bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of "Motivational Interviewing" and "Information, Motivation and Behavioral Skills” on Choosing Mode of Delivery in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shirzad Mahboubeh , Shakibazadeh Elham , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Abedini Mehrandokht , Poursharifi Hamid
Published: August 2020

Background: Cesarean section is an important surgical procedure to save mothers and/or babies’ lives. Current trends show that the rate of Cesarean section is increasing dramatically over the years. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of "motivational interviewing" and "information, motivation and behavioral skills” model on choosing mode of delivery among pregnant women.Methods: In a four-armed, parallel-design randomized controlled trial, 120 women were randomly assigned to three brief interventions and one control groups. We recruited pregnant women referring to Ebnesina hospital, Tehran- Iran from 2019-2020. The intervention groups included: 1) motivational interviewing; 2) face-to-face information, motivation and behavioural skills model; and 3) information, motivation and behavioural skills model provided using a mobile application. The inclusion criteria were being literate, gestational age 24 to 32 weeks, being able to speak Persian, having no complications in the current pregnancy, having no indications for CS, and having enough time to participate in the study. The most important outcomes of the study included women’s intentions to undergo any mode of delivery, women’s self-efficacy in choosing the mode of delivery, and mode of delivery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and standard deviation), inferential statistics including independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-squared and One-way ANOVA tests and logistic regression.Results: Following the interventions, significant differences were found in the mode of delivery (P < 0.05) and women’s self-efficacy and intention (P < 0.05). Women who had used the mobile application had more improvements in the self-efficacy and intention than the face-to-face intervention groups.Conclusions: Our study showed positive significant effects of various types of brief interventions to reduce unnecessary Cesarean section rate among the participant women. Providing the intervention using mobile application showed even better results. Our findings may contribute to a rise in normal vaginal delivery; and these simple, non-expensive, tailored to women, and culture-oriented brief interventions can be considered as appropriate strategies to reduce Cesarean section rate in local, national, and/or regional levels.Trial registration: This study has been registered in Iran Randomized Clinical Trial Center (IRCT20151208025431N7). Registered October 07, 2018.
Investigation of Assembly Forces During Creation of Head-Neck Taper Junction Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Wendler Toni , Prietzel Torsten , Möbius Robert , Fischer Jean-Pierre , Roth Andreas , Zajonz Dirk
Published: August 2020

BackgroundAll current total hip arthroplasty (THA) systems are modular in design. Only during the operation femoral head and stem get connected by a Morse taper junction. The junction is realized by hammer blows from the surgeon. Decisive for the junction strength is the maximum force acting once in direction of the neck axis, which depends both on the applied impulse and the damping of human soft tissues. This leads to large differences in assembly forces between the surgeons. The investigation of assembly forces of different surgeons under influence of soft tissue damping is subject of this study.MethodsFirst, a measuring system, consisting of a prosthesis and a hammer, was developed. Both components are equipped with a piezoelectric force sensor. Initially, in situ experiments on human cadavers were carried out using this system in order to determine the actual assembly forces and to characterize the damping properties of human soft tissue. In addition to these experiments, an in vitro model in form of an artificial femur (Sawbones Europe AB, Malmo, Sweden) with implanted measuring stem embedded in gelatine was developed. The gelatine mixture was chosen in such a way that damping properties of the model correspond to those in situ. A study with 31 surgeons was carried out on the in vitro model mentioned above, in which the assembly forces were determined.ResultsA model has been developed, that represents the physiological damping behaviour of human soft tissue. The assembly forces measured on in vitro model were on average 2037.2 N ± 724.9 N and ranged from 822.5 N to 3835.2 N. The comparison of the surgeons showed no significant differences regarding sex (p=0.09), work experience (p=0.71) and number of THAs per year (p=0.69).ConclusionsAll measured assembly forces were below 4 kN, which is recommended in the literature. This could lead to increased corrosion following fretting in the head-neck interface. In addition, there was a very wide range of assembly forces among the surgeons, although other influencing factors such as different implant sizes or materials were not taken into account. To ensure optimal assembly force, the impaction should be standardized, e.g. by an appropriate surgical instrument.
Significance of placental swab in diagnosing vertical transmission in SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers.
Authors: Sweeney Isabelle , Assaf Niazy Al , Khan Rizwan
Published: August 2020

