bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The “Healthy Akame!” community – government – university collaboration for health: a community-based participatory mixed-method approach to address health issue in rural Japan
Authors: Haya Marinda Asiah Nuril , Ichikawa Shuhei , Shibagaki Yukino , Board Akame Machijuu Genki Project Community Advisory , Wakabayashi Hideki , Takemura Yousuke
Published: November 2020

Background: Although Japan has a decentralized public health system, local governments have considered expert opinions over those of the community in decisions about public health programs. Differences in communities’ interests may create gaps between health program objectives and implementation. We hypothesized that community-based participatory research (CBPR), which involves the community at every step, promotes effective program implementation and community empowerment. This study addressed the first step of CBPR, assessing community needs and developing tailored health program for a rural community in Japan. Methods: In this sequential exploratory mixed-method study (qualitative followed by quantitative), we first formed a community advisory board (CAB) representing community organizations, city officials, and university researchers. The CAB conducted group discussions with community residents to identify the community’s health issues and strengths. These group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the results were used to develop a questionnaire, which was subsequently sent to all households in the community to obtain priority scores for health issues and proposed action and to assess willingness to participate in community health program. The CAB then designed a program using the overall study results. Results: Ten group discussions with 68 participants identified the following health issues: 1) diseases; 2) unhealthy behaviors; and 3) unsupportive environment. Nature, vacant lots, and local farms were considered local strengths. Of a total of 1470 households in the community, questionnaires were collected from 773 households. Cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases were ranked as the most important health problems. Improving services and access to medical checkups, use of public space for exercise, local farming, and collaboration with the community health office were considered necessary to address these health problems. Considering feasibility and the availability of resources in the community, the CAB decided to focus on lifestyle-related diseases and designed activities centered on health awareness, nutrition, and exercise. These activities drew on community’s strengths and were adapted to Japanese culture.Conclusions: The community’s priority health problem was closely related to the epidemiology of diseases. The CBPR approach was useful for identifying community’s needs and for designing a unique community health program that made use of local strengths.
Diversity of entomopathogenic fungi associated with Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)) in Moroccan Argan forests and nearby area: impact of soil factors on their distribution
Authors: HALLOUTI Ayoub , HAMZA Mohamed AIT , ZAHIDI Abdelaziz , HAMMOU Rachid AIT , BOUHARROUD Rachid , AOUMAR Abdellah AIT BEN , BOUBAKER Hassan
Published: November 2020

Background: Studying the ecology of biocontrol-agents is a prerequisite to effectively control medfly (Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)) with entomopathogenic fungi. In this context, factors affecting the occurrence and distribution of medfly-associated entomopathogenic-fungi were studied. Soil samples (22) were collected from natural and cultivated areas of Souss-region Morocco.Results: A total of 260 fungal isolates belonging to 22 species and 10 genera were obtained by using medfly pupae as bait. Medfly-associated fungi were detected in all studied soils and pupae infection percentages ranged from 3.33% to 48%. Two genera, Fusarium and Beauveria were the most frequent with 83 isolates (32%) and 50 isolates (19.23%) respectively. Pathogenicity test of isolated species against medfly pupae showed high mortality rates up to 91% for some strains. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated a strong influence of origin, physical, and chemical properties of soil on the abundance of these fungi. In general, medfly-associated fungi were more abundant in soils with moderate pH (7.5 to 8) having high sand and organic content. High relative humidity negatively influenced the abundance of these fungi. Both factors directly affected the fungal infection percentages in pupae. The response of fungi to these parameters varied among species. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the soils of argan fields and forests were more suitable for the development of medfly-associated fungi than citrus orchards.Conclusions: These results guide identifying suitable soils for the effective application of entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents. In summary, isolated indigenous strains seem to be a promising option to control C. capitata.
Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: a qualitative study on the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil, and Haiti 
Authors: YOO JI YOUN , Dutra Samia Valeria Ozorio , Fanfan Dany , Sniffen Sarah , Wang Hao , Siddiqui Jamile , Song Hyo-Suk , Bang Sung Hwan , Kim Dong Eun , Kim Sihoon , Groer Maureen
Published: November 2020

Background: In late January a worldwide crisis known as COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. It was a significant issue to prevent and control COVID-19 on both national and global scales due to the dramatic increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals on how to take action to decrease the spread of COVID-19.Objective: We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries' (US, China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases. Research design and Methods: To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Documents were purposively sampled (N=55) and analyzed using content analysis.Results: The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction. Conclusion: In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.
Preparedness of Health Care Systems for Ebola Outbreak Response in Kasese and Rubirizi districts, Western Uganda                               
Authors: Kibuule Michael , Sekimpi Deogratias , Agaba Aggrey , Halage Abdullah Ali , Jonga Michael , Manirakiza Leonard , Kansiime Catherine , Travis Dominic , Pelican Katharine , Rwego Innocent
Published: November 2020

