bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting ocean acidification impacts on kelp forest ecosystems
Authors: Schlenger Adam J. , Beas-Luna Rodrigo , Ambrose Richard F.
Published: April 2021

Ocean acidification is one the biggest threats to marine ecosystems worldwide, but its ecosystem wide responses are still poorly understood. This study integrates field and experimental data into a mass balance food web model of a temperate coastal ecosystem to determine the impacts of specific OA forcing mechanisms as well as how they interact with one another. Specifically, we forced a food web model of a kelp forest ecosystem near its southern distribution limit in the California large marine ecosystem to a 0.5 pH drop over the course of 50 years. This study utilizes a modeling approach to determine the impacts of specific OA forcing mechanisms as well as how they interact. Isolating OA impacts on growth (Production), mortality (Other Mortality), and predation interactions (Vulnerability) or combining all three mechanisms together leads to a variety of ecosystem responses, with some taxa increasing in abundance and other decreasing. Results suggest that carbonate mineralizing groups such as coralline algae, abalone, snails, and lobsters display the largest decreases in biomass while macroalgae, urchins, and some larger fish species display the largest increases. Low trophic level groups such as giant kelp and brown algae increase in biomass by 16% and 71%, respectively. Due to the diverse way in which OA stress manifests at both individual and population levels, ecosystem-level effects can vary and display nonlinear patterns. Combined OA forcing leads to initial increases in ecosystem and commercial biomasses followed by a decrease in commercial biomass below initial values over time, while ecosystem biomass remains high. Both biodiversity and average trophic level decrease over time. These projections indicate that the kelp forest community would maintain high productivity with a 0.5 drop in pH, but with a substantially different community structure characterized by lower biodiversity and relatively greater dominance by lower trophic level organisms.
Determinants of water source use, quality of water, sanitation and hygiene perceptions among urban households in North-West Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebremichael Shewayiref Geremew , Yismaw Emebet , Tsegaw Belete Dejen , Shibeshi Adeladilew Dires
Published: April 2021

Background

Clean water is an essential part of human healthy life and wellbeing. More recently, rapid population growth, high illiteracy rate, lack of sustainable development, and climate change; faces a global challenge in developing countries. The discontinuity of drinking water supply forces households either to use unsafe water storage materials or to use water from unsafe sources. The present study aimed to identify the determinants of water source types, use, quality of water, and sanitation perception of physical parameters among urban households in North-West Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among households from February to March 2019. An interview-based a pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data collection samples were selected randomly and proportional to each of the kebeles’ households. MS Excel and R Version 3.6.2 were used to enter and analyze the data; respectively. Descriptive statistics using frequencies and percentages were used to explain the sample data concerning the predictor variable. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the association between independent and response variables.

Results

Four hundred eighteen (418) households have participated. Based on the study undertaken,78.95% of households used improved and 21.05% of households used unimproved drinking water sources. Households drinking water sources were significantly associated with the age of the participant (x2 = 20.392, df = 3), educational status (x2 = 19.358, df = 4), source of income (x2 = 21.777, df = 3), monthly income (x2 = 13.322, df = 3), availability of additional facilities (x2 = 98.144, df = 7), cleanness status (x2 = 42.979, df = 4), scarcity of water (x2 = 5.1388, df = 1) and family size (x2 = 9.934, df = 2). The logistic regression analysis also indicated that those factors are significantly determining the water source types used by the households. Factors such as availability of toilet facility, household member type, and sex of the head of the household were not significantly associated with drinking water sources.

Conclusion

The uses of drinking water from improved sources were determined by different demographic, socio-economic, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors. Therefore; the local, regional, and national governments and other supporting organizations shall improve the accessibility and adequacy of drinking water from improved sources in the area.
“…we have to think first what we are going to feed our children before we have them …”: Rwandan women use family planning to provide a better life for their children
Authors: Schwandt Hilary M. , Boulware Angel , Corey Julia , Herrera Ana , Hudler Ethan , Imbabazi Claudette , King Ilia , Linus Jessica , Manzi Innocent , Merrit Madelyn , Mezier Lyn , Miller Abigail , Morris Haley , Musemakweli Dieudonne , Musekura Uwase , Mutuyimana Divine , Ntakarutimana Chimene , Patel Nirali , Scanteianu Adriana , Shemeza Biganette-Evidente , Sterling-Donaldson Gi’anna , Umutoni Chantal , Uwera Lyse , Zeiler Madeleine , Feinberg Seth
Published: April 2021

