bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of oxytocin vaginal gel on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zohrabi Ilnaz , Abedi Parvin , Ansari Somayeh , Maraghi Elham , Maram Nader Shakiba , Houshmand Gholamreza
Published: December 2019

Background: Around 90% of postmenopausal women are suffering from vaginal atrophy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oxytocin vaginal gel on vaginal atrophy among postmenopausal women. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial that was conducted on 96 postmenopausal women who suffered from vaginal atrophy. The inclusion criteria were: literate women, age 40-60, at least one year passed from their last menstrual period or the level of FSH>40IU, monogamous women with the sexual relationship. Women in the intervention group, requested to use one applicator of 400 IU oxytocin gel per night and women in the placebo group used placebo each night. The subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy, vaginal PH, maturation index were measured before and after the intervention. Results: The number of superficial cells was increased significantly in the oxytocin group compared to placebo (38.7±7.18 vs. 3.69±2.76, p=0.0001), while the number of parabasal cells was decreased significantly in the oxytocin compared to placebo after the intervention. The improvement of the maturation index was more dominant in the oxytocin group (increased from 7.76±4.68 to 52.48±7.54) in comparison to the placebo group (increased from 8.58±4.35 to 13.25±5.06). The PH of the vagina decreased significantly in the oxytocin group in comparison to the placebo group (p=0.0001). After eight weeks, 88.6% and 7.1% of women in the oxytocin and placebo groups did not show the severe symptoms of vaginal atrophy (p=0.001) Conclusion: The results of this study showed that eight weeks intervention with oxytocin vaginal gel (400 IU) could significantly improve the vaginal maturation index, subjective symptoms of vaginal atrophy and reduce the PH of the vagina. Using this medication in women who have a contraindication for hormone therapy is recommended.
Blood signatures for second stage Human African Trypanosomiasis: A transcriptomic approach.
Authors: Mulindwa Julius , Matovu Enock , Enyaru John , Clayton Christine
Published: December 2019

Background
Rhodesiense sleeping sickness is caused by infection with T. b rhodesiense parasites resulting in an acute disease that is fatal if not treated in time. The global impact of active T. b rhodesiense infection on the patient’s immune response in the early and late stages of the disease is not known.

Results
We previously described the transcriptomes of T. b rhodesiense from infected early stage blood (n=3) and late stage CSF (n=3) samples from Eastern Uganda. We here identify human transcripts that were differentially expressed (padj < 0.05) in the early stage blood versus healthy controls (n=3) and early stage blood versus late stage CSF. Differential expression in infected blood showed an enrichment of innate immune response genes whereas that of the CSF showed enrichment for anti-inflammatory and neuro-degeneration signalling pathways. We also identified genes (C1QC, MARCO, IGHD3-10) that were up-regulated (log 2 FC > 2.5) in both the blood and CSF.

Conclusion
The data yields insights into the host’s response to T. b rhodesiense parasites in the blood and central nervous system. We identified key pathways and signalling molecules for the predominant innate immune response in the early stage infection; and anti-inflammatory and neuro-degeneration pathways associated with sleep disorders in second stage infection. We further identified potential blood biomarkers that can be used for diagnosis of late stage disease without the need for lumbar puncture.
Health Assets and Frailty: Positive Psychosocial Resources and Health Status in Older Adult, a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gregorevic Kate , Hubbard Ruth E , Peel Nancye M , Lau Wei Tong , Wu Jethro , Crammond Bradley , Lim Wen Kwang
Published: December 2019

Background: Although frailty is predictive of poorer outcomes for hospitalised older adults, it does not account for all variation in outcomes. Health assets are protective factors associated with wellbeing that may moderate frailty associated mortality and functional decline Objective: To determine whether frail older adults with a higher number of health assets have improved outcomes Design: Prospective cohort study Methods: Adults aged 70 and older with an unplanned admission to hospital were included. Recruitment took place on general medical, orthogeriatric and subacute wards of two hospitals in Australia. The Health Assets Index (HAI), frailty, functional status and covariates were measured at the time of recruitment. Outcomes were mortality at 30 days and functional decline at the time of discharge. Results: There were 298 participants, with an average age of 84.7 and 66% were women. 80.1% were frail. The mean score on the HAI was 10.86 with a range of 5.5-15. 56.4% of participants had functional decline on discharge from hospital with 30 day mortality of 5.7%. There was an inverse relationship between frailty and health assets. Neither frailty or a higher number of health assets alone predicted outcomes. In a post-hoc analysis to account for interaction, a higher number of health assets was protective against mortality for the least frail. This relationship was reversed at higher levels of frailty. Conclusions: A higher number of Health Assets correlated with a lower level of frailty. Although Health Assets alone did not predict mortality, this relationship may be moderated by frailty.
Antiviral effect of 1-calcium phosphonate uracil against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in vitro
Authors: Xu Lei , Xu Zhi wen , Jun Zhao , Yang Xiao yu , Zhang Ruo bo , Jiang Chao yuan , Yu Feng , Yin Xin huan , Li Fei , Huang Jianbo , Sun Xiangang , Ling Zhu
Published: December 2019

