bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of renal resistive index measurements performed by an intermediate and novice sonographer in a volunteer population
Authors: Renberg Mårten , Kilhamn Naima , Lund Kent , Hertzberg Daniel , Rimes-Stigare Claire , Bell Max
Published: May 2020

Background

The Doppler-derived renal resistive index (RRI) is emerging as a promising bedside tool for assessing renal perfusion and risk of developing acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. It is not known what level of ultrasonography competence is needed to obtain reliable RRI values.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of RRI measurements by an intermediate and novice sonographer in a volunteer population.

Methods

After a focused teaching session, an intermediate (resident), novice (medical student) and expert sonographer performed RRI measurements in 23 volunteers consecutively and blinded to the results of one another. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate interobserver reliability, bias and precision.

Results

Both non-experts were able to obtain RRI values in all volunteers. Median RRI in the population measured by the expert was 0.58 (interquartile range 0.52–0.62). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.90–0.98) for the intermediate and expert, and 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.69–0.94) for the novice and expert. In relation to the measurements of the expert, both non-experts showed negligible bias (mean difference 0.002 [95% confidence interval − 0.005 to 0.009, p = 0.597] between intermediate and expert, mean difference 0.002 [95% confidence interval − 0.011 to 0.015, p = 0.752] between novice and expert) and clinically acceptable precision (95% limits of agreement − 0.031 to 0.035 for the intermediate, 95% limits of agreement − 0.056 to 0.060 for the novice).

Conclusions

RRI measurements by both an intermediate and novice sonographer in a volunteer population were reliable, accurate and precise after a brief course. RRI is easy to learn and feasible within the scope of point-of-care ultrasound.
Impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program in the antimicrobial-resistant and prevalence of clostridioides difficile infection and amount of antimicrobial consumed in cancer patients
Authors: Mardani Masoud , Abolghasemi Sara , Shabani Shiva
Published: May 2020

Objective

The The impact of a hospital antimicrobial stewardship was determined on antimicrobial-resistant, Clostridioides difficile rates and the amount of antimicrobial consumed in cancer patients.The intervention effects of antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) plans in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 were respectively evaluated among hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplant patients in Ayatollah Taleghani University Hospital, Tehran, Iran. In this interventional quasi-experimental study, the ASP repository was utilized to capture four survey questions encompassed in these immunocompromised patients: amount of antibiotics (meropenem and vancomycin) consumption gr-year, the number of positive Clostridioides difficile infection and multidrug-resistant positive cases in blood cultures.

Results

The number of MDR cases in the periods of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 were 145 and 75, respectively (p = 0.011). A significant reduction in all positive blood cultures from 2017–2018 to 2018–2019 was found (p = 0.001). 574 patients admitted to our hospital in these periods of 2017- 2018 and 2018- 2019were assessed for MPM and VMN use. The amounts of MPM prescriptions in 2018–2019 was significantly decreased from 22464 to 17262 g (p = 0.043). The significant reduction in antibiotic consumption, MDR organisms, and CDI can highly promote patients’ health and decreasing medical costs and long-term defects for patients.
A comparative analysis of two computer science degree offerings
Authors: Finamore Anna Carolina , Jiménez Haydée G. , Casanova Marco A. , Nunes Bernardo P. , Santos Ana Moura , Pires António Pacheco
Published: May 2020

This article presents an in-depth analysis and comparison of two computer science degree offerings, viz., the Bologna BSc in Information Systems and Computer Engineering, offered by the Instituto Superior Técnico of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, and the BSc in Computer Science offered by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The analysis is based on the student transcripts collected from the academic systems of both institutions over circa one decade. The article starts with a description of the degrees and global statistics of the student population considered. Then, it presents a comparative analysis of the curricula, which focuses on how close students follow the recommended curricula, based on data visualization techniques and academic performance indexes. The indexes indicated a mismatch between the semesters that the curricula recommend for the courses and the semesters that students enroll in those courses. Furthermore, a visualization of course advances and delays indicated that a significant fraction of the students failed in the semester that the curricula recommend for the courses. The article moves on to present a comparative analysis of student performance in individual courses, and then applies a technique borrowed from Market Basket Analysis to investigate student performance in multiple courses that are taken in the same semester. The analysis pointed out sets of courses, at both degrees, that students are struggling with, when they take the courses in the same semester. Finally, the article summarizes the lessons learned, which invite academic administrators to reflect on the weaknesses and strengths of each degree analyzed. Specifically, the analysis suggests that the curricula should be reorganized to avoid that students take certain courses together, not because of conceptual reasons, but because students frequently fail if they do so. Some of these patterns are common to both degrees.
Expression of a highly active β-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger AS3.4523 in Escherichia coli and its application in gardenia blue preparation
Authors: Hao Shuai , Liu Yuanpu , Qin Yu , Zhao Lei , Zhang Jiawen , Wu Tingting , Sun Baoguo , Wang Chengtao
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Gardenia blue is one of the natural food additives used in East Asia for many years. Its biosynthesis relies on a key rate-limiting cellulase: β-glucosidase (BGL), which mainly exists in Aspergillus niger (A. niger) cells. The purpose of this study was to obtain active β-glucosidase by cell engineering method and applied to gardenia blue synthesis, which would help to promote the application and reduce the cost of β-glucosidase and gardenia blue.