Use of modern contraception in Rwanda has risen dramatically over a short time period. To better understand contraceptive users’ motivations for family planning services in Rwanda, 32 in-depth interviews with contraceptive users and eight focus groups with 88 family planning providers were conducted in Rwanda’s Musanze and Nyamasheke districts. Study participants noted how family planning is critical for providing a better life for children. Family planning gives mothers independence from childcare to work in order to provide for their children’s wellbeing. Family planning presented an opportunity for generational upward mobility and was perceived as a way to contribute positively to society.
Hypomethylation mediates genetic association with the major histocompatibility complex genes in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Chi Calvin , Taylor Kimberly E. , Quach Hong , Quach Diana , Criswell Lindsey A. , Barcellos Lisa F.
Published: April 2021

Differential methylation of immune genes has been a consistent theme observed in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) in CD4+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, whole blood, and labial salivary glands (LSGs). Multiple studies have found associations supporting genetic control of DNA methylation in SS, which in the absence of reverse causation, has positive implications for the potential of epigenetic therapy. However, a formal study of the causal relationship between genetic variation, DNA methylation, and disease status is lacking. We performed a causal mediation analysis of DNA methylation as a mediator of nearby genetic association with SS using LSGs and genotype data collected from 131 female members of the Sjögren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance registry, comprising of 64 SS cases and 67 non-cases. Bumphunter was used to first identify differentially-methylated regions (DMRs), then the causal inference test (CIT) was applied to identify DMRs mediating the association of nearby methylation quantitative trait loci (MeQTL) with SS. Bumphunter discovered 215 DMRs, with the majority located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6p21.3. Consistent with previous findings, regions hypomethylated in SS cases were enriched for gene sets associated with immune processes. Using the CIT, we observed a total of 19 DMR-MeQTL pairs that exhibited strong evidence for a causal mediation relationship. Close to half of these DMRs reside in the MHC and their corresponding meQTLs are in the region spanning the HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DQA2 loci. The risk of SS conferred by these corresponding MeQTLs in the MHC was further substantiated by previous genome-wide association study results, with modest evidence for independent effects. By validating the presence of causal mediation, our findings suggest both genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility, and inform the development of targeted epigenetic modification as a therapeutic approach for SS.
Effects of phytonutrient-supplemented diets on the intestinal microbiota of Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Feher Milan , Fauszt Peter , Tolnai Emese , Fidler Gabor , Pesti-Asboth Georgina , Stagel Aniko , Szucs Istvan , Biro Sandor , Remenyik Judit , Paholcsek Melinda , Stundl Laszlo
Published: April 2021

In the aquaculture sector, a strategy for the more efficient use of resources and proper disease control is needed to overcome the challenges of meat production worldwide. Modulation of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota is a promising approach for promoting animal health and preventing infection. This feeding experiment was conducted to discover the phytonutrient-induced changes in the gastrointestinal tract microbiota of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Acclimatized animals aged 7 months (30 weeks) were divided randomly into five experimental groups to investigate the effects of the applied feed additives. The dietary supplements were manufactured from anthocyanin-containing processing wastes from the food industry, specifically the production of Hungarian sour cherry extract, synbiotics from fermented corn, and fermentable oligosaccharides from Hungarian sweet red pepper seeds and carotenoids from Hungarian sweet red pepper pulps, applied at a dose of 1%. The gut contents of the animals were collected at four time points throughout the 6-week study period. To track the compositional and diversity changes in the microbiota of the carp intestinal tract, V3-V4 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomic sequencing was performed. The growth performance of common carp juveniles was not significantly affected by supplementation of the basal diet with plant extracts. Phytonutrients improve the community diversity, increase theClostridiumandLactobacillusabundances and decrease the abundances of potentially pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, such asShewanella,Pseudomonas,AcinetobacterandAeromonas. The phylaProteobacteria,TenericutesandChlamydiaewere positively correlated with the body weight, whereasSpirochaetesandFirmicutesexhibited negatively correlations with the body weight. We hypothesize that the application of phytonutrients in aquaculture settings might be a reasonable green approach for easing the usage of antibiotics.
Everyday ethics of suicide care: Survey of mental health care providers’ perspectives and support needs
Authors: Montreuil Marjorie , Séguin Monique , P. Gros Catherine , Racine Eric
Published: April 2021

