bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Access in Minimally Invasive Temporomandibular Joint Surgery via A Novel Endaural Template
Authors: Krause Matthias , Kamal Mohammad , Kruber Daniel , Halama Dirk , Hierl Thomas , Lethaus Bernd , Bartella Alexander K.
Published: September 2020

Background: Digitally designed surgical templates for minimally invasive temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery (MITMJS) are a promising tool for improving the safety in these procedures. Given the anatomy of the TMJ, the fitting of the template and intraoperative overview are the most important issues to conduct the surgery safely. This article describes an endaural surgical template based on the Moses approach as a possible solution.Material and Methods: Three patients with internal derangement were treated with guidance of a MITMJS- template based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a surface imprint of the periauraural region. None of the patients needed an additional open surgical procedure. Fitting of the templates was judged in terms of position and rotational stability. Surgical side effects and complications were recorded for each patient.Results: The template design and clinical use performed the MITMJS satisfactory. The templates showed satisfying fit and good visibility. In the study cohort, no bleeding, facial nerve injury, or other complications occurred after the procedure, and no visible scars were noted postoperatively.Conclusion: Our feasibility report on template-guided MITMJS shows a promising new application of templates. It points an improved access in arthroscopy or arthrocentesis of TMJ- surgery via an endaural access with increased level of safety during surgery.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Postpartum Recovery of Women who Practice Hypopressive Physical Activity. Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sánchez-García Juan Carlos , Aguilar-Cordero María José , Montiel-Troya Maria , Marín-Jiménez Ana Eugenia , Mellado-García Elena , Rodríguez-Blanque Raquel
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPracticing physical exercise is a way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and it has been demonstrated that it benefits and improves quality of life after labour.AimTo determine whether a workout programme using the Low-Pressure Fitness methodology has an impact on the Health-Related Quality of Life after labour.Material and MethodWe carried out a 12-weeks randomized clinical trial. It started at week 16 after labour and ended at postpartum week 28. Women followed a moderate intensity workout programme, using the Low-Pressure Fitness methodology in the treatment group, and we had a control group of sedentary women to perform a comparison. We used the SF-36v2 questionnaire at the postpartum weeks 16 and 28 to assess the Health-Related Quality of Life in women.ResultsWe found statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in general health components, vitality, emotional role, and mental health in the sample group of women under the Low-Pressure Fitness, who obtained a higher score.We found statistically significant differences in all aspects between the postpartum weeks 16 and 28.The interaction between time and group affect in general health components, vitality, emotional role and the score of mental component. In all of them the score is higher at week 28 and in the Low-Pressure Fitness group.ConclusionsPhysical exercise, following the Low-Pressure Fitness method, improves Health-Related Quality of Life after labour. We found that, when both the treatment and control groups are categorized by body-mass index, the Low-Pressure Fitness method was not determinant to improve the postpartum Health-Related Quality of Life.
A Combinatory Ferroelectric Compound Bridging Simple ABO3 and A-site-Ordered Qudruple Perovskite
Authors: Zhao Jianfa , Gao Jiacheng , Li Wenmin , Qian Yuting , Shen Xudong , Wang Xiao , Shen Xi , Hu Zhiwei , Dong Cheng , Huang Qingzhen , Cao Lipeng , Li Zhi , Zhang Jun , Ren Chongwen , Duan Lei , Liu Qingqing , Yu Richeng , Ren Yang , Weng Shih-Chang , Lin Hong-Ji , Chen Chien-Te , Tjeng Liu Hao , Long Youwen , DENG Zheng , Zhu Jinlong , WANG Xiancheng , Weng Hongming , Yu Runze , Greenblatt Martha , Jin Changqing
Published: September 2020

The simple ABO3 and A-site-ordered AA′3B4O12 perovskites represent two types of the most classical perovskite-based functional materials. While there are well-known simple perovskites with ferroelectric properties, so far there is no report of ferrolectricity due to symmetry breaking transition in A-site-ordered quadruple perovskites, AA′3B4O12. Here we report the synthesis at high pressure and temperature of a new A-site-ordered perovskite, PbHg3Ti4O12. Remarkably, PbHg3Ti4O12 is the only known quadruple perovskite that transforms from a high-temperature centrosymmetric (Im-3), paraelectric phase to a low-temperature, non-centrosymmetric (Imm2) ferroelectric phase. Moreover, the average ionic radius of A-site cations for PbHg3Ti4O12 is large~ 1.1 Å and the tolerance factor t is about 0.88. Surprisingly the coordination chemistry of Hg2+ is changed from the usual square planar as in typical A-site-ordered quadruple perovskite to a rare stereo type with 8 ligands in PbHg3Ti4O12 driven via pressures. Thus PbHg3Ti4O12 appears to be a combinatory link from simple ATiO3 perovskite to AA′3B4O12 type A-site-ordered perovskites, sharing both displacive ferroelectricity with the former and the structure coordination with the latter. This is the first example of ferroelectricity due to a symmetry breaking phase transition in AA′3B4O12-type A-site-ordered perovskite, and opens a new direction to search for ferroelectric materials in combinatory perovskites.
A Single Atom Change Turns Insulating Saturated Wires into Molecular Conductors
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Kretz Bernhard , Adoah Francis , Nickle Cameron , Chi Xiao , Yu Xiao-Jiang , Barco Enrique del , Thompson Damien , Egger David , nijhuis christian
Published: September 2020