Background: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an RNA virus. Currently, it is treated in various ways, including vaccination with inactivated vaccine, live attenuated vaccine, or subunit vaccine, but the control of PRRSV infection is still inadequate. Therefore, it is necessary to study new drugs against PRRSV infection. In this study, the antiviral effect of 1-calcium phosphonate uracil on PRRSV in vitro was studied.
Results: PRRSV was significantly inhibited in SR pretreated cells. In addition, the results showed that SR inhibited the adhesion, entry and genome synthesis of PRRSV, but did not affect the release of PRRSV.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that SR may play an antiviral role in PRRSV infection in vitro, which suggests that SR may be a potential new drug for inhibiting PRRSV infection
Tissue-specific de novo transcriptome analysis in kiwifruit [Actinidia deliciosa (A Chev) Liang et Ferguson]
Authors: SALAZAR JUAN , Vergara Cristian , Jorquera Claudia , Zapata Patricio , Gómez Pedro Martínez , Infante Rodrigo , Meneses Claudio
Published: December 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Application of the Chinese version of Zelaya's HIV-related stigma scale to undergraduates in mainland China
Authors: Ruan Fang , Fu Guochen , Zhou Mingyu , Luo Lan , Chen Jing , Hua Wei , Li Xin , Chen Yifan , Xia Xiaobao , Xiong Yanting , Chen Yuhua , Shi Bin , Lu Shengbo , Zhang Hudie , Wu Dawei , Liu Yusi , Zhan Jihong , Wang Junfang
Published: December 2019

Background: This cross-sectional study aims to validate the Chinese version of Zelaya's HIV-related Stigma Scale (CVZHSS) among a large undergraduate sample in mainland China, and apply it to measure the level of different dimensions of stigma and their respective determinants.Methods From September 10, 2018, to January 9, 2019, a total of 10665 eligible undergraduates conveniently drawn from 30 provinces in mainland China (except for Tibet) completed the self-designed online questionnaire distributed via sojump.com voluntarily, anonymously and confidentially. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were first performed to test its construct validity, Cronbach's alpha was then used to assess its internal consistency, and Logistic regression analyses were finally carried out to identify predictors of various dimensions of stigma. Results As expected from the original model, four factors (i.e., "fear of casual transmission", "moral judgment", "personal stigma" and "perceived community stigma") were extracted using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, accounting for 63.26% of the total variance. The CFA further confirmed the four-factor construct (CFI=0.92, GFI=0.91, RMSEA=0.07). In addition, all the four factors demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.83 to 0.92. Stigma as measured by "fear of casual transmission" (74.4%), "moral judgement" (61.6%), "personal stigma" (79.0%) and "perceived community stigma"(36.5%) is highly prevalent among undergraduates. Except for non-freshmen, less knowledge about HIV and unsafe sex which were consistently associated with higher levels of stigma in all four dimensions, other eight variables including gender, residential area, major, sexual orientation, having ever being tested perception of HIV risk, willingness to utilize HTC service and awareness of the national AIDS policy played differential roles in affecting different dimensions of stigma. Conclusions The CVZHSS is a reliable and valid measurement tool and can be used to identify undergraduates with high levels of stigma. However, the four dimensions (Fear, moral judgement, personal stigma and perceived community stigma) were respectively influenced by different determinants, and thus should be treated independently when designing, implementing and evaluating stigma reduction programs.
Antipsychotic Drugs Attenuate Interleukin-6 Secretion by Microglia Via Dopamine Inhibition
Authors: Mekori-Domachevsky Ehud , Nash Yuval , Rabinovich Alon , Frenkel Dan , Freund-Levi Yvonne
Published: December 2019

Background: Antipsychotic drugs are commonly used for various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Their mechanism of action is thought to be by modulation of neurotransmitter activity in the brain, mainly dopamine. It has been suggested that antipsychotic drugs may also exert anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to examine whether the modulating effect of antipsychotic drugs on neurotransmitters attenuates the inflammatory response of microglia cells. Methods: Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured following activation of microglia cultures with lipopolysaccharides and treatment with antipsychotic drugs (risperidone, haloperidol, and clozapine), neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine), or a combination of dopamine and either haloperidol or clozapine. Results: Haloperidol and clozapine decreased IL-6 secretion by microglia cells when treated at a concentration of 10-5M. Interestingly, dopamine at a concentration of 1 μM increased IL-6 secretion by the microglia cells, while a concentration of 100 μM decreased it. The combination of dopamine (from 0.001 μM to 100 μM) with either haloperidol (10-5M or 10-8M) or clozapine (10-5M or 10-7M) attenuated IL-6 secretion in a bell-shaped curve with a peak at 1 μM. High concentrations of both haloperidol and clozapine decreased IL-6 secretion, while low concentrations modestly increased IL-6 levels. Conclusions: Our findings support anti-inflammatory properties of antipsychotic drugs, and suggest that their action is mediated via the inhibition of dopaminergic activity in microglia cells. The bell-shaped curve of IL-6 secretion by microglia might suggest the presence of an “optimal zone” of operation for these cells that is mediated by dopamine.
Spread of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria and predictors of treatment failures in Vietnam
Authors: Duong Minh Cuong , Pham Oanh Kieu Nguyet , Nguyen Phong Thanh , Nguyen Van Vinh Chau , Nguyen Phu Hoan
Published: December 2019