Methods

A. niger was identified based on 18S rRNA gene sequencing. β-Glucosidase gene was cloned and expressed based on PCR and prokaryotic expression. The enzyme activity of β-glucosidase was measured based on p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside method.

Results

An A. niger isolate (AS3.4523) was identified from soil. The β-glucosidase gene of AS3.4523 was cloned and sequenced, which encoded a new type of β-glucosidase mutant containing two specific amino acid substitutions (Asp154Gly and Ser163Pro). Prokaryotic expression of wild-type β-glucosidase in Escherichia coli BL21 showed low cellulase activity (0.29 ± 0.13 U/mL). However, after removing its signal peptide, the β-glucosidase of A. niger AS3.4523 exhibited extremely higher activity (25.88 ± 0.45 U/mL) compared with wild type β-glucosidase (12.59 ± 1.07 U/mL) or other A. niger strains M85 (3.61 ± 0.24 U/mL) and CICC2041 (4.36 ± 0.76 U/mL). Furthermore, recombinant β-glucosidase was applied to geniposide hydrolysis, and gardenia blue pigment was successfully synthesized with the reaction of genipin and Lys.

Conclusions

This work has discovered a new type of highly active β-glucosidase and provided a theoretical basis for large-scale producing β-glucosidase, which lays a brand-new foundation for gardenia blue preparation with high efficiency and low cost.
Adenocarcinoma of the lung: from BAC to the future
Authors: Lambe Gerard , Durand Michael , Buckley Anne , Nicholson Siobhan , McDermott Ronan
Published: May 2020

Adenocarcinoma in situ, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma and invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma are relatively new classification entities which replace the now retired term, bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC). The radiographic appearance of these lesions ranges from pure, ground glass nodules to large, solid masses. A thorough understanding of the new classification is essential to radiologists who work with MDT colleagues to provide accurate staging and treatment. A 2-year review was performed of all surgically resected cases of adenocarcinoma in situ, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma and lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma in our institution. Cases are broken down by age, gender, tumour type and tumour location. A pictorial review is presented to illustrate the radiologic and pathologic features of each entity.
Promising advances in clinical trials of dental tissue-derived cell-based regenerative medicine
Authors: Yamada Yoichi , Nakamura-Yamada Sayaka , Konoki Ryutaro , Baba Shunsuke
Published: May 2020

Background

Advances in regenerative medicine with stem cells have led to clinical trials. Dental/oral tissues are emerging as promising cellular sources of human mesenchymal stem cells. Recently, dental tissue-derived cells have been used clinically due to their great potential, easy accessibility, and ability to be obtained via methods with low invasiveness. The aim of this study is to systematically assess the clinical effectiveness of dental cell-mediated therapies compared to current evidence-based methods in human patients.

Methods

The electronic databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), andClinicalTrials.govwere searched up to December 2019 for clinical trials. Clinical trials with any intervention using stem cells/cells derived from dental tissue were included.

Results

A total of 815 studies were identified by the electronic search, and 38 articles qualified for full-text evaluation. Finally, 20 studies (10 clinical trials using dental pulp-derived cells, 3 clinical trials using periodontal ligament-derived cells, and 7 studies using gingiva-derived cells) were included in this review. No clinical trials using dental follicle- or apical papilla-derived cells were selected in this review. Dental pulp-derived cells were used in clinical trials for bone regeneration, periodontitis, and dental pulp regeneration. All clinical trials using periodontal ligament-derived cells and gingiva-derived cells were conducted for periodontal disease treatment and gingival augmentation, respectively. Among the 20 selected studies, 16 showed clinical benefits of cell transplantation therapies. In addition, no study reported adverse events that may have been associated with cell transplantation.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that dental tissue-derived cells would be useful for cell-based regenerative medicine for various diseases.
Zero Mach number limit of the compressible Euler–Korteweg equations
Authors: Li Yeping , Zhou Gang
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we investigate the zero Mach number limit for the three-dimensional compressible Euler–Korteweg equations in the regime of smooth solutions. Based on the local existence theory of the compressible Euler–Korteweg equations, we establish a convergence-stability principle. Then we show that when the Mach number is sufficiently small, the initial-value problem of the compressible Euler–Korteweg equations has a unique smooth solution in the time interval where the corresponding incompressible Euler equations have a smooth solution. It is important to remark that when the incompressible Euler equations have a global smooth solution, the existence time of the solution for the compressible Euler–Korteweg equations tends to infinity as the Mach number goes to zero. Moreover, we obtain the convergence of smooth solutions for the compressible Euler–Korteweg equations towards those for the incompressible Euler equations with a convergence rate.
Retraction Note: Boundary behaviors of modified Green’s function with respect to the stationary Schrödinger operator and its applications
Authors: Li Zhiqiang
Published: May 2020

