bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High sensitivity of one-step real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR to detect low virus titers in large mosquito pools
Authors: Tang Zhaoyang , Yamada Hanano , Kraupa Carina , Canic Sumejja , Busquets Núria , Talavera Sandra , Jiolle Davy , Vreysen Marc J. B. , Bouyer Jérémy , Abd-Alla Adly
Published: August 2020

BackgroundMosquitoes are the deadliest animals in the world. Their ability to carry and spread diseases to humans causes millions of deaths every year. Due to the lack of efficient vaccines, the control of mosquito-borne diseases primarily relies on the management of the vector. Traditional control methods such as source reduction and chemical insecticides, have proven to be sufficient to prevent the proliferation and spread of mosquito populations. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an additional control method that can be combined with other control tactics to suppress specific mosquito populations. The SIT requires the mass-rearing and release of sterile males with the aim to induce sterility in the wild female population. Samples collected from the environment for laboratory colonization, as well as the released males, should be free from mosquito-borne viruses (MBV). Therefore, efficient detection methods with defined detection limits for MBV are required. Although a one-step reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method was developed to detect arboviruses in human and mosquito samples, its detection limit in mosquito samples has yet to be defined.MethodsWe evaluated the detection sensitivity of one step RT-qPCR for targeted arboviruses in large mosquito pools, using pools of non-infected mosquitoes of various sizes (165, 320 and 1600 mosquitoes) containing one infected mosquito body with defined virus titers of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), usutu virus (USUV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV).ResultsCHIK, USUV, ZIKV, and WNV virus were detected in all tested pools using the RT-qPCR assay. Moreover, in the largest mosquito pools (1600 mosquitoes), RT-qPCR was able to detect the targeted viruses using different total RNA quantities (10, 1, 0.1 ng per reaction) as a template. Correlating the virus titer with the total RNA quantity allowed the prediction of the maximum number of mosquitoes per pool in which the RT-qPCR can theoretically detect the virus infection.ConclusionMosquito borne viruses can be reliably detected by RT-qPCR assay in pools of mosquitoes exceeding 1000 specimens. This will represent an important step to expand pathogen-free colonies for mass-rearing sterile males for programmes that have an SIT component by reducing the time and the manpower needed to conduct this quality control process.
Probiotics ameliorate pioglitazone-associated bone loss in diabetic rats
Authors: Gholami Ahmad , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Ghasemi Younes , Talezadeh Pedram , Koohpeyma Farhad , Montazeri-Najafabady Nima
Published: August 2020

Background: Pioglitazone, as a PPAR gamma agonist, is used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, evidence showed that the therapeutic modulation of PPAR gamma activity using pioglitazone might be linked with bone mass reduction and fracture risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The objective of the current research was to inspect the preventive role of some types of probiotic strains, including (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bacillus coagulans) against pioglitazone-induced bone loss.Methods: Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was administered for diabetes induction. Diabetic rats were fed orally with pioglitazone (300 mg/kg) and probiotics (1×109 CFU/ml/day) alone and in combination for four weeks. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess BMD, BMC, and area of the femur, spine, and tibia at the end of the experiment. Serum glucose, serum calcium (Ca), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), phosphorus (P), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and urine calcium were also analyzed. Results: Administration of pioglitazone and probiotics alone and, in combination, significantly reduced elevated blood glucose. Pioglitazone treatment significantly increased urinary calcium and BUN and decreased ALP and creatinine. Co-treatment of probiotics with pioglitazone significantly decreased urinary calcium, creatinine, and ALP. Pioglitazone showed detrimental effects on femur-BMD, whereas treatment with probiotics remarkably ameliorated these effects. Among the tested probiotics, Bifidobacterium longum displayed the best protective effects on pioglitazone-induced bone loss in diabetic rats. Conclusion: This study suggests probiotic supplementation in diabetic patients on pioglitazone regime could be considering as an excellent strategy to ameliorate bone loss induced by pioglitazone.
Atomic Ring Invariant and Modified CANON Extended Connectivity Algorithm for Symmetry Perception in Molecular Graphs and Rigorous Canonicalization of SMILES
Authors: Krotko Dmytro G.
Published: August 2020

We propose new invariant (the product of the corresponding primes for the ring size of each bond of an atom) as a simple unambiguous ring invariant of an atom that allows distinguishing symmetry classes in the highly symmetrical molecular graphs using traditional local and distance atom invariants. Also, we propose modifications of Weininger’s CANON algorithm to avoid its ambiguities (swapping and leveling ranks, incorrect determination of symmetry classes in non-aromatic annulenes, arbitrary selection of atom for breaking ties). The atomic ring invariant and the Modified CANON algorithm allow us to create a rigorous procedure for the generation of canonical SMILES which can be used for accurate and fast structural searching in large chemical databases.
Risk perception related to COVID-19 among the Iranian general population: An application of the extended parallel process model
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Bakhtari Fatemeh , Sohrabi Zahara , Reihani Parvin , Samei Sirous , Ponnet Koen , Montazeri Ali
Published: August 2020

