bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a Longitudinal Analysis of the Vaginal Microbiome from a Pregnant Cohort of African Women in Nigeria
Authors: Odogwu Nkechi Martina , Onebunne Chinedum A. C. , Olayemi Oladapo O. , Omigbodun Akinyinka O.
Published: February 2020

Background : The vaginal microbiota is an important component of the reproductive health of women as it offers protection against urogenital infection. African women are reported to have a vaginal microbiota colonized with high proportions of strict anaerobes rather than lactobacillus - dominated microbes. These strict anaerobes have been associated with pre-term birth and neonatal disease. The prevalence of pre- term birth (PTB) in Africa poses a major challenge to reproductive healthcare, hence the clinical and scientific attention focused on understanding the causative mechanisms of PTB. A pragmatic approach to curbing PTB requires the identification of the vaginal microbiome during various stages of a healthy pregnancy (the ‘normal’). This information will provide baseline data for future investigations of vaginal microbiome that may cause PTB (the ‘abnormal’). We present a protocol for the longitudinal analysis of vaginal microbiome in a cohort of pregnant women in Southwest Nigeria.

Methods : We propose to recruit 51 pregnant Nigerian women, enrolling them into the study at 17-21 gestational weeks. Two vaginal swab samples and three milliliters of blood would be collected at enrollment. Sample collection will be repeated at 27-31 weeks’ gestation, ?36 weeks’ gestation, 24-48 hours after birth and 6 weeks post-partum. DNA will be extracted from the vaginal samples and 16S rRNA sequencing would be performed. Blood samples collected would be assayed by ELISA technique for placental steroid hormones. Data will be statistically analyzed and considered in the light of vaginal microbial diversity, clinical, nutrition and other health data.

Conclusion and Global Health Implication : Our data set will bring new insights into the vaginal microbiome of apparently healthy African women in pregnancy and postpartum, which should serve as a baseline for the investigation of vaginal microbes that may provide useful information for the prediction and management of preterm birth. It is anticipated that these data will facilitate future personalized therapeutic management and consequently improve the reproductive health fitness of women in Africa.

Key words : • Vaginal microbiome • Pregnancy • Pre-term Birth • Nigeria • Women • Longitudinal analysis • Protocol

 

Copyright © 2020 Odogwu et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Optimalisasi Kesenian Tradisional Bernuansa Islami sebagai Salah Satu Destinasi Wisata Syariah di Madura
Authors: Halimah Nur , Setiawan Firman
Published: February 2020

Pada zaman dahulu sebelum adanya perkembangan teknologi yang pesat, kesenian tradisional merupakan salah satu hiburan yang paling diminati dan dinantikan oleh masyarakat Madura. Pertunjukan kesenian ini umumnya di tampilkan pada perayaan hari besar atau perayaan adat setempat. Islam sebagai agama mayoritas yang dianut oleh penduduk Madura turut mempengaruhi kesenian tradisional tersebut. Banyak kesenian tradisional yang mengandung unsur–unsur Islami di dalamnya yang mencerminkan keseharian penduduk Madura.Namun seiring dengan perkembangan zaman, kesenian tradisional Madura perlahan mulai ditinggalkan oleh peminatnya. Umumnya saat ini penggemar kesenian tradisional ini hanya terdiri dari orang-orang tua saja. Padahal jika di tinjau lebih jauh lagi kesenian tradisional ini mempunyai nilai-nilai norma kebaikan yang disampaikan secara halus.Untuk mengatasi hal tersebut maka diperlukan pengoptimalan kembali kesenian-kesenian tradisional yang bernuansa Islami. Dalam meningkatkan minat masyarakat terhadap kesenian tradisional salah satu langkah yang dapat diambil adalah dengan menjadikan kesenian tradisional sebagai salah satu destinasi pariwisata Syariah mengingat pulau Madura sendiri berpotensi besar dalam pengembangan wisata budaya yang bernuansa islami.Optimalisasi kesenian tradisional bernuansa islami tidak hanya untuk menarik minat generasi muda akan seni itu sendiri. Namun jika optimalisasi hal ini juga dapat dijadikan sebagai salah satu upaya peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat setempat.Optimalisasi ini bisa dilakukan di antaranya dengan pengadaan perencanaan paket wisata, pembentukan desa wisata, dan pembentukan jasa informasi kepariwisataan
DIGITALISASI KULINER DAN WISATA HALAL DAERAH JOMBANG MELALUI APLIKASI “JOMBANG HALAL TOURISM”
Authors: Fitriana Wiwit Denny
Published: February 2020

Jombang merupakan sebuah kabupaten di Jawa Timur yang terletak di antara jalur utama yang menghubungkan Surabaya dengan Madiun. Jombang memiliki daerah wisata alami maupun wisata religi. Diantaranya wisata edukasi sejarah, spot selfie kekinian, hingga tempat wisata di Jombang yang tersembunyi dan belum banyak dikenal orang. Ada banyak destinasi wisata di Jombang yang menyajikan pemandangan alam yang luar biasa. mulai dari air terjun, gua, waduk, hingga wisata pegunungan tersedia di Jombang. Selain itu, Jombang dikenal sebagai “Kota Santri” Jombang memiliki cukup banyak pesantrenseperti Pesantren Darul Ulum, Pesantren Tebuireng, Pesantren Tambak Beras, Denanyar dan masih banyak lainnya. Jombang memiliki makanan khas seperti nasi kikil, kolak ketan durian, dan makanan alami yang berciri khas dan bercita rasa lokal Jombang, Potensi kuliner dan wisata ini perlu dikembangkan lebih luas dan menggunakan aplikasi “Jombang Halal Tourism” yang berisikan informasi mengenai fasilitas, harga dan info mengenai wisata yang syariah. Dengan adanya aplikasi ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan nilai Pariwisata Jombang
OPTIMALISASI DANA INFAK MASJID DALAM MENGATASI PERMASALAHAN IURAN BPJS KESEHATAN MASYARAKAT DI LINGKUNGAN MASJID YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Ashar Nurul Jihadah
Published: February 2020

