bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of endometriosis using immunocytochemistry of P450 Aromatase expressions in eutopic endometrial cells obtained from menstrual sloughing: A diagnostic study
Authors: Madjid Tita Husnitawati , Jumadi Jumadi , Judistiani Raden Tina Dewi , Hernowo Bethy Suryawathy , Faried Ahmad
Published: March 2020

Objective. To explore the possibility of a new diagnostic approach of endometriosis based on immunocytochemistry scoring of Aromatase P450 expressions in endometrial cells collected from menstrual sloughing. This is a case control study. Immuncytochemistry scores vs. histopathological examination in one tertiary- and secondary-level hospital in Bandung; two secondary level hospital in Garut and Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia. Thirty five patients with and without endometriosis were enrolled. All subjects had diagnostic procedures for endometriosis suspicion, with addition menstrual blood samples for cytopathological examination. The specimens were sent for immunocytochemistry assessment of P450 Aromatase expressions (ICAPEC). The previous procedure resulted in cut-off point of histo score (H-score), sensitivity, specificity, (+) and (-) ICAPEC predictive value. Results. The P450 Aromatase expression in endometrial cells of women with endometriosis was significantly stronger than without one. The cut-off point of H-scores to detect endometriosis was >4. By this criteria, H-score had 94.6% sensitivity, 90.9% specificity, 92% positive predictive value and 93% negative predictive value. Immunocytochemistry scoring of Aromatase P450 expression in endometrial cells (ICAPEC) derived from menstrual blood specimen was a good candidate as alternatives approach in diagnostic procedure of endometriosis. Application and evaluation in clinical practice would provide the economically benefit in diagnostic procedure.
The effect of smoking on biological change of recurrent breast cancer
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Kouhashi Rika , Yabumoto Akimichi , Morisaki Tamami , Fujita Hisakazu , Shibutani Masatsune , Takashima Tsutomu , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: March 2020

Background

The selection of treatment for a patient with breast cancer largely relies on the cancer subtype. However, this process is complicated by changes in tumor biology at relapse. Smoking has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer. The direct effect of a tobacco component delivered via blood circulation on the mammary gland tissue and subsequent DNA damage have been proposed to explain the association between cigarette smoking and breast cancer carcinogenesis. This postulation is supported by both tissue culture and animal studies demonstrating that the associated DNA damage further alters breast cancer cells, as indicated by an increased proliferative capacity and malignant transformation. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between changes in Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) each receptor at recurrence, and smoking and the prognosis after recurrence.

Methods

This retrospective study included 989 patients with primary breast cancer who developed relapse after surgery and 50 patients who underwent regenerative biopsy or surgery from December 2007 to March 2018. ER, PgR, and HER2 expression in the primary and recurrent lesions was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and the correlations of these expression patterns with smoking history (pack-years) were examined.

Results

When ER was evaluated in recurrent tumors, negative and positive conversions were recognized in 3 (6.0%) and 1 patient (2.0%), respectively. When PgR was evaluated, negative conversion was recognized in 15 patients (30.0%). When HER2 was evaluated, positive conversion was recognized in 6 patients (12.0%). Consequently, we observed a change in the intrinsic subtype in in 5 patients with recurrent tumors (10.0%). Although most clinical factors were not correlated with smoking, a positive conversion of HER2 in recurrence was significantly more frequent among smokers than among non-smokers (p=0.024).

Conclusions

Biological changes during breast cancer recurrence should be given careful clinical consideration because they affect treatment after recurrence. Our results suggest that smoking may induce increased HER2 expression in recurrent breast tumors.
Rickettsia spp. in rodent-attached ticks and first evidence of Spotted fever Group Rickettsia species Candidatus Rickettsia uralica in Europe.
Authors: Vikentjeva Maria , Geller Julia , Remm Jaanus , Golovljova Irina
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND Rickettsia spp. are human pathogens that cause a number of diseases and are transmitted by arthropods, including ixodid ticks. Estonia contributes a region, where the distribution area of two exophilic tick species of known medical importance, Ixodes persulcatus and I. ricinus, overlap. The presence of the nidicolous rodent-associated I. trianguliceps has recently been shown for Estonia. Although there is no Estonian data available on human disease caused by tick-borne Rickettsia spp., the presence of three Rickettsia species in non-nidicolous ticks, albiet at very dissimilar rates, was also previously reported. The aim of this studywas to screen, identify and characterize Rickettsia species in nidicolous and non-nidicolous ticks attached to rodents. RESULTS Nymphs and larvae of I. ricinus ( n = 1004), I . persulcatus ( n = 75) and I. trianguliceps ( n = 117) attached to rodents and shrews caught in different parts of Estonia were studied for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by nested PCR. Ticks were removed from 314 small animals of 5 species (bank voles Myodes glareolus , yellow necked mice Apodemus flavicollis , striped field mice A. agrarius, pine voles M. subterranius and common shrews S. araneus) . Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8,7% (103/1186) studied ticks. In addition to R. helvetica, previously found in questing ticks, this study reports the first identification of the recently described I. trianguliceps- associated Candidatus R. uralica in west of the Ural.
Systematic evaluation of supervised machine learning for sample origin prediction using metagenomic sequencing data
Authors: Chen Chih-yu , Tyler Andrea D
Published: March 2020

