bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescription of antibiotics to children with acute otitis media in Danish general practice
Authors: Olsen Jonas , Lykkegaard Jesper , Hansen Malene Plejdrup , Waldorff Frans B , Lous Jørgen , Andersen Merethe K
Published: April 2020

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common and most often self-limiting infection in childhood, usually managed in general practice. Even though antibiotics are only recommended when certain diagnostic and clinical criteria are met a high antibiotic prescription rate is observed. The study’s objective was to analyse associations between patient- and general practitioner (GP) characteristics and antibiotic prescribing for children with AOM in an effort to explain the high antibiotic prescribing rates.Methods: All general practices in the Northern, Southern and Central regions of Denmark were invited to record symptoms, examinations, findings and antibiotic treatment for all children ≤ 7 years of age diagnosed with AOM during a four-week winter period in 2017/2018. Associations were analysed by means of multivariate logistic regressions. The study design was cross-sectional.Results: In total, 60 general practices diagnosed 278 children with AOM of whom 207 (74%) were prescribed antibiotics, most often penicillin V (60%). About half of the children had tympanometry performed. Antibiotic prescribing rates varied considerably between practices (0-100%). Antibiotic prescribing was associated with fever (odds ratio (OR) 3.69 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93-7.05), purulent ear secretion (OR 2.35 95% CI 1.01-5.50) and poor general condition (OR 3.12 95% CI 1.31-7.46), and the practice’s antibiotic prescribing rate (highest vs lowest quarter) to patients with symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection (OR 2.85 CI 95% 1.07-7.60) and specifically to children with AOM (OR 4.15 CI 95% 1.82-9.47).Conclusion: GPs' antibiotic prescribing rates for children with AOM vary considerably even considering the of signs, symptoms, request for antibiotics, and use of tympanometry. Interventions to reduce overprescribing should be targeted high-prescribing practices.
Predicting the Amputation Risk for Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulceration – A Bayesian Decision Support Tool
Authors: Hüsers Jens , Hafer Guido , Heggemann Jan , Wiemeyer Stefan , John Swen Malte , Hübner Ursula Hertha
Published: April 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health issue with a growing prevalence. In this context, the number of diabetic complications is also on the rise, such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which are closely linked to the risk of lower extremity amputation (LEA). Statistical prediction tools may support clinicians to initiate early tertiary LEA prevention for DFU patients. Thus, we designed Bayesian prediction models, as they produce transparent decision rules, quantify uncertainty intuitively and acknowledge prior available scientific knowledge.Method: A logistic regression using observational collected according to the standardised PEDIS classification was utilised to compute the six-month amputation risk of DFU patients for two types of LEA: 1.) any-amputation and 2.) major-amputation. Being able to incorporate information which is available before the analysis, the Bayesian models were fitted following a twofold strategy. First, the designed prediction models waive the available information and, second, we incorporated the a priori available scientific knowledge into our models. Then, we evaluated each model with respect to the effect of the predictors and validity of the models. Next, we compared the performance of both models with respect to the incorporation of prior knowledge.Results: This study included 237 patients. The mean age was 65.9 (SD 12.3), and 83.5 per cent were male. Concerning the outcome, 31.6% underwent any- and 12.2% underwent a major-amputation procedure. The risk factors of perfusion, ulcer extent and depth revealed an impact on the outcomes, whereas the infection status and sensation did not. The major-amputation model using prior information outperformed the uninformed counterpart (AUC 0.765 vs AUC 0.790, Cohen’s d 2.21). In contrast, the models predicting any-amputation performed similarly (0.793 vs 0.790, Cohen’s d 0.22).Conclusions: Both of the Bayesian amputation risk models showed acceptable prognostic values, and the major-amputation model benefitted from incorporating a priori information from a previous study. Thus, PEDIS serves as a valid foundation for a clinical decision support tool for the prediction of the amputation risk in DFU patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated the use of the available prior scientific information within a Bayesian framework to establish chains of knowledge.
Synergism between nonane and emanations from soil as cues in oviposition-site selection of natural populations of Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Mwingira Victor Saturnus , Mboera Leonard E.G. , Takken Willem
Published: April 2020

