bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison Between Cemented and Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty in Patients With Femoral Neck Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Xiu Mei , Wang Duan , Liu Ying , Chen Jia Li , Li Pei Fang , Zhou Zong Ke , Ning Ning
Published: September 2020

BackgroundWe performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of CHA and UCHA in patients with FNFs.MethodsWe searched 6 English databases (Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science) and 4 Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, Wang Fang, and Sino Med) in July 2020. The quality of each study was assessed according to the Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews. Data were pooled as risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We used the random-effects model despite the heterogeneity among the studies. Data regarding baseline characteristics, hip function, complications both prosthetic-related and common, and operative outcomes are reported. ResultsA total of 24 RCTs based on 22 trials involving 3119 patients (CHA, 1575; UCHA, 1544) were included. Patients in CHA group show better hip function with HHS within 6 weeks (WMD=9.097, 95% CI, 3.034-15.161; P<0.003), 3 months (WMD=3.347, 95% CI, 1.478-5.216; P<0.001), 12 months (WMD=2.183, 95% CI, 0.161-4.205; P=0.034). The pooled results show that CHA had lower rates of refracture (RR=0.227, 95% CI, 0.135-0.381; P<0.0001), subsidence or loosening (RR=0.295, 95% CI, 0.112,0.778; P<0.014) and revision (RR=0.468, 95% CI, 0.279-0.786; P=0.004). Furthermore, CHA group tend to have lower pain(VAS score) (WMD=-0.568, 95% CI, -0.897 to -0.239; P=0.001), lower rate of pressure injury(RR=0.432, 95% CI, 0.221-0.846; P=0.014) and mortality at 1 year after surgery(RR=0.852, 95% CI, 0.727-0.998; P=0.047). UCHA showed a shorter operative duration(WMD=8.739, 95% CI, 6.354-11.124; P<0.0001).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis demonstrates that CHA has better hip function, lower rates of refracture, subsidence or loosening, revision, pressure ulcer, pain and one-year mortality than UCHA, while UCHA has shorter operative duration.
Population Transcriptomes Reveal the Interspecific Adaptive Genetic Differentiation of Liriodendron by Landscape Genetics
Authors: Shen Yufang , Xia Hui , Tu Zhonghua , Zong Yaxian , Yang Lichun , Li Huogen
Published: September 2020

Background: Adaptive genetic differentiation is a hotspot in the research of speciation mechanisms in evolutionary biology. Genomic resources are important for detecting ecological adaptive evolution of non-model plants. Using RNA-seq for non-model plants is a good approach to obtain their genomic resources. The combination of population transcriptome resources and environmental data can provide insights into the genetic mechanism of adaptive genetic differentiation.Results: Based on the population transcriptome data, we investigated the spatial distribution of genetic variations in Liriodendron to detect relationships between ecological factors and genetic differentiation. Environmental data and genetic variations from 17 populations were integrated to detect the population structure, adaptive genes and key environmental factors that shape the population genetic structure by landscape genetic approach. Here, we identified 16592 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The population structure analysis results showed that 17 populations were divided into three groups: L. tulipifera, eastern group and western group of L. chinense. Redundancy analysis and latent factor mixed model analysis suggested that precipitation seasonality, precipitation in the driest quarter, diurnal temperature, and solar radiation in May were closely associated with the adaptive genetic differentiation of Liriodendron. Ecological niche differentiation analysis implied significant ecological niche divergence between L. chinense and L. tulipifera habitats. In total, 858 environment-related loci were identified, which were associated with 464 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were significantly enriched in multiple biological pathways. Related studies confirmed that these biological pathways play vital roles in plant growth, development, stress, immune response and photosynthesis.Conclusions: Our research provided empirical evidence that environmental factors may play a key role in driving adaptive genetic differentiation of species. Furthermore, the combination of population transcriptome resources and environmental datasets provides new insights into the study of adaptive genetic differentiation of species.
Development of a Simple Method to Measure Static Body Weight Distribution in Neurologically Normal Small Breed Dogs
Authors: Linder Jessica E , Thomovsky Stephanie , Bowditch Jessica , Lind Mallory , Kazmierczak Kristine A , Breur Gert J , Lewis Melissa J
Published: September 2020

