bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Health Knowledge, Practices, and Awareness of Oral Health Guidelines and Dental Coverage Policies among Midwives
Authors: Naavaal Shillpa , Claiborne Denise M.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Good oral health during the prenatal period translates into better oral and overall health for women and their infants. Although the importance of oral health during pregnancy is well established, oral health assessments are not routinely included in prenatal care visits. The purpose of this study was to explore prenatal care providers’ practices regarding oral health assessments and identify reasons for the gap in oral health integration in prenatal care. Data were gathered from midwives in Virginia, United States. Information on midwives’ knowledge about oral health, education, practices, and awareness of oral health guidelines and the pregnancy‐related Medicaid dental benefit policy in Virginia was collected.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to midwives practicing in Virginia through their state‐level professional organization. The data were collected online, and descriptive data analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 30 midwives (mean age 51.9 years) participated in the survey for an overall response rate of 13.6%. Among survey participants, knowledge of oral health was high (score of 4.69 out of 5). Nearly 20% of participants reported receiving no education about oral health during professional training, and 72.4% reported no receipt of continuing education about oral health in the past year. Although 86% of the participants reported discussing oral health in clinical practice, only 10.3% reported conducting oral health assessments. Awareness of Virginia's Medicaid dental benefit policy was high (75.9%), but less than half of the participants were aware of oral health guidelines (44.1%). Although many midwives did not conduct oral health assessments, 79.3% reported that they provided oral health referrals to pregnant patients.

Discussion

Enhancing and integrating education about oral health in the academic curriculum for midwives and providing them with opportunities for continuing education about oral health can improve their engagement with oral health. Sharing of evidence‐based guidelines through organizational newsletters, meetings, and other venues can be ways to increase awareness of new guidelines and health coverage benefits among midwives.
‘It was difficult, but our struggle to touch lives gave us strength’: The experience of nurses working on COVID‐19 wards
Authors: Deliktas Demirci Ayse , Oruc Mine , Kabukcuoglu Kamile
Published: December 2020

Background

Nurses are considered important healthcare professionals during the management of the pandemic process due to the considerable amount of time they spend in the face‐to‐face nursing of infected patients. To optimise the service of healthcare workers, it is recommended that the mental health needs of the health workforce are addressed.

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to explore the experiences and coping strategies of Turkish nurses working in pandemic units.

Methods

A grounded theory design was applied. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 nurses. The data were analysed according to the constant comparative method.

Results

The study generated a core category (‘It was difficult working in the unknown, but our struggle to touch lives gave us strength’), showing that all nurses felt heroic via the satisfaction of touching patients’ lives and uncertain. Four main categories emerged: being caught in the pandemic, empowerment for coping with the struggle, challenges during the coping process and effects of the pandemic on life.

Conclusions

Nurses felt that their profession was sacred and valued by society, and comprehensive support had facilitated the process. Nurses had difficulty in managing their fear of infecting others and adapting to many new elements, the learning process and a lack of understanding of their role as team members. The nurses attending to the pandemic have experienced the effects of COVID‐19 on their lives, such as psychological growth, psychological symptoms and being labelled as high risk.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses would be further empowered by government and society's support and acceptance of professionalism in nursing. The findings suggest that the resources for the psychological support of nurses in the pandemic should be increased. Regular and intensive training for nursing is necessary to promote adaptation and efficacy in crisis management.
Comparison of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction screenings at first trimester in a high‐risk population
Authors: Romero Infante Ximena Carolina , Uriel Montserrat , Porras Ramírez Alexandra , Rincón Franco Sara
Published: December 2020

Aim

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of screening for preeclampsia and FGR including maternal characteristics, mean arterial blood pressure and uterine artery pulsatility index and the combined screening, which adds biochemical markers, such as placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), in a sample of high risk population for hypertensive disorders.

Methods

This is a prospective study with 527 singleton pregnancies at 11–14 weeks of gestation. Maternal characteristics, biochemical and biophysical markers were studied to determine the development of preeclampsia and FGR by using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

For preeclampsia, screening, including sociodemographic data plus biophysical markers, had a sensitivity and specificity of 70.3% (CI% 64.3–75.2) and 93.8% (CI% 90.9–96.8), respectively. Combined screening, which includes sociodemographic data, biophysical (mean blood pressure and uterine artery pulsatility index) and biochemical markers (PlGF and PAPP‐A), increased sensitivity and specificity up to 85.5% (CI% 80.2–90.3) and 96.3% (CI% 91.4–98.9), respectively. For FGR, sociodemographic data plus biophysical markers had a sensitivity and specificity of 57.8% (CI% 50.1–63.4) and 80.1% (CI% 74.3–85.9), respectively. Combined screening increased sensitivity and specificity up to 67.2% (CI% 52.1–71.3) and 82.7% (CI% 75.2–90.1), respectively.