Urgensi ekonomi bagi masyarakat merupakan aksioma yang tidak terbantahkan. Pengoptimalan dana infak masjid umumnya berputar pada operasional masjid saja. Akan tetapi, pada kenyataannya dana infak dapat dioptimalkan untuk peningkatan kesejahteraan umat. Hal mendasar yang perlu diperhatikan adalah kesehatan masyarakat itu sendiri.Adapun penelitian ini difokuskan pada pengoptimalan dana infak masjid untuk membantu masyarakat dalam membayar iuran Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Kesehatan. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kota Yogyakarta dengan mengambil 6 sampel masjid. Adapun sampel dari penelitian dipilih secara purposive sampling dengan mempertimbangkan beberapa aspek, yaitu jumlah penduduk sekitar masjid, jumlah infak yang belum dimanfaatkan, dan laporan keuangan masjid (penerimaan dan pengeluaran).Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah terapan karena penelitian ini dilakukan untuk memperoleh informasi yang dapat digunakan untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan pembayaran iuran BPJS di lingkungan masyarakat.Dalam penelitian ini didasarkan pada data sekunder yang dikumpulkan berupa laporan keuangan masjid (dana infak). Kemudian diperoleh data dana infak masjid yang belum dimanfaatkan untuk dialokasikan kepada masyarakat sehingga mampu membantu dalam mengatasi pembayaran iuran BPJS Kesehatan.
Pengembangan Keterampilan Sosial Anak Usia Dini Melalui Permainan Tradisional Madura
Authors: Fakhriyani Diana Vidya
Published: February 2020

A person should have the social skills to be able to interact with his environment. Social skills should be developed at an early age, because at this early age individuals have learned to socialize with other individuals. Therefore, social skills can be developed from an early age, so that children can play a role in socializing  with his environment. Development of early child social skills can be done with many things, one of  Madurese traditional game. The traditional game of Madura is a game in Madura, which in fact is currently largely abandoned. There are various kinds of Madurese traditional games, where in this article there are games Kocheng-tekos and bhisek as one of the development alternatives that can be applied in order to develop social skills for early childhood.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Alat Permainan Edukatif (APE) Playdough Sebagai Sumber Belajar
Authors: Sahjat Sumarni , Samad Farida
Published: February 2020

Minimnya kemampuan, kreativitas dan pengalaman guru PAUD dalam memanfaatkan alat dan bahan yang tersedia walaupun secara sederhana dalam pembelajaran di kelas merupakan salah satu alasan diadakan kegiatan Program Pengabdian Masyarakat (PPM) tentang Alat Permainan Edukatif (APE) yakni playdough di gugus PAUD Kota Ternate khususnya di gugus PAUD Ternate Tengah.  Adapun tujuan kegiatan PPM ini adalah untuk memberikan pengetahuan/pemahaman tentang APE playdough kepada guru-guru PAUD di gugus Ternate Tengah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan motorik halus, memberikan  keterampilan kepada guru PAUD tentang APE playdough sebagai salah sumber belajar di lingkungan sekolah. APE merupakan bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dalam pembelajaran anak di TK karena alat permainan tersebut akan menunjang kegiatan pembelajaran anak secara efektif dan menyenangkan serta mengembangkan berbagai potensi yang dimiliki anak  secara optimal.  Dalam pelaksanaan  kegiatan pengabdian ini guru PAUD gugus Ternate Tengah diberikan pelatihan pembuatan APE playdough berupa tanya jawab, demonstrasi ,diskusi dan evaluasi kegiatan. Luaran yang dicapai yaitu meningkatkan pengetahuan, kemampuan, pengalaman dan kreatifitas guru-guru PAUD se-gugus Kota Ternate dalam memanfaatkan playdough sederhana menjadi alat permainan edukatif (APE), terjalinnya kerjasama guru-guru PAUD terkait dan institusi Universitas dalam upaya peningkatan kualitas pembelajaran bagi anak usia dini, publikasi jurnal dan publikasi media massa.
Pengaruh Metode Bermain Peran Makro Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Simbolik Anak Kelompok B
Authors: Zahwa Salsabila Arum , Nisa' Titin Faridatun Faridatun , Fajar Yulias Wulani
Published: February 2020

