bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival Rate and Growth of Economical Fishes in Tailing Ponds of Bauxite Post-mining in Senggarang, Tanjungpinang City
Authors: Ashari Irvan Hasan , Apriadi Tri , Melani Winny Retna
Published: August 2020

The tailing pond of bauxite post-mining in Senggarang, Tanjungpinang City, have been potency of natural feed sources from phytoplankton and zooplankton. Moreover, the water quality of the tailing pond of bauxite post-mining has begun to support fish life. The objective of this study was to determine the survival rate and growth of economical fish in tailings ponds of bauxite post-mining in Senggarang, Tanjungpinang. The research was conducted by field experiment using a completely randomized design. There were different fish varieties as treatment: tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), gouramy (Osphronemus gouramy), and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Every treatment was  carried out 5 replications, with 6 fish in every cage replication. Monitoring the water quality and the fish survival on the 0th, 10th, 20th and 30th days. The survival of economical fishes in tailing ponds of bauxite post-mining from the highest to lowest were tambaqui (97%), tilapia (83%), and gouramy (40%), respectively. The growth of fishes length from the highest to the lowest were gouramy (0,223 cm), tambaqui (0,037 cm), and tilapia (0,018 cm). Meanwhile, all variety of fish tested had a decreased in weigh: gouramy -0,2310 grams, tilapia -0,4281 grams, and tambaqui -1,3498 grams. The management of tailing ponds of bauxite post-mining in Senggarang for fisheries activities can be carried out by tambaqui (C. macropomum) culture cage with several conditions such as measurement of carrying capacity and capacity, management of water quality, feed, and technical aspects of culture.Keywords: bauxite, economical fish, growth, survival rate, tailing ponds
Study of Symbiont Bacteria of Acropora digitifera Coral From Ciletuh Bay, Sukabumi by Using Culture and Molecular Approach
Authors: Nurfitri Nurfitri , Prasetiya Fiddy Semba , Riyantini Indah , Mulyani Yuniar , Arsad Sulastri , Agung Mochamad Untung Kurnia
Published: August 2020

Bacteria are one of the prokaryotic microorganisms that are symbiotic with coral reefs. These microorganisms help corals in secreting mucus layers which are used as a place to live for bacteria and control the presence of pathogenic bacteria in corals. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of bacterial communities associated with Acropora digitifera corals in Ciletuh bay, West Java, by culture approach. Sampling was carried out at a depth of 4 meters. Morphology-based identification and molecular approach based on sequence of the small ribosomal unit (16S) rRNA gene were used to determine the bacterial species in the samples. A total of six pure isolates were identified based on morphological observation and the molecular DNA characteristics from three of them were identified with 16S rRNA gene sequences. The identification using 16S rRNA gene showed that the isolate ACD.P4.PH7.P had a close relationship with the BF strain and zb strain of Bacillus flexus (acc number MH569560.1) with a similarity of 85.44 %. While ACD.P4.PH9.P isolate has a close relationship with Bacillus sp. c234 (acc number FJ950647.1) with a similarity of 98.50 %. Additionally, ACD.P4.PH9.K isolates closely related to Bacillus sp. of strain 6RM1 (acc number MK134607.1) with a similarity of 94.78 %. This study also revealed that both microscopic identifications by morphological traits and molecular approach using 16S rRNA gene can be used in bacterial diversity assessment.
The Utilization of Native Freshwater Mussel Pilsbryoconcha exilis as Biocontrol of Pathogenic Bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila in Tilapia Aquaculture
Authors: Rahman Rahman , Tantio Filibertus , Yuhana Munti , Firdausi Amalia Putri , Sumadi Ranta , Sumadikarta Adna
Published: August 2020

This research aims to evaluate the capacity of freshwater mussel Pilsbryoconcha exilis as a biocontrol agent to prevent the transmission of Aeromonas hydrophila in tilapia cultivation. Briefly, 10 tilapia fish with average bodyweight  7,88±0,25 g were subjected to four treatments in the 8-liter aquarium with three replications in a randomized design trial. The treatments were M1 (one mussel for a two-liter of water), M2 (two mussels for a two-liter of water), and two control treatments without mussel ( M+ and M-). All treatments, except the M-, then challenged by adding A. hydrophila live culture to obtain a final density of 105 CFU mL-1 into the aquarium for 7 days duration. The final survival rate of fish, the water-total bacterial count, and the blood profile of animals were assessed. The research revealed that there is a significant impact from the presence of freshwater mussel on tilapia cultivation. Generally, the M2 treatment showed better results with a significant different (P<0,05) according to the survival rate of fish (100±0,00%), water-total bacterial count (4,53±0,03 log CFU mL-1), and fish leucocytes (4,30±0,70x104 cell mm-3). Nonetheless, there was no different (P>0,05) effect on fish erythrocytes among the treatments. Therefore, the feeding activity of freshwater mussel in the water column able to deplete pathogenic bacteria abundance and prevent pathogen transmission along with increasing the survival rate of fish.
Depresión y consumo de tabaco en adolescentes de secundaria
Authors: Jiménez Martínez Aída Aleyda , García García Pedro , Hinojosa García Laura , Gracia Castillo Gloria Nelly
Published: August 2020