AimsCurrently, there is limited date on the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and neonatal outcome. This literature review aims to investigate the possibility of fetal vertical transmission in COVID-19 positive pregnant mothers by diagnosing through placental swabs.MethodsThe search terms ‘pregnant COVID-19 positive mothers’, ‘fetal vertical transmission’ and ‘placental swabs’ were used. 11 papers were selected for this review.ResultsThis literature review comprises 45 COVID-19 positive pregnant women whose placentas and neonates were also analysed by RT-PCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. 43 neonates were successfully delivered primarily via caesarean section out of 45 expectant mothers (96%). 2 mothers did not deliver due to severe preeclampsia and a miscarriage both occurring in the second trimester. 3 neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (7%). We report no neonatal mortality after birth and no maternal mortality. 8 female’s placentas tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 out of a total of 45 tested (18%). Of these 8, 2 cases of SARS-CoV-2 were identified in the maternal, neonatal and placental tissue.ConclusionAfter reviewing multiple studies and investigating the nature of placental physiology in SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers we conclude that there is no concrete evidence of vertical transmission occurring between mother and infant. However, there are inconsistencies across the different papers used for this review and further research investigating the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women by using RT-PCR to test the mother, placenta, vaginal fluid, breast milk and infant for SARS-CoV-2 at various stages of transmission is urgently needed.
Metallaphotoredox-Catalyzed C−H Activation: Regio-Selective Annulation of Allenes with Benzamide
Authors: Li Tianlei , Li Jishun , Zhu Zihao , Chen Yuyuan , Li Xueyao , Yang Qingyun , Xia Jie , Zhang Wenxuan , Zhang Chao , PAN Wiedong , Wu Song
Published: August 2020

We have developed an efficient annulation of benzamides with allenes using cobalt and photoredox dual catalysis under an oxygen atmosphere. This reaction provides a mild and environmentally friendly method for the construction of isoquinolinon scaffolds in good to excellent yields, which demonstrates broad substrate scopes, high regioselectivity, and good functional group compatibility. Notably, this transformation feathers an alternative strategy for the regeneration of cobalt catalyst with the aid of Eosin Y. Preliminary mechanism studies reveal that a radical-mediated cascade annulation is involved in this reaction.
Network Pharmacology Approach and Experimental Verification of Huashi Dingtong Decoction Against Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hai-Ya Ge , Lai-Jun Yan , Yan Zhang , Ying-Sheng Zhang , Yu-Yang Lai , Qiu-Dong Geng , Ze-Ling Huang , Nan Li
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to clarify the ingredients and targets of HSDTT against KOA by network pharmacology,and to verify the mechanism of HSDTT in treatment of KOA in vivo.Methods: Ingredient-target network for HSDTT and KOA was created to identify the potential targets, protein-protein interaction network was used to find the key targets of HSDTT in treatment for KOA, GO enrichment and KEGG pathway was conducted to illuminate the pathway related to KOA treat by HSDTT. Rat model of KOA was established by joint injection in papain.The morphology of cartilage were assessed by H&E. ELISA was used to detect the contents of inflammation cytokines in synovial fluid and synovium. The expression of the pathway protein were assessed by PCR.Results: The results of network pharmacology demonstrate that there are 440 ingredients of HSDTT against knee osteoarthritis by 478 targets.The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway were the key pathways for HSDTT to treat KOA. Morphology of cartilage was improved in the HSDTT group when compared with the model group. Our experiment show that HSDTT can reduced the expressions of p38 and p53 in cartilage, increased the expression of collagenⅡ. The contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in the synovium and COX-2 and PGE-2 in synovial fluid were decreased significantly in the HSDTT group when compared with the model group.Conclusions: Our study indicadites that HSDTT is capable to alleviate inflammation and delay the progression of KOA by p38MAPK signaling pathway.
Frequency Split Analysis of a Ring Vibratory Gyroscope Based on Harmonic Transformation of Parametric Errors
Authors: Xi Xiang , Zhang Yongmeng , Sun Jiangkun , Wu Xuezhong
Published: August 2020

Ring vibratory gyroscopes are important angular rate sensors widely used in inertial navigation systems. A highly symmetrical resonator is the core part of the ring vibratory gyroscope. Frequency split is a key parameter which denotes the level of unbalanced mass and stiffness of the resonator. Many research works focus on the precise machining of the resonator for the sake of eliminating frequency split. However, for metallic ring resonators, the decrease of frequency split is not always proportional to the promotion of geometric accuracy. This paper investigates the frequency split of the ring resonator gyroscope caused by parametric errors including geometric and material imperfection via a method of harmonic transformation. The roundness error of the ring resonator is extracted, and then decomposed to a series of orders of harmonic waves. Transformation results show that for the tested resonator, its first 20 orders of harmonic waves contain the main components of the roundness error. Then a precise FEM modeling is built for frequency split analysis. The simulation result shows that the roundness error of the resonator can cause a frequency split of 0.6 Hz, which accounts for 16.2 % of the total frequency split. Based on the metallographic observation and grouping experiment of different metallic resonators, it is deduced that the main frequency split is caused by material heterogeneity. It shows that the material homogenization is as important as precise machining for the resonator of small frequency split. The proposed research provides an instruction to manufacture high quality metallic resonators.
Curdione induces G2/M phage arrest, apoptosis and autophagy via COX2 mediate IDO1 expression through PKCδ/ GSK3β/β-catenin pathway in human uterine leiomyosarcoma
Authors: wei Chao , Li Donghua , Wang Wenna , Liu yu , Qiu tiantian
Published: August 2020

