bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping adolescent sexual and reproductive health research in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Mwoka Meggie , Igonya Emmy Kageha , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Juma Kenneth , Aboderin Isabella
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Previous studies have attempted to review the vast body of evidence on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), but none has focused on a complete mapping and synthesis of the body of inquiry and evidence on ASRH in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Such a comprehensive scoping is needed, however, to offer direction to policy, programming and future research. We aim to undertake a scoping review of studies on ASRH in SSA to capture the landscape of extant research and findings and identify gaps for future research.

Methods and analysis

This protocol is designed using the framework for scoping reviews developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will include English and French language peer-reviewed publications and grey literature on ASRH (aged 10–19) in SSA published between January 2010 and June 2019. A three-step search strategy involving an initial search of three databases to refine the keywords, a full search of all databases and screening of references of previous review studies for relevant articles missing from our full search will be employed. We will search AJOL, JSTOR, HINARI, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar and the websites for the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO and Guttmacher Institute. Two reviewers will screen the titles, abstracts and full texts of publications for eligibility and inclusion—using Covidence (an online software). We will then extract relevant information from studies that meet the inclusion criteria using a tailored extraction frame and template. Extracted data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results will be presented using tables and charts and summaries of key themes arising from available research findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for a scoping review as it synthesises publicly available publications. Dissemination will be through publication in a peer-review journal and presentation at relevant conferences and convening of policymakers and civil society organisations working on ASRH in SSA.
Prioritising outcomes for evaluating eosinophil-guided corticosteroid therapy among patients with acute COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalisation: a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Suehs Carey Meredith , Zysman Maéva , Chenivesse Cécile , Burgel Pierre-Régis , Couturaud F , Deslee Gaëtan , Berger Patrick , Raherison Chantal , Devouassoux Gilles , Brousse Christophe , Roche Nicolas , Molimard Mathieu , Chinet Thierry , Devillier Philippe , Chanez Pascal , Kessler Romain , Didier Alain , Martinat Yan , Le Rouzic Olivier , Bourdin A
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Presently, those outcomes that should be prioritised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation studies remain unclear. In order to coordinate multicentre studies on eosinophilia-driven corticosteroid therapy for patients hospitalised for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), we aimed to find consensus among experts in the domain regarding the prioritisation of outcomes.

Design

A modified Delphi study was proposed to recognised COPD experts. Two brainstorming questionnaires were used to collect potential outcomes. Four subsequent rounds of questionnaires were used to rank items according to a six-point Likert scale for their importance in the protocol, as well as for being the primary outcome. Priority outcome criteria were predefined as those for which ≥70% of experts indicated that the outcome was essential for interpreting study results.

Setting

COPD exacerbation management in France.

Participants

34 experts recommended by the French Language Pulmonology Society were invited to participate. Of the latter, 21 experts participated in brainstorming, and 19 participated in all four ranking rounds.

Results

105 outcomes were ranked. Two achieved consensus as candidate primary outcomes: (1) treatment failure defined as death from any cause or the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation, readmission because of COPD or intensification of pharmacologic therapy, and (2) the time required to meet predefined discharge criteria. The 10 secondary priority outcomes included survival, time with no sign of improvement, episodes of hospitalisation, exacerbation, pneumonia, mechanical or non-invasive ventilation and oxygen use, as well as comorbidities during the initial hospitalisation.

Conclusions

This Delphi consensus project generated and prioritised a great many outcomes, documenting current expert views concerning a diversity of COPD endpoints. Among the latter, 12 reached consensus as priority outcomes for evaluating the efficacy of eosinophil-driven corticosteroid therapy in AECOPD inpatients.