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major global public health challenge. This study aimed to investigate how people perceived the COVID-19 outbreak using the components of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) and to find out how this might contribute to possible behavioral responses to the prevention and control of the disease.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted online in Iran in March and April 2020. The Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire via Porsline. Participants were recruited using online applications and posts on a number of platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram asking people to take part in the study. To collect data a self-designed questionnaire based on the EPPM was used in order to measure the risk perception (efficacy, defensive responses, perceived treat) related to the COVID-19. Descriptive statics, chi-square, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to explore the data.Results: A total of 3,727 individuals with a mean age (SD) of 37.0 (11.1) years participated in the study. The results revealed significant progressive increases in efficacy, defensive responses and perceived treat particularly among those aged 60 and over. Women had significantly higher scores than men on some aspects such as self-efficacy, reactance, and avoidance but men had higher perceived susceptibility scores for COVID-19 than women. Overall 56.4% of participants were engaged in danger control (preventive behavior) while the remaining 43.6% were engaged in fear control (non-preventive behavior) process.Conclusion: More than half of all participants motivated by danger control. This indicated that more than half of participants had high perceived efficacy (i.e., self-efficacy and response efficacy). Self-efficacy scores were significantly higher among participants who were older, female, single, lived in rural areas, and had good economic status. The results suggest that socioeconomic and demographic factors are the main determinants of risk perceptions for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development and testing of a 3D-printable polylactic acid device to optimize a water bioremediation process
Authors: Marconi Patricia Laura , Trentini Andrea , Zawoznik Myriam , Nadra Carlos , Mercadé Juan Manuel , Novoa Juan Sanchez , Orozco Daniel , Groppa María Daniela
Published: August 2020

In the present work, a remediation bioprocess based on the use of a native isolate of Chlorella vulgaris immobilized in an alginate matrix inside a polylactic acid (PLA) device is proposed. This microalga immobilized in alginate beads was previously shown to be useful for the reduction of several chemical and microbial contaminants present in the highly polluted water from the Matanza-Riachuelo watershed. However, these beads had a relatively short shelf life in the natural environment. To overcome this limitation, a 3D-printed PLA device was designed. PLA is a biocompatible and biodegradable material suitable for biotechnological applications. We used Erlenmeyers and stirred-tank bioreactors fed batch with Murashige Skoog (MS) culture medium or water from the Cildáñez stream (one of the water bodies of the aforementioned watershed) to estimate the growth kinetics parameters and the bioremediation capacity of immobilized-microalgal cells as an unconfined system (UcS) or a confined system (CfS) inside PLA devices on Cildáñez water. Although alga’s growth parameters were maximum in the UcS fed with MS medium as substrate, successful bioremediation of the target water was possible using the CfS: all inorganic nitrogen forms and total phosphorus were reduced at least by 90% after 5 days of bioprocess in an agitated bioreactor, whereas aerobic mesophilic bacteria decreased by about 85%. The number of coliforms also decreased. Standardized cytotoxicity tests using Allium cepa seeds carried out to prove the effectiveness of the bioremediation process, confirmed the high degree of decontamination achieved by the use of immobilized microalga confined in a 3D-printable PLA-device.
Impact of retrieved lymph nodes count on short-term complications in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Feng , Liu Song , Song Peng , Zhang Chen , Liu Zhijian , Guan Wenxian , Wang Meng
Published: August 2020

Background: It is well established that retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs) count were positively correlated with better overall survival in gastric cancer (GC). But little is known about the relationship between RLNs count and short-term complications after radical surgery. Methods: A total of 1487 consecutive GC patients between January 2016 and December 2018 at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analyses were performed to elucidate the association between RLNs count and postoperative complications. We further identified clinical factors that might affect the RLNs count. Results: Among all of the patients, postoperative complications occurred in 435 (29.3%) patients. The mean RLNs count was 25.1 and 864 (58.1%) patients were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis. Univariate analyses showed no significant difference between RLNs count and postoperative complications (both overall and stratified by CDC grade). Multivariate analyses further revealed that type of resection, tumor invasion, and lymph node metastasis were associated with RLNs count. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that RLNs count was not associated with postoperative short-term complications following gastrectomy of GC, which provided a rationale for the determination of a proper RLNs count of curative gastrectomy.
Talking the talk in junior interprofessional education: Is healthcare terminology a barrier or facilitator?
Authors: Nadarajah Shamara , Azim Arden , Yılmaz Derya Uzelli , Sibbald Matthew
Published: August 2020