Background:The advent of metagenomic sequencing provides microbial abundance patterns that can be leveraged for sample origin prediction. Supervised machine learning classification approaches have been reported to predict sample origin accurately when the origin has been previously sampled. Using metagenomic datasets provided by the 2019 CAMDA challenge, we evaluated the influence of technical, analytical and machine learning approaches for result interpretation and source prediction of new origins.Results:Comparison between 16S rRNA amplicon and shotgun sequencing approaches as well as metagenomic analytical tools showed differences in measured microbial abundance of the same samples, especially for organisms present at low abundance. Shotgun sequence data analyzed using Kraken2 and Bracken taxonomic annotation, had higher detection sensitivity than did other methods. As classification models are limited to labeling previously trained origins, we proposed an alternative approach using Lasso-regularized multivariate regression to predict geographic coordinates for comparison. In both models, the prediction errors were much higher in Leave-1-city-out than in 10-fold cross validation, the former of which realistically forecasted the difficulty in accurately predicting samples from new origins than pre-trained origins. The challenge was further confirmed using mystery samples obtained from new origins. Overall, prediction performances between regression and classification models, as measured by mean squared error, were comparable on mystery samples. Due to higher prediction errors for samples from new origins, we provided an additional strategy based on prediction ambiguity to infer whether a sample is from a new origin for practical applications. Lastly, we showed increased prediction error when data from a different sequencing protocol were included as training data.Conclusions:Here we highlighted the capacity of predicting sample origin accurately with pre-trained origins and the challenge of predicting new origins through both regression and classification models. Overall, the work provided a summary evaluation of sequencing techniques, protocol, taxonomic analytical approaches, and machine learning approaches to inform future designs in metagenomic prediction of sample origin.
Quantitative proteomic analysis shows alterations in patient Rett syndrome iPSC cultures at early neuronal progenitor stages
Authors: Varderidou-Minasian Suzy , Hinz Lisa , Hagemans Dominique , Posthuma Danielle , Altelaar Maarten , Heine Vivi M.
Published: March 2020

BackgroundRett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disease that is characterized by abnormalities in cognitive, social and motor skills. RTT is often caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). The mechanism by which impaired MeCP2 induces the pathological abnormalities in the brain is not understood. Both patients and mouse models have shown abnormalities at molecular and cellular level before typical RTT-associated symptoms appear. This implies that underlying mechanisms are already affected during neurodevelopmental stages.MethodsTo understand the molecular mechanisms involved in disease onset, we used an RTT patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based model with isogenic controls and performed time-series of proteomic analysis using in-depth high-resolution quantitative mass spectrometry during early stages of neuronal development. ResultsWe provide mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic data, depth of about 7000 proteins, at neuronal progenitor developmental stages of RTT patient cells and isogenic controls. Our data gives evidence of proteomic alteration at early neurodevelopmental stages, suggesting alterations long before the phase that symptoms of RTT syndrome become apparent. We found changes in proteins involved in pathway associated with RTT phenotypes, including dendrite morphology and synaptogenesis. Differential expression increased from early to late neural stem cell phases, although proteins involved in immunity, metabolic processes and calcium signaling were affected throughout all stages analyzed. LimitationsThe limitation of our study is the number of biological replicates. As the aim of our study was to investigate a large number of proteins, only a limited amount of biological replicates were suitable for inclusions without reducing the number of target proteins. Therefore, larger sample sizes derived from RTT patients will be needed to validate results. ConclusionsOur results provide a valuable resource of proteins to study potential targets for early treatment of RTT symptoms. We found consistent and time-point specific alterations during early neuronal differentiation in RTT cultures. Insight into altered protein levels can help development of new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches in RTT syndrome. Therefore, we hope that our results give awareness of the early pre-natal onset of RTT, providing new insights to explore early diagnosis and treatment.
Validity and reproducibility of a semi-quantitative multiple-choice food frequency questionnaire in adults living in central Iran
Authors: Zimorovat Alireza , Moghtaderi Fatemeh , Amiri Mojgan , Raeisi-Dehkordi Hamidreza , Mohyadini Matin , Mohammadi Mohammad , Zarei Sadegh , Karimi-Nazari Elham , Mirzaei Masoud , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: March 2020