Suicide occurs in people of all ages and backgrounds, which negatively affects families, communities, and the health care providers (HCPs) who care for them. The objective of this study was to better understand HCPs’ perspectives of everyday ethical issues related to caring for suicidal patients, and their perceived needs for training and/or support to address these issues. We conducted a mixed methods survey among HCPs working in mental health in Québec, Canada. Survey questions addressed their perspectives and experiences of everyday ethical challenges they encounter in their practice with people who are suicidal, and their perceived needs for training and/or support therein. 477 HCPs completed the survey. Most participants mentioned encountering ethical issues when caring for people who are suicidal. The challenges HCPs encounter in their practice with people who are suicidal are numerous, including issues related to maintaining privacy, confidentiality, freedom and the therapeutic relationship. The lack of time, resources and professional support to address these issues was emphasized. Most HCPs reported that the training or education they have received does not allow them to address everyday ethical issues related to suicide care. In sum, there is a clear reported need for better training and support for HCPs who are offering care to people who are suicidal in relation to everyday ethical issues they encounter. Implications for practice include providing greater access to training, including access to specialists in ethics to address specific issues. This additional support could alleviate morally distressing situations for HCPs.
Essential competencies for physical therapist managing individuals with spinal muscular atrophy: A delphi study
Authors: Timmerberg Jean Fitzpatrick , Krosschell Kristin J. , Dunaway Young Sally , Uher David , Yun Chris , Montes Jacqueline
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

With the availability and development of disease-modifying therapies for individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), new emerging phenotypes must be characterized, and potential new treatment paradigms tested. There is an urgent demand to develop an educational program that provides physical therapists (PTs) worldwide the necessary knowledge and training to contribute to best-practice care and clinical research. A competency based education framework is one that would focus on outcomes not process and where progression of learners would occur only after competencies are demonstrated. The first step toward such a framework is defining outcomes. The purpose of this Delphi study was to develop consensus on those competencies deemed essential within the SMA PT community.

Methods

Purposive selection and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit expert SMA PTs. Three web-based survey rounds were used to achieve consensus, defined as agreement among >80% of respondents. The first round gathered demographic information on participants as well as information on clarity and redundancy on a list of competencies; the second round, collected the same information on the revised list and whether or not participants agreed if the identified domains captured the essence of a SMA PT as well as the definitions for each; and the third asked participants to rank their agreement with each competency.

Results

Consensus revealed 35 competencies, organized under 6 domains, which were deemed essential for a PT working with persons with SMA.

Discussion

In order to develop a curriculum to meet the physical therapy needs of persons with SMA, it is imperative to establish defined outcomes and to achieve consensus on those outcomes within the SMA community.

Conclusions

This study identified essential competencies that will help to provide guidance in development of a formal education program to meet these defined outcomes. This can foster best-practice care and clinical decision-making for all PTs involved in the care of persons with SMA in a clinical and research setting.
Water sprinkling as a tool for heat abatement in farmed Iberian red deer: Effects on calf growth and behaviour
Authors: Pérez-Barbería F. J. , Arroyo-González I. , García A. J. , Serrano M. P. , Gallego L. , Landete-Castillejos T.
Published: April 2021

Climatic models predict scenarios in which ambient temperature will continue increasing worldwide. Under these climatic conditions, fitness and animal welfare of many populations are expected to suffer, especially those that live in captive or semi-natural conditions, where opportunities of heat abatement are limited. We undertook an experimental design to assess the effect of heat abatement that water sprinkling might have on Iberian red deer calf growth and behaviour from birth to weaning (135 days). One group of ten mother-calf pairs lived on plots with water sprinkling (treatment) available during summer’s hottest time of the day, while the control group (nine mother-calf pairs) occupied plots with no available water sprinkling. Treatment and control groups were fedad libitumand swapped between plots every seven days to minimise any plot effect. Body weight was monitored weekly and individual behaviour was recorded once or twice a week at mid-day. We observed that calves had showers under the sprinklers and wallowed in mud puddles. The results clearly indicated that calves of the treatment group showed a significant increase in body weight at weaning in comparison with the control group, with no differences between sexes (treatment: male = 56.5 kg, female = 50.3 kg; control: male = 50.3 kg, female = 46.5 kg). Mother weight and mother age effects were negligible on calf body weight at weaning. The heavier the mother the faster was the rate of growth of its offspring, irrespective of calf sex. The model indicated that although males grew significantly slower than female calves in the control group, males grew faster than females when exposed to the treatment. Calves of the treatment group spent less time drinking, less time in the shade, similar time eating and more time in motion than calves of the control group. There were no behavioural differences between calf sexes of treatment and control groups. The results indicate the importance of providing animals with opportunities of heat abatement in hot environments to improve animal growth and welfare in farmed Iberian red deer.
Prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Mosha Mary Vincent , Msuya Sia E. , Kasagama Elizabeth , Ayieko Philip , Todd Jim , Filteau Suzanne
Published: April 2021

Background

Prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in low- and middle-income countries is on the rise. We focused on multiple factors which could influence body mass index.