Background: Use of jargon and complex healthcare terminology is a potential barrier to interprofessional education (IPE). Healthcare terminology can be separated into two categories: inclusive terminology shared amongst professions, and exclusive terminology unique to one profession. We sought to understand how terminology is perceived by junior learners in an IPE setting.Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study involving medical, nursing, and physician assistant students attending IPE simulation workshops. Students reviewed scenarios used in the workshops and identified terminology they considered “inclusive” or “exclusive”. Then, students participated in focus group discussions surrounding attitudes/perceptions towards healthcare terminology.Results: 23 students analyzed 14 cases, identifying on average 21 terms per case as healthcare terminology (29% of overall word count). Of the 290 terms identified, 113 terms were classified as healthcare terminology, 46 as inclusive and 17 as exclusive by >50% of participants. Analysis of focus group transcripts revealed 4 themes: abbreviations were commonly perceived as complex terminology, unfamiliarity with terminology was often attributed to being early in training even if exclusive, simulation was considered a safe space for learning, and learning terminology was a valued objective in early IPE.Conclusions: Students perceive a lot of healthcare terminology in learning materials, which is recognized as a valuable learning objective in their early IPE experiences, but also a challenge. Categorization of healthcare language is inconsistent among students and may reflect individual differences in prior experiences. Overall, healthcare terminology is a valued desirable difficulty among junior learners, and should not be avoided in IPE.
Development of Competency Model for Family Physicians Against the Background of ‘Internet Plus Healthcare’in China：a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ni Ziling , Wang Xiaohe , Zhou Siyu , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2020

Background: Identification of the service competences of family physicians are central to ensuring high-quality primary care and improving patient outcomes. However, little is known about how to assess the family physicians’ service competences in primary care settings.It is necessary to develop and validate a general model of core competences of the family physician under the stage of construction of family doctor system and implementation of ‘Internet Plus Healthcare’ service model in China. Methods: The literature review, behavioral event interviews, expert consultation and questionnaire survey were performed. The scale’s 35 questions were measured by response rate, highest score, lowest score, and average score for each. Delphi method was used to assess content validity, Cronbach’s α to estimate reliability, and factor analysis to test structural validity. Respondents were randomly divided into two groups; data for one group were used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to explore possible model structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then performed. Results: Effective response rate was 93.56%. Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.977. Factor analysis showed KMO of 0.988. Bartlett’s test showed χ2 of 22917.515 (df=630), p<.001. Overall authority grade of expert consultation was 0.80, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance W was 0.194. By EFA, the five-factor model was retained after thorough consideration, and four items with factor loading less than 0.4 were proposed to obtain a five-dimension, 32-item scale. CFA was performed on the new structure, showing high goodness-of-fit test (NFI=0.98, TLI=0.91, SRMSR=0.05, RMSEA=0.04). Overall Cronbach’s α coefficients of the scale and each sub-item were greater than 0.9. Conclusions: The scale has good reliability, validity, and credibility, and can therefore serve as an effective tool for assessment of Chinese family physicians’ service competences.
Volumetric MRI analysis of brain structures in patients with history of first and repeated suicide attempts: a cross sectional study
Authors: Sarkinaite Milda , Gleizniene Rymante , Adomaitiene Virginija , Dambrauskiene Kristina , Raskauskiene Nijole , Steibliene Vesta
Published: August 2020

Background

Structural brain changes are found in suicide attempters, as well as in patients with mental disorders. It remains unclear whether the suicidal behavior is related to atrophy of brain regions and how the morphology of specific brain areas is changing with each suicide attempt. This cross-sectional study examined volumetric differences in brain regions among patients with history of first and repeated suicide attempts in comparison to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

The sample consisted of 56 adults, non-psychotic patients without cognitive impairment and any organic brain disorders hospitalized after first suicide attempt (first SA) (n=29) and more than one suicide attempt (SA>1) during the lifetime (n=27); and 54 adult volunteers without history of mental disorder and suicide attempts, designated as HC. The MRI data were collected using 1.5 T Siemens Avanto scanner. Brain cortical thickness, grey and white matter volumes were measured using FreeSurfer 6.0 automatic segmentation technique.

Results

In comparison to HC, patients with first SA had 3.5, 3.58 and 4.19% significantly lower mean cortical thickness of the superior and rostral middle frontal areas of the left hemisphere and superior frontal area of the right hemisphere, respectively; 4.09, 4.02 and 4.49% lower mean cortical thickness of the inferior, middle and superior temporal areas of the left hemisphere, respectively. In comparison to HC, patients after SA>1 had a significantly lower mean cortical thickness (from 4.02 to 8.33%) in ten areas of frontal cortex of the left hemisphere and seven areas of the right hemisphere; from 3.90 to 6.04% difference in six areas of temporal cortex in both hemispheres. The comparison of hippocampus volume showed a significantly lower mean volume (7.86 to 9.89%) of left and right parts in patients with SA>1, but not in patients with first SA.

