bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimum Effectiveness of Ionic Copper Concentrate (ICC) Against Ralstonia solanacearum in Musa sapientum In Vivo Test
Authors: Ibacarra Emerson Jay O. , Jover Edna M.
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Ionic Copper Concentrate (ICC) against Ralstonia solanacearum by injection method the in vivo test. This research was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The efficacy evaluation in vivo revealed that all test rates of ICC as eradicative treatments afforded significant control of R. solanacearum causing Moko disease of banana. Efficacy rein vivo evaluation even at ICC test rate at 25.0, 30.0 and 40.0 ml/L H20, a significant degree of control was exerted against the test pathogen indicated by the effective. The rate of 25.0, 30.0 and 40.0 ml/LH20 of the ICC was found to be the optimum rates effective against the target pathogen and the most cost-effective treatment, with the least total production cost of P42, 622.00 incurred compared to the use of (Beloran) chemical check with a total production cost of P44,200.00 per hectare (lakatan) banana production.
A Novel Analytical Fracture-Permeability Model Dependent on Both Fracture Width and Proppant-Pack Properties
Authors: Teng Bailu , Li Huazhou , Yu Haisheng
Published: March 2020

For an empty fracture, the fracture permeability (kf) is mainly influenced by the effect of viscous shear from fracture walls and can be analytically estimated if the fracture width (wf) is known a priori (i.e., kf=β2wf2/12, where β2 is the unit-conversion factor). For an adequately propped fracture, the fracture permeability is mainly influenced by the proppant-pack properties and can be approximated with the proppant-pack permeability (kf=kp, where kp is proppant-pack permeability). It can be readily inferred that as the effect of viscous shear fades (or the proppant-pack effect becomes pronounced), there should be a regime within which both the viscous shear and the proppant-pack properties exert significant influences on the fracture permeability. However, the functional relationship between fracture permeability, viscous shear (or fracture width), and proppant-pack properties is still elusive. In this work, we propose a new fracture-permeability model to account for the influences of the proppant-pack permeability, proppant-pack porosity (ϕp), and fracture width on the fracture permeability. This new fracture-permeability model is derived from a modified Brinkman equation. The results calculated with the fracture-permeability model show that with different values of the Darcy parameter, the fluid flow can be divided into viscous-shear-dominated (VSD) regime, transition regime, and Darcy-flow-dominated (DFD) regime. If the Darcy parameter is sufficiently large, the effect of proppant-pack permeability on fracture permeability can be neglected and the fracture permeability can be calculated with the VSD fracture-permeability (FP) (VSD-FP) equation (i.e., kf=β2ϕpwf2/12). If the Darcy parameter is sufficiently small, the effect of viscous shear on fracture permeability can be neglected and the fracture permeability can be calculated with the DFD-FP equation (i.e., kf=kp). Both the VSD-FP and DFD-FP equations are special forms of the proposed fracture-permeability model. For the existing empirical/analytical fracture-conductivity models that neglect the effect of viscous shear, one can multiply these models by the coefficient of viscous shear to make these models capable of estimating the fracture conductivity with large values of Darcy parameter.
Cost Objects: The ED Dilemma. How is your ED performing?
Authors: Fuentes Verónica , Neriz Liliana , Nunez Alicia , Mateo Ricardo
Published: March 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to a propose a standardized methodology to identify a list of cost objects that can be used by any ED to compute costs considering that the resulting data must facilitate unit management by improving the information available for decision-making.
Methods: This study considers two stages, first, we analyzed the case-mix of two hospitals collecting their data to define and diagram their processes, activities and to obtain their cost objects, second, we used four additional hospitals to validate our initial findings.
Results: We recognized 59 cost objects. Hospitals may have all these cost objects or just a subset of them depending on the services they provide.
Conclusions: Among the main benefits of our cost objects definition are: the possibility of tracing the processes generated by the services delivered by EDs, the economic sense in its grouping, the chance of using any costing methodology, the flexibility with other classification systems such as DRGs and ICDs, and the opportunity of costing for both diseases and treatments. Furthermore, cost comparison among hospitals using our final 59 cost objects list is more accurate and based on comparable units. In different EDs, each cost object will be the result of a similar combination of activities performed. We also present the results of applying this cost objects list to a particular ED. A total of 53 out of 59 cost objects were identified for that particular unit within a calendar year.
The Association between Sleep Quality and Loneliness in Rural Elderly Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Jia Gaizhen , Yuan Ping
Published: March 2020