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article [1] because it significantly overlaps with a number of previously published articles from different authors [2–4]. The author has not responded to any correspondence regarding this retraction.
Existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions for a system of differential equations via operator methods
Authors: Fan Ruixiong , Zhai Chengbo
Published: May 2020

This article investigates the existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions for a new system of differential equations. By employing fixed point theorems for increasing φ-$(h,\tau )$(h,τ)-concave operators, we establish the existence of unique periodic solution for our differential system and then give a monotone iterative scheme to approximate the unique periodic solution. Some examples are presented in the end to illustrate the validity of our main results.
Temporal transcriptional patterns of cyanophage genes suggest synchronized infection of cyanobacteria in the oceans
Authors: Chen Yue , Zeng Qinglu
Published: May 2020

Background

Based on the peak expression times during infection, early, middle, and late genes have been characterized in viruses (cyanophages) that infect the unicellular cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus. Laboratory experiments show that some cyanophages can only replicate in the light and thus exhibit diurnal infection rhythms under light-dark cycles. Field evidence also suggests synchronized infection of Prochlorococcus by cyanophages in the oceans, which should result in progressive expression of cyanophage early, middle, and late genes. However, distinct temporal expression patterns have not been observed in cyanophage field populations.

Results

In this study, we reanalyzed a previous metatranscriptomic dataset collected in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. In this dataset, it was previously shown that aggregate transcripts from cyanophage scaffolds display diurnal transcriptional rhythms with transcript abundances decreasing at night. By mapping metatranscriptomic reads to individual viral genes, we identified periodically expressed genes from putative viruses infecting the cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, heterotrophic bacteria, and algae. Of the 41 cyanophage genes, 35 were from cyanomyoviruses. We grouped the periodically expressed cyanomyovirus genes into early, middle, and late genes based on the conserved temporal expression patterns of their orthologs in cyanomyovirus laboratory cultures. We found that the peak expression times of late genes in cyanophage field populations were significantly later than those of early and middle genes, which were similar to the temporal expression patterns of synchronized cyanophage laboratory cultures.

Conclusions

The significantly later peak expression times of late genes in cyanomyovirus field populations suggest that cyanophage infection of Prochlorococcus is synchronized in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The night-time peak expression of late genes also suggests synchronized lysis of Prochlorococcus at night, which might result in synchronized release of dissolved organic matter to the marine food web.
Meningomyeloencephalitis secondary to Mycobacterium haemophilum infection in AIDS
Authors: Leskinen Sandra , Flowers Xena , Thoene Katharina , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Goldman James E. , Hickman Richard A.
Published: May 2020

Infections by opportunistic non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rising in global incidence. One emerging, slowly growing NTM is Mycobacterium haemophilum, which can cause skin, lung, bone, and soft tissue infections in immunocompromised patients as well as lymphadenitis in immunocompetent individuals. Detection of this microorganism is difficult using conventional culture-based methods and few reports have documented involvement of this pathogen within the central nervous system (CNS).

We describe the neuropathologic autopsy findings of a 39-year-old man with AIDS who died secondary to M. haemophilum CNS infection. He initially presented with repeated bouts of pyrexia, nausea and vomiting, and altered mental status that required numerous hospitalizations. CSF infectious workups were consistently negative. His most recent admission identified hyperintensities within the brainstem by MRI and despite antibiotic therapies for suspected CNS infection, he died. Autopsy revealed a swollen brain with marked widening of the brainstem. Microscopic examination of the brain and spinal cord showed focal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates, gliosis and neuronal loss that were associated with acid-fast bacilli (AFB). The brainstem was the most severely damaged and AFB were found to congregate along arterial territories lending support to the notion of hematogenous spread as a mechanism for the organisms’ dissemination. 16S rRNA sequencing on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue enabled post-mortem identification of M. haemophilum. This sequencing methodology may permit diagnosis on CSF intra-vitam.
Retraction Note: Method development, validation, and stability studies of teneligliptin by RP-HPLC and identification of degradation products by UPLC tandem mass spectroscopy
Authors: Kumar T. N. V. Ganesh , Vidyadhara S. , Narkhede Niteen Ashok , Silpa Y. Sai , Lakshmi M. Rajya
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Development of the student course cognitive engagement instrument (SCCEI) for college engineering courses
Authors: Barlow Allyson , Brown Shane , Lutz Benjamin , Pitterson Nicole , Hunsu Nathaniel , Adesope Olusola
Published: May 2020

Background

Evidence shows that students who are actively engaged with learning materials demonstrate greater learning gains than those who are passively engaged. Indeed, cognitive engagement is often cited as a critical component of an educational experience. However, understanding how and in what ways cognitive engagement occurs remains a challenge for engineering educators. In particular, there exists a need to measure and evaluate engagement in ways that provide information for instructors to deploy concrete, actionable steps to foster students’ cognitive engagement. The present study reports the development and gathering of validation evidence for a quantitative instrument to measure students’ in-class cognitive engagement. The instrument was informed by Wylie and Chi’s ICAP (Interactive Constructive Active Passive) model of active learning, as well as contextual concerns within engineering courses.