Background: To the best of our knowledge, no study has tried to develop and validate a multiple-choice food-based FFQ in Iran using weighed dietary records.This study aimed to investigate the validity and reproducibility of a multiple-choice semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) in adults living in central Iran.Methods: Participants attended a large long-term clinical trial were asked to complete three SQ-FFQs by interview, and nine 3-day weighed dietary records (WDRs), over nine months. They provided two blood samples to assess serum calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C levels. The Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess reproducibility and validity. The degree of misclassification was explored by using a contingency table of quartiles which is compare the information between third FFQ and WDRs. The method of triads was incorporated to assess validity coefficients between estimated intakes using third FFQ, WDRs, and biochemical markers and assumed true intakes.Results: A total of 180 adults aged 48.9±8.4 years completed the study. Compared to WDRs, FFQs overestimated all nutrients intakes except for iron. The median Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.31, 0.44, and 0.38 for FFQ1-FFQ2, FFQ1-FFQ3 and FFQ2-FFQ3, respectively and ICC ranged from 0.43 (thiamin) to 0.73 (vitamin D, median: 0.56). The de-attenuated, age, sex, and education adjusted correlation coefficients ranged from 0.01 for vitamin A to 0.40 for vitamin B12 and -0.05 for vitamin A to 0.41 for manganese (median: 0.17 and 0.26) for FFQ1-WDR and FFQ3-WDR, respectively. The median exact agreement and complete disagreement between FFQ3 and WDRs were 33% and 6%, respectively. The FFQ3 validity coefficients for vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and zinc were 0.13, 0.62, 0.89, and 0.66, respectively, using the triads method.Conclusions: The SQ-FFQ seems to be an acceptable tool to assess the long-term dietary intake for future large-scale studies in this population.
Does Vitamin D Deficiency in Different Periods of Gestation Have the Same Effect on Preterm Birth? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yi bin , Lian Rui-han , Qi Ping-an , Yuan Tao , Yan Pei-jing , Qiu Wen-wen , Wang Meng , Wei Ying , Qiu Jie , Hu Ya-guang , Yang Ke-hu
Published: March 2020

Background: Current studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can produce a certain effect for preterm birth, but there is no research showing whether vitamin D deficiency has a consistent effect in different pregnancies; thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 observational studies, grouping them according to the gestational age at the time of serum sampling, to investigate whether vitamin D deficiency in different periods of gestation has different effects on preterm birth and to provide an evidence-based basis for pregnant women to measure and supplement vitamin D. Methods: The databases PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, CBM, and CNKI were searched until July 2019. Two researchers independently assessed the eligibility and quality of studies, and STATA 12.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Result: Seven cohort studies, 13 case-control studies, and four cross-sectional studies were included from 2500 articles by inclusion and exclusion criteria. After adjusting for age, race, and other confounding factors, meta-analysis results showed that vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester, the second trimester and the third trimester did not increase the risk of preterm birth (odds ratio (OR) = 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.88, 1.16), P = 0.867; OR = 1.12, 95%CI (0.92, 1.37), P = 0.249; OR = 1.05, 95%CI (0.87, 1.27), P = 0.602). However, there was moderate heterogeneity in the study of vitamin D deficiency in the second trimester, and subgroup analysis suggested that vitamin D deficiency in the second trimester may increase the risk of preterm birth (OR = 1.33, 95%CI (1.15, 1.54), P = 0.000). A sensitivity analysis of the second trimester showed that excluding any one study did not significantly change the results. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency in early and late pregnancy may not be associated with preterm birth, while vitamin D deficiency in middle pregnancy is likely to have an important effect on preterm birth. Vitamin D levels should be measured in the second trimester of pregnancy, and vitamin D supplements should be provided if necessary.
Tissue Doppler imaging and strain rate of the left atrial lateral wall: age related variations and comparison with parameters of diastolic function
Authors: Argento Laura Vanina , Travetto Carolina Mercedes , Colicigno Maria de las Mercedes , Marambio Gerardo , Gentile Silvia , Salvati Ana , Lax Jorge , Cianciulli Tomás
Published: March 2020

Background: Strain rate (SR) is one of the most used techniques to study left atrial (LA) although it requires post processing of the images, a learning curve and additional software, Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) is widely available and easy to use, TDI could detect changes in LA function associated with age similar to other parameters. The aim of this to evaluate lateral LA wall by DTI and SR, according to different age decades and compare them and with other parameters of diastolic function in a population of adults without cardiovascular disease. Materials and Methods: 91 healthy adults were prospectively evaluated. In apical 4-chambers view the LA lateral wall was divided into three portions. Peak velocities of basal and mid portions were measured with pulsed‐wave TDI color on line and SRI by speckle tracking. A first positive wave ( S'la and SRS) and two negative waves ( E'la and SRE, and A'la and SRA respectively) were obtained. E'la/A'la ratio and SRE/SRA ratio were analyzed. The distribution of the variables by age subgroups was described and analyzed. Correlation analyses were performed. Results: The median age was 42 years and 54.9% were female. E'la/A'la show a positive good correlation with age. E'la/A'la and SRE/SRA ratios changed from > 1 to < 1 in the age group of 41-50 years, while this occurred in the group of 51-60 years for the E/A ratio. Lateral and septal mitral annulus E´ show decrease with age and prolongation of E -wave deceleration time was observed in the age group over 61 years.Conclusion Normal values​​ according to age group of TDI of the LA lateral wall were obtained. Age-related changes in LA function could be detected as early with TDI as with SRI. Future studies are required to explore if TDI could be used as an alternative to SRI in other populations.
Knowledge and associated factors on exclusive breastfeeding among HIV positive mothers who have children age 0-24 months in Central Zone, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Embaye Hamelmal Mekonen , Gebru Teferi
Published: March 2020