Conclusions

Hospitalized suicide attempters had lower frontal and temporal cortical thickness and smaller parts of hippocampus than HC; these differences were significantly higher in repeated suicide attempters than in patients with first SA. Our findings suggest that repeated suicidal behavior is associated with intensifying atrophy of specific brain structures, independently of diagnosis of depressive disorders.
Genotype classification and fluorescence visual identification of the Rhizoma Paridis of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis based on the SNPs of ITS sequence 
Authors: Gao Chi , Zhang Kaiyuan , Wang Qinghe , Zhao Ling , Chen Rong , Yin Hongxiang
Published: August 2020

A fluorescent visual identification system of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis was established based on internal transcribed spacer barcoding. It is proposed for the first time that P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis should be divided into two types of genotypes: YN-I and YN-II according to single nucleotide polymorphism of internal transcribed spacer. In order to avoid false-negative results, two pairs of specific primers for YN-I and YN-II were designed, respectively, and specific visual fluorescent identification systems was established by SYBR Green I fluorescent dye was directly introduced into the PCR system which can be observed directly with the naked eye for the green fluorescent color of PCR system. Therefrom, it has realized the rapid and directly visual identification of two genotypes of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis from its common nine adulterants. This study proposed for the first time the existence of different genotypes on the legal basis of Rhizoma Paridis, and provided a model for the accurate identification of different genotypes.
Integrating depression care within NCD provision in Bangladesh and Pakistan: a qualitative study
Authors: Wright Jerome , Mazumdar Papiya , Barua Deepa , Lina Silwa , Bibi Humaira , Kanwal Ateeqa , Mujeeb Faiza , Naz Qirat , Safi Rahim , Haq Baha Ul , Rana Rusham Zahra , Nahar Papreen , Jennings Hannah , Sikander Siham , Huque Rumana , Nizami Asad , Jackson Cath
Published: August 2020

Background: Co-morbidity of depression with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worsens clinical outcomes for both conditions. Low- and middle-income countries need to strengthen mechanisms for detection and management of co-morbid depression within NCDs. The Behavioural Activation for Comorbid Depression in Non-communicable Disease (BEACON) study explored the acceptability and feasibility of integrating a brief depression intervention (behavioural activation, BA) into NCD services in healthcare facilities in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Methods: Face-to-face qualitative interviews were conducted with 43 patients and 18 health workers attending or working in NCD centres in four healthcare facilities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, and with three policy makers in each country. The interviews addressed four research questions (1) how NCD care is delivered, (2) how NCD patients experience distress, (3) how depression care is integrated within NCD provision, and (4) the challenges and opportunities for integrating a brief depression intervention into usual NCD care. The data were analysed using framework analysis, organised by capability, opportunity and motivation factors, cross-synthesised across countries and participant groups. Results: Patients and health workers described NCD centres as crowded and time pressured, with waiting times as long as five hours, and consultation times as short as five minutes; resulting in some patient frustration. They did not perceive direct links between their distress and their NCD conditions, instead describing worries about family and finance including affordability of NCD services. Health worker and policy maker accounts suggested these NCD centres lacked preparedness for treating depression in the absence of specific guidelines, standard screening tools, recording systems or training. Barriers and drivers to integrating a brief depression intervention reflected capability, opportunity and motivation factors for all participant groups. While generally valuing the purpose, significant challenges included the busy hospital environment, skill deficits and different conceptions of depression. Conclusions: Given current resource constraints and priorities, integrating a brief psychological intervention at these NCD centres appears premature. An opportune first step calls for responding to patients’ expressed concerns on service gaps in provisioning steady and affordable NCD care. Acknowledging differences of conceptions of depression and strengthening psychologically informed NCD care will in turn be required before the introduction of a specific psychological intervention such as BA.
The Effect of Multimedia Message Reminders on Oral Hygiene Promotion during Removable Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Baherimoghadam Tahereh , Naseri Navid , Mokhtar Maliheh , Hamedani Shahram
Published: August 2020