Background: Olfactory cues have been shown to have an important role in guiding gravid mosquito females to selected sites for egg laying. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of emanations from soil from a breeding site and the putative oviposition pheromone nonane on oviposition-site selection of natural populations of Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus .
Methods: This field-based study was conducted in Mvomero District in East-central Tanzania. In a dual-choice experimental set up, clay bowls were dug into the ground and filled with one of the following treatments: (i) distilled water + autoclaved soil (control), (ii) distilled water + soil from a natural mosquito breeding site, (iii) distilled water + nonane and (iv) distilled water + nonane + soil from a natural breeding site. Soil was either left untreated or was autoclaved before use. The number of larvae present in the bowls after 10 d was used as outcome measure.
Results: Autoclaved soil had a significant effect on oviposition behaviour of Cx. quinquefasciatus ( P <0.005) but no effect on An. gambiae ( P = 0.18). Nonane and emanations from untreated soil significantly influenced the selection of oviposition sites by both An. gambiae ( P < 0.0001) and Cx. quinquefasciatus ( P< 0.0001). A mixture of nonane and untreated soil caused a synergistic effect on oviposition behaviour compared to either nonane or untreated soil alone, in both An. gambiae (Oviposition Activity Index (OAI) = 0.56; P < 0.001) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (OAI =0.59; P <0.0001) .
Conclusion: The larval pheromone nonane and emanations from breeding-site soil both induced oviposition in wild An. gambiae s.l. and Cx. quinquefasciatus, with a synergistic effect when both stimuli were present simultaneously. This is the first study in which nonane is shown to cause oviposition under natural conditions, suggesting that this compound can potentially be exploited for the management of mosquito vectors.
Association between autistic traits and home nurture environment: A community-based study
Authors: Qian Sheng , Xu Xin , Wang Ying-quan , Li Jia-yu , Li Jing , Jia Rui-xia , Xu Yong
Published: April 2020

Background: Increasing attention has been directed toward understanding the ways in which social environmental factors influence children’s behavior, in physical and mental health domains. Autistic traits are continuously distributed in general population and children with autistic traits have great risk of additional mental diseases. However, no literature has demonstrated the relation between autistic traits and home nurture environment.
Methods: Caregivers of 408 kindergarten children (68% male) were recruited to complete a series of survey measures in China. The measures used were the Clancy Autistic Behavior Scale and the Home Nurture Environment Scale. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations.
Results: Frequent language/cognition stimulation (aOR 0.520, 95%CI 0.302-0.896), high level of parental warmth (aOR 0.596, 95%CI 0.392-0.905) and high quality of physical living environment (aOR 0.332, 95%CI 0.196-0.561) were the protective factors of autistic traits after controlling the confounding factors. Results were generally not moderated by the child’s gender or birth order.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of high levels of home nurture environment for autistic traits and indicate that public health programs should focus on guidance of parents for developing more adequate parenting skills and favorable home nurture environment.
Association of vascular endothelial growth factor A gene (VEGFA) polymorphisms, rs699947 and rs1570360, with diabetic retinopathy and altered VEGF secretion in Pakistani patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study
Authors: Qayyum Shazia , Afzal Muhammad , Naveed Abdul Khaliq
Published: April 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Knowledge, attitude and practice towards malaria among people attending in Mekaneeyesus primary hospital, South Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Flatie Belaynesh Tazebew
Published: April 2020

Background : Malaria is worldwide health problem causing high mortality and morbidity, not only a major cause of suffering and death, but also the cause of socioeconomic problems, especially in developing country like Ethiopia. Methods: This study is aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude and practice towards malaria and its preventive and control methods among people attending in Mekaneeyesus primary hospital, South Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia. Cross sectional study was employed by using random sampling technique was carried out to select representative individuals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and KAP. The data quality control was tested by using pretest and study protocol of the research was approved by the Ethical Review Committee. Results: The overall prevalence rate of malaria was 8.5%. Individuals having poor knowledge and poor practice toward malaria were 26.93 (CI = 3.67-197.47, p=0.001) and 13.09 (CI=0.93-183.47, p=0.036) times higher respectively as compared to individuals who are knowledgeable and had good practice toward malaria. Level of education was significant predictor of practice level which, education status of being uneducated and attaining grades 1-8. Respondent’s less than 500 family economic statuses were also significantly associated with practice level (P < 0.05) among study participants. The overall knowledge, attitude and practice level was relatively good, but its practice towards ITN utilization was poor. Poor knowledge and practice were significantly increase malaria risk. Conclusion: Malaria is still causes a serious health burden so special attention should be taken to malaria prevention and control by giving awareness and using different intervention method.
Wild-type cutoff for Apramycin against Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Xiuying , Yang Yuqi , Xiao Tianshi , Li Jiarui , Cheng Ping , Li Fulei , Yu Hongxiao , Liu Ruimeng , Muhammad Ishfaq
Published: April 2020

