bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presentación del monográfico Potencialidades y limitaciones de las cooperativas en Cuba (II)
Authors: Rodríguez Musa Orestes
Published: June 2020

Al presentar este nuevo monográfico de la revista Deusto Estudios Cooperativos dedicado a Cuba, no podemos menos que dedicar parte de estas líneas a honrar al profesor Fernández Peiso (1945-2019), quien fuera el Pionero del Derecho Cooperativo cubano, y cuyo deceso nos sorprendió hace tan solo unos meses. Respecto a los artículos que incluye este monográfico, el punto de partida está a cargo —precisamente— del Dr. C. Avelino Fernández Peiso con «EL ASUNTO COOPERATIVO EN CUBA. PERSPECTIVAS». Este trabajo inédito, si bien fue escrito por el autor hace ya algún tiempo, con motivo de su presentación en el I Taller Internacional de Derecho Cooperativo (COODER), celebrado en la Universidad de Pinar del Río los días 1, 2 y 3 de marzo de 2017, conserva plena vigencia. Alerta respecto al estado legal de la cooperativa en Cuba, que continúa desarrollándose en un ambiente institucional fracturado entre lo agropecuario y lo no agropecuario, sentado en normas legales no expresivas de su naturaleza social y aún pendiente de una Ley General de Cooperativas, asunto de suprema trascendencia para el proyecto socialista cubano.Publicación en línea: 14 junio 2020
Percepción social de los socios sobre las Cooperativas No Agropecuarias en Cuba
Authors: Valle Ríos Deibby , Figueroa González José Manuel
Published: June 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es diagnosticar las principales percepciones sociales que poseen los socios acerca de su cooperativa no agropecuaria. Para ello, se fundamentan brevemente los elementos teóricos relacionados con los procesos de percepción y percepción social, y los modos en que se ha estudiado el tema desde las cooperativas. Posteriormente, se hace un recorrido por la evolución de las cooperativas no agropecuarias en Cuba y los avances de la provincia de Pinar del Río en el tema. Por último, se diagnostica la percepción social que poseen los socios de las cooperativas no agropecuarias en Cuba, haciendo especial énfasis en una cooperativa de Pinar del Río.Recibido: 25 febrero 2020Aceptado: 14 abril 2020Publicación en línea: 14 junio 2020
Perspectivas para un cooperativismo socialista integral con base en los valores y principios promovidos por la constitución cubana
Authors: Mata Diestro Héctor
Published: June 2020

Se propone una interpretación garantista del texto constitucional cubano, que permita un desarrollo efectivo e integral del fenómeno cooperativo en Cuba, en el marco del proceso de actualización de su modelo socioeconómico, recurriendo a los valores y principios promovidos por la Constitución cubana, en relación a la identidad cooperativa, como base primaria de la interpretación.Recibido: 18 febrero 2020Aceptado: 17 abril 2020Publicación en línea: 14 junio 2020
Actual challenges of labor market and their gender implications for employment
Authors: Khotkina Zoya A.
Published: June 2020

The main research issues discussed in the article concern the impact of technological and epidemiological challenges on the employment of women and men, as well as the reasons for their asymmetric impact on employees depending on gender. The choice of these two challenges is determined, on the one hand, by their relevance, and on the other, by the fact that, although they are fundamentally different in both character and duration of their impact on the labor market, the consequences of their impact on women’s employment are the same and in both cases lead to job losses. The article shows that the same consequences for women’s employment from such different challenges are not accidental. This is due to the fact that the causes and risk factors of priority job loss for women as a result of the technological and epidemiological challenges are identical, since they are based on gender segregation of employment in the labor market, which divides jobs and entire industries into «male» and «female». In the technological challenge, the reason for the priority and more widespread loss of jobs by women is due to the fact that they are more often than men engaged in routine work in which is a large proportion of repetitive operations that are easy to automate and delegate to robots or artificial intelligence (AI). During the epidemiological challenge, more “female” than “male” jobs fell into the risk zone of unemployment, because as a result of self-isolation most enterprises and organizations in the service sphere, such as shopping centers, hairdressers and beauty salons, hotels and boarding houses, museums and libraries were closed, as well as airports and travel agencies — and all these enterprises employed mainly women. On account of the high risk of unemployment, these activities were included in the “List of economy sectors most affected by coronavirus” developed by the Government to provide priority targeted support. However, according to the information from the Ministry of Finance, less than a fifth of the service sector organizations and individual entrepreneurs will be able to receive this assistance, and therefore it is unlikely to avoid an increase in female unemployment.
Gender aspects of labor behavior of doctors at healthcare institutions in Moscow
Authors: Medvedeva Elena I. , Vinogradova Kristina V.
Published: June 2020