Conclusion

Combined screening for preeclampsia and FGR at 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, which includes maternal characteristics, mean blood pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, PAPP‐A and PlGF, has higher sensitivity and specificity than other screening options. Therefore, considering all these variables during screening is recommended for a superior opportunity of identifying pregnant women in risk for preeclampsia and FGR, especially in a high‐risk population.
GOHAI and OHIP‐EDENT Evaluation in Removable Dental Prostheses Users: Factorial Analysis and Influence of Clinical and Prosthetic Variables
Authors: De Carvalho Bruna Marjorie Dias Frota , Parente Rayssa Cavalcante , Franco Jéferson Martins Pereira Lucena , Silva Paulo Goberlânio de Barros
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To assess the degree of satisfaction and quality of life of patients with removable prostheses using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Oral Health Impact Profile in Edentulous Adults (OHIP‐EDENT), in addition to evaluating the questionnaires for their validation.

Materials and Methods

Eighty patients participated in the study after completing prosthetic rehabilitation treatment. Patients were evaluated using the OHIP‐EDENT and GOHAI questionnaires to assess the criteria for quality of life, esthetics, phonetics, masticatory function, stability, comfort, and alteration of taste and pain related to the completed prostheses. The results were subjected to the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, and a multinomial logistic regression model, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

The most commonly used removable prosthesis was mandibular removable partial denture (RPD) (n = 43, 53.8%), followed by maxillary RPD (n = 42, 52.5%), maxillary complete denture (CD) (n = 33, 41.3%), and mandibular CD (n = 31, 38.8%). Most patients had to have one (n = 29, 36.3%), two (n = 21, 26.3%), or none (n = 18, 23.8%) adjustments in their prostheses. Five (6.3%) patients’ prostheses required three adjustments, and six (7.5%) required four or more adjustments. All reported improvement in esthetics after using the prostheses (p < 0.05). The validation of the questionnaire proved to be more viable when completed without the presence of specific domains.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that removable prostheses improved the quality of life of rehabilitated patients. The questionnaires used need to be answered and evaluated in their entirety for validation.
Diversity of the green macroalgal genus Ulva (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) from the east and gulf coast of the United States based on molecular data
Authors: Melton James T. , Lopez‐Bautista Juan M.
Published: December 2020

Ulva (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) is common in intertidal environments and can also be found in freshwater ecosystems. The difficulty to morphologically identify Ulva species due to cryptic diversity and morphological plasticity has caused a taxonomic conundrum. Fortunately, molecular data have begun to unravel a better understanding of its diversity. Here, we present a molecular analysis with 247 samples of Ulva from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic USA based on chloroplast (rbcL and tufA) and nuclear (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) molecular markers. Twenty‐four Ulva taxa had previously been reported for this area based on morphology and earlier molecular studies mostly from Northeastern USA and Canada. In this study, sixteen Ulva clades were identified representing 13 named clades and putatively three undescribed species. Only nine of the 24 taxa previously reported for the Western Atlantic were confirmed. Four species were identified for the first time in the U.S. East and Gulf Coast (U. aragoënsis, U. californica, U. meridionalis, and U. tepida). This study provides a foundation for future research on Ulva in this area and reiterates the necessity of using molecular‐assisted identifications for this group.
After their wives have delivered, a lot of men like going out: Perceptions of HIV transmission risk and support for HIV prevention methods during breastfeeding in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Flax Valerie L. , Hawley Imogen , Ryan Julia , Chitukuta Miria , Mathebula Florence , Nakalega Rita , Seyama Linly , Taulo Frank , van der Straten Ariane ,   MTN‐041/MAMMA Study Team
Published: December 2020

Female‐initiated HIV prevention methods, such as oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the vaginal ring, may be important risk reduction strategies for breastfeeding women. Given their novelty, information about the sociocultural context and how it influences perceptions of and support for their use during breastfeeding is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted 23 focus group discussions separately with pregnant and breastfeeding women, male partners and grandmothers (N = 196) and 36 in‐depth interviews with key informants in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. We analysed the data using a framework analysis method. Overall, breastfeeding was the norm, and participants described the transference of health (e.g., nutrition) and disease (e.g., HIV) to children through breast milk. Participants considered the early breastfeeding period as one of high HIV transmission risk for women. They explained that male partners tend to seek outside sexual partners during this period because women need time to recover from delivery, women focus their attention on the child, and some men are disgusted by breast milk. Participants highlighted concerns about the drugs in oral PrEP transferring to the child through breast milk, but fewer worried about the effects of the vaginal ring because the drug is localized. Women, grandmothers and key informants were supportive of women using these HIV prevention methods during breastfeeding, while male partners had mixed opinions. These findings can be used to tailor messages for promoting the use of PrEP or the vaginal ring during breastfeeding in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Mycobacterial and Plasmodium ovale‐associated destruction of the jaw bones
Authors: Yang Xianrui , Ye Adam Yongxin , Katebi Negin , Volloch Vladimir , Khullar Shelley M. , Patel Vinod , Olsen Bjorn R.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The project aims were to identify infectious mechanisms responsible for an extreme form of mandibular osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis in West African populations and test the hypothesis that Mycobacterium tuberculosis plays a pivotal role.