We present an efficient strategy to modulate tunnelling in molecular junctions by changing the tunnelling decay coefficient, β, by terminal-atom substitution which avoids altering the molecular backbone. By varying X = H, F, Cl, Br, I in junctions with S(CH2)(10−18)X, current densities (J) increases > 4 orders of magnitude, creating molecular conductors via reduction of β from 0.75 to 0.25 Å−1. Impedance measurements shows tripled dielectric constants (εr) with X = I, reduced HOMO-LUMO gaps and tunnelling-barrier heights, and 5-times reduced contact resistance. These effects alone cannot explain the large change in β. Density-functional theory shows highly localized, X-dependent potential drop at the S(CH2)nX//electrode interface that modifies the tunnelling barrier shape. Commonly-used tunnelling models neglect localized potential drops and changes in εr. We demonstrate experimentally that β ∝1/√εr, suggesting highly-polarizable terminal-atom sites act as charge traps as proposed by Berlin and Ratner. Our work shows the need for new charge transport models that account for dielectric effects in molecular tunnelling junctions.
Iron Accumulation in Macrophages Promotes the Formation of Foam Cells and Development of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cai Jing , Zhang Meng , Liu Yutong , Li Huihui , Shang Longcheng , Xu Tianze , Chen Zhipeng , Wang Fudi , Qiao Tong , Li Kuanyu
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMacrophages that accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques contribute to progression of the lesions to more advanced and complex plaques. Although iron deposition was found in human atherosclerotic plaques, clinical and pre-clinical studies showed controversial results. Several epidemiological studies did not show the positive correlation between a systemic iron status and an incidence of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that the iron involvement occurs locally, rather than systemically.ResultsTo determine the direct in vivo effect of iron accumulation in macrophages on the progression of atherosclerosis, we generated Apoe-/- mice with a macrophage-specific ferroportin (Fpn1) deficiency (Apoe-/-Fpn1LysM/LysM). Fpn1 deficiency in macrophages dramatically accelerated the progression of atherosclerosis in mice. Pathophysiological evidence showed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, aggravated systemic inflammation, and altered plaque-lipid composition. Moreover, Fpn1 deficiency in macrophages significantly inhibited the expression of ABC transporters (ABCA1 and ABCG1) by decreasing the expression of the transcription factor LXRα, which reduced cholesterol efflux and therefore promoted foam cell formation and enhanced plaque formation. Iron chelation relieved the symptoms moderately in vivo, but drastically ex vivo.ConclusionsMacrophage iron content in plaques is a critical factor in progression of atherosclerosis. The interaction of iron and lipid metabolism takes place in macrophage-rich atherosclerotic plaques. And we also suggest that altering intracellular iron levels in macrophages by systemic iron chelation or dietary iron restriction may be a potential supplementary strategy to limit or even regress the progression of atherosclerosis.
Absence of critical thickness in improper ferroelectric hexagonal-YbFeO3 thin films
Authors: Xu Xiaoshan , Yun Yu , Buragohain Pratyush , Thind Arashdeep , Yin Yuewei , Li Xin , Jiang Xuanyuan , Mishra Rohan , Gruverman Alexei
Published: September 2020

Improper ferroelectrics are highly promising for technological applications due to their expected persisting polarizations even at ultrathin limits. However, the evolution of their electrical behaviors with thickness, including the magnitude of the polarization and the switching mechanism, remain unresolved experimentally. This is primarily due to the difficulty in growth and characterization of ultrathin improper ferroelectric films. Here, we investigated the spontaneous polarization and switching mechanism in ferroelectric/dielectric bilayer structures, which allows the decoupling of the electrostatic and interfacial effects and circumventing the need for ultrathin films. We show that, for the bilayer structures of prototypical improper ferroelectrics h-YbFeO3 and dielectrics CoFe2O4, although the effective spontaneous polarization is significantly reduced by the dielectric layer due to the electrostatic under-screening, it persists at least down to a ferroelectric/dielectric thickness ratio of about 2, with no evidence of critical thickness. Interfacial clamping that suppresses the primary structural distortion of h-YbFeO3 have been observed, which appears to play an important role in ferroelectric domain pinning. The microstructure caused by the heteroepitaxy favors a nucleation-limited polarization switching dynamics. These results demonstrate the much-desired absence of critical thickness in improper ferroelectrics for the scalable thin-film device applications; they also reveal significant impact of the mismatched film/substrate epitaxy on the polarization switching mechanism.
Molecular characterization of a re-emergent Brugia malayi parasite in Sri Lanka, suggestive of a novel strain with close nucleotide homology to Brugia pahangi
Authors: Mallawarachchi Chandana Harendra , Chandrasena Nilmini T. G. A. N , Premarathna Ranjan , Mallawarachchi S.M.N.S.M. Maleesha , Gunawardane Nilmini Y. I. S. , Dasanayake Ranil S , Silva Nilanthi R de
Published: September 2020