Background Drug-resistant falciparum malaria is an increasing public health burden. We examined the magnitude of Plasmodium falciparum infection and the patterns and predictors of treatment failure in Vietnam. Methods Medical records of all 443 patients with malaria infection admitted to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases between January 2015 and December 2018 were used to extract information on demographics, risk factors, symptoms, laboratory tests, treatment, and outcome. Results More than half (59.8%, 95%CI 55.1%-64.4%) of patient acquired P. falciparum infection of whom 21.9% (95%CI 17.1%-27.4%) had severe malaria, while 10.2% (95%CI 6.8%-14.5%) and 19.2% (95%CI 14.7%-24.5%) developed early treatment failure (ETF) and late treatment failure (LTF) respectively. ETF was 6.8% among patients referred from Binh Phuoc province and Central Highland, 11.3% from other areas in Vietnam, and 6.9% from Africa. LTF was 16.2% among patients from Binh Phuoc province and Central Highland, 22.6% from other areas in Vietnam, and 27.6% from Africa. Most patients (98.5%) recovered completely. Having severe malaria was a predictor of ETF (AOR 4.42, 95%CI 1.85-10.61, P = 0.001). No predictor of LTF was identified.Conclusion P. falciparum remains the prevalent malaria parasite. Despite low mortality rate, severe malaria is not rare and is a significant predictor of ETF. Parenteral artesunate and an oral partner drug should be concurrently used for severe malaria to reduce the risk for ETF. The study alerts the possibility of drug-resistant malaria in Africa and other areas in Vietnam which are known as nonendemic areas of antimalarial drug resistance. A more comprehensive study using molecular technique in these regions is required to completely understand the magnitude of drug-resistant malaria and to design appropriate control strategies. Key words: Plasmodium falciparum; severe malaria; early treatment failure; late treatment failure; Vietnam
Tanshinone IIA alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation induced cardiomyocytes injury via lncRNA AK003290/miR-124-5p signaling
Authors: Chen Liye , Wei Lili , Yu Qiongyang , Shi Haozhe , Liu George
Published: December 2019

Objective Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of death and one of the heaviest healthy burden globally nowadays. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is the major active compound extracted form Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge possessing various of pharmacology activities. The present study aimed at investigating the role of TSA in AMI and underlying mechsniam.Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression of genes and proteins. Cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin/V PI staining and flow cytometry. The amount of LDH, MDA and ROS were detected using commercial kits. FISH experiment was used to detect the expression of AK003290 in cardiomyocytes. Luciferace activity assay was performed to verify the interaction between AK003290 and miR-124-5p.Results We have shown that TSA decreased the apoptosis rate, the amount of LDH, MDA as well as ROS of cardiomyocytes. Meantime, it elevated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) which was decreased by H/R treatment. It was also determined that miR-124-5p targets AK003290 directly. TSA up-regulated the expression of AK003290 and its function can be reversed by knock down of AK003290 as well as miR-124-5p overexpression.Conclusion TSA exerts the protective role against H/R induced apoptosis, oxidative and MMP loss of cardiomyocytes via regulating AK003290 and miR-124-5p signaling.
Mechanism of antrocytic connexin-43 autophagy degradation in oxygen-glucose deprivation and its effect on neuroinflammation
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Feng Liangshu , Xin Meiying , Hao Yulei , Wang Xu , Shang Pei , Zhao Mingming , Hou Shuai , Zhang Yunhai , Xiao Yun , Ma Di , Feng Jiachun
Published: December 2019