Materials and Methods

DNA was extracted from mandibular fragments of 9 of 19 patients previously included in a prospective study leading to the mycobacterial hypothesis. Amplified DNAs were used for preparing libraries suitable for next‐generation sequencing. For comparison of the whole‐genome sequencing data of the 9 patients with DNAs of both microbiota and human tissues, DIAMOND v0.9.26 was used to align sequencing reads to NCBI‐nr database and MEGAN 6 for taxonomy binning and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.

Results

The data show that mandibular bone fragments of all 9 patients not only contain Homo sapiens and Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNAs; they also contain DNAs of Plasmodium ovale wallikeri, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hominis, and Prevotella P3‐120/intermedia; as well as large numbers of DNAs from other infectious components.

Conclusions

The data obtained provide direct evidence to support the conclusion that combinations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium ovale wallikeri, and other oral bacteria are involved in this particular type of mandibular destruction in West African individuals of many ages.
Changes in height standard deviation scores during early life are affected by nutrition
Authors: Tanaka Toshiaki , Kato Noriko , Yokoya Susumu , Ono Atsushi , Isojima Tsuyoshi , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Yamagata Zentaro , Tanaka Soichiro , Matsubara Hiroko , Ishikuro Mami , Kikuya Masahiro , Chida Shoichi , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Kuriyama Shinichi , Kure Shigeo
Published: December 2020

Background

Large changes in height standard deviation score (SDS) have been reported from birth to 3 years of age. We analyzed how early these changes start and whether they are affected by nutrition.

Methods

The longitudinal growth of 1,849 children born between March 1 2007 and August 31 2007 or between March 1, 2009 and August 31 2009 with five records from birth to 3 years of age was analyzed.

Results

The height SDS at birth was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) SDS at birth (r = 0.224, P < 0.0001). The height SDS at birth decreased among children with a positive height SDS and increased among children with a negative height SDS. The changes occurred immediately after birth and became more modest as children aged. Regarding the change in the height SDS from birth to 3 years of age, 33.4% of children increased more than 0.5 SDs, 39.8% of children decreased more than 0.5 SDs, and 34.4% of children remained within ±0.5 SDs. The change in height SDS displayed a strong positive correlation with the change in weight during the four periods. From birth till 3 months, from 3 months till 6 months, from 6 months till 1.5 years, and from 1.5 years till 3 years.

Conclusions

The significant positive correlation between height SDS and BMI SDS suggests an effect of children’s nutrition status in utero. The height SDS change started immediately after birth and the change was largest from birth to 3 months. A positive correlation between changes in height SDS and weight suggest that growth during early childhood depends on nutritional status.
Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis: Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in three Golden Retriever dogs
Authors: Battiato Pierantonio , Fernandez Yordan , Salgüero Raquel , Novellas Rosa , Espada Yvonne , Biller David , Anselmi Carlo
Published: December 2020

Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis is a life‐threatening condition reported rarely in humans; however, published reports in dogs are currently lacking. The aim of this multicentric, retrospective, case series design study was to describe radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging findings in Golden Retriever dogs diagnosed with spontaneous emphysematous splenitis. A total of three dogs were sampled. All dogs had a history of lethargy, diarrhea, and weight loss. Radiographic findings in all dogs included a mass effect with focal or multifocal coalescing “vesicular‐like” gas pattern in the splenic region and focal loss of serosal detail. Ultrasonographic findings in all dogs included focal or multifocal irregularly shaped, hypoechoic areas containing a mixture of hyperechoic fluid and gas within the splenic parenchyma, hyperechoic abdominal free fluid, and generalized hyperechoic mesenteric fat without evidence of splenic torsion. Pneumoperitoneum was detected ultrasonographically and radiographically in two dogs. All three dogs underwent splenectomy and splenic torsion was definitively ruled out at surgery. One dog died three days after surgery, whereas the other two dogs recovered uneventfully. Culture of the splenic tissue and free abdominal fluid was positive for Clostridium spp. in all three cases. Findings supported inclusion of spontaneous emphysematous splenitis and septic peritonitis as differential diagnoses for dogs with this combination of clinical and imaging characteristics.
A VIROCENTRIC PERSPECTIVE ON EVIL
Authors: Schilling Mirjam
Published: December 2020

Abstract. The coronavirus pandemic has stirred interest in viruses. This has been accompanied by a proliferation of popular works trying to explain how viruses fit into the Christian worldview. In an anthropocentric perspective, viruses are easily regarded as malicious entities. This article, however, shows that a proper understanding of the biology of viruses actually adds another level of complexity to our perception of good and evil. Interestingly, this additional layer of complexity might help us solve some of the most urgent difficulties in the discussion about good and evil, if we recognize the subjective nature of what we call natural evil. We need to be more nuanced not merely in our theological discussion about good and evil, but also in the way we talk about viruses.
Robots learn to identify objects by feeling
Authors: Sundaram Subramanian
Published: December 2020

