bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of audio-recording consultations with pregnant Australian Indigenous women to assess use of smoking cessation behaviour change techniques
Authors: Bar-Zeev Yael , Skelton Eliza , Bovill Michelle , Gruppetta Maree , Bonevski Billie , Gould Gillian
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background Behavioural counselling is an effective method to improve smoking cessation rates during pregnancy. It is not always clear whether counselling is delivered as per guidelines. Audio-recordings of consultations have been used previously to assess fidelity of the intervention delivered. This has been performed mainly in specialized smoking cessation services for the general population. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of audio-recording smoking cessation counselling between health providers and pregnant women as part of an intervention in Aboriginal primary care settings. A secondary aim was to explore the number and type of behaviour change techniques delivered.

Methods A nested feasibility study within a larger intervention trial in six Aboriginal Medical Services. Recruited health providers and pregnant women were asked to agree or decline audio-recording their smoking cessation related consultations, pre and post intervention. Data collected included percentage providing consent to audio-recording; number of recordings performed, type of health provider performing the consultation, and date (pre/post intervention). Transcribed recordings were coded by two researchers. At the end of the trial, interviews were conducted to assess the acceptability of the study. Data relevant to the audio-recordings was extracted.

Results Two services provided seven recordings, all pre-intervention. Of 22 recruited women, 14 consented to being audio-recorded (64%) and five provided recordings; of 23 recruited health providers, 16 agreed (69%), and two provided recordings. Qualitative data suggest health providers found audio-recording difficult to remember. Health providers spend two minutes discussing smoking (range 00:47-03:47 minutes), and used few behaviour change techniques for each consultation (average 4 behaviour change techniques, range 2-8).

Conclusions Audio-recordings of smoking related counselling were not feasible as planned. Future research will need to explore acceptable methods to assess behaviour change techniques use in primary care, and specifically in Aboriginal health services.

Trial registration: ACTRN 12616001603404
Improving the participation of adults with visual and severe or profound intellectual disabilities: A process evaluation of a new intervention
Authors: Hanzen Gineke , Nispen Ruth M.A. van , Vlaskamp Carla , Korevaar Eliza L. , Waninge Aly , Putten Annette A.J. van der
Published: September 2019

Background While the participation of adults with visual and severe or profound intellectual disabilities (VSPID) in society and community life is important, evidence-based interventions for improve their participation are lacking. We conducted a process evaluation of the implementation of ‘Care for Participation+’ (CFP+), a new intervention targeting the attitudes of direct support professionals (DSPs) toward the participation of adults with VSPID, within a residential facility in the Netherlands. Methods CFP+ was inspired by the Boston Psychiatric Rehabilitation Approach and adapted by adopting a new definition and operationalization of the concept of participation for adults with VSPID. Following systematic training, DSPs of adults with VSPID are able to apply key elements of CFP+ to explore diverse roles and activities for this population, facilitating their self-management, teaching them necessary skills for participation, and organizing support. Our process evaluation entailed an investigation of the delivered dose, reach, fidelity, and adaptation of CFP+ during and after the CFP+ intervention. We also evaluated the mechanisms of impact and context using questionnaires, assignments, documentation, interviews, and a logbook. Results An assessment of the mechanisms of impact indicated that assignments of CFP+ were well (75%) or reasonably well (17%) understood by DSPs. CFP+ was applied by DSPs to stimulate self-management (83% of DSPs), new activities (100%), enhanced involvement in existing activities (67%) and to explore new roles (50%) for adults with VSPID. These results were obtained despite the fact that the intended dose, reach, and fidelity relating to the implementation of CFP+ were not achieved. A negative contextual factor mentioned by the trainer and manager was the DSPs’ lack of commitment to the training program. Another negative contextual factor mentioned by DSPs was the lack of time for implementing CFP+.Conclusions CFP+ provides new opportunities to improve the participation of adults with VSPID. Despite the nonoptimal conditions for implementing CFP+ and the DSPs’ general reluctance to apply the new intervention, some have actively used CFP+ within the residential facility. Future studies should focus on the outcomes of CFP+ regarding attitudinal changes among DSPs relating to the participation of adults with VSPID and their quality of life.
Correlates of health care access problems among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: In-depth analysis of 2016 Ethiopia demographic Health Survey
Authors: Tamirat koku , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Kebede Fentahun Bikale
Published: September 2019