Background Curdione, one of active ingredients of a traditional Chinese herb medicine-Curcuma zedoary, has been reported with beneficial therapeutic effects in lots of cancer types. However, the potential anti-cancer effect in uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.Methods The aim of this study was to explore the potential effect and mechanisms of curdione on uLMS in vitro and vivo with uLMS cell lines and mouse xenograft tumor model respectively.Results Curdione triggered anti-proliferation effect in uLMS cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, caspase-mediated cell apoptosis, and pro-death cell autophagy. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1), which was dependent on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), mediated the anti-proliferation effect of curdione. Curdione down-regulated IDO1 expression and promoted the dephosphorylation of protein kinase c (PKC), glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) and β-catenin in cell lines. PKC/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway responsible for constitutive IDO1 expression in uLMS. COX2 mediate the promotion effect of curdione on the PKC/GSK3β/β catenin pathway activity, which was detected by COX2 inhibitor, and further confirmed by COX2 siRNA and COX2 overexpression. The pathway activity was inhibited by COX2-siRNA and enhanced by COX2 overexpression. In turn, the pathway inhibitor suppressed IDO1 expression. The anti-proliferation effect of curdione on uterine leiomyosarcoma were further confirmed in vivo. Echoing to the results in vitro, the underline mechanism involved in COX2-mediated IDO1 down-regulation via PKCδ/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway.Conclusion COX2-mediated IDO1 down-regulation via PKCδ/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway involved in the anti-proliferation effect of curdione on uterine leiomyosarcoma in vitro and vivo.
Proteomic Analysis to Explore the Effect of Zishen Jiangtang Pills on Diabetic Osteoporosis Rats
Authors: Chu Shufang , Liu Deliang , Zhao Hengxia , Shao Mumin , Chen Jianping , Liu Xuemei , Qu Xin , Li Zengying , Li Jinhua , Li Huilin
Published: August 2020

Context Zishen Jiangtang Pill (ZJP) is a Chinese herbal compound that could play a positive role in the treatment of Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) by regulating glucose and bone metabolism. However, the specific mechanisms are still unclear.Background To explore the effect and mechanism of ZJP on DOP rats by proteomic analysis.Materials and methods After the establishment of diabetes model by 0.2% STZ, 40 Wistar rats were equally divided into normal group, model group (diabetic rats), high dose group (3.0 g/kg/d ZJP) and low dose group (1.5 g/kg/d ZJP), and received 3 months of treatment. Histological changes in bone and pancreas tissues were observed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify the differentially expressed proteins. The fingerprint and active ingredients of ZJP were identified via HPLC.Results Compared with the model group, ZJP could rescue the weight, fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin of rats in both high and low dose group. ZJP could also improve the micro-structures of pancreatic islet cells, and bone mass, trabecular and marrow cavities in DOP rats. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that ZJP might influence DOP via multiple pathways, mainly including ribosomes, vitamin digestion and absorption, and fat digestion and absorption. The primary active ingredients, including notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, icariin, and ginsenoside Rb1 were detected.Conclusion ZJP could significantly improve the histomorphology and ultrastructure of bone and islets tissues, and might serve as an effective alternative medicine for the treatment of DOP.
Elevated level of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide is associated with myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Shi Heshui , Li Yumin , Liu Jia , Cao Yukun , Zhou Xiaoyue , Han Xiaoyu , Gu Jin , Shao Guozhu , Han Tongtong , Cui Yue
Published: August 2020

Background: Myocardial fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been reported to be significantly correlated with cardiovascular outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. However, data regarding non-invasive markers for detecting myocardial fibrosis were inconsistent and, not systematically evaluated in HCM patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF).Methods: In this study, 86 HCM patients with preserved EF and 33 controls were enrolled. The left ventricular function, end-diastolic maximum wall thickness (MWT), global systolic strains and extent of LGE (% LGE) were assessed. The biochemical indices were also recorded before the CMR examination.Results: Serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) levels were elevated in LGE-positive patients compared with LGE-negative patients (p < 0.05 for all). The LGE-positive patients had lower global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strains than the LGE-negative group and the healthy controls (p < 0.05 for all). The LGE% was independently associated with the Nt-proBNP levels (standardized β = 0.627, p < 0.001), beta-blocker treatment (standardized β = -0.372, p = 0.01), MWT (standardized β = 0.481, p = 0.001) and GCS (standardized β = 0.406, p = 0.013). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the combined parameters of Nt-proBNP ≥ 108 pg/mL and MWT ≥ 17.3 mm had good diagnostic performance for LGE, with a specificity of 81.3% and sensitivity of 70.0%.Conclusions: This study suggests that Nt-proBNP may be a potential biomarker associated with LGE% and, combined with MWT, was useful in detecting myocardial fibrosis in HCM patients with preserved EF. Additionally, LV GCS may be a more sensitive indicator for reflecting the presence of myocardial fibrosis than GLS.
Molecular and Pathotypic Characterization of Fowl Adenovirus Associated with Inclusion Body Hepatitis in Indian Chickens
Authors: Shinde Dasharath B. , Thormoth Anil L , Koratkar Santosh S. , Sharma Neeti , Rajguru Ashok , Rale Vinay , Wagh Prasad , Prajitno Teguh Y. , Tongaonkar Satish S.
Published: August 2020

Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) is a disease of chickens characterized by acute mortality with severe anemia caused by fowl adenoviruses (FAdV). IBH is one of the most important re-emerging diseases world-wide. In India earlier IBH/ Hydropericardium Syndrome (HPS) outbreaks were mainly due to FAdV) type 4; however, in recent outbreaks, other serotypes are involved, despite regular vaccination in breeders and young chicks. The aim of the present study was isolation and molecular characterization of FAdV associated with IBH in India. A total of 193 liver samples of IBH suspected broiler chickens were collected from different regions of India. Liver samples were initially screened by histopathology and further, a total of 127 samples which microscopically showed basophilic, intra-nuclear inclusion bodies were processed for FAdV detection. A total of 69 samples were found to be positive for Hexon gene in PCR, of which 28 were sequenced. These samples showed more than 94% sequence homology with FAdV2 and 97% with FAdV11, which was confirmed by Restriction Enzyme Analysis (REA). Tissue Culture Infective Dose 50 (TCID50) and Egg Infective Dose50 (EID50) titer of isolated FAdV was found to be 106.5/ml. Pathogenicity study in SPF chicks showed 100% mortality up to Post Infection Day (PID)-6. These findings conclude that the prevalence of FAdV-11 is currently causing IBH outbreaks India. However, further genetic and pathogenic analysis of FAdV is required, which would provide useful information for the development of the efficient commercial IBH vaccine.
Association of rs3746444 in MiRNA-499 and rs3787016 in Long Non-coding RNAs POLR2E with Prostate Cancer: an updated meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Liu Xuebin , Liu Yan , Wang Zhaozhang , Li Yuwu , Li Yubin , Zou Zihao , Zhong Jianfeng , Deng Nan , Zhou Gaorui , Liu Ping
Published: August 2020

Background

It has been proved that a significant proportion of prostate cancer diagnoses may be associated with a strong hereditary component. Micro-RNAs and Long Non-coding RNAs are a group of a noncoding small molecule, which play critical roles in signalling pathways, metabolism, apoptosis and cancer development. Exercising a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between rs3746444, rs3787016 and prostate cancer (PCa) risk was the main objective of our study.
Results

10 case-control studies were included, while 6 on rs3787016 and 4 on rs3746444. On the whole, the genotypes carrying the T allele, in which were verified an increased risk between rs3787016 and PCa risk.( T vs C: odds ratio(OR) = 1.802, 95% CI 1.015–3.198, P value of heterogeneity(PH) = 0.00%; CT vs CC: OR = 1.179,95% CI 1.091–1.275, PH = 0.41; TT vs CC: .OR = 1.418, 95% CI 1.229–1.636, PH= 0.961; TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.216, 95% CI 1.129–1.310, PH= 0.408; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.328, 95%CI 1.159–1.521, PH = 0.987). A vital relevance was performed by this meta-analysis in three models between rs3746444 and PCa risk, in which a tendency of increased PCa risk could be found (C vs T: OR = 1.197, 95% CI 1.035–1.384, PH= 0.837; CC vs TT: OR = 1. 137, 95% CI 0.813–1.590, PH = 0.392; CC + CT vs TT: OR = 1.426, 95% CI 1.166–1.743, PH= 0.406.).
Conclusion

Our findings proposed that rs3746444 in MiRNA-499 and rs3787016 in Long Non-coding RNAs POLR2E polymorphisms increased the risk of developing PCa. Further functional studies are warranted to reveal the role of the polymorphism in carcinogenesis.
MiR-217 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Though EZH2-mediated Epigenetically Regulating Wnt Pathway
Authors: Jiang Hao , Jia Peizeng
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of miR-217 and EZH2 in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.Methods: The expression pattern of miR-217 and EZH2 in PDLSCs during osteogenesis was detected by qRT-PCR. Then gain-and loss-of-function was performed to confirm the roles of miR-217 and EZH2 in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining were used to detect the activity of osteoblasts and mineral deposition. Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to detected osteogenic markers to conform osteogenesis phenotype. Furthermore, dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to analyze the binding of miR-217 to EZH2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis were performed to explore the mechanism of EZH2 and miR-217 on Wnt pathway.Results: miR-217 was significantly upregulated during the osteogenic differentiation, whereas EZH2 was significantly downregulated. Moreover, knockdown of miR-217 and overexpression of EZH2 inhibited the ALP activity, ARS staining, and expression of osteogenic genes. Furthermore, overexpression of EZH2 partially reversed the effects of miR-217 overexpression on osteoblast differentiation. Finally, miR-217 overexpression promoted the expression of Wnt genes, resulting in the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting EZH2.Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that miR-217 is induced by osteogenic stimuli and promotes osteogenic differentiation partly by targeting the EZH2/Wnt1/β-Catenin signaling pathway. This study provides a novel understanding of the mechanisms of osteogenic differentiation, and suggests a potential method for promoting bone formation.
Clinical Application of the Spatial QRS-T Angle for the Prediction of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Chang Qinghua , Li Changjun , Chai Wenshu , Fan Huangyuan , Zhang Chenchen
Published: August 2020