Current processes in the field of public healthcare — optimizing public healthcare institutions, formation of the market of paid medical services, changes in the legislation and in the requirements for qualification of healthcare workers — require new approaches in management. Today is needed not only redistribution of the volumes of medical assistance between different organizations, but also a review of the healthcare infrastructure, which should meet the needs of the population and ensure the quality of medical assistance. Introduction of Professional standards this year and transition to accreditation of all doctors and nurses directly affect the requirements for qualifications of medical workers. All this requires development of targeted training system in higher education and internship, creating a nationwide database of vacancies in healthcare organizations. The formats of work themselves and the requirements for employees are changing. The main task is to eliminate the imbalance in the distribution of medical workers by levels and conditions of medical care. Based on these needs, a new labor behavior of medical workers is being formed, which depends on many factors and needs a high-quality and in-depth study, not only in theory, but also in practice. This article presents the results of studies of the factors affecting labor behavior in the gender aspect. Labor attitudes and values, attitude toward work, labor activity, and job satisfaction are analyzed. There are presented the tools for both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the raised issues and formation of personnel reserve. The purpose of the article is to identify the gender aspects of the labor behavior of doctors at healthcare institutions using the example of Moscow. On the basis of the conducted study were identified qualitative gender differences and developed tools that could be used in healthcare organizations for analysis of personnel’s work, internal staff rotation, formation of personnel reserve.
A disseminação da informação científica como garantia da legitimidade dos resultados de ensaios clínicos
Authors: Cedro Larissa Ferreira dos Angelos , Gottschalg-Duque Cláudio
Published: June 2020

Este estudo tem o objetivo de identificar na literatura as publicações que retratam a necessidade de disseminação dos resultados de ensaios clínicos como critério de transparência e validação destes. Para isso, utilizou-se da técnica levantamento documental na literatura biomédica de documentos que versam sobre a transparência em resultados de ensaios clínicos. Para a busca, foram utilizados o descritor “Clinical Trial” e a palavra-chave “transparency” - ("transparency"[All Fields] AND "Clinical Trial"[All Fields]). Foi selecionada a base de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (MEDLINE) da National Libary of Medicine (NLM) dos Estados Unidos. Foram recuperados 394 documentos, retiradas possíveis duplicatas e selecionados 226 documentos de interesse para a pesquisa. De forma integrada foi estabelecida a relação da Ciência da Informação como a área que se dedica ao compartilhamento da informação através da organização, comunicação e divulgação científica.
Preservação digital
Authors: Formenton Danilo , Gracioso Luciana de Souza
Published: June 2020

O objetivo do artigo foi prover uma visão ampla e reflexiva dos principais aspectos da preservação digital, a partir dos desafios indicados, dos requisitos reconhecidos e das estratégias analisadas pela comunidade científica. A metodologia adota pesquisa quanti-qualitativa e exploratória-descritiva, com revisão da literatura nacional e internacional dos últimos vinte um anos acerca da preservação digital, a fim de apoiar a apreensão de tendências e políticas do tema como aprofundar as discussões sobre as necessidades no arquivamento e preservação de conteúdos digitais a longo prazo. Analisa dados do levantamento bibliográfico de publicações científicas nas bases Scopus e Web of Science dos últimos cinco anos (2015-2019) que tratam do assunto “digital preservation”. Observa que dos métodos discutidos, orçamentos, custos e metadados para preservação e arquivamento da Web são temas emergentes e carentes de estudos na Ciência da Informação brasileira. Na produção científica internacional, o Brasil destaca-se pelas quantias de publicações indicando uma maduração do tema e pactuando com o avanço dos projetos nacionais, como a Rede Cariniana. Porém, temos demandas financeiras, humanas e tecnológicas que, unido às características das estratégias para preservação digital, expõem a utilidade das colaborações e dos tópicos nacionais pouco explorados.
DECOMPOSITION METHOD FOR FORECASTING THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS OF NEW FAMILY PLANNING IN SURABAYA
Authors: Ulya Dinana Izzatul , Mahmudah Mahmudah
Published: June 2020

Indonesia is a country that has a large population and Family Planning Program was initially designed to control the population. This study aimed to forecast new Family Planning Program participants in the city of Surabaya in 2019 using the decomposition method. This study used secondary data, which is the number of participants for new Family Planning Program in January 2014 to December 2018 (60 plots of data) obtained from the PCWECP Surabaya. The researcher chose decomposition method in this study because decomposition is a one-time series method that has rarely been applied in a research. Based on the results of the study, the number of participants for new Family Planning Program from January to December 2019 was 2,776; 2,663; 2,504; 2,340; 2,440; 1,912; 2,034; 2,291; 2,223; 2,123; 2,123; 2,130 and 2,560 participants. The error value generated by this study is MAPE of 9, MAD of 365, MSD 197,738, and MSE of 2.1675. The best error value is the one that has the smallest value, so the MSE is the best model.
PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT PETAMBAK MELALUI PRODUK INOVATIF OLAHAN HASIL TAMBAK BERBASIS EKOWISATA MANGROVE DI KELURAHAN KEPUTIH, KECAMATAN SUKOLILO KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Wiyatiningsih Sri , Nugroho Sigit Dwi , Santoso Wahyu
Published: June 2020