Background : Connexin 43 (Cx43) are the most widely distributed gap junction proteins in the nervous system. Cx43 enables cell-to-cell communication and plays an important role in ion transport, substrate exchange and delivery of information , which have been implicated in cerebral ischemia injury. Our previous work revealed the relationships between Cx43 and glia-mediated neuroinflammation through the release of ATP in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), which means degradation of Cx43 may improve neuroinflammatory damage during OGD injury . However, the roles of Cx43 degradation and neuroinflammation caused by OGD remain unclear. Methods: We used primary cultured astrocytes treated with OGD as an in vitro model of cerebral ischemia injury and we used middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model as an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia. HeLa cells were used in overexpression experiments. Cx43 protein levels were determined by western blotting. The interaction between Cx43 and related autophagy receptors was determined by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. The gene knockdown (KD) of ATG5, OPTN, NDP52, PINK1 and Cx43 was applied by siRNA transfection. Related cytokines were detected by cytometric bead assay. Results: We found that Cx43 protein levels increased after ischemia in gene KD of ATG5, OPTN, NDP52 and PINK1 primary astrocytes. The interaction of Cx43 with OPTN, NDP52 and PINK1 was increased after cerebral ischemia injury in vitro and vivo. While the interaction was weakened after point mutation of Cx43 at Ser368, Tyr265 and Tyr247. Meanwhile, IL-10 upregulated during OGD after KD of ATG5, OPTN, NDP52 and PINK1 in astrocytes , while TNF downregulated during OGD after KD of ATG5, OPTN, NDP52 and PINK1 in astrocytes. Conclusions: Our results suggest that degradation of Cx43 is caused by selective autophagy during ischemia injury and the autophagy degradation of Cx43 plays important roles in neuroinflammation mediated by OGD injury. Treatment targeting Cx43 degradation pathway can improve neuroinflammation responses induced by OGD injury , which provide novel therapeutic strategies and crosstalk between autophagy and neuroinflammation.
The challenge of managing severe delirium: an observational study of the effects of pharmacological and supportive care on delirium duration and resolution in 602 patients
Authors: Zipser Carl Moritz , Hayoz Peter , Knöpfel Silvana , Peyk Peter , Schubert Maria , Känel Roland von , Boettger Soenke
Published: December 2019

Background: Delirium is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder seen in hospitalised patients. Current guidelines recommend only using antipsychotics with distressed patients. Nonetheless, in routine clinical practice, multiple psychotropics are commonly administered. More evidence on the short-term benefits of various management approaches in patients with delirium is required. Methods: In this observational cohort study, 602 delirious patients were followed for twenty days. Supportive care was provided to all patients in addition to either no psychotropic therapy, monotherapy, dual therapy, or polytherapy defined as three or more psychotropic drugs. The effectiveness of interventions regarding delirium resolution and symptom severity was determined by Cox proportional hazards regression and generalized estimating equation models. Results: Psychotropics were commonly used to manage delirium. In total, 12.1% of patients received polytherapy, 37.2% dual therapy, 37.7% monotherapy, and 12.1% supportive care alone (i.e., almost half of the patients received ≥ two psychotropics). Patients who received polytherapy had higher initial baseline delirium severity and exposed the mixed subtype more often; with the latter delirium lasted longer and recovery was less frequent than in mild delirium. Providing supportive care alone in mild delirium was superior to all psychotropic approaches. Conclusions: In routine clinical practice, the use of multiple psychotropics is common. In our study, however, despite combined supportive management and polypharmacy, patients with severe delirium suffer longer from delirium and have lower resolution rates. For the management of patients with mild delirium supportive care alone can be considered. When psychotropics are considered, single psychotropics and dose optimisation are recommended. These findings underline the challenge of managing severe delirium.
Safe driving behaviors in taxi drivers: A predictive cross-sectional study based on the health belief model
Authors: Dadipoor Sakineh , Ghaffari Mohtasham , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , safari-moradabadi ali
Published: December 2019

Background The purpose of this study was to predict safe driving behaviors in taxi drivers of Tehran based on the constructs of health belief model.Methods This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 450 taxi drivers in Tehran using multi-stage sampling. Data were analyzed through SPSS software version 18 using Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis. The P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results Among the constructs of health belief model, perceived severity, perceived benefits and self-efficacy, had significant and direct relationship and perceived barriers had a significant and reverse relationship with safe driving behaviors. According to the results, the constructs of health belief model predicted 17.3% of safe driving behaviors. Self-efficacy was the strongest determinant of safety behavior (0.362 CI 0.098-0.625).Conclusion Increasing self-efficacy, reducing perceived barriers and highlighting benefits for the purpose of accepting safe behavior can be considered as a principle in driving education and training. Also, increasing the perceived severity of adverse outcomes of RTAs and the susceptibility to these outcomes will lead to higher levels of safe driving behaviors.
The Quality of Child Health Care Services in Community Health Centers in Urban Indonesia: Health Workers’ Perspectives
Authors: Setiawan Agus , Fitriyani Poppy , Istifada Rizkiyani
Published: December 2019

BackgroundThe quality of health delivery in primary care is crucial to improve the health status of sick children. The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of health workers in providing health care services to children under five years old in community health centre in Depok, Indoneisa. The viewpoint of these professionals can provide the necessary information for improving the quality of these services at the community health centers. MethodThe study utilizes a qualitative study design with a phenomenological approach. Twelve health care professionals from the community health centers in the city of Depok were interviewed. The data were analyzed using the Colaizzi approach. ResultsThe result of the study covers three major themes, i.e. (1) the significance of health workers in delivering health care services to children under five years old, (2) factors affecting the delivery of health care services to children under five years old, (3) the continuing efforts in providing health care services to children under five years old.ConclusionThe perception of health care professional with regard to their responsibility in delivering health care services to children under five years old becomes an input for improving the quality of the services. The best efforts to reduce the mortality and morbidity of children under five is by optimizing the primary and secondary preventive measures.
WITHDRAWN: Sero-epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii and risk factors among pregnant women in Africa
Authors: Kajeguka Debora Charles , Anderson Motswedi , Mawazo Akili , Mwakibinga Jacqueline James , Mgabo Maseke Richard
Published: December 2019

