bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Gymnastics: 2014–2015 Through 2018–2019
Authors: Chandran Avinash , Roby Patricia R. , Boltz Adrian J , Robison Hannah J. , Morris Sarah N. , Collins Christy L.
Published: July 2021

Context

Women's gymnastics athletes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) constitute a unique population of NCAA athletes given the nature and dynamics of the sport.

Background

Routine examination of women's gymnastics injuries is important for identifying the evolving burden of injuries in this sport.

Methods

Exposure and injury data collected in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during 2014–2015 through 2018–2019 were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics; injury rate ratios were used to examine differential injury rates.

Results

The overall injury rate was 8.00 per 1000 athlete-exposures; injury incidence was greater in competitions than in practices (injury rate ratio = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.48, 2.29), though practice injury rates increased during 2015–2016 through 2018–2019. Most injuries were classified as strains (16.5%), sprains (16.4%), and inflammatory conditions (12.3%), with overuse injuries prevalent among practice injuries (22.5%). Concussions (8.4%) were the most commonly reported specific injury.

The increasing trend in practice injury incidence is noteworthy although competition injury rates were higher overall. Findings also suggest that the etiologies of overuse injuries and inflammatory conditions as well as the biomechanical aspects of concussions warrant further attention.
Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Volleyball: 2014–2015 Through 2018–2019
Authors: Chandran Avinash , Morris Sarah N. , Lempke Landon B. , Boltz Adrian J. , Robison Hannah J. , Collins Christy L.
Published: July 2021

Context

Women's volleyball is a globally popular sport with widespread participation at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level.

Background

Routine examinations of NCAA women's volleyball injuries are important for recognizing emerging injury-related patterns in this population.

Methods

Exposure and injury data collected in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during the 2014–2015 through 2018–2019 athletic years were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics, and injury rate ratios were used to examine differences in injury rates.

Results

The overall injury rate was 6.73 per 1000 athlete-exposures. Knee (14.6%) and ankle (13.8%) injuries accounted for the largest proportion of all reported injuries, and most injuries were attributed to overuse (26.1%) or noncontact (22.7%) mechanisms. Lateral ankle ligament complex tears (11.1%) and concussions (7.3%) were the most commonly reported specific injury.

Results indicate an increasing burden of practice-related injuries and the need to further examine overuse injuries. Lower-extremity injury prevention strategies and mechanisms of concussion also warrant further attention.
Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Swimming and Diving: 2014–2015 Through 2018–2019
Authors: Chandran Avinash , Morris Sarah N. , D'Alonzo Bernadette A. , Boltz Adrian J. , Robison Hannah J. , Collins Christy L.
Published: July 2021

Context

The number of women's swimming and diving teams sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association has increased over the last 5 years.

Background

Routine examinations of women's swimming and diving injuries are important for identifying emerging temporal patterns.

Methods

Exposure and injury data collected in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program during the 2014–2015 through 2018–2019 athletic seasons were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics, and injury rate ratios were used to examine differences in injury rates.

Results

The overall injury rate was 1.78 per 1000 athlete-exposures in swimmers and 2.49 per 1000 AEs in divers. Shoulder (33.0%) injuries accounted for the largest proportion of all swimming injuries; most injuries were classified as overuse (51.3%). Head or face (29.4%) and trunk (20.2%) injuries accounted for the largest proportions of all diving injuries.

Findings indicated that shoulder and trunk injuries, as well as injuries resulting from overuse mechanisms, warrant further attention in swimming. Given the low in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program observed across the study period, the need for greater participation in sports injury surveillance is also apparent.
Neurogenic induction of human dental pulp derived stem cells by hanging drop technique, basic fibroblast growth factor, and SHH factors
Authors: Farhang Safa , Soleimani Mitra , Ostadsharif Maryam , Ghasemi Nazem
Published: July 2021

Background:

The progressive destruction of nerve cells in nervous system will induce neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, cell-based therapies have attracted the attention of researchers in the treatment of these abnormal conditions. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide a simple and efficient way to differentiate human dental pulp stem cells into neural cell-like to achieve a homogeneous population of these cells for transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases.

Materials and Methods:

In this basic research, human dental pulp stem cells were isolated and characterized by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry techniques. In the following, the cells were cultured using hanging drop as three-dimensional (3D) and tissue culture plate as 2D techniques. Subsequently, cultured cells were differentiated into neuron cell-like in the presence of FGF and Sonic hedgehog (SHH) factors. Finally, the percentage of cells expressing Neu N and β tubulin III markers was determined using immunocytochemistry technique. Finally, all data were analyzed using the SPSS software.