Nilai estetika dan spesifikasi, serta potensi keanekaragaman hayati merupakan alasan mengapa ekosistem mangrove layak dijadikan tujuan wisata. Masyarakat pesisir Keputih Kecamatan Sukolilo telah menyadari adanya kerusakan kawasan hutan mangrove di lingkungan mereka, dan mereka sudah meminta kepada Pemerintah Daerah untuk mengembalikan kondisi kawasan mangrove mereka seperti semula. Namun kurangnya kepercayaan diri dan kemampuan berusaha mereka menyebabkan mereka belum mampu bergerak sendiri. Pembelajaran dan pemberdayaan masyarakat Kelurahan Keputih Kecamatan Sukolilo dalam memahami dan menempatkan posisi dirinya sebagai masyarakat pesisir dalam pengembangan kawasan wisata mangrove sangat diperlukan. Konsep yang digunakan untuk mengatasi permasalahan adalah membangun kepercayaan dan kerjasama yang baik sehingga program ini dapat didukung oleh semua pihak. Kegiatan KKN PPM yang telah dilaksanakan adalah sosialisasi pentingnya tanaman Mangrove kepada siswa SD, SMA, petambak, nelayan, masyarakat, penyuluhan tentang pengembangan kawasan Ekowisata Mangrove, Green and Clean Kawasan ekowisata, Reboisasi Mangrove kepada masyarakat, pelatihan pengembangan teknologi olahan produksi hasil tanaman mangrove dan olahan produksi hasil laut/tambak, pembuatan kincir air untuk tambak, pelatihan pembibitan dan penanaman mangrove, pembuatan Alat Pengering Tepung Mangrove, pembuatan alat pengasapan bandeng, pelatihan manajemen pengembangan kewirausahaan, lomba Menggambar dan Mewarnai Tanaman Mangrove untuk anak SD, dan lomba Pengolahan hasil tanaman mangrove dan hasil tambak untuk Ibu-ibu PKK.
The effect of pre- and postnatal exposure to a mixture of daidzein and genistein on the reproductive system of male rats
Authors: Marchlewicz Mariola , Szypulska-Koziarska Dagmara , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena , Duchnik Ewa , Wiszniewska Barbara , Kruk Joanna
Published: June 2020

Introduction: There is growing interest in the risk or benefits soybean food known as rich in isoflavones, due to their interactions with endogenous estrogen signal transduction pathway. Recent studies provide evidence that isoflavones can affect the reproductive and endocrine system under regular diet.

The aim of this study was to determine how the long-lasting administration of the key isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, may change morphology of the testis and the function of the epididymal antioxidant system of male rats.

Materials and methods: Male rats were treated by genistein and daidzein, in combination 2 (S2) or 20 (S20) mg/kg body weight per day for 5 days weekly mixed with regular rat chow from prenatal life until to sexual maturity. The control groups were fed without isoflavones.

Results: The findings show that the body, testis and cauda epididymis weights, testosterone level in blood plasma were

significantly lower than controls in the S20 group (p < 0.05). Also, superoxide dismutase activity in the epididymis, catalase activity in the testis, and glutathione peroxidase activity in the caput epididymis were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Treating with these isoflavones significantly suppressed lipid peroxides levels in the epididymis (p < 0.05). Furthermore, presence of prematurely exfoliated gametogenic cells was observed in seminiferous tubules as well as the architectural disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that isoflavones, if consumed chronically at a dose as for the S20 group may act not only as antioxidants, but they can be a risk for the male rats reproductive system dysfunction.
Effect of Bowel Preparation Volume in Inpatient Colonoscopy. Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Pilot Study
Authors: Hernandez Patricia V , Horsley-Silva Jennifer L. , Snyder Diana L. , Baffy Noemi , Atia Mary , Koepke Laura , Buras Matthew R. , Lim Elisabeth S. , Ruff Kevin , Umar Sarah B. , Islam Sameer , Ramirez Francisco C.
Published: June 2020

Background: Inpatient status has been shown to be a predictor of poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy; however, the optimal bowel preparation regimen for hospitalized patients is unknown. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of bowel preparation volume size in hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy.Methods: This prospective, single blinded (endoscopist), randomized controlled trial was conducted as a pilot study at a tertiary referral medical center. Hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy were assigned randomly to receive a high, medium, or low-volume preparation. Data collection included colon preparation quality, based on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale, and a questionnaire given to all subjects evaluating the ability to completely finish bowel preparation and adverse effects (unpleasant taste, nausea, and vomiting). Results: Twenty-five colonoscopies were performed in 25 subjects. Patients who received low-volume preparation averaged a higher mean total BBPS (7.4, SD 1.62), in comparison to patients who received high-volume (7.0, SD 1.41) and medium-volume prep (6.9, SD 1.55), P = 0.77. When evaluating taste a higher score meant worse taste. The low-volume group scored unpleasant taste as 0.6 (0.74), while the high-volume group gave unpleasant taste a score of 2.2 (0.97) and the medium-volume group gave a score of 2.1 (1.36), P < 0.01.Conclusion: In this pilot study we found that low-volume colon preparation may be preferred in the inpatient setting due its better rate of tolerability and comparable bowel cleanliness when compared to larger volume preparation, although we cannot overreach any definitive conclusion. Further more robust studies are required to confirm these findings.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT01978509
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Serious Mental Illness, and Delivery-Related Health Outcomes, United States, 2006-2015
Authors: McKee Kimberly Schmitt , Admon Lindsay K. , Winkelman Tyler N. A. , Muzik Maria , Hall Stephanie , Dalton Vanessa K. , Zivin Kara
Published: June 2020

