bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness of basic knowledge of hand hygiene practices among Chinese healthcare workers: a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: YANG Jing , LONG Li , FENG Shu , SUN Wei , GAO Lifang , YANG Yamin , LIU Jie , ZHOU Junqing , ZHANG Fuyu , TIAN Jie , GAO Bin
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Hand hygiene is a key measure for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. We investigated the level of awareness of the basic concepts surrounding hand hygiene among healthcare workers in China to inform future targeted hand hygiene promotion activities.
Methods

An online questionnaire survey comprising 10 single/multiple-choice questions was conducted from April to June 2018 in 30 provinces and municipalities in three regions of China. Logistic analysis was performed to identify differences between regions, types of hospitals, healthcare workers categories, clinical departments, and gender.
Results

A total of 52,286 responses were received. Among these, 45,455 (86.94%) were included in the final analysis. The overall correct response rate was 26.53%. Eastern China demonstrated a better knowledge than other regions. Respondents in primary care facilities had a higher correct response rate than other types of hospitals and logistics staff had the highest correct response rate than other professional groups. Among clinical departments, staff in the outpatient/emergency room had the highest rate of correct responses.
Conclusion

Large differences exist in the basic knowledge of hand hygiene across different regions in China and knowledge levels need to be specifically strengthened among secondary care facilities, nurse professionals, gynaecology/obstetrics/paediatric departments and infection control units.
Differential Diagnostic Value of SATB2 in Primary Pulmonary Enteric Adenocarcinoma and Pulmonary Metastases of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Jingping , Xiong Lin , Zhou Ying , Luo Juan , He Huihua , Yan Honglin , Xu Li
Published: December 2020

Aims: Pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma (PEA) is composed mainly of tall columnar cells arranged in an irregular acinar or cribriform pattern with extensive central necrosis, closely resembling the appearance of intestinal epithelial and colorectal carcinomas under the microscope. PEA is usually positive for CK7. However, some cases lack CK7 expression and are positive for intestinal differentiation markers, such as CDX2, villin, and CK20. It is difficult to distinguish between PEA and pulmonary metastases of colorectal carcinoma (MCRC), so new identification methods need to be explored. Methods and Results:We found that SATB2 was highly tissue-specific by bioinformatics analysis. It is highly expressed in intestinal tissues, and its expression level in lung tissues is very low. Then, according to the WHO diagnostic criteria, the cases of lung tumor were preliminary screened to obtain PEA and MCRC cases. In the preliminary screening process, immunohistochemical staining of common lung adenocarcinoma immunomarkers (CK7, TTF-1, and NapsinA) and common intestinal cancer immunomarkers (CK20, CDX2, and villin) were performed to aid identification. Then, after combined with clinical history, imaging examination and colonoscopy, 28 primary PEA specimens and 42 MCRC specimens were final included. The above process was independently reviewed by two pathologists. PEA and MCRC had differences in the number of tumor nodules. The positive rates of SATB2 in PEA and MCRC were 0.00% and 92.86%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of SATB2 for distinguishing MCRC from PEA were 92.86%, 100% and 95.71%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of CK7 was 88.57%, which was slightly inferior to SATB2, and the results of CK7 could be used as a reference for SATB2 differential diagnosis. Conclusions:Our study showed that SATB2 can be viewed as the best immunomarkers for distinguishing PEA from MCRC. At the same time, CK7 could be used as references for SATB2 differential diagnosis.
Proximate Determinants and Decomposition of Changes in Fertility Levels in Nigeria, 2003-2018
Authors: Olowolafe Tubosun Alex , Adebowale Ayo Stephen , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Akinyemi Joshua Odunayo , Onwusaka Obiageli Chiezey
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThere is disparity in fertility level across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Deeper uunderstanding about the drivers of fertility trends are necessary to prioritize zonal specific strategies for fertility reduction in Nigeria. Thus, this study examined the proximate determinants (PDs) of fertility and decomposed the change in its level across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.MethodData from Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys of 2003 and 2018 were analyzed. Fertility data were based on the report of full birth history from women of reproductive age. The Revised Bongaarts framework was used to estimate PDs and fertility levels. The contribution of each PDs to the observed changes in fertility levels was quantified using Das Gupta’s five- factor decomposition method.ResultAcross the zones, there was a change in the fertility inhibiting effect of Contraception (Cc) between 2003 and 2018. The fertility inhibiting effect of Postpartum Infecundability (Ci) and Abortion was the highest and smallest respectively across the zones. The Total fertility rate (TFR) in 2003 and 2008 across the zones are South-South (5.04 vs 4.36), South-West (4.88 vs 4.26), North West (7.25 vs 6.85), North East (6.87 vs 6.54), North Central (5.72 vs 5.48), South East (5.06 vs 4.86), Nigeria (6.00 vs 5.59). Delayed sexual exposure (Cm) and contraceptive use (Cc) contributed the most to the change across the regions. The percentage contribution of Cm in South-South, South West, and South East was 87.04%, 52.89%, and 172.85% respectively. Furthermore, most of the fertility change observed in North Central was attributable to Cc.ConclusionAbortion index was not an important inhibiting factor of fertility in Nigeria. Delayed sexual exposure and contraceptive use accounted for the largest change observed in fertility levels across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria between 2003 and 2018. Strategies that promote delayed sexual exposure, contraceptive use and breast feeding practices will enhance fertility transition in Nigeria.
The Prevalence of Varicocele in the Military Population
Authors: Wang Meng , Chang Yu-wei , Wu Hong-li
Published: December 2020

