bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Several External Factors on Controlling Rabies In The City of Medan
Authors: Rasmaliah Rasmaliah , Hiswani Hiswani , Lubis Sri Novita
Published: June 2020

Rabies cases are widespread worldwide and mostly prevalence in develeloping countries. Several Province in Indonesia are still categorized as endemic rabies, including the Province of North Sumatera. This research was aimed to evaluate the role of external factors that could influence in reduction the rabies suspected cases in the population of the City of Medan. The survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire. A Case-Control Design was used in this study. The two groups were rabies suspected case and rabies unsuspected case (control), consisted both male and female respondents. All the population involved in this study were living in the City of Medan. Primary and secondary data were collected using purposive sampling approach. Data were analysed by univariate analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis. The result was obtained the ratio of 1:2 between rabies suspected case (64 cases) and rabies unsuspected case (128 cases) in the City of Medan. The bivariate analysis showed the significant influence of the role of livestock department officer, role of health worker, role of community leader and vaccination tools on the rabies suspected case (P0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the dominant variable which affect the rabis suspected case was rabies vaccine tools.
The Potential Availability Of Insects In The Vegetative and Generative Phase Of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) In Bener Meriah District, Aceh Province
Authors: Sayuthi Muhammad , Hakim Lukman , Alfizar Alfizar , Marlina Marlina
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Analysis Of Economic Efficiency On Applied Of Synchronization Technology In Dairy Cows At Small Farmers
Authors: Rusdiana Supardi , Adiati Umi , Kusumaningrum Diana Andrianita , Talib Chalid
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Coleção de mapas temporais como auxílio na representação da difusão da COVID-19 no Estado de Santa Catarina
Authors: Da Silva Celestino Reginato Vivian , Ribeiro Eduardo , Meliani Paulo Fernando , De Souza Fernandez Samuel , Bozio André Felipe
Published: June 2020

A cartografia tem por finalidade apresentar informações precisas espacializadas na forma de mapas e simbologia específica e a análise de dados em epidemiologia se vale da cartografia há mais de 200 anos para representar os eixos de tempo, pessoa e lugar e verificar as possíveis associações entre exposição e efeito. Mais do que somente permitir a comunicação e o relato histórico, os mapas são suportes à tomada de decisão política em diversas oportunidades onde a informação geográfica é necessária. Para colaborar na tomada de decisão este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar o histórico da COVID-19 por coleção de mapas temporais, utilizando como estudo de caso a difusão da doença no estado de Santa Catarina (SC) entre os dias 12/03/2020 e 11/05/2020. Como metodologia se realizou uma pesquisa histórica e documental, organização de banco de dados geográficos e também a produção de mapas temáticos. Como resultados foram produzidos relatos qualitativos diários e mapas da contaminação externa e comunitária da doença (mapas a cada 10 dias com os números de casos confirmados e óbitos). Conclui-se que a rota de difusão do COVID-19 coincidiu com a dos eixos rodoviários principais de SC, como o da BR-101, que articula os municípios litorâneos e pré-litorâneos do estado, bem como das BR-282 e BR-153, que integram os municípios do Oeste catarinense, notadamente Concórdia e Chapecó, importantes centros agroindustriais fortemente afetados pela doença.
Covid-19 e suas Redes de Conectividades no Território Maranhense
Authors: Breno Barbosa de Sousa Igor , Barros Sodré Ronaldo , Neves Mendes Jéssica , Costa da Costa Gabriel , Jacinto Oliveira Camila , Pereira Santana Raquel , Ronyerisson Silva Costa Thiago , De Sampaio Junior José , Wasti Aires Pereira Cunha Hermeneilce , Borges Costa Francisco
Published: June 2020

Este artigo é fruto de uma discussão que se inicia partir da declaração da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS, 2020) sobre a pandemia da Covid-19, doença causada pela nova severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Dessa forma, a partir do dia 11 de março, o grupo de estudos começou a acompanhar as notícias sobre os casos no Brasil e nas Regiões Nordeste e Norte, mais especificamente no estado do Maranhão, por meio das informações contidas nos boletins, notas técnicas e decretos governamentais disponibilizados pela Secretaria de Estado da Saúde. Assim, iniciou-se o monitoramento para a compreensão da espacialização da doença. Para tal acompanhamento, promoveram-se discussões sobre o Meio Técnico Científico Informacional, Fluxos e Redes de Conexão entre a capital e os demais municípios localizados na Ilha, bem como com os municípios do continente. Posteriormente, foram utilizados softwares do Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG) para confecção de mapas temáticos diários sobre casos confirmados e óbitos, levando em consideração o período de 05/04/2020 a 15/06/2020 e, em conjunto com os referenciais bibliográficos, nos proporcionaram reflexões relevantes para o entendimento da difusão e espacialização dos casos nos municípios maranhenses. Verificou-se que o fluxo rodoviário foi o principal meio da difusão da Covid-19 com 1499 óbitos e 60592 casos confirmados, alcançando 655 e 98% respectivamente dos municípios maranhenses.
Use of technology for public health surveillance reporting: opportunities, challenges and lessons learnt from Kenya
Authors: Njeru Ian , Kareko David , Kisangau Ngina , Langat Daniel , Liku Nzisa , Owiso George , Dolan Samantha , Rabinowitz Peter , Macharia Daniel , Ekechi Chinyere , Widdowson Marc-Alain
Published: June 2020