Introduction Infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii is a great public health concern worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women may result in abortion, stillbirth, or lifelong disabilities of the fetus. Serologic studies have reported various estimates for seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among African pregnant women. Estimation of the pooled seroprevalence of this infection is necessary for policy-making and target intervention. Methods We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A rigorous literature selection was performed by using the databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for the period Jan 1, 2001, to July 31, 2019. Sero-prevalence with 95% CI was presented for each study, and point estimates and their 95% CIs of pooled seroprevalence was then calculated. Findings The search process resulted in the inclusion of a total of 36 studies in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in Africa was found to be 46.7% (95%CI: 37.0, 56.4). Geographical-based subgroup analysis showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women was found to be 65.1% (95% CI: 44.7, 85.5), 50.2% (95% CI: 32.0, 68.3), 47.8% (95% CI: 31.7, 63.8), 38.3% (95% CI: 25.2, 51.4) and 5.8% (95% CI: 3.6, 8.1) in Central, Eastern, Northern, Western and Southern Africa respectively. The most common risk factors for T. gondii were living or contact with cat and consumption of raw vegetables or fruits. Conclusion The current systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women. There is a need to establish prevention and control measures that should be directed to educational programs. We recommend that periodic screenings for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women should be incorporated into routine clinical care in order to avoid serious clinical complications of mother and fetus.
Spinal dumbbell tumors: Long-term outcome and risk factors
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Yongning , Han Shiyuan , Gao Jun
Published: December 2019

Objective There is limited literature on long-term outcomes after resection of intraspinal dumbbell tumors. To identify the progression-free survival (PFS) and outcomes associated with these tumors, we retrospectively reviewed data from 74 patients. Methods From 2007 to 2016, data from 74 patients who underwent surgical treatment for dumbbell tumors were reviewed. Patient outcomes were determined with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. The median follow-up time was 7.3 years Results Gross total resection (GTR) was performed in 39 patients (52.70%) and subtotal resection (STR) in 35 patients (47.30%). The progression-free survival (PFS) at 11 years was 82.43%. A good outcome was observed in 85.13% of patients based on the JOA. Moreover, the univariate analysis showed that surgical recession was related to tumor recurrence, and that tumor location and multiplicity were associated with tumor prognosis. However, the multivariate regression analyses showed that no factors were associated with poor prognosis and recurrence. Conclusion The general standard treatment for spinal dumbbell tumors is complete resection, but the surgery needs to protect nerve function as much as possible. Thus, our principle is to maximize tumor removal with functional preservation.
An assessment of HIV control programme for evidence informed policymaking and practice in Burkina Faso: A systematic review
Authors: Méda Ziemlé Clément , Chukwu Onyedikachi , Hien M Hervé , Sombié Issiaka , Hien Léonel , Traoré Isidore , Sawadogo GB Léon
Published: December 2019

Background: Several studies have been undertaken on the subject of HIV. To improve the research findings into practices, stronger scientific evidences are suitable and have improved HIV control programmes in many countries including Burkina Faso. The objective of this study is to review the various HIV/AIDS researches related to HIV control programme in Burkina Faso and their implication for policy and practice. Methods: This study was a systematic review. A MEDLINE Entrez PubMed search was performed in August 2019 and implementation studies that investigated HIV control programmes and HIV health policy in Burkina Faso. Search key words included « HIV programmes in Burkina Faso », « HIV control programme in Burkina Faso », « Burkina Faso, health policy, HIV ». Only policy relevant studies which generated evidence to improve HIV control prgramme in Burkina Faso were eligible and were selected. Results: A total of 23 relevant studies that fulfilled the study inclusion criteria were identified out of 89 studies found. Among the 23 scientific publications included in the review, 73.9% were published in English language and 26.1% in French language. The main issues reviewed were related to prevention and other topics associated to prevention as an intervention on HIV control programme already operated in Burkina Faso, related to monitoring and evaluation to better control HIV programme. Others included studies were related to prevalence and risk factors, stigma, access to care to Non-gouvernmental-organizations-(NGO), access to and quality of care, gender, service delivery, priority setting and resource allocation. These studies generated high quality policy relevant evidence which indicated significant improvements in HIV programmes outcomes where the studies were undertaken Conclusion: There is a need for more implementation of research related to HIV in low income settings because of the priority to improve HIV outcomes and the challenge for implementing research and equity issues for interventions within complex health systems.
Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors After Inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Rančić Nataša , Mandić Milan , Bogdanović Dragan , Kocić Biljana , Lazarević Konstanca
Published: December 2019