Results:

Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry results indicated that human dental pulp-derived stem cells were CD90, CD106-positive, but were negative for CD34, CD45 markers (P ≤ 0.001). In addition, the mean percentage of β tubulin positive cells in different groups did not differ significantly from each other (P ≥ 0.05). Nevertheless, the mean percentage of Neu N-positive cells was significantly higher in differentiated cells with embryoid bodies' source, especially in the presence of SHH than other groups (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

It is concluded that due to the wide range of SHH functions and the facilitation of intercellular connections in the hanging droop method, it is recommended that the use of hanging drop method and SHH factor can be effective in increasing the efficiency of cell differentiation.
Fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars restored with bulk-fill composite resins
Authors: Shafiei Fereshteh , Dehghanian Paria , Ghaderi Nasibeh , Doozandeh Maryam
Published: July 2021

Background:

Coronal restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities is of a great importance in long-term success of the treatment. This study evaluated the effect of fiber reinforcement on the fracture resistance (FR) of ETT restored with flowable or paste bulk (PB)-fill composite resin compared to conventional composite (CC) resin.

Materials and Methods:

In this in vitro experimental study, eighty maxillary premolars were divided into eight groups (n = 10). The first group was left intact (G1) and the other groups received MOD cavities along with endodontic treatment. G2: Remained unrestored while the other experimental groups were restored with three types of composite resin with or without fiber insertion. G3: CC resin, G4: PB fill, G5: Flowable bulk fill (FB). G6: Fiber + CC, G7: Fiber + PB, and G8: Fiber + FB. FR was tested at crosshead speed of 1 mm/min and recorded in Newton. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests at significance level of P < 0.05.

Results:

G1 and G2 revealed the highest and the lowest FR, respectively. The mean FR of the testing groups in Newton was as follows: G1 = 1204.8 A, G2 = 352.1 C, G3 = 579.6 BD, G4 = 596.7 BD, G5 = 624.9 BDE, G6 = 858.3 E, G7 = 529.6 CB, and G8 = 802.5DE. Different uppercase letters indicate the significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion:

The effect of fiber insertion on FR depended on the type of composite resin; the highest reinforcing effect was obtained in the CC resin + fiber, followed by bulk-fill flowable + fiber, and flowable bulk (FB)-fill composite resin. The strength of the former was significantly higher than the conventional and PB fill with and without fiber.
Oral supplementation of selenium improves post-thaw sperm quality in Saanen bucks
Authors: Lukusa Kambulu , Kabuba John
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To determine the effect of oral selenium supplementation and semen collection methods on various post thaw semen quality parameters in Saanen bucks.

Methods:

Sixteen healthy bucks were divided into two equal groups (n=8 each). The treatment group received selenium at 10-day intervals for three months. Sperm kinematic parameters, morphological parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane functionality, and sperm DNA integrity were evaluated weekly pre and post-cryopreservation.

Results:

The mean percentages of the morphological abnormalities were significantly lower in the selenium-supplemented samples when semen was collected by using artificial vagina method (P<0.05). Proximal droplet defects were significantly lower in the selenium supplementation group when semen was collected by electro-ejaculation (P<0.05). Post-thaw sperm parameters such as total motility and progressive motility were significantly higher when semen was obtained by artificial vagina in the selenium-supplemented bucks compared to the electro-ejaculation and the control groups (P<0.05). The sperm kinematic parameters such as curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement were significantly higher when semen was collected by artificial vagina in the selenium-treated bucks (P<0.05). The percentages of sperm with intact and functional plasma membrane and functional mitochondria were significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups (P<0.05). In vitro fertilizing potential was significantly higher in the selenium-supplemented samples collected with artificial vagina compared to the electro-ejaculation method and the control groups, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Oral supplementation of selenium and artificial vagina semen collection improve post thaw sperm quality parameters of Saanen buck.
Diabesity lipid index
Authors: Azeez Taoreed Adegoke
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Diabetes mellitus is a major cardiovascular risk factor. To put appropriate preventive measures in place, there is a need to estimate the 10-year cardiovascular risk. Most of the available risk estimators are cumbersome while some are inaccurate in estimating the risk for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to describe the diabesity lipid index (DLI), a composite index for predicting 10-year cardiovascular risk in Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS:

The study design was a cross-sectional study involving 70 individuals living with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained for the study. Body mass index and waist circumference were determined for each participant. Fasting plasma glucose, fasting lipid profile, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were also measured. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), DLI, and QRISK 3 were calculated using the appropriate formulae. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed for DLI.