Background: Effective public health surveillance systems are crucial for early detection and response to outbreaks. In 2016, Kenya transitioned its surveillance system from a standalone web-based surveillance system to the more sustainable and integrated District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2). As part of Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) initiatives in Kenya, training on use of the new system was conducted among surveillance officers. We evaluated the surveillance indicators during the transition period in order to assess the impact of this training on surveillance metrics and identify challenges affecting reporting rates. Methods: From February to May 2017, we analysed surveillance data for 13 intervention and 13 comparison counties. An intervention county was defined as one that had received refresher training on DHIS2 while a comparison county was one that had not received training. We evaluated the impact of the training by analysing completeness and timeliness of reporting 15 weeks before and 12 weeks after the training. A chi-square test of independence was used to compare the reporting rates between the two groups. A structured questionnaire was administered to the training participants to assess the challenges affecting surveillance reporting. Results: The average completeness of reporting for the intervention counties increased from 45% to 62%, i.e. by 17 percentage points (95% CI 16.14 - 17.86) compared to an increase from 49% to 52% for the comparison group, i.e. by 3 percentage points (95% CI 2.23-3.77). The timeliness of reporting increased from 30% to 51%, i.e. by 21 percentage points (95% CI 20.16 - 21.84) for the intervention group, compared to an increase from 31% to 38% for the comparison group, i.e.by 7 percentage points (95% CI 6.27-7.73). Major challenges for the low reporting rates included lack of budget support from government, lack of airtime for reporting, health workers strike, health facilities not sending surveillance data, use of wrong denominator to calculate reporting rates and surveillance officers having other competing tasks. Conclusions: Training plays an important role in improving public health surveillance reporting. However, to improve surveillance reporting rates to the desired national targets, other challenges affecting reporting must be identified and addressed accordingly.
Diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in preoperative parathyroid gland localization in secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang Rongqin , Zhang Zhanwen , Huang Pinbo , Li Zhi , Hu Rui , Zhang Jie , Qiu Wanglin , Hu Ping
Published: June 2020

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) usually requires parathyroidectomy when drug regimens fail. However, obtaining an exact preoperative map of the locations of the parathyroid glands is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in patients with SHPT.Methods: Sixty patients with SHPT who were undergoing dialysis were evaluated preoperatively by US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. Postoperative pathology served as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined for each method. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlation of hyperplastic parathyroid calcification with serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH).Results: A total of 229 lesions in 60 patients were pathologically confirmed to be parathyroid hyperplasia, with 209 lesions in typical sites, 15 lesions in the upper mediastinum and 5 lesions in the thyroid. A total of 88.33% (53/60) of patients had four lesions. US, early and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy (P < 0.001). Furthermore, early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity (P < 0.001) and accuracy (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001) than US and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. In patients with ectopic hyperplastic parathyroid glands, the sensitivity of early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT (90%) was significantly higher than that of US (55%) and dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy (50%) (P < 0.05). The Spearman correlation results showed a significant linear association between calcification and both serum PTH and ALP (P = 0.002).Conclusion: The ability of early 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT to detect hyperplastic parathyroid glands in patients with SHPT is superior to that of US, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and delayed 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT; furthermore, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT is not essential.
Quitting the quitline: a qualitative study of patient experience of electronic referrals to quitlines
Authors: Albert Elizabeth L , Rose Jeanmarie C , Gill India J , Flocke Susan A
Published: June 2020