Study registration

The eo-Delphi project/protocol was registered on 23 January 2018 at https://osf.io/4ahqw/.
Effect of RaceRunning on cardiometabolic disease risk factors and functional mobility in young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy: protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Ryan Jennifer , Theis Nicola , Koufaki Pelagia , Phillips Shaun , Anokye Nana , Andreopoulou Georgia , Kennedy Fiona , Jagadamma Kavi C , vanSchie Petra , Dines Hannah , van der Linden Marietta L
Published: July 2020

Introduction

There is consistent evidence that people with cerebral palsy (CP) do not engage in the recommended physical activity guidelines for the general population from a young age. Participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is particularly reduced in people with CP who have a moderate-to-severe disability. RaceRunning is a growing disability sport that provides an opportunity for people with moderate-to-severe disability to participate in physical activity in the community. It allows those who are unable to walk independently to propel themselves using a RaceRunning bike, which has a breastplate for support but no pedals. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of RaceRunning for young people with moderate-to-severe CP and the feasibility of conducting a definitive study of the effect of RaceRunning on cardiometabolic disease risk factors and functional mobility.

Methods and analysis

Twenty-five young people (age 5–21 years) with CP or acquired brain injury affecting coordination will be included in this single-arm intervention study. Participants will take part in one RaceRunning session each week for 24 weeks. Outcomes assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks include body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, functional mobility, activity competence and psychosocial impact. Adverse events will be systematically recorded throughout the 24 weeks. Focus groups will be conducted with participants and/or parents to explore their views and experiences of taking part in RaceRunning.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval has been granted by Queen Margaret University Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the South East of Scotland REC. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and distributed to people with CP and their families through RaceRunning and Athletic Clubs, National Health Service trusts and organisations for people with disabilities.

Trial registration number

NCT04034342; pre-results.
Evaluation of a learning collaborative to advance team-based care in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Thies Kathleen , Schiessl Amanda , Khalid Nashwa , Hess Anne Marie , Harding Kasey , Ward Deborah
Published: July 2020

Practising team-based primary care allows Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in the USA to be accredited as patient-centred medical homes, positioning them for value-based models of shared savings in healthcare costs. Team-based care (TBC) involves redesign of staff roles and care delivery processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness, which requires a systematic and supportive approach to practice change over time. Thirteen FQHC primary care teams participated in an 8-month learning collaborative with a goal of providing teams with the knowledge, skills and coaching support needed to advance TBC in their organisations. The primary aim was to evaluate self-reported changes in FQHC teams’ assessment of their practice relative to key concepts of TBC. The secondary aim was to evaluate how teams used the collaborative to develop new skills to advance TBC, and the implementation, service and patient outcomes they achieved. Site visits were conducted with three teams 6 months postcollaborative. Results: Two teams withdrew. The remaining teams embarked on 15 TBC improvement initiatives. Nine teams submitted a total of 11 playbooks to guide other staff in changes to their practice. Three teams reported improved efficiencies at the service level (screening and scheduling), and one improved outcomes in patients with diabetes. The nine teams that completed precollaborative and postcollaborative self-assessments reported improvements in their practice and in coach and team skills. Site visits revealed that actionable data were a barrier to improvement, coaching support from the collaborative was highly valued and FQHC leadership support was critical to improvement. Leadership investment in developing their primary care teams’ quality improvement, coaching and data analytical skills can advance TBC in their organisations.
Aerosol containment box to the rescue: extra protection for the front line
Authors: Hsu Steven H , Lai Hsien Yung , Zabaneh Firas , Masud Faisal N
Published: July 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic has created shortages of vital personal protective equipment that threatens healthcare workers’ risk of exposure, a need for innovative new ways to protect healthcare workers has emerged. An aerosol containment box that covers the patient’s head and neck in bed provides a solution to protect clinicians during aerosol-generating procedures such as intubation. We collaborated with original designer HYL and modified the size to adapt to larger patients and operator mobility. We expand its applicability by allowing the use of different instruments. The container is outfitted with an ultra-low particulate air-equipped filtration vacuum device to create negative pressure within the chamber and actively remove floating droplet nuclei generated during a procedure. This barrier method will be a valuable and economical option to protect healthcare workers on the front line globally during this pandemic and beyond.
Anti-voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibody–mediated limbic encephalitis: a case report of a 53-year-old man admitted to intensive care psychiatric unit with psychotic mania
Authors: Shahpesandy Homayun , Mohammed-Ali Rosemary , Oladosu Ahmed , Al-Kubaisy Tarik , Anene Moses , Sira Ramaiah Umesh
Published: July 2020