Background: The level of preparedness of the health care workers, the health facility and the entire health system determines the magnitude of the impact of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak as demonstrated by the West African Ebola outbreak. The objective of the study was to assess preparedness of the health care facilities and identify appropriate preparedness measures for Ebola outbreak response in Kasese and Rubirizi districts in western Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 189 health care workers using a structured questionnaire and visits to 22 health facilities to determine the level of health care system preparedness to EVD outbreak. District level infrastructure capabilities, existence of health facility logistics and supplies, and health care workers’ knowledge of EVD was assessed. EVD Preparedness was assessed on infrastructure and logistical capabilities and the level of knowledge of an individual health work about the etiology, control and prevention of EVD.Results: Twelve out of the 22 of the health facilities, especially health center III’s and IV’s, did not have a line budget to respond to EVD when there was a threat of EVD in nearby country. The majority (n = 13) of the facilities did not have the following: case definition books, rapid response teams and/or committees, burial teams, simulation drills. There were no personal protective equipment that could be used within 8 hours in case of an EVD outbreak fourteen of the health facilities. All facilities did not have Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) incident management centers, isolation units, guidelines for burial, and one-meter distance between health care worker and patient during triage. Overall, 54% (n = 102) of health care workers (HCWs) did not know the incubation period of EVD. Health Care workers who had tertiary education (aOR = 5.79; CI = 1.79 – 18.70; p = 0.003) were more likely to know about the biology incubation period, causes and prevention of EVD. Conclusions: Feedback on the level of preparedness for the rural districts helps inform strategies for building capacity of these health centers in terms of infrastructure, logistics and improving knowledge of health care workers.
Full Snapshot Reconstruction in Hybrid Architecture Antenna Arrays
Authors: Trigka Maria , Mavrokefalidis Christos , Berberidis Kostas
Published: November 2020

In the context of this research work, we study the so-called problem of full snapshot reconstruction in hybrid antenna array structures that are utilized in mmWave communication systems. It enables the recovery of the snapshots that would have been obtained if a conventional (non-hybrid) Uniform Linear Antenna (ULA) array was employed. The problem is considered at the receiver side where the hybrid architecture exploits in a novel way the antenna elements of a uniform linear array. To this end, the recommended scheme is properly designed so as to be applicable to overlapping and non-overlapping architectures. Moreover, the full snapshot recoverability is addressed for two cases, namely, for time-varying and constant signal sources. Simulation results are also presented to illustrate the consistency between the theoretically predicted behaviors and the simulated results, and the performance of the proposed scheme in terms Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) estimation, when compared to the conventional MUSIC algorithm and a recently proposed hybrid version of MUSIC(H-MUSIC).
27-Gauge trocar-assisted sutureless intraocular lens fixation.
Authors: Jujo Tatsuya , Kogo Jiro , Sasaki Hiroki , Sekine Reio , Sato Keiji , Ebisutani Sakura , Toyoda Yasuhiro , Kitaoka Yasushi , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: November 2020

Backgrounds: However there have been numerous investigations of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation techniques, there is room for improvement in terms of simplifying complicated techniques and reducing the high levels of skill required. This study aimed to report a novel technique for sutureless intrascleral fixation of the IOL using retinal forceps with a 27-gauge trocar. Methods: Nineteen eyes of 18 patients underwent intrascleral fixation of the IOL from July 2018 to September 2019 were enrolled in this study. A 27-gauge trocar formed 3-mm scleral tunnels positioned at 4 and 10 o’clock, 2 mm from the corneal limbus. We used a 3-piece IOL haptic grasped by a 27-gauge retinal forceps and pulled from the 27-gauge trocar. The IOL was fixed by making a flange. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell density, IOL tilt, decentration, predicted error of refraction and complications. Results: The 19 eyes were followed up for 1 month. The mean pre- and postoperative logMAR uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 1.06 ± 0.63 and 0.40 ± 0.26, respectively (p<0.01), while the mean pre- and postoperative logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.27 ± 0.51 and 0.06 ± 0.15, respectively (p=0.09). The mean corneal endothelial cell density was 2406 ± 625 to 2004 ± 759 cells/mm 2 at 1 month (p=0.13). The mean IOL tilt was 3.52 ± 3.00°, and the mean IOL decentration was 0.39 ± 0.39 mm. There was no correlation among IOL tilt, decentration and BCVA (p>0.05). The mean prediction error of the target refraction was –0.03 ± 0.93 D. The complications were vitreous hemorrhage (3 eyes), hyphema (1 eye), IOP elevation (1 eye), iris capture of the IOL (1 eye) and hypotony (2 eyes). No IOL dislocation occurred. Conclusions: IOL intrascleral fixation with a flange achieved good IOL fixation and visual outcome in the scleral tunnels created with the 27-gauge trocar.
Psychological distress among infectious disease physicians during the response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Park Se Yoon , Kim Bongyoung , Jung Dong Sik , Jung Sook In , Oh Won Sup , Kim Shin-Woo , Peck Kyong Ran , Chang Hyun-Ha
Published: November 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate psychological distress among infectious disease (ID) physicians during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the Republic of Korea. Methods: Using an online-based survey link sent via text message and email, we conducted a survey from April 21 to 25, 2020, targeting all ID physicians currently working in ID (n = 265). The questionnaire was based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and information was collected on factors protecting against psychological distress and difficulties in relation to COVID-19. Results: Of 265 ID physicians, 115 (43.3%) responded, showing burnout (97, 90.4%), depression (20, 17.4%), anxiety (23, 20.0%), and stress (5, 4.3%). There were no differences in terms of distress between ID physicians who were directly involved in the care of patients with COVID-19 or not. Greater than 50% of physicians valued their work and felt recognized by others, whereas <10% indicated that sufficient human and financial support and private time had been provided during the outbreak. The most challenging issues concerned a lack of attending physicians caring for COVID-19 patients or infection control practitioners, a shortage of personal protective equipment or airborne infection isolation rooms, pressure for research, and lack of guidelines for COVID-19 management. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 outbreak in the Republic of Korea, most respondents reported psychological distress. Preparing strategies to secure human resources are crucial to prepare effectively for future epidemics and pandemics.
Addition of routine blood biomarkers to TIMI risk score improves predictive performance of 1-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Oh Pyung Chun , Eom Young Sil , Moon Jeonggeun , Jang Ho-Jun , Kim Tae-Hoon , Suh Jon , Kong Min Gyu , Park Sang-Don , Kwon Sung Woo , Suh Soon Yong , Lee Kyounghoon , Han Seung Hwan , Ahn Taehoon , Kang Woong Chol
Published: November 2020

