindrical concrete test specimen. In all a total of 135 cubes and 66 cylinders of concrete were prepared. The dimension of the cubic concrete specimens was 150 × 150 × 150 mm and that of the cylindrical specimens were 110 mm and 500 mm diameter and length respectively. The mix design of the GPK shells used as a partial replacement for OPC ranged between 0% and 50% by weight of cement using mix ratio of 1:2:4 with water to cement ratio of 0.8. The concrete specimens were test at curing periods of 7 days, 28 days and 60 days for the cubes and 7 days and 28 days for the cylinders. Based on the results and the analysis done, it was generally observed in all cases that, as the mix ratio is increased, the ultrasonic pulse velocity, modulus of elasticity and the density decreased and as the curing period increased, these values increased across all the mix ratios. The ultrasonic pulse velocity and the density of the specimens shows that concretes containing GPK “fuel” shells has higher values than those containing GPK ordinary shells. Generally, the density, ultrasonic pulse velocity and the modulus of elasticity of concrete containing GPK shells decrease as the replacement percentage increase.
Rainwater for drinking in Vietnam: barriers and strategies
Authors: Thuy Bui Thi , Dao Anh Dung , Han Mooyong , Nguyen Duc Canh , Nguyen Viet Anh , Park Hyunju , Luan Pham Dang Manh Hong , Duyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Nguyen Hong Quan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
For many decades in Vietnam, rainwater harvesting has been widely used as a nature-based solution in rural areas, aiming at good-quality drinking water with low cost and little energy. Recently, rainwater for drinking has attracted much attention from the Vietnam government. Furthermore, despite its efforts, the outcomes are not as expected due to local barriers. This paper reviewed rainwater for drinking demonstration projects in some specific areas of Vietnam, with identification of the technical, economic, and social barriers, further suggesting possible overcome strategies. A lesson learnt from this study would be the principle of promoting rainwater for drinking in developing countries, looking forward to sustainability.
Phosphorus recovery from sewage with a sustainable and low-cost treatment system
Authors: Chaves Vitor Tonzar , Morita Dione Mari , Chao Iara Regina Soares , Contrera Ronan Cleber 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This study proposes a technology conceived based on an integrative approach that aims to promote phosphorus recovery and to recycle ferric water treatment sludge (FWTS), using it as a phosphorus adsorbent which may be applied as a soil ameliorant after reaching saturation. The assessed pilot plant operated with a daily influent flow of 360 litres and presented a removal efficiency of 94.4% ± 3.2% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and of 91.2% ± 7.8% for suspended solids. It also presented promising results for phosphorus removal. The maximum efficiency of dissolved reactive phosphorus removal was 95% on the first day and it decreased until reaching adsorbent saturation. The estimated breakthrough time was one year in the condition in which the filling medium of a second constructed wetland was only FWTS. In this situation, the effluent phosphorus concentration was 0.2 mg·L−1. The authors concluded that the application of FWTS in a constructed wetland bed is an interesting alternative. Batch adsorption experiments were run using phosphorus stock solution. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were obtained for different initial pH values. The maximum adsorption capacity decreased as the initial pH was increased; values ranged from 4.76 mg P·g−1 (pH = 3.9) to 1.44 mg P·g−1 (pH = 9.0).
Placa de protección mucosa, elemento de uso actual en el desafío de la protección de la mucosa oral
Authors: Guzmán-Menco Eliana , Carmona-Lorduy Martha , Harris-Ricardo Jonathan 
Published: October 2019