Background: Although breastfeeding is widely practiced in many African countries, studies have shown that lack of knowledge, pressure, and cultural beliefs play a significant role in the success of exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess knowledge and determinant factors affecting exclusives breastfeeding among mothers living with HIV/AIDS have children age 0-24 months in central zone Tigray. Methods: A Facility-based Cross-Sectional study was carried out on April 23 to May 10, 2017. A systemic random sampling method was used to select study participants. Information was collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi info 7 and imported to SPSS version 22. Summary statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 22. Those variables having a P-value of less than 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were fitted in multivariable analysis.AOR with 95% CI and P-value<0.05 were used during multivariable analysis to identify the factors associated with the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. Result: In this study, the overall knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding was 88.4%. Monthly income (AOR: 5.57, 95% CI: (1.176-26.38)) and age at first birth (AOR: 0.339, 95% CI, (0.133-0.863) were significantly associated with knowledge of HIV positive mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: HIV positive mothers attending health care facilities in the central zone, Tigray region knowledge of the mothers was good but still now needs the effort to achieve the goal of exclusives breastfeeding. HIV positive mothers with risk factor income and Age need strict follow up to increase knowledge on exclusives breastfeeding. Keywords: Knowledge, Exclusive breastfeeding, HIV positive Mothers.
Influence of age on the diagnostic accuracy of soluble biomarkers for tuberculous pleural effusion: a post hoc analysis
Authors: Jiang Chun-Guo , Wang Wen , Zhou Qiong , Wu Xiu-Zhi , Wang Xiao-Juan , Wang Zhen , Zhai Kan , Shi Huan-Zhong
Published: March 2020

Background: Accurately diagnosing pleural effusion is a frequent and significant problem in clinical practice. We sought to evaluate the influence of age on the diagnostic values of pleural adenosine deaminase (ADA), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin 27 (IL-27) for tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). Methods: Two hundred seventy-four consecutive adult patients with pleural effusion were selected from Beijing (154 patients) and Wuhan (120 patients) during the same period and their pleural fluid concentrations of ADA, IFN-γ, and IL-27 were tested. Biomarker performance was analyzed by standard receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves according to different ages. Results: Data from the Beijing cohort showed that ADA, IFN-γ, and IL-27 could all accurately diagnose TPE in young patients (≤ 40 years of age). With a cutoff of 21.4 U/L, the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ADA for diagnosing TPE were 1.000 (95% confidence interval: 0.884–1.000), 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0, and 100.0, respectively. In older patients (> 40 years of age), IL-27 and IFN-γ were excellent biomarkers for discriminating TPE versus non-TPE cases. With a cutoff of 591.4 ng/L, the AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of IL-27 for diagnosing TPE were 0.976 (95% confidence interval: 0.932–0.995), 96.3%, 99.0%, 96.3, and 99.0, respectively. Similar diagnostic accuracy among the three pleural biomarkers was validated in the Wuhan cohort. Conclusions: Among young patients, ADA is reliable for diagnosing TPE. Conversely, in older patients, IL-27 is an excellent biomarker to differentiate TPE versus non-TPE cases.
The importance of cardiorespiratory fitness and sleep duration in early CVD prevention. BMI, resting heart rate and questions about sleep patterns are suggested in risk assessment of young adults, 18-25 years.
Authors: Fernström Maria , Fernberg Ulrika , Hurtig-Wennlöf Anita
Published: March 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) and sleep habits are lifestyle factors with potential to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, it is therefore important to establish a healthy lifestyle at young age. In the Lifestyle, biomarkers and atherosclerosis (LBA) study we have examined 834 healthy non-smoking adults, 18-25 years. The general aim of the LBA study was to evaluate the effect of lifestyle on biomarkers known to influence CVD risk in young adults. The specific aim of the present study was to evaluate sleep habits, study the effect of sleep habits on CVD risk, and compare the influence of sleep habits with other lifestyle factors, regarding CVD risk. Additional aim, in the preventive work against CVD, was to find easy and reliable biomarkers to detect young adults with increased risk to develop CVD.Methods: The participants have previously been examined for traditional CVD risk biomarkers and lifestyle factors. The participants filled in a validated computerized questionnaire about their general physical and mental health. The questionnaire included questions on sleep duration and experienced quality of sleep.Results: In total 27.1% of the young adult study participants (18-25 years) answered that they had difficulties to fall asleep or experiences anxious sleep with several awakenings per night. The experienced anxious sleep was not related to higher CVD risk score, but sleep quality and sleep duration was correlated. Shorter sleep duration was significantly associated to higher body mass index (BMI), body fat (%), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and CVD risk. The modifiable lifestyle factor with the highest odds ratio (OR) for CVD risk was cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Sleep duration was the second most influential lifestyle factor, more important than PA and food habits. Correlations between CRF and heart rate (HR) (P<0.01) and between HOMA-IR and BMI (P<0.01) was observed, indicating that BMI and resting HR in combination with questions about sleep patterns are easy and reliable biomarkers to detect young adults with increased risk to develop CVD. Conclusion: Decreased sleep duration in combination with decreased CRF, in young adults, is a serious health issue.
Association Between Wasting and Food Insecurity Among Children Under Five Years: Findings from Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2016
Authors: Nepali Sajama , Simkhada Padam , Davies Ian Glyyn
Published: March 2020