Results

The process followed the classical measurement model of scale development. We provide a detailed overview of the item development and scale validation processes, focusing on the creation of individual subscales to measure different modes of cognition within learning contexts. Multiple rounds of testing the student course cognitive engagement instrument (SCCEI) in college engineering courses provided evidence of validity. This indicated the reliable measurement of student cognitive engagement in the context of notetaking, processing material, and interacting with peers in the classroom. Results suggest differentiating modes of cognitive engagement is indeed applicable when considering students’ in-class notetaking and processing of material.

Conclusions

Findings point towards the need for additional engagement scales that expand the instrument’s ability to distinguish between particular activities within a mode of engagement as defined by ICAP. The present study contributes to the growing body of literature on cognitive engagement of engineering students. Results address the development of measurement tools with evidence of validity for use in STEM education.
Analysis of risk indicators for prevalence of peri-implant diseases in Turkish population
Authors: Gunpinar Sadiye , Meraci Bilge , Karas Mert
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this cross-sectional study was (1) to determine the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis and (2) to reveal the risk indicators associated with peri-implant diseases. The second point was to investigate the role of keratinized mucosa on peri-implant health.

Materials and methods

Three hundred and eighty-two subjects who were treated with 1415 dental implants between 2011–2017 were clinically evaluated. Patients’ medical and dental history, as well as implant details, were recorded. Peri-implant examination included probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and keratinized tissue width. Furthermore, the patient (sex, age, and smoking) and implant/prosthesis-related factors (surface characteristic, time in function, design of prosthesis etc.) were evaluated. Implants were classified into three groups: healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis. Uni- and multi-variate regression analyses were utilized for statistics.

Results

41.1% (n = 157) and 36.9% (n = 84) of patients had mucositis and peri-implantitis, respectively. 53.6% (n = 758) of implants (95%CI 80.2–90.4) had mucositis, and 21.7% (n = 307) had peri-implantitis. Patients with a maintenance < 2/year (OR = 2.576), having periodontitis (OR = 3.342) and higher PI (OR = 3.046) had significant associations with the development of peri-implant mucositis. Significant ORs were determined for peri-implantitis with patients having maintenance < 2/year (OR = 2.048), having number of implants ≥ 4 (OR = 2.103), diagnosed with periodontitis (OR = 3.295), and higher PI (OR = 7.055). Keratinized tissue width < 2 mm (ORs = 5389/8.013), PPD (ORs = 1.570/8.338), PI (ORs = 6.726/5.205), and BoP (ORs = 3.645/4.353) independent variables were significantly associated with both peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis at implant level, respectively.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, the prevalence of mucositis and peri-implantitis was shown to be high in Turkish population. Furthermore, increased risk for peri-implantitis was identified in patients having maintenance < 2/year, presence of periodontitis, poor plaque control, and having number of implants ≥ 4. Less keratinized tissue (< 2 mm), PPD, and BoP were also risk indicators for peri-implantitis development.
Auditory rhythmical cueing to improve gait and physical activity in community-dwelling stroke survivors (ACTIVATE): study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: McCue Patricia , Del Din Silvia , Hunter Heather , Lord Sue , Price Christopher I. M. , Shaw Lisa , Rodgers Helen , Rochester Lynn , Moore Sarah A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Mobility problems are present in 70–80% of stroke survivors and can result in impaired gait and reduced physical activity limiting independent living. Auditory rhythmic cueing (ARC) has been used to provide auditory feedback and shows promise in improving a variety of walking parameters following stroke. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a multi-centre, observer blind, randomised controlled trial of auditory rhythmical cueing (ARC) intervention in home and community settings in North East England.

Methods

This pilot observer blind randomised controlled feasibility trial aims to recruit 60 participants over 15 months from community stroke services in the North East of England. Participants will be within 24 months of stroke onset causing new problems with mobility. Each participant will be randomised to the study intervention or control group. Intervention treatment participants will undertake 18 auditory rhythmical cueing (ARC) treatment sessions over 6 weeks (3 × 30 min per week, 6 supervised (physiotherapist/research associate)/12 self-managed) in a home/community setting. A metronome will be used to provide ARC during a series of balance and gait exercises, which will be gradually progressed. The control treatment participants will undertake the same duration balance and gait exercise training programme as the intervention group but without the ARC. Feasibility will be determined in terms of recruitment, retention, adverse events, adherence, collection of descriptive clinical and accelerometer motor performance data at baseline, 6 weeks and 10 weeks and description of participant, provider and clinical therapists’ experiences. As well as using questionnaires to collate participant views, qualitative interviews will be undertaken to further understand how the intervention is delivered in practice in a community setting and to identify aspects perceived important by participants.