Background: Objective outcome measures capable of tracking different aspects of functional recovery in dogs with acute intervertebral disc herniation are needed to optimize physical rehabilitation protocols. Normal, pre-injury distribution of body weight in this population is unknown. The aims of this study were to quantify static weight distribution (SWD) using digital scales and to establish the feasibility of different scale methods in neurologically normal, chondrodystrophic small breed dogs predisposed to intervertebral disc herniation. Results: Twenty-five healthy dogs were enrolled with a mean age of 4.6 years (SD 2.7) and a mean total body weight of 11.5 kg (SD 3.6). SWD for the thoracic and pelvic limbs and between individual limbs was acquired in triplicate and expressed as a percentage of total body weight using commercially available digital scales in four combinations: two bathroom, two kitchen (with thoracic and pelvic limbs combined), four bathroom and four kitchen (with limbs measured individually). SWD was also obtained using a pressure sensing walkway for comparison to scale data. Feasibility for each method was determined and coefficients of variation were used to calculate inter-trial variability. Mean SWD values were compared between methods using an ANOVA. The two bathroom scales method had the highest feasibility and lowest inter-trial variability and resulted in mean thoracic and pelvic limb SWD of 63% (SD 3%) and 37% (SD 3%), respectively. Thoracic limb mean SWD was higher for the PSW compared to any of the scale methods (p<0.0001). Conclusions: SWD in a population of healthy chondrodystrophic dogs was simple to obtain using inexpensive and readily available digital scales. This study generated SWD data for subsequent comparison to dogs recovering from acute intervertebral disc herniation.
The association between ambient air pollution and birth defects in five major ethnic groups in Liuzhou, China
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Chen Jichang , Zeng Dingyuan , Lin Zhong , Herbert Carly , Cottrell Lesley , Liu Liu , Ash Arlene , Wang Bo
Published: September 2020

Background: Studies suggest that exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy may be associated with increased risks of birth defects (BDs), but conclusions have been inconsistent. This study describes the ethnic distribution of major BDs and examines the relationship between air pollution and BDs among different ethnic groups in Liuzhou city, China.Methods: Surveillance data of infants born in 114 registered hospitals in Liuzhou in 2019 were analyzed to determine the epidemiology of BDs across five major ethnic groups. Concentrations of six air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, O3) were obtained from the Liuzhou Environmental Protection Bureau. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between ambient air exposure and risk of BDs.Results: Among 32,549 infants, 635 infants had BDs, yielding a prevalence of 19.5 per 1000 perinatal infants. Dong ethnic group had the highest prevalence of BDs (2.59%), followed by Yao (2.57%), Miao (2.35%), Zhuang (2.07%), Han (1.75%). Relative to the Han ethnic group, Zhuang, Miao, Yao and Dong groups had lower risks of congenital heart disease, polydactyly, and hypospadias. The Zhuang ethnic group had higher risks of severe thalassemia, cleft lip and/or palate, and syndactyls. Our analysis of the correlation between air pollution and BDs showed that BDs were positively correlated with air pollutants PM10 (aORs =1.14; 95% CI:1.12-2.43 for per 10ug/mg3 increment) and CO (aORs =1.36; 95% CI:1.14-2.48 for every 1mg /m3 increment) in second month of pregnancy, and were associated with PM10 (aORs =1.51; 95% CI:1.13-2.03) and CO (aORs =1.75; 95%CI:1.02-3.61) in the third month of pregnancy. SO2 also had a significant association with BDs in the second month of the pregnancy (aORs =1.31; 95% CI:1.20-3.22) and third month of pregnancy (aORs =1.75; 95% CI:1.02-3.61). However, no signiﬁcant association was found between birth defects and O3, PM2.5 and NO2 (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study provided a comprehensive description of ethnic differences in BDs in Southwest China, and broadens the evidence of association between air pollution exposure during gestation and BDs.
The effectiveness of a mobile phone education-based on self-efficacy and DASH diet among patient with high blood pressure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Darabi Zahra , Araban Marzieh , Azizi Amir Abbas , Angali Kambiz Ahmadi , Borazjani Fatemeh
Published: September 2020

Background: Hypertension HTN is a global public health problem with an increasing incidence worldwide. On one hand the imperative role of self-efficacy in controlling of chronic disease has been reported; on the other hand, dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet reported as one of most appropriate dietary approaches for controlling HTN. Here in present study we aimed to investigate the efficiency of mobile app for improving self-efficacy on adherence of DASH diet in HTN patients. Methods: the present randomized controlled trial conducted on 88 patients with hypertension who referring to public health care centers between Novomber2019 to March 2020. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive mobile app for DASH-related recommendation +usual care; or control group to follow their habitual diets and given usual health care in public health care centers for twelve weeks. Self-efficacy, SBP and DBP, body mass index, physical activity and dietary intakes were assessed at the baseline and the end of trial. The ANCOVA was used to show the differences between the two groups and adjusting for baseline and covariates. Results: Results showed that whilst there were no significant differences in DBP and SBP at the baseline, but intervention lead to significant decrease in both SBP and DBP. Results from self-efficacy showed that baseline values were not significantly different between two groups; however, all five components improved significantly at the end of trial. Conclusion: Here we showed that using mobile apps for educating DASH diet and improving self-efficacy lead to better control of BP among patients whilst their self-efficacy improved simultaneously.Trial registration: Iran Clinical Trials Registry: IRCT20190930044933N1.Date of registration:31.10.2019URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/42612
Spatial Distribution and Associated Factors of Institutional Delivery Among Reproductive-Age Women (15-49 Years) in Ethiopia: The Case of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Data
Authors: Sisay Daniel , Muche Temesgen , Ali Helen
Published: September 2020