This research aims to investigate the influence of macro role playing method on the children’s symbolic thinking ability at group B, TK Seruni Perumnas Kamal. Symbolic thinking is the ability to use symbols such as numbers, letters and images. This study was focused on examining macro role playing method to stimulate the children on the ability of using symbols. This research utilized quantitative approach by using experimental method with Pre-experimental research design in form of one-group pretest posttest. The subject of this study are 13 children at group B, TK Seruni Perumnas Kamal. Data were collected through observation and documentation. Then, data were analyzed by using wilcoxon level test. The result of data analysis was revealed that t count value is 0 and T table value 17, as 0 17, then Ha was accepted. Based on the data analysis, it shows there is a significant influence on macro role playing method on the children’s symbolic thinking ability at group B, TK Seruni Perumnas Kamal
Pengaruh Metode Bermain dengan Bahan Bekas Terhadap Kemampuan Berhitung Anak Kelompok B 5-6 Tahun
Authors: Pratiwi Ayu Ratna , Fitroh Siti Fadjryana , Adhani Dwi Nurhayati
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the research is to know whether there is a significant influence of the method of playing with the used materials on the ability of counting children in group B (age 5-6 years) in Kindergarten Development Glagah Lamongan. This research uses quantitative approach by using experimental method with Preexperimental research design One-group pre-test post-test type. Number of samples of 15 children in group B Kindergarten Development Glagah Lamongan. Data collection techniques in this study through participant observation and documentation in the form of photos of activities and plans of daily learning. Demonstrate large data processing using Wilcoxon marked test data analysis. The result of data analysis obtained by TcountTtable (0 25) and Ha value received. Indicates that there was an increase in pretest of 27.5% to the time of posttest 43.49% Based on the data analysis there was a significant influence between the method of playing with used materials on the ability of counting children.
Peningkatan Keterampilan Motorik Kasar Anak Usia 4-5 Tahun Melalui Permainan Tradisional Tambi-Tambian
Authors: Simatupang Iis Verawati
Published: February 2020

The aim of this research is to enhance the children’s gross motor skill through traditional games “Tambi-tambian”. Traditional games are very useful for the basic development of children and through it children recognize and preserving local culture. The research was conducted among 11 children of group A at TK Nasional KPS Balikpapan. The procedures for this action research using Kemmis and McTaggart’s model through four stages: planning, action and observation, reflection. The data were collected using interview, observation, and documentation. Data analysis is carried using both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results of research show enhancement of gross motor skill through traditional games “Tambi-tambian”. Pre-intervensi, children’s gross motor skill is 53,41%, after the conducted action children’s gross motor skill increasing in the 1st cycle is 68,86% and 2ndcycle is 81,59%. Traditional games “Tambi-tambian” contributes to enhance children’s gross motor skill.
Pengaruh Permainan Angka terhadap Kemampuan Berhitung Permulaan Kelompok B
Authors: Masruroh Iin Khoirotul , Adhani Dwi Nurhayati , Mayangsari Dewi
Published: February 2020

This study aims to find out how the influence of the numbers play on the initial numeracy ability of group B in Muslimat 03 Roudlotut Tholibin Kindergarten Warukulon. The subjects of this study were 14 children. This study uses a quantitative approach using an experimental method with a pre-experimental design of the Pretest-posttest-Design One-Group design. Data collection techniques used are observation and documentation. The data analysis technique is in the form of non-parametric statistics in the form of a Wilcoxon level test with data from the pretest and posttest assessment results. The results of this study were obtained at the pretest that there were 5 children with undeveloped criteria (BB), and 8 children with criteria still developing (MB), and 1children the criteria developed according to expectations (BSH). Whereas in the posttest study 3 children with criteria for excellent development (BSB), and 8 children with criteria developed according to expectations (BSH), and there were 3 children with criteria still developing (MB). The calculation result using the Wilcoxon level test obtained a value of Tcount Ttable (021) that is T more than T table. So that the decision making is HO (Zero Hypotesis) is rejected and HA (Alternative Hypotesis) is accepted because Thitung Ttable (021). So that there is an influence on the numbers game on the initial numeracy skills at the Muslimat 03 kindergarten Roudlotut Tholibin Warukulon.
La presencia china en América Latina: ¿desafío a la hegemonía estadounidense u oportunidades de cooperación?
Authors: Ghotme Rafat
Published: February 2020

China ha expandido su influencia en América Latina. Esta expansión es presentada como una estrategia incómoda para Estados Unidos y sus aliados tradicionales, en tanto que China podría desplazar la hegemonía estadounidense en la región, minando sus esfuerzos para promover su agenda de libre comercio, democracia y derechos humanos. Sin embargo, como se demostrará en este artículo, China no representa una amenaza seria para Estados Unidos en el corto plazo, y de hecho la expansión de su influencia en la región ha sido percibida por el gobierno de Estados Unidos como una oportunidad para abrir nuevasperspectivas económicas y de seguridad. La principal razón de ello es que ambas potencias han implementado una política cautelosa y pragmática que busca consolidar sus objetivos de política exterior, prefiriendo promover sus intereses en un marco cooperativo y no conflictivo.
Un yatiri en los bulevares de la soledad: la lectura de coca como estrategia de resistencia cultural en Cábala para inmigrantes de José Luis Ayala
Authors: Iubini Vidal Giovanna
Published: February 2020