Background: National estimates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) and serious mental illness (SMI) among delivering women over time, as well as associated outcomes and costs, are lacking. The prevalence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and serious mental illness from 2006-2015 were estimated as well as associated risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, including severe maternal morbidity and mortality (SMMM), and delivery costs. Methods: The study was a serial, cross-sectional analysis of National Inpatient Sample data. The prevalence of PMAD and SMI was estimated among delivering women as well as obstetric outcomes, healthcare utilization, and delivery costs using adjusted weighted logistic with predictive margins and generalized linear regression models, respectively. Results: The study included an estimated 39,025,974 delivery hospitalizations from 2006-2015 in the U.S. PMAD increased from 18.4 (95% CI 16.4-20.0) to 40.4 (95% CI 39.3-41.6) per 1,000 deliveries. SMI also increased among delivering women over time, from 4.2 (95% CI 3.9-4.6) to 8.1 (95% CI 7.9-8.4) per 1,000 deliveries. Medicaid covered 72% (95% CI 71.2-72.9) of deliveries complicated by SMI compared to 44% (95% CI 43.1-45.0) and 43.5% (95% CI 42.5-44.5) among PMAD and all other deliveries, respectively. Women with PMAD and SMI experienced higher incidence of SMMM, and increased hospital transfers, lengths of stay, and delivery-related costs compared to other deliveries (P<.001 for all). Conclusion: Over the past decade, the prevalence of both PMAD and SMI among delivering women increased substantially across the United States, and affected women had more adverse obstetric outcomes and delivery-related costs compared to other deliveries.
Access to primary healthcare services and associated factors in urban slums in Nairobi-Kenya
Authors: Otieno Peter O. , Wambiya Elvis Omondi Achach , Mohamed Shukri M , Mutua Martin Kavao , Kibe Peter M , Mwangi Bonventure , Donfouet Hermann Pythagore Pierre
Published: June 2020

Background: Access to primary healthcare is crucial for the delivery of Kenya’s universal health coverage policy. However, disparities in healthcare have proved to be the biggest challenge for implementing primary care in poor-urban resource settings. In this study, we assessed the level of access to primary healthcare services and associated factors in urban slums in Nairobi-Kenya. Methods: The data were drawn from the Lown scholars’ study of 300 randomly selected households in Viwandani slums (Nairobi, Kenya), between June and July 2018. Access to primary care was measured using Penchansky and Thomas’ model. Access index was constructed using principal component analysis and recorded into tertiles with categories labeled as poor, moderate, and highest. Generalized ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with access to primary care. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95 percent confidence intervals were used to interpret the strength of associations. Results: The odds of being in the highest access tertile versus the combined categories of lowest and moderate access tertile were three times higher for males than female-headed households (AOR 3.05 [95% CI 1.47-6.37]; p<.05). Households with an average quarterly out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure of ≥USD 30 had significantly lower odds of being in the highest versus combined categories of lowest and moderate access tertile compared to those spending ≤ USD 5 (AOR 0.36 [95% CI 0.18-0.74]; p<.05). Households that sought primary care from private facilities had significantly higher odds of being in the highest versus combined categories of lowest and moderate access tertiles compared to those who sought care from public facilities (AOR 6.64 [95% CI 3.67-12.01]; p<.001). Conclusion: In Nairobi slums in Kenya, living in a female-headed household, seeking care from a public facility, and paying out-of-pocket for healthcare are significantly associated with low access to primary care. Therefore, the design of the UHC program in this setting should prioritize quality improvement in public health facilities and focus on policies that encourage economic empowerment of female-headed households to improve access to primary healthcare.
Validation of the 7-item Knee Replacement Patient Education Questionnaire (KR-PEQ-7) based on the 16-item Knee Osteoarthritis Patient Education Questionnaire (KOPEQ) by comparison of two measures
Authors: Huber Erika Omega , Boger Axel , Meichtry André , Bastiaenen Caroline H.
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the content validity including item reduction, construct validity and internal consistency of the existing 16-item Knee Osteoarthritis Patient Education Questionnaire. Former research had indicated that a reduction of items was necessary. Participants were patients with severe knee osteoarthritis who, prior to undergoing a knee replacement operation, participated routinely in a preoperative educational intervention. Methods: A mixed method design was used. The first step was directed at the reduction in the number of items on the 16-item Knee Osteoarthritis Patient Education Questionnaire. Based on a priori hypotheses, this was followed by a cross-sectional validation study, performed to compare the resulting 7-item Knee Replacement Patient Education Questionnaire to a patient-testing Interview Protocol that was tailored to the same patient educational material. Additionally, the revised questionnaire was correlated with both the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy and the Mini-Mental State Examination score. Results: A relatively high internal consistency was found for the 7-item Knee Replacement Patient Education Questionnaire, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84 (SE: 0.036). Explanatory factor analysis showed no evidence against a one-factor model, with the first and second eigenvalues being 3.8 and 0.31, respectively. Bayesian Estimation of the correlation between the 7-item Knee Replacement Patient Education Questionnaire and the Interview Protocol was 0.78 (mode) (95% HPD 0.58 – 0.89).Conclusions: The 7-item Knee Replacement Patient Education Questionnaire shows good psychometric properties and could provide valuable support to health professionals. It can provide valid feedback on how patients waiting for a knee replacement operation experience an applied patient education intervention. Further investigation is needed to assess the applicability of the 7-item Knee Replacement Patient Education Questionnaire to larger samples in different hospitals and countries.
Opening Large-Conductance Potassium Channels Selectively Induced Cell Death of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sizemore Gina , McLaughlin Sarah , Newman Mackenzie , Brundage Kathleen , Ammer Amanda , Martin Karen , Pugacheva Elena , Coad James , Mattes Malcolm , Yu Han-Gang
Published: June 2020

