bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderate and deep sedation for non-invasive paediatric procedures in tertiary maternity and children’s hospitals in China: A questionnaire survey from China
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Ruidong , Huang Yue , Zhang Kan , Wat Chun Yin , Bai Jie , Zhang Mazhong , Zheng Jijian
Published: December 2019

Background: Moderate and deep sedation are well-established techniques in many developed countries, and several guidelines have been published. However, they have received attention in China only in recent years. The aim of this study is to investigate current paediatric sedation practices in tertiary children’s hospitals and tertiary maternity and children hospitals in China. Methods: All tertiary children’s hospitals and tertiary maternity and children hospitals registered with the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China were invited to participate in an electronic survey, which included information on the sedation caseload, facility availability, staff structure, clinical-skill requirements for sedation providers, fasting guidelines, patient-monitoring practices, and choice of sedatives. Results: Fifty-eight of the 63 hospitals that completed the survey (92.1%) provided moderate and deep sedation. Dedicated sedation rooms and post-sedation recovery rooms were found in only 14 (24.1%) and 19 (32.8%) hospitals, respectively. Sedation for non-invasive procedures was primarily performed by anaesthesiologists (69.0%); however, 75.9% of the sedation providers had not received paediatric basic and advanced life-support training. Children were asked to fast from clear liquids for at least 2 h in 44.8% of hospitals and at most 6 h in 5.2% of hospitals; they were asked to fast from solid food/milk for at least 4 h in 27.6% of hospitals and more than 8 h in 1.7% of hospitals. The most commonly used sedative in all groups was chloral hydrate. For rescue, propofol was the most widely used sedative, particularly for children older than 4 years. Conclusion: Moderate and deep sedation practices vary widely in tertiary children’s hospitals and tertiary maternity and children hospitals in China. More optimized practices should be established to improve the quality of moderate and deep sedation.
Evaluation of the efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on remineralization of white spot lesions in vitro and clinical research: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Xueling , Lin Xuandong , Zhong Tengfei , Xie Fangfang
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: This systematic review with meta-analyses sought to answer whether casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) provided a remineralizing benefit superior to that of nonintervention or placebo.
Methods: The Cochrane databases, PubMed, EmBase, and Ovid up to May 20th, 2019, were scanned, only published in English. Study information extraction and methodological quality assessments were accomplished independently by two reviewers. The “Criteria for judging risk of bias in the ‘Risk of bias’ assessment tool” was used for methodological quality assessment. The continuous data was analyzed by mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Review Manager 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. Outcome variables include quantitative light-induced fluorescence in clinical research, average surface roughness and surface microhardness in vitro.
Results: There were significant differences in the quantitative light-induced fluorescence (SMD = −0.43, 95% CI: [−0.79, −0.07], P = 0.02), average surface roughness (SMD = −8.21, 95% CI: [−10.37, −6.04], P < 0.01), Vickers microhardness (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI: [0.72, 1.66], P < 0.01), and Knoop microhardness (SMD = 3.52, 95% CI: [2.68, 4.36], P < 0.01) between the CPP-ACP and control groups or baseline.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this meta-analysis, CPP-ACP exhibited excellent remineralization effects evaluated in clinical research and in vitro, indicating outstanding restoration of form, aesthetics, and function in treating white spot lesions.
Data quality of drug-resistant tuberculosis and antiretroviral therapy electronic registers in South Africa
Authors: Jamieson Lise , Evans Denise , Berhanu Rebecca , Ismail Nazir , Aucock Samantha , Wallengren Kristina , Long Lawrence
Published: December 2019

Background To assess the quality and completeness of treatment and outcome data in the electronic tuberculosis (TB) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) registers in drug-resistant (DR-) TB patients at three treatment facilities in South Africa. Methods We did a retrospective cohort study using routinely-collected data from DR-TB registers of rifampicin resistant adults (≥18 years old), on ART, initiating DR-TB treatment between January 2012 and December 2013. We linked patient information from the DR-TB register to the ART register using patient identifiers and an algorithm based on string edit distance and date of birth. We describe data gaps and discrepancies found. Results Overall, 2,852 DR-TB patients met our inclusion criteria based on the DR-TB register data, and of these, 1,685 (59%) could be matched to the ART registers. An additional 253 patients from the DR-TB registers were found in the ART registers, having initiated ART, despite the DR-TB register indicating that they were not on ART (or this data was missing). 11% of matched patients did not have TB treatment status recorded in the ART register despite being recorded as being on TB treatment in the DR-TB register, and 78% did not have an ART start date recorded in DR-TB register despite being on ART treatment as per the ART register. 11% of matched patients had a death recorded in one register but not the other, and of those with death recorded in both, 15% of dates differed by >1 month. Conclusions The underreporting of death and the lack of ART or TB status in the electronic DR-TB and ART registers could negatively impact monitoring efforts by downplaying the state of the TB/HIV epidemic. Improved recording of these data sources, and data integration across systems, could improve the accuracy of reporting for the national HIV/ART and TB programs.
Effects of synbiotic supplementation on energy and macronutrients homeostasis and muscle wasting of critical care patients: study protocol and a review of previous studies
Authors: Seifi Najmeh , Safarian Mohammad , Nematy Mohsen , Rezvani Reza , Khadem-Rezaian Majid , Sedaghat Alireza
Published: December 2019