Background: There is evidence of negative associations between loneliness and sleep quality in older adults. However, little is known regarding the relationship between loneliness and sleep quality among Chinese rural elderly. This study examined the associations of loneliness and sleep quality in a cross-sectional study of older adults. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,568 rural elderly people in Shandong Province, China. Loneliness was assessed using the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Ordinal logistic regression was conducted to examine the association of loneliness and sleep quality after adjusting for multiple confounding variables. Results: After controlling for variables such as age, marriage, education, occupation, economic income, family relationships, living arrangement, smoking, drinking, chronic diseases, quality of life in a multivariable analysis, poor sleep quality still indicates loneliness in the rural elderly population. Conclusion: This finding implied an adverse effect of sleep quality on the loneliness of older adults. Poor sleep quality was associated with the increased odds of loneliness in Chinese rural older adults. Sleep-based interventions should be developed to prevent loneliness in rural older adults in China.
Illness prevalence rate in Tibet, China: data from the 2018 National Health Service Survey
Authors: Deng Rendan , sangzhu Laba , deji Zhaxi , Wang Guihua , Hong Peiwei , Li Jiaqi , Li Qiwen , Wan Yang , Xiong Hai
Published: March 2020

Background:Tibet is located in the high-altitude area of southwest China, where the health level is influenced by specific factors. However, there has been little research on Tibetan health conditions. The two-week prevalence rate is an important indicator of the health level of residents. The purpose of this study was to understand the the health status of residents and health service needs in Tibet.Methods: The two-week prevalence rate was calculated using data from a population of 10493 individuals aged 15 and above that was obtained from the Sixth Health Service Survey of Tibet in 2018. The influencing factors for the two-week prevalence rate in Tibet were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: The two-week illness prevalence rate was 20.1% in Tibet. Digestive system diseases were frequent, and hypertension was the most common disease and it was associated with gender, age, residence, marital status, and employment status. In addition, the severity of two-week illnesses differed among residents.Conclusion: This study identified that health service needs have increased in Tibet and that the health status of local residents needs to be improved. Moreover, hypertension has become a major health hazard for residents and should be considered in the utilization of health services.
Shedding light: A phylotranscriptomic perspective illuminates the origin of photosymbiosis in marine bivalves
Authors: Li Jingchun , Lemer Sarah , Kirkendale Lisa , Bieler Rüdiger , Cavanaugh Colleen , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: March 2020

Background Photosymbiotic associations between metazoan hosts and photosynthetic dinoflagellates are crucial to the trophic and structural integrity of many marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. Although extensive efforts have been devoted to study the short-term ecological interactions between coral hosts and their symbionts, long-term evolutionary dynamics of photosymbiosis in many marine animals are not well understood. Within Bivalvia, the second largest class of mollusks, obligate photosymbiosis is found in two marine lineages: the giant clams (subfamily Tridacninae) and the heart cockles (subfamily Fraginae), both in the family Cardiidae. Morphologically, giant clams show relatively conservative shell forms whereas photosymbiotic fragines exhibit a diverse suite of anatomical adaptations including flattened shells, leafy mantle extensions, and lens-like microstructural structures. To date, the phylogenetic relationships between these two subfamilies remain poorly resolved, and it is unclear whether photosymbiosis in cardiids originated once or twice. Results In this study, we establish a backbone phylogeny for Cardiidae utilizing RNASeq-based transcriptomic data from Tridacninae, Fraginae, and other cardiids. A variety of phylogenomic approaches were used to infer the relationship between the two groups. Our analyses found conflicting gene signals and potential rapid divergence among the lineages. Overall, results support a sister group relationship between Tridacninae and Fraginae, which diverged during the Cretaceous. Although a sister group relationship is recovered, ancestral state reconstruction using maximum likelihood-based methods reveals two independent origins of photosymbiosis, one at the base of Tridacninae and the other within a symbiotic Fraginae clade. Conclusions The newly revealed common ancestry between Tridacninae and Fraginae brings a possibility that certain genetic, metabolic, and/or anatomical exadaptation existed in their last common ancestor, which promoted both lineages to independently establish photosymbiosis, possibly in response to the modern expansion of reef habitats.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-(4-methylsulfonyl phenyl)indole derivatives: Multi-target compounds with dual antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Shaker Ahmed M. M. , Abdelall Eman K. A. , Abdellatif Khaled R. A. , Abdel-Rahman Hamdy M.
Published: March 2020

Three series of 2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl) indole derivatives have been designed and synthesized. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial, COX inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activities. Compound 7g was identified to be the most potent antibacterial candidate against strains of MRSA , E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii , respectively with safe therapeutic dose. Compounds 7a-k, 8a-c and 9a-c showed good anti-inflammatory activity with high selectivity toward COX-2 in comparison with reference drugs indomethacin and celecoxib. Compounds 9a-c were found to release moderate amounts of NO to decrease the side effects associated with selective COX-2 inhibitors. A molecular modeling study for compounds 7b, 7h, and 7i into COX-2 active site correlated with results of in vitro COX-2 inhibition assays.
NTP42, a novel antagonist of the thromboxane receptor, attenuates experimentally induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mulvaney Eamon , Reid Helen , Bialesova Lucia , Bouchard Annie , Salvail Dany , Kinsella B. Therese
Published: March 2020