Background Orthodontic appliances complicate daily oral hygiene maintenance and enhance the formation of microbial biofilm on tooth surfaces and orthodontic appliances. Any tool that enhances the oral hygiene of patients during orthodontic treatment would be of imperative beneficial. This trial was conducted to assess the effect of message reminders on oral hygiene of patients during removable orthodontic treatment.Methods In this 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated to two groups; one receiving messages reminder and one as the control group. The patients in the messaging group received one or two message reminders and educational videos weekly during the course of treatment. The patients with removable maxillary appliance who were in the age range of 8 to 12 years old and had daily access to Internet to receive message reminders were recruited in this study. A single blinded examiner measured the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and dental caries index of patients in both groups at baseline (T0) and one (T1), three (T2) and six (T3) months after the first day of treatment to assess their oral hygiene status during the course of treatment in both groups.Results A total of 50 patients were enrolled and randomized to two even groups (n = 25) but only 46 patients completed the study; 22 in control group, and 24 in message reminder group. The PI and GI scores were increased neither in control group nor in message reminder group during T0 and T1, significantly. The PI and GI scores in message reminder group were significantly lower than those in the control group at T2 (PI: P = 0.003, GI: P = 0.001) and T3 (PI: P = 0.044, GI: P = 0.012). However, slight significant increasing in the PI and GI score were found during T2 and T3 during in message reminder group. Caries index showed no significant difference between two group during study.Conclusion It seems that message reminders can efficiently promote oral hygiene of patients undergoing removable orthodontic treatment. Although, this promotion wasn’t progressive.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20180923041092N2. Registered 25 July 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/47612.
Bioequivalence of levamlodipine besylate tablets in healthy Chinese subjects: A single-dose and two-period crossover randomized study
Authors: Xin Li , Wang Chenjing , Li Ting , Liu Yanping , Liu Shuqin , Tao Ye , Ma Yaping , Gao Xiaomeng , Cao Yu
Published: August 2020

Background: Levamlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, is used in treatment of hypertension. To compare the pharmacokinetic parameters between levamlodipine test formulation at a single dose of 5 mg and amlodipine reference formulation at a single dose of 10 mg, the bioequivalence study was carried out.Methods: A single-dose randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study was designed in healthy Chinese subjects. 48 subjects were divided into fasting and high-fat meal group equally. The subjects randomly received the test or reference formulations at the rate of 1:1. Following a 21-day washout period, the alternative formulations were received. The blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168 hours later. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to determine levamlodipine in the plasma samples.Results: Within equivalence limits between 80 ~ 125%, the test formulation and the reference formulation were bioequivalent, with the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the ratio of geometric means of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞. The data were shown as Cmax (89.59% ~ 101.61%), AUC0-t (87.83% ~ 94.87%) and AUC0-∞ (86.28% ~ 93.49%) under fasting condition, Cmax (90.93% ~ 102.37%), AUC0–t (95.75% ~ 104.93%) and AUC0–∞ (95.36% ~ 105.33%) under high-fat meal condition. Serious adverse event was not observed.Conclusions: The trial confirmed that levamlodipine at a single dose of 5 mg and amlodipine at a single dose of 10 mg were bioequivalent under both fasting condition and high-fat meal condition.Trial registration: Cinicaltrials, NCT04411875. Registered 3 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009W1Q&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00050YQ&ts=3&cx=-6iqkm8
Pregnancy and Childbirth During the Covid-19 Epidemic in Poland: Qualitative Evidence From Expert Interviews.
Authors: Buler Marta , Pustułka Paula
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThe Covid-19 outbreak has significantly altered the provisions and shape of medical services for expecting mothers worldwide. In Poland, the country where pregnancy and childbirth are subject to comparably greater medicalization, those shifts are particularly tangible. This study aimed at capturing the responses of the maternal health professionals, highlighting possible long-term implications for the expecting and new mothers, as well as the reproductive health sector. MethodsThis is a qualitative and rapid-response study which addresses the themes around the emerging implications of the viral outbreak. Semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with 46 individuals, all highly-skilled, working in either medical or adjacent sectors connected with reproductive medicine, as well as varied antenatal and postpartum care services. In this analysis, 7 digital experts were excluded as observers rather than field practitioners Among 39 interviews, 5 have been conducted with OB-GYNs, 13 with midwives, 7 with doulas, 14 broadly-conceived category of maternal support experts including psychologists and physiotherapists. The recorded data were input into thematic grids and meticulously transcribed prior to being subject to an inductive, thematic analysis. ResultsThe findings revealed that the context of the heightened medicalization of pregnancy and hospital care during birth in Poland, resulted in strong restrictions and immediate fall back to a clinical care model. The majority also claimed that the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the implications of the decades of Polish maternal health recommendations contradicting the WHO regulations. Professionals’ anxieties concern limited access to services assisting women during pregnancies. While those linked to hospitals pointed out physiological risks, other maternal support experts drew attention to the effects of stress and uncertainty on maternal mental health. ConclusionsExperts believe that the pandemic will have multifaceted consequences. Negative impact on well-being of expecting and birthing mothers, as well as new-borns, is already observed and highly anticipated to increase further. The professionals underscore both the information chaos surrounding recommendations and procedures, and see the pandemic as a moment of reflection, mostly being vocal in their critiques of the over-medicalized Polish care model.
The Effect of Burnout, Stress, Depression, and Anxiety on the General Efficacy of Health Service Provision Among Chinese Nurses During Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak: A Single-Center Survey.
Authors: Kabakleh Yasira , Zhang Jingping , Swai Joel
Published: August 2020