Background: Among critically ill patients, regardless of the heterogeneity of disease state, an extreme and persistent dysbiosis occurs. Dysbiosis in critically ill patients may make them prone to hospital-acquired infections, sepsis, multi-organ failure (MOF), energy homeostasis disturbance, muscle wasting, and cachexia. Modulation of gut microbiota through synbiotics can be considered as a potential treatment for muscle wasting and macronutrients homeostasis disturbances. Methods: This is a prospective, single center, double-blind; a parallel randomized controlled trial that aimed to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on energy and macronutrient ‎homeostasis and muscle wasting in critical care patients.‎ All eligible patients (20 subjects in each group) will receive standard hospital gavage as enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube (NGT) in the 24-48h after admission. In the intervention group, patients will receive Lactocare (ZistTakhmir) capsules 500 mg every 12h for 14 days. Patients in the control group will receive a placebo capsule which contains only the sterile maize starch and is similar to synbiotic capsules. The synbiotic and placebo capsules will be given through nasogastric tube, separately from gavage, after feeding. Discussion: Gut microbiota modulation through synbiotics is proposed to improve clinical prognosis and reduce infectious complications, ventilator dependency and ICU stay by improving energy and macronutrient homeostasis and reducing muscle protein catabolism. Trials registration: The trial protocol has been approved in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials at 2019-03-17. The registration reference is IRCT20190227042857N1.
Knowledge of preeclampsia and its associated factors among pregnant women.: a possible link to reduce related adverse outcomes
Authors: Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Boamah Vivian E. , Fierti Adelaide , Gyesi Dorcas , Owiredu Eddie-Williams
Published: December 2019

Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the at a University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A closed-ended validated well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (<60%), moderate (60-80%) and high (80-100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥ 60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%). Results: The prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (>35 years old) [cOR=3.09, 95%CI (0.88-10.88), p=0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR=4.45, 95%CI (2.18-9.10), p<0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR=2.87, 95%CI (1.31-6.30), p=0.008]. Conclusion: The knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of different class III anti-arrhythmic drugs for treating patients with atrial fibrillation: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Chuang , Li Zhibo , Xue Xin , fei yu
Published: December 2019

Background Class III anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) are used to control heart rhythm or rate in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we evaluated the most effective and safe class III AADs used to treat patients with AF. Methods We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, WanFang databases, as well as the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 2014 to 2019 to identify studies that reported the use of class III ADDs to treat AF. Results We identified 31 articles (24 Chinese and 7 English), that included 2,894 AF patients (treatment group = 1,498, control group = 1,396) for our analysis. Several class III AADs showed significant treatment effects in AF patients compared to conventional treatment. The ADDs were ranked in terms of efficacy from good to bad as follows: vernakalant (relative risk (RR) =2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.9-3.7), ibutilide (RR=2.0, 95% CI:1.7-2.4), nifekalant (RR=1.5, 95% CI:1.2-2.0), and amiodarone (RR=1.4,95% CI:1.3-1.5). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions among the different class III AADs. These ADDs were ranked from least to most adverse reactions as follows: vernakalant(RR=0.46, 95% CI:0.20-1.0), sotalol (RR=0.52, 95% CI:0.25-1.0), ibutilide (RR=0.64, 95% CI:0.33-1.2), amiodarone (RR=0.79, 95% CI:0.58-1.1), and nifekalant (RR=1.0, 95% CI:0.44-2.5). Conclusion Our network meta-analysis shows that different class III AADs can be used to treat patients with AF both safely and effectively. Vernakalant appears to offer optimal therapeutic effect with minimal adverse reactions.
Comparison of three dimensional reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography in patients undergoing zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Jiang Chen , Wu Guangyu , Shen Chao , Fu Qibo , Chen Yonghui , Liu Dongming , Xue Wei
Published: December 2019