Background Health care access is timely use of personal health services to achieve best health outcomes. Difficulties to access health care among reproductive age women may led to different negative health outcomes to death and disability. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors associated with problems of accessing health care among reproductive age women in Ethiopia.Method This study was based on 2016 Ethiopia Demography and Health Survey. Individual women record (IR) file was used to extract the dataset and 15, 683 women were included in the final analysis. A composite variable of problem of accessing health care were created from four questions used to rate problem of accessing health care among reproductive age women. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was fitted to identify factors associated with problem of accessing health care. Crude and Adjusted odds ratio with a 95%CI computed to assess the strength of association between independent and outcome variables.Result In this study the magnitude of problem in accessing health care among reproductive age women was 69.9% of with 95%CI (69.3 to 70.7). Rural residence (AOR= 2.13, 95%CI: 1.79 to 2.53), women age 35-49 years (AOR= 1.24, 95%CI: 1.09 to 1.40), married/live together (AOR= 0.72, 95%CI: 0.64 to 0.81), had health insurance coverage (AOR=0.83, 95%CI: 0.70 to 0.95), wealth index [middle (AOR=0.75,95%CI: 0.66 to 0.85) and rich (AOR=0.47,95%CI:0.42 to 0.53)], primary education(AOR= 0.80, 95%CI: 0.73 to 0.88), secondary education (AOR= 0.57, 95%CI:0.50 to 0.64) and diploma and higher education (AOR= 0.43, 95%CI: 0.37 to 0.50) were factors associated with problem of health care access among reproductive age women.Conclusion Despite better coverage of health system, problems of health care access among reproductive age women were considerably high. Health insurance coverage, middle and rich wealth, primary and above educational level were negatively associated with problems health care access. In contrast, older age and rural residence were positively associated with problems of health care access among reproductive age women. This suggests that further interventions are necessary to increase universal reproductive health care access for the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Construction situation, costs and charges associated with pharmacy intravenous admixture services: Multi-center cross-sectional survey based on 137 medical institutions in mainland China
Authors: yang chunsong , kang bingyao , zhang lingli , yu dan
Published: September 2019

Background: To investigate the construction situation, costs and charges associated with pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) to provide references for the construction and development of PIVAS in mainland China.
Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted via a WeChat Group targeting PIVAS leaders in hospitals to investigate the basic situation of PIVAS, including opening time, area, number of PIVAS, equipment, management mode, PIVAS costs and charges, as well as numbers of beds, open wards, and staff, and analyze differences in PIVAS construction at different provincial and hospital levels.
Results: 137 questionnaires were collected from 29 provinces, representing a response rate of 99.3%. Most participants (88.4%) were from Level III Hospitals. The number of years of operations of PIVAS ranged from 1 to 22 (median: 6). PIVAS site area ranged between 100 and 1973 m2; daily average infusion volume was concentrated in the ranges 0-1000 bags (29.9%, 41/137) and 1001-2000 bags (26.3%, 36/137). In terms of PIVAS management mode, the vast majority used separate pharmacy management (65.0%, 89/137). Only 52.6% (72/137) of PIVAS have standardized charges, and 70.1% (96/137) operate at a loss. The median costs of mixed tumor chemotherapy drugs, total parenteral nutrition, general medicine, antibiotics were 20, 35, 4 and 5 RMB, respectively. With the exception of a few features, PIVAS construction does not obviously differ among different regions and hospital levels.
Conclusions: In recent years, PIVAS in China has developed rapidly and become relatively large. The main problems are that most provinces lack standards for charges and PIVAS construction differs among hospitals. Therefore, standards for PIVAS construction and charges should be developed to provide a reference for the future development of PIVAS.
Risk factors for systemic thromboembolism after left chamber cardiac thrombi --- A retrospective multi-center study
Authors: zhou wei , Shi Shun-yi , Ji Yuan , Chen Xin , Huang Jun , Yang Song , Sun Jian-hui , Huang Shenglan
Published: September 2019

Background : We aimed to characterize the independent predictors of systemic thromboembolism (ST) after left chamber thrombi.
Methods: A retrospective analysis on the medical records of 175 patients diagnosed with left chamber thrombi by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at three centers were carried out. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship of each characteristic with ST. Multivariate Cox proportional survival analysis was conducted, with covariate adjustments, to identify predictors of all-cause mortality.
Results: During a median 42 months of follow-up (25th–75th percentile: 20–62 months), 24 (13.7%) patients had ST, and 62 (35.4%) died. History of diabetes and thrombus mobility were independent predictors of ST (P = 0.003, P = 0.02, respectively). There was a significant association between abnormal ejection fraction (EF) and all-cause mortality (P = 0.003). Conclusions: The morbidity associated with ST and the increased risk for mortality associated with left chamber cardiac thrombi relates to medical history, thrombus state, and diminished heart function.
Value of exercise stress electrocardiography for stratification of exercise capacity and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function on coronary slow flow: Case-control study
Authors: Wang Yonghuai , Li Jinyang , Liu Shuang , Mu Lixin , Li Guangyuan , Yu Hang , Yang Jun , Ma Chun-yan
Published: September 2019