Objective: To analyse the prevalence and independent risk factors of varicocele in the soldiers population. Methods: The results of ultrasound examination and clinical physical examination in military outpatient clinic were collected and analysed in our hospital between July 2019 and July 2020. The results were compared with ordinary outpatient patients.Results: Finally, 1169 military patients and 818 general outpatients were included in this study. Totally 225 military cases (19.24%) and 119 outpatient cases (14.55%) developed varicocele. The incidence of varicocele in the military group was higher than that of the outpatients (P<0.05). The number of bilateral and single right varicocele in the two groups were 29, 14 and 13, 7, respectively. Military men were younger and had smaller testicular volumes than ordinary people (P<0.05). The analysis of the military population revealed that reduced left testicular volumes (P=0.000, OR=0.896), increased right testicular volumes (P=0.033, OR=1.052) and the disappearance of fluid around testicular (P=0.007, OR=0.505) were independent risk factors for varicocele. There was no correlation between testicular volume, age and the diameter of spermatic vein (P>0.05).Conclusions: The incidence of varicocele in the military population was 19.24%, and the rate was higher than ordinary patients. Reduced left testicular volumes, increased right testicular volumes and the testicular hydrocele disappears were independent risk factors.
Outcomes of tissue reconstruction in distal lower leg fractures: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Aydogan Emrah , Langer Stefan , Josten Christoph , Fakler Johannes Maria Karl , Henkelmann Ralf
Published: December 2020

Background: Open and closed fractures can be associated with posttraumatic or postoperative soft tissue defects caused by initial trauma, operative procedures, or infections. This study evaluated the postoperative outcomes in patients with open or closed lower leg fractures, related soft tissue defects, and subsequent flap coverage.Methods: We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study in a level 1 trauma center. We analyzed the patients treated from January 2012 through December 2017 and recorded demographics, treatment, and outcome data. The outcome data were measured via patient-reported Foot and Ankle Outcomes Scores (FAOS) and EQ-5D-5L scores.Results: We included 22 patients with complicated fractures (11 open and 11 closed) and subsequent soft tissue defects and flap coverages. The mean follow-up time was 41.2 months. Twenty-one patients developed infections, and necrosis at the site of surgery manifested in all closed fractures. Therefore, all patients needed soft tissue reconstructions. Preoperatively, 16 patients underwent arterial examinations via angiography and six underwent ultrasound examinations of the venous system. Ten patients had complications involving the flaps due to ischemia and consequent necrosis. The mean EQ-5D index was 0.62 ± 0.27, and EQ-5D VAS score was 57.7 ± 20.2. The mean FAOS was 60.7 ± 22.2; in particular, quality of life was 32.3 ± 28.8. The rate of returning to work in our patient group was 37.5% after one year.Conclusions: Distal tibial fractures often require revisions and soft tissue reconstruction. The evaluated patient population had poor outcomes in terms of function, quality of life, and return to work. Furthermore, patients suffering from flap ischemia have worse outcomes than those without flap ischemia.
Depressive symptoms and health service utilization among Chinese middle aged and older adults: A national population-based longitudinal survey
Authors: Guo Jing , Kong Dexia , Fang Liming , Zhang Anao , Zhu Yingxue , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to 1) examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between depressive symptoms and health services utilization among Chinese middle-aged and older adults; and 2) evaluate whether there exists a rural-urban difference in such relationships. Methods: Data was obtained from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013 and 2015, a nationally representative survey of 13,551 adults aged 45 years and above in China. Results: Depressive symptoms were positively associated with a greater likelihood of outpatient and inpatient health services utilization. This association was consistent across rural and urban settings, indicating the robustness of such findings across geographic areas. Conclusions: Findings indicate that depressive symptoms are significantly associated with both in-patient and out-patient health service utilization among Chinese adults. Screening for depressive symptoms needs to be incorporated in these care settings in China.
A Novel Missense Mutation in the Gene Encoding Major Intrinsic Protein (MIP) in a Giant Panda with Unilateral Cataract Formation
Authors: Bai Chao , You Yuyan , Liu Xuefeng , Xia Maohua , Wang Wei , Jia Ting , Pu Tianchun , Lu Yan , Zhang Chenglin , Li Xiaoguang , Yin Yanqiang , Liqin Wang , Zhou Jun , Niu Lili
Published: December 2020