Background: Wasting is a consequences of food insecurity, poor access to appropriate, inadequate caring and feeding practices. The present study assessed association between wasting and household food insecurity among under five years children, along with other socio-demographics characteristics.Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016. The participants were children under five years of age and total children analyzed were 2414. Logistic regression was carried out to identify the risk factors of wasting using odds ratio and 95 percent confidence interval. Results: The prevalence of wasting increased with the level of food insecurity from mild (9.4%) to moderate (10.8%) and to severe (11.3%). The highest proportions of wasted children were in Province 2 (14.3%), from rural areas (10.1%), born to mothers with no education (12.4%) and from a richer wealth quintile (11.3%). Children belonging to severe food insecure households had 1.36 (95% CI 0.72-2.57) adjusted odds of being wasted and 1.38 (95% CI 0.80-2.38) crude odds of being wasted. Children born to mothers without any education had 1.84 (95% CI 1.08-3.12) crude odds of being wasted than those born to mothers with higher education in the crude analysis; however, no association was seen in the adjusted analysis with adjusted odds of 1.35 (95% CI 0.71-2.59). For children living in Province 1, the crude odds was 2.18 (95% CI 1.06-4.51); however on adjusting for other variables, the odds decreased to 2.06 (95% CI 1.01-4.19). Those for Province 2, the crude odds was 2.74 (95% CI 1.46-5.14) and the adjusted odds was 2.45 (95% CI 1.22-4.95). Conclusion: Considering the increment in childhood wasting as per level of food insecurity, an integrated intervention should be developed that addresses improving knowledge and behavior of community people on diet and nutrition as well as reducing the problem of food insecurity through agricultural interventions.
Assessment on vaccine supply chain and logistics systems in the case of Ethiopian pharmaceuticals supply agency Jimma branch, Jimma south west Ethiopia
Authors: Weledesenbet Tekalign Admsau
Published: March 2020

Background: Immunization helps save lives, protects serious illness and is recognized as one of the most effective public health intercessions and available today. However, the success of the programs depends heavily up on the immunization supply chain management including storage, transportation and handling of vaccines in a proper manner. It was therefore important to assess the immunization supply chain and logistics practice. Method: Institution-based cross sectional study was conducted from September to October 2019 in Ethiopian pharmaceuticals supply agency (EPSA) Jimma branch. Purposive sampling methods were used because the hub has completed the Woreda level vaccine transition and have better experience on vaccine management. Moreover, all staffs who directly engage on vaccine management were a respondent in this study. For the analysis of the quantitative data descriptive statistics supported by SPSS software version 20 was applied, and for qualitative data document analysis was done.Result: the study result shows that, the branch has sufficient positive storage capacity, but the available negative storage volume only covers 65% of negative storage capacity needed. Respondents were agreed on bundling practice during distribution of vaccines, Disagree on Refrigerated vehicle pre cold before loading of vaccines, whereas strongly disagree on temperature of vaccine is always monitored during transportation and availability of adequate number of vehicle for transportation of vaccines for which respondents remained neutral. The investigator has observed as continuous temperature loggers that track and record cold room, refrigerator and freezer temperature were not available to any of the storage facilities and the there is no complete set of temperature records.Conclusion: The study strongly indicates the need to improve vaccine logistics supply chain management practices, especially in the area of vaccine storage and handling and temperature monitoring. EPSA and development partners working on vaccine logistic and supply chain management should have intensify their technical and material support to improve the vaccine management practices.
Doing exercise or sport together with one’s child is positively associated with mothers’ momentary affect in daily life, but not with higher levels of overall physical activity
Authors: Kanning Martina , Do Bridgette , Mason Tyler B. , Belcher Britni R. , Yang Chih-Hsiang , Dunton Genevieve F.
Published: March 2020

