bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DECENTRALISATION AND EDUCATION FOR ALL IN INDONESIA
Authors: Kuhon Richard Richy
Published: January 2020

The discourse on decentralisation in developing countries is seen as a strategy in restructuring and improving economic, social and public welfare including the education sector. This idea is fundamentally in line with the goals of Education for All (EFA). The experience of Indonesia that had shifted from a strongly centralised system to a decentralised one in the early 2000s provides an interesting case. This article argues that the current decentralised system in education has seen an insignificant effect in achieving EFA. Through an extensive literature study, this article draws attention to the  particular concerns of human resources, curriculum, corruption and poverty issues as contributing factors to the seemingly failing efforts in the decentralised settings, all in the light of Indonesia's historical development.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of cellular composition of the immune system of lymph nodes in acute appendicitis
Authors: Żurawski Jakub , Talarska Patrycja , Łazowski Stanisław , Grochowalski Marcin , Karoń Jacek
Published: January 2020

Introduction. There is not much data about the composition of populations of the immune system in acute appendicitis. The basic histopathological criterion for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is neutrophil infiltration of the muscle membrane. Aim. The subject of this publication is a semi-quantitative evaluation of B lymphocytes (CD20+), T lymphocytes (CD3+) and macrophages (CD68+), and the determination of the number of active lymph nodes during the course of inflammation.Material and Methods. The study material was obtained from 79 patients who had an appendectomy due to acute appendicitis. In this group, the tissue was obtained from: 34 women (aged 20 to 91) and 45 men (aged 20 to 72).Results. In the course of acute appendicitis, there is involvement of lymph node B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and macrophages. Independent of the type of inflammation, the cellular make-up of the nodes is similar. The number of lymph nodes decreases with age and is gender dependent.Conclusions. In the course of acute appendicitis, there is involvement of lymph node B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and macrophages. The number of lymph nodes decreases with age and is gender dependent. A statistically significant number of the examined cells of the immunological system in the lymph nodes changed due to inflammation (p<0.001). B and T lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and in the mucous membrane of the appendix differed depending on the sex, and the presence of B lymphocytes in the mucous membrane was significantly higher in the group of 20-40 years of age. T lymphocytes were predominant in the centres of the lymph nodes in groups 20-40 and 61-91 years of age, and in the peripheral zones in the group of 41-60 years of age.
Technological advances in free-circulating tumor-derived DNA methylation analysis
Authors: Skalski Marcin , Paluszczak Jarosław
Published: January 2020

Cancers still constitute an important health burden, due to their high incidence and mortality. The discovery and clinical implementation of novel sensitive diagnostic markers could improve treatment outcomes. Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) offers great promise for the development of new molecular biomarkers. However, the analysis of ccfDNA methylation poses significant challenges due to ccfDNA fragmentation and low concentration in the blood. Techniques which have recently been developed for liquid biopsy studies have been adapted to the detection of trace amounts of ccfDNA. This mini-review focuses on recent technological advances which allow the discovery of new sensitive and specific liquid biopsy cancer biomarkers based on DNA methylation detection.
Education in Occupational Therapy: The Transition to the Academic Level. Changing the Professional Identity of Occupational Therapists in Switzerland
Authors: Thomann Ursula Gubler
Published: January 2020

The aim of the article is to summarise the development of the teaching and training programme for occupational therapy in the German part of Switzerland over the years 2006-2019. As the responsible program director and project manager in the transition from higher education to an academic level, the author of this article was strongly involved in changing the professional identity of occupational therapists in Switzerland. The following text presents her personal overview of this transition. The main focus lies on education, the change process and how academisation has gradually changed the curriculum in Switzerland.
Design of Wireless Network System for Digital Village Using Wireless Distribution System
Authors: Rusdan Muchamad
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this research is to create a wireless network design in Cijambe Village using WDS so that Cijambe Village can enjoy internet services through wireless networks, which can be used to find information, communication, and market products owned by village communities. A wireless network is one of the best alternatives in building a computer network that is practical and flexible and has high mobility. Most organizations use wireless networks to support existing cable networks, but in reality, the wireless network still uses Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable media as the backbone of Access Points (AP). Cijambe Village is a village located in Paseh District, Sumedang Regency. Cijambe village is divided into two hamlets, namely Cijambe Hamlet and Parugpug Hamlet. Cijambe village has an area of 357 hectares. The research method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive research method. The steps taken in this research are analysis and design. the conclusion is that wireless network design for digital villages using Wireless Distribution System (WDS) has a better degree of flexibility than the backbone that uses Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. Radio wave signals from 19 AP units can reach the entire area of Cijambe Village which has an area of 357 hectares and is divided into 2 hamlets namely, Hamlet Cijambe and Parugpug Hamlet. The design made has thought of a standard level of security with routers and firewalls.
Women’s empowerment is associated with maternal nutrition and low birth weight: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Kabir Alamgir , Rashid Md Mahbubur , Hossain Kamal , Khan Md Arifuzzaman , Sikder Shegufta Shefa , Gidding Heather F
Published: January 2020