Background
NTP42 is a novel antagonist of the thromboxane prostanoid receptor (TP), currently in development for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a devastating disease with multiple pathophysiological hallmarks including excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular remodelling, inflammation, fibrosis, in situ thrombosis and right ventricular hypertrophy. Signalling through the TP, thromboxane (TX) A 2 is a potent vasoconstrictor and mediator of platelet aggregation. It is also a pro-mitogenic, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent. Moreover, the TP also mediates the adverse actions of the isoprostane 8-iso-prostaglandin F 2α , a free-radical-derived product of arachidonic acid produced in abundance during oxidative injury. Mechanistically, TP antagonists should treat most of the hallmarks of PAH, including inhibiting the excessive vasoconstriction and pulmonary artery remodelling, in situ thrombosis, inflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of NTP42 in the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model, alongside current standard-of-care drugs.
Methods
PAH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg MCT in male Wistar–Kyoto rats. Animals were assigned into groups: 1. ‘No MCT’; 2. ‘MCT Only’; 3. MCT + NTP42 (0.25 mg/kg BID); 4. MCT + Sildenafil (50 mg/kg BID), and 5. MCT + Selexipag (1 mg/kg BID), where 28-day drug treatment was initiated within 24 h post-MCT.
Results
From haemodynamic assessments , NTP42 reduced the MCT-induced PAH, including mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and right systolic ventricular pressure (RSVP), being at least comparable to the standard-of-care drugs Sildenafil or Selexipag in bringing about these effects. Moreover, NTP42 was superior to Sildenafil and Selexipag in significantly reducing pulmonary vascular remodelling, inflammatory mast cell infiltration and fibrosis in MCT-treated animals.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that NTP42 and antagonism of the TP signalling pathway have a relevant role in alleviating the pathophysiology of PAH, representing a novel therapeutic target with marked benefits over existing standard-of-care therapies.
Assessment of risk factors for early childhood caries at different ages in Shandong, China and reflections on oral health education: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Xinyue , Zhang Yuan , Li Yanan , Shao Chunchun , Xiong Shijiang , Lan Jing , Wang Zhifeng
Published: March 2020

Background: The high prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) is widespread around the world, and oral health education (OHE) plays a vital role in preventing ECC. Numerous studies on ECC risk factor assessment have assisted us in enriching the content of OHE. The objective of this study was to further assess independent risk factors for ECC at different ages to provide evidence and insights for OHE. Methods : Children aged 3-5 years old (N=1301) in Shandong Province were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data about oral health status and caregivers’ oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) were extracted from the 4th National Oral Health Survey of China. The associations between ECC prevalence and various KAP variables were tested with chi-square tests, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: The ECC prevalence in Shandong Province was 64.6%, and the dmft mean was 3.15. The independent variables with an increased risk for ECC were age, feeding method within 6 months of birth, bedtime sugar frequency, experience of toothache over the past year and dental visits (P <0.05, chi-square tests). Complete artificial feeding within 6 months of birth primarily contributed to the high risk of the 3-year-old group (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12-0.69), while high frequency bedtime sweet consumption mainly contributed to that of the 5-year-old group (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.03-10.06; logistic regression analysis). Interestedly, tooth brushing was not associated with ECC in this study, and some positive knowledge and attitude variables were positively correlated with a high risk of ECC. Conclusion : These data provide evidence to suggest that the ECC-related risk factors at different ages are inconsistent, which provides some insights for OHE. We should highlight the effects of feeding methods in the early stages of deciduous dentition and sugar habits in the late stages of deciduous dentition on ECC, as well as encourage preventive dental visit and supplemental training for oral health practices.
Structure and Function of the Arctic and Antarctic Marine Microbiota as Revealed by Metagenomics
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Cao Shunan , Ding Wei , Wang Meng , Fan Shen , Yang Bo , Mcminn Andrew , Wang Min , Xie Bin-Bin , Qin Qi-Long , Chen Xiu-Lan , He Jianfeng , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: March 2020

Background: The Arctic and Antarctic are the two most geographically distant bioregions on earth. Recent sampling efforts and following metagenomics have shed light on the global ocean microbial diversity and function, yet the microbiota of polar regions has not been included in such global analyses.
Results: Here a metagenomic study of seawater samples (n = 60) collected from different depths at 28 locations in the Arctic and Antarctic zones was performed, together with metagenomes from the Tara Oceans. More than 7,500 (19%) polar seawater-derived operational taxonomic units could not be identified in the Tara Oceans datasets, and more than 3,900,000 protein-coding gene orthologs had no hits in the Ocean Microbial Reference Gene Catalog. Analysis of 214 metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) , recovered from the polar seawater microbiomes, revealed strains that are prevalent in the polar regions while nearly undetectable in temperate seawater. Metabolic pathway reconstruction for these microbes suggested versatility for saccharide and lipids biosynthesis, nitrate and sulfate reduction, and CO2 fixation. Comparison between the Arctic and Antarctic microbiomes revealed that antibiotic resistance genes were enriched in the Arctic while functions like DNA recombination were enriched in the Antarctic.
Conclusions: Our data highlight the occurrence of dominant and locally enriched microbes in the Arctic and Antarctic seawater with unique functional traits for environmental adaption, and provide a foundation for analyzing the global ocean microbiome in a more complete perspective.
Diagnostic performance of nucleic acid tests in tuberculous pleurisy
Authors: Han Min , Xiao He-ping , Yan Liping
Published: March 2020

