bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farklı Organik ve İnorganik Azotlu Gübre Uygulamalarının Roka Bitkisininin (Eruca sativa Mill.) Azot Fraksiyonları ve Bitki Besin Maddesi İçeriği Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: YAĞMUR Bülent , OKUR Bülent , TUNCAY Özlem , EŞİYOK Dursun
Published: January 2020

Öz

Amaç: Bu çalışmada; roka
bitkisinin (Eruca sativa Mill.)
farklı azot formlarını içeren gübrelerle 2 yıl boyunca yetiştirilmesi sonucu
yapraklarındaki nitrat, nitrit ve toplam azot birikimi ile bitki besin
maddelerinin değişimi incelenmiştir.

Materyal
ve Metot: Sera
çalışması olarak yürütülen denemede farklı azot kaynakları olarak;  çiftlik gübresi (100 ton ha-1),
Ca(NO3)2 (150 kg N ha-1) ve (NH4)2SO4
(150 kg N ha-1) kullanılmıştır. Tesadüf parselleri deneme desenine
göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak yürütülen denemede roka yapraklarının hasat edilmesi
sonrası azot fraksiyonları ile diğer besin madde içerikleri ve verimi
saptanmıştır.

Bulgular
ve Sonuç: Her
iki yıl için de rokanın verimi, azot, nitrat ve nitrit içerikleri üzerine
özellikle nitratlı gübrelerin etkisi istatistiksel olarak % 5 düzeyinde ve
önemli olarak belirlenmiştir. Amonyumlu gübre ve çiftlik gübresi de nitratlı
gübreyi izlemiş ve daha az etkili olmuşlardır. Ekim zamanı ve azotlu gübre
çeşitlerinin rokanın makro ve mikro besin elementi içeriği üzerine etkileri
önemli olmamıştır.
HUBUNGAN KONSUMSI MAKANAN JAJANAN DENGAN STATUS GIZI PADA MAHASISWA
[Association between Snack Consumption and Nutritional Status among Undergraduate Students]

Authors: Puspasari Devi , Farapti Farapti
Published: January 2020

Oven nutrition among adults are public health problem that prevalence increase continuously by the year. College students who included in adult age group had many changes in lifestyle like snacking behaviour. The aim of study was to describe snacking behaviour among college students and to analyze association between snacking behaviour and nutritional status. Study was a cross-sectional study with total sample s 74 college students, who had determined by simple random sampling method. Snacking behaviour and subjects characteristic data were collected using Semi Quantitative-Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was measured from body mass index, calculated by height and body weight. Statistical analysis were done using T-Test, Mann-Whitney test, and Pearson correlation. Average of snacking frequency were 2.1±1.1 times/day with consumption amount was 272.5±149.5 gram/day. There was a diff erences in consumption of sweet-snack and fruit-vegetable between normal BMI and overweight college students. Energy contribution from snacking fulfi lled 17.1% of total daily energy. Energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumption from snacking was associated signifi cantly to nutritional status (p=0.000; p=0.000; p=0.004; p=0.002) with strength of correlation were adequate (r=0.417; r=0.456; r=0.333; r=0.354). These was signifi cant correlation between energy and macronutrients from snacking to nutritional status among Public Health Universitas Airlangga students. Health college student should be more wise to choose type of snacks consumed by controlling the consumption of ready to eat snack and increase consumption of fruit and vegetable to avoid obesity problem.
STRESS EM ESTUDANTES DE GRADUAÇÃO DE UMA UNIVERSIDADE PÚBLICA DA REGIÃO NORTE DE MOCAMBIQUE
Authors: Aliante Gildo , Abacar Mussa , Saquina Bonciano Hilário , Aristides Carlos Luís
Published: January 2020

O dia-a-dia do estudante no ensino superior é marcado por múltiplas exigências, próprias da vida académica, o que pode ocasionar o aparecimento de stress. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a sintomatologia de stress em estudantes de graduação de uma universidade pública da região norte de Moçambique. A pesquisa envolveu uma amostra de 176 estudantes, sendo 107 do sexo masculino e os restantes 69 do sexo feminino, com a faixa etária de 17 a 53 anos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico e Inventário de Sintomas de Stress de Lipp e analisados através do pacote estatístico SPSS, versão 25. A análise de dados revelou a presença de stress nas fases de alerta e resistência, com sintomatologia predominantemente de natureza física e psicológica, sendo o perfil de estudantes com maior vulnerabilidade à doença o ser do sexo masculino, ser mais novo, estar no início do curso, ser solteiro, estudar no regime diurno e não possuir vínculo empregatício. Considera-se a necessidade de realização de mais estudos de modo a aprimorar a compreensão do fenómeno de stress nos estudantes e fatores associados, bem como o desenvolvimento de ações preventivas e interventivas.
Socratic Questioning Method in The Colloid System Topics Using The Participatory Action Research (PAR)
Authors: Syanas Khusnul Lusi Nursyam , Saputro Sulistyo , Indriyanti Nurma Yunita , Mulyani Sri
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this research is to identify how lesson plans prepared based on socratic questions can improve critical thinking skills. Research method used is Participatory Action Research (PAR), data collection techniques through interviews and questionnaires. It is expected that the results of the research can be applied in schools specifically to produce lesson plans in colloidal learning integrated with TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge). The results showed the teacher gave a positive assessment of 85% on the socratic questions contained in the lesson plan. This will provide stimulants to students in order to able to argue and practice their critical thinking skills. Postgraduate student participants also gave a positive response of 87.5%. It can be concluded that both teacher participants and postgraduate students agree with the application of socrates questions to students because they have a positive impact on critical thinking skills. Thus, this initial stage of research can proceed to the next stage of PAR research.
Analisis Efisiensi Produksi Bawang Merah di Kabupaten Pati dengan Fungsi Produksi Frontier Stokastik COBB-DOUGLAS
Authors: Nurjati Eka , Fahmi Idqan , Jahroh Siti
Published: January 2020