Background: Several biomarkers have been proposed as independent predictors of poor outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated whether adding information obtained from routine blood tests including hypoxic liver injury (HLI), dysglycemia, anemia, and high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could improve the prognostic performance of the TIMI risk score for the prediction of 1-year mortality. Methods: A total of 1057 patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively enrolled from 4-regional hospitals. HLI and dysglycemia were defined as serum transaminase >twice the normal upper limit and glucose <90 or >250 mg/dL, respectively. The effect of adding biomarkers to the TIMI risk score on its discriminative ability was assessed using c-statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Results: The 1-year mortality rate was 7.1%. The best cutoff value of NLR for the prediction of 1-year mortality was 4.3 (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 65%). HLI (HR, 2.019; 95% CI, 1.104-3.695), dysglycemia (HR, 2.535; 95% CI, 1.324-3.923), anemia (HR, 2.071; 95% CI, 1.093-3.923), and high NLR (HR, 3.651; 95% CI, 1.927-6.918) were independent predictors of 1-year mortality. When these 4 parameters were added to the TIMI risk score, the c-statistic significantly improved from 0.841 to 0.876 (p<0.001), and the NRI and IDI were estimated at 0.203 (95% CI, 0.130-0.275; p<0.001) and 0.089 (95% CI, 0.060-0.119; p<0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The addition of HLI, dysglycemia, anemia, and high NLR to the TIMI risk score may be useful for very early risk stratification in patients with STEMI receiving primary PCI.
Accuracy and precision of zero-echo-time, single- and multi-atlas attenuation correction for dynamic [11C]PE2I PET-MR brain imaging 
Authors: Sousa Joao M. , Appel Lieuwe , Merida Inés , Heckemann Rolf A. , Costes Nicolas , Engström Mathias , Papadimitriou Stergios , Nyholm Dag , Ahlström Håkan , Hammers Alexander , Lubberink Mark
Published: November 2020

Background: A valid photon attenuation correction (AC) method is instrumental for obtaining quantitatively correct PET images. Integrated PET/MR systems provide no direct information on attenuation, and novel methods for MR-based AC (MRAC) are still under investigation. Evaluations of various AC methods have mainly focused on static brain PET acquisitions. In this study we determined the validity of three MRAC methods in a dynamic PET/MR study of the brain. Methods: Nine participants underwent dynamic brain PET/MR scanning using the dopamine transporter radioligand [11C]PE2I. Three MRAC methods were evaluated: single-atlas (Atlas), multi-atlas (MaxProb) and zero-echo-time (ZTE). The 68Ge-transmission data from a previous stand-alone PET scan was used as reference method. Parametric relative delivery (R1) images and binding potential (BPND) maps were generated using cerebellar grey matter as reference region. Evaluation was based on bias in MRAC maps, accuracy and precision of [11C]PE2I BPND and R1 estimates, and [11C]PE2I time-activity curves. BPND was examined for striatal regions and R1 in clusters of regions across the brain. Results: For BPND, ZTE-MRAC showed the highest accuracy (bias < 2%) in striatal regions[JMSS1] . Atlas-MRAC exhibited a significant bias in caudate nucleus (-12%) while MaxProb-MRAC revealed a substantial, non-significant bias in putamen (9%). R1 estimates had a marginal bias for all MRAC methods (-1.0-3.2%). MaxProb-MRAC showed the largest intersubject variability for both R1 and BPND. Standardized uptake values (SUV) of striatal regions displayed the strongest average bias for ZTE-MRAC (~10%), although constant over time and with the smallest inter-subject variability. Atlas-MRAC had highest variation in bias over time (+10 to -10%), followed by MaxProb-MRAC (+5 to -5%), but MaxProb showed the lowest mean bias. For cerebellum, MaxProb-MRAC showed highest variability while bias was constant over time for Atlas- and ZTE-MRAC.Conclusions: Both Maxprob and ZTE-MRAC performed better than Atlas-MRAC when using a 68Ge transmission scan as reference method. Overall, ZTE-MRAC showed the highest precision and accuracy in outcome parameters of dynamic [11C]PE2I PET analysis with use of kinetic modelling.
Why Market Orientation Matters for Agriculture and Fishery Workers? Unravelling the Association between Households’ Occupational Background and Caloric Deprivation in India
Authors: Kumar Smita , Rajpal Sunil , Lu Shiau-Yun , Joe William
Published: November 2020