Background: Tuberculous pleurisy (TBP) is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). However, rapid diagnostic methods with high accuracy for tuberculous pleurisy are urgently needed. In the present study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF, LAMP and SAT-TB assay with pleural fluids from from culture-positive TBP patients.
Methods: We prospectively enrolled 300 patients with exudative pleural effusions used as the samples for Xpert MTB/RIF, LAMP and SAT-TB assay. Of these, 265 including 223 patients diagnosed with TP and 42 non-TB patients used as controls were analyzed.
Results: The sensitivities of Xpert MTB/RIF (27.4%) , LAMP (26.5%) and SAT-TB assay (32.3%) were significantly higher than that of pleural effusion smear (14.3% , X 2 = 20.65, P < 0.001), whereas they were much lower than expected for the analysis of pleural effusion samples. Both SAT-TB assay and Xpert MTB/RIF demonstrated high specificities (100%) and PPVs (100%), but the NPVs of all of the tests were < 22%. The area under ROC curve of pleural effusionsmear, LAMP, Xpert MTB/RIF and SAT-TB assays was 0.524 (95% CI 0.431–0.617), 0.632 (95% CI 0.553–0.71), 0.637 (95% CI 0.56–0.714) and 0.673 (95% CI 0.6–0.745). SAT-TB assays had the highest AUC.
Conclusion: Nucleic acid amplification tests are not the first choice in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. In this type of test, SAT-TB is recommended because of its low cost, relatively more accurate compared with the other two tests. This prospective study was approved by The Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (approval number: K19-148). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR1900026234.
Key words : Xpert MTB/RIF; AmpSure simultaneous amplification and testing; loop-mediated isothermal amplification; diagnosis; tuberculosis
BRAF V600 mutation profiling in primary skin nodular melanoma in Indonesia: an analysis using high resolution pyrosequencing
Authors: Rinonce Hanggoro Tri , Aji Rovi Panji Mustiko , Hayati Ni’mah , Pudjohartono Maria Fransiska , Kameswari Bidari , Anwar Sumadi Lukman , Irianiwati -
Published: March 2020

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and type of BRAF V600 mutations and the associations with clinicopathological variables in primary skin nodular melanoma cases in Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia using pyrosequencing. Results: BRAF V600 mutations of the V600E type were found in 21 (53.85%) specimens. The variant allele frequencies (VAFs) ranged from 5.07% to 94.70%, averaging 29.05%. However, most cases had low VAFs, with 13 (61.9%) specimens below 20% and 4 (19.05%) below 10%.
Tissue Adhesive for Wound Closure in enhanced-recovery Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized and Controlled Study
Authors: Kong Xiangpeng , Yang Minzhi , Cao Zheng , Chen Jiying , Chai Wei , Wang Yan
Published: March 2020

Background : We aimed to present our experience of adopting tissue adhesive as adjunct to standard wound closure in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and evaluate its performance. Methods: From September 2019 to November 2019, we prospectively enrolled consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral THA in this randomized and controlled study. Standard wound closure was applied on one side of hip while additional tissue adhesive was applied on the other side at random. We collected and analyzed patients’ information, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, postoperative length of stay (LOS), dressing changes, wound evaluation scores, wound-related cost and complications. Results: Thirty patients with simultaneous bilateral THA were enrolled in this study. During the hospital stay, the times of dressing change in hips with tissue adhesive was significantly less than that in the other hips (p=0.000). However, the wound-related cost in hips with tissue adhesive was significantly higher (p=0.000). According to patients’ feedback at one-month follow-up, wound evaluation of hips with tissue adhesive was significantly better than the other hips (p=0.004). Seventeen patients preferred tissue adhesive and only five patients preferred standard wound closure. Conclusions : Tissue adhesive could significantly reduce wound drainage and increase patients’ satisfaction, which can be an ideal adjunct to standard wound closure in enhanced-recovery THA.
The impact of early neuraminidase inhibitor therapy on clinical outcomes in patients hospitalised with influenza A-related pneumonia: a multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Chen Liang , Han Xiudi , Li YanLi , Zhang Chunxiao , Xing Xiqian
Published: March 2020