Background Apramycin is used exclusively for the treatment of Escherichia coli ( E.coli ) infections in swine around the world since the early 1980s. Recently, many research papers have demonstrated that apramycin has obvious in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated in hospitals. Therefore, ensuring the proper use of apramycin in veterinary clinics is of great significance of public health. The objectives of this study were to develop a wild-type cutoff for apramycin against E.coli using a statistical method recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and to investigate the prevalence of resistance genes that confer resistance to apramycin in E. coli . Results Antibacterial susceptibility testing of 1230 E.coli clinical isolates from swine were determinded by broth microdilution testing according to the CLSI document M07-A9. A total number of 310 E.coli strains from different minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) subsets (0.5-256 µg/mL) were conveniently selected for the detection of resistance genes ( aac(3)-IV ; npmA ; apmA ) in E. coli by PCR. The percentage at each MIC (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 µg/mL) was 0.08%, 0.08%, 0.16%, 2.93%, 31.14%, 38.86%, 12.85%, 2.03%, 1.46%, and 10.41%. The MIC 50 and MIC 90 were 16 and 64 µg/mL. All the 310 E.coli isolates were negative for npmA and apmA gene, and only the aac(3)-IV gene was detected in this study. Conclusions The wild-type cutoff for apramycin against E.coli was defined as 32 µg/mL. The prevelance of aac(3)-IV gene mainly concentrated in these MIC subsets ‘MIC ≥ 64 µg⁄ mL’, which indicates that the wild-type cutoff established in our study is reliable. The wild-type cutoff offers interpretion criteria of apramycin susceptibility testing of E.coli .
The residents' mental health status and community's role during COVID-19 epidemic : a community-based cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Li Simin , Ye Zhiyu , Wei Quan , Du Chunping , He Chengqi
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND The related research of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic on mental health of community residents is still lacking. Here we reported the mental health status of Chinese residents as well as community’s prevention and control during the epidemic period of COVID-19, and further explored the influencing factors of mental status. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods were adopted from February16 to February 23, 2020 and Chinese community residents were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three questionnaires including General Anxiety Disorder 7(GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and a self-designed “Community prevention and control questionnaire” were used. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to analyze the impact factors of anxiety and depression. RESULTS A total of 3001 community residents were included in this study. 85.6% and 83.7% of participants had minimal anxiety and depression respectively. 16.6% of participants demonstrated that the communities they lived in had confirmed cases. 95.3% of participants reported that the residents were screened for mobility and contact history. 97.8% of participants reported entrance and exit of community were managed in their communities. 97.5% and 99% of participants were required to take body temperature and wear masks in their communities. 92% communities had their public areas and facilities disinfected every day and 95.4% communities have conducted health education about COVID-19. Factors including gender, education level, chronic illness, the frequency of going out, achieving information about COVID-19 by community and newspaper, and confirmed cases in the community, show association with community residents’ anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS the vast majority of Chinese residents have little anxiety and depression, and most communities had adopted standardized control measures in accordance with government’s regulations and policy which plays an important role in the control of COVID-19 and improving residents’ anxiety and depression.
A comparative study of gemcitabine and epirubicin in adjuvant chemotherapy of non muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Ye Hai Bo , Chen Song , Wang Jun
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine and epirubicin curing for patients with non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: from October 2014 to October 2017, 86 patients with non muscle invasive bladder cancer diagnosed by transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT), in urology department of Wenling Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 42 were treated with gemcitabine and the other 44 with epirubicin. The two groups were treated with epirubicin or gemcitabine within 24 hours after operation, and bladder perfusion once a week was performed continuously after the first week of operation, a total of 8 times,and after that once a month till one year after operation. The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared. Kaplan-Meier was used to compare the recurrence free survival time of tumor after operation and Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze various factors affecting the prognosis. RESULTS: 1. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). 2. The adverse reactions of the two groups were mainly bladder irritation, gross hematuria, fever, nausea and vomiting. The incidence of bladder irritation and gross hematuria in epirubicin group was significantly higher than those in gemcitabine group (P < 0.05),which meant it had statistical significance. There was no significant difference on the other side-effects between the two groups (P > 0.05). 3. The results of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the median tumor recurrence free survival time of gemcitabine group was 29.7 months, the one-year tumor recurrence free survival rate was 81%, and the two-year tumor recurrence free survival rate was 57%; while the median tumor recurrence free survival time of epirubicin group was 28.8 months, the one-year tumor recurrence free survival rate was 72%, and the two-year tumor recurrence free survival rate was 50%.Multivariate Cox analysis also showed that age ,as well as tumor grade was independent risk factors for prognosis. CONCLUSION:Gemcitabine assisted with intravesical instillation chemotherapy is more effective with fewer side-effects, which is worthy of further study. Age and tumor grade are independent risk factors for prognosis.
Schistosoma mansoni -related periportal fibrosis; are APRI and PSDR levels of any potential utility in a well-timed selection of patients for targeted endoscopy in a resource-limited setting?: a case-control clinic-based study
Authors: Gunda Daniel W. , Mtui Elizabeth F. , Manyiri Paulina M. , Majinge David C. , Kilonzo Semvua B. , Mazigo Humphrey D. , Kidenya Benson R.
Published: April 2020