Este estudio tiene por objetivo analizar la propuesta textual y cultural que surge de la obra del escritor puneñoJosé Luis Ayala, Cábala para inmigrantes (2003). Nuestra hipótesis es que el protagonista asume su condición de migrante a partir de su identidad andina y de su función de mediador con el mundo cósmico, es decir, como yatiri. En este sentido, es posible decir que busca su destino en París a través de la lectura de la coca; debido a eso, mediante su práctica ritual confronta el choque cultural, la discriminación y la racionalidad occidental. Esta acción se transforma en una estrategia que le permite resignificar el espacio de la extranjería, para convertirlo en un locus de resistencia cultural.
Homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance (ELD) in four tissues of natural allotetraploid Brassica napus
Authors: Li Mengdi , Wang Ruihua , Wu Xiaoming , Wang Jianbo
Published: February 2020

Background: Allopolyploidy is widespread in angiosperms, and they can coordinate two or more different genomes through genetic and epigenetic modifications to exhibit stronger vigor and adaptability. To explore the changes in homologous gene expression patterns in the natural allotetraploidBrassica napus(AnAnCnCn) relative to its two diploid progenitors, B. rapa(ArAr) and B. oleracea(CoCo), after approximately 7,500 years of domestication, the global gene pair expression patterns in four major tissues (stems, leaves, flowers and siliques) of these three species were analyzed using an RNA sequencing approach.
Results: The results showed that the ‘transcriptomic shock’ phenomenon was alleviated in natural B. napusafter approximately 7,500 years of natural domestication, andmost differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in B. napuswere downregulated relative to those in its two diploid progenitors. The KEGG analysis indicated that three pathways related to photosynthesis were enriched in both comparison groups (AnAnCnCnvs ArArand AnAnCnCnvs CoCo), and these pathways were all downregulated in four tissues of B. napus. In addition, the homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance (ELD) in B. napuswere thoroughly studied through analysis of the expression levels of 27609 B. rapa-B. oleraceaorthologous gene pairs. The overwhelming majority of gene pairs (an average of 86.7%) in B. napusmaintained their expression pattern in two diploid progenitors, and approximately 78.1% of the gene pairs showed expression bias with a preference toward the A subgenome. Overall, an average of 48%, 29.7% and 22.3% homologous gene pairs exhibited additivity expression, ELD and transgressive expression inB. napus, respectively. The ELD bias varies from tissue to tissue; specifically, more gene pairs in stems and siliques showed ELD-A, whereas the opposite was observed in leaves and flowers. More transgressive upregulationexpression, rather than downregulationexpression, was observedin gene pairs of B. napus.
Conclusions:In general, these results may provide a comprehensive understanding of the changes in homologous gene expression patterns in natural B. napusafter approximately 7,500 years of evolution and domestication and may enhance our understanding ofallopolyploidy.
What impact do chronic disease self-management support interventions have on health inequity gaps related to socioeconomic status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hardman Ruth , Begg Stephen , Spelten Evelien
Published: February 2020

Background:The social gradient in chronic disease (CD) is well-documented, and the ability to effectively self-manage is crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality from CD. This systematic review aimed to assess the moderating effect of socioeconomic status on self-management support (SMS) interventions in relation to participation, retention and post-intervention outcomes. Methods:Six databases were searched for studies of any design published until December 2018. Eligible studies reported on outcomes from SMS interventions for adults with chronic disease, where socioeconomic status was recorded and a between-groups comparison on SES was made. Possible outcomes were participation rates, retention rates and clinical or behavioural post-intervention results. Results: Nineteen studies were retrieved, including five studies on participation, five on attrition and nine studies reporting on outcomes following SMS intervention. All participation studies reported reduced engagement in low SES cohorts. Studies assessing retention and post-intervention outcomes had variable results, related to the diversity of interventions. A reduction in health disparity was seen in longer interventions that were individually tailored. Most studies did not provide a theoretical justification for the intervention being investigated, although four studies referred to Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy. Conclusions:The limited research suggests that socioeconomic status does moderate the efficacy of SMS interventions, such that without careful tailoring and direct targeting of barriers to self-management, SMS may exacerbate the social gradient in chronic disease outcomes. Screening for patient disadvantage or workload, rather than simply recording SES, may increase the chances of tailored interventions being directed to those most likely to benefit from them. Future interventions for low SES populations should consider focussing more on treatment burden and patient capacity. Trial registration:PROSPERO registration CRD42019124760. Registration date 17/4/19. Keywords: Self-management, socioeconomic status, health inequity, patient capacity, chronic disease
Total resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta causes inflammatory activation and organ damage within 30 minutes of occlusion in normovolemic pigs
Authors: Sadeghi Mitra , Dogan Emanuel M. , Karlsson Christina , Jansson Kjell , Seilitz Jenny , Skoog Per , Hörer Tal M. , Nilsson Kristofer F.
Published: February 2020