Background Brugian filariasis has re-emerged in Sri Lanka after four decades of quiescence. As microscopy alone was insufficient for ascertaining the species identity of the re-emerged sub-periodic Brugia spp. parasite, molecular speciation was performed. The transmission dynamics of the parasite was studied by entomological procedures.Methods Human blood samples positive for Brugia spp. microfilariae (MF) (n=8) were collected and DNA extracted using ReliaPrep™ Blood DNA Miniprep System (modified). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with pan-filarial primers specific for the internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of MF. Results Of those tested, seven (87.5%) yielded a band at 615bp establishing the species identity of the re-emerged filarial parasite as B. malayi. Comparison of the ITS2 region gene sequences of B. malayi MF isolated from humans (n=2), dogs (n=3) and cats (n=6) with GenBank sequences revealed a higher sequence homology with B. pahangi than B. malayi, but phylogeny was closer to B. malayi. A total of 82 mosquitoes of genus Mansonia comprising of M. annulifera (65), M. uniformis (14) and M. indiana (3) were collected by cattle-baited traps. Mosquito dissections identified 17 infected mosquitoes: one M. uniformis (7.14%) and 16 M. annulifera (24.6%). The DNA extracts of all infected Mansonia mosquitoes elicited the 615bp band on pan-filarial primer specific PCR. Conclusions The re-emergent B. malayi is a genetic variant or a novel species closely related to B. malayi and B. pahangi. Mansonia spp. mosquitoes were vectors of this zoonotic variant B. malayi circulating among cats, dogs and humans in Sri Lanka.
Variability Across Countries for Brain Death Determination in Adults
Authors: Yuan Fang , Zhang Weijun , Wen Wanxin , Li Huiping , Wu Shibiao , Wang Lixin
Published: September 2020

Background: Currently there is variability in diagnostic procedures across countries. Our aim was to compare guidelines of brain death determination in adults among five countries: China, UK, US, France, and Germany.Method: This is a retrospective study based on a prospective database of consecutive coma patients who received brain death determination. The technical specifications, completion rates, and positive rates of brain death determination according to criteria of different countries were compared. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of each ancillary test for the identification of brain death diagnosed according to different criteria were investigated.Results: One hundred and ninety-nine patients who received brain death determination from June 2018 to June 2020 were included in this study. One hundred and thirty-one (65.8%) patients were diagnosed with brain death according to French criteria, 132 (66.3%) according to Chinese criteria, and 135 (67.7%) according to criteria of US, UK, and Germany. The sensitivity and PPV of EEG (92.2% - 92.3%) and SLSEP (95.5% - 98.5%) were higher than TCD (84.3% - 86.0%), and all these three tests have a very low specificity and NPV.Conclusions: The duration of apnea test and requirements of ancillary tests vary among countries. The discrepancy in brain death determination between clinical assessments and additional confirmation of ancillary tests is small.
Nutritional Status Related to Selenium in Patients With Ataxia-Telangiectasia - A Case Control Study: an Association With Oxidative Stress and Risk of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Andrade Itana Gomes Alves , de Souza Fabíola Isabel Suano , Fonseca Fernando Luiz , Lago Carolina Sanchez Aranda , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a multi-system disorder that may be associated with endocrine changes, oxidative stress in addition to inflammation. Studies suggest that selenium (Se) is a trace element related to protection against damage caused by oxidative stress; it is postulated that adequate consumption reduces the risk of some chronic diseases. Objective: To describe the concentrations of Se and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in patients with A-T, to relate them to markers of the lipid profile. Methods: We evaluated, through a controlled cross-sectional study, 22 A-T patients matched by sex and age with healthy individuals, conjointly evaluating: nutritional status, food intake, serum selenium, glutathione peroxidase (activity), lipid metabolism biomarkers, inflammation and lipid. Results: The median age in the A-T group was 12.2 years. A-T patients had greater impairment of lean body mass and GPx activity as well as lower abdominal circumference. A more atherogenic lipid profile was observed with higher concentrations of total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, LDLox, Apo B, Apo B / Apo A-1 and LDL / HDL ratio; while a lower value was observed in the Apo A-1 / HDL ratio. It was also in the A-T group that statistical difference was detected in the three markers of liver function AST, ALT and GGT. In regard to food intake, A-T patients had lower values ​​of carbohydrate, protein, monounsaturated fat, trans fat, and Se. Conclusion: The study showed cardiovascular risk in A-T patients. A-T patients appear to be at increased risk of reduced nutritional status, impaired liver function, dyslipidemia and inflammation.
Monitoring the Damage of Armyworm in Summer Corn by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imaging
Authors: zhang mingzheng , Wang Xinsheng , Xue Jinghao , Su Wei , Zhu Dehai , Tao Wancheng , Yao Chan , Jin Tian , Xie Zixuan
Published: September 2020