Background: Unlike other breast cancer subtypes that may be treated with a variety of hormonal or targeted therapies, there is a need to identify new, effective targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It has recently been recognized that membrane potential is depolarized in breast cancer cells. The primary objective of the study is to explore whether hyperpolarization induced by opening potassium channels may provide a new strategy for treatment of TNBC.Methods: Breast cancer datasets in cBioPortal for cancer genomics was used to search for ion channel gene expression. Immunoblots and immunohistochemistry were used for protein expression in culture cells and in the patient tissues. Electrophysiological patch clamp techniques were used to study properties of BK channels in culture cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope were used for cell viability and cell cycle studies. Ultrasound imaging was used to study xenograft in female NSG mice. Results: In large datasets of breast cancer patients, we identified a gene, KCNMA1 (encoding for a voltage- and calcium-dependent large-conductance potassium channel, called BK channel), overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer patients. Although overexpressed, 99% of channels are closed in TNBC cells. Opening BK channels hyperpolarized membrane potential, which induced cell cycle arrest in G2 phase and apoptosis via caspase-3 activation. In a TNBC cell induced xenograft model, treatment with a BK channel opener significantly slowed tumor growth without cardiac toxicity. Conclusions: Our results support the idea that hyperpolarization induced by opening BK channel in TNBC cells can become a new strategy for development of a targeted therapy in TNBC.
A pilot study on a potential relationship between leg bone length and sprint performance in sprinters; Are there any event-related differences in 100-m and 400-m sprints?
Authors: Tomita Daichi , Suga Tadashi , Terada Masafumi , Tanaka Takahiro , Miyake Yuto , Ueno Hiromasa , Otsuka Mitsuo , Nagano Akinori , Isaka Tadao
Published: June 2020

Objective: This study examined the relationship between leg bone length and sprint performance in sprinters. The leg bone lengths in 28 100-m specialized sprinters and 28 400-m specialized sprinters were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The lengths of the upper and lower leg bones were assessed by calculating the lengths of the femur and tibia, respectively. To minimize differences in body size among participants, both bone lengths were normalized to body height. The ratio of the tibial length to femoral length was calculated to evaluate the interaction between the lengths of the upper and lower leg bones. International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) scores, based on the personal best times of the sprinters in each group were used as parameters for sprint performance. Results: There were no significant correlations between absolute and relative lengths of the femur and tibia and IAAF scores in both 100-m and 400-m sprinters. By contrast, the ratio of the tibial length to femoral length correlated significantly with IAAF score in 400-m sprinters (r = 0.445, P = 0.018), but not 100-m sprinters. These findings suggest that the leg bone lengths may play an important role in achieving superior long sprint performance in 400-m specialized sprinters.
“You talk about problems until you feel free”: South African adolescent girls' and young women’s narratives on the value of HIV prevention peer support clubs
Authors: Baron Deborah , Scorgie Fiona , Ramskin Lethabo , Khoza Nomhle , Schutzman Jennifer , Stangl Anne , Harvey Sheila , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead
Published: June 2020