Background: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) causes physiological, metabolic, end-organ and inflammatory changes that need to be addressed for better management of severely injured patients. The aim of this study was to investigate occlusion time-dependent metabolic, end-organ and inflammatory effects of total REBOA in Zone I in a normovolemic animal model. Methods: Twenty-four pigs (25-35kg) were randomized to total occlusion REBOA in Zone I for either 15, 30, 60 minutes (REBOA15, REBOA30, and REBOA60, respectively) or to a control group, followed by 3-hour reperfusion. Hemodynamic variables, metabolic and inflammatory response, intraperitoneal and intrahepatic microdialysis, and plasma markers of end-organ injuries were measured during intervention and reperfusion. Intestinal histopathology was performed. Results: Mean arterial pressure and cardiac output increased significantly in all REBOA groups during occlusion and blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery and urinary production subsided during intervention. Metabolic acidosis with increased intraperitoneal and intrahepatic concentrations of lactate and glycerol was most pronounced in REBOA30 and REBOA60 during reperfusion and did not normalize at the end of reperfusion in REBOA60. Inflammatory response showed a significant and persistent increase of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines during reperfusion in REBOA30 and was most pronounced in REBOA60. Plasma concentrations of liver, kidney, pancreatic and skeletal muscle enzymes were significantly increased at the end of reperfusion in REBOA30 and REBOA60. Significant intestinal mucosal damage was present in REBOA30 and REBOA60. Conclusion: Total REBOA caused severe systemic and intra-abdominal metabolic disturbances, organ damage and inflammatory activation already at 30 minutes of occlusion.
Modulation of SIRT3 expression through CDK4/6 enhances the anti-cancer effect of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Jo HanHee , Kim Kyung Sik , Kim Taehun , Park Yusun , Kim Jisu , Lee JongSook , Kim Seon yoo , Chung Jee-in , Ko Hae yong , Pyun Jae-Chul , Lee Misu , Yun Mijin
Published: February 2020

Background : : Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The only drug currently approved for clinical use in the treatment of advanced HCC is sorafenib. However, many patients with HCC show reduced sensitivity to sorafenib during treatment. SIRT3, a member of the mammalian sirtuin family, is a tumor suppressor in certain tumor types. To date, a few studies have investigated the effects of SIRT3 on tumor prognosis and sorafenib sensitivity in patients with HCC. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between SIRT3 expression and glucose metabolism and proliferation in HCC and to discover effective compounds that increase endogenous SIRT3 modulation effect of sorafenib. Methods: To determine the correlation between SIRT3 and glucose related proteins, immunostaining was performed with liver cancer tissue using various antibodies. To investigate whether the expression of SIRT3 in HCC is related to the resistance to sorafenib, we treated sorafenib after the modulation of SIRT3 levels in HCC cell lines (overexpression in Huh7, knockdown in HepG2). We also employed PD0332991 to modulate the SIRT3 expression in HCC cell and conducted functional assays. Results: SIRT3 expression is downregulated in high glycolytic and proliferative HCC of human patients, xenograft model and HCC cell lines. We also demonstrated that SIRT3 expression was downregulated after sorafenib treatment, resulting in reduced drug sensitivity in HCC cell lines. To enhance the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib, we employed PD0332991 (CDK4/6-Rb inhibitor) based on the correlation between SIRT3 and phospho-Rb in HCC. In addition, combined treatment with sorafenib and PD0332991 showed a synergic anti-tumor effect in HCC cells. Conclusions: Taken together, our data suggest that the modulation of SIRT3 by CDK4/6 inhibition might be used for HCC therapy together with sorafenib, which, unfortunately, has limited efficacy and whose use is often associated with drug resistance.
Regulatory T cells participate in the recovery of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Santamaría-Cadavid María , Rodríguez-Castro Emilio , Rodríguez-Yáñez Manuel , Arias-Rivas Susana , López-Dequidt Iria , Pérez-Mato María , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel , López-Loureiro Ignacio , Hervella Pablo , Campos Francisco , Castillo José , Iglesias-Rey Ramón , Sobrino Tomás
Published: February 2020

Background: Recent preclinical studies have shown that regulatory T cells (Treg) play a key role in the immune response after ischemic stroke (IS). However, the role of Treg in human acute IS has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to study the relationship between circulating Treg and outcome in human IS patients. Methods: A total of 204 IS patients and 22 control subjects were recruited. The main study variable was good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale ≤2) considering infarct volume, Early Neurological Deterioration (END) and risk of infections as secondary variables. The percentage of circulating Treg was measured at admission, 48, 72h and at day 7 after stroke onset. Results: Circulating Treg levels were higher in IS patients compared to control subjects. Treg at 48h were independently associated with good functional outcome (OR, 3.5; CI: 1.9-7.8) after adjusting by confounding factors. Patients with lower Treg at 48h showed higher frequency of END and risk of infections. In addition, a negative correlation was found between circulating Treg at 48h (r=-0.414) and 72h (r=-0.418) and infarct volume. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Treg may participate in the recovery of IS patients. Therefore, Treg may be considered a potential therapeutic target in acute ischemic stroke.
Molecular detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes carriage in used RDTs in malaria elimination settings in northern Senegal
Authors: Guiguemde Kiswendsida Thierry , Dieye Yakou , Lô Aminata Collé , Ndiaye Magatte , Lam Aminata , Manga Isaac Akhénaton , Sow Gnagna Dieng , Diop Moussa , Souané Tamba , Diouf Marie Pièrre , Tine Roger Clément Kouly , Faye Babacar
Published: February 2020