Background: Monitoring armyworm (Mythimna separata Walker) damage in crops requires timely, rapid and accurate observations to avoid severe yield losses. Results: The Random Forest (RF) classifier was more effective at automatically and accurately monitoring armyworm damage compared with Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron Classifier (MLPC) and Naive Bayes Classifier (NB) classifiers. Furthermore, the incorporation of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) image-generated digital surface model improved the performance of the RF classifier, increasing the F-score from 0.985 and 0.970 to 0.997 and 0.994, and increasing the Kappa coefficient from 0.955 to 0.990. In addition, we found that Band 3 (735 nm) of the UAV image and Band 6 (740 nm) of a coincident Sentinel-2 image were not sensitive to an armyworm infestation in this study. Conclusions: We developed an accurate algorithm for the automated identification of armyworm-damaged corn plants using UAV images at the field scale. The study also indicated the feasibility of the developed method for monitoring corn armyworm damage at regional scale when combined with Sentinel-2 images.
Preventing Glass Alteration in Museum Objects using ALD Deposited Amorphous Alumina Coatings
Authors: Hiebert Miriam E , Weaver Jamie , Lam Thomas , Little Nicole , Hyde Ethan , Vicenzi Edward P , Phaneuf Raymond J.
Published: September 2020

The chemistry and kinetics of glass alteration have been topics of considerable study and debate over the past several decades. While work is still progressing in understanding the mechanisms by which glass degrades, what has not been as well studied are methods of slowing or preventing the alteration of glass surfaces and objects. This is of significant interest to the heritage science community, where the breakdown of historic glass or glass art objects is proceeding, with few viable options available to museum conservators to mitigate its effects. Experimental measurements using atomic layer deposited (ALD) aluminum oxide coatings on a model silicate glass show a significant reduction of the rate of glass alteration.
Design and Development of a Small-Scale Mechanical Energy Conversion Device
Authors: Lee Man Djun , Lee Pui San
Published: September 2020

This study aims to design and construct a small-scale mechanical energy conversion device. It is designed to produce electrical power by harnessing the available mechanical energy from renewable resources. This study started off with literature review for the predominant principles and laws on how the machine shall be fabricated in order to function. The process is followed by the material selection and analysis before proceeding to the final design and construction. The constructed machine is then being tested through series of experiments. It was found that the small scale device was able to produce 6V of maximum voltage with rotor rotation speed up to 3000 RPM. The outcome from the experimentation shows that the small scale device is useful for power generation from renewable sources, such as stream energy with a micro hydro turbine. For future study, the machine shall consider a few improvements, such as rebuilding it using laminated iron as rotor core and increase the number of poles to enhance the performance of the machine in term of energy conversion and extraction. The design and built of this machine would definitely contribute to the environmental sustainability and development of rural area.
Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak in Urban Settings in China
Authors: Ni Zhao , Lebowitz Eli R. , Zou Zhijie , Wang Honghong , Liu Huaping , Shrestha Roman , Zhang Qing , Hu Jianwei , Yang Shuying , Xu Lei , Wu Jianjun , Altice Frederick L.
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak in China was devastating, and spread throughout the country before being contained. Stringent physical distancing recommendations and shelter-in-place were first introduced in the hardest-hit provinces, and by March, these recommendations were uniform throughout the country. In the presence of an evolving and deadly pandemic, we sought to investigate the impact of this pandemic on individual well-being and prevention practices among Chinese urban residents. From March 2-11, 2020, 4,607 individuals were recruited from 11 provinces with varying numbers of COVID-19 casers using the social networking app WeChat to complete a brief, anonymous, online survey. The analytical sample was restricted to 2,551 urban residents. Standardized scales measured generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the primary outcome. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of GAD alongside assessment of community practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, recommended public health practices significantly (p<0.001) increased, including wearing facial mask, practicing physical distancing, handwashing, decreased public spitting, and going outside in urban communities. Overall, 40.3% of participants met screening criteria for GAD and 49.3%, 62.6%, and 55.4% reported that their work, social life, and family life were interrupted by anxious feelings, respectively. Independent correlates of having anxiety symptoms included being a healthcare provider (aOR=1.58, p<0.01), living in regions with a higher density of COVID-19 cases (aOR=2.13, p<0.01), having completed college (aOR=1.38, p=0.03), meeting screening criteria for depression (aOR=6.03, p<0.01) and poorer perceived health status (aOR=1.54, p<0.01). COVID-19 had a profound impact on the health of urban dwellers throughout China. Not only did they markedly increase their self- and community-protective behaviors, but they also experienced high levels of anxiety associated with a heightened vulnerability like depression, having poor perceived health, and the potential of increased exposure to COVID-19 such as living closer to the epicenter of the pandemic.
Landslide hazard assessment using UAV imagery and GIS for road planning and development in Chure area: Sindhuli-Hetauda Section.
Authors: Pandey Bishnu Prasad , Kafle Kumud Raj
Published: September 2020