Background Guidelines emphasize prompt antiviral treatment in severe influenza patients. Although nearly a 50% of severe influenza present with pneumonia, the effect of early (≤ 2 days after illness onset) neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) use on the clinical outcomes of influenza A-related pneumonia (FluA-p) has rarely been assessed. And there is limited data about the administration of NAIs in the real-world management of Flu-p in China. Methods Data of patients hospitalised with FluA-p from five teaching hospitals in China from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The impact of early NAI therapy on the outcomes in FluA-p patients, and the indications of early NAI administration by clinicians were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results Totally, 693 FluA-p patients were included. Of these patients, 33.5% (232/693) were treated early. After adjusting for weighted propensity scores for treatment, systemic corticosteroid and antibiotic use, a multivariate logistic regression model showed that early NAI therapy was associated with decreased risk for invasive ventilation [ odds ratio ( OR ) 0.511, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.312–0.835, p = 0.007) and 30-day mortality ( OR 0.533, 95% CI 0.210–0.807, p < 0.001) in FluA-p patients. A multivariate logistic regression model confirmed early NAI use ( OR 0.415, 95% CI 0.195–0.858, p = 0.001) was a predictor for 30-day mortality in FluA-p patients and a positive rapid influenza diagnostic test was the only indication ( OR 3.586, 95% CI 1.259–10.219, p < 0.001) related to the prescription of early NAI by clinicians. Conclusions Early NAI therapy is associated with better outcomes in FluA-p patients. Improved education and training of clinicians on the guidelines of influenza are needed.
Corneal Thickness and Endothelial Morphology in Normal Thai Eyes
Authors: Tananuvat Napaporn , Khumchoo Natawan
Published: March 2020

Background

This study aimed to determine the influence of age on central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial morphology as well as to identify the relationship between them in normal Thai eyes.

Methods and Analysis

Non-contact specular microscopy was performed in volunteers stratified into seven age groups ranging from 11-88 years. The corneal endothelial parameters studied included central corneal thickness (CCT),endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation in cell size (CV), cell area (CA) and percentage of regular hexagonal cells.

Results

In a total of 501 subjects (1002 eyes),the mean age was 43.12 ± 18.80 years and 347(69.3%) were females. The mean CCT, ECD, CV, CA, and hexagonality was 533.80 ± 33.00 μm, 2,732±258 cell/mm 2 , 37.61 ± 6.76%, 369.04 ± 37.90 μm, and 49.03% ± 7.53%, respectively. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between age and CCT (r = -0.215, P <0.001), ECD (r = -0.496, P <0.001), and hexagonality (r = -0.265, P <0.001). The CV and CA directly correlated with age (r = 0.242, P <0.001 and r = 0.470, P <0.001).The estimate rate of endothelial cell loss was 0.2% per year. There was no correlation between CCT and ECD (P = 0.106).

Conclusion

Normative data for corneal endothelial morphology in healthy Thai eyes showed that ECD, CCT, and hexagonality were significantly decreased, while CV and CA were increased with aging. The central corneal thickness did not correlate with the endothelial cell density.
Evaluation of enhanced external counterpulsation therapy for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Lin Lixia , Zhu Wenhui , Ma Nan , Lin Xiaofeng , Yang Hui
Published: March 2020

Background To explore the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) and its underlying influencing factors in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) patients. Methods Patients at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center with recent-onset (<8 weeks) NAION were retrospectively recruited. The patients had decided whether or not they would undergo EECP treatment, and the patients who declined were included in the control group. The effectiveness of EECP was evaluated by comparing the visual function and fellow eye involvement in patients with and without EECP treatment. Results In total, 61 patients (76 eyes) were included. Twenty-nine patients (37 eyes) underwent EECP treatment, while 32 patients (39 eyes) were included in the control group. Mean time from NAION onset to EECP initiation was 27.59±16.70 days. In the EECP group, the mean EECP duration was 31.57±18.45 days. EECP was well tolerated by all patients. However, there was no significant difference in visual function between the EECP and control groups, regardless of time to treatment initiation. Furthermore, there was no evidence of the effectiveness of EECP in the subgroup analysis of patients with different systemic health conditions. Among the 42 patients with monocular NAION, the sequential attack rate was comparable between the EECP (27.78%) and control (25.00%) groups. Conclusion This study is the first nonrandomized controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of EECP in NAION patients. Unfortunately, we failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of EECP in NAION at the 6-month follow-up. Any further application of EECP in NAION patients should be cautious.
Distinctive nursing practices in working with mothers to care for hospitalised children at a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a descriptive observational study
Authors: North Natasha , Leonard Angela , Bonaconsa Candice , Duma Thobeka , Coetzee Minette
Published: March 2020