De acuerdo a la Organización Mundial de la Salud, más de 7 millones de personas mueren a consecuencia del consumo de tabaco, distintos estudios han encontrado relación entre el consumo de tabaco y estados depresivos. Objetivo. Determinar la relación del nivel de depresión y el consumo de tabaco en adolescentes de secundaria. Método. Estudio transversal, descriptivo y correlacional, muestra de 324 adolescentes. Los participantes respondieron una cédula de datos personales y consumo de tabaco y la escala de Beck II. Resultados. Se encontró una media de 12 años (DE = 1.5) como edad de inicio de consumo, la prevalencia de consumo de tabaco alguna vez en la vida fue de 9.6 %, el 4.3% de los participantes se encontró con nivel de depresión grave, no se encontró asociación entre los niveles de depresión y el consumo de tabaco alguna vez en la vida, (p > .05). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de consumo fue baja, el mayor porcentaje de la muestra reportó niveles de depresión leve y moderada, no se encontró asociación entre el consumo de tabaco y los niveles de depresión.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Prevalent and Persistent Cervical High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
Authors: Adebamowo Sally N. , Adeyemo Adebowale A , Rotimi Charles N , Olaniyan Olayinka , Offiong Richard B. , Adebamowo Clement A
Published: August 2020

Background: Genetic factors may influence the susceptibility to high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection and persistence. We conducted the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with cervical hrHPV infection and persistence.Methods: Participants were 517 Nigerian women evaluated at baseline and 6 months follow-up visits for HPV. HPV was characterized using SPF10/LiPA25. hrHPV infection was positive if at least one carcinogenic HPV genotype was detected in a sample provided at the baseline visit and persistent if at least one carcinogenic HPV genotype was detected in each of the samples provided at the baseline and follow-up visits. Genotyping was done using the Illumina Multi-Ethnic Genotyping Array (MEGA) and imputation was done using the African Genome Resources Haplotype Reference Panel. Association analysis was done for hrHPV infection (125 cases/392 controls) and for persistent hrHPV infection (51 cases/355 controls) under additive genetic models adjusted for age, HIV status and the first principal component (PC) of the genotypes.Results: The mean (±SD) age of the study participants was 38 (±8) years, 48% were HIV negative, 24% were hrHPV positive and 10% had persistent hrHPV infections. No single variant reached genome-wide significance (p < 5 X 10-8). The top three variants associated with hrHPV infections were intronic variants clustered in KLF12 (all OR: 7.06, p =1.43 x 10-6). The top variants associated with cervical hrHPV persistence were in DAP (OR: 6.86, p =7.15 x 10-8), NR5A2 (OR: 3.65, p =2.03 x 10-7) and MIR365-2 (OR: 7.71, p =2.63 x 10-7) gene regions. Conclusions: This exploratory GWAS yielded suggestive candidate risk loci for cervical hrHPV infection and persistence. The identified loci have biological annotation and functional data supporting their role in hrHPV infection and persistence. Given our limited sample size, larger discovery and replication studies are warranted to further characterize the reported associations.
New vectors in northern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, for the zoonotic malaria parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi
Authors: De Joshua Ang Xin , Kadir Khamisah Abdul , Mohamad Dayang Shuaisah Awang , Matusop Asmad , Divis Paul Cliff Simon , Yaman Khatijah , Singh Balbir
Published: August 2020