Background: Advances in the three dimensional (3D) reconstruction and printing technology have fueled a rapidly growing interest in its applications in the field of urology. To our knowledge, the experience on the use of 3D reconstruction to facilitate zero-ischemia partial nephrectomy (PN) remains sparse and the role of 3D reconstruction is still needed to be defined. This study aimed to assess the role of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography (CTA) in zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Methods: A total of 60 consecutive patients undergoing zero-ischemia LPN between October 2017 and March 2018 underwent CTA (CTA group including 30 patients) and 3D reconstruction (3D group including the remaining 30 patients) were included. 3D reconstruction and CTA images were prepared which were used to demonstrate the number and spatial interrelationships of the location of renal tumors and tumor feeding arteries. These radiology findings were directly correlated with intraoperative surgical findings at laparoscopy. Demographics, perioperative characteristics and renal function were compared between groups. Results: CTA and 3D reconstruction were successfully performed without any related complications. All the procedures were performed successfully without conversion to main renal artery clamping. Preoperative 3D reconstruction identified that 15 patients had only one tumor feeding artery, 12 had two, and another 3 had three, while the conventional CTA revealed that 22 patients had one tumor feeding artery, 8 had two (P>0.05). The mean operation time was shorter and estimated blood loss was less in the 3D group (P<0.05). 3D reconstruction group resulted in more accurate dissection of tumor artery (91.7%) as compared to conventional CTA (84.2%). There were no statistical differences in the baseline characteristics and renal function outcomes between two groups. Conclusions: 3D reconstruction can provide comprehensive information for the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative orientation that may facilitate tumor resection during zero-ischemia LPN for renal tumors.
Physical activity intervention for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Shu-ting , Zheng Jing , Peng He-wei , Cai Xiao-lin , Pan Xin-ting , Li Hui-quan , Hong Qi-zhu , Peng Xian-E
Published: December 2019

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Diet and lifestyle changes have dramatically increased its prevalence worldwide. This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the efficacy of physical activity intervention on liver-specific endpoints in the NAFLD population, namely hepatic enzyme levels, serum lipid levels, and glucose metabolism. Methods: PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for randomized clinical trials of physical activity intervention on patients with NAFLD through to April 20, 2019. Effect sizes were reported as the standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effect or fixed-effect models depending on the significance of heterogeneity. Clinical variability was investigated using subgroup analyses according to physical activity type and duration. Results: Eleven studies with a cumulative total of 1000 participants met the selection criteria. Physical activity was associated with small reductions in three hepatic enzyme parameters: alanine aminotransferase, (SMD: -0.17, 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.05), aspartate aminotransferase, (SMD: -0.25, 95% CI: -0.37, -0.13), and γ-glutamyl transferase (SMD: -0.21, 95% CI: -0.35, -0.08). Significant small improvements were also found for total cholesterol (SMD: -0.22, 95% CI: -0.34, -0.09), triglycerides (SMD: -0.20, 95% CI: -0.32 to -0.07), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: -0.26, 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.13). Physical activity also slightly improved two glucose metabolism parameters: fasting glucose (SMD: -0.25, 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.12) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.52, -0.24). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting insulin between the physical intervention group and control group were not significantly different. Subgroup analysis suggested that both aerobic exercise alone and resistance exercise alone could improve most liver function and glucose metabolism outcomes and that longer exercise duration generally had better improvement effects. The difference between all subgroups was not significant, except for the TG subgroups categorized by physical activity type. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that physical activity alone can only slightly improve hepatic enzyme levels, serum lipid levels, and glucose metabolism in patients with NAFLD.
Conditions for successful changes in health care organizations: an interview study with physicians, registered nurses and assistant nurses
Authors: Nilsen Per , Seing Ida , Ericsson Carin , Birken Sarah A. , Schildmeijer Kristina
Published: December 2019

Background: Health care organizations are constantly changing as a result of technological advancements, ageing populations, changing disease patterns, new discoveries for the treatment of diseases and political reforms and policy initiatives. Changes can be challenging because they contradict humans’ basic need for a stable environment. The present study poses the question: what characterizes successful organizational changes in health care? The aim was to investigate the characteristics of changes of relevance for the work of health care professionals that they deemed successful. Methods: The study was based on semi-structured interviews with 30 health care professionals: 11 physicians, 12 registered nurses and seven assistant nurses employed in the Swedish health care system. An inductive approach was applied using questions based on the existing literature on organizational change and change responses. The questions concerned the interviewees’ experiences and perceptions of any changes that they considered to have affected their work, regardless of whether these changes were “objectively” large or small changes. The interviewees’ responses were analysed using directed content analysis. Results: The analysis yielded three categories concerning conditions for successful changes: having the opportunity to influence the change; being prepared for the change; valuing the change. The interviewees emphasized the importance of having the opportunity to influence the organizational changes that are implemented. Changes that were initiated by the professionals themselves were considered the easiest and were rarely resisted. Changes that were clearly communicated to allow for preparation increased the chances for success. The interviewees did not support organizational changes that were perceived to be implemented unexpectedly and/or without prior communication. They conveyed that it was important for them to understand the need for and benefits of organizational changes. They particularly valued and perceived as successful organizational changes with a patient focus, with clear benefits to patients.Conclusions: Organizational changes in health care are more likely to succeed when health care professionals have the opportunity to influence the change, feel prepared for the change and recognize the value of the change, including perceiving the benefit of the change for patients. Keywords: Organizational change, Implementation, Influence, Preparedness, Patient benefit
Knowledge of physiotherapists on the use of Muscle Energy Technique in the management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Authors: Ahmed Usman Abba , Maharaj SONILL Sooknunan , Thaya Nadasan , Kaka Bashir , Akodu Ashiyat Kahinde
Published: December 2019