Multimodal tactile sensors help robot hands accurately identify grasped objects by measuring thermal properties and contact loads.
Plasma exosomal
miR-375-3p
regulates mitochondria-dependent keratinocyte apoptosis by targeting XIAP in severe drug-induced skin reactions
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhu ZhenLai , Gao JiXin , Yang LuTing , Dang ErLe , Fang Hui , Shao Shuai , Zhang ShaoLong , Xiao ChunYing , Yuan Xu , Li Wei , Abe Riichiro , Qiao HongJiang , Wang Gang , Fu Meng
Published: December 2020

Circulating exosomal
miR-375-3p
promotes keratinocyte apoptosis via
XIAP
repression in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Chi3l1
/YKL-40 is controlled by the astrocyte circadian clock and regulates neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis
Authors: Lananna Brian V. , McKee Celia A. , King Melvin W. , Del-Aguila Jorge L. , Dimitry Julie M. , Farias Fabiana H. G. , Nadarajah Collin J. , Xiong David D. , Guo Chun , Cammack Alexander J. , Elias Jack A. , Zhang Jinsong , Cruchaga Carlos , Musiek Erik S.
Published: December 2020

Chi3l1
/YKL-40 is regulated by BMAL1 in astrocytes and influences AD pathogenesis in both mouse models and humans.
Encephalomyocarditis Virus Abrogates the Interferon Beta Signaling Pathway via Its Structural Protein VP2
Authors: Han Yumei , Xie Jingying , Xu Shujuan , Bi Yingjie , Li Xiangrong , Zhang Haixia , Idris Adi , Bai Jialin , Feng Ruofei
Published: December 2020

Encephalomyocarditis virus is an important pathogen that can cause encephalitis, myocarditis, neurological diseases, and reproductive disorders. It also causes huge economic losses for the swine industry worldwide.
Chronic Morphine Administration Differentially Modulates Viral Reservoirs in a Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251-Infected Rhesus Macaque Model
Authors: Acharya Arpan , Olwenyi Omalla A. , Thurman Michellie , Pandey Kabita , Morsey Brenda M. , Lamberty Benjamin , Ferguson Natasha , Callen Shannon , Fang Qiu , Buch Shilpa J. , Fox Howard S. , Byrareddy Siddappa N.
Published: December 2020

Identification and clearance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoirs is a major challenge in achieving a cure for HIV. This is further complicated by comorbidities that may alter the size of the reservoirs.
Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula: an uncommon complication of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Kasper Philipp , Kaminiorz Julia , Schramm Christoph , Goeser Tobias
Published: December 2020

A 78-year-old man presented to the hospital with acute right upper quadrant pain, fever and nausea. A focused abdominal ultrasound and abdominal CT scan were performed demonstrating an acute calculous cholecystitis with gallbladder perforation. Although a CT-guided cholecystostomy was performed and a pericholecystic abscess was relieved promptly, the patient developed a cholecystocutaneous fistula in the right hypochondriac region. A cholecystocutaneous fistula is an extremely rare complication that may occur in patients with acute calculous or acalculous cholecystitis, chronic gallstone disease, gallbladder carcinoma or prior hepatobiliary surgery.
Oncogenic osteomalacia due to phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour in the upper thoracic spine
Authors: Garg Bhavuk , Mehta Nishank , Goyal Archit , Khadgawat Rajesh
Published: December 2020

Oncogenic osteomalacia (OO) is an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome occurring due to the presence of a tumour that oversecretes fibroblast growth factor-23, which impairs renal phosphate handling. In most cases, the tumour is a morphologically distinct entity called ‘phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour’ (PMT). Spinal tumours causing OO are exceedingly rare. A 55-year-old man presented with multiple bone pain and proximal muscle weakness in the lower limbs. The constellation of biochemical findings (hypophosphataemia, normocalcaemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, low–normal serum vitamin D and hyperphosphaturia) with radiographical rarefaction of the skeleton and pseudofractures led us to consider OO as a possibility. Functional imaging (68Ga DOTA-NOC positron emission tomography/CT scan) localised the tumour to the D2 vertebra. Complete surgical resection led to resolution of symptoms, improved ambulatory status, normalisation of biochemical parameters and healing of pseudofractures. PMT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypophosphataemic osteomalacia with hyperphosphaturia. Tumour localisation with functional imaging and complete surgical resection produces satisfactory outcome.
Assessment of patient burden from dry eye disease using a combination of five visual analogue scales and a radar graph: a pilot study of the PENTASCORE
Authors: Labetoulle Marc , Benichou Jérémie , M’nafek Nabila , Garnier Flavie , Rabut Ghislaine , Ben Hadj Salah Wassim , Labbé Antoine , Rousseau Antoine , Baudouin Christophe
Published: December 2020

Background/aims

Dry eye disease (DED) questionnaires would ideally be easy and fast to answer and explore the main aspects of disease burden and satisfaction (efficacy and tolerability) with treatment. This pilot study evaluates the Pentascore questionnaire for routinely assessing DED.