Background
The burden of maternal undernutrition and low birth weight (LBW) incurs enormous economic costs due to their adverse consequences. Women’s empowerment is believed to be one of the key factors for attaining maternal and child health and nutritional goals. Our objective was to investigate the association of women’s empowerment with maternal undernutrition and LBW.
Methods
We used nationally representative data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey for 2011 and 2014. We analysed 27,357 women and 9,234 mother-child pairs. A women’s empowerment index (WEI) was constructed using principal component analysis with five groups of indicators: a) education, b) access to socio-familial decision making, c) economic contribution and access to economic decision making, d) attitudes towards domestic violence and e) mobility. We estimated odds ratios as the measure of association between the WEI and the outcome measures using generalized estimating equations to account for the cluster level correlation.
Results
The overall prevalence of maternal undernutrition was 20% and LBW was 18%. The WEI was significantly associated with both maternal undernutrition and LBW with a dose-response relationship. The adjusted odds of having a LBW baby was 32% [AOR (95% CI):0.68 (0.57, 0.82)] lower in the highest quartile of the WEI relative to the lowest quartile. Household wealth significantly modified the effect of the WEI on maternal nutrition.; in the highest wealth quintile, the odds of maternal undernutrition was 54% [AOR (95% CI): 0.46 (0.33, 0.64)] lower while in the lowest wealth quintile the odds of undernutrition was only 18% [AOR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.67, 1.00)] lower comparing the highest WEI quartile with the lowest WEI quartile. However, the absolute differences in prevalence of undernutrition between the highest and lowest WEI quartiles were similar across wealth quintiles (6-8%).
Conclusions
This study used a comprehensive measure of women’s empowerment and provides strong evidence that low levels of women’s empowerment is associated with maternal undernutrition as well as with delivering LBW babies in Bangladesh. Therefore, policies to increase empowerment of women would contribute to improved public health.
Competing demands in postpartum care: A national survey of U.S. providers’ priorities and practice
Authors: Krishnamurti Tamar , Simhan Hyagriv N , Borrero Sonya
Published: January 2020

Background: A new movement towards improved postpartum care calls for restructuring how that care is provided. As professional guidelines evolve, understanding how providers currently prioritize and practice postpartum care can offer insights about those elements of care that may be currently overperformed, as well as those that may warrant more routine practice.
Methods: We surveyed 600 randomly-sampled U.S. postpartum care providers about their priorities for and the frequency with which specific elements of care are provided, as well as the feasibility of remote delivery of postpartum care provision (i.e., telemedicine).
Results: The survey response rate was 43% across medical specialties. Providers reported an average of only 24.4 ± 11.7 minutes available to spend on the postpartum visit. Certain types of postpartum care were highly prioritized and routinely performed, such as depression screening. Yet, there were also noted discrepancies between prioritized and performed care, revealing competing demands on providers’ time. For example, pelvic exams were performed more often than similarly prioritized care, whereas screening for intimate partner violence and substance use were performed less often than similarly-prioritized care. Certain types of care were identified as important that are not explicitly addressed by national practice guidelines (e.g. transitioning to parenthood). Approximately 25% of respondents regarded telemedicine as a feasible remote care delivery alternative to much of the care currently provided in-person.
Conclusions: The time providers have available to offer comprehensive postpartum care is constrained. Understanding how certain elements of care may be competing with one another at a single postpartum visit highlights those elements of care, which may be currently underperformed, as well as those elements of care that may warrant evaluation for future inclusion in standard care. For providers experiencing time constraints, complementary remote care represents a potentially viable approach to implementing recommendations for transitioning the traditional visit to a more frequent, ongoing postpartum care process. In calling for a new approach to postpartum care delivery, professional organizations should consider the practices and priorities of their constituency as they revise guidelines and shape future research about the value of specific postpartum services.
Next-Generation Sequencing Identified Novel Desmoplakin Frame-shift Variant in Patients with Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lin Xiaoping , Ma Yuankun , Cai Zhejun , Wang Qiyuan , Wang Lihua , Huo Zhaoxia , Hu Dan , Wang Jian'an , Xiang Meixiang
Published: January 2020