Background: The objective of our study was to assess the clinical application of the spatial QRS-T angle for the prediction of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.Methods: The study group of 162 patients with acute pulmonary embolism was stratiﬁed on the basis of color doppler echocardiographic ﬁndings into two subgroups: non-PAH group (n = 92) and PAH group (n = 70). Then PAH group patients were stratified into mild, moderate, and severe PAH group. Independent t-test was used to compare the indexes of non-PAH group and PAH group. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the indexes of mild, moderate, and severe PAH group. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the signiﬁcance of the correlation between acute pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) and spatial QRS-T angle.Results: The spatial QRS-T angle was larger in patients with PAH than those with non-PAH (109.010±30.970° VS 68.098±18.010°, P < 0.05). Signiﬁcant differences of spatial QRS-T angle values were found between patients with mild, moderate and severe PAH (73.714±15.716°, 104.790±20.675°, 139.57±23.196°, respectively, P < 0.05). There was a positively linear correlation between the spatial QRS-T angle and PASP in patients with PAH.Conclusions: Spatial QRS-T angle are potentially useful for differentiation between acute pulmonary embolism patients with PAH from those without PAH, and possibly also for predicting PASP in acute pulmonary embolism patients.
Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms Associated with Urinary Tract Infections Following Orthopaedic Patients: A Laboratory-Based Analysis of 5239 Patients
Authors: Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Pawłowska Iwona , Stasiowski Michał , Jachowicz Estera , Bielecki Tomasz
Published: August 2020

Background: The risk of healthcare associated infections (HAI) in surgical wards remains closely related to the type of surgery and procedures performed on patients. They also condition the risk of various, apart from the most common, surgical site infections, forms of clinical infections, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their occurrence in orthopedic patients is most often – in about 70%-80%, associated with the use of the bladder catheter in the perioperative period. The aim of this study was the epidemiological and microbiological analysis of UTIs following orthopedic patients, especially MDR in 2013-2015.Methods: The study was conducted in 38-bed Department of Orthopedic-Traumatic Surgery in Sosnowiec, Poland. 5 239 patients surgery included in the study, the urinary catheter utilization rate was 30.7 %. Laboratory based study using the UTI definition of the HAI-Net program, MDR was defined as resistant to at least one antibiotic from 2< antibiotics groups. The results were analyzed using the statistical package PQStat ver. 1.6.0.428 using the chi-square test (chi ^ 2) or Fisher's exact test.Results The UTI incidence was 3.2% (168 cases), CA-UTI incidence density was 9.6/1 000 catheter-days. The highest risk of UTI was found in patients aged 75 years and older. Gram-negative flora prevailed among microorganisms: 76.1%. Predominantly isolated Enterobacterales were: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Isolated microorganisms were fully sensitive to carbapenems. Gram-negative bacilli showed the lowest sensitivity to extended substrate spectrum penicillins and fluoroquinolones: 37-64%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: 50%; MDR prevalence: 24.4%.Conclusions The presented data indicate that UTI incidence is a significant problem in studied population, as well as antimicrobialresistance, especially to quinolones and extended spectrum cephalosporins, as first-line therapy remains a major challenge. To reduce the problem of high UTI incidence and MDR prevalence, the priority should be the reduction of UTI risk – which exceeded the expected values.
Behavioral Effects of Different Contraceptive Methods and HIV Acquisition: An Ancillary Study of the ECHO* Randomized Trial
Authors: Singata-Madliki Mandisa , Lawrie Theresa , Balakrishna Yusentha , d’Hellencourt Florence Carayon-Lefebvre , Hofmeyr George Justus
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThe ECHO trial randomised 7829 women to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM), the copper intrauterine device (IUD) and the levonorgestrel (LNG) implant (1:1:1) and found no clear difference in HIV incidence between these three groups. We have previously hypothesized that oligo-amenorrhoea induced by DMPA-IM may have a protective effect on HIV acquisition. The aim of this ancillary study was to assess the effects of DMPA-IM, the IUD and the LNG implant on menstrual symptoms and sexual behavior and to correlate these with HIV acquisition.Methods At the Effective Care Research Unit (ECRU) in South Africa, women already randomised to DMPA-IM, the copper IUD and the LNG implant (1:1:1) were asked to participate. Participants completed a 28-day symptom and behavior diary following their one-month ECHO trial visit and returning it at their 3-month follow-up visit. HIV acquisition data were retrieved from ECHO trial records.ResultsOf 487 women enrolled on the ancillary study, 390 (80%) completed their daily diary; 130, 133, and 127 received DMPA-IM, IUD, and LNG implant, respectively. Thirty-three (8·4%) of these women acquired HIV. Women on the progestin-only contraceptives were more likely to experience amenorrhoea, as expected, and were less likely to have intra-menstrual coitus than IUD users (p < 0·001 for DMPA-IM vs IUD and P = 0·002 for implant vs IUD). Overall coital frequency was highest and condom usage lowest among DMPA-IM users. Intra-menstrual coitus correlated positively, and duration of menstruation correlated negatively, with HIV acquisition, although these effects were not statistically significant (p=0·09 and p=0·079, respectively).ConclusionsFindings support the hypothesis that oligo-amenorrhoea and the associated reduced intra-menstrual coitus may mitigate the potential for an increased biological risk of HIV acquisition with DMPA-IM but more evidence is needed. Study registration number: PACTR201706001651380
Investigation of Microstructure and Dielectric Behavior of Bi2/3Cu3-xMgxTi4O12(x=0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2) Ceramics Synthesized by Semi-Wet Route
Authors: Rai Vishnu Shankar , Pandey Santosh , Kumar Vinod , Verma Manish Kumar , Kumar Atendra , Singh Shruti , Prajapati Dinesh , Mandal Prof. K.D.
Published: August 2020