Background Schistosoma mansoni related hepatic fibrosis is usually associated with hemodynamic alteration with increased mortality due to bleeding varices. The diagnosis of varices before bleeding imposes a big challenge in resource-limited countries using endoscopy. Published evidence on the utility of non-invasive clinical tools in predicting the presence of varices among patients with S. mansoni related periportal fibrosis is still inadequate including APRI and PSDR levels. This study describes the determinants of portal varices and assesses the potential utility of the APRI and PSDR level in the discrimination of portal varices among patients with S. mansoni related periportal fibrosis. Methods All patients with periportal fibrosis were cross-sectionally assessed for the presence of esophageal varices at Bugando medical centre, in Mwanza Tanzania. Socio-demographic, laboratory and ultrasound data were collected for analysis using STATA 13. The prevalence of varices and associated factors were determined, and the sensitivity and specificity of independent factors were assessed to determine their utility in discriminating presence of varices in patients with PPF. Results In total, 250 patients were included in this study, 109 (43.6%; 95%CI: 37.3-.49.9) of them had varices. On multivariate analysis the odds of having varices were independently increased among patients with higher median APRI levels, (1.51; vs. 0.9; AOR: 5.6; 95%CI: 3.1-10.1; p=<0.001) and PSDR levels that were lower than 5700 (AOR: 3.9; 95%CI: 2.0-7.6; p<0.001. Both APRI and PSDR levels had significantly high sensitivity and specificity in predicting the presence of esophageal varices. Conclusions This study indicates that varices are a common encounter among patients with S. mansoni related periportal fibrosis and it is independently associated with higher median APRI and lower PSDR levels suggesting that these tools are potential discriminators of varices in this subgroup of patients. The reproducibility of these results should further be assessed longitudinally as potential non-invasive tools in selecting patients at high risk of having esophageal varices who could benefit from the targeted endoscopic intervention in a resource-limited setting like ours.
Prevalence of Primary Headache Disorder Among Primary and middle School students in Kuwait.
Authors: Shuaibi Sameera , AlAshqar Abdelrahman , Ahmed Samar Farouk , Alroughani Raed , AlThufairi Hawraa , Owayed Shaikhah , AlHamdan Fajer , Al-Hashel Jasem Yousef
Published: April 2020

Background Primary headaches are remarkably prevalent worldwide and increasingly reported among children. However, the exact trend in this age group, particularly in the gulf region, remains scarce. Aims and Objectives To examine the prevalence of primary headache disorders among primary and middle school students in Kuwait. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study that included Kuwaiti primary and middle school children and adolescents of both genders in randomly selected schools located in two governorates in Kuwait in 2018/2019 academic year. Prevalence and attributable burden of headache, definite and probable migraine,definite and probable tension-type headache, chronic headache ≥15 days/month and probable medication over use headache were assessed using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents. Results Of 1485 questionnaires that were distributed, 1091 students completed the questionnaire with a respondent rate of 73.4%. The study population consisted of 422 boys (38.68%) versus 669 girls (61.32%) students with a mean age of 11.5 ± 2.11 years. The lifetime prevalence of any headache was 85.2%, whereas the one-year prevalence of primary headache disorders was 42.71% The mean age of students with primary headaches was 11.98 ± 2.03 years in both genders. When stratified according to diagnostic criteria, migraine headaches were the most frequently reported (20.81%) followed by tension type headaches (18.7%), chronic headaches (2.75%), and probable medication-overuse headaches (0.46%.). Primary headaches were more frequently reported in middle school compared to primary school (50.37% versus 30.48%; P<0.02). It was significantly higher among girls compared to boys in middle-schoolers (66.46% versus 38.49%; p<0.001), however no significant difference in gender among primary school students(33.12% versus 22.33%; p<0.118). Conclusion Primary headaches are remarkably common in Kuwaiti school students with migraine headache being the most frequently reported type. Age and female gender play a role in the development of primary headaches. The results attract attention of health services for such group and the need for further epidemiological researches.
Preparation of microspheres encapsulating sorafenib and catalase and their application in rabbit VX2 liver tumor
Authors: Li Xihan , Yu Hui , Huang Ying , Chen Yu , Wang Jialun , Xu Lei , Zhang Feng , Zhuge Yuzheng , Zou Xiaoping
Published: April 2020