JOURNAL/vith/04.03/02098611-202104030-00002/math_2MM1/v/2023-04-17T145001Z/r/image-tiff

RESULTS:

The mean age of the subjects was 53.34 ± 9.57 years. The median duration of diabetes was 11.50 years. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and truncal obesity were found in 70%, 65.7%, and 64.3% of the participants, respectively. About 38.6% had sub-optimal glycemic control. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between 10-year cardiovascular risk using QRISK 3 and DLI (r = 0.317; P = 0.008). Moreover, a ROC curve analysis done showed that the area under curve was 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.56–0.85; P = 0.032). The sensitivity and specificity of using this cut-off value to define high cardiovascular risk were 87.5% and 79.2%, respectively

CONCLUSION:

DLI is a simple estimator of 10-year cardiovascular risk among individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It compares favorably with AIP, a previously validated cardiovascular risk estimator.
Psychometrics of the Persian Version of the Team Assessment Questionnaire in Providing Care for Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Seyed-Bagheri Seyed Hamid , Khoshab Hadi , Dehghan Mahlagha , Ahmadi Fazlollah
Published: July 2021

Background:

Teamwork in the health care domain is the preferred mode of care delivery. Few instruments have been developed to assess teamwork in the field of health care, particularly in Iran. This study aimed to validate the Persian version of the Team Assessment Questionnaire (P-TAQ) in care for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, the validity (face, content, and construct validity) and the reliability (internal consistency and stability) of the cross-cultural adaptation of the Persian version of the Team Assessment Questionnaire (P-TAQ) were assessed.

Results:

The P-TAQ had adequate face and content validity. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the seven dimensions of the questionnaire. The internal consistency of the P-TAQ was 0.91, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.89.

Conclusions:

The P-TAQ is a valid questionnaire in terms of dimensions and items. Assessing teamwork is an essential component of delivering adequate care. By examining the status of teamwork using this questionnaire, it is possible to promote teamwork and to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Future research is necessary to better understand the P-TAQ so that it can be used for the assessment of teamwork outcomes regarding patient safety, cultural barriers, and medical errors.
Attitude and Participation of Men Regarding Prenatal Care, Childbirth, and Postpartum Care in Kashan City, Iran
Authors: Waseghi Fatemeh , Nasiri Saeideh , Moravveji SeyyedAlireza , Karimian Zahra
Published: July 2021

Background:

Men's involvement in perinatal care has benefits including reduced preterm childbirth, and better development of children. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the attitude and participation of men in prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed on 280 men in industrial units in Kashan city, Iran (November 2014–March 2015). The participants were selected using cluster sampling method. They completed a researcher-made three-part questionnaire. The data were analyzed using independent-samples t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

The mean (SD) score of men's attitude and practice regarding perinatal care were 40.12 (5.00) and 61.65 (6.87), respectively. A significant difference was observed between the practice of men with different education levels (F2,75 = 3.63, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The participation of men in perinatal care was low. It is recommended that healthcare providers make visits in the presence of husbands and simultaneously provide training for the couples during the perinatal period.
The Effectiveness of Communication Skills Training on Nurses' Skills and Participation in the Breaking Bad News
Authors: Yazdanparast Elnaz , Arasteh Azadeh , Ghorbani SeyedHasan , Davoudi Malihe
Published: July 2021

Background:

Nurses have an important role in the process of providing information and helping patients prepare for and receive bad news and understand and cope with the bad news they have been given. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of communication skills training on the level of skill and participation of nurses in breaking bad news.

Materials and Methods:

This semiexperimental study was performed on 60 nurses working in educational hospitals of Birjand, Iran in 2019. Convenience sampling was performed and the participants were randomly assigned to the two groups of intervention and control. For the experimental group, an integrated workshop on communication skills was held. Before and after the intervention, the Setting, Patient Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, and Strategy (SPIKES) SPIKES questionnaire (breaking bad news skills) and the questionnaire of participation in breaking bad news were completed. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test) in SPSS software.

Results:

The mean (SD) of breaking bad news skills after the intervention was 57.42 (10.13) in the control group and 65.12 (5.68) in the experimental group and the between-group difference was statistically significant (t59,41 = 3.93, p < 0.001). After the intervention, the mean (SD) of nurses' participation in delivering bad news was 21.17 (5.21) in the control group and 25.77 (4.96) in the experimental group and the between-group difference was statistically significant (t75,48 = 3.94, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

It seems that to increase the ability of nurses in the process of breaking bad news, it is necessary to teach them communication skills.
The Effect of Peer Support on Foot Care in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ghasemi Zahra , Yousefi Hojatollah , Torabikhah Mohsen
Published: July 2021

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is one of the prevalent diseases in the world with several complications including diabetic foot ulcers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of peer support on foot care in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

This clinical trial study was performed at selected centers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2017. Fifty patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Five 30-min. supportive training sessions were held for the intervention group by the peers and during 35 days. Foot Care Confidence/Foot-Care Behavior Scale For Diabetes (FCCS-FCB) was completed by both groups before, immediately after and 1 month after the intervention. Collected data were analyzed using Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, repeated measures ANOVA and t-test.

Results

: Mean (SD) age of subjects was 56.46 (7.36) years old Mean (SD) score of self-efficacy (F2, 26 = 54.71, p < 0.001), preventive behaviors (F2, 26 = 28.46, p < 0.001), and potentially damaging (F2, 26 = 27.89, p < 0.001) had significant differences between the two groups immediately and 1 month after the peer support.