English
Pati includes the prospective regencies for accelerating the growth rate and area diversification of shallot production in Central Java. However, the shallot production and productivity in Pati were unstable with a decreasing trend in recent years. The objective of this study is to evaluate the status and determinants of the shallot production efficiency using the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function. The research was conducted in three production centers sub-districts, Wedarijaksa, Batangan, and Jaken, in October 2017. The primary data were collected by interviewing 33 respondents which were selected through the stratified sampling technique. The results indicated that shallot farmers were efficient technically, but not economically and allocatively. Two significant determinants of the technical efficiency were the length of farming experience (positively related) and farmers’ age (negatively related). The farmers group membership and access to extension services were not significant, but both have positive effects on technical efficiency. Production efficiency may be increased through inputs use optimization that include reducing of anorganic fertilizer, increasing the quantity of organic fertilizer and seed, using of the true shallot seed and implementation of Integrated Pest Management. Improving the functions of agriculture extentions and farmers’ groups should also enhance shallot farming efficiency.

Indonesian
Kabupaten Pati termasuk kabupaten di Jawa Tengah yang dipandang prospektif untuk percepatan peningkatan dan diversifikasi wilayah produksi bawang merah. Namun, produksi dan produktivitas bawang merah di Kabupaten Pati tidak stabil dan cenderung turun akhir-akhir ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui status dan determinan efisiensi produksi bawang merah tersebut dengan fungsi produksi stokastik frontier Cobb-Douglas. Penelitian dilakukan di tiga kecamatan sentra produksi yaitu Wedarijaksa, Batangan, dan Jaken pada Oktober 2017. Data primer diperoleh dengan mewawancarai 33 orang responden yang dipilih secara stratified sampling. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa petani bawang merah di Kabupaten Pati sudah efisien secara teknis, namun belum efisien secara ekonomis dan alokatif. Ditemukan dua faktor yang berpengaruh nyata terhadap efisiensi teknis, yaitu lama pengalaman menjadi petani (berpengaruh positif) dan umur petani (berpengaruh negatif). Keanggotaan kelompok tani dan akses penyuluhan berpengaruh positif, namun tidak nyata. Efisiensi dapat ditingkatkan melalui optimalisasi penggunaan input-input produksi, termasuk dengan mengurangi jumlah penggunaan pupuk anorganik, menambah jumlah pupuk organik dan benih, menggunakan benih jenis biji botani, dan menerapkan sistem Pengendalian Hama Terpadu. Peningkatan fungsi penyuluh pertanian dan kelompok tani termasuk strategi untuk meningkatkan efisiensi usaha tani bawang.
Indirect impact of violent events on Emergency Department utilization and disease patterns
Authors: Makhlouf-Obermeyer Carla , Sharara Eman , El-Eid Ghada , Hitti Eveline
Published: January 2020

Background The health effects of war and armed conflict on casualties and mental health of those directly exposed has been well described, but few studies have explored the indirect health effects of violent events. This paper assesses the indirect health impact of several violent events that took place in Beirut in 2013-2014 on ED visit utilization and disease patterns. Methods As tracked by media reports, there were 9 violent events in Beirut during 2013-2014. We compared visits to the Emergency Department of a major medical center during weeks when violent events happened and weeks without such events (the preceding week and the same week in preceding years). After re-coding de-identified data from the medical records of 23,067 patients, we assessed differences in the volume of visits, severity index, and discharge diagnoses. Individual control charts were used to analyze ED visit trends post-event. Results Comparisons of weeks with violent events and weeks without such events indicate that the socio-demographic characteristics of patients who visited the Emergency Department were similar. Patients seen during violent weeks were significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and to have a lower emergency severity index, indicating greater acuity of their conditions. The discharge diagnoses that were significantly higher during violent event weeks included anxiety disorders, sprains, and gastritis. Daily ED visits dropped post events. Conclusions The results indicate that violent events such as bombs, explosions, and terrorist attacks reverberate through the population, impact patterns of ED utilization immediately post-event and are associated with adverse health outcomes, even among those who are not directly affected by the events.
Barriers of Antenatal Care Service Utilization in Somali Regional State Using Social Ecological Framework, Eastern Ethiopia, Ethiopia: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Mohammed Abdurehman , Teklu Alula , Beyene Senait , Hashi Abdiwahab , Abebe Zerihun , Gezahegn Wondimagegn , Mulugeta Mengestie , Metaferia Gesit , Shekabdulahi Muktar , Tolera Moti , Gebru Teklemichael
Published: January 2020