Background: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is extensively used in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy of TACE is usually limited to secondary tumor hypoxia and hypoxia-related tumor angiogenesis. Methods: In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres ( SO R-CAT-PLGA MSs) encapsulating sorafenib (SOR) and catalase (CAT) were prepared by double-emulsion solvent diffusion method. Sorafenib inhibits tumor angiogenesis, and catalase decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to generate oxygen in the tumor. Results: In vitro and in vivo , SOR -CAT-PLGA MSs could significantly improve the efficacy of hepatic artery embolization in the treatment of rabbit VX2 liver tumors, regulate tumor hypoxia and immunosuppressive microenvironment, then achieved near-complete and rapid necrosis of liver tumors. Conclusions: The application of new SOR -CAT-PLGA MSs in hepatic artery chemoembolization of rabbit VX2 liver tumor is a promising approach to improve the therapeutic effect of liver tumors and has a broad clinical application prospect.
How we teach children with asthma to use their inhaler: A scoping review protocol
Authors: McCrossan Patrick , Mallon Orla , Shields Michael , O'Donoghue Dara
Published: April 2020

BackgroundOne reason that asthma remains poorly controlled in children is poor inhaler technique. Current guidelines recommend checking inhaler technique at each clinical visit. However, they do not specify how best to train children to mastery of correct inhaler technique. Currently many children are simply shown how to use inhalers (brief Instruction) which results in less than 50% with correct inhaler technique. The aim of this scoping review is to explore published literature on teaching methods used to train children to master correct inhaler technique.MethodsThis scoping review will follow the Arksey O'Malley scoping review methodology and the 2015 Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. It will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols extension for Scoping Reviews. An initial pilot exercise will be undertaken using the online database MEDLINE before proceeding to a complete search using the databases Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane library. We will include studies published since the year 1956 on teaching the skill of inhaler technique to children. Due to the iterative nature of a scoping review, the research question or the search terms may alter following a piloting process.DiscussionThis scoping review will provide a broad overview of currently used educational techniques to improve inhaler technique in children with asthma. This may allow us to make recommendations for primary and secondary care asthma clinics. The analysis will allow us to refine future research in this area by focusing on the most effective techniques and optimising them. This will likely lead to a systematic review of the literature with the potential to design a randomised control trial of educational interventions to teach inhaler technique to children with asthma.
Investigating the effect of social networking site use on mental health in an 18-34 year-old general population. A cross-sectional study using the 2016 Scania Public Health Survey.
Authors: Scott Emily Stella , Canivet Catarina A. , Östergren Per-Olof G
Published: April 2020

Background Social Networking Sites (SNS) are commonly used, especially by young adults. Their impact on mental health is unclear. Moreover, little is known about how social factors, e.g. Perceived Emotional Support (PES), may affect this association. Mental health issues are increasingly burdening the young generation and society as a whole. This study aims to investigate the association between frequency of SNS use and number of SNS contacts with the mental health of a young, Swedish population. Additionally, the potential effect modification of PES will be analysed in regard to these relationships. Method This cross-sectional study applied logistic regression analyses to data on 1,341 participants (aged 18-34), retrieved from the Scania Public Health Survey (2016). Analyses were stratified by gender and the GHQ-12 scale assessed poor mental health. A 2-way interaction model was used to test for effect modification by PES regarding the association between SNS use and mental health. Results Increased risk for poor mental health were found in women only. Using SNS almost hourly vs. less often resulted in an odds ratio (OR) of 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–2.38). The corresponding figures for having ≥600 contacts vs. ≤599 were (1.89; 1.21–2.97). Having low PES and using SNS almost hourly was associated with an OR of 3.12 (CI = 1.69–5.76; synergy index (SI) = 1.25). Low PES and ≥600 contacts resulted in an OR of 6.07 (CI = 1.73–21.33), whereby interaction was detected (SI = 2.88). Conclusion Women, but not men, with frequent SNS use and a high number of SNS contacts were more likely to have poor mental health, which was exacerbated in women with low PES. Facilitating PES could be an approach for improving mental health among young adults. Future studies on the use of SNS should focus more on gender analyses.
Breast Milk-fed Infant of COVID-19 Pneumonia Mother: a Case Report
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Xu Jian , Li Youjiang , Hu Yingying , Li Bin
Published: April 2020

In China, mothers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 pneumonia are recommended to stop breastfeeding. However, the evidence to support this guidance is lacking. This report analyzes the case of a mother who persisted breastfeeding her baby when both were diagnosed with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was not detected in the breast milk, and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were present in detected in the mother's serum and milk. There was no evidence of mother-to-child transmission of the virus through breastfeeding. This case report demonstrates that breastfeeding may even be useful for improving the recovery of the infant without exacerbating disease severity.
An analytical investigation for optimizing the support stiffness and positions of the bearings of a flexible rotor system
Authors: Liu Jing , Tang Changke
Published: April 2020