Background: Cataracts are defects of the lens that cause progressive visual impairment and ultimately blindness in many vertebrate species. Most cataracts are age-related, but up to one third have an underlying genetic cause. Cataracts are common in captive zoo animals, but it is often unclear whether these are congenital or acquired (age-related) lesions. Results: Here we used a functional candidate gene screening approach to identify mutations associated with cataracts in a captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). We screened 11 genes often associated with human cataracts and identified a novel missense mutation (c.686G>A) in the MIP gene encoding major intrinsic protein. This is expressed in the lens and normally accumulates in the plasma membrane of lens fiber cells, where it plays an important role in fluid transport and cell adhesion. The mutation causes the replacement of serine with asparagine (p.S229N) in the C-terminal tail of the protein, and modeling predicts that the mutation induces conformational changes that may interfere with lens permeability and cell–cell interactions.Conclusion: The c.686G>A mutation was found in a captive giant panda with a unilateral cataract but not in 18 controls from diverse regions in China, suggesting it is most likely a genuine disease-associated mutation rather than a single-nucleotide polymorphism. The mutation could therefore serve as a new genetic marker to predict the risk of congenital cataracts in captive giant pandas.
Dispersal patterns and population genetic structure of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in three different climatic regions of China
Authors: Gao Jian , Zhang Hengduan , Guo Xiaoxia , Xing Dan , Dong YanDe , Lan CeJie , Wang Ge , Li ChaoJie , Li ChunXiao , Zhao TongYan
Published: December 2020

Background:Aedes albopictus is an indigenous primary vector for dengue and Zika viruses in China. Compared with its insecticide resistance, biology, and vector competence, little is known about its genetic variation, which corresponds to environmental variations. Thus, the present study examines how Ae. albopictus varies among different climatic regions in China and deciphers its potential dispersal patterns.Methods:The genetic variation and population structure of 17 Ae. albopictus populations collected from three climatic regions of China were investigated with 11 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial coxI gene.Results:Of 44 isolated microsatellite markers, 11 pairs were chosen for genotyping analysis and had an average PIC value of 0.713, representing high polymorphism. The number of alleles was high in each population, with the ne value increasing from the temperate region (3.876) to the tropical region (4.144). Twenty-five coxI haplotypes were detected, and the highest diversity was observed in the tropical region. The mean Ho value (ca. 0.557) of all the regions was significantly lower than the mean He value (ca. 0.684), with nearly all populations significantly departing from HWE and displaying significant population expansion (p-value < 0.05). Two genetically isolated groups and three haplotype clades were evaluated via STRUCTURE and haplotype phylogenetic analyses, and the tropical populations were significantly isolated from those in the other regions. Most genetic variation in Ae. albopictus was detected within populations and individuals at 31.40% and 63.04%, respectively, via the AMOVA test, and a relatively significant positive correlation was observed among only the temperate populations via IBD analysis (R2 = 0.6614, p = 0.048). Recent dispersions were observed among different Ae. albopictus populations, and four major migration trends with high gene flow (Nm > 0.4) were reconstructed between the tropical region and the other two regions. Environmental factors, especially temperature and rainfall, may be the leading causes of genetic diversity in different climatic regions.Conclusions:Continuous dispersion contributes to the genetic communication of Ae. albopictus populations across different climatic regions, and environmental factors, especially temperature and rainfall, may be the leading causes of genetic variation.
The mating rate of Drosophila suzukii reduction due to reproductive interference from Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Chen Yongzhuo , Zhang Min , Hu Wei , Li Jing , Liu Pengcheng , Hu Hao-Yuan
Published: December 2020

Background Drosophila suzukii is widely distributed. Research has revealed that the presence of Drosophila melanogaster can reduce the emergence and egg laying of D. suzukii. However, the reasons for these phenomena have not yet been reported. To investigate this issue, we sought to answer three questions: Can the presence of D. melanogaster reduce the longevity of D. suzukii? Does D. melanogaster dominate in larval interspecific competition with D. suzukii? Does reproductive interference occur between these species; i.e., do individuals of one species (e.g., D. suzukii) engage in reproductive activities with individuals of the other (e.g., D. melanogaster) such that the fitness of one or both species is reduced? Results The results showed that the adult offspring number of Drosophila suzukii was significantly reduced when this species was reared with Drosophila melanogaster. The larval interspecific competition had no significant effects on Drosophila suzukii longevity or population size. Surprisingly, Drosophila melanogaster imposed reproductive interference on males of Drosophila suzukii, which led to a significant decline in the rate of successful mating of the latter species. Conclusions The presence of Drosophila melanogaster causes the population size of Drosophila suzukii to decrease through reproductive interference, and the rate of successful mating in Drosophila suzukii is significantly reduced in the presence of Drosophila melanogaster.
Reconstruction of massive tibial bone and soft tissue defects by trifocal bone transport combined with soft tissue distraction: experience from 31 cases
Authors: Xu Yong-Qing , Fan Xin-Yu , He Xiao-Qing , Wen Hong Jie
Published: December 2020