Background: In-person caring for coronavirus disease patients amid the outbreak and shortage of medical supplies create burnout and fear of getting infected among healthcare workers. These deem questioning service provision’s efficacy by healthcare workers. This study aims to explore the effect of burnout, stress, depression, and anxiety on the efficacy of health service provision among nurses during the Coronavirus disease outbreak in China, by multiple linear regressionMethods: Our Cross-sectional study utilized three Chinese versions of validated questionnaires; Maslach Burnout Inventory, The General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales to assess burnout, efficacy, and anxiety among Chinese nurses caring for Coronavirus disease patients during the outbreak. We performed multiple linear regression with burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress scores as independent variables versus general self-efficacy scores as the dependent variable. We used SPSS at a 95% level of significance in the data analysis, and the STROBE tool in the write-up.Results: There was a total of 408 study participants. The majority showed high levels of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, low levels of personal achievements, and extremely high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The general self-efficacy was below the international average. Emotional exhaustion and stress demonstrated a small negative correlation with general self-efficacy. The effect of anxiety and depression on the general self-efficacy was not statistically significant.Conclusions: Coronavirus disease outbreak in China, overwhelmed healthcare facilities creating burnout, anxiety, stress, and depression among nurses working in the hard-hit areas. These may explain an observed lower than average general self-efficacy. However, only stress and emotional exhaustion were associated with reduced general self-efficacy among nurses.
Knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 and associated factors among healthcare workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Dereje , Shuremu Muluneh , Oljira Dereje , Dubale Sileshi , Befekadu Getachew , Bidira Kebebew
Published: August 2020

Background

The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. As the virus is transmitted through close contact and droplets, frontline HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients are at risk of the infection. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 among health care providers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele zones, Southwest Ethiopia.
Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2020 among 330 health workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno-Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered onto Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of preventive practices towards Covid-19. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.
Result

Greater part (93.3%) of the respondent demonstrated good knowledge towards COVID-19 and the mean (± SD) knowledge score was 9.0 4 ± 1.06. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) of the study participants had good infection prevention practices. Being male (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: (1.96, 6.80)), education level (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.02, 3.22)), profession (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI (1.08, 9.33)), service year ( 5–10 years) (AOR = 2.00 (1.02, 3.92)) and more than 10 years (AOR = 3.14 (1.51, 6.52)), availability of personal protective equipment (AOR = 1.96 (1.06, 3.61)) and Knowledge level (AOR = 2.61 (1.48, 4.62)) were independent predictors of COVID-19 preventive practices.
Conclusion

The overall level of knowledge of HCWs was good. However, the practice was relatively low. Gender, educational status, profession, year of service, knowledge towards COVID-19, and availability of personal protective equipment were independent predictors of good infection prevention practices. Optimizing the infection prevention and control loop of the health facilities is recommended.
Serum tRNA-Derived Fragments as Potential Biomarkers in Children with Acute Intussusception
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhao Lian , Guo Wan-liang
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA)–derived fragments (tRFs) can serve as candidate biomarkers for pediatric intussusception.Methods: Using high-throughput sequencing technology, we identified differentially expressed tRFs, and ultimately selected three tRFs to establish a signature as a predictive biomarker of pediatric intussusception. Selection of these three upregulated genes was veriﬁed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We conducted receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the selected genes for pediatric intussusception.Results: We detected 732 tRFs and tRNA-derived stress-induced RNA (tiRNAs), 1705 micro-RNAs (miRNAs), 52 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 34 differentially expressed tRFs and tiRNAs between patients and controls. Compared with controls, we found 33 upregulated miRNAs, 24 upregulated tRFs and tiRNAs, 19 downregulated miRNAs, and 10 downregulated tRFs and tiRNAs in children with intussusception. Using qPCR, the expression trends of tRF-Leu-TAA-006, tRF-Gln-TTG-033 and tRF-Lys-TTT-028 were consistent with the sequencing results. AUCs of tRF-Leu-TAA-006, tRF-Gln-TTG-033 and tRF-Lys-TTT-028 were 0.984, 0.970 and 0.837, respectively.Conclusion: Circulating tRF-Leu-TAA-006, tRF-Gln-TTG-033 and tRF-Lys-TTT-028 expression might be a novel potential biomarker for diagnosis of pediatric intussusception.
The Impact of Nifedipine on Maternal and Fetal Blood Stream on the Threat of Preterm Labor: an Experimental Study
Authors: Anwar Anita Deborah , Tiara Indra Magda , Anggraeni Elsy , Rumanti Rizna Tyrani , Mantilidewi Kemala Isnainiasih , Effendy Jusuf Sulaeman
Published: August 2020