Background: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is one of the leading causes for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Recent studies have identified mutations in cardiac desmosomes as key players in the pathogenesis of AC. However, the specific etiology in individual families remains largely unknown. Methods: A 4-generation family presenting with syncope, lethal ventricular arrhythmia and SCD was recruited. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed and validated by Sanger sequencing. Plasmids containing the mutation and wild type (WT) were constructed, real-time PCR, western-blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the functional change due to the mutation. Results: The proband, a 56-year-old female, presented with recurrent palpitations and syncope. An ICD was implanted due to her family history of SCD/ aborted SCD. NGS revealed a novel heterozygous frame-shift variant ( c.832delG ) in Desmoplakin ( DSP ) among 5 family members. The variant led to frame-shift and premature termination, producing a truncated protein. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) of the family members carrying the same variant shown myocardium thinning and fatty infiltration in the right ventricular, positive bi-ventricular late gadolinium enhancement and severe RV dysfunction, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of AC. HEK293T cells transfected with mutant expressed truncated DSP mRNA and protein, upregulation of nuclear junction plakoglobin ( JUP ) and downregulation of β-catenin, when compared with WT. Conclusion: We infer that the novel c.832delG variant in DSP was associated with AC in this family, likely through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Nasogastric tube feeding versus assisted hand feeding in-home healthcare older adults with severe dementia in Taiwan: a prognosis comparison
Authors: Chou Hsiao-Hui , Tsou Meng-Ting , Hwang Lee-Ching
Published: January 2020

Backgrounds: All individuals with severe dementia should be offered careful hand feeding. However, under certain circumstances, people with severe dementia have a feeding tube placed. In Taiwan, tube feeding rate in demented older home care residents is increasing；however, the benefits of tube feeding in this population remain unknown. We compared the clinical prognosis and mortality of older patients with severe dementia receiving nasogastric tube feeding (NGF) or assisted hand feeding (AHF). Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study enrolled 169 participants over 60 years of age in the setting of in-home healthcare between January 1 and December 31, 2017. All subjects with documented severe dementia and complete functional dependence suffered from difficulty in oral intake and required either AHF or NGF. Data were collected from both groups to analyze pneumonia, hospitalization, and mortality rates. Results: A total of 169 subjects (56 males and 113 females, aged 85.9 ± 7.5 years) were analyzed. Of note, 39 required AHF and 130 NGF. All subjects were bedridden; 129 (76%) showed Barthel index < 10. Pneumonia risk was higher in the NGF group (48%) than in the AHF group (26%, p = 0.015). After adjusting for multiple factors in the regression model, the risk of pneumonia was not significantly higher in older subjects belonging to the NGF group compared to the AHF group. One-year mortality rates in the AHF and NGF groups were 8% and 15%, respectively, and no significant difference was observed after adjustment with logistic regression (aOR = 2.38; 95% CI, 0.58–9.70). There were no significant differences in hospitalization rate and duration. Conclusions: For older patients with dementia requiring in-home healthcare, NGF is not associated with a significantly lower risk of pneumonia than AHF. Additionally, neither mortality nor hospitalization rates decreased with NGF. On the contrary, a non-significant trend of increased risk of pneumonia was observed in NGF group. Therefore, the benefits of NGF are debatable in older patients with severe dementia requiring in-home healthcare. Continued careful hand feeding could be an alternative to NG feeding in patients with severe dementia. Furthermore, large-scale studies on home healthcare would be required to support these results.
Expert Curation of the Human and Mouse Olfactory Receptor Gene Repertoires Identifies Conserved Coding Regions Split Across Two Exons
Authors: Barnes If , Ibarra-Soria Ximena , Fitzgerald Stephen , Gonzalez Jose , Davidson Claire , Hardy Matthew , Manthravadi Deepa , Gerven Laura Van , Jorissen Mark , Zeng Zhen , Khan Mona , Mombaerts Peter , Harrow Jennifer , Logan Darren , Frankish Adam
Published: January 2020

Background: Olfactory receptor (OR) genes are the largest multi-gene family in the mammalian genome, with 874 in human and 1483 loci in mouse (including pseudogenes). The expansion of the OR gene repertoire has occurred through numerous duplication events followed by diversification, resulting in a large number of highly similar paralogous genes. These characteristics have made the annotation of the complete OR gene repertoire a complex task. Most OR genes have been predicted in silico and are typically annotated as intronless coding sequences. Results: Here we have developed an expert curation pipeline to analyse and annotate every OR gene in the human and mouse reference genomes. By combining evidence from structural features, evolutionary conservation and experimental data, we have unified the annotation of these gene families, and have systematically determined the protein-coding potential of each locus. We have defined the non-coding regions of many OR genes, enabling us to generate full-length transcript models. We found that 13 human and 41 mouse OR loci have coding sequences that are split across two exons. These split OR genes are conserved across mammals, and are expressed at the same level as protein-coding OR genes with an intronless coding region. Our findings challenge the long-standing and widespread notion that the coding region of a vertebrate OR gene is contained within a single exon.Conclusions: This work provides the most comprehensive curation effort of the human and mouse OR gene repertoires to date. The complete annotation has been integrated into the GENCODE reference gene set, for immediate availability to the research community.
The Informal Curriculum of Family Medicine – what does it entail and how is it taught to residents? A systematic review.
Authors: Rothlind Erica , Fors Uno , Salminen Helena , Wandell Per , Ekblad Solvig
Published: January 2020