Conclusions:

Peer support can enhance foot care behaviors in diabetic patients. Therefore, using people who are successful in the education and support of patients has a significant role, and nurses can use them as a support in the field of care and follow-up. However, health agencies are responsible for providing the patients with the best guidelines, and these results can be useful as an evidence for them.
The Effect of Sedation Protocol on Sedation Level and Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: Namadian Masoumeh , Taran Zahra
Published: July 2021

Background:

The use of analgesics and sedatives to provide sedation for Patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is inevitable. The present study aimed to determine the effect of sedation protocol using the Richmond Agitation- Sedation Scale on sedation level and amount of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on patients under mechanical ventilation.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 79 patients under mechanical ventilation in Zanjan. The patients were recruited using the blocking randomized sampling method. In the experiment group, the sedation was provided hourly, using the Richmond sedation Protocol, during the mechanical ventilation period. The level of sedation and pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions were compared in the two groups using Fisher exact test.

Results:

Totally, 40 patients in the experiment and 39 patients in the control groups were evaluated. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of confounding variables (age, sex, level of consciousness, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II criterion, underlying disease, and cause of hospitalization). The level of sedation in the experiment group was significantly closer to the ideal score of the Richmond Scale compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The experimental group received significantly more non-pharmacological interventions and fewer pharmacological interventions compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Using a sedation protocol could provide better sedation levels in patients under mechanical ventilation, and reduce the use of sedative medications, and consequently, the cost of hospitalization. Further research is suggested.
The Patients' Experiences of Burden of Neurofibromatosis
Authors: Foji Samira , Mohammadi Eesa , Sanagoo Akram , Jouybari Leila
Published: July 2021

Background:

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal disorder; the criteria for the diagnosis of NF1 includes café au lait spots, freckling, and Neurofibromas (NF). Skin symptoms have a major impact on patients' Quality of Life (QOL) but little is known about the burden of the disease on patients. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with NF.

Materials and Methods:

Using purposive sampling, 20 participants were enrolled in this qualitative content analysis study. The study was carried out between 2019 and 2020. Unstructured interviews and field notes were used to gather data. Data collection was stopped when data saturation was achieved.

Results:

Data analysis revealed 14 subcategories and 4 categories including “failing and falling behind in life”, “deprivation and restriction”, “social isolation”, and “ineffective adaptation to the disease”, which indicate the perception of patients with NF.

Conclusions:

In addition to the physical burden due to physical complications and problems, NF imposes a high degree of psychological and social burden on patients causing mental conflicts, which in turn results in them failing and falling behind in life. These findings illustrate the need to develop strategies and use multidisciplinary approaches to support patients, and thus to reduce the burden of NF.
The Effect of Reducing the Fasting Time on Postoperative Pain in Orthopaedic Patients
Authors: Torabikhah Mohsen , Yousefi Hojatollah , Ansari Amir-Hossein Monazami , Musarezaie Amir
Published: July 2021

Background:

Patients undergoing orthopedics surgery experience the most severe postoperative pain. The fasting time is a factor that affects this complication. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fasting time reduction by using oral carbohydrate on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in orthopedic patients.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized control trial was conducted between November 2017 and December 2018. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned into the intervention (which consumed 200 mL of the 12.50% carbohydrate, 2 h before the surgery) and the control group (which was fasted from midnight). Postoperative pain was measured by visual analog scale; the amount of the consumed analgesics was also recorded. The data were analyzed by using Chi-square and t-test.

Results:

The mean (SD) of the pain scores in the control group immediately and 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after consciousness were 7.19 (2.64), 6.69 (2.17), 6.31 (2.05), 6.16 (2.08), 6.06 (2.24), and 5.38 (1.86), respectively. These scores for the intervention group were 7.44 (1.48), 6.31 (1.25), 5.72 (1.17), 5.59 (1.43), 5.25 (1.13), and 4.97 (1.57). The mean of the pain scores between two groups was not different (p > 0.05). The amount of the consumed morphine (t
61= -2.10, p = 0.039), pethidine (t
62= -2.25, p = 0.028), and diclofenac (t
62= -2.51, p = 0.015) were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The pain intensity in the patients with shortened fasting time was lower, but it was not statistically significant. Moreover, reducing fasting time by using carbohydrate significantly reduced the use of analgesics.
Relationship between Cognitive-Behavioral Processes and Stages of Change in Nutrient Use in Overweight Women Referring to Health Centers in Isfahan
Authors: Namazi Nayerhe , Mostafavidarani Firozeh , Alavinaini Amirmansour , Boroumandfar Zahra
Published: July 2021

Background:

The positive impact of post-needs assessment training on the correction of eating habits is remarkable. The aim of present study was to determine the relationship between cognitive-behavioral processes and stages of change in nutrient use in overweight women referring to health centers in Isfahan.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 during a three-month period. Using systematic random sampling, 260 overweight women referring to Isfahan comprehensive health centers were chosen. Data collection was performed by a four-part researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information form, stages of change of behavior, cognitive and behavioral processes questionnaire, and standard 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. After confirming its validity and reliability, it was completed by the researcher. Data were then entered N4 software perfect and analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests (ANOVA and Bonferroni Post-Hoc).