Background: Globally, there were an estimated 289,000 maternal deaths in 2013, yielding Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) of 210 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Still, now maternal mortality in Ethiopia is the highest in the world.Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2016 EDHS. A total of 7590 women who gave birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey were included in the analysis was carried out by using Geographic information system and clusters with high and low hotspots with institutional delivery were identified using Sat Scan spatial statistical analysis. A multilevel multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with institutional delivery.Result: In this study, 33.25% of women who gave birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey were delivered at the health institution. The finding also indicated that the spatial distribution of institutional delivery was non-random in the country. At the individual level, the riches (AOR=2.18,95%CI:1.39-3.41), higher education(AOR=3.89,95%CI:1.51-10.01), four and above the number of antenatal care visits (AOR=6.57,95%CI:4.83-8.94) and parity more than two children(AOR=0.48,95%CI:0.34-0.68), and at the community level, higher education (AOR=1.70,95%CI:1.22-2.36), urban residence (AOR=5.30, 95%CI:3.10-9.06), were variables that had achieved statically significant association for utilization of institutional deliveryConclusions: This study identified a spatial cluster of institutional delivery of Somali and Afar region have low utilization rates and Addis Ababa and Tigray regions have the highest utilization rate. The significant associated factors of institution delivery were Individual factor of woman antenatal care visit, Household wealth index, Maternal education, Parity, and Community factor of Region, Place of residence, and Educational status, Therefore, to maximize health facility delivery in Ethiopia, the predictors of institutional delivery identified in this study should be given more attention by governmental and non-governmental stakeholders
Leaf Transcriptome Analysis of Medicago Ruthenica, Revealing Its Response and Adaptive Strategy to Drought Stress and Rehydration
Authors: Wu Rina , Xu Bo , Shi Fengling
Published: September 2020

Background: Recently, drought stress has brought tremendous loss on the production of agriculture and animal husbandry. In realistic production, plants are often in cyclic wet-dry environment. Therefore, the factors that affect the final yield of plants in adversity including the resistance and tolerance to drought and the ability of plants to resume from the previous damage after rehydration. So it’s necessary for us to study the response and adaptive strategies of plants to drought and rehydration. Generally, the yield of herbage with strong resistance is relatively low. However, Medicago ruthenica(L.)cv.Zhilixing has the advantages of strong resistance and high yield concurrently. This made it can be used for raising livestock, natural grassland improvement, as a good parent for breeding and a new and high quality resource of stress resistance genes. Now, there are still many problems need to be solved when compared with other important legume forages. Therefore, we analyzed the changes of Medicago ruthenica(L.)cv.Zhilixing on transcription level under drought stress and rehydration, explored its phased response strategies.Results: We obtained 191 DEGs in drought stress, and the three treatments has 43 DEGs in common. Galactose metabolism, Starch and sucrose metabolism, Arginine and proline metabolism, TCA cycle, Photosynthesis-antenna proteins, were involved in the adaptation of Medicago ruthenica to 9 days of drought stress. The regulation of Arginine and proline metabolism, Cysteine and methionine metabolism, Photosynthesis-antenna proteins, Ascorbate and aldarate metabolism were conducive to the resistance of Medicago ruthenica to severe drought stress. The regulation of Starch and sucrose metabolism, Flavonoid biosynthesis, Valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, Circadian rhythm-plant was beneficial to the post drought recovery of Medicago ruthenica.Conclusions: We preliminarily analyzed the adaptation mechanism of the plant under different drought and rehydration conditions. Medicago ruthenica(L.)cv.Zhilixing adopts different strategies to adapt to different degrees of drought stress and rehydration. The research discovered the genes that can be used as candidate genes to improve stress resistance and drought adaptability of plants. Our transcriptome data dramatically enriches the resources of stress resistance genes. It can provide theoretical support for further adaptation mechanism research of the plant under different drought and rehydration conditions.
Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in CDKAL1 and HHEX and type 2 diabetes in Chinese Population
Authors: Li Chuanyin , Shen Keyu , Yang Man , Yang Ying , Tao Wenyu , He Siqi , Shi Li , Yao Yufeng , Li Yiping
Published: September 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a high global prevalence, and the interaction of environmental factors and genetic factors may contribute to the risk of T2DM. We aimed to investigate the association between T2DM and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes associated with insulin secretion is necessary. Methods: T2DM (1169) and nondiabetic (NDM) (1277) subjects were enrolled and the eight SNPs in CDKAL1 and HHEX associated with insulin secretion were genotyped in a Chinese population.Results: Our result revealed that four SNPs (rs4712524, rs10946398, rs7754840 in CDKAL1 and rs5015480 in HHEX) showed significantly different genotype frequencies in the T2DM and NDM groups (P<0.00625). The G allele of rs4712524(P=0.004, OR=1.184; 95%CI: 1.057-1.327) , C allele of rs10946398(P<0.001, OR=1.247; 95%CI: 1.112-1.398) and C allele of rs775480 in CDKAL1 (P<0.001, OR=1.229; 95%CI: 1.096-1.387) functioned as risk allele in incidence of T2DM. The C allele of rs5015480 in HHEX (P<0.001, OR=1.295; 95%CI: 1.124-1.493) was risk factor for the development of T2DM. The haplotype analysis revealed that rs4712524-rs10946398-rs7754840-rs9460546GCCG (P=0.001, OR=1.210; 95%CI: 1.076-1.360) was associated with a greater risk of T2DM development. Moreover, The HHEX rs1111875-rs5015480 haplotype analysis with D’>0.9 showed that rs1111875-rs5015480CC was associated with development of T2DM(P=2.63×10-5, OR=1.364; 95%CI:1.180-1.576). In the inheritance models analysis, the best fit inheritance model for rs4712524, rs10946398, and rs7754840 in CDKAL1 and rs5015480 in HHEX were all log-additive. Conclusion: Our results revealed that genetic variations in CDKAL1 and HHEX were associated with T2DM susceptibility in a Chinese population.
Violence Against Women and Perceived Health: An Observational Survey of Consultants in Family Planning Centers in the Paris, France, Region.
Authors: Ahogbehossou Yélian , Roland Noémie , Hatem Ghada , Yacini Leila , Feldmann Laure , Saurel-Cubizolles Marie-Josèphe , Bardou Marc
Published: September 2020