Background: The use of electronic referrals (eReferrals) to state quitlines (QLs) for tobacco-using patients is a promising approach for addressing smoking cessation on a large scale. However, QL contact, enrollment, and completion rates are low. The purpose of this study was to examine the eReferral to QL process from the patient’s perspective in order to inform strategies for improving QL engagement. Methods : We conducted interviews with 55 patients who agreed to an eReferral at a primary care visit to 1 of 8 safety-net community health centers in Cuyahoga County, Ohio (September 2017-August 2018). Interviews were designed to explore the experiences of three subgroups of patients who subsequently: 1) declined participation in the QL; 2) were unreachable by the QL; or 3) were enrolled in or had completed the QL program. Analysis was guided by a phenomenological approach designed to identify emergent themes. Results: Reasons for QL program non-completion included changing life circumstances and events making cessation unviable; misunderstandings about the QL; discomfort with telephonic counseling; perceived lack of time for counseling; cell phone barriers; and having already quit smoking. We found that some individuals who were no longer engaged with the QL still desired continued support from the QL. Conclusions: Participants intentionally and unintentionally disengage from the QL for a wide variety of reasons, several of which are mediated by low socioeconomic status. Integrating QL care with community-based resources that address these mediators could be a promising strategy.
WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) Extension for Traditional Chinese Medicine 2020: Recommendations, Explanation, and Elaboration
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Lan Liang , Chan Jacky CP , Zhong Linda LD , Cheng Chung-Wah , Lam Wai-Ching , Tian Ran , Zhao Chen , Wu Tai-Xiang , Shang Hong-Cai , Lyu Ai-Ping , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: June 2020

Background: Although the WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) has been published for many years, the quality of clinical trial registrations with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is still not satisfactory, especially about the inadequate reporting on TCM interventions. The development of the WHO TRDS for TCM Extension 2020 (WHO TRDS-TCM 2020) aims to address this inadequacy.
Methods: A group of clinical experts, methodologists, epidemiologists, and editors has developed this WHO TRDS-TCM 2020 through a comprehensive process, including publication of the baseline survey, draft of the initial items, three-round of Delphi survey, solicitation of comments, revision, and finalization.
Results: The WHO TRDS-TCM 2020 statement extends the latest version (V.1.3.1) of TRDS published in November 2017. The checklist includes 11 extended items (including subitems), namely Source(s) of Monetary or Material Support (Item 4), Scientific Title (Item 10a and 10b), Countries of Recruitment (Item 11), Health Condition(s) or Problem(s) Studied (Item 12), Intervention(s) (Item 13a, 13b and 13c), Key Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria (Item 14), Primary and Key Secondary Outcomes (Item 19 to 20), and Lay Summary (Item B1). For Item 13 (Interventions), three common TCM interventions--i.e., Chinese herbal medicine formulas, acupuncture and moxibustion—are elaborated.
Conclusions: The group hopes that the WHO TRDS-TCM 2020 can improve the reporting quality and transparency of TCM trial registrations, assist registries in assessing the registration quality of TCM trials, and help readers understand TCM trial design.
Laboratory colonization by Dirofilaria immitis alters the microbiome of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Adegoke Abdulsalam , Neff Erik , Geary Amie , Husser Montana Ciara , Wilson Kevin , Norris Shawn Michael , Dharmarajan Guha , Karim Shahid
Published: June 2020

Background:
The ability of blood feeding arthropods to successfully acquire and transmit pathogens of medical and veterinary importance has been shown to be interfered with, or enhanced by, the arthropod’s native microbiome. Mosquitoes transmit viruses, protozoan and filarial nematodes, the majority of which contribute to the 17% of infectious disease cases worldwide. Dirofilaria immitis , a mosquito transmitted by filarial nematodes of dogs and cats, is vectored by several mosquito species including Aedes aegypti .

Methods:
In this study, we investigated the impact of D. immitis colonization on the microbiome of laboratory reared female A. aegypti . Metagenomic analysis of the V3-V4 variable region of the microbial 16SRNA was used for identification of the microbial differences down to species level.

Results
We generated a total of 1068 OTUs representing 16 phyla, 181 genera and 271 bacterial species. Overall, in order of abundance, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were the most represented phylum with D. immitis infected mosquitoes having more of Proteobacteria (71%) than uninfected mosquitoes (56.9%). An interesting finding in this study is the detection of Klebsiella oxytoca in relatively similar abundance in infected and uninfected mosquitoes, suggesting a possible endosymbiotic relationship, and has been previously shown to indirectly compete for nutrients with fungi on domestic housefly eggs and larva. While D. immitis colonization has no effect on the overall species richness, we identified significant differences in the composition of selected bacteria genus and phylum between the two groups. We also reported distinct compositional and phylogenetic differences in the individual bacteria species when commonly identified bacteria were compared.