Background: Plasmodium knowlesi is a significant cause of human malaria in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Only one study has been previously undertaken in Sarawak to identify vectors of P. knowlesi, where Anopheles latens was incriminated as the vector in Kapit, central Sarawak. A study was therefore undertaken to identify malaria vectors in a different location in Sarawak.Methods: Mosquitoes found landing on humans and resting on leaves over a 5-day period at two sites in the Lawas District of northern Sarawak were collected and identified. DNA samples extracted from salivary glands of Anopheles mosquitoes were subjected to nested PCR malaria-detection assays. The small sub-unit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA) genes of Plasmodium , and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences of the mosquitoes were derived from the Plasmodium -positive samples for phylogenetic analysis.Results: A total of 65 anophelines and 127 culicines were collected. By PCR, six An. balabacensis and five An. donaldi were found to have single P. knowlesi infections while three other An. balabacensis had either single, double or triple infections with P. inui, P. fieldi, P. cynomolgi and P. knowlesi . Phylogenetic analysis of the Plasmodium SSUrRNA genes confirmed 3 An. donaldi and 3 An. balabacensis with single P. knowlesi infections, while 3 other An. balabacensis had two or more Plasmodium species of P. inui, P. knowlesi, P. cynomolgi and some species of Plasmodium that could not be conclusively identified. Phylogenies inferred from the ITS2 and/or COI sequences of An. balabacensis and An. donaldi indicate that they are genetically indistinguishable from An. balabacensis and An. donaldi, respectively, found in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.Conclusions: Previously An. latens was identified as the vector for P. knowlesi in Kapit, central Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and now An. balabacensis and An. donaldi have been incriminated as vectors for zoonotic malaria in Lawas, northern Sarawak.
Presence of heat shock protein 47-positive fibroblasts in cancer stroma is associated with increased risk of postoperative recurrence in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Miyamura Takuto , Sakamoto Noriho , Ishida Kaori , Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Akiyama Yoshiko , Okuno Daisuke , Hara Atsuko , Kido Takashi , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Miyazaki Takuro , Matsumoto Keitaro , Tsuchiya Tomoshi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Miyazaki Taiga , Obase Yasushi , Ishimatsu Yuji , Nagayasu Takeshi , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Background: Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), a collagen-binding protein, has a specific role in the intracellular processing of procollagen production. HSP47 expression is associated with cancer growth and metastasis in several types of cancers. However, none of the studies have assessed whether HSP47 expression is associated with the risk of postoperative recurrence of lung cancer until now. Therefore, we aimed to assess this association.Methods: The study population consisted of a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer at Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan, from January 2009 to December 2010. Patient characteristics, survival and disease-free survival (DFS), and laboratory findings were compared between patients who tested positive and negative for HSP47 expression in lung cancer cells and between those who showed high and low numbers of HSP47-positive fibroblasts in cancer stroma.Results: A total of 133 patients underwent surgery for lung cancer. Sixty-seven patients (48.5%) had HSP47-positive cancer cells, and 91 patients (68.4%) had a higher number of HSP47-positive fibroblasts. The patients with a high number of HSP47-positive fibroblasts had a shorter DFS than those with a low number of HSP47-positive fibroblasts. Multivariate analysis identified only the presence of a high number of HSP47-positive fibroblasts as an independent risk factor for recurrence of lung cancer after surgery (odds ratio, 4.371; 95% confidence interval, 1.054–29.83; P = 0.042)Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the presence of a high number of HSP47-positive fibroblasts in the cancer stroma was a risk factor for recurrence of lung cancer after surgery.
Genetic polymorphism and natural selection of circumsporozoite protein in Myanmar Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Võ Tuấn Cường , Lê Hương Giang , Kang Jung-Mi , Moe Mya , Naw Haung , Myint Moe Kyaw , Lee Jinyoung , Sohn Woon-Mok , Kim Tong-Soo , Na Byoung-Kuk
Published: August 2020

Background: Circumsporozoite surface protein (CSP) of malaria parasites has been recognized as one of the leading vaccine candidates. Clinical trials of vaccines for vivax malaria incorporating Plasmodium vivax CSP (PvCSP) have demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing malaria, at least in part. However, genetic diversity of PvCSP in the natural population is still a major concern.

Methods: A total of 171 blood samples collected from patients infected with Plasmodium vivax in Myanmar analysed in this study. The gene for PvCSP was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by T&A cloning and sequencing. Polymorphic characteristics and natural selection of Myanmar PvCSP population in Myanmar were analysed using DNASTAR, MEGA6 and DnaSP programs. The polymorphic pattern and natural selection of publicly accessible global PvCSP sequences were also comparatively analysed.

Results: Myanmar PvCSP sequences were divided into two subtypes VK210 and VK247 comprising 143 and 28 sequences, respectively. The VK210 subtypes showed higher levels of genetic diversity and polymorphism than the VK247 subtypes. The N-terminal non-repeat region of PvCSP displayed limited genetic variations in the global population. Different patterns of octapeptide insertion (ANKKAEDA in VK210 and ANKKAGDA in VK247) and tetrapeptide repeat motif (GGNA) were identified in the C-terminal region of global PvCSP population. Meanwhile, the central repeat region (CRR) of Myanmar and global PvCSP, both in VK210 and VK247 variants, was highly polymorphic. The high level of genetic diversity in the CRR has been attributed to the different numbers, types and combinations of peptide repeat motifs (PRMs). Interestingly, 27 and 5 novel PRMs were found in Myanmar VK210 and VK247 variants, respectively.

Conclusion: Comparative analysis of the global PvCSP population suggests a complex genetic profile of PvCSP in the global population. These results widen understanding of the genetic make-up of PvCSP in the global P. vivax population and provide valuable information for the development of a vaccine based on PvCSP.
Patterns of food parenting practices regarding junk food and sugary drinks among parent-child dyads
Authors: Thomson Jessica , Hennessy Erin , Landry Alicia , Goodman Melissa
Published: August 2020

Background

Children’s food preference and intake patterns are affected by parental child feeding practices. The objective was to determine patterns of food parenting practices regarding junk food and sugary drinks (JS) and investigate their associations with demographic characteristics and dietary intake in a large cohort of parents and their children (12-17 years).