Background: Developmental policies in low- and middle-income countries poses immense potential within the agriculture sectors to escalate economic growth and development. As almost one-half of the workforces continue to be engaged in agriculture and allied activities with a lower economic contribution, realizing such potential however requires tremendous scaling up of skill development activities in the sector. Investing in skill development of workers engaged in agricultural and allied activities can potentially display notable value additions, income generation and therefore reductions in widespread deprivations in the form of food insecurity and undernutrition. Further with the direct link between nutrition and productivity, economic gains, it is further imperative to impart market exposure among subsistence and unskilled workers. This study therefore empirically investigates the association between households’ primary occupation and caloric deprivation in India. In particular, in a multivariate and multilevel framework, we identified how closely primary occupation of households explain the variation in caloric deprivation in India. Methods: Therefore, drawing upon data from 68th round (2011-12) of nationally representative cross-sectional Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES) of National Sample Survey (NSS), Government of India, we examined the statistical and econometric association between occupational backgrounds of households and caloric deprivation (average caloric consumption as well as low calorie intake) among Indian households. Results: Evidences show that agricultural and fishery labor households have lowest calorie intake (2086 kcal) across all the occupational groups. However, market oriented skilled agricultural and fishery workers’ (2261 kcal – rural, 2165 kcal - urban) have higher calorie intakes than those belonging to subsistence agricultural (2165 kcal – rural, 2149 kcal - urban). Further, the multilevel logistic regression estimates suggest that in rural areas, households engaged in skilled agricultural and fishery works have significantly (at 5% level) lower odds ratio (OR: 0.72, with 95% CI: 0.63; 0.82) of having insufficient calorie intake compared to the unskilled agricultural and fishery laborer households. Estimates from variance partitioning based on multilevel logistic regression models suggest that the households’ occupational group accounts for 7 to 14 percent of total variation in calorie consumption.Conclusion: These insights when combined with the occupation-specific random-effects suggests that investing in skill development of agricultural and fishery workers may have immense potential to strengthen their income generation capacity and to reduce deprivation levels.
Histone tail analysis reveals H3K36me2 and H4K16ac as epigenetic signatures of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: An Shejuan , Camarillo Jeannie , Huang Tina , Li Daphne , Morris Juliette , Zoltek Madeline , Qi Jin , Behbahani Mandana , Kelleher Neil , Nazarian Javad , Thomas Paul , Saratsis Amanda Muhs
Published: November 2020

Background: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive pediatric brainstem tumor. Most DIPGs harbor a histone H3 mutation, which alters histone post-translational modification (PTM) states and transcription. Here, we employed quantitative proteomic analysis to elucidate the impact of the H3.3K27M mutation, as well as radiation and bromodomain inhibition (BRDi) with JQ1, on DIPG PTM profiles.Methods: We performed targeted mass spectrometry on H3.3K27M mutant and wild-type tissues (n=12) and cell lines (n=7).Results: We found 29.2% and 26.4% of total H3.3K27 peptides were H3.3K27M in mutant DIPG tumor cell lines and tissue specimens, respectively. Significant differences in modification states were observed in H3.3K27M specimens, including at H3K27, H3K36, and H4K16. In addition, H3.3K27me1 and H4K16ac were the most significantly distinct modifications in H3.3K27M mutant tumors, relative to wild-type. Further, H3.3K36me2 was the most abundant co-occurring modification on the H3.3K27M mutant peptide in DIPG tissue, while H4K16ac was the most acetylated residue. Radiation treatment caused changes in PTM abundance in vitro, including increased H3K9me3. JQ1 treatment resulted in increased mono- and di-methylation of H3.1K27, H3.3K27, H3.3K36 and H4K20 in vitro. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings provide insight into the effects of the H3K27M mutation on histone modification states and response to treatment, and suggest that H3K36me2 and H4K16ac may represent unique tumor epigenetic signatures for targeted DIPG therapy.
An Assessment of Band Keratopathy Depth With Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Song Hee-Jun , Rand Gabriel M. , Chuck Roy S. , Kwon Ji-won
Published: November 2020