Conclusions
In conclusion, this is the first study to the best of our knowledge to understand the impact of a filarial infection on the microbiome of its mosquito vector. Further studies are required to identify bacteria species that could play an important role in the mosquito biology. While the microbiome composition of A. aegypti mosquito have been previously reported, our study shows that in an effort to establish itself, a filarial nematode modifies and alters the overall microbial diversity within its mosquito host.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of Job stress among Iranian nurses
Authors: Isfahani Parvaneh , Arefy Marzieh , Peyravi Saeed , Bahador Rasoul Corani , Afshari Mahnaz
Published: June 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers attending paediatric clinics in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Sokefun Eniolufolake Elizabeth , Atulomah Nnodimele Onuigbo
Published: June 2020

Background: Despite concerted global efforts towards achieving infant-survival, infant mortality lingers as a problem in developing countries. Environmental and personal-level factors are assumed to account for this situation. This study was undertaken to provide better understanding of the dynamics of predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers with infants attending paediatric clinics.Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data was collected from 386 nursing mothers selected by convenience sampling. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of 38-items including demographic information of respondents, health-literacy counsels received during antenatal care, social-support from significant others, and self-efficacy to carry-out infant-survival instructions. Responses were transformed into rating scales for each variable and data analysis was conducted by linear regression analysis with test of hypotheses at 5% level of significance.Results: The mean age of respondents was 29.8 ± 5.8 years. Majority (81.6%) were married. Yorubas (83.90%) were predominant. Participants had mean scores of 10.50±3.83, 10.56±3.70 and 16.61±4.56 respectively computed for levels of health-literacy, social-support, and self-efficacy. The dependent variable measured level of infant-survival practices and respondents scored 16.53±4.71. The study found a significant association among variables. Self-efficacy was the major predictor variable of self-reported infant-survival practices (R=0.466; R2=0.217; P˂0.05).Conclusion: We conclude that participants had average levels of health-literacy, social-support, self-efficacy, and infant-survival practices. Healthcare providers should make efforts to empower pregnant women on activities essential for infant-survival. Family members of nursing mothers should as well be knowledgeable about the advantages of supporting them.
Influences on NHS Health Check behaviours: a systematic review
Authors: Atkins Lou , Stefanidou Chryssa , Chadborn Tim , Thompson Katherine , Michie Susan , Lorencatto Fabi
Published: June 2020

Background National Health Service Health Checks were introduced in 2009 to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and events. Since then, national evaluations have highlighted the need to maximise the programme’s impact by improving coverage and outputs. To address these challenges it is important to understand the extent to which positive behaviours are influenced across the NHS Health Check pathway and encourage the promotion or minimisation of behavioural facilitators and barriers respectively. This study applied behavioural science frameworks to: i) identify behaviours and actors relevant to uptake, delivery and follow up of NHS Health Checks and influences on these behaviours and; ii) signpost to example intervention content. Methods A systematic review of studies reporting behaviours related to NHS Health Check-related behaviours of patients, health care professionals (HCPs) and commissioners. Influences on behaviours were coded using theory-based models: COM-B and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Potential intervention types and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were suggested to target key influences. Results We identified 37 studies reporting nine behaviours and influences for eight of these. The most frequently identified influences were physical opportunity including HCPs having space and time to deliver NHS Health Checks and patients having money to adhere to recommendations to change diet and physical activity. Other key influences were motivational, such as beliefs about consequences about the value of NHS Health Checks and behaviour change, and social, such as influences of others on behaviour change. The following techniques are suggested for websites or smartphone apps: Adding objects to the environment, e.g. provide HCPs with electronic schedules to guide timely delivery of Health Checks to target physical opportunity, Social support (unspecified), e.g. include text suggesting patients to ask a colleague to agree in advance to join them in taking the ‘healthy option’ lunch at work; Information about health consequences, e.g. quotes and/or videos from patients talking about the health benefits of changes they have made.Conclusions Through the application of behavioural science we identified key behaviours and their influences which informed recommendations for intervention content. To ascertain the extent to which this reflects existing interventions we recommend a review of relevant evidence.
Comparison of End-to-Side Hand-Sewn and Side-to-Side Stapled Cervical Esophagogastric Anastomosis in Patients with Lower Thoracic Esophageal Cancer Undergoing Transhiatal Esophagectomy: An Iranian Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rasihashemi Seyed Ziaeddin , Ramouz Ali , Beheshtirouy Samad , Amini Hassan
Published: June 2020