Methods

Dyadic survey data from the cross-sectional, internet-based Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating Study, conducted in 2014, were analyzed using latent class analysis to identify patterns of use for six JS parenting practices – negative emotions, restriction, monitoring, availability, modeling, and child involvement – based on parent and child report. Model covariates included self-reported parent and child sex, age (child only), body mass index category (based on height and weight), added sugars intake, and legitimacy of parental authority.

Results

Based on 1,657 parent-child dyads, five parenting practice patterns were identified representing different levels of practice use – Complete Influencers (28%; reference class), Indifferent Influencers (21%), Negative Influencers (20%), Minimal Influencers (18%), and Disagreeing Influencers (13%). Compared to older child dyads, younger child dyads were less likely to belong to Indifferent and Minimal Influencers (79% and 63% lower odds, respectively). Greater parent added sugars intake increased the odds of belonging to Indifferent and Negative Influencers (4% and 5% higher for every teaspoon increase, respectively) while greater child added sugars intake decreased the odds of belonging to Minimal Influencers (6% lower for every teaspoon increase). Compared to dyads with high scores, dyads with low child scores for legitimacy of parental authority regarding JS were 18 times as likely to belong to Disagreeing Influencers.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that parents utilize distinct patterns of feeding practices regarding JS ranging from use of many practices, use of some practices, to low use of any practice, with differential associations with parent and child intakes of added sugars. Counseling or intervening with parents to use a mix of structure practices, such as availability and modeling, to positively influence their child’s and possibly their own intake of sugary snacks and drinks may prove more efficacious than use of coercive control practices, such as negative emotions.
Biomechanical evaluation of type p condylar head osteosynthesis using conventional small-fragment screws reinforced by a patient specific two-component plate
Authors: Pavlychuk Tetiana , Chernogorskyi Denis , Chepurnyi Yurii , Neff Andreas , Kopchak Andrii
Published: August 2020

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate via finite element analysis (FEA) the biomechanical behavior of conventional small-fragment screws reinforced by a patient-specific plate in type p condylar head. Methods. A finite element model of the mandible was created using Mimics 12.1 software. A type p condylar head fracture was simulated in the right condyle, and the left condyle was used as a control. Two patterns of fixation were investigated: conventional two-screw fixation and the same fixation system reinforced with a small, patient-specific plate. Surface models were imported into the software Ansys 5.7 for further volume mesh generation. Results. The highest stress gradients were observed in the cortical layer of the lateral fragment, located near the screw. The conventional fixation method resulted in equivalent stresses 2 to 10 times greater than the reinforced method. Rigidity of fixation in the reinforced method increased up to 1.25–3 times compared to the conventional two-screw technique. Conclusion. This study’s findings suggest significant benefits in unfavourable biomechanical conditions from reinforcement of the standard two-screw fixation of condylar head fractures with a small, patient-specific plate acting as a washer.
Difference Analysis of the Contribution of E-commerce and Modern Logistics to Regional Economy Based on Wireless Network
Authors: Tang Xiaodong , Wang Gangyi
Published: August 2020

The rapid development of e-commerce has greatly promoted the development of the modern logistics industry. The application level of e-commerce and the application status of modern logistics largely determine the development of regional economic structure in a region. Under this circumstance, it is particularly important to comprehensively strengthen the research and analysis of the impact of e-commerce and modern logistics on the regional economic structure and scope, and promote the coordinated development between each other. As one of the most developed regions in China, the Yangtze River Delta region has achieved certain achievements in the development of regional logistics industry and e-commerce, and plays an important role in the process of regional integration in the Yangtze River Delta. Therefore, this paper takes the Yangtze River Delta as the research object, and empirically analyses the development status of the logistics industry and e-commerce in the Yangtze River Delta region and its contribution to regional economic growth. On this basis, it puts forward countermeasures to further increase the contribution of the logistics industry and e-commerce in the Yangtze River Delta region to economic growth. This will provide a reference for the construction of a coordinated regional logistics-e-commerce system and the realization of regional economic integration in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Graphene oxide-silver nanocomposites induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in caprine fetal fibroblast cells
Authors: Yuan Yu-Guo , Joo Myeong-Don , Wang Jia-Lin , Mesalam Ayman , R Abu Musa Md Talimur , Wang Yi , Qian Chen , Kong Il-Keun
Published: August 2020