Limbic encephalitis represents a cluster of autoimmune disorders, with inflammation in the medial temporal lobe characterised by subacute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, affective symptoms, psychosis, short-term memory impairment as well as faciobrachial and grand mal seizures. We aim to present a case of a 53-year-old man with positive anti–voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibodies who initially presented with symptoms of psychotic mania. Six weeks post-psychiatric symptomatology, he presented with neurological symptoms such as faciobrachial jerking and tonic-clonic seizure. The patient had no previous psychiatric history and was initially treated with psychotropic medications. Our experience emphasises the fact that limbic encephalitis is not easy to identify as most patients initially present with psychiatric symptomatology than neurological symptoms. Furthermore, immunological and laboratory testing takes a rather long time to determine the diagnosis. What is more, few psychiatrists consider autoimmune nature of the neuropsychiatric presentation. Therefore, it is important to consider autoimmune encephalitis in patients with new-onset psychosis or mania who also present with neurological symptoms at some stage of their illness. Characteristic indicators of autoimmune encephalitis include neurological symptoms such as facial twitching, seizures, confusion and cognitive decline.
Community organisation-researcher partnerships: what concerns arise for community organisations and how can they be mitigated?
Authors: Pratt Bridget
Published: July 2020

Universities and research funders’ growing emphasis on community partnerships, engagement and outreach has seen a rise in collaborations between university researchers and staff of community organisations (COs) on research projects. What ethical issues and concerns are experienced as part of these collaborations has largely not been described,particularly from the perspective of COs. As part of a recent, broader qualitative study, several concerns arising during health research collaborations between COs and university researchers were captured during thematic analysis. The concerns were described in semistructured interviews by four staff of three COs that work with marginalised groups (ie, migrants and refugees, women who experience domestic violence, indigenous populations) in a high-income country. In this paper, the three concerns are taken as the starting point for ethical analysis. Interview data are first used to illustrate the three concerns: being restricted to a recruitment role in studies, reinforcement of stereotypes of marginalised groups and weakening CO-community relationships. The paper then explores why the concerns are morally troubling and demonstrates how each concern generates feelings of disrespect, creates harm(s), and/or reflects or reinforces unfairness or injustice. It concludes by proposing three ethical criteria for CO-researcher partnerships: fair division of labour, balancing CO advocacy goals with research goals and balancing CO service goals with research goals. Where researchers and COs discuss how to meet these criteria at the start and during research collaborations, it can potentially help mitigate or prevent the occurrence of the concerns described in this paper.
Presumed disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow in a dog
Authors: Jardim Gomes Bárbara Andreia , Gunn Eilidh , Millins Caroline , Waugh Elspeth M , Hammond Gawain
Published: July 2020

An eight‐year‐old male neutered Jack Russell terrier presented with fever, shoulder and elbow pain and progressive right forelimb lameness. Haematology revealed a non‐regenerative anaemia and marked thrombocytopenia. Radiography and CT of the thorax and abdomen revealed bilateral asymmetrical osteogenic‐osteolytic changes to the scapulae, humeri, femurs, pelvis, ribs and vertebrae. Histopathology of the bone marrow of the left humerus confirmed a metastatic skeletal adenocarcinoma. This case features a presumptive manifestation of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow with a bilateral asymmetrical distribution in a metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary origin. Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow should be included in the differential diagnosis with polyostotic osteolytic and osteogenic, bilateral asymmetrical lesions in the long bones, vertebrae, ribs and pelvis.
Analytical description of odd-A nuclei around the critical point of shape phase transition within a conjunction of γ-rigid and γ-stable in the presence of deformation-dependent mass formalism
Authors: Soheibi N. , Eshghi M. , Bigdeli M.
Published: July 2020