Background Large post-traumatic tibial bone defects combined with soft tissue defects are a common orthopedic clinical problem associated with poor outcomes when treated using traditional surgical methods. The study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of trifocal bone transport (TFT) and soft-tissue transport with the Ilizarov technique for large posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with massive posttraumatic tibial bone and soft tissue defects from May 2009 to May 2016. All of the eligible patients were managed by TFT and soft-tissue transport. The median age was 33.4 years (range, 2-58 years). The mean defect of bone was 11.87cm ± 2.78cm (range, 8.2-18.2cm) after radical resection performed by TFT. The soft tissue defects ranged from 7cm x 8cm to 24cm x 12cm. The observed results included bone union time, wound close time and true complications. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system was used to assess bone and functional results and postoperative complications were evaluated by Paley classification. Results The mean duration of follow-up after frame removal was 32 months (range, 12-96 months). All cases achieved complete union in both the elongation sites and the docking sites, and eradication of infection. The mean bone transport time was 94.04 ± 23.33 days (range, 63.7-147 days). The mean external fixation time was 22.74 ± 6.82 months (range, 14-37 months), and the mean external fixation index (EFI) was 1.91 ± 0.3 months/cm (range, 1.2–2.5 months/cm). The bone results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 14 patients, fair in 8 patients and poor in 3 patients. The functional results were excellent in 8 patients, good in 15 patients, fair in 5 patients and poor in 3 patients. Conclusion: TFT, in conjunction with soft tissue transport technique, can give good results in most patients (in this article, good and excellent results were observed in 64% of patients). Soft tissue transport is a feasible method in providing good soft tissue coverage on the bone ends. Although it has no advantages over microvascular techniques, it might be an good alternative in the absence of an experienced flap surgeon. Nonetheless, high-quality controlled studies are needed to assess its long-term safety and efficacy.
The hidden secrets of a neutral pH – Blood-Gas-Analysis of postoperative patients according to the Stewart approach
Authors: Janssen Joost , Fessem Joris M.K. van , Ris Tijmen , Stolker Robert Jan , Klimek Markus
Published: December 2020

Background: The superiority of either the traditional or Stewart based approach to acid-base balance has focused primarily on analyzing metabolic acidemia, with little attention given to patients with neutral pH. In this study, we evaluate metabolic disturbances in patients in the immediate postoperative period focusing on patients with neutral pH, while comparing the Stewart and traditional approach. Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective observational cohort study. Over a 17 month period, data on arterial blood gas analysis, electrolytes and albumin on the morning after surgery were retrieved from patients admitted to the postsurgical high dependency unit (HDU). Albumin corrected anion gap (AG), apparent (SIDa) and effective strong ion difference (SIDe) and strong ion gap (SIG) were calculated.Results: Out of 1207 HDU admissions, 400 cases had a complete set of laboratory-data including albumin of which 281 presented with neutral pH (7.35 ≤ pH ≤ 7.45), 64 with acidemia (pH < 7.35) and 55 with alkalemia (pH > 7.45). In pH neutral patients the following acidifying disturbances were found: SIDa was lowered in 101 (36%), SIG was raised in 60 (21%). Base excess (BE) was decreased in 16 (6%) and corrected AG raised in 107 (38%). The alkalizing effect of hypoalbuminemia was present in 137 (49%). Out of 134 cases with normal BE and corrected AG, SIDa was lowered in 58 (43%). Out of 136 cases with normal SIDa and SIG, none had lowered BE and 28 increased AG (21%). Length of stay was significantly longer in patients with hypoalbuminemia, lowered SIDa and increased corrected AG, but not decreased BE (Hypoalbuminemia: 16 days vs. 10 days, P < 0.001. Low SIDa: 15 days vs. 12 days, P = 0.015. Increased AG: 16 days vs. 11 days, P < 0.001. Low BE: 14 days vs. 13 days, P = 0.736).Conclusions: Metabolic disturbances, characterized mainly by the presence of lowered SIDa, increased AG and hypoalbuminemia, are frequent in our population with apparent neutral acid-base balance based on pH and base excess. These changes on the morning after surgery are associated with increased length of stay.
Molecular characterization and serodiagnostic potential of two serpin proteins in Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi
Authors: Gu Xiaobin , Chen Yuhang , Zhang Chongyang , Xie Yue , Shen Nengxing , Wang Ce , Zhou Xuan , Yang Guangyou , He Ran , Peng Xuerong , Yang Deying , He Zhi , Zhong Zhijun
Published: December 2020