Background: Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV infection in adolescent girls and young women if used consistently during periods of risk. The EMPOWER study evaluated peer-based clubs incorporating an empowerment curriculum offered to adolescent girls and young women (16-24 years) in South Africa and Tanzania for adherence support. Methods: Using serial in-depth interviews (n=33), we assessed the benefits and challenges of club attendance among 13 EMPOWER participants in the Johannesburg site who were randomised to clubs. We used a summary matrix of coded data to support a narrative, case-based analysis. Four case studies are presented. Results: Club participants reported benefits such as increased self-esteem and self-efficacy, reduced isolation, and greater insight into gender-based violence and strategies to address it. Day-to-day PrEP adherence was not the only topic discussed in clubs; participants also appreciated the safe space for sharing problems (such as relationship conflict and PrEP stigma) and found interactive exercises helpful in improving partner communication.Conclusions: Findings support the use of peer-based clubs using a structured empowerment approach, which may offer valuable PrEP initiation support to adolescent girls and young women in settings with high HIV and gender-based violence prevalence.Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202006754762723, 10 June 2020, retrospectively registered
An unlabeled probe based real time PCR and modified semi nested PCR as molecular tools for analysis of chloroquine resistant in Plasmodium vivax isolates from Afghanistan
Authors: Mosawi Sayed Hussain , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Safi Najibullah , Fotouhi-Ardakani Reza , Ghaffarifar Fatemeh , Sadraei Javid
Published: June 2020

Background: Plasmodium vivax isolate resistance to Chloroquine (CQ) has been reported from many endemic regions in the world. P. vivax is responsible for 95% of malaria cases in Afghanistan and CQ is the first-line treatment given for treatment of vivax malaria. The pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o (K10 insertion) genes are the possible markers for CQ-resistance P. vivax isolates. There have been no studies done on the presence or absence of molecular markers for CQ-resistance P. vivax in Afghanistan. The present work aimed to evaluate the frequency of mutations in the pvmdr-1 and K10 insertion in the pvcrt-o genes of P. vivax.Methods: P. vivax isolates were collected from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost provinces. For investigation of polymorphisms of desired regions in pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o genes, sequencing was applied on the PCR products. A new asymmetric qPCR and melting analysis assay based on unlabeled probe developed for scanning of K10 insertion in pvcrt-o gene. Results: The analysis of sequencing data of the pvmdr-1 gene showed wild type Y976 and K997 and mutant M958 and L1076 in 33 isolates from three provinces and submitted in GenBank (accession number MK419882-MK419914)Of 36 samples that evaluated for K10 insertion in pvcrt-o, 2/18(11%), 0/10(0%) and 0/8(0%) isolates from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost province possessed K10 insertion, respectively, that confirmed by either sequencing and unlabeled probes and submitted in GenBank (accession number MK292011-MK292046).Conclusion: Two samples with K10 insertion and 33 samples with pvmdr1 polymorphism, indicating on the possibility of CQ resistance P. vivax populations in Afghanistan. Furthermore, unlabeled probes are simple and inexpensive alternative tools for screening of P. vivax mutations.
Progress towards the 2020 Fast Track HIV/AIDS reduction targets across ages in Ethiopia as compared to neighboring countries using Global Burden of Diseases 2017 data
Authors: Mirkuzie Alemnesh H. , Ali Solomon , Abate Ebba , Worku Asnake , Misganaw Awoke
Published: June 2020

Background Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3, targets to eliminate HIV from being a public health threat by 2030. For better tracking of this target interim Fast Track milestones for 2020 and composite complementary measures have been indicated. This study measured the Fast Track progress in the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia across ages compared to neighboring countries. Methods The National Data Management Center for health's research team at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute has analyzed the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 secondary data for the year 2010 to 2017 for Ethiopia and its neighbors. GBD 2017 data sources were census, demographic and a health survey, prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, antiretroviral treatment programs, sentinel surveillance, and UNAIDS reports. Age-standardized and age-specific HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence, mortality, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), incidence:mortality ratio and incidence:prevalence ratio were calculated with corresponding 95% confidence intervals.Results Ethiopia and neighboring countries recorded slow progress in reducing new HIV infection since 2010. Only Uganda would achieve the 75% target by 2020. Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda already achieved the 75% mortality reduction target set for 2020. The incidence: prevalence ratio for Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda were < 0.03, indicating the countries were on track to end HIV by 2030. Ethiopia had an incidence: mortality ratio <1 due to high mortality; while Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda had a ratio of >1 due to high incidence. The HIV incidence rate in Ethiopia was dropped by 76% among under 5 children in 2017 compared to 2010 and the country would likely to attain the 2020 national target, but far behind achieving the target among the 15-49 age group.Conclusions Ethiopia and neighboring countries have made remarkable progress towards achieving the 75% HIV/AIDS mortality reduction target by 2020, although they progressed poorly in reducing HIV incidence. By recording an incidence:prevalence ratio benchmark of less than 0.03, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda are well heading towards epidemic control. Nonetheless, the high HIV/AIDS mortality rate in Ethiopia for its incidence requires innovative strategies to reach out undiagnosed cases and to build institutional capacity for generating strong evidence to ensure sustainable epidemic control.
Treatment Effects of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty – A Simple Method to Measure Outcomes at 6, 12, 24 and 60 Months for Each Patient
Authors: Huber Joerg , Irlenbusch Ulrich , Kääb Max J , Reuther Falk , Kohut Georges , Judge Andy
Published: June 2020