Background: Controversies in terms of efficacy and postoperative advantages surround stapled esophagogastric anastomosis compared with the hand-sewn technique as a treatment for patients with esophageal cancer. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of hand-sewn end-to-side esophago-gastrostomy and side-to-side stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy for the aforementioned patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved examining the medical records of 433 patients who underwent transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer from March 2010 to March 2016. All the patients were operated using end-to-side hand-sewn esophago-gastrostomy and side-to-side stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. 409 of the patients received a year’s worth of follow-up evaluations. All the cases were revisited in two weeks as well as in four, eight, and 12 months after surgery. The patients were assessed in terms of postoperative outcomes, including reflux symptoms, anastomotic leakage and stricture, and the need for anastomotic dilatation. Results: Hand-sewn anastomosis was carried out in 271 (62.5%) patients, whereas stapled anastomosis was performed in 162 (37.4%) patients. The mean operative times were 214.46±84.33 min and 250.55±43.31 min for the stapled and hand-sewn anastomosis groups, respectively (P = 0.028). The two groups showed no significant differences with respect to stays in intensive care units and hospitals. Postoperatively, 38 (14.67%) cases of anastomotic leakage were detected in the hand-sewn anastomosis group, with incidence being significantly higher than that in the stapled anastomosis group (8 cases or 5.33%; P = 0.002). Anastomotic stricture occurred less frequently in the patients who underwent stapled anastomosis (P = 0.004). Within the one-year follow-up period, the patients treated via hand-sewn anastomosis more frequently required anastomotic dilatation (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Side-to-side stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis may reduce operation times and decrease the rates of anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, and anastomotic dilatation in patients with lower thoracic esophageal cancer undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy.
Gender differences in the efficacy of pioglitazone treatment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients with abnormal glucose metabolism
Authors: Wang Liu , Wu Weiyun , Chang Xinxia , Xia Mingfeng , Gao Jian , Yan Hongmei
Published: June 2020

Background: Pioglitazone is a promising therapeutic method for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with or without type 2 diabetes. However, there is remarkable variability in treatment response. We analyzed our previous randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of gender and other factors on the efficacy of pioglitazone in treating Chinese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of a previous randomized, parallel controlled, open-label clinical trial (RCT)* with an original purpose of evaluating the efficacy of berberine and pioglitazone on NAFLD. The total population (n= 185) was randomly divided into three groups: lifestyle intervention (LSI), LSI + pioglitazone (PGZ) 15mg qd, and LSI + berberine (BBR) 0.5g tid, respectively, for 16 weeks. The study used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H- MRS) to assess liver fat content. Results: As compared with LSI, PGZ + LSI treatment induced further decreased liver fat content in women (-15.24% ± 14.54% vs. -8.76% ± 13.49%, p = 0.025), but less decreased liver fat content in men (-9.95% ± 15.18% vs. -12.64% ± 17.78%, p = 0.046). There was a significant interaction between gender and efficacy of pioglitazone before and after adjustment for age, smoking, drinking, baseline BMI, BMI change, treatment adherence, baseline liver fat content, and glucose metabolism.Conclusion: The study recommends pioglitazone plus lifestyle intervention for Chinese NAFLD female patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.* Trial registration: Role of Pioglitazone and Berberine in Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, NCT00633282. Registered 3 March 2008, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov.
Motor unit number index detects the effectiveness of surgical treatment in improving distal motor neuron loss in patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Yancheng , Li Yang , He ShiSheng , Wang Deguo
Published: June 2020

Background

Recovery of motor dysfunction is important for patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). To enhance the recovery of muscle strength, both research and treatments mainly focus on injury of upper motor neurons at the direct injury site. However, accumulating evidences have suggested that SCI has a downstream effect on the peripheral nervous system, which may contribute to the poor improvement of the muscle strength after operation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of early vs. delayed surgical intervention on the lower motor neurons (LMNs) distal to the injury site in patients with incomplete cervical SCI.

Methods

Motor unit number index (MUNIX) was performed on the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and abductor hallucis (AH) in 47 patients with incomplete cervical SCI (early vs. delayed surgical-treatment: 17 vs. 30) and 34 healthy subjects approximately 12 months after operation. All patients were further assessed by American spinal injury association (ASIA) motor scales and Medical Research Council (MRC) scales.

Results

There are no difference of both ASIA motor scores and MRC scales between the patients who accepted early and delayed surgical treatment (P > 0.05). In contrast, the patients undergoing early surgical treatment showed lower MUSIX values in both bilateral EDB and bilateral TA, along with greater MUNIX values in both right-side EDB and right-side TA, compared to the patients who accepted delayed surgical treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cervical SCI has a negative effect on the LMNs distal to the injury site. Early surgical intervention in Cervical SCI patients may improve the dysfunction of LMNs distal to the injury site, reducing secondary motor neuron loss, and eventually improving clinical prognosis.
Sexual dimorphism and sex-biased gene expression in an egg parasitoid species, Anastatus disparis
Authors: Liu P.C. , Hao DeJun , Hu Hao-Yuan , Wei Jian-Rong
Published: June 2020