Background: To describe the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) findings in a series of patients with band keratopathy (BK) and discuss its possible clinical utility. Methods: A retrospective review of 31 eyes from 31 consecutive patients with BK from November 2013 to October 2018. Lesion depth and central corneal thickness (CCT) were outputted from AS-OCT (RS-3000 Advance, NAVIS-EX 1.5.5 Nidek CO LTD, Japan). Results: There were 20 cases of ocular trauma, 3 cases of retinal detachment, 2 cases of glaucoma, 2 cases of uveitis, 1 case of Coats’ disease, 1 case of complicated cataract surgery, 1 case of non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage, and 1 case of unknown etiology. Mean duration of the opacity per patient history was 22.4±11.3 (range 3-40) years. 26 eyes were no light perception (NLP), 3 eyes were light perception (LP) and 2 eyes were hand motion (HM). The calcium band as seen on AS-OCT corresponded to a hyperflective layer with posterior shadowing. The median depth of calcium was 100 µm (range 55-320) and the median CCT was 623 µm (range 534-785). The calcium depth was strongly correlated with the duration of the opacity per patient history (r=0.68, p<0.001). Conclusions: AS-OCT may be utilized to assess BK depth. This depth has a wide distribution that is positively correlated with the duration of the opacity per patient history. Future studies will be required to measure BK depth across patients with less severe vision loss, test the consistency of AS-OCT measurements across different instruments, and confirm its clinical utility.
Role of temporal discounting in a conditional cash transfer (CCT) intervention to improve engagement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) cascade
Authors: Saleska Jessica Londeree , Turner Abigail Norris , Gallo Maria F. , Shoben Abigail , Kawende Bienvenu , Ravelomanana Noro Lantoniaina Rosa , Thirumurthy Harsha , Yotebieng Marcel
Published: November 2020

Background: Temporal discounting, the tendency of individuals to discount future costs and benefits relative to the present, is often associated with greater engagement in risky behaviors. Incentives such as conditional cash transfers (CCTs) have the potential to counter the effects of high discount rates on health behaviors. Methods: With data from a randomized trial of a CCT intervention among 434 HIV-positive pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we used binomial models to assess interactions between discount rates (measured using a delay-discounting task) and the intervention. The analysis focused on two outcomes: 1) retention in HIV care, and 2) uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services. Results: The effect of high discount rates on retention was small, and we did not observe evidence of interaction between high discount rates and CCT on retention. However, our findings suggest that CCT may mitigate the negative effect of high discount rates on uptake of PMTCT services (interaction contrast (IC): 0.18, 95% CI: -0.09, 0.44). Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence to support the continued use of small, frequent incentives, to motivate improved uptake of PMTCT services, especially among women exhibiting high rates of temporal discounting.
Social Listening – Revealing Parkinson’s Disease over Day and Night
Authors: Zhang Hui , Meng Fanwen , Li Xingyu , Ning Yali , Cai Meng
Published: November 2020

Background: Nocturnal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease are often treated after management of daytime manifestations. In order to better understand the unmet needs of nocturnal symptoms management, we analyzed the characteristics and burden of nocturnal symptoms from patients’ perspectives and explored their changes over time. Overall symptoms (occurring at day or night) were collected to compare whether the unmet needs related to nocturnal symptoms and to overall symptoms are different.Methods: We used a Social Listening big-data technique to analyze large amounts of Parkinson’s disease symptoms in dialogues available from social media platforms in 2016 to 2018. These symptoms were classified as either overall symptoms or nocturnal symptoms. We used share of voice (SOV) of symptoms as a proportion of total dialogues per year to reflect the characteristics of symptoms. Negative sentiment score of symptoms was analyzed to find out their related burden. Results: We found the SOV for overall motor symptoms was 79% and had not increased between 2016 and 2018 (79%, p = 0.5). The SOV for non-motor symptoms was 69% and had grown by 7% in 2018 (p < 0.01). The SOV for motor complications was 9% and had increased by 6% in 2018 (p < 0.01). The SOV of motor symptoms was larger than non-motor symptoms and motor complications (p < 0.01). The SOV of non-motor symptoms was larger than motor complications (p < 0.01). For nocturnal symptoms, 45% of the analyzed PD population reported nocturnal symptoms in 2018, growing by 6% (p < 0.01). The SOV for nocturnal-occurring motor symptoms was higher than most non-motor symptoms. However, non-motor symptoms had the higher increases and evoked higher negative sentiment regardless of whether they occurred during the day or night. For symptoms that can occur at either day or night, each nocturnal symptom was rated with a higher negative sentiment score than the same symptom during the day.Conclusions: The growing SOV and the greater negative sentiment of nocturnal symptoms suggest management of nocturnal symptoms is an unmet need of patients. A greater emphasis on detecting and treating nocturnal symptoms with 24-hour care is encouraged.
Bile acid, glucose, lipid profile, and liver enzyme changes in pre-diabetics: 1-year data after sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Mak Tsz Kin , Huang Shifang , Guan Bingsheng , Au Hoyin , Chong Tsz Hong , Peng Juzheng , Chen Fazhi , Liang Chuqiao , Lai Wanjing , Ho LongLam , Wang Cunchuan , yang jingge
Published: November 2020