Background Although shoulder arthroplasty is less common than knee or hip arthroplasty, the number of procedures being performed is increasing rapidly. The treatment effect is a simple method to measure outcome of joint replacement. The method was applied to measure results of total hip/knee arthroplasty but not yet for shoulder arthroplasty. Methods Included were patients with unilateral cuff arthropathy (Hamada grades >=2) treated with reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in this prospective multicenter study. The patients were assessed with the ASES questionnaire. The treatment effects (TE) was calculated for each patient. TE = score reduction/baseline score. A positive TE means amelioration, TE = 0 unchanged, and a negative TE means worse. The primary aim was to calculate the TE’s for RSA at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. The secondary aim was to analyze the influence of confounders (preoperative Hamada grade, age, gender, dominance, side of the affected shoulder, general co-morbidities measured using ASA grade).Results 203 patients were included for this analysis of whom 183 patients had a complete 2 year follow up. Two years postoperatively the mean ASES score augmented significant from 20.5 to 78.7 (p<0.001). The 2 year TE's ranged from 1 to 0.09. We had no patient with a negative TE. A higher Hamada grade was associated with better TE’s (Hamada grade 4+ vs. 2, p-value 0.042). For age and dominant side there were weak associations where those aged 80+ and dominant side had better TE’s. The patients with higher ASA grade had lower TE’s (ASA grade 4+ vs. 1, p-value 0.013). The mean TE’s were 0.77 at 6-months, 0.81 at 1 year, 0.76 at 2 years and 0.73 at 5 years. Conclusions The outcome for reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be measured with the treatment effect method; the 2 years TE's vary from 1 to 0.09. The mean treatment effects change little in the first five postoperative years (from 0.73 to 0.81). The confounders for better TE’s were: higher severity of cuff arthropathy (Hamada grade 3, 4 and 5), less co-morbidities (ASA Grade 1), higher age (80+) and dominant side. Gender did not influence the 2-year TE’s. Trial registration: Comité intercantonal d'éthique (Jura, Fribourg, Neuchâtel), number 01/2008, 24.09.2008
Effect of intraoperative goal-directed balanced crystalloid versus colloid administration on postoperative maximum NT-proBNP concentration in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery
Authors: Reiterer Christian , Kabon Barbara , Taschner Alexander , Zotti Oliver , Kurz Andrea , Fleischmann Edith
Published: June 2020

Background: N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin T are released during myocardial wall stress and/or ischemia and are strong predictors for postoperative cardiovascular complications. However, the effect of goal-directed crystalloid versus colloid administration on NT-proBNP and troponin T, especially in relatively healthy patients undergoing moderate- to high risk abdominal surgery, still remains unclear. Thus, we evaluated in this sub-study the effect of a goal-directed crystalloid versus a goal-directed colloid fluid regimen on postoperative maximum NT-proBNP concentration. We further evaluated the incidence of MINS between both study groups. Methods: 30 patients were randomly assigned to receive additional intravenous fluid boluses of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and 30 patients to receive lactated Ringer´s solution. Intraoperative fluid management was guided by oesophageal Doppler-according to a previously published algorithm. The primary outcome were differences in postoperative maximum NT-proBNP (maxNT-proBNP) between both groups. As our secondary outcome we evaluated the incidence of MINS between both study groups. We defined maxNT-proBNP as the maximum value measured within 2 hours after surgery and on the first and second postoperative day. Results: In total 56 patients were analysed. There was no significant difference in postoperative maximum NT-proBNP between the colloid group (258.7 ng/L (IQR 199.4 to 782.1)) and the crystalloid group (440.3 ng/L (IQR 177.9 to 691.2)) during the first 2 postoperative days (P = 0.29). 5 patients in the colloid group and 7 patients in the crystalloid group developed MINS (P = 0.75).Conclusions: Based on this relatively small study goal-directed colloid administration did not decrease postoperative maxNT-proBNP concentration as compared to goal-directed crystalloid administration. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01195883)
Frequently abnormal serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity is associated with future development of fatty liver: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Doi Haruna , Ko Tetsuhisa , Fukuma Taito , Kadono Toru , Asaeda Kohei , Kobayashi Reo , Nakano Takahiro , Doi Toshifumi , Nakatsugawa Yoshikazu , Yamada Shinya , Nishimura Takeshi , Tomatsuri Naoya , Sato Hideki
Published: June 2020

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation. Some individuals frequently present elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels without fatty liver ultrasound images and other abnormal liver enzymes levels. However, whether these individuals are at an elevated risk for developing fatty liver is unclear. We compared fatty liver change rates and risk factors between individuals with frequently elevated GGT levels and those with normal levels.Methods We designed a retrospective cohort study on the basis of complete medical checkup records. One group of individuals had presented normal serum GGT levels during the observation period (Normal-GGT group, n = 2713). Another group had had abnormal elevated serum GGT levels frequently (Abnormal-GGT group, n = 264). We determined the fatty liver change incident rates before and after propensity score matching. We explored confounding factors affecting fatty changes in each group using univariate and multivariate Cox models.Results The change incidence rates were 5.80/1000 and 10.02/1000 person-years in the Normal-GGT and Abnormal-GGT groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, the incidence rates were 3.08/1000 and 10.18/1000 person-years in the Normal-GGT and Abnormal-GGT groups, respectively (p = 0.026). The factors associated with fatty liver changes in the Normal-GGT group included body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Those in the Abnormal-GGT group were platelet counts and TG. In our multivariable analysis, BMI, ALT, albumin, and TG levels were independent predictors of fatty changes in the Normal-GGT group, and high TG level was the only independent predictor in the Abnormal-GGT group.Conclusions The incidence rate of fatty liver change in the Abnormal-GGT group was higher than that in the Normal-GGT group. Consecutive elevated GGT levels increase the risk for fatty liver, and high TG levels in those individuals further independently increase the risk.Trial registration: NA
Mercury distribution in the surface soil of China is potentially driven by precipitation, vegetation cover and organic matter
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Yang , Li Gang , Yang Lei , Wang Xin-Jun , Sun Guo-Xin
Published: June 2020