The support stiffness and positions of the bearings can greatly affect the vibrations of flexible rotor systems. However, most previous works only focused on the effect of the support stiffness of the bearings on the critical speeds of the rigid rotor systems or modal characteristics including natural frequencies and mode shapes, which missed the combine effects of the support stiffness and positions of the bearings. To overcome this issue, an analytical dynamic model of a flexible rotor system based on the finite element (FE) method is proposed. The model considers the support stiffness of the bearings and rotational inertia of the rotor system. The frequency equation of the rotor system is established for solving the critical speeds. The critical speeds and modal deformations of the system from the presented model and the numerical model based on a commercial software are compared to verify the effectiveness of the proposed FE model. The effects of the support stiffness and positions of the bearings on the critical speeds of the flexible rotor system are analyzed. The results show that the critical speeds are positively correlated with the support stiffness. The critical speeds of the flexible rotor system are also greatly affected by the support positions of the bearing. This study can provide some guidance for the optimization design method of the support stiffness and positions of the bearings in the flexible rotor systems.
Raman Tensor of Layered Black Phosphorous
Authors: Zhu Yanming , Zheng Wei , Wang Weiliang , Zhu Siqi , Li Linxuan , Cheng Lu , Jin Mingge , Ding Ying , Huang Feng
Published: April 2020

Black phosphorous is an orthorhombic with a strong Raman anisotropy in the basal and cross plane. However, up to now, almost all the studies on anisotropy of black phosphorous have focused on basal plane but neglected cross plane. Here, we performed a systematic angle-resolved polarized Raman scattering on the basal and cross plane of black phosphorous and obtained its integral Raman tensors. In addition, we discovered that Raman intensity ratio ( I xx :I yy :I zz ) of A_1^g mode is 256:1:5 when the polarization direction of incident light is along different crystal axes. According to first-principle calculated results, we confirmed that the strong Raman anisotropy is due to larger differential polarizability of A_1^g mode along a-axis. This phenomenon is also observed in the A_2^g mode.
Protocol for a systematic review of the incidence of infection in operative vs non-operative management of Seymour fractures in children and adolescents
Authors: Kiely Ailbhe Lynda , Nolan Grant Switzer , Cooper Lilli
Published: April 2020

Background Seymour fractures are open, displaced juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the distal phalanx, with an overlying nail bed laceration that occur in children and adolescents with an open physis. This fracture occurs rarely, but its potential consequences are clinically significant. Due to anatomical particulars and proximity to the growth plate, this open fracture may result in soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis, leading to growth arrest and persistent mallet deformity. At present, there is no consensus as to the optimal management of Seymour fractures. The objective of this study will be to systematically evaluate the existing evidence to establish whether operative or non-operative management of Seymore fractures is associated with a lower incidence of infection. Methods We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review of comparative and observational studies. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted (from 1966 to present) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. Grey literature will be identified through searching Open Grey and dissertation databases using an exhaustive search strategy. All clinical studies examining the management of Seymour fractures in children & adolescents will be included, comparing operative and non-operative groups. Operative management will be defined as formal washout and soft tissue debridement prior to reduction, whether in the emergency department or operating theatre. Non-operative management refers to washout without surgical debridement. Primary outcome measures will be the incidence of superficial and deep infection. Secondary outcomes will include adverse events such mal-union, non-union, need for re-operation, physeal disturbance, nail dystrophy/atrophy. Two independent reviewers will screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. A narrative synthesis will be performed and if two or more studies with comparable design and reporting the same outcome are identified, data will be pooled for comparative analysis. Discussion This review will provide robust evidence for the management of Seymour fractures, based on a cumulation of existing studies. Due to the rarity of this fracture pattern, included studies are expected to be mainly observational and prone to bias; however, there is value in summarising the evidence, assessing its risk of bias and performing meta-analysis where possible to guide clinicians. Registration PROSPERO CRD42020153726
Impact of body composition on physical fitness components in the Mexican Navy: is overweight an issue?
Authors: Sànchez-Chapul Laura , Valencia-León Jesús Fernando , Acevedo-Mora Mario , Fuentes-Corona Zendy F , Estrada-Camarena Erika , Baños-Vázquez José Ubaldo , Hernández-Zamudio Egner , Rangel-Sánchez José Alejandro , Gutiérrez-García Israel , Martínez-Nava Gabriela A , Salgado-Aguilar Sigifredo , Téllez-Cárdenas Liliana , Mirabent-Amor Diego , Fanco-Sánchez José Gilberto , Bonilla-Arcuate Luis A , Luna-Angulo Alexandra , López-Macay Ámbar
Published: April 2020