Background: Few articles have studied pre-diabetes after sleeve gastrectomy. Bile acid, and lipid level remains inconsistent in post-bariatric patients. To explore bile acid and glucose, lipid, and liver enzyme changes in different diabetic status underwent sleeve gastrectomy. To discuss the impact of bariatric surgery and its potential benefits to pre-diabetics Methods: 202 overweight and obese patients underwent bariatric surgery between January 2016 and October 2018 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into Pre-diabetes (n=32), Non-diabetes (n=144), and Diabetes (n=26) and analyzed respectively. Data of glucose and lipid were collected from medical records from baseline and each follow-up visit. Result: Significant improvement in body weight, glucose and lipid level, and liver enzyme at P≤0.05 in prediabetics were found throughout first year post-op. Improvement of glycemic control was first seen in a month post op, followed by persistent improvement in the next 12 months. Total bile acid (TBA) decreased, associated with ALT improvement, in pre-diabetes 1-year post-surgery. There was no significant differences in HbA1c, glucose, and triglycerides (TG) between Pre-diabetics and T2DM nor between prediabetics and non-diabetics at 12 months post-surgery. Conclusion: LSG is highly effective in interfering glucose and lipid level as well as total bile acid of prediabetics in the first year post operation. Thus, LSG is indeed an alternative for overweight and obese pre-diabetics
Joint Optic Disc and Cup Segmentation Based on Densely Connected Depthwise Separable Convolution Deep Network
Authors: Liu Bingyan , Pan Daru , Song Hui
Published: November 2020

Background: Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes vision loss and even blindness. The cup to disc ratio (CDR) is an important indicator for glaucoma screening and diagnosis. Accurate segmentation for the optic disc and cup helps obtain CDR. Although many deep learning-based methods have been proposed to segment the disc and cup for fundus image, achieving highly accurate segmentation performance is still a great challenge due to the heavy overlap between the optic disc and cup.Methods: In this paper, we propose a two-stage method where the optic disc is firstly located and then the optic disc and cup are segmented jointly according to the interesting areas. Also, we consider the joint optic disc and cup segmentation task as a multi-category semantic segmentation task for which a deep learning-based model named DDSC-Net (densely connected depthwise separable convolution network) is proposed. Specifically, we employ depthwise separable convolutional layer and image pyramid input to form a deeper and wider networkto improve segmentation performance. Finally, we evaluate our method on two publicly available datasets, Drishti-GS and REFUGE dataset.Results: The experiment results show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods, such as pOSAL, GL-Net, M-Net and Stack-U-Net in terms of disc coefficients, with the scores of 0.9780 (optic disc) and 0.9123 (optic cup) on the DRISHTI-GS dataset, and the scores of 0.9601 (optic disc) and 0.8903 (optic cup) on the REFUGE dataset. Particularly, in the more challenging optic cup segmentation task, our method outperforms GL-Net by 0.7 % in terms of disc coefficients on the Drishti-GS dataset and outperforms pOSAL by 0.79 %on the REFUGE dataset, respectively.Conclusions: The promising segmentation performances reveal that our method has the potential in assisting the screening and diagnosis of glaucoma.
Effect of Opium Consumption on Cardiovascular Diseases – A cross- sectional study based on data of Rafsanjan cohort study
Authors: Khalili Parvin , Ayoobi Fatemeh , Mohamadi Maryam , Jamalizadeh Ahmad , Vecchia Carlo La , Esmaeili-Nadimi Ali
Published: November 2020

Background: There are differences of opinion about the beneficial or detrimental effects of opium consumption on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). So, we aimed to study the association between opium use and CVDs. Methods: We used data obtained from the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), as a part of the prospective epidemiological research studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), with detailed, validated data on opium consumption and some other exposures. A total of 10,000 adults were enrolled in the study. Logistic regression models were used to assess the possible relationships of opium consumption with the prevalence of ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). Results: In this study, 9990 participants in the baseline phase of the Rafsanjan adult cohort study were included according to their completed questionnaire. Among all participants, 870 and 296 individuals were found to suffer from IHD and MI, respectively. Opium consumption was found to be relatively high in the RCS participants, especially in men (men= 2150 and women= 228). Opium use was associated with a higher odds of IHD and MI, with the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.51 (1.22-1.86) and 1.79 (1.31-2.45), respectively. Also, dose-response increases were observed with the highest odds ratios in the 4th quartile for MI and IHD (p-values for trend < 0.001). Increased odds were observed for the two main methods of opium consumption, i.e. oral and smoking, but oral administration had higher odds ratio.Conclusions: Opium consumption is associated with the increased odds of both IHD and MI diseases.
Inguinal hernias in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: is tension-free mesh repair feasible?
Authors: Chi Qiyu , Shi Zheng , Zhang Zhibo , Lin Chunzhong , Liu Guozhong , Weng Shangeng
Published: November 2020