In this manuscript, We have reported the synthesis and characterization of Mg-doped and undoped BCTO ceramic (Bi2/3Cu3-xMgxTi4O12, x=0,0.05,0.1,0.2) sintered at 1173 K for 8 h, which have been prepared by the semi-wet path. Single-phase formation of ceramic was approved by the XRD pattern. The Microstructural properties were studied by TEM and AFM. The samples were characterized by dielectric and impedance spectroscopic properties. The dielectric constant (εr) was calculated to be 3024 for BCTO ceramics at 423 K and 100 Hz. The tangent loss (tan δ) value was calculated to be 0.45 for BCTO ceramic at 423 K and 10 kHz. The internal Barrier Layer Capacitance (IBLC) mechanism was responsible for the high value of dielectric constant. XPS spectroscopy confirmed the oxidation state of the ceramic. It was observed from Impedance and modulus studies that there was the existence of the Maxwell-Wagner form of relaxation in the ceramics.
Examining the News Media Reaction to a National Sugary Beverage Tax in South Africa: A Quantitative Content Analysis.
Authors: Essman Michael , Stoltze Fernanda Mediano , Carpentier Francesca Dillman , Swart Elizabeth C , Taillie Lindsey Smith
Published: August 2020

Background: South Africa was the first sub-Saharan African country to implement a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax called the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) in April 2018. Given news media can increase public awareness and sway opinions, this study analyzed how the media represented the HPL, including expressions of support or challenge, topics associated with the levy, and stakeholder views of the HPL.Methods: We performed a quantitative content analysis of online South African news articles related to the HPL published between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2019. We coded the presence or absence of mentions related to health and economic effects of the HPL and HPL support or opposition. Prevalence of these mentions, overall and by source (industry, government, academics, other), were analyzed with Pearson χ2 and post-hoc Fisher exact tests. Results: Across all articles, 81% mentioned health, and 65% mentioned economics topics. 54% of articles expressed support, 26% opposition, and 20% a balanced view of the HPL. All sources except industry expressed majority support for the HPL. Health reasons were the most common justifications for support, and economic harms were the most common justifications for opposition. Statements that sugar intake is not related to obesity, the HPL will not reduce SSB intake, and the HPL will cause industry or economic harm were all disproportionately high in industry sources (92%, 80%, and 81% vs 25% prevalence in total sample) (p<0.001). Statements that sugar intake is related to obesity and non-communicable diseases were disproportionately high in both government (46% and 54% vs 31% prevalence in total sample) (p<0.001) and academics (33% and 38% vs 25% prevalence in total sample) (p<0.05). Statements that the HPL will improve health and the HPL will reduce health care costs were disproportionately high in government (47% vs 31% prevalence in total sample) (p<0.001) and academics (44% vs 25% prevalence in total sample) (p<0.05), respectively. Conclusions: Industry expressed no support for the HPL, whereas academics, government, and other sources mainly expressed support. Future studies would be improved by linking news media exposure to SSB intake data to better understand the effects news media may have on individual behavior change.
Community drug distributors’ experiences and challenges faced in the implementation of community-directed treatment with ivermectin programme for onchocerciasis control in Ulanga, Tanzania
Authors: Mushi Vivian
Published: August 2020

Background: Community drug distributors (CDDs) have a crucial role in distributing ivermectin for onchocerciasis control and prevention. Their experiences and challenges faced in the implementation of the community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) programme could potentially affect coverage, consequently leading to persistent transmission. Therefore, this study aimed to explore CDDs experiences and challenges faced in the implementation of the CDTI programme in Ulanga, Tanzania.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Ulanga, Tanzania, in 2018. An in-depth interview guide was used to collect data from 5 CDDs above 18 years who were selected purposively. The analysis was performed using a thematic framework approach to generate codes, categories and themes.Results: Out of the five CDDs interviewed, two had 15 to 20 years of experience in the implementation of the CDTI programme, while the remaining CDDs had less than 10 years of experience. The main challenges faced by CDDs in the implementation of the CDTI programme include the geographical location of the hamlets (hard to reach hamlets), long distances between houses, low compliance of community members to medication due to fear of side effects experienced before and mistrust of methods of dose calculation, short time of drug distribution and absence of people from their households as the exercise was conducted when community members were involved in agricultural activities.Conclusions: The use of CDDs in the implementation of the CDTI programme has been successful despite the challenges mentioned. It is now opportune time to address the challenges that CDDs are facing in the implementation of the CDTI programme to ensure effective control of onchocerciasis in the district.
Clinical and Functional Outcomes of At-Risk Mental State Among Non-Help Seeking Adolescents
Authors: Švancer Patrik , Dorazilová Aneta , Voráčková Veronika , Knytl Pavel , Mohr Pavel , Rodriguez Mabel , Jonáš Juraj , Šebela Antonín
Published: August 2020