Background: Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi is a global common ectoparasite of wild and domestic rabbits and causes an economically devastating loss and serious welfare issues of commercial rabbit husbandry. Serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) is present in almost all organisms that are involved in host-pathogen interactions, inflammatory responses, and reproductive development, etc. However, the research on P. ovis var. cuniculi serpins is still limited.Methods: In this study, two serpin genes of P. ovis var. cuniculi (Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 cDNAs) were cloned, and the molecular characterization was analyzed. The transcriptional profiles and tissue localization of these two serpins in P. ovis var. cuniculi were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The potential function of recombinant Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 (rPso c 27and rPsoSP2) in the serodiagnosis of P. ovis var. cuniculi infestation in rabbits were evaluated by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Results: Both of the 523 residue Pso c 27 and the 240 residue PsoSP2 proteins contained typical serpin domains and signatures. Both Pso c 27and PsoSP2 cDNAs expressed throughout the life-cycle, more specifically, significantly higher expression in female mites than the larva, nymph, and male mites (Pso c 27, F(3, 8) = 1935.953, P < 0.0001; PsoSP2, F(3, 8) = 660.669, P < 0.0001). The native Pso c 27 and PsoSP2 localized in ovary and mouthpart of adult female mites, respectively. Compared to rPsoSP2, the rPso c 27 displayed better diagnostic efficiency with higher values of sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (rPso c 27 vs rPsoSP2: 96.0 vs 90.0%; 90.91 vs 78.18%; 0.988 vs 0.964, respectively). Moreover, the rPso c 27 showed seropositive in 80% rabbits as early as the 2 weeks post-infestation (p.i.), prior to visible clinical signs and microscopy-positive of skin scrapings. Conclusions: These results suggested that these two serpins may play essential roles in reproductive development, serum-feeding, and pathogenicity of P. ovis var. cuniculi. Compared to PsoSP2, Pso c 27 appeared as a potential antigen for serodiagnosis of P. ovis var. cuniculi infestation in rabbits, especially at the early stage of infestation.
Expanding enhanced recovery protocols for cardiac surgery to include the patient voice: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Oravec Nebojša , Arora Rakesh C. , Bjorklund Brian , Gregora April , Monnin Caroline , Duhamel Todd A. , Kent David E. , Schultz Annette S.H. , Chudyk Anna Maria
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCardiac surgery is becoming increasingly common in older, more vulnerable adults. A focus on timely and complete medical and functional recovery has led to the development of enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) for a number of surgical procedures and subspecialties, including cardiac surgery (ERAS® Cardiac). An element that is often overlooked in the development and implementation of ERPs is the involvement of key stakeholder groups, including surgery patients and caregivers (e.g., family and/or friends). The aim of this study is to describe a protocol for a scoping review of cardiac patient and caregiver preferences and outcomes relevant to cardiac surgery ERPs. MethodsUsing Arskey and O’Malley’s six-stage framework for scoping review methodologies with adaptions from Levac et al., a scoping review of existing literature describing patient- and caregiver-identified preferences and outcomes as they relate to care received in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery will be undertaken. The search for relevant articles will be conducted using electronic databases (i.e., the Cochrane Library, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Embase), as well as through a search of the grey literature (e.g., CPG Infobase, Heart and Stroke Foundation, ProQuest Theses and Dissertations, Google Advanced and Prospero). Published and unpublished full-text articles written in English, published after the year 2000, and that relate to the research question will be included. Central to the design of this scoping review is our collaboration with two patient partners who possess lived experience as cardiac surgery patients.DiscussionThis review will identify strategies that can be integrated into ERPs for cardiac surgery which align with patient- and caregiver-defined values. Broadly, it is our goal to demonstrate the added value of patient engagement in research to aid in the success of system change processes.
Morphological characterization and Genetic diversity analysis of a Tunisian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) collection
Authors: Ouaja Maroua , Bahri Bochra Amina , Aouini Lamia , Ferjaoui Sahbi , Medini Maher , Marcel Thierry , Hamza Sonia Mihed
Published: December 2020

Background: Tunisia is a center of genetic diversity of durum wheat and has a large number of abandoned old local landraces. An accurate investigation and characterization of the morphological and genetic features of these landraces would allow their rehabilitation and use for practical and beneficial purposes. In this context, a collection of 304 local accessions of durum wheat, collected from five regions and three climatic zones of central and southern Tunisia, was studied. Results: Morphological characterization was carried out using 12 spike-related traits and rendered a mean Shannon-Weaver Index (H') of 0.80 indicating the presence of a high level of polymorphism among accessions. Based on these traits 11 local landraces, namely Mahmoudi, Azizi, Jneh Khotifa, Mekki, Biskri, Taganrog, Biada, Badri, Richi, Roussia and Souri were identified. Spike length (H’=0.98) and shape (H’=0.86) with grains size (H’=0.94), form (H’=0.87) and color (H’=0.86) were the most polymorphic morphological traits. The genetic diversity was assessed using 10 SSR markers, with a polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.69. Levels of genetic diversity were generally high, with a Shannon's Information Index (I) of 0.62 and a gene diversity (He) of 0.35. In addition, population structure analysis distinguished 11 genetic subpopulations significantly correlated with the morphological identification. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed high genetic variations within regions (81%) and within wheat subpopulations (41%) reflecting a considerable amount of admixture between landraces. The moderate (19%) and high (59%) genetic variations among regions and among wheat subpopulations observed highlighted farmers selection practices . Furthermore, Mahmoudi landrace showed spike densities significantly different between the center to the south of Tunisia; notably loose spikes with open glumes in the south and compact ones in the center, which may represent an adaptation form for tolerance to high temperature. Conclusion: Overall, this study underlined the genetic richness of local resources for better in situ or ex situ conservation and for their subsequent use in plant breeding programs.
Effect of novel coronavirus disease 2019 infection on chronic kidney disease G1-G5, G5 Dialysis and G5 Transplantation
Authors: Amiri Fateme Shamekhi
Published: December 2020