Background Physical inactivity is a widespread problem with a great need for innovative intervention concepts to overcome it. Epidemiological studies have identified working women in high-income Western countries to be at greater risk for physical inactivity. The current study included working mothers and examined within-subject associations between doing exercise/sport together with one’s child and five different affective states, and with light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Method: During one week, mothers (N = 192) completed up to eight ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys a day to assess momentary affect and certain situational circumstances (e.g., doing exercise/sport, being together with child). Physical activity was assessed objectively with waist-worn accelerometers.Results Multilevel analysis showed that doing exercise/sport together with one’s child was associated with higher positive affect and lower negative affect compared to being active alone. However, greater frequency of doing exercise/sport together with children was negatively associated with MVPA.Conclusion Due to the positive effect on momentary affect, combining spending time together with one’s child and doing simultaneously exercise/sport might be a good strategy of pairing two relevant personal goals. However, this strategy was not associated with sufficient MVPA.
Can Search Query Forecast successfully in China’s novel coronavirus（2019-nCov）pneumonia?
Authors: Xiaoxuan Li , Qi Wu , Benfu Lv
Published: March 2020

Background: Recently the 2019-nCov pneumonia outbreak in China then the world. Search Query performs well in forecasting the epidemics. It is still a suspense whether search query can forecast the drift and the inflexion in 2019-nCov pneumonia. Based on the Baidu Search Index, we propose three prediction models: composite Index, composite Index with filtering (Fourier Transform) and suspected NCP(Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia) cases. With the trained models, we predict the new confirmed cases of 2019-nCov of forecast-period from Feb. 3rd to 9th. Attempting to identify the next peak period, we further estimate 10 day out-of-sample of the new confirmed cases from Feb. 10th to 19th.Results: We select 16 search queries related to NCP and calculate the correlation coefficient. The maximum correlation coefficient of search queries is above 0.8. The composite Index performs 10 days ahead of the new confirmed cases. With the In-sample prediction, the result demonstrates that the predictive model of composite index with filtering performs the best with MAPE 24.98% and RMSE 192.71. By contract, the predictive model of the suspected NCP cases is calculated with the prediction error of MAPE 8.82% and RMSE 368.51(almost twice the best model). With the Out-of-sample prediction, we monitor that there might be a peak value in Feb. 16th to 17th in the next ten days.Conclusion: With noise filtering, the predictive model can forecast the new confirmed NCP cases more accurately. However, the filtering eliminates the violent fluctuations of the series and cannot capture the rising and declining details of the predicted values. On contrast, the prediction accuracy based on search composite index is sensitive to prediction of peak and valley although its prediction error is larger. These two predictive models can be combined: monitoring the further volatility trend with filtering model while identifying the inflexion with composite model.
Correlates of depressive disorders and quality of life among older adults in six low and middle-income countries: WHO country-wide study on global ageing and adult health
Authors: Dwomoh Duah , Amuasi Susan Ama , Incoom Gabriel , Yawson Alfred Edwin , Asampong Emmanuel , Bosomprah Samuel
Published: March 2020

Background The diagnosis and treatment of Depressive Disorders (DD) remain a challenge in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Identifying the most important correlate of DD would serve as a guide in the design and implementation of targeted intervention in resource-constrained LMICs. This study determined whether there is/are common risk factor(s) of DD across the six LMICs and whether there is a risk factor that can be ranked consistently as the most important predictor of DD in all the six LMICs. We further estimated the impact of DD on the quality of life (QoL).Methods We used data from the World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Weighted dominance analysis was performed to determine the most important risk factor of DD. We applied inverse probability weighting Poisson regression adjustment to estimate the impact of DD on QoL for each country and further estimated the overall effect of DD on QoL in the six countries by computing a weighted average of the country-specific estimate using the technique of meta-analysis.Results Among the 58 risk factors investigated, Asthma was the most common and the most important predictor of DD across all six LMICs. DD contributed to a 12% increase in the poor QoL in China, (prevalence difference (PD)=0.12; 95% CI: 0.07-0.18, p<0.001). In India (PD=0.08; 95% CI: 0.04-0.13, p<0.01) and Russian Federation (PD=0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.15, p<0.01). Although there was some increase in poor QoL in Mexico, Ghana, and South Africa due to DD, the increase was not statistically significant.Conclusions Asthma is a major contributing factor to the high prevalence of DD among older adults and could have a direct or indirect effect on QoL. We recommend integrated intervention for Asthma patients that incorporates the diagnosis and treatment of DD. Access to quality mental healthcare should be a major government priority in LMICs.
Social, Economic, and Legislative Factors and Global Road Traffic Fatalities
Authors: Haghighi Mohammad Reza Rahmanian , Sayari Mohammad , Ghahramani Sulmaz , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: March 2020