Background: Graphene oxide (GO) has drawn much attention as excellent platform to which silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be anchored for the production of biomedical nanocomposites. Yet, the potential toxicity of reduced graphene oxide- silver nanoparticles (GO-AgNPs) nanocomposites to animal and human is complex to evaluate and remains largely unknown.Results: Our data indicated that GO-AgNPs caused cytotoxicity in dose-dependent manner. GO-AgNPs induced significant cytotoxicity by the loss of cell viability, over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and level of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic genes.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that GO-AgNPs potentially induced oxidative stress, which resulted in toxicity and cell apoptosis in caprine fetal fibroblast cell due to an increased generation of ROS. For antibacterial applications of GO-AgNPs nanocomposite in animal, the toxical effect must be further evaluated.
DjinniChip: Evaluation of a novel molecular rapid diagnostic device for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in trachoma-endemic areas
Authors: Derrick Tamsyn R , Sandetskaya Natalia , Pickering Harry , Kölsch Andreas , Ramadhani Athumani , Mafuru Elias , Massae Patrick , Malisa Aiweda , Mtuy Tara , Burton Matthew J , Holland Martin J , Kuhlmeier Dirk
Published: August 2020

Background

The clinical signs of active trachoma are often present in the absence of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection, particularly following mass drug administration. Treatment decisions following impact surveys and in post-control surveillance for communities are currently based on the prevalence of clinical signs, which may result in further unnecessary distribution of mass antibiotic treatment and the increased spread of macrolide resistance alleles in ‘off-target’ bacterial species. We therefore developed a simple, fast, low cost diagnostic assay (DjinniChip) for diagnosis of ocular C. trachomatis for use by trachoma control programmes.

Methods

The study was conducted in London, Germany and Tanzania. For clinical testing in Tanzania, specimens from a sample of 350 children between the ages of 7 to15 years, which were part of a longitudinal cohort that began in February 2012 were selected. Two ocular swabs were taken from the right eye. The second swab was collected dry, kept cool in the field and archived at -80 o C before sample lysis for DjinniChip detection and parallel nucleic acid purification and detection/quantification by qPCR assay.

Results

Djinnichip was able to reliably detect >10 copies of C. trachomatis per test and correctly identified 7/10 Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics C. trachomatis panel samples, failing to detect 3 positive samples with genome equivalent amounts >10 copies. Djinnichip performed well across a range of typical trachoma field conditions and when used by lay personnel using a series of mock samples. In the laboratory in Tanzania, using clinical samples the sensitivity and specificity of DjinniChip for C. trachomatis was 66% (95% CI 51–78) and 94.8 (95% CI 91–97%) with an overall accuracy of 90.1 (95% CI 86.4 – 93).

Conclusions

DjinniChip performance is extremely promising, particularly its ability to detect low concentrations of C. trachomatis and its usability in field conditions. The DjinniChip requires further development to reduce inhibition and advance toward a closed system. DjinniChip results did not vary between local laboratory results and typical trachoma field settings, illustrating its potential for use in low-resource areas to prevent unnecessary rounds of MDA and to monitor for C. trachomatis recrudescence.
Determinants of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Among Patients Attending Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment From Peripheral Districts, Southern Ethiopia, 2019: a Case Control Study
Authors: Digesa Lankamo Ena , Beyene Aklil Hailu , Betre Erdaw Tachbele
Published: August 2020

Background: The emergence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a challenge for global prevention and control of the disease. MDR-TB case management is difficult because it exposes to further economic and social costs that the patients face while seeking help and treatment. Ethiopia is one of the 30 MDR-TB burden countries. There is little research evidence of MDR-TB from the peripheral parts of the country.Objective: The study was designed to identify determinants of MDR-TB among patients attending anti tuberculosis treatment from peripheral districts, Southern Nations, Nationalities and People Region, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Hospital based case control study was conducted from March to April, 2019 in Southern Ethiopia. Cases were confirmed MDR-TB patients, while controls were those who declared cured or completed first line ant-tuberculosis treatment. The study participants were recruited by stratified random sampling. The data were entered into Epi data 4.4.3, cleaned and analyzed by SPSS 24. Bivariate and multivariable analyses was used to identify determinants of MDR-TB. Determinants with P-value <0.05 were declared as having significant association with MDR-TB and adjusted odd ratio with 95% CI was used to measure degree of association. Result: A total of 180 study participants were recruited (90 cases and 90 controls) and participated in this study. The median age for cases and controls was 29 and 30.5 years respectively. More than two third (78.89%) of case participants were from rural and 49(54.44%) of the controls were from rural. Uneducated [AOR:5.18, 95%CI (1.69-15.80)], rural resident [AOR:2.60,95%CI(1.14-6.88)], body mass index(BMI)<18.5kg/m2[AOR:3.11,95%CI(1.41-6.88], pulmonary tuberculosis[AOR:3.98,95%CI(1.11-14.22)], contact history with tuberculosis patient [AOR:3.99,95%CI (1.75-9.07)] and history of previous treatment[AOR:9.5,95%CI(4.08-22)] were found independent determinants of MDR-TB.Conclusions and Recommendation: Uneducated, rural residence, body mass index <18.5kg/m2, pulmonary tuberculosis, contact history with tuberculosis patient and history of previous treatment were associated with MDR-TB. A community level education to enhance public awareness about MDR-TB, nutritional counseling and support, strengthening contact tracing and directly observed treatment strategies with treatment adherence interventions were recommended.
Reduced Susceptibility of Coronavirus SARS Development After Earthing Due to Increased pH Values in the Respiratory Tract
Authors: Sokal Paweł , Sokal Karol , Chevalier Gaetan , Kieronska Sara , Sokal Julia
Published: August 2020