Results:

59.30% of the subjects were in an inactive and 40.70% in an active phase. There was a significant difference with respect to different stages of change and the use of all behavior change processes (F4= 11.42, p < 0.001). The rate of using cognitive and behavioral processes increased during the nutrient change behavior (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The results of the study showed that moving away from pre-contemplation stage to maintenance phase increases the rate of using these processes that is due to the stability and improvement of changed behavior. Therefore, health plans should be designed based on the stage of the target group.
The Relationship between Nursing Students' Quality of Life with their Academic Achievement Motivation in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Authors: Emamjomeh Seyedeh Mahtab , Toghyani Ali , Bahrami Masoud
Published: July 2021

Background:

Quality of Life (QoL) and academic achievement motivation are important aspects of students' living and studying. There is a lack of studies to address the QoL of nursing students and its relationship with their academic achievement motivation in Iran. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate this relationship.

Materials and Methods:

This was a correlational study conducted with baccalaureate nursing students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from December 2019 to February 2020. Data collection tools consisted of three parts: a demographic questionnaire, the World Health Organization QoL-Brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Hermans Achievement Motivation Questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficient and standard multiple regression were used to evaluate the correlation between QoL mean domain scores and academic achievement motivation score.

Results:

The QoL mean (SD) domain scores of physical, psychological, social, environmental, and academic achievement motivation score were 14.95 (2.43), 13.42 (2.74), 13.96 (3.39), 13.62 (2.54), and 84.40 (7.73), respectively. Pearson correlations between physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL mean domain scores with academic achievement motivation score was 0.30, 0.35, 0.12, and 0.22 (p < 0.05), respectively. Using standard multiple regression, psychological mean domain score (ß = 0.31) was the only statistically significant predictor of academic achievement motivation.

Conclusions:

Relationships exist between academic achievement motivation and QoL domains of nursing students, particularly in the psychological domain. This information provides policymakers to plan multi-faceted arrangements to improve nursing students' academic achievement motivation and QoL particularly in most neglected areas as the psychological aspect.
Nodular posterior scleritis – The great masquerader
Authors: Babu Naresh , Kumar Karthik , Upadhayay Anubhav , Kohli Piyush
Published: July 2021

We aim to report the management of a patient who presented with a choroidal mass masquerading as an amelanotic choroidal melanoma. A 57-year-old male presented with defective vision in his right eye, which was associated with mild periocular pain. Fundus examination showed a large dome-shaped yellowish-orange subretinal mass in the macular region and exudative retinal detachment (RD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 16 mm × 8 mm choroidal mass, which was hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. B-scan ultrasonography revealed a dome-shaped mass with homogeneous echogenicity, inferior RD, and fluid collection in the sub-Tenon space. There was no choroidal excavation. He was diagnosed as nodular posterior scleritis (NPS) with exudative RD in the right eye. The lesion regressed completely after treatment with oral steroids. Choroidal mass can pose a diagnostic dilemma to ophthalmologists. Atypical MRI features can further augment the confusion. Despite its low incidence, NPS should always be kept as a differential in the presence of an amelanotic choroidal mass.
Stable Gabor phase retrieval for multivariate functions
Authors: Grohs Philipp , Rathmair Martin
Published: July 2021

In recent work [P. Grohs and M. Rathmair, Stable Gabor phase retrieval and spectral clustering, Comm. Pure Appl. Math. (2018)] the instabilities of the Gabor phase retrieval problem, i.e., the problem of reconstructing a function

f

from its spectrogram

|\mathcal{G}f|

, where

\mathcal{G}f(x,y)=\int_{\mathbb{R}^d} f(t) e^{-\pi|t-x|^2} e^{-2\pi i t\cdot y} dt, \quad x,y\in \mathbb{R}^d,

have been completely classified in terms of the disconnectedness of the spectrogram. These findings, however, were crucially restricted to the one-dimensional case (

d=1

) and therefore not relevant for many practical applications.