Background. Suffering violence has both short- and long-term negative effects on women’s health. We set out to study the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of women attending three Family Planning Centers (FPCs) in France and the violence they experienced and to the association between women’s perception of their health status and their exposure to violence. Methods. We conducted an observational survey of clinical practice from December 2018 to February 2019 at three FPCs in Seine-Saint-Denis (Ile-de-France). All women patients aged 18 years or older were eligible. We solicited data on social characteristics, precariousness, and suffering violence. We measured health status on a 10-point scales for six different symptoms.Results. Of the 274 women who participated, 28% had experienced violence. This percentage was higher among women living in socially precarious situations compared to the not or slightly precarious (39.3% vs 15.8%, respectively). Experiencing violence was significantly associated with being between 25 and 44 years old, being in a temporary or irregular administrative situation, being unemployed or seeking a job, and being in a precarious to very precarious situation. The proportion of women reporting domestic violence was more than twice as high in those consulting in FPC-1 (42%) than in FPC-2 (20%) or FPC-3 (16.2%). Regardless of age, history of violence was significantly associated with poor sleep, poor diet, low morale, and poor health in general for all FPCs and all levels of precariousness. Conclusion. Our study reveals that reports of violence against women increased with migratory status and precariousness, unemployment or job-seeking, and a poorer state perception of one’s own health in a population drawn from three Family Planning Centers in Seine-Saint-Denis. It also suggests a structure specifically dedicated to the management of women victim of violence that FPC-1, may be perceived more attractive by women exposed to domestic violence. The study was retrospectively registered: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04304469
Different cardiac perfoemance in patients with COVID-19 in ICU and general ward by standard and strain echocardiography
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Zhiyue , Wei Jiafu , Lin Jun , Ge Yang , Li Huanxing , Zeng Tao , Liu Mei , Huang Fangyang , Liu Qi , Chen Mao , Huang He
Published: September 2020

Background: The initial mechanism of COVID-19 is the binding of the virus to ACE2. Since the heart and the vessels also express ACE2, they both could become targets of the virus. However, cardiac performance of patients in ICU and general ward may be different, requested individualized treatment. The aim of this study is to explore the global and segmental myocardial performance of the severe and mild COVID-19 patients.Methods: 45 patients, including 25 mild and 20 severe patients in intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19 infection were included in this study. The clinical history, laboratory test and standard and strain echocardiography were performed at admission. Of them, 13 severe patients received serial echocardiography, especially, 10 patients received echocardiographic examinations more than 7 times. Results: 1. Both mild and severe COVID-19 infected patients showed reduced cardiac diastolic function; 2. Severe patients in ICU exhibited exacerbated right ventricular systolic function; 3. Both mild and severe patients with COVID-19 showed impaired left ventricular strain, worse strain in severe patient. 4. The apical longitudinal strain of mild patients was higher than basal and middle segment. No difference among apical, middle and basal segments in severe patients. 5. There was a negative correlation between LV GLS and log TnT-hs, as well as NT-pro BNP. 6. The EF value and strain of left atrium of mild and severe patients decreased; 7. LV GLS, LV GCS and LA GLS area under the ROC curve to predict the disease severity were 0.698, 0.758 and 0.782 respectively. 8. In the follow-up of severe patients, left atrial and ventricular strain showed an increased trend.Conclusions: These findings suggested that left ventricular performance was subclinically impaired during COVID-9 infection irrespective of infection severity and the strain of LV and LA may predict the disease severity. The cardiac function had an increasing trend for severe patients treated in ICU.
Exosomal miR-3180-3p Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating FOXP4
Authors: Chen Tengfei , Liu Yali , Li Chang , Xu Chun , Ding Cheng , Chen Jun , Zheng Huifei , Zhao Jun
Published: September 2020