Background: Low pH is an important factor facilitating entry of enveloped viruses including coronaviruses and further fusion with the host epithelial cell membrane. pH in the pulmonary environment can be maintained by supplying a negative electric charge. The main objective was to check if earthing (direct or indirect connection to Earth) changes the pH of the respiratory tract.Methods: Nine participants were evaluated and pH measurements were taken on the mucous membrane of the throat before and after 15 minutes of earthing.Results: Mean pH before earthing was 5.83±0.43 and after earthing was 6.33± 0.43 (p=0.000323). Conclusions: Earthing is able to supply a negative charge resulting in alkalization of the pulmonary environment. The increased pH value in the respiratory tract reduces the pH-dependent entry of coronaviruses into epithelial cells. Earthing can have an impact on the course of respiratory tract infection both viral and bacterial decreasing the susceptibility of the development of fatal forms of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
The Time Interval between Insemination and Ovulation as Given by Ultrasound Predicts Live Birth Rate After Intrauterine Insemination with Donor Sperm (IUI-D)
Authors: MU XIN , WANG HUI , ZHANG NA , WEN WEN , WU QIONG , LIU PEIJUN , Shi Juan-zi
Published: August 2020

Background: A proper interval from insemination to ovulation (I-O interval) may increase the chance of pregnancy. Due to lack of studies for I-O interval in IUI-D cycles, we aimed to determine whether short I-O interval would contribute to better IUI-D outcomes.Methods: One thousand and one hundred sixty-five couples for 209 IUI-D cycles from a single public medical center participated in this retrospective analytical study. The data were collected from the medical records of couples. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the effects of these variables on IUI outcome. Stepwise multivariate logistic analysis was used to construct a predictive model for the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in independent samples.Results: The I-O interval was the predictor for LBR. An I-O interval ≥19 hours significantly decreased CPR (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.285, 0.171-0.475) and LBR (OR, 95%CI =0.322, 0.189-0.549). The presence of at least two follicles ≥18mm on ovulation day significantly increased the LBR (OR, 95%CI =1.274, 1.012-1.602). Women aged 35 years and older had a significant decreased LBR (OR, 95% CI =0.607, 0.377-0.976).Conclusion(s): The I-O interval, a new prognostic factor, combination with the women’s age and number of dominant follicles, can predict the outcome after IUI-D. IUI-D is best performed within 19 hours of I-O interval for a higher probability of clinical pregnancy and live birth.
Determination of a non-perturbed reference for a new version of the disturbance ionosphere index
Authors: Picanço Giorgio Arlan da Silva , Denardini Clezio Marcos , Nogueira Paulo Alexandre Bronzato , Barbosa-Neto Paulo França , Resende Láysa Cristina Araújo , Carmo Carolina de Sousa do , Romero-Hernandez Esmeralda , Chen Sony Su , Moro Juliano , Silva Regia Pereira da
Published: August 2020

In the present work, we propose and evaluate a new method for the determination of a non-perturbed Total Electron Content (TEC) reference to apply it on a new version of the disturbance ionosphere index (DIX). This method is based on the calculation of a 3-hour moving average over the TEC obtained during a given reference day (named 3hMAQd method). In this context, the reference day is supposed to represent a quiet pattern considering geomagnetic and ionospheric features. To evaluate its performance, we compared the proposed method with TEC values obtained from monthly medians and the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model. The results are presented and discussed in terms of a dispersion coefficient between each method and the averaged TEC from the five quietest days of each month of 2015, over three Brazilian sites. Finally, we calculated the new DIX based on our proposed method and compared it with the original DIX values obtained during the extreme space weather event of St. Patrick’s Day magnetic storm (17–18 March 2015). Differences between the two DIX approaches are discussed to show the improvements in new DIX due to the application of the proposed non-perturbed reference. Moreover, results showed that the quality of the DIX calculation can be highly influenced by the non-perturbed reference determination. In this regard, the 3-hour moving average (3hMAQd) method showed to be a quite appropriate technique for the new DIX calculation, besides the 3-hour window matches with ordinary magnetic indices resolution (e.g. Kp and Ksa).
Effects of Exogenous Adiponectin Supplementation in Early Pregnant PCOS Mice on the Metabolic Syndrome of Adult Female Offspring
Authors: Zuo Meng , Liao Guotao , Zhang Wenqian , Xu Dan , Lu Juan , Tang Manhong , Yan Yue , Hong Chenghao , Wang Yuxia
Published: August 2020