Background. Disordered and decreased quality of life is the most important consequence of stroke for stroke survivors. The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in stroke survivors six months after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Methods. We conducted prospective cohort study which involved 136 (48.5% males and 51.5% females) survivors. We examined seven potential predictors of HRQOL: age, sex, stroke type, stroke side, functional status (Barthel Index-BI and modified Rankin Scale-mRS), cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination; MMSE) and stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; NIHSS). HRQOL was assessed by Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0. Using Pearson's correlation and multiple logistic regression analysis we described the relationships between mRS, NIHSS, BI, MMSE and HRQOL. Results. Baseline mRS and NIHSS scores negatively correlated with seven SIS domains except with strength. Baseline BI scores positively correlated with seven SIS domains except mobility and baseline MMSE scores positive correlated with memory, ADL, hand function and participation role and negatively correlated with emotion, communication and mobility domains. Decrease of both mRS and NIHSS scores during the observed period positively correlated with increase of all SIS domains. Ischaemic stroke positively correlated with emotion and communication and stroke in brainstem negatively correlated with communication domain. Memory domain positively correlated with female sex and with stroke in the right hemisphere. Age wasn't significantly associated with any SIS domain. Conclusion. We conclude that major factors in predicting the improvement of strength, physical functioning, mobility, hand function, ADL and participation role were increase of BI and decrease of mRS and NIHSS scores. Female sex, stroke in right hemisphere and increase of BI and MMSE scores predicted better memory. Baseline mRS and NIHSS scores were predictors for improvement of hand function and increase of mRS predicted decrease of hand function and participation role. Key words: stroke, survivors, health-related quality of life, inpatient rehabilitation
A randomised placebo-controlled study into the feasibility and efficacy of working memory training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the study protocol
Authors: Mount Sarah , Houben Katrijn , Gosker Harry , Beers Martijn van , Schuurman Lisanne , Franssen Frits , Janssen Daisy , Schols Annemie
Published: December 2019

Background General cognitive impairment is highly prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Domain-specific cognitive impairments include deficits in working memory (WM), cognitive flexibility, verbal memory, planning and psychomotor speed. These impairments may be associated with poor health behaviours, such as a sedentary lifestyle and low-quality diet. Cognitive training may reverse these effects. Recent evidence suggests that WM training is linked to self-control and, indirectly, to improved lifestyle behaviour including increased physical activity. We aim to investigate the efficacy of WM training (WMT) in patients with COPD on cognitive performance, cognitive stress susceptibility and perception, self-control, and adherence to personalised physical activity and dietary behaviour goals. Methods A double blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial will be conducted in 60 patients with COPD. The trial will consist of two phases; 12 weeks of active WM training or sham training followed by 12 weeks of maintenance. Prior to the WMT, before the first phase, participants in both the sham (n=30) and training group (n=30) will set dietary and physical activity goals based on their dietary intake and physical activity profile using validated tools. Cognitive performance will be examined using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. The primary outcome of this study will be change in cognitive performance. Secondary outcomes will be self-control (impulsivity), compliance, stress susceptibility and perception, change in dietary intake and daily physical activity level and pattern. Discussion This trial will attempt to determine if cognitive performance can be improved in patients with COPD by WMT. Moreover, WM plays a key role in self-regulation of behaviour, i.e. resisting hedonic impulses in exchange for more deliberate evaluations and the achievement of long-term goals. Therefore, we expect that WMT will also have a positive impact on health behaviours. Registration Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT03073954, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03073954?term=NCT03073954&rank=1
Platelet count and AST can reliably predict the onset of plasma leakage in dengue, a low-cost triage tool during epidemics
Authors: Medagama Arjuna , Dalugama Chamara , Lakmali Darshani , Meiyalakan Gukes
Published: December 2019

Background:
Dengue is one of the most important mosquito-borne viral infections to affect humans. It is most often a self-limiting febrile illness but in some instances can progress to plasma leakage and in extreme cases culminate in death. The objective of this study was to identify reliable, low-cost, easily-accessible and objective predictors of Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) that can be used as a triage tool in epidemic situations.
Methods
A cohort of dengue fever patients were selected and data on symptoms, clinical signs, routine lab tests, ultrasonography and packed cell volume measurements collected. The demographics and clinical characteristics of severe and non-severe dengue cases were described
Bivariate and regression analysis were used to identify variables significantly correlated with plasma leak.
Results
Serologically confirmed 350 serial adult dengue patients were included in the study. 257 (73.4%) were classified as dengue fever (DF, non leakers) and 93 (26.5%) as DHF with plasma leakage. Bivariate and regression analysis showed platelet count (Pearson r 0.59), and AST (r 0.27) to be significantly correlated with plasma leakage and platelet count to have a moderate predictive association ( R 2 0.35) with plasma leakage. Platelet count <50,000/mm 3 (OR 23.7; 95% CI 12.2-45.9), AST> twice, upper limit of normal (OR 7.5; 95% CI 3.9-14.3) and ALT> twice, upper limit of normal (OR 2.4; 95%CI 1.4-3.6) increased the likelihood of DHF.In the final analysis, logistic regression identified platelet count <50,000/mm 3 (OR 17.2; 95% CI 8.6-34.1) and AST>2ULN (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.1-12.1) at time of plasma leakage as significant independent predictors of DHF.ROC curve performed for Platelet count had an AUC of .89 and at a platelet count of 50,000/mm 3 predicted DHF with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 79%. AUC for AST was 0.72 and at 93Iu/L predicted DHF with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 60%.
Conclusion: We have identified 2 laboratory parameters that could be used to identify plasma leakage and might be useful to stratify dengue-infected patients at risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever
Impact of Selected Determinants on the Choice of Sources of Financing in the Energy Companies of the Visegrád Group
Authors: Škuláňová Nicole
Published: December 2019