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most malignant cancers worldwide, but the pathogenesis is not completely known. In this study, we explored the function and mechanism of exosomes transferring miR-3180-3p in NSCLC progression.Method: The expression of miR-3180-3p of NSCLC tissues and para-carcinoma tissues was from the GEO database (GEO: GSE53882). The exosomes derived from A549 cells were identified. The proliferation, migration and invasion were measured after treatment with exosomal miR-3180-3p or transfected by miR-3180-3p mimics. The relationship between miR-3180-3p and forkhead box P4 (FOXP4) was predicted by bioinformatics tool and measured dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and western blotting. At last, mouse xenograft model of NSCLC cells was established to verify the function of exosomal miR-3180-3p in vivo.Results: We found that miR-3180-3p decreased in both NSCLC cell lines and patient tissues. Overexpression of miR-3180-3p or treatment with exosomal miR-3180-3p significantly repressed the cell proliferation and metastasis in NSCLC cell lines. Subsequently, we found miR-3180-3p performed function by downregulating FOXP4 protein expression. Furthermore, the volume and weight of nude mice tumor which expressed exosomal miR-3180-3p was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Exosomal miR-3180-3p suppresses NSCLC progression by downregulating FOXP4 expression.
High-Specificity Targets in SARS-CoV-2 N Protein for Serological Antibody Detection
Authors: Yu Jianhai , Qin Zhiran , He Xiaoen , Liu Xuling , Yao Jinxiu , Zhou Xuan , Wen Kun , Yu Nan , Wu Qinghua , Xiao Weiwei , Zhu Li , Wan Chengsong , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2020

Background

The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has created a pressing need to diagnose and screen a large number of close contacts of confirmed and suspected cases. Numerous nucleic acid detection kits are being rapidly developed and approved for viral etiological diagnosis; however, these are limited by the number of false negatives produced in clinical practice. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish serological detection methods to serve as supplementary diagnostics.
Methods

We (1) performed a conservation and specificity analysis of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N) protein, which is the main target of serological diagnosis; (2) integrated various B-cell epitope prediction methods to obtain possible dominant epitope regions for the N protein; (3) applied ELISA to analyze differences in the serological antibody levels for different epitopes; and (4) identified N protein epitopes for IgG and IgM with high specificity.
Results

SARS-CoV-2 strains showed low mutation rates for the N protein, and the construction of a phylogeny was a good characterization of its molecular evolutionary lineage in relation to other coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 showed the closest genetic relationship with SARS-CoV, which showed multiple consecutive long conserved regions at the amino acid level, but differed substantially from other coronaviruses. Tests targeting the SARS-CoV-2 N protein produced strong positive results in SARS-CoV patients in recovery. Of the five epitope dominant regions, using N18-39 and N183-197 for IgG and IgM detection, respectively, can effectively overcome the limitations of cross-reactivity.
Conclusions

The patients infected with both SARS viruses may exhibit cross-reactivity when using the N protein for antibody detection. However, there are regions of the N protein that can be used for antibody detection and some of these regions showed good specificity even between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, and the antibody levels detected were consistent with those detected by the complete N protein. These findings provide a basis for serological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 patients, and research ideas for developing vaccines.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Hearing Aid Device for Older Adults in the Community: A Delayed Start Study
Authors: Kaur Palvinder , Chong Sheue Lih , Kannapiran Palvannan , Teo Kelvin WS , Ling Charis Ng Wei , Weichen Chiang Win , Ruling Gan , Yin Lee Sing , Leng Tang Ying , Pei Soo Ying , Kang Then Tze , Han Lim Zhen , Peizhen Lin , Yee Lynne Lim Hsueh , George Pradeep Paul
Published: September 2020

Background Hearing aids (HA) is the primary medical intervention aimed to reduce hearing handicap. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of HA for older adults who were volunteered to be screened for hearing loss in a community based mobile hearing clinic (MHC).Methods Participants with (1) at least moderate hearing loss (≥40 dB HL) in at least one ear, (2) no prior usage of HA, (3) no ear related medical complications, and (4) had a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥18 were eligible for this study. Using a delayed-start study design, participants were randomized into the immediate-start (Fitted) group where HA was fitted immediately or the delayed-start (Not Fitted) group where HA fitting was delayed for three months. Cost utility analysis was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of being fitted with HA combined with short-term, aural rehabilitation with the routine care group who were not fitted with HA. Incremental cost effectiveness ration (ICER) was computed. Health Utility Index (HUI-3) was used to measure utility gain, a component required to derive the quality adjusted life years (QALY). Total costs included direct healthcare costs, direct non-healthcare costs and indirect costs (productivity loss of participant and caregiver). Demographic data was collected during the index visit to MHC. Cost and utility data were collected three months after index visit and projected to five years.Results There were 264 participants in the Fitted group and 163 participants in the Not Fitted group. No between-group differences in age, gender, ethnicity, housing type and degree of hearing loss were observed at baseline. At 3 months, HA fitting led to a mean utility increase of 0.12 and an ICER gain of S$42,790/QALY (95% CI: S$32, 793/QALY to S$62,221/QALY). At five years, the ICER was estimated to be at S$11,964/QALY (95% CI: S$8,996/QALY to S$17,080/QALY) assuming 70% of the participants continued using the HA. As fewer individuals continued using their fitted HA, the ICER increased.Conclusions HA fitting can be cost-effective and could improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired older individuals within a brief period of device fitting. Long term cost-effectiveness of HA fitting is dependent on its continued usage.
Diagnosis Challenges, Management, and Outcome of Infants Born to Mothers With COVID 19
Authors: Zaharie Gabriela , Hasmasanu Monica , Muresan Daniel , Kovacs Tunde , Matyas Melinda
Published: September 2020