Background: At-risk mental state (ARMS) individuals are at high risk to develop psychosis. In addition to attenuated symptoms, ARMS is associated with cognitive and functional impairment. The findings are mostly based on research in help-seeking at-risk population. Our study aim was to explore prevalence rates of ARMS, comorbidities, functioning, and cognitive performance among non-help seeking adolescents. Patients and methods: Study subjects were randomly selected high school adolescents. At-risk mental state was assessed with Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States interview (CAARMS). Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia examined comorbidities. Social functioning and quality of life were measured with Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and KIDSCREEN 52. Cognitive performance in the domains of visual memory, verbal memory, working memory, and processing speed was assessed with a battery of cognitive tests Results: The total of 82 adolescents was enrolled, 21 of them met the ARMS criteria. No case of threshold psychotic disorder was detected in the study sample. Subthreshold mental disorders were more frequent in the ARMS+ group than in the ARMS- group (OR= 3.05; 95%CI 1.07, 8.67; p=0.03). Lower SOFAS scores were observed in the ARMS+ group compared to the ARMS- group (t= -3.888; p<.001; Cohen’s d = 0.99). In the total sample, CAARMS symptoms intensity was negatively associated with the SOFAS score (β = -.51; R2 = 0.26; p<.001). No significant differences in the KIDSCREEN-52 scores or cognitive functioning were found between the groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that non-help seeking adolescents with at-risk mental state have worse level of functioning compared to controls and higher rates of non-psychotic psychiatric comorbidities. Reduction in functioning is negatively associated with the severity of their subsyndromal psychotic symptoms.
Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Decoction Ameliorates Depression-Like Behavior in Diabetic Rats via Activation of Neuronal and Astrocytic IR/IRS-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Hui , Ling Jia , Meng Pan , Liu Jian , Lin Xiaoyuan , Li Wei , Wang Yuhong
Published: August 2020

Background: Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu decoction(ZJJ) is a Chinese herbal formulation on the strength of Zuogui Wan which recorded in the “Jing Yue Quan Shu” in the Ming dynasty. It is mainly used for treatment of diabetes-related depression in current clinical applications and researches. This study aims to investigate whether brain IR/IRS-1 signaling pathway involved in the therapeutic effect of ZJJ on depression-like behavior in diabetic rats.Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were fed with high fat diet, and subjected to streptozotocin injection to establish the diabetes animal model. After treatment with different doses of ZJJ (20.530 g/kg or 10.265 g/kg) for 4 weeks, blood glucose level and peripheral insulin resistance were measured. Forced-swimming test (FST) and Morris water maze test (MWMT) were applied for mood and cognitive function assessment. Then western blot was used to analyze the protein levels of insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylonositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (AKT) in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. Meanwhile, immunofluorescence and double-labeling immunofluorescence were performed to analyze the above proteins expression in the neuron and astrocyte, respectively. At last, energy metabolism and glycogen metabolism were tested by using ELISA. Additionally, the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and the lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) were analyzed by using western blot.Results: ZJJ administration significantly decreased blood glucose and improved peripheral insulin resistance of diabetic rats. Besides, ZJJ improved the depression-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction caused by diabetes. Furthermore, result of the western blot analysis showed that ZJJ treatment increased the expression of phospho-IR, phospho-IRS-1, phospho-PI3K, and phospho-AKT in the hippocampus of diabetic rat. Moreover, result of immunofluorescence showed that the above proteins were increased not only in the neuron but also in the astrocyte after ZJJ administration. In addition, ZJJ increased the content of ATP, glycogen and lactate, as well as the expression of GLUT4 and MCT4 in the hippocampus of diabetic rats.Conclusions: These findings suggested that ZJJ improves the depression-like behavior of diabetic rats by activating both neuronal and astrocytic IR/IRS-1 signaling pathway. And the brain IR/IRS-1 signaling pathway plays an important role in astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling, providing a potential mechanism by which IR/IRS-1 signaling pathway may contribute to the treatment of ZJJ on diabetes related depression.
A reinvenção dos modos de ser, pensar e estar
Authors: Raposo Paulo
Published: August 2020

Trata-se de uma resenha do livro Pandemia: COVID-19 e a reinvenção do comunismo, do filósofo sloveno Slavoj Žižek, cujo objetivo é analisar o atual cenário mundial com as múltiplas crises provocadas pelo novo coronavírus que assola o mundo indistintamente e, por conseguinte, põe em questão os modelos de organização social e política que o capitalismo impõe.
Colóquios filosóficos como meio de melhoria na aprendizagem em Filosofia para os alunos da primeira série do Ensino Médio
Authors: Aureliano Ana Cristina
Published: August 2020