In the present paper we not only generalize the aforementioned results to the multivariate case but also significantly improve on them. Our new results have comprehensive implications in various applications such as ptychography, a highly popular method in coherent diffraction imaging.
Identification and Isolation of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Genotype IV from Culex vishnui Collected in Bali, Indonesia in 2019
Authors: Faizah Astri Nur , Kobayashi Daisuke , Maekawa Yoshihide , Amoa-Bosompem Michael , Fauziyah Shifa , Mulyatno Kris Cahyo , Subekti Sri , Rohmah Etik Ainun , Lusida Maria Inge , Mori Yasuko , Miura Kozue , Hirayama Kazuhiro , Isawa Haruhiko , Sawabe Kyoko
Published: July 2021

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is transmitted between swine, migratory birds, and Culex mosquitoes, and has circulated indigenously in Asia for almost a century. Despite being the country with the highest JEV diversity, surveillance targeting of Indonesia’s vectors is scarce. This study collected mosquitoes from several locations in Tabanan Regency, Bali Island, Indonesia. We captured and classified 3,032 adult Culex mosquitoes into seven species, with Culex vishnui subgroup mosquitoes making up approximately 90% of the total. Japanese encephalitis virus was identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of a Cx. vishnui mosquito pool. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis revealed the JEV as genotype (G) IV. The nucleotide identity was 99% with other JEV GIV isolates obtained from swine sera in 2017 on Bali Island and from a human patient in Australia with a travel history to Bali in 2019. This finding indicated that JEV GIV persists in restricted areas and is circulating between swine-mosquito vectors.
Performance of a New Microfluidic Dengue NS1 Immuno-magnetic Agglutination Assay for the Rapid Diagnosis of Dengue Infection in Adults
Authors: Wongsawat Ekkarat , Suputtamongkol Yupin , Assanasaen Susan , Silpasakorn Saowaluk , Avirutnan Panisadee , Puttikhunt Chunya , Angkasekwinai Nasikarn , Yamasmith Eakkawit , Prommool Tanapan , Niwattayakul Kanigar
Published: July 2021

Dengue (DENV) infections are a public health concern worldwide and thus early diagnosis is important to ensure appropriate clinical management. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) targets nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) detection and is the main tool used for diagnostic purpose. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a new rapid and semi-quantitative microfluidic DENV NS1 immuno-magnetic agglutination assay or IMA (ViroTrack Dengue Acute, BluSense Diagnostics, Copenhagen, Denmark). We studied 233 subjects confirmed to have DENV infection (by a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) and 200 control samples were taken from patients with confirmed diagnoses of other febrile illnesses, in Thailand. Samples were tested using the NS1 antigen (Ag) detection methods: in-house NS1 Ag ELISA (ELISA), SD BIOLINE Dengue NS1 Ag RDT (ICT), and ViroTrack Dengue Acute (IMA). Sensitivities of these tests were 86.3%, 78.9%, and 85.5%, respectively. All tests showed high specificity (100%, 99%, and 97% for ELISA, ICT, and IMA, respectively). The sensitivities of both RDTs were affected by the low sensitivity to DENV-2 and DENV-4. NS1 Ag was detected in every patient on day 1 and day 2 after onset of illness by ELISA and IMA with a decline in detection rates over time after day 6 of illness. NS1 detection rate using ICT decreased from 100% on day 1 of illness to 98.6% on day 2 after onset of illness. By day 6, the detection rate was 45.9%. Thus, IMA performed better than ICT for early and rapid diagnosis of DENV infections in endemic countries.
Disparities in Physical Accessibility among Rural Thais Under Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Rojjananukulpong Rattanakarun , Ahmad Mokbul Morshed , Saqib Shahab E.
Published: July 2021

This study aims to explore various barriers in accessing outpatient care among the participants from different age groups and to identify determinants associated with physician visits. The study had adopted Andersen’s Behavioral Model (ABM) of Health Services Use. A cross-sectional study design was adopted to collect data from 417 participants through a questionnaire survey. Poisson regression models were used to explore determinants for explaining the differences in outpatient care use. The regression results revealed that divergent relationships existed among age groups. Children and elderly participants tended to decrease the probability of seeking care. Elderly participants confronted more difficulties in access and were dependent on family members. Despite free care provisions, participants visited and spent their out-of-pocket expenditure mostly at non-universal health coverage (non-UHC) facilities. Convenience and the availability of specialist physicians led the higher-income parents to seek care of their children at non-UHC facilities. Highly educated people of working age preferred more self-care or institutionalized care to save time. Children up to the primary level of education were more likely to visit a doctor. We concluded that investments in education or well-informed health services provision would improve health care utilization. Findings of Andersen’s Behavioral Model variables suggested that improvements in the quality of services, medical professional skills, and efficient resource allocation may induce seeking care at UHC facilities. Consequently, it will reduce the number of referred cases, caseloads at tertiary care units, and visits to non-UHC facilities at longer distances.
Accuracy of Two Circulating Antigen Tests for the Diagnosis and Surveillance of Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Low-Endemicity Settings of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Assaré Rufin K. , Tra-Bi Mathieu I. , Coulibaly Jean T. , Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , Ouattara Mamadou , Hürlimann Eveline , van Dam Govert J. , Utzinger Jürg , N’Goran Eliézer K.
Published: July 2021