BackgroundDifferences in the expression of genes present in both sexes are assumed to contribute to sex differences including behavioural, physiological and morphological dimorphisms. For enriching our knowledge of gender differences in an important egg parasitoid wasp, Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), sex-biased differences in gene expression were investigated using Illumina-based transcriptomic analysis. ResultsA total of 15812 resulting unigenes were annotated, and a large set of genes accounting for 50.09% of the total showed sex-biased expression and included 630 sex-specific genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that the functional categories associated with sex-biased genes were mainly related to reproduction. In addition, the transcriptome data provided evidence that sex pheromones in A. disparis are produced by the female, and activity of D12-desaturases appear to have been replaced by D9-desaturases playing roles in sex pheromone production. The large set of sex-biased genes identified in this study provide a molecular background for sexually dimorphic traits such as flyability, longevity, and aggression in this species and suggests candidate venom proteins expressed only in females that could be used for biological control.ConclusionsThis study provides comprehensive insight into sexually dimorphic traits of a parasitoid wasp and can inform future research into the molecular mechanisms underlying such traits and the application of parasitoids to the biological control of pest species.
Propofol inhibits inflammatory response by regulating the miR-494/ Nrdp1 pathway in ICH mice model
Authors: Liu Shudong , Li Wenyan , Shi Hui , Tang Ge , Zhang Jiangwei , yang zhao
Published: June 2020

Background: Propofol is an anesthetic agent with neuro-protective effect in neuronal injury. However, the mechanism of propofol in M1 macrophage polarization following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been well studied. Ubiquitination mediated M1/M2 macrophage polarization plays important roles in pathogenesis of immune disease. The experiment analyzed anti-inflammatory effects of propofol in macrophages following ICH. Methods: In the experiment, macrophages were administrated with erythrocyte lysates, and then miR-494, Neuregulin receptor degradation protein-1 (Nrdp1) and M1 related markers were analyzed. In addition, brain inflammatory response, brain edema, and neurological functions of ICH mice were also assessed. Results: We found that propofol decreased miR-494 levels while increased Nrdp1 levels in macrophages after ICH. We also demonstrated that miR-494 inhibited Nrdp1 expression by directly binding its 3′-untranslated region. MiR-494 attenuated Nrdp1 levels and downstream proinflammatory factors production. Upregulation of Nrdp1 in macrophages significantly decreased M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that propofol can attenuate the neuroinflammatory response of macrophages after ICH through regulation of the miR-494/Nrdp1 pathway.
How do people in China think about causes of their back pain? A predominantly qualitative cross-sectional survey
Authors: Li Yijun , Coppieters Michel W , Setchell Jenny , Hodges Paul , Scholten-Peeters Gwendolyne GM
Published: June 2020

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the second highest cause of health burden in China. Delayed recovery, poor clinical outcomes and persistence of LBP are associated with negative pain beliefs about LBP. Chinese philosophies are nested into the daily life of people in China, which is likely to influence pain beliefs. However, there is lack of knowledge about people’s thinking patterns (discourses) regarding their LBP in China. The primary aim of this study was to explore the discourses underlying the beliefs of people in China about what causes their persistent or recurrent LBP. The secondary aim was to investigate the sources of these pain beliefs.Methods: People (n=152) from South Central, East and North Mainland China with LBP completed an online survey about what they believed caused their persistent or recurrent LBP and where these understandings came from. Potential causes of persistent or recurrent LBP were explored qualitatively using discourse analysis. The sources of these discourses were assessed by descriptive statistics with conventional content analysis. Results: Five discourses were identified to underpin participants’ beliefs about what caused their persistent or recurrent LBP, namely: (1) biomedical problems (66.4%), (2) unbalanced lifestyle (48.7%), (3) menstruation and ‘kidney’ status (9.2%), (4) the ‘Five Elements’ imbalance (7.9%), and (5) energy status (5.9%). Most participants responded that their pain beliefs were based on information derived from healthcare professionals (59.2%), followed by the internet (24.3%) and family (23.0%).Conclusions: People from moderately and well-developed parts of Mainland China think predominantly in line with a Western biomedical viewpoint about their LBP. Traditional Chinese medicine related pain beliefs mainly to the concept of ‘balance’ were evident on contemporary Chinese society’s understandings of LBP. These cultural beliefs could be relevant to consider in LBP management and involve healthcare professionals, family and patient in this process.
Alterations in articular cartilage T2 star relaxation time following mechanical disorders: in vivo canine supraspinatus tendon resection models
Authors: Lee Dokwan , Hong Ki-Taek , Lim Tae Seong , Lee Eugene , Lee Ye Hyun , Park Ji Soon , Kim Woo , Oh Joo Han , Choi Jung Ah , Song Yongnam
Published: June 2020