Methods

The Pentascore combines five visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess the intensity and frequency of ocular pain/discomfort, the impact of DED on daily activities and visual tasks and the efficacy and tolerability of ongoing DED treatment(s). This retrospective study compared Pentascore to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, fluorescein tear break-up-time, corneal staining and Schirmer I test.

Results

For 161 DED patients, the algebraic mean (±SE) for the Pentascore was 52.6±1.8, the mean standardised area of the radar graph was 32.1±1.7 (out of 100) and the mean score for the OSDI was 52.6±1.8. Both questionnaires were highly statistically correlated (R=0.74 for both algebraic score and radar area, p<0.001), and each of five Pentascore VAS was significantly correlated with the OSDI (p<0.05). Corneal staining score (CSS) was correlated with two Pentascore VAS (impact of DED on daily activities and visual tasks), and there was a trend towards a correlation between CSS and the area of the radar graph (p=0.09).

Conclusions

This pilot study indicates that the Pentascore can rapidly and effectively assess the burden of DED and satisfaction with treatments. Compared with the algebraic mean, the estimation of the area of the radar graph likely improves the sensitivity for detecting differences/changes in symptoms and treatment follow-up.
Search without rescue? Evaluating the international search and rescue response to earthquake disasters
Authors: Rom Anna , Kelman Ilan
Published: December 2020

Earthquakes around the world are unnecessarily lethal and destructive, adversely affecting the health and well-being of affected populations. Most immediate deaths and injuries are caused by building collapse, making search and rescue (SAR) an early priority. In this review, we assess the SAR response to earthquake disasters. First, we review the evidence for the majority of individuals being rescued locally, often by relatives and neighbours. We then summarise evidence for successful live rescues by international SAR (ISAR) teams, along with the costs, ethics and other considerations of deployment. Finally, we propose an alternative approach to postdisaster ISAR, with the goal of reducing overall morbidity and mortality.
Knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Sierra Leone: a qualitative study of patients’ and community leaders’ perceptions
Authors: Ignatowicz Agnieszka , Odland Maria Lisa , Bockarie Tahir , Wurie Haja , Ansumana Rashid , Kelly Ann H , Willott Chris , Witham Miles , Davies Justine
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there are no previous studies on the knowledge and the awareness of these conditions in the community. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and understanding of CVDRF, as well as the perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to accessing care for these conditions, among patients and community leaders in Sierra Leone.

Design

Qualitative study employing semistructured interviews and focus group discussions.

Setting

Urban and rural Bo District, Sierra Leone.

Participants

Interviews with a purposive sample of 37 patients and two focus groups with six to nine community leaders.

Results

While participants possessed general knowledge of their conditions, the level and complexity of this knowledge varied widely. There were clear gaps in knowledge regarding the coexistence of CVDRF and their consequences, as well as the link between behavioural factors and CVDRF. An overarching theme from the data was the need to create an understanding and awareness of CVDRF in the community in order to prevent and improve management of these conditions. Cost was also seen as a major barrier to accessing care for CVDRFs.

Conclusions

The knowledge gaps identified in this study highlight the need to design strategies and interventions that improve knowledge and recognition of CVDRF in the community. Interventions should specifically consider how to develop and enhance awareness about CVDRF and their consequences. They should also consider how patients seek help and where they access it.
Attitudes of pharmacy students towards patient safety: a cross-sectional study from six developing countries
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y , Alsairafi Zahra Khalil , Awaisu Ahmed , Alwafi Hassan , Awwad Oriana , Dahmash Eman Zmaily , Hussain Salman , Alyami Hamad S , Alsharif Alaa , Singh Avinash Kumar , Jeragh-Alhaddad Fatima B , Kautsar Angga Prawira , AbuAlhommos Amal Khaleel
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the attitudes of undergraduate pharmacy students towards patient safety in six developing countries.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Participants were enrolled from the participating universities in six countries.

Participants

Undergraduate pharmacy students from the participating universities in six developing countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, India and Indonesia) were invited to participate in the study between October 2018 and September 2019.

Primary outcome

Attitudes towards patient safety was measured using 14-item questionnaire that contained five subscales: being quality-improvement focused, internalising errors regardless of harm, value of contextual learning, acceptability of questioning more senior healthcare professionals’ behaviour and attitude towards open disclosure. Multiple-linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of positive attitudes towards patient safety.