Background: Malaria surveillance requires powerful tools and strategies to achieve malaria elimination. Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (RDTs) are easily deployed on a large scale and are helpful sources for the parasite's DNA. The application of sensitive molecular techniques to these RDTs is a modern tool for improving malaria case detection and drug resistance surveillance. Several studies have made it possible to extract the DNA of P. falciparum on these RDTs. The knowledge of gametocyte carriage in the population is important to better assess the level of parasite transmission in elimination settings. The aim of this study was to detect P. falciparum gametocytes from used RDTs by quantitative PCR technique in order to use this new tool for molecular monitoring of malaria transmission.
Methods: DNA was extracted from 303 RDT devices (SD Bioline Malaria Pf) using the Chelex-100 protocol. qPCR was performed in a 20 μL reaction to detect and quantify transcripts of the pfs25 gene. The cycle threshold (Ct) was determined by the emission fluorescence corresponding to the initial amount of amplified DNA.
Results: We found an overall prevalence of 53.47% with an average Ct of 32.12 ± 4.28 cycles. In 2018, the prevalence of gametocytes was higher in the Ranérou district (76.24%) than in the Saint-Louis district (67.33%) where an increase in the number of gametocyte carriers in 2018 was noted, in comparison with 2017.
Conclusions: RDTs are a good source of DNA for molecular monitoring of gametocyte carriage. This method, described for the first time, is a simple and effective tool to better understand the level of malaria transmission and reach elimination.
Keywords: Malaria, RDT, Gametocytes, DNA extraction, Quantification, Plasmodium falciparum , qPCR.
Enhancing the bioconversion of steroidal intermediates from phytosterols by the deficiency of kasB in the cell wall synthesis of Mycobacterium neoaurum
Authors: Xiong Liang-Bin , Liu Hao-Hao , Zhao Ming , Liu Yong-Jun , Song Lu , Xie Zhi-Yong , Xu Yi-Xin , Wang Feng-Qing , Wei Dong-Zhi
Published: February 2020

Background : The bioconversion of phytosterols into high value-added steroidal intermediates, including the 9 α -hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione (9-OHAD) and 22-hydroxy-23,24-bisnorchol-4-ene-3-one (4-HBC), is the cornerstone in steroid pharmaceutical industry . However , t he low transportation efficiency of hydrophobic substrates into mycobacterial cells severely limits the transformation . In this study, a robust and stable modification of the cell wall in M. neoaurum strain strikingly enhanced the cell permeability for the high production of steroids. Results: The deletion of the nonessential kasB , encoding a β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase, led to a disturbed proportion of mycolic acids (MAs), w hich is one of the most important components in the cell wall of Mycobacterium neoaurum ATCC 25795. The determination of cell permeability displayed about two times improvement in the kasB -deficient strain than that of the wild type M. neoaurum . Thus, the deficiency of kasB in the 9-OHAD-producing strain resulted in a significant increase of 137.7% in the yield of 9 α -hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione (9-OHAD) . Ultimately, the 9-OHAD productivity in an industrial used resting cell system was reached 0.1135 g/L/h (10.9 g/L 9-OHAD from 20 g/L phytosterol) and the conversion time was shortened by 33%. In addition , a similar self-enhancement effect (34.5%) was realized in the 22-hydroxy-23,24-bisnorchol-4-ene-3-one (4-HBC) producing strain. Conclusions : The modification of kasB resulted in a meaningful change in the cell wall mycolic acids. Deletion of the kasB gene remarkably improved the cell permeability, leading to a self-enhancement of the steroidal intermediate conversion. The results showed a high efficiency and feasibility of this construction strategy.
Anxiety and Depression in Patients Who Undergo a Cerebrovascular Procedure
Authors: Lombardo Lauren , Shaw Richard , Sayles Kathleen , Altschul Dorothea
Published: February 2020

Background: Observe the relationship of anxiety and depression on quality of life outcomes after open and endovascular cerebrovascular procedures.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 349 patients who underwent a procedure for aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, intraparenchymal hemorrhage, carotid stenosis, acute stroke, and conventional catheter angiogram over three years at a community hospital. We correlated pre-procedural anxiety and depression with Global Physical Health, Global Mental Health, and Modified Rankin Scale scores. We performed univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses adjusting for past medical history and sociodemographic factors.
Results: Anxiety or depression occurred in eighteen percent of patients. Patients with anxiety or depression were more likely to be female (81% vs 60.8%; p=0.002) and younger (54 vs. 59 years old; p=0.025). The groups did not differ in type or urgency of procedure, smoking or history of diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Patients with anxiety or depression reported lower mental health scores at 30 days (45.1 vs 48.2; p=0.002) post-procedure. In multivariate analyses, anxious or depressed patients had worse mental health scores at 30 days (t=-2.893; p=0.008) than those who did not have a history of anxiety or depression. There was no difference between groups in length of stay, mortality, physical health t-scores, functionality scores, or six month quality of life outcomes.
Conclusions: Patients undergoing cerebrovascular procedures who self-reported anxiety or depression showed a significant difference in mental health outcomes at 30 days, but six month mental health and other medical and functional outcomes measures were similar to patients without these diagnoses.
Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria during Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Malawi after adoption of updated World Health Organization policy: An Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey 2015-2016
Authors: Azizi Steven Chifundo
Published: February 2020