Objective: PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder with both reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. At present, PCOS has been confirmed to have a certain genetic background. Compared with healthy women, the vast majority of PCOS patients have hyperandrogenemia, and this excessive androgen exposure during pregnancy may affect the development of female fetuses. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin intervention during early pregnancy of PCOS mice on the metabolic phenotype of adult female offspring. Methods: After the PCOS model was established, C57BL/6J mice were divided into maternal-control, maternal-PCOS, and maternal-PCOS+APN groups. DHEA-induced PCOS mice were supplemented with adiponectin (10 mg/kg/day) in the early pregnancy in order to eliminate adverse hormone exposure and then traced for endocrine indicators in their adult female offspring, which were observed for metabolism syndrome or endocrine disturbance and exhibited the main effects of APN. To further explore the underlying mechanism, the relative expressions of phosphorylated AMPK, PI3K, and Akt were detected in the ovaries of offspring mice. Results: The serum testosterone level of the maternal-PCOS+APN group in early pregnancy was significantly lower than that of the maternal-PCOS group ( p < 0.01). The serum testosterone level in the offspring-PCOS+APN group was significantly lower than in the offspring-PCOS group ( p <0.05), the diestrus time characterized by massive granulocyte aggregation in the estrus cycle was significantly shorter than in the offspring-PCOS group ( p <0.05), and the phenotypes of PCOS-like reproductive disorders and metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and hyperlipidemia, were also significantly improved in the offspring-PCOS+APN group ( p <0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of phosphorylated AMPK, PI3K, and Akt in the offspring-PCOS group were significantly decreased ( p <0.05), while those in the offspring-PCOS+APN group were significantly increased ( p <0.05).Conclusions: APN intervention in early pregnancy significantly reduced the adverse effects of maternal high androgen levels during pregnancy on female offspring and corrected the PCOS-like endocrine phenotype and metabolic disorders of adult female offspring. This effect may be caused by the activation of the AMPK/PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in PCOS offspring mice.
Implementation of a Telemental Health Training Program Across a Mental Health Department
Authors: Felker Bradford , McGinn Meghan M , Shearer Erika M , Raza Gina T , Gold Sari D , Kim Jean , Rojas Sasha M , Varkovitzky Ruth L , Morrison Kate L , McCann Russell A
Published: August 2020

Background: Telemental Health (TMH) is an effective way to increase access to mental health services. For this reason, many health care systems strive to make TMH a part of routine mental health services. TMH use has increased substantially in recent years; however, health care systems have found it challenging to implement TMH ubiquitously. Minimal literature addresses system wide TMH implementation efforts. To broadly expand TMH throughout a VA medical center’s mental health service, a quality improvement project was conducted to develop and implement a comprehensive, novel TMH training program for staff. Methods: This quality improvement project was informed by implementation science methodologies. PARiHS criteria and Evidence-Based QI Implementation/Facilitation guided the development and implementation of this TMH training program, which included: (a) two online TMH courses, (b) a one-day didactic training including hands-on practice and skills evaluation, and (c) weekly calls where staff could receive TMH consultation. A total of 100 interdisciplinary mental health providers from outpatient mental health clinics participated in this training over the course of two years. RE-AIM criteria were used to evaluate the effectiveness of this training program. Results: Overall, providers reported satisfaction with this TMH training program, and found that it increased their TMH knowledge and competence. The number of providers using TMH and patients who received it nearly doubled in the two years after the launch of the TMH training compared to the two years preceding. Conclusions: This novel TMH training program was well-received by staff and increased the number of providers and patients using TMH. Since this project was completed, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the demand for telehealth services. This training model offers specific strategies based upon implementation science that could be disseminated to and adopted by mental health programs looking to implement system wide TMH use.
Effect of Sand Types on the Early Swimming Performance of Green Turtle Hatchlings
Authors: Suhaimi Nadhirah Syafiqah , RUSLI MOHD UZAIR , Booth David , Joseph Juanita
Published: August 2020

The selection of the nest site is a critical factor whereby female turtles may choose to nest at the site that minimizes energy expenditure of hatchlings and time spent to construct the nest. Nest substrate such as grain size is hypothesized to influence hatchling fitness by affecting the amount of energy reserves used by the hatchlings during emergence. Throughout Malaysia more than half a million green turtle hatchlings are released from hatcheries annually, however the question of whether this practice is producing high-quality hatchlings remains unanswered. It is crucial to hatchery management to identify which types of sand are most suitable for egg incubation and beneficial for hatchlings during nest emergence. We measured the influence of sand types on hatchlings fitness in terms of self-righting ability and swimming performance which emerged from the coarse and fine grained sand. Ten nests which had reach 45 days of incubation duration were selected as the developing embryos would be robust enough to be transported from the nesting to the laboratory for further incubation. Eggs from each clutch were split and allowed to continuing incubating in two different experimental conditions, fine and coarse grain. After hatched, the morphological characteristics and self-righting ability of hatchlings were measured then placed inside the glass aquarium to test the swimming performance for 18 hours. Results revealed that sand types only influenced the straight carapace width (SCW) of hatchlings but had no effect on their swimming. Cooler nest temperatures and longer incubation periods in nests constructed in fine sand caused the hatchlings to have larger straight carapace width than hatchlings from coarse sand. We suggest that the relocation of eggs in the late incubation period within Chagar Hutang beach is fine. Hence, we concluded that green turtle hatchlings emerging from nests in either fine or coarse grain sands of Chagar Hutang beach did not have a significant impact on their swimming performance.
The Effect of Theory of Planned Behavior-Based Education in Adopting the Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Behavior in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moradpour Sheida , Shahnazi Hossein , Hassanzadeh Akbar
Published: August 2020