Background: A good Antenatal Care during pregnancy is important to ensure the health of the mother and the healthy development of the fetus. In 2016, at Ethiopian Somali region (43.6 %) of pregnant mothers had an Antenatal Care (ANC) visit at least once during their last pregnancy and only (11.8%) had a history of four or more visits for Antenatal Care, which are the lowest rates among all regions in Ethiopia.Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the barriers and determine enabling factors affecting Antenatal Care service utilization in Somali Regional state.Methods: A qualitative exploration was conducted from February 18 to March 11, 2017. A pre-tested semi-structured interview guides, and facility abstractions with checklists were used to collect the data. A total of 31 individual interviews, 12 focus group discussions, and 21 facility abstractions were collected. The population of the region were stratified into three areas based on their settlement characteristics as agro-pastoralist, pastoralist, and urban. Two districts were selected from each category based on their performance. The data was entered, coded, categorized, and analyzed by utilizing Nvivo version 11software. A thematic analysis was conducted using themes that were developed based on the constructs of the socio-ecological model.Results: According to the study, economic constraints, place of residence, mothers’ being lack of awareness, preference of female health care provider, husband’s disapproval, lack of acceptance by the community, absence of full ANC services packages related with shortage of manpower, medical supply in majority of the health facilities and lack of perceived benefits from ANC service were the main barriers of ANC service utilization. Conclusion: Individual, interpersonal, and organizational level factors were the most dominant barriers for ANC service utilization. Therefore, FMOH, regional, zonal and district level health administrators and other stakeholders should design effective IEC, community mobilization and work on supply-related problems to .increase ANC utilization in the region.
Evolutionary history of two cryptic species of Northern African jerboas
Authors: Moutinho Ana Filipa , Serén Nina , Paupério Joana , Silva Teresa Luísa , Martínez-Freiría Fernando , Sotelo Graciela , Faria Rui , Mappes Tapio , Alves Paulo Célio , Brito José Carlos , Boratyński Zbyszek
Published: January 2020

Background: Climatic variation and geologic change both play significant roles in shaping species distributions, thus affecting their evolutionary history. In Sahara-Sahel, climatic oscillations shifted the desert extent during the Pliocene-Pleistocene interval, triggering the diversification of several species. Here, we investigated how these biogeographical and ecological events have shaped patterns of genetic diversity and divergence in African Jerboas, desert specialist rodents. We focused on two sister and cryptic species, Jaculus jaculus and J. hirtipes, where we (1) evaluated their genetic differentiation, (2) reconstructed their evolutionary and demographic history; (3) tested the level of gene flow between them, and (4) assessed their ecological niche divergence.Results: The analyses based on 231 individuals sampled throughout North Africa, 8 sequence fragments (one mitochondrial and seven single copy nuclear DNA, including two candidate genes for fur coloration: MC1R and Agouti), 6 microsatellite markers and ecological modelling revealed: (1) two distinct genetic lineages with overlapping distributions, in agreement with their classification as different species, J. jaculus and J. hirtipes, with (2) low levels of gene flow and strong species divergence, (3) high haplotypic diversity without evident geographic structure within species, and (4) a low level of large-scale ecological divergence between the two taxa, suggesting species micro-habitat specialization. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest a speciation event that occurred during the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition. The contemporary distribution of genetic variation suggests ongoing population expansions. Despite the largely overlapping distributions at a macrogeographic scale, our genetic results suggest that the two species remain reproductively isolated, as only negligible levels of gene flow were observed. The overlapping ecological preferences at a macro-geographic scale and the ecological divergence at the micro-habitat scale suggest that local adaptation may have played a crucial role in the speciation process of these species.
A Probabilistic Approach for Economic Evaluation of Occupational Health and Safety Interventions: A Case Study of Silica Exposure Reduction Interventions in the Construction Sector
Authors: Mofidi Amirabbas , Tompa Emile , Mortazavi SeyedBagher , Esfahanipour Akbar , Demers Paul A.
Published: January 2020