La placa de protección mucosa (PPM) es un aparato o dispositivo flexible, que disminuye la incidencia y severidad del trauma en el tejido blando bucal, es utilizada como alternativa terapéutica en lesiones de cavidad oral, asociadas a trauma, y además de forma preventiva en aquellos pacientes con antecedentes de algunos hábitos como morsicatio buccarum entre otros, principalmente este dispositivo busca preservar la integridad de los tejidos blandos. Se reportan dos casos remitidos al postgrado de Estomatología y Cirugía Oral de la Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Estos pacientes presentaron lesiones traumáticas en diferentes sitios de la mucosa bucal, para lo cual se implementó el uso de una placa de protección mucosa, con el objetivo de aislar el trauma crónico localizado sobre estas, obteniendo finalmente resultados positivos en corto tiempo.
The Impacts of the Perceived Transparency of Privacy Policies and Trust in Providers for Building Trust in Health Information Exchange: Empirical Study
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Pouyan 
Published: September 2019

Background
In the context of exchange technologies, such as health information exchange (HIE), existing technology acceptance theories should be expanded to consider not only the cognitive beliefs resulting in adoption behavior but also the affect provoked by the sharing nature of the technology.

Objective
We aimed to study HIE adoption using a trust-centered model. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, the technology adoption literature, and the trust transfer mechanism, we theoretically explained and empirically tested the impacts of the perceived transparency of privacy policy and trust in health care providers on cognitive and emotional trust in an HIE. Moreover, we analyzed the effects of cognitive and emotional trust on the intention to opt in to the HIE and willingness to disclose health information.

Methods
A Web-based survey was conducted using data from a sample of 493 individuals who were aware of the HIE through experiences with a (or multiple) provider(s) participating in an HIE network.

Results
Structural Equation Modeling analysis results provided empirical support for the proposed model. Our findings indicated that when patients trust in health care providers, and they are aware of HIE security measures, HIE sharing procedures, and privacy terms, they feel more in control, more assured, and less at risk. Moreover, trust in providers has a significant moderating effect on building trust in HIE efforts (P<.05). Results also showed that patient trust in HIE may take the forms of opt-in intentions to HIE and patients’ willingness to disclose health information that are exchanged through the HIE (P<.001).

Conclusions
The results of this research should be of interest to both academics and practitioners. The findings provide an in-depth dimension of the HIE privacy policy that should be addressed by the health care organizations to exchange personal health information in a secure and private manner. This study can contribute to trust transfer theory and enrich the literature on HIE efforts. Primary and secondary care providers can also identify how to leverage the benefit of patients’ trust and trust transfer process to promote HIE initiatives nationwide.
Medical Students’ Experiences and Outcomes Using a Virtual Human Simulation to Improve Communication Skills: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Guetterman Timothy C , Sakakibara Rae , Baireddy Srikar , Kron Frederick W , Scerbo Mark W , Cleary James F , Fetters Michael D 
Published: September 2019

Background
Attending to the wide range of communication behaviors that convey empathy is an important but often underemphasized concept to reduce errors in care, improve patient satisfaction, and improve cancer patient outcomes. A virtual human (VH)–based simulation, MPathic-VR, was developed to train health care providers in empathic communication with patients and in interprofessional settings and evaluated through a randomized controlled trial.

Objective
This mixed methods study aimed to investigate the differential effects of a VH-based simulation developed to train health care providers in empathic patient-provider and interprofessional communication.

Methods
We employed a mixed methods intervention design, involving a comparison of 2 quantitative measures—MPathic-VR–calculated scores and the objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) scores—with qualitative reflections by medical students about their experiences. This paper is a secondary, focused analysis of intervention arm data from the larger trial. Students at 3 medical schools in the United States (n=206) received simulation to improve empathic communication skills. We conducted analysis of variance, thematic text analysis, and merging mixed methods analysis.

Results
OSCE scores were significantly improved for learners in the intervention group (mean 0.806, SD 0.201) compared with the control group (mean 0.752, SD 0.198; F1,414=6.09; P=.01). Qualitative analysis revealed 3 major positive themes for the MPathic-VR group learners: gaining useful communication skills, learning awareness of nonverbal skills in addition to verbal skills, and feeling motivated to learn more about communication. Finally, the results of the mixed methods analysis indicated that most of the variation between high, middle, and lower performers was noted about nonverbal behaviors. Medium and high OSCE scorers most often commented on the importance of nonverbal communication. Themes of motivation to learn about communication were only present in middle and high scorers.