Background Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an angiographic entity characterized by delayed coronary opacification in absence of evident obstructive lesion in the epicardial coronary artery. However, whether patients with CSFP exhibit differing responses to exercise is still not known. This study aimed to evaluate results of exercise stress electrocardiography (ExECG) and left ventricular (LV) function during exercise, and study the value of ExECG for stratification of exercise capacity and LV function in patients with CSFP.Methods Thirty patients with CSFP and 24 controls were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of CSFP was made by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction frame count. ExECG and LV function measured by echocardiography at rest, during exercise and recovery phase were evaluated.Results Negative ExECG was found in 24 (80%) patients with CSFP. At rest, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) decreased and mitral average E/e’ increased in patients with CSFP compared with controls; however, there were no differences in these parameters between CSFP patients with negative ExECG and patients with positive ExECG. During exercise, CSFP patients with negative ExECG and controls had significantly increased LV GLS and decreased mitral average E/e’, but CSFP patients with positive ExECG had significantly decreased LV GLS and increased mitral average E/e’.Conclusions About 80% patients with CSFP exhibited negative ExECG. CSFP patients with negative ExECG exhibited improved LV function but CSFP patients with positive ExECG exhibited impaired LV function during exercise. ExECG may aid in the stratification of exercise capacity and LV function in patients with CSFP.
Loss of ASXL1 protein is associated with lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Lee Ju-Hee , Ahn Byung Kyu , Paik Seung Sam , Kim Hyunsung , Lee Kang Hong
Published: September 2019

Background The function of ASXL1 protein in colorectal cancer has not been investigated yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic impact of ASXL1 protein expression on colorectal cancer.Methods We performed immunohistochemical staining of ASXL1 protein using tissue microarrays of 408 colorectal cancers, 46 normal colonic mucosae, 48 adenomas, and 92 metastatic lymph nodes. The intensity of expression was scored as 0–3, and the extent of staining was scored as 0–4, based on the percentage of positive cells. The immunoreactivity score (IRS) was calculated by multiplying the two scores.Results ASXL1 protein expression rates were 89.1% in normal mucosae, 72.9% in tubular adenomas, 44.4% in adenocarcinomas, and 28.3% in metastatic lymph nodes ( p < 0.001). With respect to the IRS cut-off score, the mean tumor size was smaller in the IRS 0–6 group than in the IRS 8–12 group (4.9 ± 2.1 vs. 6.3 ± 2.7 cm, p = 0.002). Lymph node metastasis was more frequent in the IRS 0–6 group than in the IRS 8–12 group (56.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.034). Lymphatic invasion was more frequent in the 0–6 group than in the IRS 8–12 group (56.0% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.035). The 5-year disease-free survival rate did not differ between two groups at stage II and stage III.Conclusions ASXL1 protein might act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. The loss of ASXL1 expression might be associated with metastasis via the lymphatic system to the lymph nodes.
A feasibility study of a WhatsApp-delivered transtheoretical model-based intervention to promote healthy eating knowledge and habits for firefighters in Hong Kong: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: NG Winnie WM , Cheung Kin
Published: September 2019

Background Firefighters’ health is affected by a high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which are common risk factors for sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of enhancing healthy eating habits and knowledge in firefighters through an education programme.Method This will be a cluster randomized control trial study. The participants will be assigned randomly into either control (health promotion pamphlet) or intervention (health promotion pamphlet and education materials through WhatsApp) groups. Changes in healthy eating habits and knowledge will be assessed by a self-administrative questionnaire and anthropometric measurements at three different time points.Discussion More education is required in order to improve firefighters’ eating habits and knowledge.
Comparison of sinew-strengthening exercise with cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain: protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Peng Peng , Zhao Ye , Zhang Chengzhe , Shen Zhibi , Yuan Weian , Zhan Hongsheng
Published: September 2019

Background Chronic low back pain is a common disease in clinic. The prevention and treatment of this disease requires a great deal of medical care resources, which is now the third medical economic burden in China. Although non-steroidal analgesics have been shown to be effective for chronic low back pain, considering the obvious side effects of these drugs, more and more patients are inclined to employ non-drug therapies. Typical examples are exercise therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Exercise therapy of traditional Chinese medicine is an important part of non-drug therapy in China, such as sinew-strengthening exercise (SSE). Originating from traditional Chinese medicine exercise therapy, it has long been used for the prevention and treatment of chronic low back pain in Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SGH), but it has not been validated by clinical trials. In this trial, we will seek to determine whether SSE is an effective and safe treatment option for persons with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) by comparing it with CBT and explore a new method to CNLBP.Methods/Design In this trial, we will randomize 480 adults with nonspecific chronic back pain to CBT and SSE arms (240 per group). Participants in both groups will be followed for 52 weeks after randomization with home practice. Interviewers will assess outcomes 4, 8, 26 and 52 weeks postrandomization. The primary outcome will be Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) with 26-week follow-up being the primary endpoint.Discussion If SSE is found to be an effective treatment option for patients with chronic back pain, it will become a meritorious addition to the current limited treatment approaches available to patients with significant psychosocial contributors to their pain.
Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high-intense physical activity: a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Hernández-Reyes Alberto , Cámara-Martos Fernando , Molina-Luque Rafael , Romero-Saldaña Manuel , Molina-Recio Guillermo , Moreno-Rojas Rafael
Published: September 2019