Discussion

The ACTIVATE study will address an important gap in the evidence base by reporting whether it is feasible to deliver auditory rhythmical cueing in the home and community to improve gait and balance parameters following stroke. The feasibility of the study protocol will be established and results will inform the design of a future multi-centre randomised controlled trial.

Trial registration

Trial register: ISRCTN, Trial identifier: ISRCTN10874601: Date of registration: 12/03/2018.
Review of global neurosurgery education: Horizon of Neurosurgery in the Developing Countries
Authors: Kato Y. , Liew B. S. , Sufianov A. A. , Rasulic L. , Arnautovic K. I. , Dong V. H. , Florian I. S. , Olldashi F. , Makhambetov Y. , Isam B. , Thu M. , Enkhbayar Ts. , Kumarasinghe N. , Bajamal A. H. , Nair S. , Sharif S. , Sharma M. R. , Landeiro J. A. , Yampolsky C. G. , El-Ghandour N. M. F. , Hossain A. M. , Sim S. , Chemate S. , Burhan Hira , Feng L. , Andrade H. , Germano Isabelle M.
Published: May 2020

Globally, the discipline of neurosurgery has evolved remarkably fast. Despite being one of the latest medical specialties, which appeared only around hundred years ago, it has witnessed innovations in the aspects of diagnostics methods, macro and micro surgical techniques, and treatment modalities. Unfortunately, this development is not evenly distributed between developed and developing countries. The same is the case with neurosurgical education and training, which developed from only traditional apprentice programs in the past to more structured, competence-based programs with various teaching methods being utilized, in recent times. A similar gap can be observed between developed and developing counties when it comes to neurosurgical education. Fortunately, most of the scholars working in this field do understand the coherent relationship between neurosurgical education and neurosurgical practice. In context to this understanding, a symposium was organized during the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Special World Congress Beijing 2019. This symposium was the brain child of Prof. Yoko Kato—one of the eminent leaders in neurosurgery and an inspiration for female neurosurgeons. Invited speakers from different continents presented the stages of development of neurosurgical education in their respective countries. This paper summarizes the outcome of these presentations, with particular emphasis on and the challenges faced by developing countries in terms of neurosurgical education and strategies to cope with these challenges.
The durability of long-lasting insecticidal nets distributed to the households between 2009 and 2013 in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Prakash , Rijal Komal Raj , Adhikari Nabaraj , Thakur Garib Das , Marasini Baburam , Thapa Shrestha Upendra , Banjara Megha Raj , Pant Shishir Kumar , Adhikari Bipin , Dumre Shyam Prakash , Singh Nihal , Pigeon Olivier , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap , Chavez Irwin , Ortega Leonard , Hii Jeffrey
Published: May 2020

Background

Understanding and improving the durability of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in the field are critical for planning future implementation strategies including behavioral change for care and maintenance. LLIN distribution at high coverage is considered to be one of the adjunctive transmission reduction strategies in Nepal’s Malaria Strategic Plan 2014–2025. The main objective of this study was to assess the durability through assessment of community usage, physical integrity, residual bio-efficacy, and chemical retention in LLINs: Interceptor®, Yorkool®, and PermaNet ®2.0 which were used in Nepal during 2009 through 2013.

Methods

Assessments were conducted on random samples (n= 440) of LLINs from the eleven districts representing four ecological zones: Terai plain region (Kailali and Kanchanpur districts), outer Terai fluvial ecosystem (Surkhet, Dang, and Rupandhei districts), inner Terai forest ecosystem (Mahhothari, Dhanusa, and Illam districts), and Hills and river valley (Kavrepalanchock and Sindhupalchok districts). For each LLIN, fabric integrity in terms of proportionate hole index (pHI) and residual bio-efficacy were assessed. However, for chemical retention, a representative sample of 44 nets (15 Yorkool®, 10 Permanet®2.0, and 19 Interceptor®) was evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics stratified by LLINs brand, districts, and duration of exposure.

Results

On average, duration of use of LLINs was shortest for the Yorkool® samples, followed by PermaNet® 2.0 and Interceptor® with median ages of 8.9 (IQR = 0.4), 23.8 (IQR = 3.2), and 50.1 (IQR = 3.2) months, respectively. Over 80% of field distributed Yorkool® and PermaNet® 2.0 nets were in good condition (pHI< 25) compared to Interceptor® (66%). Bio-efficacy analysis showed that average mortality rates of Interceptor and Yorkool were below World Health Organization (WHO) optimal effectiveness of ≥ 80% compared to 2-year-old PermaNet 2.0 which attained 80%. Chemical retention analysis was consistent with bio-efficacy results.