Methods

A cross sectional school-based study was conducted in Moshi, Tanzania. Primary school children aged 9–11 years were recruited from 20 schools through a multistage sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect information on physical activity and diet by food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were taken and body mass index z scores for age and sex (BMIZ) calculated using the WHO AnthroPlus. Children were considered thin if BMIZ was <-2 standard deviations and overweight or obese if BMIZ was >1 SD. Information on school policies and environment was obtained from headteachers. Correlates of overweight and obesity were examined using a multinomial multilevel logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1170 primary school children, of whom 636 (54%) were girls, were recruited from 20 schools. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 15% overall (overweight 9% and obesity 6%) and most prevalent in urban areas (23%) and in private schools (24%). Moreover, thinness was found to be (10%) overall, most prevalent in rural areas (13%) and in government schools (14%). At school level, residing in urban (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 3.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.49,5.68) and being in private school (aRRR 4.08; 95% CI 2.66,6.25) were associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity while availability of playgrounds in schools (aRRR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47, 0.97) was associated with a lower risk of overweight and obesity. At home level, availability of sugary drinks (aRRR 1.52; 95% CI 1.01,2.28) was associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity.

Conclusion

Overweight and obesity are common in private schools and in urban settings. Efforts should be taken to ensure availability of playgrounds in schools and encouraging children to engage in physical activities.
The African urban food environment framework for creating healthy nutrition policy and interventions in urban Africa
Authors: Osei-Kwasi Hibbah Araba , Laar Amos , Zotor Francis , Pradeilles Rebecca , Aryeetey Richmond , Green Mark , Griffiths Paula , Akparibo Robert , Wanjohi Milkah Njeri , Rousham Emily , Barnes Amy , Booth Andrew , Mensah Kobby , Asiki Gershim , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth , Bricas Nicolas , Holdsworth Michelle
Published: April 2021

This study developed, validated, and evaluated a framework of factors influencing dietary behaviours in urban African food environments, to inform research prioritisation and intervention development in Africa. A multi-component methodology, drawing on concept mapping, was employed to construct a framework of factors influencing dietary behaviours in urban Africa. The framework adapted a widely used socio-ecological model (developed in a high-income country context) and was developed using a mixed-methods research approach that comprised: i. Evidence synthesis consisting of a systematic review of 39 papers covering 14 African countries; ii. Qualitative interview data collected for adolescents and adults (n = 144) using photovoice in urban Ghana and Kenya; and iii. Consultation with interdisciplinary African experts (n = 71) from 27 countries, who contributed to at least one step of the framework (creation, validation/evaluation, finalisation). The final framework included 103 factors influencing dietary behaviours. Experts identified the factors influencing dietary behaviours across all the four levels of the food environment i.e. the individual, social, physical and macro levels. Nearly half (n = 48) were individual-level factors and just under a quarter (n = 26) were at the macro environmental level. Fewer factors associated with social (n = 15) and physical (14) environments were identified. At the macro level, the factors ranked as most important were food prices, cultural beliefs and seasonality. Factors ranked as important at the social level were household composition, family food habits and dietary practices. The type of food available in the neighbourhood and convenience were seen as important at the physical level, while individual food habits, food preferences and socioeconomic status were ranked highly at the individual level. About half of the factors (n = 54) overlap with those reported in an existing socio-ecological food environment framework developed in a high-income country context. A further 49 factors were identified that were not reported in the selected high-income country framework, underlining the importance of contextualisation. Our conceptual framework offers a useful tool for research to understand dietary transitions in urban African adolescents and adults, as well as identification of factors to intervene when promoting healthy nutritious diets to prevent multiple forms of malnutrition.
Validity and reliability of the Noor Evidence-Based Medicine Questionnaire: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Norhayati Mohd Noor , Nawi Zanaridah Mat
Published: April 2021

Background

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a widely accepted scientific advancement in clinical settings that helps achieve better, safer, and more cost-effective healthcare. However, presently, validated instruments to evaluate healthcare professionals’ attitude and practices toward implementing EBM are not widely available. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a newly developed knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire on EBM for use among healthcare professionals.

Methods

The Noor Evidence-Based Medicine Questionnaire was tested among physicians in a government hospital between July and August 2018. Exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability-based Cronbach’s alpha statistic were conducted.

Results

The questionnaire was distributed among 94 physicians, and 90 responded (response rate of 95.7%). The initial number of items in the KAP domains of the Noor Evidence-Based Medicine Questionnaire were 15, 17, and 13, respectively; however, two items in the practice domain with communalities <0.25 and factor loadings <0.4 were removed. The factor structure accounted for 52.33%, 66.29%, and 55.39% of data variance in the KAP domains, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha values were 0.81, 0.81, and 0.84 for KAP domains, respectively, indicating high reliability.