Background There is evidence showing the effectiveness of a hypocaloric diet and the increase in physical activity on weight loss. However, the combined role of these factors, not only on weight loss but also body composition, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hypocaloric diet on the body composition of obese adult women when different degrees of physical activity are trained during a weight loss program. Methods One hundred and seventeen healthy female volunteers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 one of the experimental groups: a control group with a low-level prescription of physical activity (1-4 METs), moderate physical activity group that performed 10.000 steps walking (5-8 METs) and intense physical activity group that trained exercises by at least 70% of VO2max three times a week (>8 METs). All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet designed with a reduction of 500 kcal/day. Nutritional counseling was provided throughout the study period to help ensure dietary adherence. Results No differences in body weight were found when compared moderate and intense physical activity (ß stand. = -0.138 vs ß stand. = -0.139). Body fat was lower in women following an intense activity (ß stand. = -0.436) than those with moderate exercise (ß stand. = -0.231). Intense activity also increased muscle mass at the end of the intervention, standing out above the moderate activity (ß stand. = 0.182 vs. ß stand. = 0.008). Conclusions These findings indicate that hypocaloric diet, without prescription of physical activity, is effective to lose weight, in the short term (12 weeks) but Physical activity is the working target to modify the body composition in women with obesity. Body fat was lower when women practiced a moderate exercise compared to hypocaloric diet only, but an intense physical activity was the most effective protocol to obtain a reduction of body fat and maintain muscle mass. Trial registration Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03833791. Registered 1 January 2019 - Retrospectively registered.
Burden of respiratory viral infections among inmates of a Ghanaian prison
Authors: Sylverken Augustina , El-Duah Philip , Owusu Michael , Yeboah Richmond , Kwarteng Alexander , Ofori Linda , Gorman Richmond , Obiri-Danso Kwasi , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: September 2019

Respiratory viral infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Information on circulating respiratory viruses among prisoners is lacking, although this is of public health importance and knowledge would assist in putting in place preventive measures to forestall disease outbreaks. The aim of this study therefore was to get the footprint of such diseases that have epidemic potential to be described and quantified for control. Prisoners on remand numbering 203 in a prison in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, were interviewed using prevalidated questionnaire, nasopharyngeal samples taken and screened by real-time PCR for common respiratory viruses in February, 2018. Of the total number of 203 participants enrolled, majority were males (n = 198, 97.54%). The modal age unsurprisingly was in the active working class of 18 to 35 years (n = 155, 76.36%) with 48 (23.65%) of participants older than 35 years. Inmates reported nasal congestion (n = 83, 40.89%), cough with or without pharyngitis (n =108, 53.20%) and fever (n = 74, 39.48%). Viruses detected in throat samples were Influenza A (n = 1, 0.49%) and Rhinovirus (n = 8, 3.94%). There was no statistically significant association between respiratory virus positivity and age (p = 0.118), gender (p > 0.900), duration of incarceration (p = 0.239) and reported symptoms (p = 0.724). The prison population may have a lower prevalence of respiratory viruses circulating in them. This may be dominated by those with high antigenic diversity.
Determinants of occupational stress among health care professionals working at a setting of a specialized mental hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2017: a hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: T/tsadike Simret , mulat haregewoin , necho mogesie , waja tsigereda
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND: Stress at workplace among health professionals predisposes to an inefficient organization, absenteeism from work, job dissatisfaction, and various physical, psychological as well as behavioral health problems. Despite this, little has been done into this health issue. So, this study assessed occupational stress and its determinants among health care professionals. METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was implemented among 398 participants from May 1 to June 1, 2017, at Amanuel hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Nursing stress scale was used to asses occupational stress. Data was entered to Epi-info-version-7 and analyzed with SPSS-20. Descriptive statistics were also utilized. Binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were used. P-value < 0.05 in final model was significant. RESULTS: Among 398 participants included in the study, 393 provided complete information which gives a response rate of 98.7%. This study showed that 46.8% (95%CI: 41.7, 51.7) of health professional were having occupational stress. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that working in emergency department (AOR=3.48; 95% CI: 2.12, 12.08), forensic psychiatry unit (AOR=3.48; 95% CI: 1.25, 35.06) and job dissatisfaction (AOR=2.606; 95% CI: 1.563, 4.345) were risk factors for occupational stress. CONCLUSION: Occupational stress among health professionals was high. Work-related variables (working in the emergency department and dissatisfaction with the job) were its risk factors. Attention has to be given for such an important public health issue. KEYWORDS: Health workers, occupational stress, Mental hospital, Ethiopia.
Factors associated with unsafe work behaviours in an Iranian petrochemical company: Perspectives of workers, supervisors, and safety managers
Authors: Harsini Azita Zahiri , Ghofranipour Fazlollah , Sanaeinasab Hormoz , Shokravi Farkhondeh Amin , Bohle Philip , Matthews Lynda R
Published: September 2019