Background:Construction workers are at a high risk of exposure to various types of hazardous substances such as crystalline silica. Though multiple studies indicate the evidence regarding the effectiveness of different silica exposure reduction interventions in the construction sector, the decisions for selecting a specific silica exposure reduction intervention are best informed by an economic evaluation. Economic evaluation of interventions is subjected to uncertainties in practice, mostly due to the lack of precise data on important variables. In this study, we aim to identify the most cost-beneficial silica exposure reduction intervention for the construction sector under uncertain situation.Methods:We apply a probabilistic modeling approach that covers a large number of variables relevant to the cost of lung cancer, as well as the costs of silica exposure reduction interventions. To estimate the societal lifetime cost of lung cancer, we use an incidence cost approach. To estimate the net benefit of each intervention, we compare the expected cost of lung cancer cases averted, with expected cost of implementation of the intervention in one calendar year. Sensitivity analysis is used to quantify how different variables effects interventions net benefit.Results:A positive net benefit is expected for all considered interventions. The highest number of lung cancer cases are averted by combined use of wet method, local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment, about 107 cases, with expected net benefit of $45.9 million. Results also suggest that the level of exposure is an important determinant for the selection of the most cost-beneficial intervention.Conclusions:This study provides important insights for decision makers about silica exposure reduction interventions in the construction sector. It also provides an overview of the potential advantages of using probabilistic modeling approach to undertake economic evaluations, particularly when researchers are confronted with a large number of uncertain variables.
Prevalence of postpartum depression and associated factors among postnatal care attendees in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, 2018.
Authors: dargie abate , Engidaw Nigus Alemnew , Gizachew Kefyalew Dagne
Published: January 2020

Background: Postpartum depression explains various groups of depressive symptoms and syndromes that can take place during the first 6 weeks following birth. The postpartum period is a critical time where both mild and severe mood disorders can occur. The familiar forms are baby blues and postpartum depression. Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression is mandatory for early detection and treatment.
Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st May to June 30, 2018. The study participants were eligible women who came to Debre Berhan referral hospital and health centers for postnatal care and vaccination service. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale was used to assess postpartum depression. A systematic random sampling technique was used to collect the data after determining the skip fraction (k=2). The collected data were coded and entered into Epi-info version 7 and transported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were done to identify associated factors. During bivariate analysis, variables with p-value < 0.05 were included in multivariate analysis. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were computed and variables with p-value less than 0.05 were considered to declare significantly associated factors (multivariate analysis).
Results: A total of 308 mothers who attended postpartum care included, which was a 100% response rate. The prevalence of postpartum depression was found to be 15.6% ( 95%CI=11.7, 19.8). Being widowed/widower, have poor social support, have currently hospitalized child, and had experienced a death of family member or close relative were significantly associated with postpartum depression.
Conclusions: the prevalence of postpartum depression was lower than most studies done in different areas. Major life events and traumas are associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression. Health professionals should be aware of the mother’s circumstances during the puerperium, they should initiate support to reduce the risk of depression in the postpartum period. Health care professionals working postpartum care clinics should give special attention to mothers who were widowed/widower, have poor social support, have currently hospitalized children, and had experienced a death of a family member or close relative.
Occurrence, distribution and virulence factors of clinically important Acinetobacter species recovered from selected freshwater resources in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Adewoyin Mary Ayobami , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi
Published: January 2020

Background : Several Acinetobacter species live in different ecosystems such as soil, freshwater, wastewater, and solid wastes. In this study, we assessed the occurrence of A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis , which are the major two clinically important species of the genus Acinetobacter , in three freshwater resources (Great Fish, Keiskemma, and Tyhume rivers) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa over a one year sampling regime (April 2017 - March 2018). Presumptive Acinetobacter species were subjected to molecular identification by using Acinetobacter genus-specific primers targeting the recA gene. The confirmed Acinetobacter species were further delineated into A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis using species-specific primer sets. Similarly, virulence genes, namely; afa/draBC, epsA, fimH, OmpA, PAI, sfa/focDE , and traT in the two Acinetobacter species were also determined using molecular techniques. Result : A total of 1107 presumptive Acinetobacter isolates were recovered from the freshwater resources of which 844 was confirmed positive for the Acinetobacter genus. Of the 844 Acinetobacter isolates, 285 (77%), 219 (70.9%) and 340 (79%) were recovered from Great Fish, Keiskemma and Tyhume rivers respectively. Our finding revealed that 410 (48.58%) and 23 (2.7%) of the isolates were confirmed to be A. baumannii and A. nosocomalis , respectively. The presence of these clinically-important Acinetobacter species in the freshwater studied suggests possible contamination of the selected rivers and also that A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis can thrive in aquatic environments. Besides, 308 (75.12%) A. baumannii and 3 (13.04%) A. nosocomialis isolates exhibited one or more virulence genes out of the seven tested, whereas 102 (24.88%) and 20 (86.95%) of the A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis isolates did not harbour any virulence gene. Additionally, OmpA was the most prevalent (p<0.05) virulence gene in A. baumannii with 69 (45.10%), 52 (50.98%) and 77 (49.68%) isolates in Great Fish, Keiskamma and Tyhume rivers respectively. Conclusion : The occurrence of these pathogens in rivers which are consumed by humans and livestock, as well as being used for irrigation system constitutes a risk to public health. Keywords: Freshwater resources, Molecular characterisation, Acinetobacter species, virulence gene s.
Impact of a Postcrash First Aid Educational Program on Knowledge, Perceived Skills Confidence, and Skills Utilization Among Traffic Police Officers: A Single-Arm Before-After Intervention Study
Authors: Ndile Menti Lastone , Lukumay Gift G. , Bolenius Karin , Outwater Anne H. , Saveman Britt-Inger , Backteman-Erlanson Susann
Published: January 2020