Objective: The relevance and use of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) as a mode of treatment for Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) over the last two decades has increased among physiotherapists and other health professionals. This supports the clinical relevance and efficacy of this technique. However, there are no studies to determine the level of MET knowledge among Nigerian physiotherapists. This study was designed to determine the MET knowledge among Nigerian physiotherapists.Method: A total of one hundred and twenty physiotherapists were recruited from the database of the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy and participated in the study. They completed a semi-structured questionnaire containing 46-items. This was divided into four sections which sourced information on sociodemographic characteristics, work-profile, treatment activities and the knowledge of MET for the management of NSLBP. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for mean, frequency and percentages. Inferential statistics of Chi-square, Pearson Correlation, independent t-test and ANOVA were used to determine the significant difference with significance set at p<0.05.Result: The study revealed that 16.7% of the participants had knowledge of the application of MET in the management for NSLBP. Age, educational level, practice setting, area of specialization such as musculoskeletal therapy, ergonomics and additional training of low back pain (LBP) were factors that influenced respondents’ MET knowledge (p<0.05). However, gender, university of training, number of years of experience and the practice of managing of LBP in the physiotherapy department did not influence knowledge of MET for the management of NSLBP (p >0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that a small number of participants had knowledge of MET application in the management of NSLBP and certain factors influenced this knowledge. Keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Muscle Energy Technique, Physiotherapists knowledge, Nigeria
The Adoption Level of Electronic Health Records in Turkish Hospitals and the Relation with Hospital Sizes
Authors: Kose Ilker , Rayner John , Birinci Suayip , Ulgu Mustafa Mahir , Yilmaz Ismayil , Guner Seyma
Published: December 2019

Background Considering the benefits of using electronic health records (EHR) for maintaining the overall quality of clinical care, the nationwide adoption of EHR in hospitals has become a policy priority. The electronic medical record maturity model (EMRAM) is one of the most popular survey tools developed by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) that measures the level of adoption for EHR functions in a hospital or a secondary care setting. This study aims to measure the digital capacity of public hospitals in Turkey and criticize the relation between adoption and hospital size. Methods EMRAM surveys were completed by 600 (68.9%) public hospitals of Turkey between 2014 and 2017. The availability and prevalence of medical information systems and EHR functions were measured. The association between hospital size and the availability/prevalence of EHR functions was also calculated.Results We found that 63.1% of all hospitals in Turkey have at least basic EHR functions, and 36% have comprehensive EHR functions, which is better than the results of Korean hospitals of 2017 but still lower than the USA hospitals of 2015 (1)[1]and 2017. Our findings suggest that small hospitals are better than larger hospitals at adopting certain EHR functions. Conclusion Measuring the overall adoption level of EHR functions is an emerging approach and a beneficial tool for the strategic management of countries. This study is the first one covering all public hospitals in a country by using EMRAM. The results are used by MoH of Turkey to disseminate the benefits of EHR functions overall in the country.
Typology of residential long-term care units in Germany: An explorative hierarchical clustering on principal components analysis
Authors: Bergmann Johannes Michael , Ströbel Armin Michael , Holle Bernhard , Palm Rebecca
Published: December 2019