We have investigated a conjunction of γ-rigid and γ-stable collective motion of odd-A nuclei around the critical point of spherical to axially deformed shape phase transition. Our model is made on even–even nuclei with the [Formula: see text] critical point symmetry that is coupled to a single nucleon in a j orbit. The Davidson potential for the β part is applied to the γ-rigid and γ-stable part of a Bohr–Hamiltonian in the presence of a deformation-dependent mass term and spin-orbit interaction. The solutions provide baselines for odd-mass nuclei with the [Formula: see text] symmetry as Bose–Fermi dynamical symmetry. The level structure and transition patterns for some special j is estimated in detail.
INTRA-VERTEBRAL INSTABILITY WITH PARAPARESIS AFTER KYPHOPLASTY FOR A STABLE OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURE WITH ADJACENT HEALED FRACTURES
Authors: Bhat Mohd Rafiq , Kalidindi Kalyan Kumar Varma , Sath Sulaiman
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Kyphoplasty, an established low-risk procedure for the management of symptomatic osteoporotic fractures, has been a topic of debate due to doubts regarding its efficacy and its associated complications like adjacent segment fractures and cement leakage. We present a unique case of failure of kyphoplasty due to dynamic instability through the vertebral body in a patient with a recent onset osteoporotic fracture treated by double-balloon kyphoplasty. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reported cases of dynamic instability with paraparesis after kyphoplasty for a fresh stable osteoporotic fracture associated with adjacent multiple healed osteoporotic fractures. Case Presentation: A 78-year-old female with complaints of back pain and imaging suggestive of old osteoporotic fractures of T12 and L1 vertebra with a fresh stable osteoporotic fracture L2 vertebra was treated with kyphoplasty after the failure of conservative treatment. After an initial good response, the patient started complaining of back pain and anterior thigh pain with weakness in both lower limbs. Dynamic X-rays and MRI of the patient revealed intra-vertebral instability at the L2 level. The patient was operated with interbody fusion L1–L2 and posterior stabilization L1–L3, and co-existing L5–S1 spondylolisthesis was dealt with by postero-lateral fusion L5–S1. Discussion: Recurrence of back pain after kyphoplasty can be caused by re-fracture at the same level or adjacent vertebral fracture. Neurological complications are rarely reported after balloon kyphoplasty and are mostly related to cement leakage into the spinal canal. The old adjacent segment fractures altering the biomechanics with resulting undue stress on the augmented stiff vertebra may have resulted in intra-vertebral instability and paraparesis. In balloon kyphoplasty, cement is put in the anterior part of the vertebral body and the posterior body lacks support. This may also have contributed to instability. Conclusion: Dynamic instability at the intra-vertebral level can be a cause of failure of kyphoplasty especially when adjacent osteoporotic fractures are altering the biomechanics of the spine. The treatment of osteoporotic fractures should be individualized and in the presence of such factors, they may be better managed by alternative methods.
Experimental Test and Numerical Analysis of a Structure Equipped with a Multi-Tuned Liquid Damper Subjected to Dynamic Loading
Authors: Tuong Bui Pham Duc , Huynh Phan Duc
Published: July 2020

Tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) have many advantages in controlling building vibrations, among which multi-tuned liquid dampers (MTLDs) appear to have better stability and effectiveness. However, the tank wall was assumed to be rigid in the past by ignoring the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) at the interface, resulting in simplified calculation for the design of the TLDs. Moreover, the fluid in the tank was considered to be separate from the structure. This paper presents two numerical methods to control the responses of the frame under the dynamic loadings: (1) the lumped mass method for quickly designing the TLDs, and (2) the finite volume method/finite element method (FVM/FEM) for analyzing the fluid and solid domains of the TLDs in a single computational 3D model. In addition, the multi-field interaction between the structure-fluid-tank walls is considered by solving the coupling equations at the interfaces. A steel frame is fitted with an MTLD and tested experimentally on a shaking table to investigate its dynamic response. Numerical results are verified with the experimental ones, which show good agreement.
Decoding pilot behavior consciousness of EEG, ECG, eye movements via an SVM machine learning model
Authors: Wang Xiashuang , Gong Guanghong , Li Ni , Ding Li , Ma Yaofei
Published: July 2020