In low-endemicity settings, current tools for the diagnosis and surveillance of schistosomiasis are often inaccurate in detecting true infection. We assessed the accuracy of an up-converting phosphor lateral flow circulating anodic antigen (UCP-LF CAA) test and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine cassette test for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni. Our study was conducted in eight schools of western Côte d’Ivoire. Fifty children, aged 9–12 years, were enrolled per school. From each child, a single urine specimen and two stool specimens were collected over consecutive days for diagnostic work-up. Urine samples were subjected to UCP-LF CAA and POC-CCA tests. From each stool sample, triplicate Kato-Katz thick smears were examined. Overall, 378 children had complete data records. The prevalence of S. mansoni, as assessed by six Kato-Katz thick smears, was 4.0%. The UCP-LF CAA and POC-CCA tests revealed S. mansoni prevalence of 25.4% and 30.7%, respectively, when considering trace results as positive, and prevalence of 23.3% and 10.9% when considering trace results as negative. In the latter case, based on a composite “gold” standard, the sensitivity of UCP-LF CAA (80.7%) was considerably higher than that of POC-CCA (37.6%) and six Kato-Katz thick smears (13.8%). The negative predictive value of UCP-LF CAA, POC-CCA, and six Kato-Katz thick smears was 92.8%, 79.8%, and 74.1%, respectively. Our results confirm that UCP-LF CAA is more accurate than Kato-Katz and POC-CCA for the diagnosis of S. mansoni in low-endemicity settings.
Serological Differences after Acute Zika Virus Infections between Children and Adults: Implication for Use of a Serological Test
Authors: Wongsawat Jurai , Suttha Patama , Chanama Sumalee , Srisopa Somkid , Yonchoho Nichapa , Limpanadusadee Putiporn
Published: July 2021

Information is limited regarding differential serological responses after acute Zika virus (ZIKV) infections and prevalence of cross-reactivity with anti-dengue virus (DENV) assays comparing children and adults. Early convalescent sera from a cohort of suspected mild DENV cases between December 2016 and September 2018 at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute in Thailand were tested for nonstructural protein 1 (NS1)–based anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG ELISAs (Euroimmun), and in-house anti-DENV IgM- and IgG-capture ELISAs. ZIKV cases were identified by positive real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on urine. Sera from 26 (10 children and 16 adults) ZIKV and 227 (153 children and 74 adults) non-ZIKA cases collected at the median duration of 18 days (interquartile range [IQR] 18,19) post-onset of symptoms were tested. Comparing pediatric ZIKV to adult ZIKV cases, the mean anti-ZIKV IgM ratio was higher (2.12 versus 1.27 units, respectively; P = 0.07), whereas mean anti-ZIKV IgG ratio was lower (3.13 versus 4.24 units, respectively; P = 0.03). Sensitivity of anti-ZIKV IgM and specificity of anti-ZIKV IgG in pediatric ZIKV were higher than in adult ZIKV cases (80.0% versus 43.7% and 79.1% versus 43.2%, respectively). No cross-reactivity with anti-DENV IgM- and IgG-capture ELISA were reported in pediatric ZIKV cases in our study, whereas 25% and 12.5% were found in adult ZIKV cases, respectively. Age-related ZIKV serological differences have been observed. Positive NS1-based anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG ELISA at the early convalescent phase could be useful for ZIKV diagnosis in children, even in a dengue endemic setting.
The Burden of Snakebite in Rural Communities in Kenya: A Household Survey
Authors: Ooms Gaby I. , van Oirschot Janneke , Waldmann Benjamin , Okemo Dorothy , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Reed Tim
Published: July 2021

Annually, about 2.7 million snakebite envenomings occur worldwide, primarily affecting those living in rural regions. Effective treatment exists but is scarce, and traditional treatments are commonly used. To inform context-specific policies in Kenya, this study aimed to determine the health-seeking behavior and the health, social, and economic burden of snakebites in rural communities. Nonprobability sampling was used to survey 382 respondents from four snakebite-endemic counties, from February to August 2020, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact tests, binary logistic regressions, and Mantel-Haenszel tests were used for analysis. Life-time experience with snakebites included 13.1% of respondents who reported being personally bitten and 37.4% who reported knowing of a community member being bitten. Respondents reported death after a snakebite in 9.1% of bitten community members and in 14.6% of bitten family members. Risk of snakebite was not significantly associated with sex, educational level, or occupation. Snakebite victims were most often walking (38%) or farming (24%) when bitten. Of those bitten, 58% went to a health facility, 30% sought traditional treatment, and 12% first went to a traditional healer before visiting a facility. Significant differences existed in perceptions on the financial consequences of snakebites among those who had been personally bitten and those who had observed a snakebite. Most commonly mentioned preventive measures were wearing shoes and carrying a light in the dark. Community engagement, including engagement with traditional healers, is needed to reduce snakebites. This should be done through education and sensitization to improve used preventive measures and effective health-seeking behavior.
Wheel Nut Seat Strength
Authors:   Wheel Standards Committee
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this test is to evaluate the axial strength of the nut seat of wheels intended for use on passenger cars, light trucks, and multipurpose vehicles. In addition, a minimum contact area is recommended to ensure enough strength for the rotational force in tightening a nut against the nut seat. While this test ensures the minimum strength of the nut seat, the wheel must also have a degree of flexibility. This flexibility, as well as bolt tension, are important to maintain wheel retention.
Determinants of farm level market supply of tomatoes in Fogera district, South Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Hawlet Mohammed , Berhanie Zewdu , Alemayehu Getachew
Published: July 2021