Background An overwhelming proportion of road traffic deaths and injuries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) occur in prehospital environments. Lay first responders such as police officers play an important role in providing initial assistance to victims of road traffic injuries either alone or in collaboration with others. The present study evaluated a postcrash first aid (PFA) educational program developed for police officers in Tanzania. Method A 16-hour PFA educational program was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for 135 police officers. Participants completed training surveys before, immediately and six months after the training (before, N = 135; immediately after, N = 135; after six months, N = 102). The primary outcome measures were PFA knowledge, perceived skills confidence, and skills utilization. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to analyse changes in outcome. Results The mean PFA knowledge score increased from 44.73% before training ( SD = 20.70) to 72.92% six months after training ( SD = 18.12), p ˂ .001, N = 102. The mean PFA perceived skills confidence score (measured on a 1–5 Likert scale) increased from 1.96 before training ( SD = 0.74) to 3.78 six months after training ( SD = 0.70), p ˂ .001, N = 102. Following training, application of the recovery position skill ( n = 42, 46%) and application of the bleeding control skill ( n = 45, 49%) were reported by nearly half of the responding officers. Less than a quarter of officers reported applying head and neck immobilization skills ( n = 20, 22%) following training. Conclusion A PFA educational program has shown to improve police officers’ knowledge and perceived skills confidence on provision of first aid. However qualitative research need to be conducted to shed more light regarding reasons for low utilization of trained first aid skills during follow-up.
Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial: Peer to Peer Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) for Adult Syrian Refugees in Turkey
Authors: Uygun Ersin , Ilkkursun Zeynep , Sijbrandij Marit , Aker A. Tamer , Bryant Richard , Cuijpers Pim , Fuhr Daniela C. , de Graaff Anne M. , de Jong Joop , McDaid David , Morina Naser , Park A-La , Roberts Bayard , Ventevogel Peter , Yurtbakan Taylan , Acarturk Ceren
Published: January 2020

Background: A large proportion of Syrians have been exposed to potentially traumatic events, multiple losses, breakdown of supportive social networks and many of them have sought refuge in host countries where they also face post migration living difficulties such as discrimination or/and integration problems. These adversities may put Syrian refugees at high risk for common mental disorders. In response to this, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a transdiagnostic scalable psychological intervention called Problem Management Plus (PM+) to reduce psychological distress among populations exposed to adversities. PM+ has been adapted for Syrian refugees and can be delivered by non-specialist peer lay persons in the community. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted with 380 Syrian refugees in Turkey. After providing informed consent, participants with high levels of psychological distress (scoring >15 on the Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10)) and functional impairment (scoring >16 on the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0)) will be randomly assigned to Group PM+/Enhanced Care As Usual (Group PM+/E-CAU) (n = 190) or enhanced-care-as-usual (E-CAU) (n = 190). Outcome assessments will take place 1-week after the 5 th session (post assessment), 3 months after the 5 th session and 12 months after baseline assessment. The primary outcome is psychological distress as measured by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25). Secondary outcomes include functional impairment, posttraumatic stress symptoms, self-identified problems, as well as health system and productivity costs. A process evaluation will be conducted to explore the feasibility, challenges and success of the intervention with 25 participants including participants, facilitators, policy makers and mental health professionals. Discussion: The treatment manual of the Syrian-Arabic Group PM+ and training materials will be made available through the WHO once the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of group PM+ has been established. Keywords: Cognitive behavioural therapy, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, refugee, mental health, group interventions, task shifting, trans-diagnostic
Current Status of Periodontal Disease in Adults in Takahagi, Japan:A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sekino Satoshi , Takahashi Ryoichi , Numabe Yukihiro , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Background : To date, a few studies have documented the detailed periodontal conditions of a Japanese population. It is important to know if the awareness of Japanese nationals and dentists regarding oral hygiene and prevention of periodontal disease have improved when compared with the past in Japan for the development of future scenarios regarding prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the severity, prevalence, and extent of periodontal disease in the adult population of the city of Takahagi, Japan. Results were also compared with those of an epidemiological study performed in Japan in the 1980s.
Methods : A total of 582 (aged 20 to 89 years) randomly sampled Takahagi residents answered a comprehensive questionnaire and participated in clinical examinations.
Results : The mean percentages of tooth surfaces harboring plaque and exhibiting BOP were 59.5 ± 24.9% and 31.1 ± 21.1%, respectively. The mean PPD and CAL were 2.5 ± 0.5 mm and 2.9 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Compared with results of the 1980s survey, the mean percentages of plaque and bleeding on probing were lower in the current population. The mean CAL and prevalence of attachment loss of ³5 mm in some age groups were higher in the present study than in the 1980s study. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to mean probing depth between the 1980s and current age groups.
Conclusions : Periodontal disease was still prevalent in the current Japanese population, even though some improvement occurred. Proper public health programs therefore need to be established.
Study determinants of increased Z-Score of Body Mass Index in preschool-age children
Authors: El-Gamal Fathi Mahmoud , Babader R , Al-Shaikh M , Al-Harbi A , Al-Kaf J , Al-Kaf W
Published: January 2020