Chure hills are formed with the highly fragile, weak young sedimentary rocks and are environmentally sensitive. Road construction in this region is a big challenge to conserve the Chure from landslide. Occurrence of landslide hazard along the highway is the threat to the objective of timely, efficient and qualitative construction of highway. Landslide hazard map can greatly help in fixing and shifting of the alignment to reduce the loss of life and property. This study “Landslide hazard assessment using UAV imagery and GIS for road planning and development in Chure area: Sindhuli-Hetauda section” aims at creating the hazard map, landslide inventory map and designation of hazard levels in one of the sensitive areas: Chure section. With the use of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as the primary means of carrying out the topographical surveying, the study used the Digital Surface Model (DSM) and the orthomosaic map produced from the UAV survey in acquiring the relevant results for fulfilling the study objectives. The survey area being ~100Km in length along the road alignment, four of the most crucial sites on the basis of existing landslide area and impact of those landslide in road, cultivation and settlement in the study area were selected for surveying. The study concluded that use of UAV for hazard mapping has good, accuracies and high resolution data. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the survey for the individual sites were found to be 0.001m, 0.045 m, 0.044 m and 0.804 m, respectively. A detailed topographical map of the area was created, along with the hazard map, including the factors such as slope, aspect, curvature, elevation, lithology, distance to road, distance to river and soil type. Furthermore, the hazard levels for the surveyed area were also obtained: the largest area being medium 60.68%, 57.45%, 71.21% and 71.16 %, respectively, followed by high 32.59%, 18.91%, 17.03% and 11.54% respectively and low 6.73%, 23.64%, 11.76% and 17.30%, respectively in Chattiwan, Bhawanchuli, Gurji and Hakpara. It was also concluded that the forest area is at high risk followed by the bush and the settlement area in the Chattiwan, Bhawanchuli and Hakpara site and the cultivable land followed by the bush and the settlement area were found to be in high risks in the fourth site (Gurji).
Contextual differences considered in the Tunisian ADOLOPMENT of the European Guidelines on Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Kahale Lara A , Ouertatani Hella , Brahem Asma Ben , Grati Hela , Hamouda Mohammed Ben , Saz-Parkinson Zuleika , Akl Elie Antoine
Published: September 2020

Background Breast cancer is a common disease in Tunisia and is associated with high mortality rates. The “Instance Nationale de l’Evaluation et de l’Accréditation en Santé” (INEAS) and the Tunisian Society of Oncology decided to develop practice guidelines on the subject. While the development of de novo guidelines on breast cancer screening is a demanding process, guideline adaptation appears more appropriate and context sensitive. The objective of this paper is to describe the adaptation process of the European Guidelines on Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis to the Tunisian setting in terms of the methodological process, contextual differences between the source and adoloped guideline, and changes in the recommendations.Methods We used the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT methodology to prioritize the topic, select the source guideline, and prioritize the questions and the outcomes. Once the source guideline was selected- the European Breast Cancer Guidelines- the European Commission´s Joint Research Centre shared with the project team in Tunisia all relevant documents and files. In parallel, the project team searched for local studies on the disease prevalence, associated outcomes’ baseline risks, patients’ values and preferences, cost, cost-effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility. Then, the adoloping panel reviewed the GRADE evidence tables and the Evidence to Decision tables and discussed whether their own judgments were consistent with those from the source guideline or not. They based their judgments on the evidence on health effects, the local evidence and their own experiences.Results The most relevant contextual differences between the source and adoloped guidelines were related to the perspective, scope, prioritized questions, rating of outcome importance, baseline risks, and indirectness of the evidence. The ADOLOPMENT process resulted in keeping 5 out of 6 recommendations unmodified. One recommendation addressing “screening versus no screening with ultrasound in women with high breast density on mammography screening” was modified from ‘conditional against’ to ‘conditional for either’ due to more favorable ratings by the adoloping panel in terms of equity and feasibility.Conclusion This process illustrates both the feasibility of GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach and the importance of consideration of local evidence. It also highlights the value of collaboration with the organization that developed the source guideline.
Key Elements and Effects of Cardiovascular Disease Management Programs based on Community-Based Participatory Research: Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Yang Juhyeon , Kim Eunsim , Park Bohyun
Published: September 2020