Conclusions

This questionnaire can be used to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of healthcare professionals toward EBM. Future testing of this questionnaire among other medical personnel groups will help expand the scope of this tool.
Prediction of Covid-19 spreading and optimal coordination of counter-measures: From microscopic to macroscopic models to Pareto fronts
Authors: Wulkow Hanna , Conrad Tim O. F. , Djurdjevac Conrad Nataša , Müller Sebastian A. , Nagel Kai , Schütte Christof
Published: April 2021

The Covid-19 disease has caused a world-wide pandemic with more than 60 million positive cases and more than 1.4 million deaths by the end of November 2020. As long as effective medical treatment and vaccination are not available, non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine as well as far-reaching shutdowns of economic activity and public life are the only available strategies to prevent the virus from spreading. These interventions must meet conflicting requirements where some objectives, like the minimization of disease-related deaths or the impact on health systems, demand for stronger counter-measures, while others, such as social and economic costs, call for weaker counter-measures. Therefore, finding the optimal compromise of counter-measures requires the solution of a multi-objective optimization problem that is based on accurate prediction of future infection spreading for all combinations of counter-measures under consideration. We present a strategy for construction and solution of such a multi-objective optimization problem with real-world applicability. The strategy is based on a micro-model allowing for accurate prediction via a realistic combination of person-centric data-driven human mobility and behavior, stochastic infection models and disease progression models including micro-level inclusion of governmental intervention strategies. For this micro-model, a surrogate macro-model is constructed and validated that is much less computationally expensive and can therefore be used in the core of a numerical solver for the multi-objective optimization problem. The resulting set of optimal compromises between counter-measures (Pareto front) is discussed and its meaning for policy decisions is outlined.
Respiratory diseases are positively associated with PM2.5 concentrations in different areas of Taiwan
Authors: Wang Feifei , Chen Tianyi , Chang Qian , Kao Yi-Wei , Li Jian , Chen Mingchih , Li Yang , Shia Ben-Chang
Published: April 2021

The health effects associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have attracted considerable public attention in recent decades. It has been verified that PM2.5 can damage the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and cause various diseases. While the association between diseases and PM2.5 has been widely studied, this work aims to analyze the association between PM2.5 and hospital visit rates for respiratory diseases in Taiwan. To this end, a disease mapping model that considers spatial effects is applied to estimate the association. The results show that there is a positive association between hospital visit rates and the PM2.5 concentrations in the Taiwanese population in 2012 after controlling for other variables, such as smoking rates and the number of hospitals in each region. This finding indicates that control of PM2.5 could decrease hospital visit rates for respiratory diseases in Taiwan.
Complex effects of whole body cryostimulation on hematological markers in patients with obesity
Authors: Wyrostek Joanna , Piotrowska Anna , Czerwińska-Ledwig Olga , Zuziak Roxana , Szyguła Zbigniew , Cisoń Tomasz , Żychowska Małgorzata , Pilch Wanda
Published: April 2021

Background

Adaptation, including changes in blood properties, to whole-body cryostimulation may depend on many factors, including body mass.

Aim

This study investigates whether hematological parameters change similarly in a group of people with obesity and a group of men with normal body weight after 10 and 20 cryostimulation treatments.

Methods

In our non-randomized trial, the participants were divided into two groups based on their body fat percentage: 14 men with a high (HBF = 29.35%) and 10 with a normal percent of body fat (NBF = 11.40%) and subjected to 20 whole body cryostimulation treatments (-120°C for 2–3 minutes). Blood samples were taken before the first and after the 10th and 20th cryostimulation. The following parameters were determined: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT), red blood cell distribution width (RDW-SD), mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), monocytes (MONO), eosinophils (EO) and basophiles (BASO).

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in red blood cells parameters such as RBC, HCT, MCV and MCHC. Time influence was noted for HCT, MCV and MCHC. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant correlation (for time and group) for 2 paramateres: RBC and MCV. For platelet parameters statistically significant differences were found for PLT (group influence) and MPV (time and group interaction). In white blood cells parameters statistically significant differences in levels of LYMPH were noted. Higher levels were observed for HBF group.

Conclusions

All observed changes were within the reference range, but hematological markers changed unevenly in people who are obese and non-obese. Therefore, it appears that an amount of fat tissue could be a factor causing the differences in adaptation to low temperature. It is suggested that 20 whole body cryostimulation sessions restore the state of homeostasis disturbed after 10 sessions.