Background The informal curriculum is a seemingly well-explored concept in the realm of medical education. However, it is a concept with multiple definitions and the term “the hidden curriculum” is often used interchangeably. In short, they both refer to the implicit learning taking place outside the formal curriculum, encompassing both a trickling down effect of organizational values and attitudes passed on by a mentor or colleague. While the informal curriculum is a recurrent theme in medical education literature; it is seldom discussed in Family Medicine. As the informal curriculum is likely to be highly influential in the forming of future family practitioners our aim was to explore the area further with respect to the following: which elements of the informal curriculum are applicable in a Family Medicine context and what educational interventions for Family Medicine residents, visualizing the various educational elements of it, have been performed? Methods We conducted a systematic review comprising iterative literature searches and a narrative synthesis of the results. Results 20 articles, published between 2000 and 2019, were included in the analysis which resulted in three partly interrelated themes comprising the informal curriculum in Family Medicine: gaining cultural competence, achieving medical professionalism and dealing with uncertainty. The themes on cultural competence and uncertainty seemed to be more contextual than professionalism, the latter being discussed in relation to the informal curriculum across various medical disciplines. Formalized training for Family Medicine residents in aspects of the informal curriculum appeared to be lacking, and in general the quality of the few interventional studies found was low. Conclusions Important aspects of being a family practitioner, such as cultural competence and dealing with uncertainty, are learned through a context-dependent informal curriculum. In order to ensure a more uniform base for all residents and to reduce the impact of the individual supervisor’s preferences, complementary formalized training would be beneficial. However, to date there are too few studies published to conclude how to best teach the informal curriculum.
Patient outcomes in Anteromedial Osteoarthritis Patients over 80 Years Old Undergoing Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in China
Authors: Cheng Jingbo , Feng Mingli , Cao Guanglei , Li Zheng , An Shuai , Lu Shibao
Published: January 2020

Background: Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) has increased rapidly around the world, and the effectiveness and safety of a minimally invasive surgical approach for it demonstrate excellent outcome. Oxford UKA represents an interesting solution for older patients. The aim of our study is to evaluate the perioperative complications and short-term clinical outcome and analyze the safety for older patients who undergo Oxford UKA.Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent Oxford UKA between June 2015 and January 2018. We divided all patients into three groups (ages 60–69; ages 70-79; age over 80). We used the HSS score and WOMAC score to evaluate the general condition of the patients’ knees. We also recorded perioperative complications and long-term complications.Result:60 patients (60 knees) between the ages of 60 and 69 (Group 1), 70 patients (79 knees) between the ages of 70-79 (Group 2) and 65 patients (70 knees) over 80 years old (Group 3) were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 21.34±12.04, 22.08±11.38 and 21.76 ± 10.20 months in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. At last follow-up, the patients in Group 3 showed lower function scores as compared to group 1 and 2 (P <0.05), but both the HSS score and the WOMAC score were significantly improved in both groups after surgery. The rate of perioperative complications and other complications in elderly patients is the same as in younger patients.Conclusion: Oxford UKA is an effective and safe treatment for osteoarthritis, even in old adult patients in China. The knee joint pain symptoms of the elderly patients are relieved and the function is improved, but the function is still poor compared with the younger patients.
Lentivirus expressing shRNAs inhibit the replication of Contagious Ecthyma virus by targeting DNA polymerase gene
Authors: Samani Leila Asadi , saffar behnaz , Mokhtari Azam , Arefian Ehsan
Published: January 2020

Background: Contagious ecthyma or Orf is known as a zoonotic disease remains prevalently worldwide despite the application of some control strategies against it. RNAi particularly shRNA provides us with the chance to tackle this obstacle by an encouraging new approach. The current study indicates the design and experiment of third-generation lentivirus packaging systems delivering shRNAs to inhibit Orf virus (ORFV) replication and infection. Methods: Given the importance of DNA-pol gene in virus replication, in this study, three shRNAs against this gene were designed and cloned into lentiviral vectors to stabilize the expression of shRNAs. After producing lentivectors expressing ORFV-DNA– pol in HEK293T cells, the synthesized shRNAs were applied to downregulate viral replication and gene expression. The reduction in viral titer and RNA was evaluated by TCID50 test as well as real-time RT-PCR. The results were then analyzed in comparison with the control group. Results: Designed shRNAs significantly reduced virus yield approximately 90% to 97% and 96.8% to 99.4%, respectively compared to the control groups (cells infected with ORFV and infected with ORFV and scrambled vector) by TCID50 test. Real-time RT-PCR revealed a dramatic reduction in the expression of viral RNA approximately 99% compared to cells infected with ORFV and from 92.6% to 99%, respectively compared to cells infected with ORFV and scrambled vector. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be stated that RNAi is capable of being used as a potent therapeutically option against viruses like ORFV.
Loosening and revision rates after total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review of cemented all-polyethylene glenoid and three modern designs of metal-backed glenoid
Authors: Kim Dong Min , Aldeghaither Mohammed , Alabdullatif Fahad , Shin Myung Jin , Kholinne Erica , Kim Hyojune , Jeon In-Ho , Koh Kyoung-Hwan
Published: January 2020