To decode the pilot’s behavioral awareness, an experiment is designed to use an aircraft simulator obtaining the pilot’s physiological behavior data. Existing pilot behavior studies such as behavior modeling methods based on domain experts and behavior modeling methods based on knowledge discovery do not proceed from the characteristics of the pilots themselves. The experiment starts directly from the multimodal physiological characteristics to explore pilots’ behavior. Electroencephalography, electrocardiogram, and eye movement were recorded simultaneously. Extracted multimodal features of ground missions, air missions, and cruise mission were trained to generate support vector machine behavior model based on supervised learning. The results showed that different behaviors affects different multiple rhythm features, which are power spectra of the [Formula: see text] waves of EEG, standard deviation of normal to normal, root mean square of standard deviation and average gaze duration. The different physiological characteristics of the pilots could also be distinguished using an SVM model. Therefore, the multimodal physiological data can contribute to future research on the behavior activities of pilots. The result can be used to design and improve pilot training programs and automation interfaces.
Epilogue – The rhymes, musings and riddles of the International Community of Geological Surveys (ICOGS)
Authors: Lebel Daniel , Hill Philip R.
Published: July 2020

Building on the present volume, which provides a snapshot of Geological Survey organizations (GSOs) from around the world in 2020, this epilogue provides a retrospective on past efforts to form an international consortium of GSOs. These efforts have had the noble aim of bringing GSOs together to address problems of global scale, but have not fully succeeded in building a sustainable organization. The paper summarizes international discussions held over the past three decades, provides some analysis and makes some suggestions on how a world association of GSOs may become useful, credible and workable.
Carbon isotopes in dissolved inorganic carbon as tracers of carbon sources in karst waters of the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Authors: Sironić Andreja , Bronić Ines Krajcar , Horvatinčić Nada , Barešić Jadranka , Borković Damir , Vurnek Maja , Mikelić Ivanka Lovrenčić
Published: July 2020

Carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was studied at springs, lakes and tributaries of the Plitvice Lakes. The Plitvice Lakes are a unique and complex karst lakes system consisting of 16 flow-through lakes connected by waterfalls and streams and characterized by intense calcium carbonate precipitation in the form of tufa and lake sediments. Two main springs have different
14
C concentrations due to different geology and their variations were controlled by flow rates. Further downstream, at lakes to the Korana River that outflows from the lakes, the
14
C activity and
δ
13
C consistently increased down the flow. Carbon isotope composition from 2010 to 2015 was compared with the values measured 30 years earlier. The variation in
δ
13
C
DIC
was accounted for seasonal change, while
14
C activity of surface water DIC decreased 7–12% during the 30 years. Using a semi-empiric model, it is calculated that the downstream increase is controlled by the exchange of DIC and atmospheric CO
2
carbon and by introduction of decomposed biogenic carbon from the top soil organic matter of the lakes surrounding area in almost equal proportions.
Geographic variations in the slope of the
δ
2
H
–
δ
18
O
meteoric water line over Europe: a record of increasing continentality
Authors: Lécuyer Christophe , Bojar Ana-Voica , Daux Valérie , Legendre Serge
Published: July 2020

δ
2
H and
δ
18
O values of precipitations follow an empirical linear relationship at the global scale that is called the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL) and characterized by a slope of 8. However, Local Meteoric Water Lines (LMWLs) may have different slopes
S
depending on their geographic situation. Monthly
δ
2
H and
δ
18
O of precipitation have been compiled from European International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stations. Those data allowed the calculation of the slopes
S
of the
δ
2
H–
δ
18
O LMWL determined for each station.
S
increases with longitude
ϕ
from
c.
5 (Portugal) to
c.
9 (Russia) – they are positively correlated with relative humidity (RH), negatively with temperature and positively with the mean intra-annual amplitude of temperatures, which is a proxy of continentality. Slopes of 5–6, recorded in SW Europe, reflect mean RH (70–75%) and sea surface temperatures (
c.
25°C) of the Central Atlantic Ocean where the main flux of moisture is formed before being transported by the westerlies. In addition, falling water droplets within an air column with a high RH (>80%) and low temperature are expected to escape sub-cloud evaporation. Therefore, slopes with values close to 9 are considered to reflect isotopic equilibrium conditions during the condensation of water vapour in clouds.
Biliary Microbiota and Bile Acid Composition in Cholelithiasis
Authors: Petrov Vyacheslav A. , Fernández-Peralbo María A. , Derks Rico , Knyazeva Elena M. , Merzlikin Nikolay V. , Sazonov Alexey E. , Mayboroda Oleg A. , Saltykova Irina V.
Published: July 2020