Background: Preterm birth is a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and that becomes a major challenge in perinatal health care. Various pharmacological agents that inhibit uterine contractions are used in clinical practice to prevent preterm delivery. The maternal and fetal side-effect profiles of tocolytic agents are becoming an important consideration in selecting the drug of choice. Nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium entry blocker, is an effective tocolytic agent with low toxicity and teratogenicity, while carrying potential maternal as well as fetal vascular side effects due to its action on vascular smooth muscle. This study was performed to asses nifedipine use as tocolytic agent in preventing preterm birth, and assesing maternal as well as fetal vascular side effects.Methods: This experimental study with one-group pretest-posttest design was performed in 30 pregnant women undergoing nifedipine as tocolytic. Doppler assessment of uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries, ductus venosus, and cerebroplacental ratio was performed before and 48 hours after nifedipine therapy. Wilcoxon's signed ranks test was used to analyze the difference between the two variables. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The result of the study showed nifedipine was associated with a significant decreased of pulsatility index uterine artery (p = 0.016; p-value<0.05) and umbilical artery (p = 0.037; p-value<0.05) after 48 hours therapy, while pulsatility index of fetal middle cerebral arteries, ductus venosus, and cerebroplacental ratio did not change significantly.Conclusion: The study concluded that nifedipine as tocolytic increased blood flow of uterine artery and umbilical artery after 48 hours therapy.
Discovery of structural deletions in breast cancer susceptibility genes using whole genome sequencing data from >2,000 African ancestry women
Authors: Chen Zhishan , Guo Xingyi , Long Jirong , Ping Jie , Li Bingshan , Fadden Mary Kay , Ahearn Thomas , Stram Daniel , Shu Xiao-Ou , Jia Guochong , Figueroa Jonine , Palmer Julie , Sanderson Maureen , Haiman Christopher , Blot William , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Cai Qiuyin , Zheng Wei
Published: August 2020

Structural deletions in breast cancer susceptibility genes could confer to cancer risk, but remain poorly characterized. Here, we conducted in-depth whole genome sequencing (WGS) in germline DNA samples from 1,340 invasive breast cancer cases and 675 controls of African ancestry to discover such deletions. We identified 33 deletions, including five protein-truncating deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, GEN1, and BRIP1, were observed only in cases but not in controls. Three deletions, including one protein-truncating deletion in TP53, were found to have a higher frequency in cases than in controls. In total, 4.6% of cases and 0.6% of controls carried any of these 36 deletions, resulting in an odds ratio (OR) of 8.0 (95%CI = 2.94 - 30.41). In addition, we identified a low-frequency deletion in NF1 associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 1.93, 95%CI = 1.14 - 3.42). These findings have significant implications for genetic testing for this common cancer.
Dietary Patterns and Sociodemographic Factors in Socially Vulnerable Populations: Cross-Sectional Study in Users of First Level Healthcare
Authors: Torres Christian , Orozco Emanuel , Alcalde Jacqueline , Macias Nayeli , Arredondo Armando
Published: August 2020

Objective: Define the dietary patterns of adults with normal weight, overweight and obesity, and their association with socio-demographic factors. Methods: The size of the sample universe is 1,000 homes in four states of the Mexican Republic. A sub-sample was selected of 787 people to whom a healthcare questionnaire was applied. A factor analysis by principal components was carried out to identify dietary patterns. The distribution of the population’s socio-demographic characteristics was analyzed by quartiles and a multivariate logistic regression was done with dietary patterns as the dependent variable; p < 0.05 values were taken for statistical significance.Results: Three dietary patterns were identified in the two population groups (normal weight / overweight-obesity): Prudent, Western and Varied. In both groups, a prudent pattern was found, with high consumption of fruits, vegetables and plain water. The Western pattern is characterized by consumption of flours, processed foods and those of animal origin, and the varied pattern presented consumption of oils, sugar sweetened beverages and snacks. The Prudent pattern was positively associated with the female sex and age, while the Western pattern was associated with elementary schooling level and the varied pattern with the masculine sex. The study population reported dietary risk factors, physical inactivity, and time in front of a screen, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption and family history of chronic diseases.Conclusion: Health effects derived from the different dietary patterns could increase economic and social vulnerability of the studied populations, which is a challenge to the health system for the provision of comprehensive care.
Methods to investigate intrathecal adaptive immunity in neurodegeneration
Authors: Oh Hamilton , Leventhal Olivia , Wyss-Coray Tony , Lehallier Benoit , Gate David
Published: August 2020