Background: Road traffic fatalities (RTF) is the 8th cause of mortality around the world. At the end of the Decade of Action, it would be of utmost importance to revisit our knowledge on the determinants of RTF.Methods: We used Road Safety Development Index (RSDI) which accounts for the interactions between system, human and products to assess the RTF in 115 and 113 countries in 2013 and 2016, respectively. To analyze data, three statistical procedures (linear regression, Classification and Regression Trees (CART), and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS)) were employed.Results: CART has the best performance amongst all others followed by MARS for 2013 and 2016 data set with an R2 around 0.83. Results show that any increase in human development index (HDI) was associated with RTF reduction. Comparing RTF data of 2013 and 2016, 8 countries experienced a change of more than 30%. RTF change in these countries showed significant relationship with GINI index. Considering the three components of HDI, it is revealed that education explained most of RTF variation in CART model followed by income and life expectancy.Conclusion: Policy makers can make provisions to reduce RTF in the long run by focusing on enhancing the three components of HDI, mainly education. However, there is a need to investigate the correlation among these three components with RTF with different time-trend procedures.
Sagittal Abdominal Diameter and its Socioeconomic Correlates: Perspective of Sex Differences
Authors: Li Chang , Harris Marcelline , Tsilimingras Dennis , Liu Sophia , Sheng Ying , Liu Xuefeng
Published: March 2020

Background Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) is an anthropometric measure of visceral adiposity. It remains unclear whether SAD and its socio-economic correlates differ in women and men, which limits the epidemiological and clinical applications of the SAD measurement. Methods A complex stratified multistage clustered sampling design was used to select 6,975 men and 7,079 women aged 18 years or more from the National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey 2011-2016, representative of the US civilian non-institutionalized population. SAD was measured in accordance to the standard protocols using a two-arm abdominal caliper. The sex differences in SAD and its socio-economic correlates were evaluated by performing weighted independent t tests and weighted multiple regression. Results SAD was lower in women than in men in the entire sample, as well as in all subgroups characterized by age, race, body mass index, birth place, and household income except for non-Hispanic blacks and those with household income < $20,000. Adjusted for other characteristics, SAD increased with age and body mass index for both women and men (p<.0001). Compared to white women, Asian women were associated with lower SAD (p=.018), and black women with higher SAD (p<.0001). Compared to white men, Hispanic and Asian men were associated with lower SAD (both p<.0001). Women born in other countries were more likely to have lower SAD than women born in the US (p<.0001), and so were men (p=.0118). Both women and men with a household income of <$75,000 had higher SAD than those with an income of over $75,000.Conclusion Women have lower SAD than men in the general population as well as in the most socio-economic subgroups. Socio-economic correlates of SAD were consistent in women and men.
Understanding mobile application development and implementation to monitor Posyandu data in Indonesia: a 3-years hybrid action research to build "a bridge" from community to national use
Authors: Rinawan Fedri Ruluwedrata , Susanti Ari Indra , Amelia Indah , Ardisasmita Mulya Nurmansyah , Widarti  , Dewi Rima Kusumah , Ferdian Dani , Purnama Wanda Gusdya , Purbasari Ayi
Published: March 2020

Background. There is little evidence available to better understand how mobile health application technology on mother and child health is designed. This study aimed: (a) to explore community health worker (CHW)/cadre and mothers’ activities information related with Posyandu, as well as inputs and feedbacks in developing the Posyandu mobile application, (b) to compare between training and implementation phases of the application, (c) and to see the potential use of the Posyandu mobile application in the country. Method. Using a hybrid method in which the action research principles and qualitative-quantitative methods were synergistically combined for the end users. The study was conducted in Pasawahan sub-district, Purwakarta, Indonesia from 2017 to 2019. Content analysis, coding and categorizing were done using NVivo 12 Pro for the transcribed data. Wilcoxon Test (2018 and 2019) was conducted using STATA 15 Special Edition. Results. (1) the use of CHW notebook for data entry in Posyandu information system book made a long delay in the data reporting process, thus, the development of mobile application would be necessary, (2) there were significant differences of CHW’s knowledge (p=0.000) and skills (p=0.0097) on training (2018) and Posyandu phases (2019), (3) As many as 964 posyandu are registered to Posyandu mobile application from almost all provinces in Indonesia. Conclusions. The 3-years hybrid approach suggests the crucial phases to build a mobile application in a more user-friendly manner that can replace the CHW’s old-fashion book use, and that it is promising for national use.
Income transfer program for people with disabilities over 16 years old in Brazil
Authors: Kohatsu Giovanna , Campos Mariana Dias , Silva Eraldo Schunk , Rudey Edson Luciano , Yamaguchi Mirian Ueda , Massuda Ely Mitie
Published: March 2020