Conclusion

This study shows that distribution of LLINs is effective for malaria control; however, serviceable life of LLINs should be considered in terms of waning residual bio-efficacy that warrants replacement. As an adjunctive malaria control tool, National Malaria Control Program of Nepal can benefit by renewing the distribution of LLINs in an appropriate time frame in addition to utilizing durable and effective LLINs.
Students’ perceptions on distance education: A multinational study
Authors: Fidalgo Patricia , Thormann Joan , Kulyk Oleksandr , Lencastre José Alberto
Published: May 2020

Many universities offer Distance Education (DE) courses and programs to address the diverse educational needs of students and to stay current with advancing technology. Some Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) that do not offer DE find it difficult to navigate through the steps that are needed to provide such courses and programs. Investigating learners’ perceptions, attitudes and willingness to try DE can provide guidance and recommendations for IHEs that are considering expanding use of DE formats. A survey was distributed to undergraduate students in Portugal, UAE and Ukraine. The results of this pilot study showed that in all three countries, students’ major concerns about such programs were time management, motivation, and English language skills. Although students were somewhat apprehensive many indicated they were interested in taking DE courses. Six recommendations informed by interpretation of students’ responses and the literature, are offered to assist institutions who want to offer DE as part of their educational strategy.
Warm blood cardioplegia versus cold crystalloid cardioplegia for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with low ejection fraction
Authors: Mahrose Ramy , Shorbagy Mohamed S. , Shahin Khaled M. , Elwany Shady Eid
Published: May 2020

Background

Patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF) undergoing CABG are more likely to develop postoperative morbidity and mortality. It is controversial about which cardioplegia solution, temperature, and method of administration ensure optimal cardiac muscle preservation during CABG surgery.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study was to compare intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia with cold crystalloid cardioplegia during CABG in patients with low EF (30–40%).

Methods

Patients (n = 100) undergoing elective isolated on-pump CABG were prospectively randomized into group I (n = 50) which received antegrade cold crystalloid cardioplegia and group II (n = 50) which received antegrade warm blood cardioplegia. Blood samples were collected immediately and 12 and 24 h postoperatively. CK-MB and cardiac troponin I were measured and compared between the two groups. Other indicators such as use of inotropic support and use of intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation (IABC) were also documented.

Results

Preoperative demographic and clinical variables were matched in both groups. However, postoperative CK-MB and troponin I were higher in group I compared to group II. There was less need for inotropic support and IABC with better postoperative course in group II than in group I.

Conclusion

There was a significant reduction in the release of cardiac enzymes and less need for inotropic support with better postoperative outcome in patients who received antegrade warm blood cardioplegia versus cold crystalloid cardioplegia.
Quadriceps muscle properties in rheumatoid arthritis: insights about muscle morphology, activation and functional capacity
Authors: Blum Denise , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Geremia Jeam Marcel , Brenol Claiton Viegas , Vaz Marco Aurélio , Xavier Ricardo Machado
Published: May 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory and chronic autoimmune disease that leads to muscle mass loss and functional capacity impairment, potentiated by physical inactivity. Despite evidences demonstrate neuromuscular impairments in RA patients, aging effects may have masked the results of similar previous studies. The aim of study was to verify (i) the effects of RA on functional capacity and muscle properties in middle-aged patients and (ii) the association between age, clinical characteristics, quadriceps muscle properties and functional capacity.

Methods

Thirty-five RA women and 35 healthy age-matched women were compared with the following outcomes: (i) physical activity level through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); (ii) timed-up and go (TUG) test; (iii) isometric knee extensor muscular strength; and (iv) vastus lateralis muscle activation and muscle architecture (muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length) during an isometric test. An independent Student t-test and partial correlation (controlled by physical activity levels) were performed, with p < 0.05.

Results

Compared with healthy women, RA presented (i) lower physical activity level (− 29.4%; p < 0.001); (ii) lower isometric knee extensor strength (− 20.5%; p < 0.001); (iii) lower TUG performance (− 21.7%; p < 0.001); (iv) smaller muscle thickness (− 23.3%; p < 0.001) and pennation angle (− 14.1%; p = 0.011). No differences were observed in muscle activation and fascicle length. Finally, the correlation demonstrated that, with exception of TUG, muscle strength and muscle morphology were not associated with age in RA, differently from healthy participants.

Conclusion

Middle-aged RA patients’ impairments occurred due to the disease independently of the aging process, except for functional capacity. Physical inactivity may have potentiated these losses.
Spatial analysis of completeness of death registration in Egypt
Authors: Lotfy Nesma
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems should be the primary source of routine mortality data. However, there is lack of information about the completeness of death registration at the sub-national level of Egypt. The current study was conducted to estimate the completeness of death registration at the national and sub-national levels of Egypt, to investigate the spatial patterns of the completeness, and to examine the factors that influence it.

Methods

Data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS, 2018) and Egypt Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS 2008, 2014) were used to estimate the completeness of death registration using an empirical method (random-effects models); hot spot analysis was conducted using Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi*; and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model has been also carried out.