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain. Historically, analysis of CSF has focused on protein changes, yet recent studies have shed light on cellular alterations. Evidence now exists for involvement of intrathecal T cells in the pathobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. However, a standardized method for long-term preservation of CSF immune cells is lacking. Further, the functional role of CSF T cells and their cognate antigens in neurodegenerative diseases are largely unknown. Results: We present a method for long-term cryopreservation of CSF immune cells for downstream single cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing (scRNA-TCRseq) analysis. We observe preservation of CSF immune cells, consisting primarily of memory CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. We then utilize unbiased bioinformatics approaches to quantify TCR sequence similarity within and between disease groups. By this method, we identify clusters of disease-associated, antigen-specific TCRs from clonally expanded CSF T cells of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions: Here, we provide a standardized approach for long-term storage of CSF immune cells. Additionally, we present unbiased bioinformatic approaches that will facilitate the discovery of target antigens of clonally expanded T cells in neurodegenerative diseases. These novel methods will help improve our understanding of adaptive immunity in the central nervous system.
Beverage Type and Hydration Parameters in Older Persons Following a Texture-Modified Diet and Living in Long-term Care Residences
Authors: Serrano Jose CE , Martín-Gari Meritxell , Miranda Jèssica , Cassanye Anna , Badia Mireia , Granado-Serrano Ana Belén
Published: August 2020

Background: Dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake is a common feature in older adults, a situation that is exacerbated in those who follow a texture modified diet. Most studies have been focused on the total amount of fluid intake without taking into consideration hydration capacities from different beverages. This study aimed to evaluate which is the relationship between the intake of different beverage types and their relationship with hydration parameters in older adults. Methods: A prospective observational study in 22 volunteers that followed a texture-modified diet and thickened liquids with a monthly follow-up for 4 months was performed with older people living in long-term care residences. Beverage intake was assessed daily, and hydration parameters were determined at the end of each month. Results: 50% of the volunteers presented an inadequate fluid intake (< 90% of the recommended daily intake of 30 mL/kg of body weight). Gelatine was the preferred hydration drink, providing 54% of the water intake outside the diet, while water and fruit juices constituted approximately 18% of the intake each, and other beverages such as milk and yogurt, the remaining 10%. No correlation was observed between the total amounts of liquids taken during the day with any of the biomarkers of hydration analysed. Contrary, plain water intake inversely correlated with blood levels of sodium (r= -0.25), and Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme (ACE) activity (r= -0.29); while gelatine directly correlated with haematocrit (r= 0.25). Since different beverages were consumed during the day, cluster analysis was performed to determine patterns of beverage intake. Three patterns of beverage intake were identified, mainly high in plain water, high in gelatine, and mixed beverage intake. The pattern with a higher intake of gelatine, as a source of water, reported the worst parameters of hydration. Similarly, it was observed that a pattern with high plain water intake showed higher levels of fluid intake. Conclusions: It was concluded that besides the focus on total fluid intake, an appropriate selection of beverages is another important criterion that should be taken into consideration for hydration in older people.
Embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into Systems Analysis – Expanding the Food-Energy-Water Nexus
Authors: Niet Taco , Arianpoo Nastaran , Kuling Kamaria , Wright Andrew S.
Published: August 2020

Background: There have been many studies that consider the nexus interactions between energy systems, land use, water use and climate adaptation and impacts. These studies have filled a gap in the literature to allow for more effective policymaking by considering the trade-offs between land use, energy infrastructure as well as the use of water for agriculture and providing energy services. Though these studies fill a significant gap in the modelling literature, we argue that more work is needed to effectively consider policy trade-offs between the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to avoid missing important interactions.Results: We examine the 17 SDGs to determine if it should be included in a modelling framework and the challenges of doing so. We show that the nexus of climate, land, energy and water needs to be expanded to consider economic well-being of both individuals and the greater economy, health benefits and impacts, as well as land use in terms of both food production and in terms of sustaining ecological diversity and natural capital. Such an expansion will allow systems models to better address the trade-offs and synergies inherent in the SDGs. Luckily, although there are some challenges with expanding the nexus in this way, we feel the challenges are generally modest and that many model structures can already incorporate many of these factors without significant modification.Finally, we argue that SDGs 16 and 17 cannot be met without open-source models and open data to allow for transparent analysis that can be used and reused with a low cost of entry for modellers from less well off nations.Conclusions: To effectively address the SDGs there is a need to expand the common definition of the nexus of climate, land, energy, and water to include the synergies and trade-offs of health impacts, ecological diversity and the system requirements for human and environmental well-being. In most cases, expanding models to be able to incorporate these factors will be relatively straight forward, but open models and analysis are needed to fully support the SDGs.