Background: Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection affected the pregnant women during the pandemics. Immunological particularity of this population and the increased need for medical assistance put this population in a high-risk category for SARS-Cov-2 infection.Because of high contamination risk and limited studies about vertical transmission, the labor and delivery of positive women require special conditions. Cesarean section is probably the best option for delivery of infants to reduce the risk of infection during birth.Aim: Our study aims to present the management and outcome of infants born to mothers confirmed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) before delivery.Material and methods: This is longitudinal, retrospective study, analyzing demographics, laboratory data and management of neonates born of mothers with diagnosis of SARS-Cov -2 infection.Results: 5 neonates were born of SARS-Cov-2 positive mothers , all by C- section and had negative real time –PCR ( RT-PCR) test. None of them was breastfed during hospital stay. The negative RT-PCR test allowed us to reduce the hospital stay of infants and care them in non –isolated area.Conclusion: In our study, vertical or perinatal transmission of the infection was not present. The testing of the pregnant women, their isolation and delivery in safe conditions for the medical staff were possible, using adequate protection equipment to limit their infection and the risk for the newborns.
Seasonal Variation of Airborne Fungi of the Tiantishan Grottoes and Western Xia Museum, Wuwei, China
Authors: Duan Yulong , Wu Fasi , He Dongpeng , Xu Ruihong , Feng Huyuan , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu , Wang Wanfu
Published: September 2020

Background: The deposition of the airborne fungi onto cultural heritage is associated closely with the subsequently biodeterioration taking place. In this study, a systematic survey of the culturable airborne fungi was carried out in the occurrence environments of the wall paintings that preserved in the Tiantishan Grottoes and the Western Xia Museum, China. Bio-aerosol sampler was used for sampling in four seasons of 2016. Culture-dependent and -independent methods was taken to acquire the airborne fungal concentration and purified strains; by the extraction of genomic DNA, amplification of fungal ITS rRNA gene region, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, thereafter the fungal community composition and distribution characteristics of different study sites were clarified. Finally, we disclosure the main environmental factors which may responsible for the dynamic changes of the airborne fungi at the sampling sites. Results: The concentration of culturable airborne fungi was in a range from 13 to 1576 CFU/m3, no significant difference between the two sites at the Tiantishan Grottoes, with the obvious characteristics of the seasonal variation, in winter and spring were higher than in summer and autumn. Meanwhile, a significance difference in fungal concentration between inside and outside of the Western Xia Museum, the outside of the museum was far more than the inside of the museum in the four seasons, particularly in the winter. Eight fungal genera were detected, including Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Filobasidium as the dominant groups. The airborne fungal community structures of the Tiantishan Grottoes showed a distinct characteristic of seasonal variation and spatial distribution. Relative humidity, temperature and seasonal rainfall all have influences on the airborne fungal distribution. Some of the isolated strains have potential to cause biodeterioration of the ancient wall paintings. Conclusions: The prominent seasonal variation of airborne fungal concentrations, community structures and distribution patterns were found in this study, that have close relationship with local climate conditions of the Tiantishan Grottoes. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out the long period monitoring of airborne fungal flora in the future, and integrated it into a pre-warning monitoring and conservation system.
Challenges and Reforms in Midwifery and Nursing Regulatory Systems in India: Implications for Education and Practice
Authors: Mayra Kaveri , Padmadas Sabu S , Matthews Zoë
Published: September 2020