Decision-making about capital structure is one of the basic decisions in each company, and therefore its analysis is the subject of this article. The importance of this theme corresponds to countless literature. This article aims to assess the impact of four determinants, selected by a review of earlier studies, on the choice of funding sources. The examined sample contains the energy companies of the Visegrád Group during the period 2009–2017. The data was obtained from Orbis and Eurostat database. The main research methods are correlation analyses and Generalized Method of Moments that are performed using EViews. The debt-equity ratio is used as the dependent variable. The independent variables are the growth rate of GDP, profitability, asset structure, and liquidity. For all countries, the influence of profitability on indebtedness was found. For Hungary, this relationship was negative, for remaining countries positive.
Effect of the Common Agricultural Policy on Agriculture and the Increasing Role of Nongovernmental Organisations
Authors: Zdanovskis Kristaps , Pilvere Irina
Published: December 2019

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has considerably contributed to changes in the rural environment of Latvia after its accession to the European Union (EU). The accession provided new opportunities and considerable financial support for agriculture, yet the competition of farms under the conditions determined by the CAP has changed the composition of final agricultural output in Latvia. As the number of EU Member States increased and the CAP became more complicated, an increasing role in defending the interests of farmers is played by farmer organisations.
POWER GENERALIZATION OF CHEBYSHEV’S INEQUALITY – MULTIVARIATE CASE
Authors: Budny Katarzyna
Published: December 2019

In the paper some multivariate power generalizations of Chebyshev’s inequality and their improvements will be presented with extension to a random vector with singular covariance matrix. Moreover, for these generalizations, the cases of the multivariate normal and the multivariate t distributions will be considered. Additionally, some financial application will be presented.
Programas de prevención del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas de tres universidades en Medellín
Authors: Mejía Gaviria Cristian , Loaiza Arias Dayhana
Published: December 2019

El consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en el ámbito mundial ha dado lugar a la implementación de acciones, con el objetivo de hacer frente a la situación, que se centran especialmente en prevenir el problema o retrasar los daños ocasionados por el mismo. Entre estas estrategias está la implementación de programas preventivos. Las universidades han evidenciado, basándose en la población estudiantil, algunas necesidades que han llevado a plantear soluciones que les permitan enfrentar la problemática. El presente artículo describe lo que realizan tres instituciones de educación superior en Medellín a partir de programas que se han propuesto prevenir la ingesta de sustancias psicoactivas en el contexto universitario.En esta investigación participaron los coordinadores de los programas de las instituciones, a quienes se les aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada que respondía a categorías previamente definidas. Dentro de los resultados se hallaron respuestas relacionadas con los conceptos principales de los programas, los factores de riesgo y protección asociados con el consumo, los inconvenientes que han llevado a plantear la intervención, las estrategias utilizadas y la forma como desde el programa se está entendiendo el fenómeno de la droga.
Aplicación de herramientas conceptuales en contabilidad de activos biológicos para el desarrollo de políticas públicas de restitución de tierras y reforma agraria estructural
Authors: Molina Mira Manuela , Bernal Gil Juan Diego , Amariles Quiceno Mateo
Published: December 2019

Las políticas públicas han sido el medio utilizado por el Estado para garantizar el bienestar de los ciudadanos y para satisfacer las necesidades que se presentan. Muchas de esas necesidades surgen de las implicaciones que dejó el conflicto armado en Colombia que hoy se ve reflejado en la afectación de los activos biológicos, específicamente en las tierras, lo que ha abierto las puertas a la contabilidad de activos biológicos y su relación con otras disciplinas contables, económicas y sociales, para dar un valor agregado desde la academia, toda vez que es una rama muy poco estudiada y que puede brindar grandes aportes a la sociedad desde la toma de decisiones de parte del Gobierno que afectan a todo un país, donde sea la contabilidad la herramienta que influirá con preeminencia sobre otros aspectos.
Dificultades para el acceso a la pensión por vejez y su repercusión en el ámbito laboral del empleado
Authors: Sánchez Tabares Jenifer , Mejia Lobo Mauricio
Published: December 2019