Results

A total of 2595 students participated in this study (1044 from Jordan, 514 from Saudi Arabia, 134 from Kuwait, 61 from Qatar, 416 from India and 429 from Indonesia). Overall, the pharmacy students reported a positive attitude towards patient safety with a mean score of 37.4 (SD=7.0) out of 56 (66.8%). The ‘being quality-improvement focused’ subscale had the highest score, 75.6%. The subscale with the lowest score was ‘internalising errors regardless of harm’, 49.2%. Female students had significantly better attitudes towards patient safety scores compared with male students (p=0.001). Being at a higher level of study and involvement in or witnessing harm to patients while practising were important predictors of negative attitudes towards patient safety (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Patient safety content should be covered comprehensively in pharmacy curricula and reinforced in each year of study. This should be more focused on students in their final year of study and who have started their training. This will ensure that the next generation of pharmacists are equipped with the requisite knowledge, core competencies and attitudes to ensure optimal patient safety when they practice.
Does tension applied in kinesio taping affect pain or function in older women with knee osteoarthritis? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pinheiro Yago Tavares , Barbosa Germanna Medeiros , Fialho Hilmaynne Renaly Fonseca , Silva César Augusto Medeiros , Anunciação Jaciara de Oliveira , Silva Hugo Jário de Almeida , Souza Marcelo Cardoso de , Lins Caio Alano de Almeida
Published: December 2020

Objective

To analyse the short-term effects of kinesio taping (KT) with tension (KTT) or without tension (KTNT) in older women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and compare them to controls who did not receive KT.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

University physiotherapy school clinic.

Participants

Forty-five older women (fifteen participants per group) with 66.8 (±5.6) years and clinical diagnosis of KOA were assessed pre, post and 3 days after intervention.

Interventions

Participants were randomly allocated to KTT, who received two simultaneous applications of KT with tension on the knee and rectus femoris; KTNT, who received the same application as the KTT group, but without tension and a control group that attended a class on KOA.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was pain intensity and secondary outcomes were knee-related health status, functional capacity, muscle strength and global rating of change.

Results

No between-group differences were observed in pain after the first intervention (KTT vs KTNT: mean difference (MD), −1.8 points; 95% CI −4.2 to 0.5; KTT vs control: MD, −1.2 points; 95% CI −3.6 to 1.2; KTNT vs control: MD, 0.66 points; 95% CI −1.7 to 3.0) or 3 days later (KTT vs KTNT: MD, −1.3 points; 95% CI −3.7 to 1.0; KTT vs control: MD, 0.13 points; 95% CI −2.2 to 2.5; KTNT vs control: MD, 1.4 points; 95% CI −0.9 to 3.8). The lack of between-group differences was also found for secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

The short-term use of KT with or without tension in older woman with KOA had no beneficial effects on pain and function. These findings call into question the clinical use of KT as a non-pharmacological therapy for this population.

Trial registration number

NCT03624075.
Analyses of abdominal adiposity and metabolic syndrome as risk factors for respiratory distress in COVID-19
Authors: van Zelst Cathelijne M , Janssen Matthijs L , Pouw Nadine , Birnie Erwin , Castro Cabezas Manuel , Braunstahl Gert-Jan
Published: December 2020

Background

Several characteristics of the metabolic syndrome, such as obesity and hypertension, have emerged as risk factors for a poor clinical outcome in COVID-19. However, most reports lack data on the metabolic syndrome itself. This study investigated prospectively the relationship between respiratory deterioration and the presence of metabolic syndrome or abdominal adiposity in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study analysing patients with respiratory symptoms who presented at a local emergency department in the Netherlands. The influence of abdominal adiposity—assessed by an increased waist–hip ratio—and metabolic syndrome on respiratory deterioration and the length of hospital stay were analysed with multivariable logistic regressions and Kaplan-Meier analyses.

Results

In total, 166 patients were analysed, of whom 86 (52%) tested positive for COVID-19. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome did not differ between patients with COVID-19 with and without the need for intubation or level of supportive care (37.5% vs 48.4%, p=0.338). In contrast, abdominal adiposity is an independent risk factor for respiratory distress in COVID-19, adjusted for metabolic syndrome, age, gender and BMI (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20, p=0.014).

Conclusion

This study shows that abdominal adiposity, and not the presence of metabolic syndrome, is associated with clinical deterioration in COVID-19. This prospective study provides further insight into the risk stratification of patients with COVID-19 based on a simple measurement as the waist and hip circumference.

Trial registration number

NL8580.
Assessing the influence of climate on the growth rate of boreal tree species in northeastern Canada through long-term permanent sample plot data sets
Authors: Searls T. , Zhu X. , McKenney D.W. , Mazumder R. , Steenberg J. , Yan G. , Meng F.-R.
Published: December 2020