Results

The study estimates show that Egypt has 96% completeness of death registration, and all governorates have completeness of more than 90% except for Beni-Suef, Menia, Aswan, Suhag, Luxor, ELWadi ELGidid, and South Sinai. According to sex, the death registration of females is slightly better than that of males (96.8% compared to 95.4%). Concerning residence, urban area has almost complete death registration compared to rural area (99.5% and 85.4%, respectively). Hot spot analysis shows that all hot spots are centered on the north of Egypt, while all cold spots are focused on the south. However, according to the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, poverty, illiteracy, and health office density are considered major factors for the completeness of death registration.

Conclusion

Although the completeness in Egypt is almost 100%, this analysis suggests that it may not be, and that it could be somewhat lower in some rural areas. However, there is uncertainty in the sub-national estimates because deaths are only reported by place of occurrence and not place of usual residence. Thus, efforts should focus on improving the quality of data of the vital registration system in some rural areas and in lower Egyptian governorates.
Generalized wclosed sets in biweak structure spaces
Authors: Abu-Donia H. M. , Hosny Rodyna A.
Published: May 2020

As a generalization of the classes of gwclosed (resp. gwopen, sgwclosed) sets in a weak structure space (X,w), the notions of ij-generalized wclosed (resp. ij-generalized wopen, ij-strongly generalized wclosed) sets in a biweak structure space (X,w1,w2) are introduced. In terms of these concepts, new forms of continuous function between biweak spaces are constructed. Additionally, the concepts of ij-wnormal, ij-gwnormal, ij-$wT_{\frac {1}{2}}$wT12, and ij-$w^{\sigma }T_{\frac {1}{2}}$wσT12 spaces are studied and several characterizations of them are acquired.
Segmental uncoverage ratio analysis of Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of the hip via 3-dimensional implantation simulation
Authors: Dou Yiming , Xiao Jianlin , Wen Xinggui , Gao Jianpeng , Tian Hao , Zuo Jianlin
Published: May 2020

Background

To study the segmental uncoverage ratio (UCR) of a 44-mm cup model placed in a true acetabulum of Crowe type-IV developmental dysplasia of the hip via 3-Dimensional (3D) implantation simulation.

Methods

Qualified CT imaging data of 26 patients (involving 30 hips) with Crowe type-IV DDH were imported into Mimics software for reconstruction. Then a 44-mm eggshell cup model was placed in a true acetabulum. First, total uncoverage ratio (TUCR) was measured. Then the virtual cup was divided into 4 segments according to the quadrant setting of the true acetabulum, i.e., anterior-superior (A-S) segment, anterior-inferior (A-I) segment, posterior-superior (P-S) segment and posterior-inferior (P-I) segment. The UCRs of the aforementioned segments were measured, i.e., anterior-superior uncoverage ratio (A-SUCR), anterior-inferior uncoverage ratio (A-IUCR), posterior-superior uncoverage ratio (P-SUCR) and posterior-inferior uncoverage ratio (P-IUCR). The acetabular height and anterior-posterior diameter on the 3-D model were also calculated. Statistic analyses were performed by using SPSS software package.

Results

TUCR was 0.2958 ± 0.1003 (95% [CI], 0.1020 to 0.5400) in this cohort of Crowe Type-IV hips. P-SUCR had the greatest value among all the segmental UCRs (0.1012 ± 0.0435, 95% confidence interval [CI],0.0152 to 0.1914) and the most significant positive correlation with TUCR (Pearson correlation = 0.889,p < 0.01. Linear regression R2 = 0.791). Similarly, P-IUCR and A-SUCR showed a significant positive correlation with TUCR. However, A-IUCR exhibited no correlation with either total or other segmental UCRs. P-SUCR was found to bear significant positive correlation with P-IUCR (pearson correlation = 0.644,p < 0.01. Linear regression R2 = 0.415). Acetabular height and A-P diameter were not correlated with TUCR.

Conclusion

Implantation of a 44-mm cup into Crowe type IV acetabulum is feasible and could achieve acceptable host bone coverage in most of the cases. P-SUCR contributed most to TUCR. TUCR had no linear relationship with the size of the host acetabulum, suggesting that the pre-operative plan should be individualized.
Effect of paternal age on treatment outcomes in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology for non-male factor infertility: a retrospective analysis of 809 cycles
Authors: Joseph Treasa , Karuppusami Reka , Karthikeyan Muthukumar , Kunjummen Aleyamma T. , Kamath Mohan S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Worldwide, there is an increase in uptake of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. The impact of paternal age on ART outcomes is unclear. In view of the conflicting results reported by studies evaluating effect of paternal age on ART outcomes, we planned a study to investigate the impact of advanced paternal age in couples undergoing ART for non-male factor infertility. We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a university-level teaching hospital in South India. All couples who underwent ART for non-male factor infertility were included. The couples were divided into two groups based on the age of the male partner. Group I included couples with male partner’s age less than 40 years, taken as reference group. Group II included couples with male partners age more than or equal to 40 years. The primary outcome was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, fertilization, embryo development, and blastulation rates.