Background: The pneumonia caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious disease that causes lethal disease and multiorgan failure. The aim of this research is to investigate association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and kidney dysfunction.Methods and Materials: In this retrospective study, sixty-eight patients with kidney dysfunction and COVID-19 infection were investigated. Clinical features, laboratory data at initial presentation, management and outcomes were collected.The paper has written based on searching PubMed Central and Google Scholar to identify potentially relevant articles. Median, percentage, mean ± standard deviation (SD), two-tailed t and chi-square and Cohen᾽s-d tests were used for statistical analyses. Moreover, relative risk, odds ratio, pearson᾽s correlation for statistical analyses were used.Results: The average age of patients at time of diagnosis in COVID-19 nephropathy was 52.04 ± 14.42 years (ranging from 24 years to 88 years). There was not statistical significance correlation between lymphocytopenia and serum creatinine (SCr) in COVID-19 nephropathy (R2=0.063; p-value= 0.33). Effect size of elevated IL-6 on decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in COVID-19 nephropathy was assessed 0.656 (medium effect size). Relative risk and odds ratio of acute kidney disease (AKD) in COVID-19 nephropathy were assessed 0.57 and 0.4, respectively (p-value: 0.422). Correlation between SCr changes and time of emergent acute kidney injury (AKI), AKD and chronic kidney disease (CKD) was assessed with R2 of 0.0003 and p-value of 0.94 (not significant). Conclusion: The present study revealed medium effect size of elevated IL-6 on decreased eGFR. Future clinical research is required for investigating novel unknown findings in COVID-19 nephropathy.
Abnormal Eye Movements in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Lin Junyu , Zhang Lingyu , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Xu Xinran , Liu Kuncheng , Gu Xiaojing , Shang Huifang
Published: December 2020

Background: Abnormal eye movements are common in spinocerebellar ataxias Type 3 (SCA3). We conducted the research to explore the frequency of abnormal eye movements in Chinese patients with SCA3, to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics between SCA3 patients with and without each type of abnormal eye movement, and to explore the correlation between abnormal eye movements and the severity of ataxia.Methods: Seventy-four patients with SCA3 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Six types of abnormal eye movements including impaired smooth pursuit, increased square-wave jerks (SWJ), gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN), slowing of saccades, saccadic hypo/hypermetria and supranuclear gaze palsy were evaluated by experienced neurologists. The severity of ataxia was evaluated by Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Results: The prevalence of impaired smooth pursuit, increased SWJ, GEN, slowing of saccades, saccadic hypo/hypermetria and supranuclear gaze palsy in Chinese SCA3 patients was 28.4%, 13.5%, 78.4%, 41.9%, 23.0%, and 5.4%, respectively. SCA3 patients with GEN had higher scores of International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS-IV) and total ICARS, and longer length of CAG repeat than patients without GEN. SCA3 patients with slowing of saccades had a longer disease duration, higher scores of ICARS-I, ICARS-II, total ICARS and SARA than patients without slowing of saccades. SCA3 patients with saccadic hypo/hypermetria had higher scores of ICARS-III, ICARS-IV, and SARA than patients without saccadic hypo/hypermetria. The demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between SCA3 patients with and without impaired smooth pursuit, increased SWJ, or supranuclear gaze palsy. Multivariate linear regression showed that the number of abnormal eye movements (0-6), disease duration, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HDRS-24) score, and CAG repeat length were positively correlated with SARA score, whereas Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was negatively correlated with SARA score in SCA3. Conclusions: An increased number of abnormal eye movement types correlated with the severity of ataxia in SCA3.
Bagging Organic Peaches Reduces Physical Injuries and Storage Decay with Minimal Effects on Fruit Quality
Authors: Campbell David , Sarkhosh Ali , Brecht Jeffrey K. , Gillett-Kaufman Jennifer L. , Liburd Oscar , Melgar Juan Carlos , Treadwell Danielle
Published: December 2020

Fruit bagging is an acceptable cultural practice for organic production that provides a physical barrier to protect fruit. It can reduce pest and pathogen injury for a variety of fruit crops, but quality attributes have been inconsistent for peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] and other bagged fruit. A 2-year experiment on a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic-certified peach orchard in central Florida was conducted to analyze the effects of a commercially available paper bag designed for fruit protection and cardinal quadrant (north, south, east, and west sides) of the tree canopy on low-chill peach ‘TropicBeauty’ fruit quality. Protective bags appeared to delay fruit maturity. Flesh firmness and chlorophyll concentration of bagged fruit were 31% and 27% greater than unbagged fruit, respectively. Bagged fruit were protected as demonstrated with a reduction in mechanical injury by 95%, fruit fly injury by 450%, and scab-like lesions by 810%. Bagging reduced fruit brown rot (Monilinia fructicola) at harvest and 7 days after harvest; unbagged fruit were 2 and 3.5 times more likely to have rot at harvest and 7 days after harvest, respectively. Fruit bags did not affect yield, fruit size, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, peel lightness, peel hue angle, or flesh color. Overall, canopy cardinal quadrant location had minimal effect on fruit quality or fruit injury. These results demonstrate that bagging peach fruit protects against various pests and diseases but has minimal effects on fruit quality. Broad adoption of this technology is highly dependent on available labor, market demands, and profitability but may be suitable for producers using direct-to-consumer market channels.
Exploring the Potential of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as an Early Crop in Florida’s Sandy Soils
Authors: Kreutz Gustavo F. , Sandoya Germán V. , England Gary K. , Mussoline Wendy
Published: December 2020