Background Malawi adopted the 2012 updated Word Health Organization (WHO) Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) policy in 2013. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of and identify factors associated with the uptake of at least three doses of IPTp-SP among pregnant women in Malawi after the adoption and operationalisation of updated WHO IPTp-SP policy. Methods The 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey dataset was used. Of 1,219 women aged 15-49 years who had live births and the children were born after date of July 2015, 1,069 women were included in the analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used in data analysis. The statistical analysis took into account complex survey sample design. Results Of the 1,069 women, 447 (42%, 95% CI: 38.1-45.6) received three (optimal) or more doses of IPTp-SP. Less than half (47%) managed to attend at least four antenatal care (ANC) clinics. Only 52% received optimal SP doses among those who made at least four ANC visits. Only the number of ANC visits was associated with the optimal uptake of SP. Women who attended ANC three times only and those who visited ANC once or twice only were less likely to receive at least three doses of SP than those who managed to attend ANC at least four times during pregnancy (AOR=0.71, 95% CI 0.49-1.02) and (AOR=0.12, 95% CI 0.06-0.21) respectively. Conclusions To achieve effective malaria prevention in pregnancy, IPTP-SP is used alongside other interventions. However, there is low uptake of optimal SP doses in Malawi, and this seems to be associated with the number of ANC visits. There is limited effectiveness of increased number of ANC visits on the uptake of optimal SP doses. Further research should be done to explore health systems factors affecting uptake of optimal IPTp-SP doses during pregnancy.
CareConekta: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a mobile health intervention to improve engagement in postpartum HIV care in South Africa
Authors: Clouse Kate , Phillips Tamsin K , Camlin Carol , Noholoza Sandisiwe , Mogoba Phepo , Naidoo Julian , Langford Richard , Weiss Martin , Seebregts Christopher J. , Myer Landon
Published: February 2020

Background : South Africa is home to the world’s largest antiretroviral therapy program but sustaining engagement along the HIV care continuum has proven challenging in the country and throughout the wider region. Population mobility is common in South Africa, but important research gaps exist describing this mobility and its impact on engagement in HIV care. Postpartum women and their infants in South Africa are known to be at high risk of dropping out of HIV care after delivery and are frequently mobile.
Methods : In 2017, we developed a beta version of a smartphone application (app) – CareConekta – that detects a user’s smartphone location to allow for prospective characterization of mobility. Now we will adapt and test CareConekta to conduct essential formative work on mobility and evaluate an intervention – the CareConekta app plus text notifications and phone calls and/or WhatsApp messages – to facilitate engagement in HIV care during times of mobility. During the three-year project period, our first objective is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of using CareConekta as an intervention to improve engagement in HIV care. Our second objective is to characterize mobility among South African women during the peripartum period and its impact on engagement in HIV care. We will enroll 200 eligible pregnant women living with HIV and receiving care at the Gugulethu Midwife Obstetric Unit in Cape Town, South Africa.
Discussion : This work will provide critical information about mobility during the peripartum period and the impact on engagement in HIV care. Simultaneously, we will pilot test an intervention to improve engagement with rigorously-assessed outcomes. If successful, CareConekta offers tremendous potential as a research and service tool that can be adapted and evaluated in multiple geographic regions, study contexts, and patient populations.
Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03836625; registered February 8, 2019.
Traditional and health practitioners perspective on traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care in Bulilima, Plumtree, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mudonhi Nicholas , Nunu Wilfred Njabulo
Published: February 2020

Background: Traditional Health System has been reported to be the most accessible, affordable, and acceptable in resource poor settings particularly in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). It is utilised for different health needs including pregnancy management. This study sought to explore traditional and health practitioner’s perspective on traditional medicine utilisation during antenatal care in Bulilima District, Plumtree, Zimbabwe.Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional survey was conducted on purposively selected health practitioners and snowballed traditional health practitioners who responded to unstructured interviews. Data was collected using a digital tape recorder, transcribed and thematically analysed on MAXQDA.Results: Findings reported that Eel Fish/Water snake, Donkey Placenta, Elephant Dung, Holy water and Holy tea were common traditional remedies used during pregnancy. Reasons for traditional remedy utilisation were reported to be: protection from witchcraft, chasing of evil spirits, preventing breeching, stabilisation of embryo and shortening of labour period. Health service expressed their scepticism on the safety of traditional medicine utilisation during pregnancy.Conclusion: Women utilise traditional medicines and remedies during pregnancy for different reasons. There are concerns regarding their safety from the health service providers though traditional practitioners do not concur. There is need for investing on research that would ascertain the safety of these traditional medicines in a cohort format as this system has been a cheaper alternative for those who cannot afford or access modern health services.
Indirect measurement of anterior-posterior ground reaction forces using a minimal set of wearable inertial sensors: From healthy to hemiparetic walking
Authors: Revi Dheepak Arumukhom , Alvarez Andre , Walsh Conor J. , De Rossi Stefano M. M. , Awad Louis N
Published: February 2020