Background Organizational health care research focuses on describing structures and processes in organizations and investigating their impact on the quality of health care. In the setting of residential long-term care, this effort includes the examination and description of structural differences among the organizations (e.g., nursing homes). The objective of the analysis is to develop an empirical typology of living units in nursing homes that differ in their structural characteristics. Methods Data from the DemenzMonitor Study were used. The DemenzMonitor is an observational study carried out in a convenience sample of 103 living units in 51 nursing homes spread over 11 German federal states. Characteristics of living units were measured by 19 variables related to staffing, work organization, building characteristics and meal preparation. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis (AHC) are suitable to create a typology of living units. Both methods are multivariate and explorative. We present a comparison with a previous typology (created by a nonexplorative and nonmultivariate process) of the living units derived from the same data set. Results The MCA revealed differences among the living units, which are defined in particular by the size of the living unit (number of beds), the additional qualifications of the head nurse, the living concept and the presence of additional financing through a separate benefit agreement. Three clusters could be identified; these clusters occur significantly with a certain combination of characteristics. In terms of content, the three clusters can be defined as "house community", "dementia special care units” and "usual care". Conclusion The typology of living units allows to identify more suitable outcomes and to develop more tailor-made interventions. Furthermore, the development of a typology is useful to gain a deeper understanding of the differences in the care structures of residential long-term care organizations. The intended theory development on the subject of different types of living units and the subsequent definition of these units will enable the long-term evaluation of their influence in further health care research.
Panfungal PCR assays using fresh frozen paraffin embedded tissue specimens for fungal species identification and the detection of azole-resistance mutations in the A. fumigatus cyp51A gene at a South Korean hospital
Authors: Jung In Young , Lee Youn-Jung , Shim Hyo Sup , Lee Woon Ji , Kim Jun Hyoung , Seong Hye , Kim Jung Ho , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Ku Nam Su , Park Yoon Soo , Yeom Joon Sup , Kim Young Keun , Kim Hyo Youl , Choi Jun Yong
Published: December 2019

Background: With rising concerns about changing fungal epidemiology and azole resistance in Aspergillus species, identifying fungal species and susceptibility patterns of mucorales and aspergillosis are crucial in the management of these diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate performance of panfungal PCR assays on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples for fungal species identification, and the detection of azole-resistance mutations in the Aspergillus fumigatus ( A.fumigatus ) cyp51A gene at a South Korean hospital. Methods: A total of 75 FFPE specimens with a histopathological diagnosis of aspergillosis or mucormycosis were identified during the 10-year study period (2006-2015). After deparaffinization and DNA extraction, panfungal PCR assays were conducted on FFPE samples for fungal species identification. The identified fungal species were compared with histopathological diagnosis. On samples identified as A.fumigatus , sequencings to identify frequent mutations in the cyp51A gene (tandem repeat 46 [TR46], L98H, and M220 alterations) that confer azole resistance were performed. Results: Specific fungal DNA was identified in 31 (41.3%) FFPE samples, and of these, 16 samples of specific fungal DNA were in accord with histopathological diagnosis of aspergillosis or mucormycosis. 15 samples had discordant histopathology and PCR results. No azole-mediating cyp51A gene mutation was revealed among nine cases of A. fumigatus . Moreover, no cyp51A mutations were identified among three cases with history of prior azole use. Conclusion: The pan-fungal PCR assay with FFPE sample may provide additional information on fungal species identification. No azole-resistance mediating mutations in the A. fumigatus cyp51A gene were identified among FFPE samples during study period.
Hepatitis E virus truncated capsid protein as a potential carrier of exogenous antigens for the development of chimeric virus-like particle vaccines
Authors: LU Tianyu , BEHLOUL Nouredine , ZHOU Yi , BAHA Sarra , LIU Zhenzhen , WEI Wenjuan , SHI Ruihua , Meng Jihong
Published: December 2019

Background: Virus like particle (VLP), a multiprotein structure which is assembled automatically, can stimulate robust immune responses due to an appropriate size, repetitive epitopes, and a structure similar to native virions. Utilizing VLPs as vaccine carriers to present exogenous antigens is a promising and challenging field in vaccine design. Hence, this study aims to investigate the potential of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) truncated capsid protein as a VLP carrier presenting foreign antigens in vaccine design.Results: S and M domains of HEV ORF2 protein (aa112-455) were selected as an optimal carrier (CaSM). The exogenous antigen Seq8 containing three immunogenic domains from three different foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains was linked to the C-terminal of CaSM to construct a chimeric VLP vaccine candidate (CaSM-Seq8). Morphological analysis showed that CaSM-Seq8 self-assembled into VLPs with a diameter of approximately 26 nm, similar to the VLPs of CaSM alone but smaller than native HEV virions. Further, the thermal stability and the proteolysis resistance of Seq8 were enhanced when carried by CaSM. The antigenicity analysis revealed a more robust reactivity against anti-FMDV specific antibodies when Seq8 was presented on the CaSM particles. Upon injection into mice, anti-FMDV IgGs induced by CaSM-Seq8 appeared earlier, increased faster, and maintained higher levels for a longer time than those induced by Seq8 antigen alone or a commercial inactivated FMDV vaccine.Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of the HEV truncated capsid protein VLPs as a presenting-platform of exogenous antigens in vaccine design and promising preliminary results on chimeric VLP vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease.
Spatial Models for Infants HIV/AIDS Incidence Using an Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation Approach
Authors: Mutua Susan Nzula
Published: December 2019