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is planted in Florida starting late fall at the end of September and continuing through the last harvest in May. In recent years, the season has shortened because of warm temperatures and weather-related events, such as rainfall at the beginning and the end of the season. During the transition between summer production in the Western U.S. lettuce season and the beginning of Florida’s winter production, there may be shortages of lettuce and other leafy vegetables in U.S. East Coast markets. In this research, we evaluated a set of lettuce breeding lines and cultivars in both sand and muck soils and a subset of romaine lettuces to determine whether lettuce planted in Florida’s sandy soils could help meet the supply shortage in the delay between the Western and Eastern U.S. lettuce seasons. Significant genetic variation and genotype × environment (G×E) interactions were observed among lettuce genotypes when planted in both sand and muck soils, suggesting that lettuce cultivars should be adapted and bred specifically for sandy soils. Romaine and butterhead lettuce lines produced higher yield in sandy soils; a particular romaine breeding line (BG18-0588) had good yield and less heat-related disorders when planted in warmer temperatures. Producing lettuce in sandy soils may have a higher production cost because of additional specific practices such as transplant production, plastic mulch, and fertigation, but these costs may be offset by increased productivity due to better weed control and nutrient timing. However, a future analysis should be conducted to elucidate the economic feasibility of producing lettuce in sandy soils.
Deficiência e Direitos Humanos: muito além de uma experiência
Authors: DAHIA Sandra Leal de Melo , BEZERRA Henrique Jorge Simões , ARAÚJO Heitor Marinho da Silva , GOMES Jadson Rodrigo Silva , OLIVEIRA Gabriela Farias Nazário de
Published: December 2020

O presente relato narra a experiência de um projeto de extensão, realizado no Curso de Psicologia de uma instituição de ensino superior, com o objetivo de ampliar a compreensão do tema da deficiência sob a perspectiva dos Direitos Humanos. Utiliza como suportes teóricos o Modelo Social da Deficiência, que introduz uma nova concepção de deficiência, e a teoria psicológica Sócio-histórica, que compreende o humano como uma construção histórica e social. Esta é uma perspectiva crítica que entende a deficiência como um conceito socialmente produzido e que fornece fundamentos conceituais para a luta pela inclusão social dos deficientes. O desenvolvimento do projeto, baseado no aprofundamento de leituras afinadas com esta diretriz e o debate com representantes e militantes dacategoria dos deficientes, convergiu para o engajamento político de seus participantes em favor do reconhecimento dos direitos dos deficientes.
Relationship Marketing Practices in Community Pharmacies in Nigeria
Authors: Maduabuchi Ihekoronye Romanus , Patrick Osemene Kanayo , Wilson Erhun Oyekigho
Published: December 2020

The study identified the types of relationship marketing (RM) practices, determined the
components of RM that fostered customer loyalty (CL) and evaluated the influence of
the RM components on CL in community pharmacies. It was a cross-sectional survey
of community pharmacies, pharmacists, non-pharmacist staff and customers. Random
sampling was employed to select 40 community pharmacies, while purposive sampling
was used to select four staff from each of the community pharmacies (160). Accidental
sampling was used to select 510 customers of the pharmacies. Data were obtained with
the questionnaire and analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics.
Social RM practices yielded optimal results. The RM components that were determined
were trust (TR), commitment (CMT), competence (CP), communication (CM), conflict
handling (CH) and accessibility, which accounted for 55.4% of the total variance that
occurred in CL. All the components of RM had positive but significant influence on CL
with varying magnitudes. The study revealed that the types of RM practices in community pharmacies were the giving of loyalty gifts to customers, personalised telephone CMs, calling customers by name and special greeting codes. Also, special discounts and credits were offered to certain customers in order to build relationships. All the RM components positively influenced CL. Easy A to the pharmacies and pharmacists proved to be most influential in building loyalty followed by CM. The study concluded that RM practices in community pharmacies hold a lot of promise for community pharmacies to sustain their existing customers.
Investigating Non-Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Substances for Improving In-Vitro Efficacy of Clindamycin Phosphate Against MRSA and Staphylococcus Epidermidis
Authors: Alam Mohd Aftab , I. Al-Jenoobi Fahad , A. Alzahrani Khaled , H. Al-Agamy Mohammad , M. Al-Mohizea Abdullah
Published: December 2020