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are health problems that demonstrate high death and prevalence rates, and exhibit large health inequalities across different socio-economic status. Although interest in community-based participatory research (CBPR) is increasing because of the efforts to improve health equity, not enough literature review has been conducted on CBPR-based CVD management programs. The objective of this scoping review is to identify the key elements that should be considered when developing CBPR-based CVD management programs, and explore the effects of CBPR-based CVD management programs. Methods: This study will use the databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The criteria for selecting literature will be research that was published in or after 2000, applied CBPR, and either developed or implemented CVD management programs. No limit will be placed on the research design or method. Data extraction will be conducted independently by two researchers, and in the case of data mismatch, a consensus will be reached through discussion. The extracted data will be combined through narrative synthesis. Discussion: This scoping review will identify specific methods in the development and implementation process of CBPR-based CVD management programs, as well as the characteristics of the programs that were shown to be effective. Therefore, it will be able to provide specific guidelines to researchers, government agencies, and local organizations to design and implement participatory health promotion programs related to CVDs.Scoping review registration: This protocol has been registered to the OSF registries. 0000000204460911. “Key Elements and Effects of Cardiovascular Disease Management Programs Based on Community-based Participatory Research: Protocol for a Scoping Review.” OSF, 4 Sept. 2020. Web.
Under nutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Girma Bekahegn , Nigussie Jemberu , Molla Alemayehu , Mareg Moges
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground: Under nutrition is a global problem and in increasing trend in recent years. The burden is high in low and middle-income countries; especially in Africa. Lactating women are among the most vulnerable groups for undernutrition; especially in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the prevalence of undernutrition among this group is inconsistent and inconclusive in Ethiopia, and also the national nutritional plan of 2015 is not yet achieved. Furthermore, to achieve the 2030 Sustainable developmental plan, conducting this type of summarized reviews are helpful. Therefore, we aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia.Methods: To write this review and meta-analysis we followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. We used PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane Library, science direct databases, Google, and Google scholar for searching. STATA version 14 software and a standardized format were used for analysis and data extraction respectively. Heterogeneity was checked using I2. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of undernutrition. Begg's and Egger's tests were conducted to detect publication bias. Subgroup analysis was also conducted and association was expressed by a pooled odds ratio with 95% CI.Result: A total of 16 studies were included with a total of 7830 Ethiopian lactating women. The pooled prevalence of undernutrition among lactating mothers was found to be 23.86% (95% CI: 19.01, 28.72). The result of heterogeneity test was I2 = 96.7% and p < 0.001). The Begg's and Eger's test findings after we removed two influential primary articles were P: 0.443 and P: 0.306 respectively. Educational status (no formal education) (Pooled OR: 2.30 (95% CI: 1.34, 3.96)) was significantly associated with undernutrition.Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of undernutrition was high. Maternal educational status was significantly associated with undernutrition. Therefore, the federal ministry of health and the concerned stakeholders should give attention to these most vulnerable groups, refine their strategies to address this issue, and strengthen the implementation of the previously designed strategies.
2D Similarity Map of Multiple Coronavirus Gene Sequences
Authors: Zheng Huaxian , Zheng Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in many countries in the world from late 2019 to 2020 resulted in millions of infected people, and caused serious damage to the social environments with significant changes in human power and material resources in the world. The novel coronavirus is an RNA virus. RNA mutation is common in nature. This makes it extremely difficult to develop a virus vaccine in a short period. The evolution of the virus has been in a mutation state, in which a certain sequence changes associated with time and environments in similar distributions. A larger number of genomes were collected in various open source databases for scientists in further explorations. In this paper, a 2D similarity comparison scheme on the A2 module of the MAS is proposed for extracting internal information among a genome undertaken M segment partitions to provide visual results based on probability measures and quantitative statistics. First, a genome is segmented into corresponding numerical transformations, and then four numbers of meta symbols in each segment are counted.Corresponding probability measures are calculated. Second, the probability is transformed into polar coordinates, and the polar coordinates are mapped into a MxM matrix. Then, a 1D genome can be processed into 2D measures with similarity properties in sequence. Through this correlation matrix, relevant similarity results are analyzed.
Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Mothers On The Effects Of Sunlight Exposure And Its Associated Factors Among Infants Found In Debre Tabor Town , Amahara Regional State, North Central Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Feleke Dejen Getaneh , Mesfin Endalkachew , Mekete Gashew
Published: September 2020

Background: Early morning sunlight exposure for infants was a good practice to prevent rickets and alleviate the problem of vitamin D efficiency. Rickets is a major public health problem in many countries of the world. In many rich industrialized countries, the prevalence of rickets in the general population diminished after the introduction of dietary supplementation. But the most cost-effective way of getting vitamin D is simply from sunlight exposure rather than vitamin-D supplementation and advanced treatment. The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers on the effects of sunlight exposure and its associated factors among infants found in Debre Tabor town, North central Ethiopia, 2018. Methods: community-based cross-sectional study had been conducted among 105 mothers with infants in Debre Tabor city, South Gondar Zone, Amhara, Northcentral Ethiopia, 2018 from October 30 -/2018-January 1/2019. To select study participants simple random sampling techniques was employed. Data was entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1, and exported to SPSS window version 20 for analysis. Binary and Multivariable logistic regression was used to see the association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare association. Results: The overall knowledge, practice and attitude of the mothers about sunlight exposure were 61.14%, 59.44%, and 61% respectively, regarding factors associated with knowledge, practice and attitude of mothers about sunlight exposure were highly influenced by good time exposure for sunlight exposure ,mother who exposed their infants to sunlight exposure sometimes were 3.2 times less for acquiring knowledge than mothers who expose their infants who warm daily [AOR: *3.2(1.02-6.4)], mothers who had an occupation of daily laborer were 3.4 times less likely to practice sunlight exposure to their infants governmental workers [AOR: *3.4(0.8 2.8)] and. mothers who do not believe about the good effect of sunlight exposure had 3.3 times negative attitude towards about sunlight exposure than who thinks well [AOR; **3.3(1.5-8.9)] were significantly associated with knowledge ,practice and attitude of mothers about sunlight exposure and the total attitude of the mother’s sunlight exposure was lower than knowledge and practice .Hence; Based on the result the concerned body and health care providers should create awareness about the effect of sunlight exposure through health education.
A Study of the Quality of Work Life Among Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in National Guard Health Affairs Hospitals in KSA
Authors: Almugren Ghadah , Zedan Haya
Published: September 2020