Background:Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which often causes a common complication such as abdominal wall hernia, is a prevalent alternative therapy for end-stage renal failure patients. However, relevant studies are somewhat rare, and the peritoneal dialysis (PD) protocol during the perioperative period is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and perioperative management of tension-free mesh repair for inguinal hernias in CAPD patients.Methods:Between January 2013 and December 2019, 18 CAPD patients with 20 inguinal hernias who underwent tension-free mesh repair were retrospectively analyzed. Data on demographics, perioperative features, the perioperative dialysis protocol and surgical complications were collected and assessed.Results:All hernias were diagnosed after the start of CAPD, and the median duration from PD onset to hernia formation was 16 months (2-61 months). All patients underwent successful tension-free mesh repair, including 17 Lichtenstein and 3 anterior Kugel procedures. The median operation time was 62.5 min, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. Fifteen patients received low-exchange volumes and high-frequency exchanges from 1-3 days after surgery for 2 weeks with gradual resumption of the original CAPD regimen within 4 weeks. Complications included seroma (n = 2) and hematoma (n = 1). No wound or mesh infection or recurrence occurred during the follow-up period.Conclusions:Tension-free mesh repair is safe and feasible for inguinal hernias in CAPD patients, The Lichtenstein mesh repair should be the first choice, and anterior Kugel repair may be considered an effective procedure. Bridging hemodialysis seems unnecessary except for emergency surgery.
Learning Analytics im Kontext komplexer Fallsimulationen personenbezogener Dienstleistungsberufe
Authors: Jeremias-Pölking Cornelia , Knab Cornelius , Hoffmann Bernward , Dütthorn Nadin , Hülsken-Giesler Manfred , Peters Miriam , Pechuel Rasmus
Published: November 2020

Der Beitrag diskutiert anhand des Forschungsprojektes Game Based Learning in Nursing – Spielerisch Lernen in authentischen, digitalen Pflegesimulationen (GaBaLEARN) die Einbindung von Learning Analytics in digitale Fallsimulationen eines Serious Games. Es werden pflege- und mediendidaktische Impulse zur Entwicklung und Integration von Learning Analytics für die Darstellung von situativen, komplexen Kompetenzen im Bereich personenbezogener Dienstleistungsberufe, wie der Pflege, dargestellt.
Analysis of treatment outcomes for destructive pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with multiple drug resistance of M. tuberculosis
Authors: Sheyfer Yu. A. , Gelberg I. S.
Published: November 2020

The objective of the study: to analyze treatment outcomes in patients with pulmonary destructive MDR tuberculosis who completed the intensive phase of treatment and had healed or persisting cavities.

Subjects and methods. Treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in 191 patients suffering from destructive pulmonary MDR tuberculosis who underwent the intensive phase of chemotherapy in in-patient settings in 2009-2012 and 2013-2015 (treated by different regime ns);  in each of those cohorts, groups were formed depending on persistence/healing of destruction (cavities) during the intensive phase of chemotherapy:  (CV-) ‒ the destruction healed, (CV+) – the destruction persisted.

Results. In 24 months, treatment was found to be effective only in 19/68 (27.9%) in the (CV+) group versus 31/40 (77.5%) in the (CV-) group, p < 0.05 (cohort 2009-2012); 17/42 (40.5%) versus 29/41 (70.7%), respectively, p < 0.05 (2013-2015 cohort). Within 48 months, treatment outcomes were as follows: clinical cure in the (CV+) group was 38.2% (26/68 people), and in the (CV-) group – 72.7% (29/40 people), p < 0.05 (2009- 2012) and 23/42 (54.7%) and 33/41 (80.5%), respectively, p < 0.05 (2013-2015 cohort).

Conclusion. Considering the above, when assessing treatment in the intensive phase of chemotherapy in destructive pulmonary tuberculosis patients, it is necessary to take into account the rate of cavity healing but not being limited to sputum conversion. Patients with persisting cavities should not be transferred to the continuation phase, the surgery or collapse treatment should be considered for such patients.
Factors influencing treatment efficacy in patients with multiple and extensive drug resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Lapshina I. S. , Salikhov B. U. , Myakisheva T. V. , Kostromtsov S. V. , Paramonov A. V. , Аndreev V. A.
Published: November 2020

The objective: to determine factors influencing treatment efficacy in patients with multiple (MDR) and extensive (XDR) drug resistant tuberculosis.

Subjects and methods. The medical files of 107 tuberculosis patients (men – 75, women – 32) were analyzed, 17 of them were HIV positive. Those 107 patients were registered for treatment as per chemotherapy (CT) regimens IV-V in 2017 in Kaluga Region. 99 (92.5%) patients suffered from tuberculosis with lung tissue destruction. 60.7% (65 patients) had MDR, while 20.8% (22 patients) had XDR. Only 58.2% of patients had MDR TB confirmed by polymerase chain reaction before treatment start.