Background: Nursing regulation is poor and midwifery coexists with nursing in India, where 88% of midwifery and nursing education is provided by the private sector. The Indian health system faces major challenges for maternal health provision, with a 12% share of total maternal deaths globally, poor quality, indeterminate regulatory functions and lack of reforms. Methods: We undertake a qualitative investigation to understand the experiences and perceptions of of participants on midwifery and nursing regulatory systems, education and development in India. Thirty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with senior midwifery and nursing leaders representing administration, advocacy, education, regulation, research and service provision. Results: There’s a lack of importance accorded to midwifery roles within the nursing system. The councils and statutes do not adequately reflect midwifery practice, and are a barrier to good quality care provision. The lack of amendment of Acts, lack of representation of midwives and nurses in key governance positions in councils and committees have restrained and undermined leadership positions, which has also impaired the growth of the profession. The standards for education in private institutions appeared imprudent with lack of opportunities for practice and unfair assessment practices. Discrimination against midwifery and nursing students was rampant in the education system in public and private institutions, with limited opportunities for practice when compared to medical students. Conclusions: The study concludes with a reform measure including a recommendation for implementing direct-entry midwifery education, empowering midwives and nurses with decision-making powers within health care and workforce governance.
Comparative Analysis of Preoperative and Postoperative Muscle Around Hip Joint by Computed Tomography Between Intertrochanteric Fracture and Femur Neck Fracture
Authors: Jung Sung Yoon , Kim Hyeon Jun , Oh Kyu Taek
Published: September 2020

Background:This study assessed the changes in hip muscles by comparing the preoperative and postoperative CT scan results between patients with intertrochanteric versus femoral neck fractures. Methods:48 patients who received surgical treatment for intertrochanteric or femoral neck fractures from February 2013 to February 2019 and underwent pelvic computed tomography(CT) preoperative and postoperatively aged 65 and older with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. The subjects were divided into two groups: 26 patients with intertrochanteric fracture and 22 patients with femoral neck fracture. We measured the cross-sectional area(CSA) and attenuation of the gluteus medius(G.med), gluteus minimus(G.min), iliopsoas(IP), and rectus femoris(RF) on the contralateral side. Patient basic data were collected from medial records including sex, age, height, weight, BMI, BMD, Harris hip score (HHS), and length of follow-up until the final visit. Results: There was no significant difference in sex, age, height, weight, BMI, BMD, HHS, and length of follow-up until the final visit between two groups. The femoral neck fracture group had significantly larger CSA and cross-sectional area per weight(CSA/Wt) of the G.med and G.min(G.med CSA, CSA/wt preoperative 1995.29 vs 1713.64, 38.87 vs 32.74; postoperative 2144.98 vs 1815.56, 37.48 vs 32.78/G.min preoperative 745.22 vs 566.59, 14.32 vs 10.96; postoperative 764.39 vs 619.17, 14.78 vs 11.25). On the contrary, the intertrochanteric fracture group had significantly greater CSA and CSA/Wt of the IP and RF(IP preoperative 810.86 vs 661.88, 17.73 vs 9.42; postoperative 681.98 vs 571.32, 12.68 vs 9.88/RF preoperative 503.66 vs 386.72, 9.42 vs 7.23; postoperative 426.24 vs 349.31, 7.17 vs 5.23). HHS related with function had no significant correlation with postoperative CSA and CSA/Wt. There was no significant difference in attenuation between two groups. All subjects had a significant decrease of muscle attenuation postoperatively.Conclusions: The CSA of the hip abductor(G.med and G.min) was significantly larger in the femoral neck fracture group, while the CSA of the hip flexor(IP and RF) was significantly higher in the intertrochanteric fracture group. Based on these findings, choosing the rehabilitation program suitable for the fracture site is expected to be beneficial in hip fracture rehabilitation.
Association Between Serum Bone Biomarker Levels and Therapeutic Response to Abatacept in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ra): a Multicenter Ra Ultrasound Prospective Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Endo Yushiro , Nishino Ayako , Okamoto Momoko , Tsuji Sosuke , Takatani Ayuko , Shimizu Toshimasa , Sumiyoshi Remi , Koga Tomohiro , Iwamoto Naoki , Ichinose Kunihiro , Tamai Mami , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Aramaki Toshiyuki , Ueki Yukitaka , Yoshitama Tamami , Eiraku Nobutaka , Matsuoka Naoki , Okada Akitomo , Fujikawa Keita , Hamada Hiroaki , Nagano Shuji , Tada Yoshifumi , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: September 2020

Background: To evaluate the effect of treatment on serum bone biomarkers and explore whether serum bone biomarkers are associated with therapeutic response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with abatacept.Methods: We enrolled 59 RA patients treated with abatacept from a multicenter prospective ultrasound cohort study of patients who received biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. We evaluated the patients' clinical disease activity and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) scores. The serum concentrations of five bone biomarkers were evaluated (dickkopf-1 [Dkk-1], sclerostin [SOST], osteocalcin [OC], osteopontin [OPN], and osteoprotegerin [OPG]) by multiplex bead assays at baseline, 3, and 6 months: the change over 6 months was defined as the Δ value. 'Power Doppler (PD) responder' was defined as a patient whose Δtotal PD score over 6 months was greater than the median change.Results: Abatacept significantly improved clinical disease activity as well as the MSUS score over 6 months. Serum OPG was significantly elevated at 6 months after the introduction of abatacept (p=0.016). The ΔSOST and ΔOPG values were negatively correlated with the Δtotal PD score (rs= −0.31, p<0.05 and rs= −0.34, p<0.01, respectively). The serum Dkk-1 at baseline was significantly lower in the PD responders (n=30) compared to the non-PD responders (n=29) (p=0.026). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the serum Dkk-1 at baseline (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.91, p=0.043) was an independent predictor of PD responder status.Conclusion: Serum levels of bone biomarkers may be useful for predicting RA patients' therapeutic response to abatacept.Name of the registry: Assessment of therapeutic responsiveness by imaging of the joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; A observational cohort studyTrial registration number: UMIN000012524Date of registration: 12/9/2013URL of trial registry record: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000014657
Assessment of Heterosis Based on Parental Genetic Distance Estimated With SSR and SNP Markers in Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)
Authors: Geng Xiaoli , Qu Yujie , Jia Yinhua , He Shoupu , Pan Zhaoe , Wang Liru , Du Xiongming
Published: September 2020