Background: The petrochemical industry is hazardous, in part because of the inherently dangerous nature of the work conducted, and incidents frequently result in significant financial and social losses. The most common immediate cause of incidents and injuries in this industry is unsafe worker behaviour. Identifying the factors encouraging unsafe work behaviours is the first step in taking action to discourage them. The aim of this study was to (a) explore workers’, supervisors’ and safety managers’ attitudes and perceptions of safety in a petrochemical company in Iran, and (b) identify the factors that discourage safe work behaviours. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted by following analysis steps described by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). Eighteen participants were recruited from an Iranian petrochemical company using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Individual face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of factors acting as barriers to safe behaviour. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in Persian and then translated into English. Conventional content analysis was performed. Results: The main themes emerging from the interviews were: (i) poor direct safety management and supervision; (ii) unsafe workplace conditions; (iii) workers' perceptions, skills and training; and (iv) broader organisational factors. Conclusions: The findings give insights into practical organisational measures that can be implemented by management to promote workers’ commitment to safety and engage in safe behaviours in their workplace. Keywords: safe work behaviours; occupational health; petrochemical industry; workplace accidents; industrial hazards
An artificially simulated outbreak of a respiratory infectious disease
Authors: Guo Zuiyuan , Xu Shuang , Tong Libo , Dai Botao , Liu Yuandong
Published: September 2019

Background Outbreaks of respiratory infectious diseases often take place in crowded places. To understand the spreading pattern of an outbreak of a respiratory infectious disease and provide a theoretical basis for the targeted implementation of scientific prevention and control, we attempted to establish a stochastic model to simulate an outbreak of a respiratory infectious disease at a military camp. This model fits the general pattern of disease transmission and further enriches theories on the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases.
Methods We established an enclosed system of 500 people exposed to adenovirus type 7 in a military camp. During the infection period, the patients transmitted the virus randomly to susceptible people. The spread of the epidemic under militarized management mode was simulated using a computer model named “the random collision model”, and the effects of factors such as the basic reproductive number ( R 0 ), time of isolation of the patients (TOI), interval between the onset and isolation (IOI), and immunization rates (IR) on the developmental trend of the epidemic were quantitatively analysed.
Results Once the R 0 exceeds 1.5, the median attack rate increases sharply; when R 0 =3, with a delay in the TOI, the attack rate increases gradually and eventually remains stable. If the IOI exceeds 2.3 days, the median attack rate will also increase dramatically. If the IR exceeds 0.5, the median of the attack rate nears zero. The median generation time was 8.26 days (95% CI: 7.84-8.69 days). The partial rank correlation coefficients between the attack rate of the epidemic and the R 0 , TOI, IOI, and IR were 0.61, 0.17, 0.45, and -0.27, respectively.
Conclusion The random collision model not only simulates how an epidemic spreads with superior precision but also allows more flexibility in the settings of the exposure population’s activities and different types of infectious diseases, which is conducive to furthering the exploration of the epidemiological characteristics of epidemic outbreaks.
Anxiety a possible peripheral artery disease risk factor among older Africans: The EPIDEMCA study.
Authors: DESORMAIS ILEANA , Lacroix Philippe , Guerchet Maelenn , Ndamba-Bandzouzi Bébène , Mbelesso Pascal , Marin Benoit , Tchalla Achile , Preux Pierre-Marie , Aboyans Victor
Published: September 2019

Objective During the past ten years considerable progress has been made in research on cardiac effects of anxiety. On the other hand, epidemiological research on the implication of this psychosocial factor in the development of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is lacking. The present study sought to examine the association of anxiety and PAD in elderly individuals in two sub-Saharan countries in Africa.Methods This cross-sectional study, was performed in urban and rural population in Central Africa: Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. All individuals ≥65 years living in these areas were invited to participate. Socio-demographic data, medical history, medication, clinical and biological data were collected. Anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Geriatric Mental State version B3. Peripheral artery disease was defined as ankle brachial index (ABI) ≤0.90.Results A total of 1662 subjects composed our study population (age 72.9±6.5 years, 59.3% females). Overall, the prevalence of anxiety was 7.2%, significantly higher in women (9.2% vs. 4.3% in men, p<0.001 ). Independently of all confounding factors, anxiety was strongly associated with PAD in both countries (OR: 2.56, 99%CI: .52-4.20) and more frequently associated with PAD in women than in men (OR: 3.37, 95%CI: 1.22-4.10 vs. OR: 2.34, 95%CI: 1.13-5.06).Conclusion Our study underlines the high prevalence of anxiety in African general population in the elderly, as well as a significant association with the peripheral artery disease, independently of all possible confounding factors. The higher rates of anxiety in women and stronger association with PAD as compared to men might explain the higher rates of PAD in African women.
Awareness and its Associated Factors of Obstetrics Fistula among antenatal care attendees in Injibara Town Health Institutions, Awi Zone, North West, Ethiopia, 2019.
Authors: Beyene Fentahun Yenealem , Feyisa Wondu , Nigusie Azezu , Tesfa Azimeraw
Published: September 2019