Objective : To determine the association between socioeconomic level, gender, stunting and other characteristics with the presence of overweight/obesity in the preschool children . Result : BMI/Age Z score > + 2 SD was found in 19.5% of the children. It was more common among the children from areas with high socio-economic level (OR: 2.43; 95% CI 1.54, 3.84, and p < 0.000) . obesity was higher among the males (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.09, 2.8, and p < 0.02) compared to females. The increased duration of breast feeding, was significantly associated with increased BMI/Age Z-score (b= 0.027, p < 0.004). Decreased age of the child was significantly associated with increased BMI/Age Z-score (b= - 0.013, p < 0.004). The children with stunted growth were 6.7 times fold likely to have BMI/Age Z Score > + 2 SD compared to the normal children (OR 6.73; 95% CI 3.79, 10.80, and p < 0.000), after allowing for other factors. No significant association was found between allergic disorders and BMI/Age Z score > + 2 SD. Thus male gender, high socioeconomic condition, increased duration of breast feeding and stunting were significantly associated with overweight/obesity in preschool children
Build a Bioinformatics Analysis Platform and Apply it to Routine Analysis of Microbial Genomics and Comparative Genomics
Authors: Liu Hualin , Xin Bingyue , Zheng Jinshui , Zhong Hao , Yu Yun , Peng Donghai , Sun Ming
Published: January 2020

Genomics and comparative genomics have been increasingly used as routine methods for general microbiological researches. However, it is usually necessary to call several tools or even write some scripts to complete some simple analysis, which is complicated for most biological researchers. To simplify the operation process, especially for the convenience of microbiologists in the analysis, here we have developed PGCGAP, a comprehensive, malleable and easily-installed prokaryotic genomics and comparative genomics analysis pipeline, which implements genome assembly, gene prediction and annotation, average nucleotide identity (ANI) calculation, phylogenetic analysis, COG annotation, pan-genome analysis, inference of orthologous gene groups, variants calling and annotation and screening for antimicrobial and virulence genes. Although we have tried our best to simplify the installation and usage of PGCGAP, it may be difficult for non-bioinformatician users to master it. So, a protocol was created to help microbiologists without any experience in bioinformatics to establish their own bioinformatics platform and perform routine analysis. This protocol shows how to choose equipment, to install a Linux subsystem on a laptop with windows 10 system, to install PGCGAP and perform all analysis with an example dataset. The protocol requires a basic understanding of Linux, so an additional web page was written to help uninitiated users learn Linux and whole-genome sequencing (http://bcam.hzau.edu.cn/linuxwgs.php).
In vitro fertilization of mouse oocytes
Authors: SANKAR ADITYA , Gonzalez Javier Martin
Published: January 2020

this protocol describes the procedure of in vitro fertilisation of mouse oocytes. The procedure is performed at the transgenic core facility by a specialist according to the protocols found here: https://www.infrafrontier.eu/knowledgebase/protocols/cryopreservation-protocols
Determining the Potential Value of Salivary Plasmodium Falciparum Hisditine-Rich Protein 2 and Lactate Dehydrogenase as a Non-Invasive Test for Malaria
Authors: AGYAPONG FRANCIS OPOKU , Ansong Daniel , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Martin-Peprah Ruby , Opoku Millicent , Akorli Jewelna
Published: January 2020

Background Malaria remains an important public health threat claiming many lives particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Light microscopy which is a blood-based test is the Gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of malaria in the clinical settings. The lack of sensitivity of Microscopy coupled with the challenges associated with blood sampling necessitates exploring alternative methods of identifying malaria cases. Aims and Objectives The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) and Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (PfHRP2) in the saliva of suspected malaria patients and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of these saliva-borne biomarkers with the results of blood film microscopy using Nested PCR as the reference test. Methods The research was a comparative study. Matched saliva and blood samples of suspected malaria patients were collected. The blood samples were aliquoted into 2 smaller volumes and used to run blood film microscopy (thick and thin) and Nested PCR to detect DNA of the 5 Plasmodium species known to clinically infect man. Sand-wiched ELISA was separately run to qualitatively detect pLDH and PfHRP2 in the saliva samples. Accuracy indices of the saliva-based assays (saliva pLDH and PfHRP2) were compared with the conventional blood-based Microscopy. Results Of the participating 188 subjects, malaria prevalence rates of 51 (27.13%), 80(42.55%), 117 (62.23%) and 95 (50.53%) were detected by the Microscopy, saliva pLDH, saliva PfHRP2 and the PCR respectively. The sensitivity of the saliva PfHRP2 ELISA, 78.95% (95% CI, 69.38-86.64%) and saliva pLDH ELISA, 64.21% (95% CI 53.72 -73.79) were better than those obtained for the blood film Microscopy. Conclusions The saliva pLDH and the PfHRP2 ELISAs were found to be more sensitive (64.21% and 78.95% respectively) in defining malaria cases than the results obtained for the conventional blood film microscopy. Both the saliva pLDH and the PfHRP2 ELISAs showed moderate agreement with the results of the Nested PCR with Kappa co-efficient of 0.44 and 0.5 respectively.
Evaluation of enhanced external counterpulsation therapy for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Lin Lixia , Zhu Wenhui , Ma Nan , Lin Xiaofeng , Yang Hui
Published: January 2020