Background. A functional interplay between BAs and microbial composition in gut is a well‐documented phenomenon. In bile, this phenomenon is far less studied, and with this report, we describe the interactions between the BAs and microbiota in this complex biological matrix. Methodology. Thirty‐seven gallstone disease patients of which twenty‐one with Opisthorchis felineus infection were enrolled in the study. The bile samples were obtained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease operative treatment. Common bile acid composition was measured by LC‐MS/MS. Gallbladder microbiota were previously analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing on Illumina MiSeq platform. The associations between bile acid composition and microbiota were analyzed. Results. Bile acid signature and Opisthorchis felineus infection status exert influence on beta‐diversity of bile microbial community. Direct correlations were found between taurocholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid concentrations, and alpha‐diversity of bile microbiota. Taurocholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid both show positive associations with the presence of Chitinophagaceae family, Microbacterium and Lutibacterium genera, and Prevotella intermedia. Also, direct associations were identified for taurocholic acid concentration and the presence of Actinomycetales and Bacteroidales orders, Lautropia genus, Jeotgalicoccus psychrophilus, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae as well as for taurochenodeoxycholic acid and Acetobacteraceae family and Sphingomonas genus. There were no differences in bile acid concentrations between O. felineus-infected and noninfected patients. Conclusions/Significance. Associations between diversity, taxonomic profile of bile microbiota, and bile acid levels were evidenced in patients with cholelithiasis. Increase of taurochenodeoxycholic acid and taurocholic acid concentration correlates with bile microbiota alpha‐diversity and appearance of opportunistic pathogens.
Improving Urban Resilience through Green Infrastructure: An Integrated Approach for Connectivity Conservation in the Central City of Shenyang, China
Authors: Liu Zhimin , Xiu Chunliang , Ye Chao
Published: July 2020

Green infrastructure (GI) as an operational physical framework is being increasingly recognized as the most cost-effective way to mitigate and adapt to social-ecological challenges through multifunctional ecosystem services. Conserving the connectivity of GI is conducive to maintaining biodiversity and facilitating ecological processes, which contributes to promote urban resilience and implies that urban governance has made a conscious effort to prepare for uncertainties. Though important, there are few studies on operating GI practically to navigate urban resilience. Based on interdisciplinary knowledge and multiple techniques, this study provides an integrated approach, in which relationships between GI connectivity, resilience potential, and conservation strategies are better addressed. The results indicate that significant changes have taken place in terms of the composition, layout, and connectivity of GI in the central city of Shenyang between 1995 and 2015. Through pinch point identification and barrier detection, conservation strategies by protecting key structures, eliminating local barriers, and implementing differentiated measures according to land use types are therefore proposed. The strategies may be helpful for future policy formulation, planning, and management by rehabilitating a GI network to increase urban social and ecological resilience in the study area and other similar megacities. This integrated approach based on a generic process of geometric analysis has general applicability to make interdisciplinary contributions toward urban resilience.
Porto‐Sinusoidal Vascular Disease as the Cause of Portal Hypertension in Felty’s Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yang Song , Quan Min , Li Yue , Pan Calvin Qian , Xing Huichun
Published: July 2020