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection in women, and it is more likely to occur during pregnancy due to mechanical and hormonal changes in pregnant women. Urinary tract infections can cause many complications for both mother and fetus. Given the roles of health behavior in the prevention of urinary tract infections and the nature of the theory of planned behavior-based education in behavioral change, the present study aimed to determine the effect of the theory of planned behavior-based education in teaching the urinary tract infection prevention behavior in pregnant women.Methods: The present study was a randomized controlled trial in which 100 pregnant women, who visited the comprehensive health service centers of Zarinshahr City, were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and control, containing 50 individuals. The data collection tools were a urine test and a questionnaire designed based on the theory of planned behavior. Five education sessions were held based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior. We analyzed the effect of education review and data using independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance) one and three months after the educational intervention.Results: After implementing the educational intervention, the mean scores of knowledge and constructs of the theory of planned behavior significantly increased in the intervention group over time (P <0.001), while the difference was not significant in the control group over time. After the educational intervention, the incidence of urinary tract infections was 4.3 % in the intervention group and 21.3% in the control group.Conclusion: Given the positive effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior in changing the pregnant mothers' behavior, the theory can be used as a suitable intervention framework for implementing the educational programs to prevent urinary tract infections.Trial registration: Name: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Registration number: IRCT20170214032575N1. Registration date: 2019-12-12 [retrospectively registered].
Investigation of the association between family members’ satisfaction with patient care in the Intensive Care Unit, spirituality and resilience
Authors: Papathanasiou Iokasti , Tzenetidis Vasileios , Nikolentzos Athanasios , Sarafis Pavlos , Constantinou Maria , Malliarou Maria
Published: August 2020

Background: The admission of a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a traumatic experience for the patient himself and his support group which mainly consists of his family members. The psychological burden of the family members increases, as they experience negative feelings. The implementation of family-centered care helps family members to satisfy their needs, eliminates psychological impact and improves patient’s health outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the family members’ satisfaction with patient care in the ICU, their perceived stress, spirituality and resilience.Methods: One hundred and four family members of patients admitted in the ICU for greater than 48 hours between January and March 2019 were enrolled. The questionnaire included the following psychometric tools: the Family Satisfaction with care in the Intensive Care Unit scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Connor – Davidson Resilience Scale, the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Scale.Results: The mean value of satisfaction with care was 88,9%, of satisfaction with decision making was 79,1% and of the overall satisfaction was 85%. Resilience was associated with perceived stress (p<0,001) and with spirituality (p= 0,019). Spirituality was associated with satisfaction with care (p= 0.013), with satisfaction with decision making (p= 0,018) and with the overall satisfaction (p= 0,003).Conclusions: Family members were highly satisfied. Those with higher spirituality score were more satisfied and those who were more resilient had less perceived stress. These data suggest that interventions should aim at increasing resilience and providing spiritual assistance to family members of ICU treated patients.
The Association Between Mechanical Power and Mortality in Ventilated Patients with Pneumonia
Authors: Wu Huang-Pin , Chu Chien-Ming , Chuang Li-Pang , Lin Shih-Wei , Leu Shaw-Woei , Chang Ko-Wei , Liu Pi-Hua , Kao Kuo-Chin
Published: August 2020

Background: Recent studies reported that mechanical power (MP) has been associated with increased mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to investigate the association between 28-day mortality and MP in patients with severe pneumonia. Methods: In total, 313 patients with severe pneumonia were enrolled. Serial MP was recorded daily for either 21 days or until ventilator support was no longer required. The associations between all variables and 28-day mortality were analyzed using binary logistic regression analyses. Results: The ARDS group (106 patients) demonstrated lower age, higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, lower history of diabetes mellitus, high incidences of shock and jaundice, higher MP and driving pressure on Day 1, and higher death within 28 days than the non-ARDS group. Regression analysis revealed that MP was an independent factor associated with 28-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.041; 95% confidence interval, 1.013-1.071). MP persisted high in non-survivors and low in survivors among the ARDS group, the non-ARDS group and all patients.Conclusions: MP was associated with the 28-day mortality in ventilated patients with severe pneumonia both in the ARDS and non-ARDS groups. MP had better predicted value for 28-day mortality than driving pressure.