Background Kenya has made significant progress in the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV through increasing access to HIV treatment and improving the health and well-being of women and children living with HIV. Despite this progress, broad geographical inequalities in infant HIV outcomes still exist. This study aimed at assessing the spatial distribution of HIV amongst infants, areas of abnormally high risk and associated risk factors for mother to child transmission of HIV using INLA and SPDE approach. Methods Data were obtained from the Early infant diagnosis (EID) database that is routinely collected for infants under one year for the year 2017. We performed both areal and point-reference analysis. Bayesian hierarchical Poisson models with spatially structured random effects were fitted to the data to examine the effects of the covariates on infant HIV risk. Spatial random effects were modelled using Conditional autoregressive model (CAR) and stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs). Inference was done using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation. Posterior probabilities for exceedance were produced to assess areas where the risk exceeds 1. The Deviance Information Criteria (DIC) selection was used for model comparison and selection. Results CAR model outperformed similar competing models in modeling and mapping HIV Relative Risk in Kenya. It had a smaller DIC among the rest (DIC = 306.36)) The SPDE model outperformed the spatial GLM model based on the DIC statistic. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and breastfeeding were found to be negatively and positively associated with infant HIV positivity respectively [-0.125, 95% Credible Interval (Cred. Int.)= -0.348, -0.102], [0.178, 95% Cred. Int. -0.051, 0.412].Conclusion The study provides relevant strategic information required to make investment decisions for targeted high impact interventions to reduce HIV infections among infants in Kenya.
Schneiderian membrane thickness variation following endodontic procedures: a retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography study
Authors: Munckhof Thera Van Den , Patel Shanon , Davies Alix , Berkhout Erwin , Foschi Federico , Mannocci Francesco
Published: December 2019

Background: To investigate the changes of Schneider membrane thickness by CBCT pre and post root canal treatment, retreatment and pulp capping procedures. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on CBCT scans of a patient population of Guy’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London. Three groups of patients were studied: Group 1 consisted of patients referred for primary endodontic treatment; Group 2 for endodontic retreatment; Group 3 for indirect pulp capping procedures (serving as a control group). Follow up scans were carried out 1 year after treatment. Measurements were carried out on CBCT scans and data were analysed statistically by Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Linear regression was used to assess predictive parameters for membrane thickness. Results: A statistically significant reduction of the Schneider membrane thickness was observed one year after endodontic treatment and retreatment (P<0.05) but no significant reduction was observed after pulp capping procedures. Linear regression showed that age and gender were significant predictors influencing the Schneider membrane thickness. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, following root canal treatment and re-treatment a Schneiderian membrane thickness reduction occurred at 1-year follow-up. The removal of odontogenic infection following endodontic treatment may help reducing the thickness of the Schneider membrane. Trial registration: Ethical approval and registration were granted by the NRES London Bridge and Dulwich Research Ethics Committee. TRN NCT03055975
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dental Caries of Permanent Teeth among 12-year-old Students in Guangdong, South China
Authors: Wu Linmei , Li Jianbo , Zhou Yueshan , Liang Yihao , Huang Shaohong
Published: December 2019

Background: Analyses of factors related to dental caries in the population have been reported in some cities and provinces of China. However, large-scale field data evaluation at a provincial level is lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the factors related to caries in the permanent dentition of 12-year-old students in Guangdong province.MATERIALS/METHODS: Equal-sized groups of urban and rural students (960 of each) in Guangdong were selected by stratified, multistage random sampling with a gender ratio of 1:1. All participants were required to undergo an oral health examination. Information concerning the subjects’ family background, dietary habits and relevant oral health behaviour was collected in a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the factors related to dental caries. The independent variables included gender, residence, socio-economic status, dietary factors, and oral health measures, among others.RESULTS: Multivariate conditional logistic regressions showed that rural residence (odds ratio (OR)=1.676, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.350-2.080, P<0.001), female gender (OR =1.377, 95％CI: 1.115-1.701, P =0.003), frequent consumption of sugary snacks (≥ once a day vs. < once a day) (OR=1.484, 95%CI: 1.123-1.962, P =0.006), and calculus (OR =1.391, 95%CI: 1.122-1.724, P =0.003) were risk factors for dental caries, while the father’s education level (>9 years vs. ≤ 9 years) (OR=0.796, 95%CI: 0.638-0.993, P =0.043) was a protective factor.CONCLUSION: Rural residence, female gender, poor oral hygiene and frequent consumption of sugary snacks were the main risk factors for caries of the permanent teeth in 12-year-old students.
THE PROBLEM OF NAVAL WEAPONS’ LIMITATION IN FOREIGN POLICY OF THE
USA IN THE EARLY 20-IES OF XX CENTURY
Authors: A.V. Goncharenko
Published: December 2019