Background. Appropriate physical fitness components and body composition are required to overcome dangerous situations during sea rescues and in the first line of combat in the Mexican Navy. Aim of the study. To analyze the impact of body composition on physical fitness components such as cardiorespiratarory fitness and muscle strength-resistance of marines, rescue swimmers, and divers of the Mexican Navy classified as overweight. Methods. BC was assessed by two BMI cutoff points (WHO and military)­; body fat percentage and muscle mass percentage, and waist circumference were determined by anthropometry. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Course-Navette test and MSR by a 1-minute maximal effort of push-ups, sit-ups, and bench presses. Results. We found significant differences in medians of physical fitness components and body composition among groups (p < 0.001). The WHO and military BMI showed 59 (54%) and 16 (15%) individuals as overweight, respectively. Marine instructors showed the highest percentage of men to be overweight, 24 (41%) (WHO) at the expense of good muscle mass percentage but high body fat percentage according to age. All groups showed cardiorespiratory fitness adequate for their age, but only 26 (51%) and 14 (24%) classified as normal and overweight (WHO), respectively, had good cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.003). Conclusions. Personnel classified as overweight had good body composition at the expense of high body fat percentage but adequate muscle mass, which could be adequate for their operational tasks; but their cardiorespiratory fitness, although good for their age, is still below the ideal value for military physical activity.
WITHDRAWN: Association Between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or Acute Lung Injury Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Quoqi , Liu Zhenfeng , Liu Daishun , Zou Yugang , Wang Haixia , Li Xiao , Zheng Deliang
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe relationship between acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI) and levels of certain inflammatory factors remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summary the available studies evaluated the association between levels of inflammatory factors and ARDS/ALI incidence.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane databases for studies published in or before July 2017. For each inflammatory factor, a random effects model was employed to pool results from different studies.ResultsWe identified 63 studies that included 6,243 patients in our meta-analysis. Overall, the results indicated that the levels of angiopoietin (ANG)-2 [standard mean difference (SMD): 1.34; P < 0.001], interleukin (IL)-1β (SMD: 0.92; P = 0.012), IL-6 (SMD: 0.66; P = 0.005), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α (SMD: 0.98; P = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with ARDS/ALI than in unaffected individuals. No significant differences were observed between patients with ARDS/ALI and unaffected individuals in terms of the levels of IL-8 (SMD: 0.61; P = 0.159), IL-10 (SMD: 1.10; P = 0.231), and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 (SMD: 0.70; P = 0.060).ConclusionsOur findings indicated that ARDS/ALI were associated with elevated levels of ANG-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, but not with IL-8, IL-10, and PAI-1 levels.
Metformin enhances osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth through AMPK pathway
Authors: Zhao Xuedan , Huang Wenyan , Pathak Janak L , Zhu Chuandong , Li Yunyang , Guan Hongbing , Shu Yan , Zeng Sujuan , Ge Linhu
Published: April 2020

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are ideal seed cells in bone tissue engineering. As a first-line anti-diabetic drug, metformin has recently been found to promote bone formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin on osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs and its underlying mechanism. SHEDs were isolated from the dental pulp of deciduous teeth from healthy children aged from 6 to 12, and their surface antigen markers of stem cells were detected by flow cytometry. The effect of metformin (10 - 200 μM) treatment on SHEDs cell viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation was analyzed. The activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was determined by western blot assay for the AMPK phosphorylated at Thr172 (p-AMPK). SHEDs were confirmed as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based on the expression of characteristic surface antigens. Metformin (10-200 μM) did not affect the viability and proliferation of SHEDs, but significantly increased the expression of osteogenic genes, the activity of alkaline phosphatase, matrix mineralization, and p-AMPK level in SHEDs. Compound C, a specific inhibitor of AMPK pathway, abolished metformin-induced osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs. Moreover, metformin treatment enhanced pro-angiogenic/osteogenic growth factors BMP2 and VEGF but reduced the osteoclastogenic factor RANKL/OPG expression in SHEDs. In conclusion, metformin could induce the osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs by activating the AMPK pathway and regulates the expression of pro-angiogenic/osteogenic growth factors and osteoclastogenic factors in SHEDs. Therefore, SHEDs, combined with metformin possesses therapeutic potential for bone regeneration and bone defect repair.
Transmission Dynamics of the Global COVID-19 Epidemic: Analytical Modeling and Future Prediction
Authors: Li Keqin
Published: April 2020