Background: The role of altered joint mechanics on cartilage degeneration in in vivo models has not been studied successfully due to a lack of pre-injury information. We aimed 1) to develop an accurate in vivo canine model to measure the changes in joint loading and T2 star (T2*) relaxation time before and after unilateral supraspinatus tendon resections, and 2) to find the relationship between regional variations in articular cartilage loading patterns and T2* relaxation time distributions.Methods: Rigid markers were implanted in the scapula and humerus of tested dogs. The movement of the shoulder bones were measured by a motion tracking system during normal gaits. In vivo cartilage contact strain was measured by aligning 3D shoulder models with the motion tracking data. Articular cartilage T2* relaxation times were measured by quantitative MRI scans. Articular cartilage contact strain and T2* relaxation time were compared in the shoulders before and three months after the supraspinatus tendon resections.Results: Excellent accuracy and reproducibility were found in our in vivo contact strain measurements with less than 1% errors. Changes in articular cartilage contact strain exhibited similar patterns with the changes in the T2* relaxation time after resection surgeries. Regional changes in the articular cartilage T2* relaxation time exhibited positive correlations with regional contact strain variations three months after the supraspinatus resection surgeries.Conclusion: This is the first study to measure in vivo articular cartilage contact strains with high accuracy and reproducibility. Positive correlations between contact strain and T2* relaxation time suggest that the articular cartilage extracellular matrix may responds to mechanical changes in local areas.
Effectiveness of SMS messaging for diarrhoea measurement: a factorial cross-over randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rego Ryan Trevor Titus , Watson Samuel , Ishengoma Philbert , Langat Philemon , Otieno Hezekiah Pireh , Lilford Richard
Published: June 2020

Background Text messaging systems are used to collect data on symptom prevalence. Using a text messaging system, we evaluated the effects of question load, question frequency, and financial incentive on response rates and reported infant diarrhoea rates in an infant diarrhoea survey. Methods We performed a factorial cross-over randomised controlled trial of an SMS surveying system for infant diarrhoea surveillance with treatments: financial incentive (yes/no), question load (1-question/3-question), and questioning frequency (daily/fortnightly). Participants progressed through all treatment combinations over eight two-week rounds. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regressions to determine the impacts of the treatments on the response rates and reported diarrhoea rates. Attitudes were explored through qualitative interviews. Results For the 141 participants, the mean response rate was 47%. In terms of percentage point differences (ppd), daily questioning was associated with a lower response rate than fortnightly (-1·2[95%CI:-4·9,2·5]); high (3-question) question loads were associated with a lower response rate than low (1-question) question loads (-7·0[95%CI:-10·8,-3·1]); and financial incentivisation was associated with a higher response rate than no financial incentivisation (6·4[95%CI:2·6,10·2]). The mean two-week diarrhoea rate was 36·4%. Daily questioning was associated with a higher reported diarrhoea rate than fortnightly (29·9[95%CI:22·8,36·9]); with little evidence for impact by incentivisation or question load. Conclusions Close to half of all participants responded to the SMS survey. Daily questioning evoked a statistically higher rate of reported diarrhoea, while financial incentivisation and low (1-question) question loads evoked higher response rates than no incentive and high (3-question) question loads respectively. Trial Registration The protocol was registered on ISRCTN on the 20 th of March 2019 under number ISRCTN11410773 .
A seven-year surveillance study of the epidemiology, antifungal susceptibility, risk factors and mortality of candidaemia among paediatric and adult inpaitents in a tertiary teaching hospital in China
Authors: Zeng Zhangrui , Ding Yinhuan , Tian Gang , Yang Kui , Deng Jian , Li Guangrong , Liu Jinbo
Published: June 2020

Background: There are no current national estimates of the candidaemia burden in China, and epidemiological candidaemia data from the underdeveloped region of China are lacking. Methods: A 7-year retrospective study was carried out to analyse the prevalence, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility, risk factors and inpatient mortality of candidaemia among paediatric and adult patients in a regional tertiary teaching hospital in China. Results: During the seven-year study period, a total of 201 inpatients with candidaemia were identified. The median age of the patients was 65 years (range, 1 day to 92 years), and 114 of the patients (56.7%) were male. The mean annual incidence of candidaemia was 0.26 cases per 1,000 admissions (0.42 cases per 1,000 paediatric admissions vs 0.24 cases per 1,000 adult admissions, P<0.05). Candida albicans was the most common fungal species (81/201, 40.3%) in all patients, Candida glabrata was the most common fungal species (18/35, 51.4%) in paediatric patients. Most isolates were susceptible to flucytosine (99.0%) and amphotericin B (99.0%), and the activity of antifungal agents against Candida species was no significant difference in satisfaction between paediatric and adult patients(P>0.05). The all-cause mortality rate was 20.4% (paediatric patients: 11.4% vs adult patients:22.3%, P>0.05). Fewer univariate predictors of poor outcomes were identified for paediatric patients than for adult patients (4 vs 11 predictors). Respiratory dysfunction and septic shock were independent predictors of 30-day mortality for all patients. Conclusions: The epidemiological data of candidaemia in paediatric and adult patients are only different in the distributions of Candida species and the mean annual incidence of candidaemia. Flucytosine and amphotericin B can be used as first-choice agents when no antifungal susceptibility test results are available.
Genome-wide association study for yield and yield related traits under reproductive stage drought in a diverse indica-aus rice panel
Authors: Bhandari Aditi , Sandhu Nitika , Bartholome Jérôme , Cao-Hamadoun Tuong-Vi , Ahmadi Nourollah , Kumari Nilima , Kumar Arvind
Published: June 2020