The article researches the position of the United States on the issue of naval arms
restriction in the early 20-ies of the XX century. There are outlined causes, the course and
the consequences of the intensification of Washington’s naval activity during the investigated
period. It is explored the process of formation and implementation of the US initiatives to
limit naval weapons before and during the Washington Peace Conference of 1921–1922.
The role of the USA in the settlement of foreign policy contradictions between the leading
countries of the world in the early 20-ies of the XX century is analyzed.
In the early 20’s of the XX century there have been some changes in the international
relations system and the role of the USA in it. Despite the isolation stance taken by
Washington, the White House continues its policy of «open doors» and «equal opportunities»,
promoting the elimination of unequal agreements between foreign countries with China,
and attempts to influence the position of European countries and Japan in the naval contest
issues and limitation of naval weapons. Taking full advantages, which were giving the
United States’ the richest country and world creditor status, the US Department of State
has stepped up its US impact in the Asia-Pacific region. The new Republican administration
succeeded in offsetting the failures of the Paris Decisions of 1919–1920 and began to
СУМСЬКА СТАРОВИНА 2019 №LIV 75
construct a new model of international relations in which the United States would occupy a
leading position. The success of US diplomacy at the Washington Peace Conference of 1921–
1922 contributed to this. However, the conflict between the former allies within the Entente
was only smoothed out and not settled. The latter has led to increasing US capital expansion
into Europe due to the significant economic growth in the country.
Despite the fact that the Republicans’ achievements in US foreign policy on local
issues have been much more specific than trying to solve the problem of a new system of
international relations globally, these achievements have been rather relative. Leading
countries in the world were still making concessions to the White House on separate issues,
but in principle they were not ready to accept the scheme of relations offered by the States.
That is why American foreign policy achievements have been impermanent.
Key words: the
Situating Arendt’s Discourse Ethics: Speculative performances by a thinktank of “non-professional thinkers”
Authors: Neff Esther
Published: December 2019

Practically rooted in a report on the activities and inquiries of a year-long thinktank performance, this chapter discusses how Arendt’s notions of “withdrawal” into thought (1978), discursive formation of reasonabilities (1958), and use of personal moral heuristics (1968) can be reflexively situated to devise discourse praxes not only amongst “philosophers” but also amongst those of us who are seen and see ourselves as “laypersons” or “non-professional thinkers” (1971) nevertheless agentic in political and epistemic materializations. Through debate motivated by Arendt’s parsing of tensions between thinking and acting and her conflations of speaking and doing, this particular thinktank sought ways of performing mutual spectatorship that could foreground methodological, theatrical, and ethical modes of discourse. My arguments here are oriented around a diagram produced by this thinktank, conflicts between ways of seeing that arose during the thinktank, and one member of the thinktank’s choice to end their own life.
I Breathe, You Breathe, We Breathe: How a daily habitual movement appears as an action and grows into a gesture through listening
Authors: Persyn Leonie
Published: December 2019

In this article I wonder whether the non-breath in-between inhalation and exhalation and inherent to breathing equals what Hannah Arendt calls a space of appearance. Can the non-breath be considered as a place where human plurality and the self emerge (Arendt 2015, 160-163)? Or in other words, can a daily and habitual movement like breathing provide the space for action to appear? Can our breathing act? And if so, do we speak (up) through our breathing? Through listening to the breathing bodies in Grey (Kinga Jaczewska, 2018), Toute une nuit and Rendez-vous d’Anna (Chantal Akerman, 1982 1978) I search for answers to these questions.
Choreographies of Dissent and the Politics of Public Space in State-of-Emergency Turkey
Authors: Bayraktar Sevi
Published: December 2019

This article investigates a recent period in which dissenting activism has been shifted in Istanbul under the state of emergency (2016-2018). Based on an ethnography conducted with activists in feminist and LGBTQI+ demonstrations, anti-emergency decree vigils, and the Presidential Referendum protests, the study discusses how activists resist and undermine mobilization of violence through using the hegemonic tools of repression tactically, and choreographically. By employing Hannah Arendt’s concepts of “politics” and “isolation,” I examine that state agencies like the police forcefully disperse protesters and display authority, oppression, and occupation of public spaces by constantly creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. In opposition, dissenters practice and rehearse dispersal as a resilient choreography to once again relate each other against the forces of isolation. I suggest the term “tactics of dispersal” to define and analyze how activists depart from the central assembly of the social movement to create smaller, mobile, and ephemeral assemblies. In the city-scale, by scattering themselves in the city of Istanbul and mobilizing peripheries of the urban space, dissenters re-choreograph and subvert a thanatopolitical strategy of dispersal in favor of pluralism under political hardship. In the bodily-scale, activists claim the public sphere through the transience of folk dance. Whenever protesters depart from folk dance collectives to create new ones, they perpetually re-configure the area and initiate novel actions contingent upon their temporal and positional assessments during the dance. Such tactical applications of dispersal characterized by the smaller scale and transitory gatherings with ever-changing combinations of bodies at the peripheral space of urban activism manifest its great potential for collective agency and plural politics.
Sites of Appearance, Matters of Thought: Hannah Arendt and Performance Philosophy
Authors: Damian Martin Diana , Schmidt Theron
Published: December 2019