Background: Understanding the mechanism of Hg accumulation in soil, which is a net Hg sink, at a national scale is important to protecting the environment and improving food safety. The mercury (Hg) distribution in surface soil in China is quite uneven, with relatively high concentrations in southeastern China and low concentrations in northwestern China. The reason for this distribution is inconclusive, especially at the continental scale. In this study, the relative contributions of the key impact factors, including dry and wet deposition, soil organic matter (SOM) and solar radiation to soil Hg, were evaluated.Results: Wet and dry deposition associated with precipitation and vegetation cover and emissions influenced by SOM are key factors controlling Hg distribution in surface soil. In southeastern China, high levels of wet deposition associated with the South Asia monsoon and dry deposition, enhanced by vegetation canopies, together with low levels of emissions caused by highly vegetated surfaces and solar radiation, are responsible for the high Hg levels in soil (>0.08 mg/kg). In northeastern China, moderate levels of wet Hg deposition, high levels of dry deposition via throughfall and litterfall, low emissions due to weak solar radiation and high levels of SOM are responsible for high Hg accumulation in soil. In northwestern China, low levels of wet deposition, together with high emissions levels, low vegetation cover (bare soil) and SOM and strong solar radiation, contributed to the low Hg level in the surface soil (<0.03 mg/kg).Conclusions: We suggest that wet deposition derived from the Asian monsoon, dry deposition linked to vegetated surfaces and Hg emissions associated with vegetation cover, SOM and solar radiation play key roles in the soil Hg level in China. In other terrestrial environments worldwide, especially in regions with significantly high levels of wet deposition and high amounts of vegetation cover and soil SOM, high Hg concentrations may exist in surface soil.
ICON: A randomized phase IIb study evaluating immunogenic chemotherapy combined with ipilimumab and nivolumab in patients with metastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: Kyte Jon Amund , Andresen NK , Russnes HG , Fretland Signe Øien , Falk RS , Lingjærde OC , Naume B
Published: June 2020

Background: Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) targeting PD-1 or CTLA-4 has emerged as an important treatment modality for several cancer forms. In hormone receptor positive breast cancer (HR+ BC), this therapeutic approach is largely unexplored. We have started a clinical trial, ICON (CA209-9FN), evaluating CPI combined with selected chemotherapy in patients with metastatic HR+ BC. The tumor lymphocyte infiltration is predictive for the effect of chemotherapy in BC. In ICON, we use anthracycline, which are considered as “immunogenic” chemotherapy, and low-dose cyclophosphamide, which has been reported to counter immunosuppressive cells. Methods: ICON is a randomized exploratory phase IIb study evaluating the safety and efficacy of combining nivolumab (nivo; anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (ipi; anti-CTLA-4) with chemotherapy in subjects with metastatic HR+ BC. Primary objectives are aassessment of toxicity and progression-free survival.The trial will enrol 75 evaluable subjects, randomized 2:3 into two arms (A:B). Patients in Arm A receive only chemotherapy, i.e. pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD 20mg/m2 intravenously every 2nd week) + cyclophosphamide (cyclo; 50 mg per day, first 2 weeks in each 4 week cycle). Patients in Arm B receive PLD + cyclo + ipilimumab (1mg intravenously every 6th week) + nivolumab (240mg intravenously every 2nd week). Patients in arm A will be offered ipi+nivo after disease progression. Discussion: ICON is among the first clinical trials combining chemotherapy with PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade, and the first in BC. There is a strong preclinical rationale for exploring if anthracycline, which are considered to induce immunogenic cell death, synergize with CPI, and for combining PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade, as these checkpoints are important in different phases of the immune response. If the ICON trial suggests acceptable safety and provide a signal of clinical efficacy, further studies are warranted. The cross-overpatients from Arm A receiving ipilimumab/nivolumab without concomitant chemotherapy represent the first BC cohort receiving this therapy. The ICON trial includes a series of translational sub-projects addressing clinically important knowledge gaps. These studies may uncover biomarkers or mechanisms of efficacy and resistance, thereby informing the development of novel combinatory regimes and of personalised biomarker-based therapy. Trial registration: NCT03409198, Jan 24th 2018; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03409198