Background: Several modern designs of metal-backed glenoids (MBG) have been devised to overcome flaws such as loosening and a high failure rate. This review aimed to compare rates of complications and revision surgeries between cemented polyethylene glenoid (PEG) and three examples of modern MBG designs.Methods: Literature search was carried out using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using MeSH terms and natural keywords. A total of 1186 articles were screened. We descriptively analyzed numerical data between the groups and statistically analyzed the categorical data, such as the presence of radiolucent line, loosening, and revision surgery (failure). Articles were divided into three groups based on follow-up duration: < 36-month, 36–72-month, and > 72-month subgroups.Results: This study included 35 articles (3769 shoulders); 25 on cemented PEG and ten on the modern MBG. Mean age was 66.4 (21–93) and 66.5 years (31–88). The mean duration of follow-up was 73.1 (12–211) and 56.1 months (24–100). Overall, the rate of the radiolucent line was 354/1302 (27%) and 47/282 (17%), the loosening rate was 465/3185 (15 %) and 22/449 (5%), and the failure rate was 189/3316 (6%) and 11/457 (2%), for PEG and MBG, respectively. The results of < 36-month and 36–72-month subgroups showed lower rates of radiolucency and loosening in the cemented PEG group, but there was no significant difference in failure rate (P=0.754 and 0.829, respectively). In the > 72-month subgroup, MBG was better in terms of loosening (P <0.001) and failure rates (P = 0.006).Conclusions: The modern MBG component, especially TM glenoid, seems to be a promising alternative to cemented PEGs, based on subgroup revision rates according to the follow-up duration and overall results of ROM and clinical scores. All polyethylene glenoids tend to increase loosening and failure over time. Three modern MBG designs seem to have no difference in failure, at least in the < 36-month and 36–72-month subgroups compared to the cemented PEG. More long-term follow-up studies on modern MBG should be ultimately conducted.
Changes in Frailty among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults and its Predictors: Evidence from a Two-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ye Bo , Author) Hao Chen(Former Corresponding , Huang Limei , Ruan Ye , Qi Shige , Guo Yanfei , Huang Zhezhou , Sun Shuangyuan , Chen Xiuqin , Shi Yan , Author) Junling Gao(New Corresponding , Jiang Yonggen
Published: January 2020

Background: Understanding the characteristics related to frailty transitions will allow for better future health practice and healthcare strategies. We evaluated the changes in frailty among community-dwelling older adults and to examine the predictors of the changes in frailty.
Methods: A total of 4050 community residents aged ≥ 60 years were recruited in 2015 with follow-up after 2 years. At baseline, a multiple deficits approach was used to construct the Frailty Index (FI) according to the methodology of FI construction, and sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles were also collected. The transitions in frailty between baseline and 2-year follow-up were evaluated. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations between predictors and the changes of frailty, adjusting for all of the covariates.
Results: Of all of the 3988 participants at baseline, those with frailty status of robust, prefrail, and frail were 79.5%, 16.4%, and 4.1%, and these changed to 68.2%, 23.0%, and 8.8% after 2 years with 127 deceased and 23 dropped out. Twelve kinds of transitions from baseline of the three frailty statuses to four outcomes at follow-up (including death) significantly differed within each of gender and age group, as well between genders and age groups. Among these, 7.8% of prefrail or frail elders improved, 70.0% retained their frailty status, and 22.2% of robust or prefrail elders worsened in frailty status. In multivariable models, age was significantly associated with changes in frailty except for in the frail group; higher educational level and working predicted a lower risk of robust worsening. Of the lifestyle predictors, no shower facilities at home predicted a higher risk of robust worsening; more frequent physical exercise predicted a lower risk of robust worsening and a higher chance of frailty improvement; more frequent neighbor interaction predicted a lower risk of robust worsening and prefrail worsening; and more frequent social participation predicted a higher chance of prefrail improvement.
Conclusions: The status of frailty was reversible among community-dwelling elderly, and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were related to changes in frailty. These findings help health practitioners to recognize susceptible individuals in a community and provide health promotional planning to target aged populations.
One-step RT-qPCR assay for ZIKV RNA detection in Aedes aegypti samples: A protocol to study infection & gene expression during ZIKV infection
Authors: Araujo Ricardo Vieira , Feitosa-Suntheimer Fabiana , Gold Alexander S. , Londono-Renteria Berlin , Colpitts Tonya Michelle
Published: January 2020