Background: The presence of family members and their active involvement in caring for hospitalised children is an established practice in many African paediatric settings, with family members often regarded as a resource. This aspect of African paediatric nursing practice lacks formal expression or a clear conceptual basis, and difficulties arise when applying concepts of family involvement originating from the culturally distinct practice environments of higher resourced settings including Europe and America. The aim of this study was to articulate a nurse-led practice innovation intended to facilitate family involvement in the care of hospitalised children, observed in a paediatric inpatient ward in a district hospital in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Methods: A qualitative case study design was used. Data collection included visual research methods (graphic facilitation, sociograms and photo-elicitation) as well as a focus group, interviews and practice observation. Activities associated with 20 nurses and 22 mother-child dyads were observed. Data were subjected to content analysis, with Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) applied.
Results: Findings relate to six aspects of practice, categorised thematically as: preserving the mother-child pair; enabling continuous presence; psychological support and empathy; sharing knowledge; mothers as a resource; and belief and trust.
Conclusion: The nursing practices and organisational policies observed in this setting relating to the facilitation of continuous maternal presence represent a distinctive nursing practice innovation. This deliberate practice contrasts with models of care provision which originate in higher resourced settings including Europe and America, such as Family Centred Care, and contrasts with informal practices in local African settings which tolerate the presence of mothers in other settings, as well as local institutional policies which limit mothers’ presence to varying extents.
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation versus a Health Enhancement Program for depression in chronic pain: protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial and Implementation Evaluation
Authors: Sud Abhimanyu , Nelson Michelle L. A. , Cheng Darren K. , Armas Alana , Foat Kirk , Greiver Michelle , Hosseiny Fardous , Katz Joel , Moineddin Rahim , Mulsant Benoit H. , Newman Ronnie I. , Rivlin Leon , Vasudev Akshya , Upshur Ross
Published: March 2020

Background: Despite the high prevalence of comorbid chronic pain and depression, this comorbidity remains understudied. Meditation has demonstrated efficacy for both chronic pain and depression independently, yet there have been few studies examining its effectiveness when both conditions are present concurrently. Furthermore, while meditation is generally accepted as a safe and effective health intervention, little is known about how to implement meditation programs within or alongside the healthcare system. Methods: We will conduct a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation evaluation. To measure effectiveness, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Sahaj Samadhi Meditation (SSM) versus the Health Enhancement Program (HEP) in 160 people living with chronic pain, clinically significant depressive symptoms, and on long-term opioid therapy. Changes in depressive symptoms will be our primary outcome; pain severity, pain related function, opioid use, and quality of life will be the secondary outcomes. The primary endpoint will be at 12 weeks with a secondary endpoint at 24 weeks to measure sustainability of acute effects. Patients will be recruited from a community-based chronic pain clinic in a large urban centre in Mississauga, Canada. The meditation program will be delivered in the clinical environment where patients normally receive their chronic pain care by certified meditation teachers who are not regulated healthcare providers. We will use a mixed-methods design using the multi-level framework to understand the implementation of this particular co-location model. Discussion: Results of this hybrid evaluation will add important knowledge about the effectiveness of meditation for managing depressive symptoms in people with chronic pain. The implementation evaluation will inform both effectiveness outcomes and future program development, scalability, and sustainability. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04039568, registered July 31, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04039568
Loss to follow-up and associated maternal factors among HIV-exposed infants at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: A retrospective study
Authors: Ankunda Rogers , Cumber Samuel Nambile , Atuhaire Catherine , Taseera Kabanda , Nkfusai Claude Ngwayu , Wirsiy Frankline Sevidzem , Eleanor Turyakira
Published: March 2020

Background Loss to follow-up (LTFU) deprives HIV-exposed infants the lifesaving care required and results in exposing HIV free infants to virus requisition risk. We aimed to determine the rate of LTFU, postnatal mother-to-child HIV-transmission and to identify maternal factors associated with LTFU among HIV-exposed infants enrolled at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital PMTCT clinic. Methods Study participants were infants born to HIV-positive mothers enrolled in the PMTCT clinic for HIV care at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. While access database in the Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) clinic provided data on infants, the open medical record system database at the ISS clinic provided that for mothers. Infants were classified as LTFU if they had not complete their follow-up schedule by 18 months of age. At 18 months, an infant is expected to receive a rapid diagnostic test before being discharged from the PMTCT clinic. Postnatal MTCT of HIV was calculated as a proportion of infants followed and tested from birth to 18 months of age. Logistic regression was used to determine possible associations between mothers’ characteristics and LTFU. In-depth interviews of mothers of LTFU infants and health workers who attend to the HIV-exposed infants were carried out to identify factors not captured in the electronic database. Results Out of 1624 infants enrolled at the clinic, 533 (33%) were dropped for lack of mother’s clinic identification number, 18 (1.1%) were either dead or transferred out. Out of 1073 infants analysed, 515 (48%) were LTFU while out of the 558 who completed their follow-up schedule, 20 (3.6%) tested positive for HIV. Young age of mother, far distance to hospital and non-use of family planning were identified as outstanding factors responsible for LTFU. In addition, in-depth interviews revealed facility-level factors such as “waiting time”. Conclusion This study has revealed a high rate of LTFU among HIV-exposed infants enrolled at Mbarara Regional Referral hospital PMTCT clinic. Young maternal age, long distance to health facility and failure to use family planning were significantly associated with LTFU. Incorporating family planning services in the ART and PMTCT clinics could reduce LTFU of these infants.
Sequence variation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may facilitate stronger interaction with ACE2 promoting high infectivity
Authors: Shah Masaud , Ahmad Bilal , Choi Sangdun , Woo Hyun Goo
Published: March 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is a novel beta coronavirus emerged in China in 2019. Coronavirus uses spike glycoprotein to interact with host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and ensure cell recognition. High infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 raises questions on spike-ACE2 binding affinity and its neutralization by anti-SARS-CoV monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Here, we observed Val-to-Lys417 mutation in the receptor-binding domains (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, which established a Lys-Asp electrostatic interaction enhancing its ACE2-binding. Pro-to-Ala475 substitution and Gly482 insertion in the AGSTPCNGV-loop of RBD hindered neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by anti-SARS-CoV mAbs. In addition, we identified unique and structurally conserved conformational-epitopes on RBDs, which can be potential therapeutic targets. Collectively, we provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and development of new effective neutralizing agents.
The Effect of the Practical Intimate Relationship Skills Training (PAIRS) on marital satisfaction and adjustment and sexual function of women living with HIV: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: kia Akram , Jozani Zahra Bayat , Kabir Kourosh , salehi leili , mahmoodi zohreh
Published: March 2020