Climate has a considerable influence on tree growth. Forest managers benefit from the empirical study of the historic relationship between climatic variables and tree growth to support forest management frameworks that are to be applied under scenarios of climate change. Through this research, we have utilized long-term permanent sample plot records, historic climate data sets, and linear mixed modelling techniques to evaluate the historic influence of climatic variables on the growth rates of major boreal tree species in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. For the commercially significant spruce and fir forests of the province, we found growing degree-days (GDD) to negatively correlate with tree productivity in warmer regions, such as much of Newfoundland (±1350 GDD), but positively correlate with growth in cooler regions, such as those in Labrador (±750 GDD). With respect to precipitation, environmental moisture was not on average a limiting factor to species productivity in the province. These dynamics have implications for the productivity of the spruce–fir forests of the study area when considered alongside contemporary climate projections for the region, which generally entail both a warmer and wetter growing environment.
Molecular dynamics simulation of evaporation of R32 on the solid surface
Authors: Deng Xinxin , Li Zhenzhong , Li Wenjie
Published: December 2020

The evaporation of fluid on solid surface is an important process in nature and industry. The high-efficiency heat transport between the working fluid and the solid surface can enhance the energy conversion and utilization. Thus, it is of great significance to study the mechanism of the evaporation phenomenon at the liquid–solid interface. In this study, the evaporation of refrigerant R32 on Pt surface is investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) method. The effects of the substrate temperature on the evaporation behavior of R32 are discussed in detail. It is found that R32 molecules mainly enter the vapor region by evaporation when the substrate temperature is no larger than 300 K. The evaporation rate increases with the increase of substrate temperature. The nucleate boiling and film boiling clearly occur when the substrate temperature is 350 K. The nanobubble formation, growth and coalesce is observed in the simulation. The heat flux changes rapidly when the system is boiling. As time goes on, a vapor film forms and then it leads to the heat transfer deterioration.
Addressing Social Needs in Health Care Settings: Evidence, Challenges, and Opportunities for Public Health
Authors: Kreuter Matthew W. , Thompson Tess , McQueen Amy , Garg Rachel
Published: December 2020

There has been an explosion of interest in addressing social needs in health care settings. Some efforts, such as screening patients for social needs and connecting them to needed social services, are already in widespread practice. These and other major investments from the health care sector hint at the potential for new multisector collaborations to address social determinants of health and individual social needs. This article discusses the rapidly growing body of research describing the links between social needs and health and the impact of social needs interventions on health improvement, utilization, and costs. We also identify gaps in the knowledge base and implementation challenges to be overcome. We conclude that complementary partnerships among the health care, public health, and social services sectors can build on current momentum to strengthen social safety net policies, modernize social services, and reshape resource allocation to address social determinants of health.
Preventive and therapeutic effect of anti-IL-17 in an experimental model of elastase-induced lung injury in C57Bl6 mice
Authors: Fukuzaki Silvia , Righetti Renato Fraga , Santos Tabata Maruyama dos , Camargo Leandro do Nascimento , Aristóteles Luciana R. C. R. B. , Souza Flavia C. R , Garrido Aurelio C. , Saraiva-Romanholo Beatriz Mangueira , Leick Edna Aparecida , Prado Carla Máximo , Martins Mílton de Arruda , Tibério Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo
Published: December 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important health care issue, and IL-17 can modulate inflammatory responses. We evaluated preventive and therapeutic effect of anti-interleukin (IL)-17 in a model of lung injury induced by elastase, using 32 male C57Bl6 mice, divided into 4 groups: SAL, ELASTASE CONTROL (EC), ELASTASE + PREVENTIVE ANTI-IL-17 (EP), and ELASTASE + THERAPEUTIC ANTI-IL-17 (ET). On the 29th day, animals were anesthetized with thiopental, tracheotomized, and placed on a ventilator to evaluate lung mechanical, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), and total cells of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected. We performed histological techniques, and linear mean intercept (Lm) was analyzed. Both treatments with anti-IL-17 decreased respiratory resistance and elastance, airway resistance, elastance of pulmonary parenchyma, eNO, and Lm compared with EC. There was reduction in total cells and macrophages in ET compared with EC. Both treatments decreased nuclear factor-кB, inducible nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-12, transforming growth factor-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, neutrophils, IL-1β, isoprostane, and IL-17 in airways and alveolar septa; collagen fibers, decorin and lumican in airways; and elastic fibers and fibronectin in alveolar septa compared with EC. There was reduction of collagen fibers in alveolar septa and biglycan in airways in EP and a reduction of eNO synthase in airways in ET. In conclusion, both treatments with anti-IL-17 contributed to improve most of parameters evaluated in inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in this model of lung injury.
Optogenetics: The Art of Illuminating Complex Signaling Pathways
Authors: Shaaya Mark , Fauser Jordan , Karginov Andrei V.
Published: December 2020

Dissection of cell signaling requires tools that can mimic spatiotemporal dynamics of individual pathways in living cells. Optogenetic methods enable manipulation of signaling processes with precise timing and local control. In this review, we describe recent optogenetic approaches for regulation of cell signaling, highlight their advantages and limitations, and discuss examples of their application.
Time of Day and Muscle Strength: A Circadian Output?
Authors: Douglas Collin M. , Hesketh Stuart J. , Esser Karyn A.
Published: December 2020