Background: Heterosis has been extensively utilized in different crops and made a significant contribution to global food security. Genetic distance (GD) is one of the valuable criteria for selecting parents in hybrid breeding. The objectives of this study were to estimate the GD between parents using both simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and to investigate the efficiency of the prediction of hybrid performance based on GD. The experiment comprised of four male parents, 282 female parents and 1128 F1, derived from NCII mating scheme. The hybrids, their parents with two check cultivars were evaluated for two years. Performance of F1, mid-parent heterosis (MPH), and best parent heterosis (BPH) were evaluated for ten agronomic and fiber quality traits. Results: Heterosis was observed in all hybrids and, the traits like plant height, boll number, boll weight and lint percentage exhibited higher heterosis than the fiber quality traits. Correlations were significant between parental and F1 performances. The F­1 performances between three hybrid sets (Elite×Elite, Exotic×Elite, and Historic×Elite) showed significant differences in eight traits. The correlation of the GD assessed by both SSR and SNP markers was significantly positive. The cluster analysis based on GD results estimated using SNP showed that all the female parents divided into five groups and the F1 performance between these five groups showed significant differences in seven traits. The correlation between GD and F1 performance, MPH and BPH were significant for lint percentage and micronaire. Conclusions: Our results suggested that GD between parents could be helpful in heterosis prediction for certain traits. This study reveals that molecular marker analysis can serve as a basis for assigning germplasm into heterotic groups and to provide guidelines for parental selection in hybrid cotton breeding.
Willingness of the UK public to volunteer for testing in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vandrevala Tushna , Montague Amy , Terry Philip , Fielder Mark D.
Published: September 2020

Background: The World Health Organization declared the rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world to be a global public health emergency. The spread of the disease is influenced by people’s willingness to adopt preventative public health behaviours, such as participation in testing programmes and risk perception can be an important determinant of engagement in such behaviours. Methods: In this study, we present the first assessment of how the UK public (N=778) perceive the usefulness of testing for coronavirus and the factors that influence a person’s willingness to test for coronavirus.Results: None of the key demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, disability, vulnerability status, or professional expertise) were significantly related to the respondents’ willingness to be tested for coronavirus. However, closely following the news media was positively related to willingness to be tested. Knowledge and perceptions about Coronavirus significantly predicted willingness to test, with three significantly contributing factors: worry about the health and social impacts to self and family; personal susceptibility; and concerns about the impacts of coronavirus on specific demographic groups. Views on testing for coronavirus predicted willingness to test, with the most influential factors being importance of testing by need; negative views about widespread testing and mistrust in doctor’s advice about testing. Conclusions: Implications for effective risk communication and localised public health approach to encouraging public to put themselves forward for testing are discussed. We strongly advocate for effective communications and localised intervention by public health authorities, using media outlets to ensure that members of the public get tested for SARs-CoV2 when required.
Once is Rarely Enough: Can Cocial Prescribing Facilitate Adherence to Non-clinical Community and Voluntary Sector Health Services? Empirical Evidence from Germany
Authors: Golubinski Veronika , Oppel Eva-Maria , Winter Vera , Schreyögg Jonas
Published: September 2020

Background: Non-clinical health interventions provided by the voluntary and community sector can improve patients’ health and well-being and reduce pressure on primary and secondary care, but only if patients adhere to them. This study provides novel insights into the impact of doctor referrals to such services, known as social prescribing, on patients’ adherence to them. Methods: Using a negative binomial model, we analysed electronic visitor records from a community health advice and navigation service in Germany between January 2018 and December 2019 to determine whether social prescribing was associated with greater adherence to the service (measured in terms of return visits) compared to patients who self-referred. We also explored whether this effect differed according to patient characteristics. Results: Based on 1,734 observations, we found that social prescribing was significantly associated with a greater number of return visits compared to patient self-referrals (p<0.05). For patients who visited the service because of psychological concerns, the effect of social prescribing was lower. For all other patient characteristics, the effect remained unchanged, suggesting relevance to all other patient groups. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that social prescribing may be an effective way to facilitate adherence to non-clinical community and voluntary sector health services. This knowledge is important for policy makers who are deciding whether to implement or expand upon social prescribing schemes. Trial registration: Not applicable