Quality of Work Life (QWL) is a multi-dimensional discipline concerned with the quality of life at the workplace. Objectives: This work aimed to assess the level of QWL of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (MRITs) at National Guard Health Affairs Hospitals (NGHA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and identify the correlation between QWL dimensions and Job and Career Satisfaction (JCS). Methodology: This study used the 32-item WRQoL-2 tool, a questionnaire consisting of 6 subscales; Job and Career Satisfaction (JCS), Control at Work (CAW), Home-Work Interface (HWI), General Well-Being (GWB), Stress at Work (SAW) and Work Conditions (WCS). Results: The study respondents were 57 MRITs working in NGHA hospitals across KSA with a 100% response rate. We found a high level of QWL among MRITs (66.2%, 3.31/5). The level of JCS was high (71.6%, 3.59/5) with a significant correlation between JCS and WCS, CAW, HWI, and GWB. There was an inverse relationship between SAW and JCS. Conclusion: Further research in the field of QWL is needed to diagnose shortcomings affecting the quality of healthcare services in KSA.
Pentavalent vaccination in rural Kenya: coverage and geographical accessibility to health facilities using data from a community demographic and health surveillance system in Kilifi County.
Authors: Ogero Morris , Orwa James , Odhiambo Rachael , Agoi Felix , Lusambili Adelaide , Obure Jerim , Temmerman Marleen , Luchters Stanley , Ngugi Anthony
Published: September 2020

Background There is substantial evidence that immunization is one of the most significant and cost-effective pillars of preventive and promotive health interventions. Effective childhood immunization coverage is thus essential in stemming persistent childhood illnesses. The main indicator of performance of the immunisation programme is the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine for children, because it mirrors the completeness of a child’s immunisation schedule. Spatial access to a health facility, especially in SSA countries, is a significant determinant of DTP3 vaccination coverage as the vaccine is mainly administered during routine immunisation schedules at health facilities. Rural areas and densely populated informal settlements are most affected by poor access to healthcare services. We therefore sought to determine vaccination coverage of DTP3, estimate the travel time to health facilities offering immunisation services, and explore of its effect on immunisation coverage in one of the predominantly rural counties in the coast of Kenya.Methods Coordinates of health facilities, information on land cover, digital elevation model, and road network were used to compute spatial accessibility to immunising health facilities for eligible children within Kaloleni-Rabai Community Health Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). To explore the effect of the travel-time on DTP3 coverage, we fitted a hierarchical multivariable model adjusting for other apriori identified confounding factors. Results Spatial access to health facilities that offer immunization services significantly affected DTP3 coverage with travel times of more than one hour to a health facility significantly associated with reduced odds of receiving DTP3 vaccine (AOR= 0.84 (95% CI 0.74 – 0.94).Conclusion Increased travel time is a significant barrier to the uptake of facility-delivered immunizations in this rural community. To improve immunisation coverage, local health authorities and policy makers in remote settings can use high resolution maps to identify areas where distance and travel time may impede achievement of high immunizations coverage and identify appropriate interventions. These could include improving the road network, establishing new health centres and/or stepping up health outreach activities that include vaccinations in hard to reach areas within the county.
Collembolan Assemblages Response to Wild Boars (Sus Scrofa L.) Rooting in Pine Forest Soil
Authors: Sławski Marek , Sławska Małgorzata
Published: September 2020

Background: Collembola are an important component of soil communities in all terrestrial ecosystems. In temperate coniferous forests, they are one of the most numerous invertebrate groups and disturbances that change their density and structure may have negative effects on soil fertility and productivity. Our goal was to determine whether intensive rooting in the forest floor by wild boars affects edaphic Collembola. Soil samples from three paired rooted and non-rooted plots in Scots pine stands were taken twice a year to study the impact of such bioturbation on forest collembolan assemblages. Results: Substantial changes in the taxonomic and functional structure of the collembolan assemblages were identified in all disturbed plots. The abundance and number of species significantly decreased in the bioturbated forest floor. The shares of atmobiotic and hemiedaphic springtails increased at the expense of epedaphic forms. Most of the differences were evident shortly after grubbing but were not significant a few months later. The decline in moisture in disturbed soil could be an explanatory factor causing the differences in the structure and abundance of collembolan assemblages between the bioturbated and intact plots.Conclusions:Our study revealed that large mammals ubiquitous in forest ecosystems can be an important disturbing factor for soil microarthropods. Intensive wild boar rooting in the forest floor had a strong negative effect on the occurrence and abundance of Collembola. This kind of bioturbation caused also the modification to the functional structure of assemblages, which in turn may have important consequences for soil food web and above- and below-ground interactions.
A Prediction Model of Sufficient Filter Lifespan in Anticoagulation-free CRRT Patients
Authors: Zhang Wei , Bai Ming , Zhang Ling , Yu Yan , Li Yangping , Zhao Lijuan , Yue Yuan , Li Yajuan , Zhang Min , Fu Ping , Sun Shiren , Chen Xiangmei
Published: September 2020