Background Obstetric fistula is abnormal passage way between the vagina and bladder or rectum and it has the most devastating effects on physical, social and economic levels and represents a major public health issue of thousands of women, which failed to provide accessible and appropriate intrapartum care for women within developing country, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, we tried to assess the awareness and its associated factors of obstetrics fistula among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care clinics.Method A health institutional based cross-sectional study was employed from March 4–29/2019 among 413 pregnant women. The data was collected by systematic random sampling technique and entered into a computer using Epi data 3.5, edited and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences 23.0 version. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses was employed to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio with confidence interval of 95% and p value of less than 0.05 considered statically significant.Results The study identified that 39.5% with 95% confidence interval (34.6-44.6%) of pregnant women were had good awareness about obstetrics fistula. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, living in urban AOR=1.98, 95% CI=1.07-3.69], attending formal education [AOR=2.11, 95%CI=1.06-4.12], having history antenatal care [AOR=3.87, 95%CI, =1.60-9.68] and childbirth at health institution [AOR=7.10, 95%CI=2.52-2.02] were have a positive association with awareness of obstetrics fistula. On the other hand, occupation of the respondents: house wife [AOR=0.30, 95% CI=016-0.57] and merchants [AOR= 0.41, 95% CI=0.20-0.91] were have a negative association with awareness of obstetrics fistula.Conclusion This study showed that awareness of obstetrics fistula was low. Residency, education and occupation of the women, having history of antenatal care and childbirth at health institution was significantly associated with awareness of obstetrics fistula. Still there is a gap on awareness of obstetrics fistula; therefore, it is good to emphasis on providing information on maternal health care issues, particularly about obstetrics fistula.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis of GmLCL genes alters plant height and internode length in soybean
Authors: Kong Fanjiang , Cheng Qun , Dong Lidong , Su Tong , Gan Zhuoran , Nan Haiyang , Lu Sijia , Fang Chao , Kong Liping , Li Haiyang , Hou Zhihong , Kou Kun , Tang Yang , Lin Xiaoya , Zhao Xiaohui , Chen Liyu , Liu Baohui
Published: September 2019

Background: Soybean ( Glycine max ) is an important economically crops for plant oil and protein in the world. The plant height as a key trait has significant effects on yield of soybean , however, the research on molecular mechanism for soybean plant height is still unclear. Recently, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated) system as a new technology for gene editing, has been rapidly utilized to edit the genomes of crop plants. Results: Here, we designed four gRNAs to mutate four LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL ( LHY ) / CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 ( CCA1 )- LIKE ( LCL ) genes in soybean. In order to test whether the gRNAs could perform properly in transgenic soybean plants, we first tested the CRISPR construct in transgenic soybean hairy roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenesis strain K599. Once confirmed, we performed stable soybean transformation and obtained nineteen independent transgenic soybean plants. Subsequently, we obtained one T 1 transgene-free homozygous quadruple mutant of GmLCL by self-crossed. The phenotype of T 2 -generation transgene-free quadruple mutant plants were observed and the results showed that quadruple mutant of GmLCL displayed reduced plant height and shortened internodes. In addition, the relative expression levels of gibberellic acid (GA) metabolic pathway genes in the quadruple mutant of GmLCL were significantly decreased than wild type (WT). It suggests that GmLCLs encoding MYB transcription factor affect plant height through mediating the GA pathway in soybean. We also develop some genetic markers to identify mutant for assisting breeding studies. Conclusions: Our results indicate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis of four GmLCL genes reduce soybean plant height and shorten internodes. These findings suggest that manipulation of four GmLCL genes may improve yield by altered plant height and internode length in soybean.
Responses of the photosynthetic characteristics and chloroplast ultrastructure of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) to different LED light qualities
Authors: Gao Song , Liu Xuena , Liu Ying , Cao Bili , Chen Zijing , Xu Kun
Published: September 2019