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to humans during the bite of an infected mosquito. In a scenario of globalization and climate change, the frequency of outbreaks has and will increase in areas with competent vectors, revealing a need for continuous improvement of ZIKV detection tools in vector populations. A simple, rapid and sensitive assay for viral detection is qRT-PCR, yet oligos optimized for ZIKV detection in mammalian cells and samples have repeatedly shown high background when used on mosquito RNA. In this work we present a one-step qRT-PCR protocol that allows for the detection of ZIKV in mosquitoes and for the evaluation of gene expression from the same mosquito sample and RNA. This assay is a less expensive qRT-PCR approach than that most frequently used in the literature and has a much lower background, allowing for confident detection. Methods: Our new oligo design to detect ZIKV RNA included in silico analysis of both viral and mosquito ( Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus )genomes, targeting sequences conserved between Asian and African ZIKV lineages, but not matching Aedes genomes. This assay will allow researchers to avoid nonspecific amplification in insect samples due to viral integration into the mosquito genome, a phenomenon known to happen in wild and colonized populations of mosquitoes. Standard curves constructed with in vitro transcribed ZIKV RNA were used to optimize the sensitivity, efficiency and reproducibility of the assay. Results: Finally, the assay was used with success to detect both ZIKV RNA in infected mosquitoes and to detect expression of the Defensin A gene, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) involved in Aedes aegypti immune response to virus infection. Conclusions: The experimental approach to detect ZIKV RNA in Aedes aegypti presented here has demonstrated to be specific, sensitive and reliable, and additionally it allows for the analysis of mosquito gene expression during ZIKV infection.
Bone transport versus acute shortening for the management of infected tibial bone defects: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Hongjie , Zhu Shouyan , Li Canzhang , Xu Yongqing
Published: January 2020

Background: The treatment for infected tibial bone defects can be a great challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety between bone transport (BT) and the acute shortening technique (AST) in the treatment of infected tibial bone defects.Methods: A literature survey was conducted by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases together with the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Wanfang database for articles published up to 9 August 2019. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was adapted to evaluate the bias and risks in each eligible study. The data of the external fixation index (EFI), bone grafting, bone and functional results, complications, bone union time and characteristics of participants were extracted. RevMan v.5.3 was used to perform relevant statistical analyses. Relative risk (RR) was used for the binary variables and standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous variables. Each variable included its 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Five studies, including a total of 199 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical significance was observed in the EFI (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.01, P = 0.001) and bone grafting (RR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.46, P <0.00001); however, no significance was observed in bone union time (SMD = –0.02, 95% CI: –0.39, 0.35, P = 0.92), bone results (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.04, P = 0.41), functional results (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.08, P = 0.50) and complications (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.39, P = 0.37).Conclusions: AST is preferred from the aspect of minimising the treatment period, whereas BT is superior to AST for reducing bone grafting. Due to the limited number of trials, the meaning of this conclusion should be taken with caution for infected tibial bone defects.Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42019133659
Prevalence of 3.7 and 4.2 Deletions in Sudanese Patients with Red Cells Hypochromia and Microcytosis
Authors: Osman Hussam Ali , Hamid Muzamil Mahdi Abdel , Ahmad Rahimah Binti , Saleem Mohamed , Abdallah Sana Altahir
Published: January 2020

Objective:
Alpha-thalassemia is a genetic disorder characterized by deletions of one or more α globin genes that result in deficient of α globin chains reducing haemoglobin concentration. The study aimed to screen 97 patients with microcytosis and hypochromasia for the 3.7 and 4.2 alpha thalassemia deletion mutations.
Results:
Out of 97 patients screened, only 7 were carriers for the 3.7 deletion and all patients were negative for the 4.2 deletion. The 3.7 deletion was found in Foor, Hawsa and Rezagat Sudanese tribes. In the carriers of the 3.7 deletion, Red Blood Cells and Haematocrit were significantly increased. The Red Blood Cells were 7.23±0.78×10 12 /L in adult males and 7.21±0.67×10 12 /L in adult females while in children were 5.07±0.87×10 12 /L. The mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin were significantly decreased, but the mean cell haemoglobin concentration slightly decreased. Haemoglobin levels didn’t revealed statistically significant decrease in adult males (11.7±0.57 g/dL) and adult females (11.25±0.64 g/dL), while in children were (11.6±2.95 g/dl). Haemoglobin electrophoresis revealed two patients of the 3.7 and 4.2 negative were carriers for b-thalassemia.
The study concluded that α 3.7 deletion has frequency of 0.07 in Sudanese with hypochromasia and microcytosis.
Insufficient gestational weight gain associated with higher DNA methylation in cord blood cells
Authors: Kawai Tomoko , Miyakoshi Kei , Kasuga Yoshifumi , Tanaka Mamoru , Hata Kenichiro
Published: January 2020

Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) is one of the crucial factors affecting fetal growth as well as the in utero environment, influencing fetal cell programming during development. We reported previously that GWG affected the occurrence of outlying CpG methylation values of placental DNA in a U-shaped manner, with the occurrence of outlying values from adequate GWG subjects positioned at the bottom of the curve. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of GWG on the infant epigenome by the view that the influence of insufficient GWG on infant DNA methylation may turn in some other direction at the borderline of the optimal weight gain. Method We collected cord blood from 60 subjects with uncomplicated term delivery whose mean pre-pregnancy body mass index and mean GWG was 19.8 ± 1.9 and 8.1 ± 4.3 kg, respectively. Cord blood DNA was underwent analysis using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip to profile genome-wide methylation status. Results GWG was continuously associated with cord blood DNA methylation at five CpG loci significantly (multiple test corrected p -value, 0.043) in the lower than upper limit of the recommended GWG group (n = 51). The significant association between DNA methylation levels and GWG was disappeared when added 9 subjects who gained weight more than upper limit of recommendation during pregnancy. The methylation plot of the five loci plateaued or traced a U-curve near the border of the upper limit of the GWG recommendation. Cord blood DNA methylation of these five still tended to be associated with GWG after considering gestational age as covariate with involving the other eleven CpG sites with the same p -value (multiple test corrected p -value, 0.056). The fifteen out of the identified 16 CpG sites showed negative association between GWG and DNA methylation levels and five of them colocalized at inferred enhancer region. Conclusions It is known that demethylation at enhancer region in genome is one of the features during late fetal development. We found that insufficient GWG showed higher methylation status in some enhancer-candidate loci in cord blood cells, which may indicate incomplete demethylation during in utero development.
Genome wide analysis reveals genetic divergence between Goldsinny wrasse populations ﻿
Authors: Jansson Eeva , Besnier Francois , Malde Ketil , André Carl , Dahle Geir , Glover Kevin A.
Published: January 2020

Background Marine fish populations are often characterized by high levels of gene flow and correspondingly low genetic divergence. This presents a challenge to define management units. Goldsinny wrasse ( Ctenolabrus rupestris ) is a heavily exploited species due to its importance as a cleaner-fish in commercial salmonid aquaculture. However, at the present, the population genetic structure of this species is still largely unresolved. Here, full-genome sequencing was used to produce the first genomic reference for this species, to study population-genomic divergence among four geographically distinct populations, and, to identify informative SNP markers for future studies. Results After construction of a de novo assembly, the genome was estimated to be highly polymorphic and of ~600Mbp in size. 33 235 genome wide SNPs were thereafter selected to assess genomic diversity and differentiation among four populations collected from Scandinavia, Scotland, and Spain. Global F ST among these populations was 0.015–0.092. Approximately 4% of the investigated loci were identified as putative global outliers, and ~1% within Scandinavia. SNPs showing large divergence ( F ST >0.15) were picked as candidate diagnostic markers for population assignment. 173 of the most diagnostic SNPs between the two Scandinavian populations were validated by genotyping 47 individuals from each end of the species’ Scandinavian distribution range. 69 of these SNPs were significantly ( p <0.05) differentiated (mean F ST_173_loci = 0.065, F ST_69_loci = 0.140). Using these validated SNPs, individuals were assigned with high probability (≥ 94%) to their populations of origin. Conclusions Goldsinny wrasse displays a highly polymorphic genome, and substantial population genomic structure. Diversifying selection likely affects population structuring globally and within Scandinavia. The diagnostic loci identified now provide a promising and cost-efficient tool to investigate goldsinny wrasse populations further.
Clinical features of cryptococcaemia: 65 critical cases
Authors: Chen Ruochan , Zhou Pengcheng , Zhong Xiao , Zou Mingxiang , Li Yanming , Huang Yan
Published: January 2020