Background: The outbreak and epidemic of COVID-19 has created worldwide impact and attracted global attention. Considerable effort has been devoted to the study of the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. However, there are lack of simple and straightforward expressions of the growing curves of important indicators, such as the cumulative number of confirmed cases and the cumulative number of dead cases. Methods: We adopt two methods. The first method is based on regression analysis. We fit the available data into a curve by the method of least squares. The best curve is obtained by solving a multivariable minimization problem. The second method is based on differential equations. We establish an analytical model of transmission dynamics based on the susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered-dead (SEIRD) process using a linear system of ordinary differential equations, which characterize the daily change in each compartment. The size of each compartment (i.e., the number of people in each stage of the SEIRD process) is readily available based on the solution to these differential equations. Results: Both methods are applied to the COVID-19 epidemic data in the world as a case study. Furthermore, predictions of the cumulative number of confirmed cases and the cumulative number of dead cases in April 2020 using our models and methods are also provided. From a global perspective, unless powerful and effective social and medical impacts are made, by the end April of 2020, the cumulative number of confirmed cases is 23.333 and 36.068 millions respectively using regression analysis and analytical model, and the cumulative number of dead cases is 1.148 and 2.528 millions respectively using regression analysis and analytical model, based on the current situation. Conclusions: In this paper, we make some progress towards analytical expressions of the daily growth of the cumulative number of confirmed cases and the cumulative number of dead cases, two most important and daily reported figures.
Civil participation in decision-making on waste management at the local authorities level
Authors: Stasiukynas Andrius , Smalskys Vainius , Survila Arvydas , Yermachenko Volodimyr , Gavkalova Nataliia
Published: April 2020

Civil participation is the main component of effective governance. The topicality of this paper lies in civil participation in decision-making defined by the principles of “new public governance” of the 21st century. This study aims to analyze the impact of civil participation in decision-making on waste management at the municipal level. In this work, the following aspects were considered: theoretical assumptions of civil participation; civil participation in the activities of institutions responsible for environmental protection; issues regarding the development of opportunities of citizens’ involvement in municipal waste management. The article is devoted to the theoretical assumptions about civil participation, theoretical model of analysis, and activity of institutions. To develop a theoretical model of analysis, a classification of civil participation was carried out. Among the methods used, one can mention the questionnaire. The analysis was focused on a legal basis for the activity of institutions; the actual activity of institutions and survey of representatives of the national environmental authorities in Lithuania. The results showed that currently there is no mechanism in Lithuania to ensure civil participation in municipal waste management. Civil participation is still formal and limited. Overall, citizens are informed about the decisions made, but they do not participate actively in decision-making. The analysis of civil participation capacity in waste management leads to the conclusion that Lithuania has no single mechanism to ensure civil participation in waste management. To enhance civil participation in decision-making on waste management, it is suggested to set up a council where the representatives of civil population are delegated.
Cyber-security effect on organizational internal process: mediating role of technological infrastructure
Authors: Kilani Yanal
Published: April 2020

Adopting the technologies among organizations comes with the continuous worries of protection and hacking. The idea of cyber-security has become over the years the main interest of many organizations, which depend on technologies in its operations, which requires them to pay extra attention to their technological infrastructure. The current study aims at examining the influence of cyber-security forces on organizational internal operations and the role of technological infrastructure in defining and controlling the level of protection that cyber-security has on organizational internal processes. Quantitative approach was adopted, and a questionnaire was utilized to collect the data from a convenient sample of 360 software engineers, network engineers, software testers, web developers, and technical support using a structured survey questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The results confirmed that cyber-security motivators (data growth, technology expansion, access to required resources, operational control, and technical control) indirectly affect solid internal processes that are attributed to the consistency of technological infrastructure in an organization. The variable of ‘data growth’ appeared to be the most influential motivator on cyber-security strategies, as it scored a mean of 4.2661, which is the highest among all adopted variables and followed by the variable of ‘technical control’, which scored a mean of 4.1296. Accordingly, the study recommends that organizations should consider IT infrastructure as a main item within their risk management strategies to avoid unpredicted risks and attacks.
Актуальные аспекты применения химически синтезированных соединений наночастиц серебра в животноводстве и агрохимии
Authors: Перфильева А. И. , Граскова И. А. , Ножкина О. А. , Забанова Н. С. , Сухов Б. Г. , Шкиль Н. Н. , Нефёдова Е. В.
Published: April 2020

Рассмотрены сферы применения наночастиц (НЧ) серебра в сельском хозяйстве. Приведен обзор литературы, посвященной использованию соединений НЧ серебра в животноводстве при кормлении и лечении сельскохозяйственных животных. Рассмотрены основные направления внедрения наносеребра в практику при защите культурных растений и их возделывании. Авторы представляют свои основные результаты исследований в этой области. Препарат “Арговит”, созданный на основе НЧ серебра и поливинилпирролидона, снижает антибиотикочувствительность, адгезивную и антилизоцимную активности патогенов родов Enterococcus, Salmonella и Escherichia, которые определяют возникновение, развитие и проявление инфекционных болезней у животных. Обнаружено, что нанокомпозиты серебра, представляющие собой НЧ серебра, погруженные в матрицы из природного полисахарида (арабиногалактана) или гуминовых веществ, обладают антибактериальным эффектом к бактерии, вызывающей кольцевую гниль картофеля. При этом нанокомпозиты оказывают стимулирующее воздействие на растения картофеля in vitro. Представленные сведения подтверждают перспективность широкого применения НЧ серебра в сельском хозяйстве.