The optimized illumination of plants using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is beneficial to their photosynthetic performance. Because of this, in recent years LEDs have been widely used in horticultural facilities. However, there are significant differences in the responses of different crops to light quality. The influence of light quality on photosynthesis needs to be further explored to provide theoretical guidance for the adjustment of the light environment in industrial crop production. This study tested the effects of different qualities of LED lighting (white, W; blue, B; green, G; yellow, Y; and red, R) with the same photosynthetic photon flux density (300 μmol/m2·s) on the growth and development, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, leaf structure, and chloroplast ultrastructure of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) plants. The results showed that the plant height, leaf area, and fresh weight of plants in the W and B treatments were significantly higher than those in the other treatments. The photosynthetic pigment content and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in the W treatment were significantly higher than those in the monochromatic light treatments, while the transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (Gs) were the highest in the B treatment, and the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) was the highest in the Y treatment. Among the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics tested, the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) was the highest in the Y treatment, while the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) under dark adaptation (Fv/Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII under light adaptation (Fv'/Fm'), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), and apparent electron transport rate (ETR) all differed among treatments in the following order: W > B > R > G > Y. Both leaf structure and chloroplast ultrastructure showed the most complete development in the B treatment. In summary, in addition to W light, B light significantly improved the photosynthetic efficiency of Welsh onion, whereas Y light significantly reduced the photosynthetic efficiency of this plant.
Comparative transcriptome and metabolic analysis of wild and domesticated wheat genotypes reveals differences in chemical and physical defense responses against aphids
Authors: Batyrshina Zhaniya S , Yaakov Beery , Shavit Reut , Singh Anuradha , Tzin Vered
Published: September 2019

Background: Young wheat plants are continuously exposed to insect herbivorous attack. To maintain their fitness, plants have evolved different defense mechanisms, including the biosynthesis of deterrent compounds named benzoxazinoids, and/or trichome formation that provides physical barriers. It is unclear whether both of these mechanisms are equally critical in providing an efficient defense for wheat seedlings against the bird cherry-oat ( Rhopalosiphum padi ) aphid—an economically costly pest in cereal production.
Results: In this study, we compared the transcriptomic, metabolomic, chemical, and physical defenses of three selected wheat genotypes to aphid performance. We chose diverse wheat genotypes, two tetraploid wheat genotypes, domesticated durum ‘Svevo’ and wild emmer ‘Zavitan,’ and one hexaploid bread wheat, ‘Chinese Spring.’ The full transcriptomic analysis revealed a major difference between the three genotypes, while the clustering of significantly different genes suggested a higher similarity between the two domesticated than the wild wheat. A pathway enrichment analysis indicated that genes associated with primary metabolism, as well as the pathways associated with defense such as phytohormones and specialized metabolites, were altered between the three genotypes. Measurement of benzoxazinoid levels at the three time-points (11, 15 and 18 days-after-germination) revealed high abundance levels in the two domesticated genotypes, while the levels were very low in the wild emmer wheat. The Chinese Spring showed a more diverse benzoxazinoid (known and putative) composition than the other two genotypes. In contrast to the benzoxazinoid levels, the trichome density was dramatically higher in the wild emmer than in the domesticated wheat. Evaluation of aphid reproduction indicated that the domesticated bread wheat is more resistant than the tetraploid genotypes.
Conclusions: We compared the amount of benzoxazinoids, the trichome number, and aphid reproduction at three time-points, as well as performing a transcriptome analysis. Overall, the results suggested that although wheat seedlings possess both chemical and physical defenses, the chemical defense plays a more significant defensive role than the physical barriers.
Antibiogram of Biofilm Producing and Non-Producing Community Acquired-Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Potential Risk Population of Dharan, Nepal
Authors: Shakya Jenish , Shrestha Bijay Kumar , Subba Prince , Khanal Hemanta
Published: September 2019

Background Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common cause of hospital acquired infection and community acquired infections. Nowadays these organisms became resistant towards variety of drugs. MRSA is the emerging antibiotic resistant bacteria that are resistant to methicillin antibiotic and known to be the infectious pathogen causing severe infection and a cause of fatal mortality.Materials and methodology Altogether 200 nasal swabs and 200 hand swabs were obtained from participants and transported to microbiology lab in cold chain. The samples were swabbed in mannitol salt agar (MSA) containing oxacillin powder of 6mg/L and incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. Staphylococcus aureus colonies were identified based on growth characteristics on MSA plates (golden yellow colonies), Gram stain and positive results for coagulase tube test and catalase test. The pure isolated MRSA were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility tests and biofilm formation assays.Results From our study the overall prevalence of CA-MRSA was 61.5%. Higher frequency of multi-drug resistant MRSA was isolated. The biofilm producing CA-MRSA were 51.2% which showed high drug resistance and rest (48.7%) were non-biofilm producers. There was significant association in biofilm production with multi-drug resistance (p<0.05). Ciprofloxacin was most sensitive drug against the isolates which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The resistant pattern of biofilm producers reported high ability of multi-drug resistance compared to non-biofilm producers (p<0.05). Microtitre plate method was found to be gold standard over tube and congo red agar method for screening biofilm formation. Surprisingly the emergence of VISA and VRSA strains were significantly reported from our study. The prevalence of VISA and VRSA among CA-MRSA was found to be 49.5% and 40.6% respectively among the isolates which indicates the failure of Vancomycin drug in clinical therapy.Conclusions The prevalence of CA-MRSA was found more in barbers followed by beauticians and municipal waste workers in comparison to healthy controls. This study reported the higher carriage of CA-MRSA in potential risk population along with emergence of VISA and VRSA strains. Improvement in personal hygiene and formulation of appropriate health policy helps to prevent CA-MRSA infection. This study concludes that CA-MRSA is still emerging with multi-drug resistance.
Effects of sampling on the elevational distribution of nematode-trapping fungi
Authors: Wei Deng , Jia-Liang Wang , Scott Matt , Yi-Hao Fang , Shuo-Ran Liu , Xiao-Yan Yang , Wen Xiao
Published: September 2019