Background: The Continuous Cash Benefit Program, known by BPC, is a public policy for assistance that guarantees a monthly income of a minimum wage to the elderly over 65 years old and people with disabilities in a state of poverty. The objective of this study was to analyze the socio-demographic profile of BPC applicants of people with disabilities, their concessions, and rejections, in the category over 16 years old and to identify the prevalence of the main International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) among the BPC concessions, and the main determinants of the concession. Methods: Exploratory, cross-sectional and retrospective study, with applicants for BPC - People with Disabilities - 16 years or older as of the target audience. The Expert Medical Assessment forms provided by the National Social Security Institute of Brazil from May 2015 to October 2017 were analyzed. Results: The rejections exceeded the concessions, and the incomplete elementary education, mental and behavioral disorders prevailed as the predominant ICD-10 among the 1134 applications analyzed. The main cause of rejection corresponded to the non-fulfillment of the disability criteria for access to the BPC. Concession rates were lower for women, and moderate, severe and complete degrees led to higher concession rates. Conclusion: Although there are social assistance laws for people with disabilities and low income, this population is still in a state of vulnerability.
Prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated risk factors among adults aged ≥ 35 years in northern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xi Yunfeng , Author) Liwei Niu(Former Corresponding , Cao Ning , Bao Han , Xu Xiaoqian , Zhu Hao , Yan Tao , Zhang Nan , Qiao Liying , Han Ke , Hang Gai , Wang Wenrui , Author) Xingguang Zhang(New Corresponding
Published: March 2020

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence has increased continuously over the last 30 years in China. Dyslipidemia is an important modifiable risk factor in CVD. We aimed to collect current data on the prevalence of dyslipidemia in northern China and explore potential influencing factors.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we selected a representative sample of 65,128 participants aged ≥35 years in Inner Mongolia during 2015–2017. All participants completed a questionnaire and were examined for risk factors. Dyslipidemia was defined according to 2016 Chinese guidelines for adults. The associated factors for dyslipidemia were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: The age-standardized prevalence of dyslipidemia was 31.2% overall, with 4.3%, 2.4%, 14.7%, and 17.4% for high total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), respectively. The dyslipidemia prevalence was significantly higher in men than women (37.9% vs. 27.5%, P<0.001), but postmenopausal women had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia components (except low HDL-C). Compared with Han participants, Mongol participants had a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia (29.1% vs. 31.4%, P<0.001). Male sex, living in urban areas, Han ethnicity, smoking, obesity, central obesity, hypertension, and diabetes were significantly associated with higher risk of dyslipidemia; alcohol consumption was linked to lower risk of dyslipidemia.Conclusions: Our study revealed that dyslipidemia is a health problem in northern China. Greater efforts to prevent and manage dyslipidemia, especially in men under age 55 years, postmenopausal women, and people with unhealthy lifestyles or chronic diseases.
How has the Stop Transmission of Polio Program consultants and Open Data Kit technology contributed towards polio eradication efforts in Kenya?
Authors: Tesfaye Brook , Sowe Alieu , Makam Jeevan K.
Published: March 2020

Background: Polio eradication efforts in Kenya include the development of a skilled local workforce and the application of innovative technologies. This paper describes the role of Stop Transmission of Polio Program (STOP) consultants and the use of Open Data Kit (ODK) technology in strengthening polio eradication efforts in Kenya.Methods: Overview of the STOP program, deployment, and the modality of support is described. The application of innovative ODK technology was examined. Descriptive analysis was conducted on data collected by the STOP consultants during supportive supervisions using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 22) and maps were developed using Quantum Geographic Information System (GIS) (version 3.4.1).Results: STOP consultants supportively supervised eight hundred seventy health facilities both on routine immunization (RI) and on Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system in 16 (34.1%) counties during the study period. Active surveillance for AFP was conducted in all health facilities supervised, and 11 unreported cases of AFP were detected and investigated. STOP consultants, as part of an outbreak response, provided technical support on five successive rounds of polio Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) conducted during period studied. Moreover, addressing programmatic data needs, the STOP data manager has played a valuable role in enhancing the quality and use of data for evidence-based decision-making, both routine immunization and AFP surveillance. ODK technology was used in AFP surveillance, routine and supplementary immunization activities being a part of the package of electronic tools available in the country. Conclusion: STOP consultants have contributed extensively to polio eradication efforts in Kenya, through enhancing active case search, supporting outbreak response, strengthening routine immunization program, training/ capacity building of Frontline Health Workers (FLW), data analysis, interpretation and supportive supervision. The application of ODK technology has contributed to generating real-time quality data for informed decision making including spatial data, even in resource-limited hard to reach settings where the likelihood of poliovirus transmission is higher. A national STOP program should be modeled to produce homegrown qualified personnel who are able to support eradication and response activities in Kenya.