Background

Reproductive-stage drought stress is a major impediment to rice production in rainfed areas. Conventional and marker-assisted breeding strategies for developing drought-tolerant rice varieties are being optimized by mining and exploiting adaptive traits, genetic diversity; identifying the alleles, and understanding their interactions with genetic backgrounds for their increased contribution to drought tolerance. Field experiments were conducted in this study to identify marker-trait associations (MTAs) involved in response to yield under reproductive-stage (RS) drought. A diverse set of 280 indica-aus accessions was phenotyped for ten agronomic traits including yield and yield-related traits under normal irrigated condition and under two managed reproductive-stage drought environments. The accessions were genotyped with 215,250 single nucleotide polymorphism markers.

Results

The study identified a total of 219 significant MTAs for 10 traits and candidate gene analysis within a 200kb window centred from GWAS identified SNP peaks detected these MTAs within/ in close proximity to 38 genes, 4 earlier reported major grain yield QTLs and 6 novel QTLs for 7 traits out of the 10. The significant MTAs were mainly located on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11 and 12 and the percent phenotypic variance captured for these traits ranged from 5 to 88%. The significant positive correlation of grain yield with yield-related and other agronomic traits except for flowering time, observed under different environments point towards their contribution in improving rice yield under drought. Seven promising accessions were identified for use in future genomics-assisted breeding programs targeting grain yield improvement under drought.

Conclusion

These results provide a promising insight into the complex genetic architecture of grain yield under reproductive-stage drought in different environments. Validation of major genomic regions reported in the study will enable their effectiveness to develop drought-tolerant varieties following marker-assisted selection as well as to identify genes and understanding the associated physiological mechanisms.
Female northern grass lizards judge mates by body shape to reinforce local adaptation
Authors: Guo Kun , Chen Chen , Liang Xiao-Fang , Qu Yan-Fu , Ji Xiang
Published: June 2020

Background: Identifying the factors that contribute to divergence among populations in mate preferences is important for understanding of the manner in which premating reproductive isolation might arise and how this isolation may in turn contribute to the evolutionary process of population divergence. Here, we offered female northern grass lizards (Takydromus septentrionalis) a choice of males between their own population and another four populations to test whether the preferences that females display in the mating trials correlate with phenotypic adaptation to local environments, or to the neutral genetic distance measured by divergence of mitochondrial DNA sequence loci. Results: Females showed a strong preference for native over foreign males. Females that mated with native versus foreign males did not differ from each other in mating latency, or copulation duration. From results of the structural equation modelling we knew that: 1) geographical distance directly contributed to genetic differentiation and environmental dissimilarity; 2) genetic differentiation and environmental dissimilarity indirectly contributed to female mate preference, largely through their effects on morphological divergence; and 3) females judged mates by body shape (appearance) and discriminated more strongly against morphologically less familiar allopatric males.Conclusions: Local adaptation rather than neutral genetic distance influences female mate preference in T. septentrionalis. The tendency to avoid mating with foreign males may indicate that, in T. septentrionalis, local adaptations are more valuable than genetic novelties. Our results highlight the importance of comprehensive studies integrating ecological, molecular and behavioral approaches to understand population divergence in female mate preferences as the consequence of local adaptations.
Trust, threats, and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway and Sweden – a comparative survey
Authors: Helsingen Lise , Refsum Erle , Gjøstein Dagrun Kyte , Løberg Magnus , Bretthauer Michael , Kalager Mette , Emilsson Louise
Published: June 2020

Background Norway and Sweden have similar populations and health care systems, but different reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Norway closed educational institutions, and banned sports and cultural activities; Sweden kept most institutions and training facilities open. We aimed to compare peoples’ attitudes towards authorities and control measures, and effects on life in Norway and Sweden.Methods Anonymous web-based surveys for individuals age 15 or older distributed through Facebook using the snowball method, in Norway and Sweden from mid-March to mid-April, 2020. The survey contained questions about perceived threat of the pandemic, views on infection control measures, and impact on daily life. We performed descriptive analyses of the responses and compared the two countries.Results 3,508 individuals participated in the survey (Norway 3000; Sweden 508). 79% were women, the majority were 30–49 years (Norway 60%; Sweden 47%), and about 45% of the participants in both countries had more than four years of higher education.