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of pharmaceutical excipients and other active substances on antimicrobial efficacy of standard antibiotic against resistant and susceptible microorganisms. Pharmaceutical excipients (sodium lauryl sulfate [SLS], Tween-80, citric acid, NaOH, NaCl) and active substances (fusidic acid, sorbic acid) were investigated to check in-vitro efficacy and their effect on the efficacy of standard antibiotic. Clindamycin was selected as standard antibiotic. Clindamycin was found to be ineffective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Fusidic acid and SLS showed concentration dependent effect against MRSA. Other tested substances were also ineffective against MRSA, and also failed to improve the susceptibility of MRSA towards clindamycin. The clindamycin + fusidic acid (0.05 µg, 0.1 µg), and clindamycin + SLS (0.5 mg, 1 mg) showed concentration dependent effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). Clindamycin combinations with fusidic acid or SLS showed better inhibition of S. epidermidis, than individual substance. At lower concentration of clindamycin (2 µg), the sorbic acid (25 µg) improves its effectiveness. SLS (0.5 mg, 1 mg) and clindamycin (4 µg, 10 µg) showed almost equal zone of inhibition against S. epidermidis, respectively. Present findings showed that certain pharmaceutical excipients (e.g. SLS) are effective against resistant and susceptible microbes, and suggested that more excipients should be screened for their antimicrobial potential and their ability to improve the efficacy of standard antibiotics.
Gratitude and social support as predictors for fishermen's subjective well-being
Authors: Shaleh Abdul Rahman , Rahayu Anizar , Zubeir Azlee , Istiqlal Akhlis
Published: December 2020

Everybody aspires and deserves some personal well-being. This kind of well-being is subjective, and it is shaped by the way individuals perceive and feel the situations surrounding their lives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gratitude and social support on fishermen's subjective well-being. This study's subjects were 299 fishermen living in the coastal area of Pelabuhan Ratu, who were chosen through an accidental sampling technique. In collecting data, subjective well-being was measured using Flourishing Scale (Diener et al., 2009) and Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (Diener & Biswas-Diener, 2008), Gratitude Scale, which was based on Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Test (Watkins, Woodward, Stone, & Kolts, 2003), and Social Support Scale that was based on Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Dahlem, et al., 1991). Multiple regression analysis showed that the entire independent variables significantly influenced subjective well-being. Meanwhile, each dimension's regressive coefficient on the independent variables showed four sub-variables that significantly influenced the dependent variables: sense of abundance, simple appreciation, appreciation to others, and family support.
Instagram addiction in teenagers: The role of type D personality, self-esteem, and fear of missing out
Authors: Rahardjo Wahyu , Mulyani Indah
Published: December 2020

Instagram addiction is a social phenomenon among adolescents that has been scantily researched. This study aims to empirically examine the effect of type D personality (social disinhibition and negative affectivity), self-esteem, and fear of missing out (FoMO) on Instagram addiction among teenagers. A total of 259 participants, type D personalities with severe Instagram addiction who live in Jakarta Greater Area obtained through screening results (based on their total scores). This research used snowball sampling dan regression techniques for data collection and analysis. Data analysis showed that all predictors affected 56.9% of Instagram addiction cases. Partially, it is known that only negative affectivity (one of type D personality factors) has no influence on Instagram addiction, which means that, the role of pure internal factors such as personality type D is not as significant as the combination of both external and internal factors such as fear of missing out and self-esteem in influencing Instagram addiction.
La población altomedieval de Sta. María de Tejuela (Bozoó, Burgos). Notas paleodemográficas
Authors: Jiménez-Broeil Sylvia A. , Maroto Benavides Rosa M. , Roca María G. , Martín-Alonso José F.
Published: December 2020

Se analizan los datos que proporciona el estudio antropológico y arqueológico del cementerio altomedieval de Santa María de Tejuela (Bozoó, Burgos) que pueden aportar alguna información sobre aspectos paleodemográficos. El número de individuos exhumados asciende a 182, aunque solo se ha podido asignar edad y sexo a 125 de ellos. El número de individuos infantiles y juveniles es reducido, lo que proporciona un índice de juventud muy bajo. Entre los adultos los resultados sobre la mortalidad son los propios de una población rural medieval que vivió bajo duras condiciones de vida, sobre todo las mujeres. La mayoría de enterramientos de adultos sugiere una población con una aparente baja fertilidad.
Prácticas ganaderas en el asentamiento rural de La Cruceta (Tauste, Zaragoza) durante los siglos XIII y XIV d.C.
Authors: Sierra Sainz-Aja Alejandro , Gutiérrez González Fco. Javier , Gil de Muro Eguizábal Víctor , Lanzas Orensanz Óscar , Valladares Lafuente Carlos , Lafuente Gómez Mario
Published: December 2020

La Cruceta es un yacimiento situado en Tauste, en la provincia de Zaragoza. Se trata de un asentamiento rural, que cumplía las funciones de puesto de vigilancia, ocupado entre los siglos XIII y XIV d.C. Durante su excavación, se documentaron estructuras de habitación y de funciones auxiliares, así como cerámica decorada, monedas y elementos metálicos de indumentaria militar. Además, se recuperó una abundante cantidad de restos faunísticos. En este trabajo, se presenta el estudio arqueozoológico de La Cruceta, uno de los primeros para reino de Aragón en época medieval. Los resultados han permitido documentar, además de una funcionalidad estratégica, la existencia de una economía centrada en el ganado ovino y caprino. Los productos explotados son variados (carne, leche, materias primas, etc.), lo que junto a las pautas de procesado parece indicar que La Cruceta, además de puesto de vigilancia, tuvo funciones de producción.