Trial registration

ACTRN 12619000524190.
The effect of counseling, antiretroviral therapy and relationship on disclosing HIV positive status to sexual partner among adult HIV patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yalew Melaku , Adane Bezawit , Kefale Bereket , Damtie Yitayish , Tadesse Sisay Eshete , Molla Asressie
Published: April 2021

Background

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is continued as a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the effect of counseling, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and relationship on disclosing HIV positive status to sexual partner among adult HIV patients in Ethiopia.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was used during this review. The study included both published and unpublished studies which were conducted in Ethiopia until the end of 2019. Different electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, CINAHL, Global Health, HINARI and Google scholar) were searched. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel sheet and STATA/SE 14 was used to meta-analysis. I2 and Egger test statistics were used to test heterogeneity and publication bias respectively.

Results

Twenty-two articles with 8,873 adult HIV infected peoples were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled magnitude of disclosing HIV status to sexual partner was 74.63% [95% CI: (67.79, 81.47)]. Counseled [AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: (2.87, 8.55)], ART initiated [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (3.84, 5.94)] and who had a smooth relationship before HIV testing [AOR = 6.82, 95% CI: (3.49, 13.33)] were significantly associated with disclosing HIV status to sexual partner.

Conclusions

Disclosing HIV positive status to sexual partner in Ethiopia was low as the government invested in partner notification. Counseling, ART initiation and smooth relationship before HIV testing were significantly associated with disclosing HIV status to sexual partner. The government needs to strengthen pre and post HIV test counseling even after treatment started to increase disclosing status.

Registration

The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO with a specific registration number: CRD42020161276; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
What determines client satisfaction on labor and delivery service in Ethiopia? systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fikre Rekiku , Eshetu Kidist , Berhanu Muntasha , Alemayehu Akalewold
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The uptake of Health services, maternal and newborn health care outcomes are dictated by the satisfaction of clients on the service provided. Client satisfaction is one of the vital indicators to measure the quality of service. However, it is not well addressed and little evidence is existed in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence and determinant of client satisfaction on labor and delivery service in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study has included published and unpublished articles. The main databases PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Medline, CINHAL, Poplin, and the search engine like Google and Google scholar were used from June1-30/2020. Studies with observational study design which are conducted in English language and met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. Meta-analyses with random effects were performed. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using OpenMeta and CMA version 2 software.

Results

The pooled prevalence of client satisfaction on labor and delivery service in Ethiopia was 73.5% [95% CI [64.9%, 82.1%]. The pooled odds ratio showed a negative association between client satisfaction on labour and delivery service with Promptness of care [OR = 0.25; 95% CI: (0.18, 0.34), P = 0.0001], Free service charge [OR = 0.70; 95% CI: (0.57, 0.86), P < 0.0007], Privacy during examination [OR = 0.25; 95% CI: (0.10, 0.64), P < 0.004], Respectful maternal care [OR = 0.40;95% CI: (0.19, 0.83), P = 0.01], Plan to delivered at health facility [OR = 0.49; 95% CI: (0.37, 0.66), P < 0.00001] and ANC follow-up [OR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.63, P < 0.0001].

Conclusions

This review revealed that client satisfaction on labor and delivery service in Ethiopia was 73.5%. Besides poor care of providers on the antepartum, intrapartum and lack compassionate and respectful care affects client satisfaction on labor and delivery service in Ethiopia.
A prediction framework with time-frequency localization feature for detecting the onset of seismic events
Authors: Aggarwal Kanchan , Mukhopadhya Siddhartha , Tangirala Arun K.
Published: April 2021

Onset detection of P-wave in seismic signals is of vital importance to seismologists because it is not only crucial to the development of early warning systems but it also aids in estimating the seismic source parameters. All the existing P-wave onset detection methods are based on a combination of statistical signal processing and time-series modeling ideas. However, these methods do not adequately accommodate some advanced ideas that exist in fault detection literature, especially those based on predictive analytics. When combined with a time-frequency (t-f) / temporal-spectral localization method, the effectiveness of such methods is enhanced significantly. This work proposes a novel real-time automatic P-wave detector and picker in the prediction framework with a time-frequency localization feature. The proposed approach brings a diverse set of capabilities in accurately detecting the P-wave onset, especially in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions that all the existing methods fail to attain. The core idea is to monitor the difference in squared magnitudes of one-step-ahead predictions and measurements in the time-frequency bands with a statistically determined threshold. The proposed framework essentially accommodates any suitable prediction methodology and time-frequency transformation. We demonstrate the proposed framework by deploying auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models for predictions and the well-known maximal overlap discrete wavelet packet transform (MODWPT) for the t-f projection of measurements. The ability and efficacy of the proposed method, especially in detecting P-waves embedded in low SNR measurements, is illustrated on a synthetic data set and 200 real-time data sets spanning four different geographical regions. A comparison with three prominently used detectors, namely, STA/LTA, AIC, and DWT-AIC, shows improved detection rate for low SNR events, better accuracy of detection and picking, decreased false alarm rate, and robustness to outliers in data. Specifically, the proposed method yields a detection rate of 89% and a false alarm rate of 11.11%, which are significantly better than those of existing methods.
Generation of cryopreserved macrophages from normal and genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells for disease modelling
Authors: Munn Christie , Burton Sarah , Dickerson Sarah , Bakshy Kiranmayee , Strouse Anne , Rajesh Deepika
Published: April 2021