For more than 20 years, physiologists have observed a morning-to-evening increase in human muscle strength. Recent data suggest that time-of-day differences are the result of intrinsic, nonneural, muscle factors. We evaluate circadian clock data sets from human and mouse circadian studies and highlight possible mechanisms through which the muscle circadian clock may contribute to time-of-day muscle strength outcomes.
Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy System: A Comparative Study of Wind/Hydrogen/Fuel-Cell and Wind/Battery Storage
Authors: Acakpovi Amevi , Adjei Patrick , Nwulu Nnamdi , Asabere Nana Yaw
Published: December 2020

This paper performs a technoeconomic comparison of two hybrid renewable energy supplies (HRES) for a specific location in Ghana and suggests the optimal solution in terms of cost, energy generation capacity, and emissions. The two HRES considered in this paper were wind/hydrogen/fuel-cell and wind/battery storage, respectively. The necessity of this study was derived from the rise and expansion of hybrid renewable energy supply in a decentralised network. The readiness to embrace these new technologies is apparently high, but the best combination for a selected location that brings optimum benefits is not obvious and demands serious technical knowledge of their technical and economic models. In the methodology, an analytical model of energy generation by the various RE sources was first established, and data were collected about a rural-urban community in Doderkope, Ghana, to test the models. HOMER software was used to design the two hybrid systems based on the same load profiles, and results were compared. It turns out that the HRES 1 (wind/hydrogen/fuel-cell) had the lowest net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of electricity (COE) over the project life span of 25 years. The energy reserve with the HRES 2 (wind/battery storage) was huge compared to that with the HRES 1, about 270% bigger. Furthermore, with respect to the emissions, the HRES 2 was environmentally friendlier than the HRES 1. Even though the battery storage seems to be more cost-effective than the hydrogen fuel-cell technology, the latter presents some merits regarding system capacity and emission that deserve greater attention as the world looks into more sustainable energy storage systems.
Analysis on Meshing Characteristics and Transmission Error of Elliptic Gears
Authors: Dong Changbin , Liu Yongping , Wei Yongqiao , Yun Beibei , Li Dawei , Dong Zhiqiang
Published: December 2020

As an important parameter to distinguish noncircular gear from cylindrical gear, eccentricity is very important for the meshing characteristics and transmission error of noncircular gear. In order to study the transmission characteristics of the elliptic gear, a pair of elliptic gear in the reversing device of a new type of drum pumping was taken as the research object. Based on the analysis of the transmission pressure angle and instantaneous contact ratio of the elliptic gear, the eccentricity error was introduced into the analysis model of transmission error. The influences of the eccentricity on the transmission pressure angle, instantaneous contact ratio, and transmission error were analyzed, and the analysis accuracy is verified by the finite element method. The results show that the eccentricity has a great influence on the transmission pressure angle, instantaneous contact ratio, and transmission error of the elliptic gear, and the eccentricity error has a significant influence on the transmission error. In order to ensure the normal meshing condition of the elliptic gear, the eccentricity should be less than 0.7071, and the maximum instantaneous contact ratio is 1.809. The research results can provide some guidance for the following noncircular spur gear transmission test and transmission error research.
Correlation Analysis between Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Peripapillary Vessel Density and Influencing Factors of Peripapillary Vessel Density in Preclinical Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Li Donghui , Wang Qichang
Published: December 2020

Purpose. To observe the changes of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the optic disc vessel density (VD) in preclinical diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the relationship between RNFL changes and VD, as well as to investigate the influencing factors on peripapillary vessel density. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-four eyes of 34 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients diagnosed with preclinical diabetic retinopathy (DR) were included in our study, with twenty-three eyes of 23 healthy subjects set up as normal controls. History of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was recorded in detail. All participants underwent color fundus photography (CFP), RNFL around the optic disc, and OCT angiography (OCTA) over the optic disc. The 4.5 mm × 4.5 mm Angio Disc scan mode was performed with all participants by using the OCTA instrument. The relationship between changes of RNFL in the four quadrants (superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal) and VD changes was analyzed. Results. Vessel density was significantly lower in the superior (t = −2.27) and temporal (t = −2.02) peripapillary sectors of diabetic eyes compared to normal eyes (

P
<
0.05

). The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was significantly thinner in the temporal quadrant (

P
<
0.001

) of diabetic eyes compared to normal eyes. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant positive correlation between vessel density and RNFL thickness in the peripapillary region in the temporal (r = 0.468,

P
<
0.01

) and superior (r = 0.612,

P
<
0.01

) sectors. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (β = −1.50,

P
<
0.01

) and the duration of diabetes (β = −0.33,

P
=
0.03

) were associated with peripapillary vessel density. Conclusions. Preclinical DR presented optic disc microcirculation changes. Temporal RNFL thinning is an early sign of retinal neurodegeneration and is associated with temporal peripapillary vessel density reduction. The duration of diabetes and HbA1c are risk factors for peripapillary vessel density reduction in patients with preclinical DR.