Background : Considering the role of marital satisfaction and adjustment in family functioning, that can be influenced by specific diseases such as HIV / AIDS, this study was conducted to determine the effect of the Practical Intimate Relationship Skills Training (PAIRS) on marital satisfaction and adjustment and sexual function in women living with HIV (WLHA). Methods : In a randomized controlled trial 44 WLHA, referred to behavioral disease counseling clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2019, were randomly divided into intervention and control groups based on four randomized blocks. Eight sessions of educational counseling were provided once a week for both group. At the beginning, at the end and four weeks after the training the Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire, Spinner marital adjustment and Rosen sexual function questionnaires were completed and analyzed with SPSS-21 software. Results : This study showed no significant difference between total score of marital satisfaction, marital adjustment and sexual function before the intervention. Rate of marital satisfaction (P = 0.003), marital adjustment (P = 0.03) and female sexual function (p <0.001) were significantly increased in the intervention group immediately and one month after the intervention. The results also indicated that 77.9% of the changes in post-test scores of marital satisfaction, 76% of marital adjustment and 94.9% of sexual function were related to the intervention effect, demonstrating a sustainable effect of educational intervention (< 0.001). Conclusion : PAIRS can improve marital satisfaction and adjustment, and sexual function in WLHA, and affect quality of family function. Trial registration : Keywords : Marital Satisfaction, Marital Adjustment, Sexual Function, Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills; PAIRS
The trajectory of high sensitivity C-reactive protein is associated with incident diabetes in Chinese adults
Authors: Xu Ren-ying , Jiang Xiaomin , Fan Zhuping , Wan Yanping , Gao Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background We performed a cohort study to evaluate the association between the CRP trajectory and incident diabetes in Chinese adults. Methods Included were 6,439 adults (4,111 men and 2,249 women; aged 46.6±11.9 years). The concentration of high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) was measured in 2013 (baseline), 2014, and 2015. The hs-CRP trajectory was identified based the above three measurements by latent mixture modeling. Incident diabetes cases were diagnosed by fasting blood glucose (≥126mg/dl) or Hb A1c (≥6.5%) during subsequent three years (2016-2018). Results Hs-CRP level during 2013 -2015 was classified into 3 levels: low (<1.0 mg/L), moderate (1.0–3.0 mg/L), and high (≥3.0 mg/L) based on a statement by American Heart Association. We named four hs-CRP trajectories as following: “low-stable” (low in 2013 and maintained at low level in 2014 and 2015), “moderate-fluctuated” (moderate in 2013, then increased to high level in 2014, and decreased to low level in 2015), “high-decreased” (high in 2013 but decreased to moderate level in 2014 and 2015), and “moderate-increased (moderate in 2013 and increased to high level in 2014 and 2015)”. We identified 235 incident diabetes during subsequent three years. The adjusted HR for incident diabetes was 1.71 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.87) comparing the moderate-increased and the low-stable group, after adjusting for potential confounders. In the secondary analyses, baseline hs-CRP level and the average of hs-CRP were associations between higher hs-CRP concentration and higher diabetes risk were observed (P-trend<0.01 for both). Conclusions The hs-CRP trajectory pattern was associated with altered incident diabetes in Chinese adults.
Pathogenicity of trypanosomes in relation to 1 drug sensitivity: comparative studies between a drug-sensitive and drug-resistant Trypanosoma congolense strain in murine-and bovine model
Authors: Ngumbi Anna , Mnyone Ladslaus
Published: March 2020