Macrophages are innate immune cells that play critical roles in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and immune oncology. Macrophages differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) overcome many limitations of using peripheral blood derived macrophages. The ability to scale up and cryopreserve a large amount of end stage macrophages from single clonal iPSCs from normal and disease specific donors offers a unique opportunity for genomic analysis and drug screening. The present study describes the step wise generation and characterization of macrophages from iPSCs using a defined serum free method amenable to scale up to generate a large batch of pure end stage cryopreservable macrophages expressing CD68, CD33, CD11c, CD11b, CD1a, HLA-DR, CD86, CD64, CD80, CD206, CD169, CD47, HLA-ABC, and CX3CR. The end stage macrophages pre and post cryopreservation retain purity, morphology, responsiveness to stimuli and display robust phagocytic function coming right out of cryopreservation. The same differentiation process was used to generate end stage macrophages from isogenic iPSCs engineered to mimic mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease (SNCA A53T), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (GRN2/GRN R493X), and Rett syndrome (MECP2-Knockout). End stage macrophages from isogenic engineered clones displayed differential macrophage-specific purity markers, phagocytic function, and response to specific stimuli. Thus, generating a panel of functional, physiologically relevant iPSC-derived macrophages can potentially facilitate the understanding of neural inflammatory responses associated with neurodegeneration.
The retention benefits of cumulative versus non-cumulative midterms in introductory biology may depend on students’ reasoning skills
Authors: Bailey Elizabeth G. , Greenall Rebeka F. , Tullis Madeleine M. , Williams Kurt R.
Published: April 2021

Assessment has long played an important role as a measurement tool of student mastery over course content. However, testing has also been shown to be an effective learning tool. Cumulative testing, in which all material from the entire learning period is covered, has been assumed to be effective, yet few studies have explicitly tested its effectiveness compared to non-cumulative testing. Studies in psychology and mathematics courses suggest that cumulative final exams increase long-term retention of information, and cumulative testing during the semester can increase cumulative final exam performance and long-term retention. Because frequent testing has also been shown to increase student learning, the purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to investigate the effects of cumulative versus non-cumulative midterms on student learning in a course that uses frequent assessment. In this study, one section of an introductory biology course for non-majors was given seven cumulative midterms, with about half of the questions drawn from previous units and the rest covering the current unit. The other section was given seven non-cumulative midterms that focused on current material while other course characteristics were held constant. Student performance on a common, cumulative final exam and a retention exam five months later were compared. Midterm format had no effect on final exam performance, contradicting the few studies done in psychology and mathematics courses. Thus, there may be no additional benefit of cumulative testing if exams are given frequently. Cumulative midterms appeared to increase retention after five months, but only for students who entered the course with low reasoning skills. Interestingly, students with high reasoning skills appeared to retain more from the course if they were given non-cumulative midterms. Possible explanations and ideas for future research are discussed.
Self-employment convergence in Europe: The role of migration
Authors: Cuadros Ana , Cuestas Juan Carlos , Martín-Montaner Joan
Published: April 2021

This paper attempts to identify patterns of convergence in the rates of self-employment (SE) for both foreign-born and natives in a sample of 17 European countries during the period 1999–2018. A distinction is made between self-employed with and without workers. Our analysis is relevant for policy-making: whether or not there is evidence of convergence in SE rates can be an indication of the homogeneity of self-employed workers among the countries analysed, which in turn may reflect the success of the EU-wide policies to boost SE.
A primary Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection of rhesus macaques identifies new immunodominant B-cell antigens
Authors: Randall Arlo , Teng Andy , Liang Xiaowu , Pal Sukumar , Tarantal Alice F. , Fike Joseph , Barry Peter A. , de la Maza Luis M.
Published: April 2021