Results

A total of 809 cycles were included for the study. Following exclusion of 39 cycles, 770 cycles were analyzed for outcomes. Group I comprised of 556 (72%) cycles and group II comprised of 214 (28%) cycles. There was no significant difference in live birth rate per embryo transfer between groups I and II (31.8% vs. 29.4%; odds ratio, OR, 0.89; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.26). After adjustment for potential confounders, the live birth rate did not differ significantly (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 1.10; 95% CI 0.74 to 1.65). The clinical pregnancy (39.4% vs. 36%; aOR 1.06; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.56) and the miscarriage rates (18.3% vs. 15.6%; aOR 0.73; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.66) were also similar between the two groups. There was significant decrease in the blastulation rate (36.8% vs. 32.1%; P 0.002) in the advanced paternal age group as compared to the reference group.

Conclusion

The current study suggests that in couples undergoing ART for non-male factor, there is no detrimental effect of increasing paternal age on treatment outcomes.
Impasse as a Figure of Political Space
Authors: Terada Rei
Published: May 2020

Spatial figures of impasse appear when politics is in trouble, and preserve political expectation when its prospects are poor. They take their meaning from the assumption that the political order is synonymous with social reality—as though people could do nothing when political movement is blocked. Focusing on Gramsci’s Prison Notebooks and the critical reception of Hegel’s master-slave dialectic among other references, this essay argues that the model of impasse and breakthrough occludes politics’ narrowness as compared with other organizations of collective well-being. By seeming to preserve political potential, perceptions of impasse encourage people to accept political processes as the only social reality despite their violence, their limitation of reality, and their contempt for the agential resources of nonpolitical being.
“Ludicrous Anachronisms”
Authors: Hanson Lenora
Published: May 2020

This article proposes that eighteenth-century and Romantic-era accounts of dreams offer a useful model for understanding the phenomenon of enclosure, or what Marx famously labeled “so-called primitive accumulation.” Rather than a historical event or a set of particular laws, enclosure can be understood as a process by which gendered labor and criminalized mobility, two forms of what Marxist critics call “non-work,” became integral features of capital accumulation over the course of the Romantic period. This article pursues an analogy between what John Hunter defined as the “ludicrous anachronisms” of dreams and such forms of “non-work” as they appear in Mary Robinson’s 1791 poem “The Maniac.” Framed as an opium-induced dream that enables Robinson to share a psycho-physiological state akin to the wanderer “mad Jemmy,” Robinson forges relations between the poet and Jemmy that complicate any straightforward or sympathetic identification. Instead, her use of rhetorical indirection and inversion establishes analogies between the two through the effects of enclosure, highlighting the ambivalent ways in which subjects came to be indirectly related to one another through an historical inversion of their means of subsistence into conditions of vulnerability.
En passant
Authors: Mieszkowski Jan
Published: May 2020

This essay seeks to answer a deceptively simple question: what takes place when someone claims to be remarking on something “in passing”? The first part focuses on Heinrich von Kleist’s Michael Kohlhaas, where the politico-economic order is shaken by challenges to the discourse of passes, passports, and licenses. The protagonist struggles in his quest for justice, because he cannot win the right to pass from one place to the next until he has first won the right to pass from one verbal element to the next. The second part of the essay considers how Jacques Derrida’s attempt to break with the methodological paths of metaphysics leads him to articulate a conception of passing language. Discussing utterances made en passant, Derrida puts pressure on the distinction between essential and incidental remarks. Ultimately, he suggests that some of his own most memorable slogans, in particular “democracy to come,” gain their power from their conflicted status as both constant and mercurial, grave and frivolous, passing and impassing.
Pictures over words: a cross-sectional study reporting short term memory abilities in children
Authors: Rooha Aysha , Anil Malavika Anakkathil , Bhat Jayashree S.
Published: May 2020

Background: An impressive amount of research has been conducted studying modality-specific Short Term Memory (STM) skills in children differing in the type of tasks used. In the present study, we aimed to profile the STM abilities based on modality, in typically developing children using a story-based assessment.

Methods: The study followed a cross-sectional design and comprised of 80 participants between the ages of 6 years to 9 years 11 months. An animated story was shown to the children, following which a word recall task was performed. In this task, children were asked to recall the words mentioned in the story from a pictorial array.

Results: One-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the overall recall abilities of children. The recall performance was strongly related to the modality of the presentation of words. A marginal difference was observed for the recall of auditory-visual words in comparison to recall of words in the auditory modality; wherein older children recalled better in comparison to younger children. The findings of the study could be attributed to the "visual superiority effect", "encoding specificity principle of memory" and "multimedia effect."

Conclusion: STM abilities were observed to increase with age, with the existence of asynchrony in the auditory-visual and auditory recall scores indicating the firm reliance on the modality of presentation of word. The study implications emphasize on the use of visual stimuli for teaching new vocabularies, skills, and concepts in younger children. These findings also highlight the use of visual stimuli while assessing speech, language, and cognitive skills in younger children.