This research attempted to analyze the determinants of market supply of tomato in Fogera district, South Gondar zone, Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Tomatoes generate income for the poor farmers of Ethiopia. Primary and secondary data were collected. The primary data was generated though a household survey (N=235), a pre-tested structured questionnaire and a key informant interview using a checklist. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression model. The model results showed livestock ownership, size of land allocated for tomato, access to credit, income from non-farm/off-farm activities and use of improved seed significantly affected quantity of tomato supplied to the market. The findings indicated the need to encourage off/non-farm income activities, strengthen access to improved varieties of tomato, use technologies that can improve the production and productivity of tomato, and expand the access to credit.
Apostolicity as Divine Attribute in Trinitarian Relationship: the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is demonstrated
Authors: Henderson Dr Erwin Samue
Published: July 2021

This paper responds to the question what is the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is demonstrated? The investigation examines the meaning of apostolicity found in the New Testament, its significant transition through the post-apostolic period, and the consequence on contemporary understanding. The dilemma of the first and second century-generation Christians was how to understand apostolicity in light of the disappearance of the ‘sacred triad’ (apostles, prophets and teachers). The emerging principles of discontinuity, transference, transformation and succession carved the road to canonisation, bishop-centrism and episcopal systemisation. The Pentecostal anchorage in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost is determinant in qualifying apostolicity; while emphasising agency and function, it also turns attention to the Person of the Spirit. This leads necessarily to an examination of the Trinity, ontologically and relationally, and therefore brings a fuller response to the research question. Subsequent exploration of the non-hierarchical, ‘intra-Trinitarian’ relationship will demonstrate an apostolic archetype. This contribution seeks to restore the Trinity to apostolic thinking in response to the historical construct by defining the nature of apostolicity in Godhead, and to argue apostolicity as a response to subordinate suppositions. It concludes with a proposed basis for renewed self-understanding as Trinitarian extension.
Lavagem de capitais provenientes de sonegação de contribuição previdenciária (art. 337-A, CP)
Authors: Estellita Heloisa , Horta Frederico
Published: July 2021

Neste texto, originalmente redigido como parecer, os autores discutem os obstáculos dogmáticos para a consideração de um delito tributário como crime antecedente para a lavagem dinheiro e suas repercussões práticas, especialmente para a prova da origem dos ativos objeto de lavagem. O caso examinado teria ocorrido sob a vigência da redação original do artigo 1º da Lei 9.613/98, que possuía rol taxativo de crimes antecedentes, dentre os quais não estavam os crimes tributários, por isso, discutem também sobre a natureza do crime descrito no art. 337-A, CP.
Experience in the use of transcranial micro polarization in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Kuzenkova Ludmila M. , Lashkova Anna V. , Konova Olga M. , Petelguzova Tatyana G.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Autism is a disorder characterized by social interaction disorders, social-emotional reciprocity, responses to other people’s emotions, social use of speech skills, lack of modulations of behavior under the social situation, and limited interest stereotypes. The comprehensive approach using medical and psychological correction with physical methods of influence provides the best result in treating and rehabilitating children with autism. The original study examined the effects of transcranial micro polarization (TCMP) on the dynamics of autistic disorders. TCMP is a modern treatment method consisting of a directed polarizing impact of a low-power DC on specific brain areas. Materials and methods. There were observed 25 children aged from 2 years five months to 6 years with varying degrees of severity of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). For the study, three groups were identified according to the corresponding clinical diagnoses: Childhood autism, Atypical autism, and Other general developmental disorders. The vast majority of children from the first two groups had an intellectual disability of varying severity. The TCMP method was used to assess the technique’s effectiveness, the CARS diagnostic scale and the ATEK test. Results. At the end of the course, with the use of TCMP in all the analyzed groups, there was a shift towards a milder degree of autistic disorders. The most significant positive effect was recorded in children with mild forms of autism in the group of other general developmental disorders due to the initially higher level of development in this group. Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of TCMP in ASD children. According to the results of the study, the positive effect of this method was revealed in the form of reducing the severity of autistic disorders.