Conclusions
VHs are a promising strategy for improving empathic communication in health care. Higher performers seemed most engaged to learn, particularly nonverbal skills.
PAUL SINGER E A PEDAGOGIA DA AUTOGESTÃO NA ECONOMIA SOLIDÁRIA
Authors: Nascimento Cláudio , Santos Aline Mendonça dos 
Published: September 2019

A economia solidária como estratégia político-pedagógica em prol da democracia e de outro projeto societário esteve presente na agenda do movimento de economia solidária. Não por acaso, sempre foi compreendida como uma perspectiva real de transformação da realidade social por aquele que foi a maior referência de economia solidária no Brasil: Paul Singer. Este artigo propõe traçar os esforços teóricos, políticos e práticos que Paul Singer desenvolveu ao longo de sua trajetória pessoal e profissional para contribuir no avanço da autogestão e da economia solidária, entendida como ato pedagógico e como estratégia de desenvolvimento.
PENGEMBANGAN LEMBAR KERJA SISWA (LKS) DENGAN MODEL DISCOVERY LEARNING PADA MATERI SIFAT KOLIGATIF LARUTAN
Authors: Pradnyamita Made Intan , Tika I Nyoman , Sudiana I Ketut 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) menghasilkan dan mendeskripsikan karakteristik, (2) validitas, (3) tingkat keterbacaan Lembar Kerja Siswa (LKS) dengan model discovery learning pada materi sifat koligatif larutan. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian dan pengembangan dengan menggunakan model pengembangan dari 4-D Thiagarajan. Tahapan penelitian yang dilakukan adalah define, design dan develop. LKS yang dikembangkan terdiri empat subtopik bahasan. Validasi LKS melibatkan satu orang ahli isi, satu orang ahli desain dan media pembelajaran, satu orang ahli Bahasa, dan satu orang praktisi. Uji Keterbacaan dilaksanakan dalam dua tahap yaitu uji one to one yang melibatkan 3 siswa dan uji small group yang melibatkan 12 siswa kelas XII SMA Negri 5 Denpasar. Karakteristik LKS dengan model discovery learning pada materi sifat koligatif larutan, yaitu pembelajran berpusat pada siswa, siswa dituntut untuk menemukan sendiri pengetahuannya dengan cara mengeksplorasi dan memecahkan masalah kemudian menggabungkan pengetahuan baru yang telah dimiliki dengan pengetahuan yang sudah ada melalui sintak dari discovery learning. Hasil validasi LKS menunujukkan bahwa LKS yang dikembangkan memenuhi katagori baik. Berdasarkan hasil uji keterbacaan diperoleh tingkat keterbacaan yang baik dan mudah dipahami oleh siswa.Kata kunci: lembar kerja siswa, discovery learning, sifat koligatif larutan ABSTRACT This study aimed to (1) produce and describe the characteristics, (2) the validity, (3) the readability of Student Worksheets (LKS) with discovery learning models in the coligative properties of solutions. This type of research is research and development used the development model of 4-D Thiagarajan. The stages of the research conducted are define, design and develop. The developed worksheet consists of four subtopics. LKS validation involves one content expert, one design expert and learning media, one language expert, and one practitioner. Readability test were carried out in two stages, one to one involving 3 students and a small group involving 12 students of grade XII SMA Negri 5 Denpasar. Characteristics of LKS with discovery learning models in the material of colligative nature of solution, namely student-centered learning, students are required to find their own knowledge by exploring and solving problems and then combining new knowledge they have with existing knowledge through the syntax of discovery learning. The results of the LKS validation show that the LKS developed meets the good categories. Based on the results of a readability test, also had good readability level and can be comprehended by students. Keywords: student worksheet, discovery learning, colligative proporties of solution.