Felty’s syndrome (FS) is a disorder wherein patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop splenomegaly, neutropenia, and in some cases, portal hypertension without underlying cirrhosis. Esophageal variceal bleeding is a complication of FS in patients with portal hypertension. In contrast to splenectomy, few reports exist on the management of variceal bleeding with endoscopic therapy. Moreover, the long‐term outcome has not been reported. We present a patient with esophageal variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension secondary to Felty’s syndrome. The patient was followed up for two years postendoscopy intervention. Literature review was performed and the histological features of portal hypertension in FS are discussed. The patient presented with a typical triad of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), splenomegaly, and neutropenia and was diagnosed as Felty’s syndrome in 2012. She was admitted to our hospital in September 2017 for esophageal variceal bleeding. At the time of admission, her liver function test was normal. Abdominal CT showed no signs of cirrhosis and portal vein obstruction. Liver biopsy further excluded diagnosis of cirrhosis and supported the diagnosis of porto‐sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD), which was previously named as noncirrhotic idiopathic portal hypertension (NCIPH). An upper abdominal endoscopy revealed gastric and esophageal varices. A series of endoscopies was performed to ligate the esophageal varices. The patient was followed up for two years and did not show rebleeding. In conclusion, comorbid PSVD might be a cause of portal hypertension in FS patients. The present case had excellent outcome in two years, which supported the use of endoscopic therapy for the management of variceal bleeding in FS patients. Further large prospective study is needed to confirm the findings.
Heritability and Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Asamoah Evans Adu , Obirikorang Christian , Acheampong Emmanuel , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Laing Edwin Ferguson , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Anto Enoch Odame
Published: July 2020

Objectives. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is observing an accelerating prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) influenced by gene-environment interaction of modifiable and nonmodifiable factors. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the heritability and genetic risk of T2DM in SSA. Methods. We reviewed all published articles on T2DM in SSA between January 2000 and December 2019 and available in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies that reported on the genetics and/or heritability of T2DM or indicators of glycaemia were included. Data extracted included the study design, records of family history, pattern and characteristics of inheritance, genetic determinants, and effects estimates. Results. The pattern and characteristics of T2DM heritability in SSA are preference for maternal aggregation, higher among first degree compared to second-degree relatives; early age-onset (<50 years), and inherited abnormalities of beta-cell function/mass. The overall prevalence of T2DM was 28.2% for the population with a positive family history (PFH) and 11.2% for the population with negative family history (NFH). The pooled odds ratio of the impact of PFH on T2DM was 3.29 (95% CI: 2.40-4.52). Overall, 28 polymorphisms in 17 genes have been investigated in relation with T2DM in SSA. Almost all studies used the candidate gene approach with most (45.8%) of genetic studies published between 2011 and 2015. Polymorphisms in ABCC8, Haptoglobin, KCNJ11, ACDC, ENPP1, TNF-α, and TCF7L2 were found to be associated with T2DM, with overlapping effect on specific cardiometabolic traits. Genome-wide studies identified ancestry-specific signals (AGMO-rs73284431, VT11A-rs17746147, and ZRANB3) and TCF7L2-rs7903146 as the only transferable genetic risk variants to SSA population. TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism was investigated in multiple studies with consistent effects and low-moderate statistical heterogeneity. Effect sizes were modestly strong [odds ratio=6.17 (95% CI: 2.03-18.81), codominant model; 2.27 (95% CI: 1.50-3.44), additive model; 1.75 (95% CI: 1.18-2.59), recessive model]. Current evidence on the heritability and genetic markers of T2DM in SSA populations is limited and largely insufficient to reliably inform the genetic architecture of T2DM across SSA regions.
The Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound‐Guided Contrast Injection via the Endoscopic Nasobiliary Drainage Duct in Diagnosing Residual Common Bile Duct Stones
Authors: Wang Yang , Yang Yue , Wang Kaiming , Tang Shaoshan
Published: July 2020