Results. In 24 months, the effective course of treatment was registered in 64/107 (59.8%). The highest level of effective treatment was expectedly registered among new cases – 21/30 (70%); and the lowest level was among patients starting chemotherapy again after treatment interruption – 4/10 (40%), p > 0.05. Among 64 patients with effective treatment course, 25 (39.1%) had surgery and 39 (60.9%) had chemotherapy only. Surgical activity among the cohort of 2017 made 26/107 (24.3%). The effective treatment outcome was achieved in 8 (47%) out of 17 patients with TB/HIV co-infection, and among HIV negative patients it was reached in 56/90 (62.2%), p > 0,05.
Assessment of the effect of alpha-tocopherol on the course of newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis: a comparative study
Authors: Vizel A. A. , Culver D. A. , Vizel I. Yu. , Shakirova G. R. , Bakunina E. A.
Published: November 2020

The objective:to compare the results of follow-up over patients with a mild form of pulmonary sarcoidosis who received alpha-tocopherol and those receiving no treatment.

Subjects and methods.The results of follow-up over 80 sarcoidosis patients were retrospectively analyzed – two groups of 40 patients enrolled according to the copy – pair principle (gender, age, initial X-ray stage, Löfgren syndrome, and follow-up duration). The only sign that statistically distinguished the groups was a high frequency of complaints about weakness in those who received vitamin E – 55% versus 30% (p < 0.05). The follow-up period for patients in both groups was a year or more (a control point). The database was maintained and processed using SPSS-18, Windows 10. A clear advantage of vitamin E administration was revealed when comparing the data of computed tomography, which resulted in improvement in 87.5%, and the disease progressed in 2.5%, while in the group receiving no treatment – 60 and 12.5%, respectively. The OR of improvement in computed tomography with alpha-tocopherol versus the group receiving no treatment made 4.67 (95% CI, 1.51-14.46).

Conclusion.The use of vitamin E in mild forms of thoracic sarcoidosis gives a better result compared to the group receiving no treatment.
The topical issues of symptoms and diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis
Authors: Parpieva N. N. , Saipova N. S. , Rakhimov D. B. , Miradilova F. B.
Published: November 2020

The article presents data from 48 publications about clinical signs and diagnostics of cutaneous tuberculosis.
Energy Optimisation of Research Buildings in Vienna with a Photovoltaic Façade.
Authors: BIEDROŃSKA Joanna
Published: November 2020

Research consisting in the analysis, definition of parameters of a high degree of energy efficiency with a guaranteed share of renewable energy is of particular importance in the implementation of the concept of sustainable development. In Vienna, there have been built buildings whose construction and operation inscribe into an extensive research programme that includes an energy management strategy according to the latest standards developed for energy-efficient construction. These buildings, which are represented by research and educational institutions, are a kind of research field for new technologies and solutions to optimise energy consumption. In architectural terms, the implementation of photovoltaic façades signals the high technological level of prototype solutions. The Author’s research methodology was based on the analysis of data characterizing new and modernized buildings, carried out on the basis of current internet sources, literature data and local visions during her study trip to Vienna. The aim of the paper is to present the energy concept of buildings, used to optimize energy acquisition and consumption, as a signpost for the application of guidelines and standards in possible Polish solutions.
The geological and structural controls of gold mineralization in Qala en Nahal-Um Sagata region, South Gedarif, Sudan
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), HASSAN Musab Awad Ahmed , KOTEL’NIKOV Aleksandr Evgen’yevich ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)
Published: November 2020

Relevance and purpose of the work. The study area is located in Gedarif state in Sudan. The ongoing work is aimed at solving fundamental problems of the geological structure of the Qala En Nahal-Um Saqata Ophiolitic Complex and applied tasks of mineral exploration. Detailed studies are being conducted for the first time in this area. The purpose of the investigation is to study the geological and structural features of the region, as well as to obtain information about the localization of gold mineralization. Methods of research. Within the study area, a geological mapping of the ophiolitic complex was carried out. It’s included an analysis of structural elements for investigation of the structural evolution and the phases of deformation. Chemical analysis of the mineralized quartz veins to determine the gold was carried out by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) technique at the ALS Laboratory in Saudi Arabia. Results of the work. The investigation of the structural evolution revealed at least three phases of deformation. The gold mineralization occurs in auriferous quartz veins, which are hosted in metavocano-sedimentary, sheared synorogenic granites and listvenites. The auriferous quartz veins are structurally controlled by dominantly NE main shear directions. Conclusions. The gold mineralization in the area can be classified shear zone related mineralization, which is formed during the final event accomplished by crustal cooling, and formation of auriferous quartz vein along shear zones. Gold concentration were recorded in both quartz veins and associates alteration rocks. The area is promising for the presence of a gold deposit.