This editorial introduces this special issue on the thresholds, borders, and dialogues between Hannah Arendt’s work and performance philosophy, bringing together contributions that investigate political resistance, thought, and practice. Arendt’s relevance to our times is ubiquitous: from the near constant citation of The Origins of Totalitarianism in relation to the recent rise in strong-man politics and resurgent ethnic nationalism, to her diagnosis of the plight of refugees, denied even the rights belonging to those that have broken the law, but instead placed outside the law. Contemporary political philosophy also bears numerous influences, in the thinking of Mouffe, Rancière, Nancy, Agamben, Brown, Butler, and more. For performance philosophy, we might engage with Arendt’s performative notion of politics itself, as exemplified in her idea of ‘spaces of appearance’, but also the performativity of thought, as well as the implications of Arendt’s work for phenomenology, governmentality, rights, and ecology. Contributors to this special issue also think through the relevance of Arendt’s work for an anti-colonial and anti-racist political praxis, and for post and non-human political ethics, judgment, and thinking.
The Role of Subcentres for Commuting and Non-Work Travel Distances and Modes in the Copenhagen Metropolitan Region
Authors: Sick Nielsen Thomas A.
Published: December 2019

Understanding the functional geography of the metropolitan region, and developing location criteria for smart growth, requires analysis of subcentres and their effects. Subcentres were identified in the Copenhagen area based on spatial analysis of micro-level employment and retail data.
Subcentres' effects on transport in addition to regional centrality were studied with regression analysis of work and nonwork travel behaviour data. Distance to employment subcentres with a minimum of 10,000 jobs and distance to subcentres identi fied from retail data and having a minimum
of 400 retail jobs affects residents' daily travel distance and/or transport modes. A short distance to a subcentre allows for shorter daily travel distances and, in the case of retail subcentres, for a higher probability of using public transport or walking/cycling. However, the effects of
subcentres are well below the still strong and significant effect of regional centrality upon travel distances as well as mode choice.
Commutes and Co-Workers: Complicating Individual Journeys through Workplace Relations
Authors: Plyushteva Anna
Published: December 2019

The everyday mobilities involved in performing paid work have increasingly been conceptualized in relation to their social context, with transport researchers seeking to move away from a view of the commuter as a solitary figure driven by a utility-maximization rationale. To date, most
research which emphasizes the social embeddedness of commutes has focused on the ways in which gender, class and race shape commuting experiences, and the role of household relations in the organization of the commute. In this paper, I contribute to this body of work by exploring the links
between the commute and the social relations of the workplace. The paper draws on qualitative data collected among commuters in Sofia, Bulgaria, and includes both office workers and people employed in shift work in the tourism and hospitality sector. The findings discuss the multiple ways
in which formal and informal workplace interactions become part of everyday journeys, whether through commuters arranging to travel together, through strategies for avoiding co-workers on the way to work, or through managerial measures aiming to shape commutes. Commuting experiences, in turn,
are not external to the workplace but are woven through it in a range of ways, as co-workers discuss commuter stress, or set time aside to plan easier, safer or more affordable travel to work.
“THIS COUNTRY OF CHINA IS TOUGH”: NIGERIAN IMMIGRANT MUSIC MAKING IN GUANGZHOU, CHINA
Authors: Mora Manolete
Published: December 2019

This article concerns Nigerian music making in Guangzhou, one of China’s leading manufacturing and trading centres, and where the largest groups of Africans in China, more generally, are concentrated. Nigerians are the largest community of Africans in Guangzhou and, like other Africans traders, practice what has been referred to as “low-end globalisation” (Mathews and Yang 2012). Beyond entertainment, music making among Nigerians, and Africans in China more generally, has a significant role in not only maintaining a sense of belonging but also in communicating key social concerns, aspirations and sentiments that stem from the experience of living and working in Guangzhou. This article describes how these experiences unfold in specific songs composed by two Igbo Nigerian immigrants whose aspirations and efforts to live and work in the city resulted in different outcomes.