To identify immunodominant antigens that elicit a humoral immune response following a primary and a secondary genital infection, rhesus monkeys were inoculated cervically with Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D. Serum samples were collected and probed with a protein microarray expressing 864/894 (96.4%) of the open reading frames of the C. trachomatis serovar D genome. The antibody response to the primary infection was analyzed in 72 serum samples from 12 inoculated monkeys. The following criteria were utilized to identify immunodominant antigens: proteins found to be recognized by at least 75% (9/12) of the infected monkeys with at least 15% elevations in signal intensity from week 0 to week 8 post infection. All infected monkeys developed Chlamydia specific serum antibodies. Eight proteins satisfied the selection criteria for immunodominant antigens: CT242 (OmpH-like protein), CT541 (mip), CT681 (ompA), CT381 (artJ), CT443 (omcB), CT119 (incA), CT486 (fliY), and CT110 (groEL). Of these, three antigens, CT119, CT486 and CT381, were not previously identified as immunodominant antigens using non-human primate sera. Following the secondary infection, the antibody responses to the eight immunodominant antigens were analyzed and found to be quite different in intensity and duration to the primary infection. In conclusion, these eight immunodominant antigens can now be tested for their ability to identify individuals with a primary C. trachomatis genital infection and to design vaccine strategies to protect against a primary infection with this pathogen.
From the Andes to the desert: 16S rRNA metabarcoding characterization of aquatic bacterial communities in the Rimac river, the main source of water for Lima, Peru
Authors: Romero Pedro E. , Calla-Quispe Erika , Castillo-Vilcahuaman Camila , Yokoo Mateo , Fuentes-Rivera Hammerly Lino , Ramirez Jorge L. , Ampuero André , Ibáñez Alfredo J. , Wong Paolo
Published: April 2021

The Rimac river is the main source of water for Lima, Peru’s capital megacity. The river is constantly affected by different types of contamination including mine tailings in the Andes and urban sewage in the metropolitan area. In this work, we aim to produce the first characterization of aquatic bacterial communities in the Rimac river using a 16S rRNA metabarcoding approach which would be useful to identify bacterial diversity and potential understudied pathogens. We report a lower diversity in bacterial communities from the Lower Rimac (Metropolitan zone) in comparison to other sub-basins. Samples were generally grouped according to their geographical location. Bacterial classes Alphaproteobacteria, Bacteroidia, Campylobacteria, Fusobacteriia, and Gammaproteobacteria were the most frequent along the river. Arcobacter cryaerophilus (Campylobacteria) was the most frequent species in the Lower Rimac while Flavobacterium succinicans (Bacteroidia) and Hypnocyclicus (Fusobacteriia) were the most predominant in the Upper Rimac. Predicted metabolic functions in the microbiota include bacterial motility and quorum sensing. Additional metabolomic analyses showed the presence of some insecticides and herbicides in the Parac-Upper Rimac and Santa Eulalia-Parac sub-basins. The dominance in the Metropolitan area of Arcobacter cryaerophilus, an emergent pathogen associated with fecal contamination and antibiotic multiresistance, that is not usually reported in traditional microbiological quality assessments, highlights the necessity to apply next-generation sequencing tools to improve pathogen surveillance. We believe that our study will encourage the integration of omics sciences in Peru and its application on current environmental and public health issues.
An assessment of potential biomarkers of environment enteropathy and its association with age and microbial infections among children in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Muhammad Ikhtear , Hossain Motaher , Islam Shahidul , Akter Aklima , Nishat Naoshin Sharmin , Nila Tasnin Akter , Rafique Tanzeem Ahmed , Leung Daniel T. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Ryan Edward T. , Harris Jason B. , LaRocque Regina C. , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Qadri Firdausi
Published: April 2021

Interventional studies targeting environment enteropathy (EE) are impeded by the lack of appropriate, validated, non-invasive biomarkers of EE. Thus, we aimed to validate the association of potential biomarkers for EE with enteric infections and nutritional status in a longitudinal birth cohort study. We measured endotoxin core antibody (EndoCab) and soluble CD14 (sCD14) in serum, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in feces using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. We found that levels of serum EndoCab and sCD14 increase with the cumulative incidence of enteric infections. We observed a significant correlation between the fecal MPO level in the children at 24 months of age with the total number of bacterial and viral infections, the total number of parasitic infections, and the total number of diarrheal episodes and diarrheal duration. We observed that the levels of serum EndoCab, sCD14, and fecal MPO at 3 months of age were significantly associated with whether children were malnourished at 18 months of age or not. Biomarkers such as fecal MPO, serum EndoCab and sCD14 in children at an early age may be useful as a measure of cumulative burden of preceding enteric infections, which are predictive of subsequent malnutrition status and may be useful non-invasive biomarkers for EE.