Background To explore the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) and its underlying influencing factors in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) patients. Methods Patients at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center with recent-onset (<8 weeks) NAION were retrospectively recruited. The patients had decided whether or not they would undergo EECP treatment, and the patients who declined were included in the control group. The effectiveness of EECP was evaluated by comparing the visual function and fellow eye involvement in patients with and without EECP treatment. Results In total, 61 patients (76 eyes) were included. Twenty-nine patients (37 eyes) underwent EECP treatment, while 32 patients (39 eyes) were included in the control group. Mean time from NAION onset to EECP initiation was 27.59±16.70 days. In the EECP group, the mean EECP duration was 31.57±18.45 days. EECP was well tolerated by all patients. However, there was no significant difference in visual function between the EECP and control groups, regardless of time to treatment initiation. Furthermore, there was no evidence of the effectiveness of EECP in the subgroup analysis of patients with different systemic health conditions. Among the 42 patients with monocular NAION, the sequential attack rate was comparable between the EECP (27.78%) and control (25.00%) groups. Conclusion This study is the first nonrandomized controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of EECP in NAION patients. Unfortunately, we failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of EECP in NAION at the 6-month follow-up. Any further application of EECP in NAION patients should be cautious.
Multidimensional Reveal of Nitrogen Regulation on Comammox
Authors: Zhao Yuxiang , Hu Jiajie , Yang Weiling , Wang Jiaqi , Jia Zhongjun , Zheng Ping , Hu Baolan
Published: January 2020

Background The discovery of complete ammonia oxidizer (comammox) was groundbreaking. Comammox can use ammonia as the sole nitrogen source and turn it to nitrate. Moreover, genomic data indicated that comammox contained genes which can metabolize urea and nitrite. However, the feasibility of enriching comammox with urea and nitrite in long term has not been proved. This study enriched comammox’s culture by using nitrite in reactor SA and urea in reactor SB. Results The nitrification rate of reactor SB (1.29 mg N·g -1 biofilm · d -1 ) was higher than that in reactor SA (0.6 mg N · g -1 biofilm · d -1 ) at the 390 th day. Comammox outnumbered ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in both reactor SA (9.04 × 10 9 copies / g biofilm) and reactor SB (5.34×10 10 copies/ g biofilm). In reactor SA, comammox’s amoA accounted for 92% of the total amoA, which was higher than that in reactor SB (85%). However, the percentage of comammox (4%) in total bacteria was much lower than reactor SB (14%). The results of metagenomic sequencing showed that all the pathways of nitrogen cycle including nitrification, nitrogen fixation, denitrification, assimilation nitrate reduction, and dissimilation nitrate reduction can be detected in both reactor SA and reactor SB except the anammox pathway. The genes related to nitrite oxidation and nitrate reduction in reactor SA (TPM = 5099; TPM = 3329) was higher than that of in reactor SB (TPM = 4071; TPM = 2984), presumably due to the demand of turning nitrite to nitrate and turning nitrate to ammonia. While genes related to ammonia oxidation and urea metabolism in reactor SB (TPM = 3915; TPM = 3638) was higher than that in reactor SA (TPM = 2708; TPM = 3002). Conclusion Nitrite and urea can regulate the enrichment culture of comammox by converting its metabolic pathway. Using nitrite as sole nitrogen source can improve the proportion comammox’s amoA in total amoA while using urea as the sole nitrogen source may increase comammox’s proportion in total bacteria. These results can accelerate the enrichment of comammox and facilitate the promotion of comammox’s engineering operation.
Examining fine-scale tribal health inequalities around three forested sites in India: Results of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Seshadri Tanya , Velho Nandini Dias , Narasimhamurti Nityasri Sankha , Srini Prashanth N
Published: January 2020