Background: Anticoagulation-free continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was recommended by the current clinical guideline for patients with increased bleeding risk and contraindications of citrate and resulted in heterogeneous filter lifespan. There was no prediction model to identify the patients would have sufficient filter lifespan when they have to accept CRRT without the use of any anticoagulation. The purpose of our present study is to develop a clinical prediction model of sufficient filter lifespan in anticoagulation-free CRRT patients.Method: Patients who underwent anticoagulation-free CRRT in our center between June 2013 and June 2019 were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was sufficient filter lifespan (≥ 24 hours). The final model was established by using multivariable logistic regression analysis. And, the prediction model was validated in an external cohort. Results: A total of 170 patients were included in the development cohort. Sufficient filter lifespan were observed in 80 patients. The probability of sufficient filter lifespan could be calculated using the following regression formula: P (%) = exp (Z)/1 + exp (Z), where Z = 0.49896-(0.08552*BMI)+(0.44107*T)+(0.03373*MAP)-(0.03389*WBC)+(1.51579*[vasopressor=1])-(0.01132*PLT)+(0.00422*ALP)-(2.66910*pH)-(0.00214*UA)+(0.05992*BUN)+(0.00400*Db)–(0.00014*D-dimer)+(0.02818*APTT). The area under the curve (AUC) of the stepwise model and internal validation model was 0.82 (95%CI [0.76-0.88]) and 0.8 (95%CI [0.74-0.87]), respectively. At the optimal cut-off value of -0.1052, the positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of the stepwise model was 0.77 and 0.79, respectively. The AUC of the external model was 0.82 (95%CI [0.69-0.96]). Conclusion: The use of a prediction model instead of an assessment based only on coagulation parameters could facilitate the identification of the patients with filter lifespan of ≥ 24 hours when they accepted anticoagulation-free CRRT.
Interest of Treating Iron Deficiency, Diagnosed According to Hepcidin Quantification, on Outcomes After a Prolonged Icu Stay Compared to Standard Care: A Multicenter, Randomized, Single-blinded Trial
Authors: lasocki sigismond , ASFAR Pierre , JABER Samir , FERRANDIERE Martine , KERFORNE Thomas , ASEHNOUNE Karim , MONTRAVERS Philippe , SEGUIN Philippe , PEOC’H Katell , GERGAUD Soizic , NAGOT Nicolas , LEFEBVRE Thibaud , Lehmann Sylvain , group HEPCIDAN Study
Published: September 2020

Background: Anemia is a significant problem in patients on ICU. Its commonest cause, iron deficiency (ID), is difficult to diagnosed in the context of inflammation. Hepcidin is a new marker of ID. We aimed to assess whether hepcidin levels would accurately guide treatment of ID in critically ill anemic patients after a prolonged ICU stay and affect the post-ICU outcomes. Methods: In a controlled, single-blinded, multicenter study, anemic (WHO definition) critically ill patients with an ICU stay ≥5 days were randomized when discharge was expected to either intervention by hepcidin treatment protocol or control. In the intervention arm patients were treated with intravenous iron (1g of ferric carboxymaltose) when hepcidin was <20 μg/l and with intravenous iron and erythropoietin for 20≤ hepcidin <41 μg/l. Control patients were treated according to standard care (hepcidin quantification remained blinded). Primary endpoint was the number of days spent in hospital 90 days after ICU discharge (post-ICU LOS). Secondary endpoints were day 15 anemia, day 30 fatigue and day 90 mortality. Results: Of 405 randomized patients, 399 were analyzed (201 in intervention and 198 in control arm). 220(55%) had ID at discharge (i.e. an hepcidin <41 μg/l). Primary endpoint was not different (medians(IQR) post-ICU LOS 33(13;90) vs 33(11;90) days for intervention and control respectively, median difference -1(-3;1) days, p=0.78). D90 mortality was significantly lower in the intervention arm (16(8%) vs 33(16.6%) deaths, absolute risk difference -8.7 (-15.1 to -2.3)%, p=0.008). Conclusion: Treatment of ID diagnosed according to hepcidin levels did not reduce the post-ICU LOS, but may reduce the long-term mortality in critically ill patients about to be discharged after a prolonged stay. Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrial.gov NCT02276690 (October 28, 2014; Retrospectively registered)