Background: Indiscriminate exposure of Trypanosoma congolense and other trypanosomes to trypanocides have led to emergence of resistant strains, which increasingly undermine the control efforts against tsetse transmitted animal trypanosomosis. Despite the increasing trend of resistance, no studies have conducted to assess whether or not drug sensitivity affects the pathogenicity of T. congolense and other predominant species. Methods: We compared the pathogenicity of two strains of trypanosomes: drug-sensitive Trypanosoma congolense -Mikese and drug-resistant T. congolense Mbagala. These strains were isolated from cattle at Mikese, Morogoro region and Mbagala, Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania, respectively. Experimental mice and cattle were infected with either tryapnosomes and monitored for rectal temperature, prepatent period, parasitemia, packed cell volume (PCV), survival and clinical manifestations. Drug sensitivity status of either strains was re-confirmed before pathogenicity testing. Results: Mean rectal temperature was higher in mice infected with T. congolense -sensitive strain (p=0.049, 95% CI= 0.003-1.13). Mean prepatent period of resistant strain in mice and cattle was shorter than that of sensitive strain. The mean level of parasitemia was significantly higher in resistant- (7.5±0.8) than in sensitive-strain (6.5±0.8) (p<0.001, 95% CI= -1.28 to -0.68). Mice infected with resistant strain were relatively dull and lethargic compared to those infected with sensitive strain. The decline PCV was higher in cattle infected with sensitive- strain than resistant-strain (p=0.041, 95% CI, -6.97 to -0.17). Conclusion: Pathogenicity of the two Trypanosoma congolense strains varied significantly across host species. The resistant strain was highly pathogenic in mice and less so in cattle. Contrarily, the sensitive strain was highly pathogenic to cattle and less so to mice. As such, this study emphasizes variations on the pathways by which different trypanosomes act upon the host; thus warranting subsequent studies using large number of experimental animals, preferentially cattle, in view of reflecting the field situation.
Being Pro-Active in Meeting the Needs of Suicide-Bereaved Survivors: results from a systematic audit in Montreal
Authors: LIGIER Fabienne , Rassy Jessica , Fortin Gabrielle , Haaster Ian van , Doyon Claude , Brouillard Charlie , Séguin Monique , Lesage Alain
Published: March 2020

Background Suicide is a major public health concern that affects some 3,500 individuals a year in Canada. According to the literature, each suicide affects an average of six people. The aim of this study was to describe the met and unmet needs of suicide-bereaved survivors and to formulate postvention recommendations. Methods In the context of an exploratory mixed-methods audit of 39 suicides that occurred in Montreal (Canada) in 2016, suicide-bereaved survivors ( n = 29) participated in semi-structured interviews and completed instruments to assess pathological grief, depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7). Results Mean age of participants was 57.7 years; 23 were women. Although help was offered initially, in most cases by a health professional or service provider (16/29), 22 survivors would have liked to be contacted by telephone in the first two months post suicide. Four categories of individual unmet needs (medical/pharmacological, information, support, and outreach) and one collective unmet need (suicide pre/postvention training and delivery) emerged. Conclusions Although there have been provincial initiatives in favor of suicide-bereaved survivors in the past decade, many dwindled over time and none has been applied systematically. Recommendations for different stakeholders (Ministry of Health and Social Services, coroners, NGOs, and representatives of suicide-bereaved survivors) outlined in this study could be an interesting first step to help develop a provincial suicide pre/postvention strategy.
Distal displacement of maxillary sinus anterior wall versus conventional sinus lift with lateral access: a 3-year retrospective Computerized Tomography study
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Toti Paolo , Covani Ugo , Brevi Carlo Bruno , Rubino Luigi , Preda Camilla , Esposito Francesca , Menchini-Fabris Giovanni-Battista
Published: March 2020

Background To compare a sinus augmentation procedure with a distal displacement of the anterior wall to a standard sinus lifting and grafting with a lateral window approach. Methods In the displacement group, a sinus surgical fracture results in the distal displacement of the anterior wall by means of an electromagnetic device. In the filling group, a sinus lifting with lateral access and grafting with particulate bone was performed. Bone volume beneath the maxillary sinus was investigated with Computerized Tomography after data superimposition. Clinical and radiological outcomes over 3 years had been evaluated. Results Forty-three dental implants were enrolled. The surgery of both groups significantly increased the bone volume in the VOIs (p-value≤0.0017) respectively for displacement group from 1.17±0.34cc to 1.53±0.39cc with a final bone volume gain of +0.36±0.17cc and for filling group from 1.24±0.41cc to 1.94±0.68cc with a bone augmentation of 0.71±0.31cc. Two implants early failed in the filling group, attesting the 3-year survival rate to 92.6%(CI95%: 82.7%-100%). Marginal bone loss at the distal aspect was 1.66±0.72mm and 1.25±0.78mm for displacement and filling group, respectively (p-value=0.0497). Conclusions The study showed an effective bone gain around dental implants at 3-year of survey both for sinus augmented by backward displacement of the anterior wall (+34%) and by sinus lifting with a lateral window approach (+57%).