Este projeto busca oferecer mediação pedagógica aos alunos do 9º ano de um colégio da rede particular, afim de melhorar a apreensão do conceito em relação à política, tais como: conhecimento, ética e moral, nas primeiras séries do Ensino Médio na disciplina de filosofia. Para atender a este objetivo, foi elaborado como estratégia didática os Colóquios Filosóficos, por se tratar de um meio de desenvolver temas pré-definidos, com exposições, debates e busca de tomada de decisões. Foi realizado uma sondagem inicial para saber o qual o conhecimento prévio dos alunos do 9º ano sobre política, numa perspectiva filosófica, o planejamento dos colóquios com os palestrantes convidados, a realização dos colóquios, o monitoramento e a avaliação final.  Trazendo como resultados o interesse dos alunos para participar dos colóquios, discussões e questionamentos, dando resposta a capacidade de apreensão de conteúdos sistemáticos da grade curricular do Ensino Médio de forma prazerosa e eficaz.
Políticas educacionais na América Latina
Authors: Cabral Neto Antônio , Freitas Lopes Wiama de Jesus
Published: August 2020

Este artigo reflete sobre as definições das políticas educacionais no contexto da América Latina e suas imbricações nos processos de superação de projetos de poder no continente. Quanto aos procedimentos metodológicos, foram utilizadas a revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema e análise documental. Os principais resultados deste trabalho são decorrentes da proposição de que as políticas educacionais na América Latina estão imbricadas aos ideais de Estado, do grupo político investido do poder que comumente encontra-se em favor das forças para as quais operam. Estabelecer uma condensação de forças a partir do seio do Estado, sem políticas de conciliação de classes, é um desafio para sínteses em uma integrada América Latina, sob o foco de consolidação contínua da democracia e de projetos de desenvolvimento humano, políticos, culturais e econômicos
Reformas educativas y redes globales para la educación latinoamericana
Authors: Maria Raquel Caetano  , Carvajal Ruíz Samuel Hilcías , Dos Santos Arlete Ramos
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre documentos e estudos realizados por pesquisadores que discutem as relações público-privadas e a privatização da educação pública no contexto latino-americano entre os séculos XX e XXI. No espaço educacional, os interesses capitalistas foram consolidados por meio de programas educacionais, do Banco Mundial (BM), de agências internacionais como a Organização para Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE), Comissão Econômica para a América Latina e o Caribe (CEPAL), entre outros, como os setores empresariais, principalmente a Rede Latinoamericana de Organizações da Sociedade Civil para a Educação (REDUCA) - constituída por organizações sociais de 15 países da América Latina, muitas das quais são administradas por grandes empreendedores que não mantêm vínculos com a área educacional estadual, mas com o setor privado, sendo a educação pública um espaço de conflito e disputa.
Recombinant Human p53 Adenovirus Injection (rAd-p53) Combined with Chemotherapy for 4 Cases of High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Qu Hui , Xia Yu , Li Xiuqin
Published: August 2020

Background:

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is one of the most common
ovarian epithelial carcinomas. It is highly invasive, easily recurs after systemic treatment, and has a poor
prognosis. Despite many new chemotherapeutic drugs and trials of combinations of different regimens
that have been used in treatment attempts, there has been no meaningful progress in the treatment of
HGSOC. With the development of gene sequencing technology, gene therapy has become a new direction
for tumors treatment. It is reported that the P53 has a very high mutation rate in HGSOC, which provides
a theoretical basis for the application of gene therapy in HGSOC patients. Recombinant human p53
adenovirus injection (rAd-p53) is the world's first approved oncology gene therapy drug.

Case Report:

In this article, we retrospectively analyzed 4 cases of HGSOC patients treated with rAdp53.
Three of them were recurrent ovarian cancer, and one was the initial treatment. The treatment
method was to apply recombinant human p53 adenovirus injection (rAd-p53) to the lesions for local
injection, 72 hours later, the lesions were injected with bleomycin or fluorouracil, and systemic intravenous
chemotherapy was performed simultaneously. After rAd-p53 treatment, one of the three relapsed
ovarian cancers achieved complete remission(CR), one achieved partial remission (PR), and
one was stable disease (SD); the treatment-naive patient was operated after rAd-p53 combined with
neoadjuvant chemotherapy and achieved pathological CR. Under the action of various mechanisms of
P53, the subsequent tumor treatment showed the characteristics of slow tumor progression, no ascites,
and local recurrence. As of the end of follow-up, the OS of 4 patients was 71-120 months.

Conclusion:

Through the remarkable efficacy of these 4 cases, we can see that the application of rAdp53
combined with chemotherapy can effectively control tumor lesions, prolong the survival time of patients,
improve the quality of life of patients, which provide valuable experiences for rAd-p53 treatment
in ovarian cancer, promote the further development and progress of gene therapy in this field.