Background Modelling species richness across an elevation gradient has long attracted attention, and at same time places some significant obstacles to research. Many interpretations of patterns and corresponding mechanisms for species distributions are made without consideration of multiple confounding factors. What are factors that affect species richness with elevation? The answer may contribute to better understanding of the elevational distribution patterns and mechanisms.In this study, we performed the research on species richness of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) across an elevation gradient in Yunnan, China.Results The results showed that sampling patterns, sampling altitude range, and human disturbance in sampling site could affect the resulting patterns of species richness significantly.Conclusion The results suggested that future studies on the elevational gradients of species richness should address these factors, and try to adopt the high-sampling patterns to reduce the observation bias.
Occurrence and determinants of Klebsiella species bloodstream infection in the western interior of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Reid Connor B. , Steele Lisa , Pasquill Kelsey , Parfitt Elizabeth C. , Laupland Kevin
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND Klebsiella species are among the most common causes of bloodstream infection (BSI). However, few studies have evaluated their epidemiology in non-selected populations. The objective was to define the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes from Klebsiella species BSI among residents of the western interior of British Columbia, Canada.METHODS Population-based surveillance was conducted between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2017.RESULTS 151 episodes were identified for an incidence of 12.1 per 100,000 per year; the incidences of K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca were 9.1 and 2.9 per 100,000 per year, respectively. Overall 24 (16%) were hospital-onset, 90 (60%) were healthcare-associated, and 37 (25%) were community-associated. The median patient age was 71.4 (interquartile range, 58.8-80.9) years and 88 (58%) cases were males. Episodes were uncommon among patients aged ≤40 years old and no cases were observed among those aged ≤ 10 years. A number of co-morbid medical illnesses were identified as significant risks and included (incidence rate ratio; 95% confidence interval) cerebrovascular accident (5.9; 3.3-9.9), renal disease 4.3; 2.5-7.0), cancer (3.8; 2.6-5.5), congestive heart failure (3.5; 1.6-6.6), dementia (2.9; 1.5-5.2), diabetes mellitus (2.6; 1.7-3.9), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.3; 1.5-3.5). Of the 141 (93%) patients admitted to hospital, the median hospital length stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 4-17). The in-hospital and 30-day all cause case-fatality rates were 24/141 (17%) and 27/151 (18%), respectively.CONCLUSIONS Klebsiella species BSI is associated with a significant burden of illness particularly among those with chronic co-morbid illnesses.
Comprehensive investigation of the prevalence and risk factors of viral hepatitis B and C in PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Naghipour Mohammadreza , Hassanipour Soheil , Yeganeh Sara , Soltanipour Soheil , Samadani Ali Akbar , Paryad Ezzat , Sepehrimanesh Masood , Shafaghi Afshin , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz
Published: September 2019

Background Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses are two serious infectious diseases with high global health impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and HCV in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies of the Iranian Adults (PERSIAN) Guilan Cohort Study through immunological and molecular methods.Methods The blood samples were obtained from 10520 enrolled participant. Complete biochemical and hematological assessments plus urine analysis were done. The presence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HCV antibodies for all participants and HBeAg and anti-HBe antibody for HBV positive patients were evaluated. HBV genomic DNA and HCV genomic RNA were extracted from positive serum samples. Real time PCR assay was done to quantify HBV and HCV genomes. HCV genotyping was also performed.Results Most of our participants were female (53.5%), rural (56.1%), married (97.2%) with primary education (72.1%) without smoking (75.2%) or alcohol consumption (85.3%). The HBV and HCV prevalence was 0.24% (95% CI, 0.16% to 0.35%) and 0.11% (95% CI, 0.06% to 0.19%), respectively. Rural participants were significantly more HBV positive than urban peoples (P=0.045) while male individuals were significantly more HCV positive than female participants (P=0.013).Conclusion Our detected HBV and HCV prevalence were lower than other cities/provinces of Iran, which may be due to the lifestyle or other unknown reasons.