Background The data available for the health of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India are often coarse-scale snapshots of health status and healthcare access showing poorer indicators when compared to others but do not allow fine-scale analysis. In this paper, we examined health inequalities between ST and non-ST populations in two forested sites and compare healthcare parameters for ST populations across three forested sites in India. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional household survey in sites in and around Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT), Kanha and Pakke tiger reserves in the south, central and northeast regions of India respectively. In each site, multi-stage sampling and cluster analysis provided a representative sample of households across villages of 859 ST and non-ST households. We examined sociodemographic and health-related information including self-reported illnesses and healthcare utilisation; from these we explored within-site health inequality patterns for two sites and inter-site differences among ST households in the three sites. Results In BRT, ST-non-ST differences favoured the latter for socio-economic characteristics with no difference in self-reported illness/injuries or healthcare utilisation. In Kanha, both groups were similar for socio-economic characteristics and healthcare utilisation. Pakke ST households reported highest healthcare utilisation, while Kanha ST households reported lowest care seeking at hospitals and relied on home networks and health workers. High tobacco consumption prevalence was noted among ST households in all sites. Conclusions ST-non-ST inequality patterns at a fine-scale were different between BRT and Kanha. Absence of health inequalities between both groups in Kanha indicates uniform socio-geographical disadvantage while poor healthcare utilisation by ST in BRT indicates health inequities within the state. Pakke ST households reported highest utilisation while Kanha reported the lowest. Thus, programmes addressing health inequalities of STs need to consider site-specific assessments in socio-geographical and health system factors.
Effects of perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion for postoperative pain and recovery in elderly patients undergoing surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Wang Fei , Yang Lei , Zhu Tao
Published: January 2020

Background Improving postoperative pain and other potential benefits of IV lidocaine remains a significant debate in elderly patients. This meta-analysis aims to estimate the effect perioperative continuous IV lidocaine in elderly patients undergoing surgery. Method Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase and CENTRAL through OVID SP were independently searched until November 1, 2019 by two authors. This systematic review and meta-analysis included all randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of continuous IV lidocaine and any placebo or no treatment in aged patients after surgery. Primary outcomes were length of hospital stay and postoperative pain score and second outcomes were postoperative nausea and vomiting, opioid consumption, gastrointestinal recovery and postoperative neuropsychological function status scale. Result Eighteen studies(1175 patients) were included. Meta-analysis suggested that IV lidocaine reduce the postoperative pain scores(visual analogue scale, 0-10cm) at 2h(SMD:-1.30, 95% CI -1.90 to -0.70), 4h(SMD:-1.20, 95% CI -1.91 to -0.49), 6h(SMD:-0.87, 95%CI -1.72 to 0.02), 8h(SMD:-0.84, 95%CI -1.40 to -0.27), 12h(SMD:-0.73, 95%CI -1.14 to -0.32), 24h(SMD:-0.39, 95%CI -0.66 to -0.11), shorten length of hospital stay(MD: -0.30, 95%CI -0.50 to -0.09), decrease the requirement of opioid drugs(SMD: -0.31, 95%CI -0.31 to -0.01) and the incidence of postoperative nausea(OR: 0.52, 95%CI 0.31 to 0.87) in elderly patients undergoing surgery. Conclusion The evidence suggested that IV lidocaine significantly reduce postoperative pain intensity and opioid consumption and shorten the length of hospital stay in aged patients. In addition, it was shown that IV lidocaine decrease the requirement of postoperative opioid and incidence of postoperative nausea compared to control group. IV lidocaine maybe a useful assistant during general anesthesia owing to its beneficial effect in several outcomes in geratic patients undergoing surgery.
Correlation between ductus venosus velocity and right ventricular diastolic function in fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery in third trimester
Authors: Li Tian-gang , Nie Fang , Li Zhen-dong , Qi Ping-an , Li Qi , Wang Yan-fang
Published: January 2020

Background The cardiac diastolic functions in fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery (SUA) in the third trimester were ealuated using the spectrum of blood flow in the fetal ductus venosus (DV). Methods Color Doppler was employed to visualize the spectra of the fetal DV and tricuspid orifice in 34 fetuses with isolated SUA aged 28–39 weeks and in age-matched healthy controls. The DV flow velocities and velocity ratios were measured. The E/A ratio at the tricuspid orifice and tissue Doppler Tei index of fetal right ventricular in the two groups were measured. Results During the third trimester, the DV atrial systolic peak velocity “a” was lower in the isolated SUA group than in the control group ( P < 0.05). The correlations between the velocity ratios and the E/A ratio at the tricuspid orifice in the two groups were analyzed, and the correlation between the v/D and E/A ratios was the best (R 2 of 0.520 in the isolated SUA group and 0.358 in the control group). The correlations between the velocity ratios and the tissue Doppler Tei index of fetal right ventricular in the two groups were analyzed, and the correlation between the PIV and tissue Doppler Tei index ratios was the best (R 2 of 0.865 in the isolated SUA group and 0.627 in the control group). Conclusions In the isolated SUA group, the atrial systolic peak velocity “a” decreased, which might be related to changes in fetal cardiac functions. v/D was more closely related to the E/A ratio at the tricuspid valve and could be used to identify changes earlier in the isolated and healthy fetuses’ right ventricular diastolic functions. PIV was more closely related to the tissue doppler Tei index of fetal right ventricular and could be used to identify the isolated and healthy fetuses’ right ventricular overall functions.