Background: Cryptococcemia is associated with poor prognosis among patients with cryptococcal diseases; however, limited data are available on the clinical features of cryptocoaemia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to describe the clinical features of cryptococcaemia. Demographic and clinical data of patients with positive blood culture of cryptococcus were obtained from the Xiangya hospital (2010–2019). Demographic and clinical information was obtained from medical records. Results: Sixty-five patients were diagnosed and treated for cryptococcaemia out of which 53 (82%, 53/65) immunosuppressed patients were afflicted with HIV (12%, 8/65), tuberculosis (8%, 5/26), liver cirrhosis (6%, 3/65), chronic renal failure (6%, 3/65), nephrotic syndrome (13%, 7/65), systemic lupus erythematosus (8%, 5/65, chronic glomerulonephritis (11%, 6/65), malignant diseases (19%, 10/65), and Diabetes (11%, 6/65). Most patients (85%, 55/65), presented with fever. Other symptoms such as cough, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, liver or spleen, and septic shock were also reported. Typically, the sites of infection included the central nervous system, lung, skin, bone, abdomen, endometrium, lymph node, and blood. Although an early systemic antifungal therapy was given to sixty-one patients within 48h of hospitalization, the 60-day mortality was higher in immunosuppressed group (53%) than the immunocompetent group (8%). Conclusions: Our study indicated that fever, sepsis, and meningeal involvement were the most common clinical features of cryptococcaemia. Receiving treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, malignant diseases and HIV infection were the three major predisposing conditions. The immunosuppressed patients with cryptococcaemia presented a higher risk of mortality with poor prognosis.
Clinical characteristics and pathogens of pediatric pyogenic liver abscess in Beijing Children’s Hospital, China
Authors: Xie Yue , Guo Ling-yun , Liu Lin-lin , Liu Bing , Feng Wen-ya , Hu Hui-li , Hu Bing , Guo Xin , Chen Tian-ming , Li Shao-ying , Qian Su-ying , Hei Ming-Yan , Zheng Hu-yong , Liu Gang
Published: January 2020

Background: Data on pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) of children in China have been limited. Method: We retrospectively reviewed PLA cases from January 2017 to June 2019 at Beijing Children’s Hospital. Clinical features and pathogens were analyzed. Results: We diagnosed 15 PLA patients in our center. Median age of onset was 3.2 years and the median diagnostic time was 9 days. Four patients (26.7%) had underlying diseases and seven patients (46.7%) had multiple organ involvement. The sensitivity achieved 100% when ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT scan were combined use to diagnose PLA. Two patients were defined pathogen through metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Finally, eleven patients (73.3%) were cured during follow-up time and four patients (26.7%) dead. Compared to the survival group and the death group, the patients in death group were more likely to have multiple organ involved (100 vs. 27%, P < 0.05) and bilateral lobe occupied ( P < 0.05) . Conclusions: PLA often occurs in patients with underlying disease. Multiple organs involved may lead to poor prognosis. mNGS can be a new method to detect pathogen.
Dietary patterns are associated with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Iranian population: A case-control study
Authors: dehghanseresht narges , Jafarirad Sima , Alavinejad Seyed Pejman , Mansoori Anahita
Published: January 2020

Background Investigating effects of whole diets on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can contribute to development of diet-based recommendations for prevention and treatment of this disease. the aim of the present study is the identification of major dietary patterns and their association with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods A total of 244 individuals (122 NAFLD patients and 122 controls) participated in this case-control study. NAFLD patients were diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. Dietary intake data of participants were collected using a 147 item semi-quantitive food frequency questionnaire and major dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. The consumption of dietary patterns was divided into tertiles. The association of dietary patterns with the odds of NAFLD was investigated by multivariate logistic regression. Results four major dietary patterns were recognized. The "ordinary pattern" adherence was positively associated with NAFLD risk. Although, results were statistically significant only for the third tertile versus the first tertile after adjusting for confounding factors (OR: 3.74, P-trend <0.001). Likewise, Adherence to the "traditional pattern" was associated with a higher risk for NAFLD. On the contrary, individuals in the third tertile of the "vegetable and dairy pattern" had a significantly decreased risk for NAFLD in comparison to the first tertile. Nevertheless, no significant association between "fast food type pattern" and the risk of NAFLD was found. Conclusion there is a significant association between different dietary patterns and the risk of NAFLD. These results can potentially serve as a dietary strategy for the prevention of NAFLD in individuals who are at high risk for the progression of NAFLD.
e-Health Interventions for Healthy Aging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Buyl Ronald , Beogo Idrissa , Fobelets Maaike , Deletroz Carole , Landuyt Philip Van , Dequanter Samantha , Gorus Ellen , Bourbonnais Anne , Giguère Anik , Lechasseur Kathleen , Gagnon Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2020

BackgroundHealthy aging (HA) is a contemporary challenge for population health worldwide. Electronic health (e-Health) interventions have the potential to support empowerment and education of adults aged 50 and over. Objectives To summarize evidence on the effectiveness of e-Health interventions on HA and explore how specific e-Health interventions and their characteristics effectively impact HA.MethodsA systematic review was conducted based on the Cochrane Collaboration methods including any experimental study design published in French, Dutch, Spanish and English from 2000 to 2018. Results Fourteen studies comparing various e-Health interventions to multiple components controls were included. In almost all the cases, e-Health interventions have strengthened or improved altogether physical activity outcome (e.g. walking), psychological outcome (e.g. memory) and promoted healthy behavior (e.g. healthy eating). Finally, significant improvements in clinical parameters (e.g. blood pressure) were found.ConclusionsThis systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the effectiveness of e-Health interventions in supporting HA.