El Sistema Pensional Colombiano se configura en el ámbito del Sistema de Seguridad Social en Salud para dar paso a un gran esquema de protección a las personas en edad de jubilación o retiro del ámbito laboral. El sistema pensional cuenta con dos regímenes pensionales, uno de estos se encuentra administrado por el Estado y el segundo por fondos privados. A lo largo del presente documento, se pretenden identificar algunas de las diferentes dificultades que tienen los empleados para acceder a dicho sistema pensional, y cómo estas dificultades afectan las relaciones y el desempeño laboral.
El consumo responsable y su articulación con la economía solidaria
Authors: Zapata Zapata Valeria
Published: December 2019

El consumo responsable es aquel hábito que comprende la idea según la cual las personas deben cambiar sus prácticas de consumo para ser cada vez más razonables y coherentes con lo que realmente se necesita para vivir, y evitar así derrochar sin necesidad. Para que el consumo responsable tenga lugar en la sociedad actual, es importante que el ser humano replantee sus necesidades y cómo satisfacerlas, de tal modo que se contribuya con la distribución justa y el cuidado del medio ambiente; del mismo modo, velar por el bienestar de los demás y de las futuras generaciones proyectando un futuro más sano. La economía social solidaria se articula con el consumo responsable por medio de los siguientes principios: el ser humano, su trabajo y mecanismos de cooperación tienen primacía sobre los medios de producción; participación económica de los asociados en justicia y equidad, y promoción de la cultura ecológica. En este artículo se demostró la tesis: la economía social y solidaria desde sus principios está ligada estrechamente con el consumo responsable, lo concibe y lo articula en sus desarrollos.
Design of urban runoff pollution control based on the Sponge City concept in a large-scale high-plateau mountainous watershed: a case study in Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Gu Junjie , Zhang Guoshun , Ma Wenjing , Zhao Lei , Ning Ping , Shen Jian
Published: December 2019

China recently commenced the Sponge City initiative for the effective management of urban stormwater runoff. Numerous studies have been carried out to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of low impact development (LID) practices in Sponge City planning and implementation. However, most of the studies were at the site- or subcatchment scale, and few were conducted at the watershed scale, given the dramatically increased routing complexity and number of decision variables. This study demonstrates the cost-effective Sponge City planning process for a 25.90 km2 high-plateau watershed in southwest China. The Stormwater Management Model was coupled with the System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis Integrated (SUSTAIN) model to perform both continuous simulations and watershed-level optimization analyses, using the reduction of 85% annual runoff volume as the optimization target. Based on over 11,000 optimization runs, a near-optimal aggregated LID scenario was identified for each subcatchment. The aggregated LID size was first converted into a generic LID storage volume for individual subcatchments, and the storage volume was then disaggregated into site-level LID layouts regarding specific site conditions. The disaggregated LID layout yielded an annual average runoff volume reduction of 87.61% and close to 85% reduction for the annual average total suspended solids, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus loads. The systematic approach outlined in this study could be used for watershed-level Sponge City planning and implementation analyses in other cities.
Optimizing Costs of Customer Attraction as a Competitiveness Factor
Authors: Katernyuk A. V.
Published: December 2019

In all spheres business experts try to raise competitiveness of the company by different ways, for instance at the expense of more efficient redistribution of available resources (costs). Objectives connected with modeling and optimizing resources used in advertising are becoming the most topical. Deeper knowledge in planning and conducting any marketing and advertising campaigns are in demand today among many specialists. The process of searching for and finding optimum costs of advertising in the Internet as a factor of the rise in the company sustainability can be successfully shaped through universal matrix methods of solution (e.g. simplex-method). Objectives which cannot be resolved by this method can be supplemented by such economic indicators, as profitability of investment and return on one ruble. The article summarizes the instrumental base dealing with estimating the efficiency of events connected with customer attraction to such a fast growing industry as internet-services. The author proposes besides traditional ways of expense optimization to take into account economic indicators connected with profitability of each sale channel. The following tools were used in the research: modeling, induction method, investment analysis, methods of statistics and formal logics, multi-criteria optimization, specific software meant for solving similar tasks, in particular special macros for excel table.
Analyzing Impact of Computer Attacks on the Banking System of the Russian Federation
Authors: Salcutan A. A.
Published: December 2019

The article analyzes damage caused by attacking finance organizations in the Russian Federation through activization of hacker groups. The mentioned attacks were mainly directed at banking cards’ processing, cash machines and the SWIFT system, an international system of transmitting finance information and payments. The growth in hacker penetrations can be seen in all sectors of Russian economy, it is based on informational confrontation and aims at destabilization of considerable objects of critical information infrastructure. Today special attention is paid to attacks of hacker groups, which get financing from states and criminal groupings in order to exert influence on the leading banks of the world. The author investigated the key methods of attacks of finance organizations. The role of the Federal service on technical and export control and the Department of information security of the Bank of Russia was described. By assessing the impact of computer attacks the author came to the conclusion that the Russian banking sector is vulnerable to computer attacks on informational systems that could cause damage not only to small but also big credit organizations, which possess over 60% of the Russian banking sector assets.