Background: The anterior-posterior ground reaction force (AP-GRF) and propulsion and braking metrics derived from the AP-GRF time series are meaningful indicators of locomotor function across healthy and neurological diagnostic groups. In this paper, we describe the use of a minimal set of wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to indirectly measure the AP-GRF time series during healthy and hemiparetic walking.Methods: Ten healthy individuals and five individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis completed a 6-minute walk test over a walking track instrumented with six forceplates while wearing three IMUs securely attached to the pelvis, thigh, and shank. Subject-specific models driven by IMU-measured thigh and shank angles and an estimate of body acceleration provided by the pelvis IMU were used to generate indirect estimates of the AP-GRF time series. Propulsion and braking point metrics (i.e., peaks, peak timings, and impulses) were extracted from the IMU-generated time series. A 75%-25% split of 6-minute walk test data was used to train and validate the models. Indirect estimates of the AP-GRF time series and point metrics were compared to direct measurements of the same made by the reference standard forceplates. Results: Indirect measurements of the AP-GRF time series strongly approximated the direct measurements made by forceplates, with low error and high consistency in both the healthy (RMSE = 4.5 %bw; R2 = 0.93) and post-stroke (RMSE = 2.65 %bw; R2 = 0.90) cohorts. In the healthy cohort, the average error between indirect and direct measurements of the magnitude (% bodyweight, %bw) and timing (% stance phase, %sp) of the peak propulsion and braking point metrics was less than 1.8 %bw and 0.8 %sp in the training dataset and less than 2.7 %bw and 1.4 %sp in the validation dataset. Similarly, the average error for the propulsion and braking impulses was less than 0.52 %bw and 0.68 %bw for the training and validation datasets, respectively. In the post-stroke cohort, the average error was less or comparable for every metric. Conclusions: Highly accurate estimates of the AP-GRF time series and key propulsion and braking point metrics can be generated using three strategically mounted IMUs and subject-specific calibrations. This study is a foundational step toward the development of point-of-care diagnostic systems that can catalyze the routine assessment and management of propulsion and braking locomotor deficits during rehabilitation.
BRScS: A Hybrid Recommendation Model Fusing Multi-source Heterogeneous Data
Authors: Ji zhenyan , Yang Chun , Wang HUIHUI ,   JOS´E ENRIQUE ARMEND´ARIZ-I˜NIGO3,   MARTA ARCE-URRIZA4
Published: February 2020

Recommendation systems are often used to solve the problem of information overload on the Internet. Many types of data can be used for recommendation, and fusing diﬀerent types of data can make recommendation more accurate. Most existing fusion recommendation models simply combine the recommendation results from diﬀerent data instead of fully fusing multi-source heterogeneous data to make recommendations. Furthermore, users’ choices are usually aﬀected by their direct and even indirect friends’ preferences. This paper proposes a hybrid recommendation model BRScS (an acronym for BPR-Review-Score-Social). It fully fuses social data, score, and review together, uses improved BPR model to optimize the ranking, and trains them in a joint representation learning framework to get the top-N recommendations. User trust model is used to introduce social relationships into the rating and review data, PV-DBOW model is used to process the review data, and fully connected neural network is used to process the rating data. Experiments on Yelp public dataset show that the BRScS algorithm proposed outperforms other recommendation algorithms such as BRSc, UserCF, HRSc. BRScS model is also scalable and can fuse new type of data easily.
Antimicrobial resistance and conflict in the Middle East: A systematic review
Authors: Truppa Claudia , Abo-Shehada Mahmoud N.
Published: February 2020

Background: In spite of the evident general negative effects of armed conflict on countries’ health systems and populations’ health outcomes, little is known about similar impacts of conflicts on the spread of antimicrobial resistances (AMR). This review was to address this evidence gap and describe:1. Patterns of AMR in the Middle East (ME) and resistance profiles of pathogens included in the Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS) supported by the World Health Organization;2. Differences in proportions of AMR isolates between conflict and non-conflict countries. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and searching five electronic databases. Subject heading and free text were searched for “antimicrobial resistances” and “Middle East”, to identify observational studies on AMR published from January 2011 to June 2018. Data were extracted from included articles on a predefined set of variables. Percentages of AMR were analysed as median and interquartile ranges. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: A total of 132 articles met the inclusion criteria. Included studies showed heterogeneity in study design, laboratory methods and standards for interpretation of results, and an overall high risk of bias. Main findings were the following:1. High proportions of carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter spp. (median 74.2%: range), and both carbapenem resistance (median 8.1% and 15.4% for E. coli and K. pneumoniae respectively) and ESBL-production (median 32.3% and 27.9% for E. coli and K. pneumoniae respectively) amongst Enterobacteriaceae. S. aureus isolates showed a median methicillin resistance percentage of 45.1%, while vancomycin resistance was almost absent. A median of 50% of the strains of S. pneumoniae showed non-susceptibility to penicillin. 2. Similar trends were observed in conflict and non-conflict affected countries.Conclusions: There is a lack of standardization in the methodological approach to AMR research in the Middle East. The proportion of antibiotic resistances among specific GLASS pathogens is high, particularly among Acinetobacter spp.
Unemployment Rate and Cohort Size: New Insights from Nigeria
Authors: YOUNG ADEMOLA OBAFEMI
Published: February 2020

The nature of the relationship between unemployment rate and the size of a specifically defined age group, or cohort, notably the young workers in the working-age population, has been a subject of an intense debate, widely studied and generated a sizable body of literature. However, while the debate is still inconclusive, an in-depth reading of these expansive extant and crescive literatures suggests that besides the contradictory findings, one of the major drawbacks with these literatures is that hardly any studies have been reported exclusively for African countries, as most of the extant literature principally focused on European, Asian, and American economies. Moreover, generalized studies across countries employing pooled data appears to dominate the literature. Thus, using annual time series secondary data spanning between the period 1970 and 2019, this study employs bounds testing approach to co-integration to examine the nature of the aforementioned relationship in Nigeria. Empirical results obtained revealed that cohort size has an overwhelming positive and statistically significant impact on unemployment rate both in the short- and long-run, suggesting that the size of one’s generation, has repercussions not only on (un)employment outcomes of that particular group but also on other age groups in Nigeria.