Objectives. To investigate the diagnostic value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound‐ (CEUS‐) guided contrast injection via an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube on the evaluation for residual stones in common bile duct (CBD). Methods. 116 patients with CBD stones were treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and duodenoscopic sphincterotomy incision surgery and ENBD. The US group consisted of 54 patients who underwent US‐guided saline injection via the ENBD tube to evaluate for residual CBD stones. The CEUS group consisted of 62 patients who underwent CEUS‐guided contrast injection via the ENBD tube to evaluate for residual CBD stones. The length and width of CBD and the detection rate of residual stones before and after NS injection were compared. Results. In both the US group and the CEUS group, the rate of complete demonstration and the average length and width of CBD before and after injection of NS were all increased significantly. In the US group, 6 patients had verified residual stones, 1 of which was detected by conventional US (detection rate, 1/6), 5 of which were detected by saline injection ultrasound (detection rate, 5/6), and 4 of which were detected by ENBD cholangiography (detection rate, 4/6). There was 1 false positive result on saline injection US and 2 false positives on ENBD cholangiography. In the CEUS group, 6 patients had verified residual stones, none of which were detected by conventional US (detection rate, 0/6), all of which were detected by saline injection CEUS (detection rate, 6/6), and 4 of which were detected by ENBD cholangiography (detection rate, 4/6). There was 1 false positive result on ENBD cholangiography. Conclusions. CEUS‐guided contrast injection via an ENBD tube helps to provide clear observation of residual stones in the CBD after ERCP with EST and provides comprehensive information for follow‐up.
A New Class of Halley’s Method with Third-Order Convergence for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Barrada Mohammed , Ouaissa Mariya , Rhazali Yassine , Ouaissa Mariyam
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we present a new family of methods for finding simple roots of nonlinear equations. The convergence analysis shows that the order of convergence of all these methods is three. The originality of this family lies in the fact that these sequences are defined by an explicit expression which depends on a parameterpwherepis a nonnegative integer. A first study on the global convergence of these methods is performed. The power of this family is illustrated analytically by justifying that, under certain conditions, the method convergence’s speed increases with the parameterp. This family’s efficiency is tested on a number of numerical examples. It is observed that our new methods take less number of iterations than many other third-order methods. In comparison with the methods of the sixth and eighth order, the new ones behave similarly in the examples considered.
Antidiabetic Effects of Arginyl‐Fructosyl‐Glucose, a Nonsaponin Fraction from Ginseng Processing in Streptozotocin‐Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice through Regulating the PI3K/AKT/GSK‐3β and Bcl‐2/Bax Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liu Xinglong , Liu Wencong , Ding Chuanbo , Zhao Yingchun , Chen Xueyan , Khatoon Sadia , Zheng Yinan , Cheng Zhiqiang , Xi Guangsheng
Published: July 2020

Streptozotocin‐ (STZ‐) induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) caused insulin secretion disorder and hyperglycemia, further causing tissue and organ damage. In recent years, studies on ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) and its saponins (Ginsenosides) have proved to possess antidiabetic pharmacological activities, but the mechanism of nonsaponins on STZ‐induced T2DM is still unclear. Arginyl‐fructosyl‐glucose (AFG) is a representative nonsaponin component produced in the processing of red ginseng. The present study was designed to assess the possible healing consequence of AFG on STZ‐induced T2DM in mice and also to explore its fundamental molecular contrivances. T2DM‐related indexes, fasting blood glucose levels, and body weight, histological changes, biochemical considerations, biomarkers, the mRNA countenance intensities of inflammatory facts, and variations in correlated protein manifestation in adipose tissue and liver tissue were calculated. Consequences specified that AFG usage successfully amends STZ‐induced insulin conflict and liver grievance in T2DM. Systematically, AFG action diminished STZ‐induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the liver. In addition, we demonstrated that AFG also attenuates apoptosis and insulin secretion disorders in T2DM by adjusting the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. At the end, these discoveries recommend that AFG averts the development of T2DM through numerous types of machinery and proposes that AFG can also be used in order to treat T2DM in the future.
Analysis of Dynamic Plantar Pressure before and after the Occurrence of Neurogenic Intermittent Claudication in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: An Observational Study
Authors: Wei Wei , Xu Chao , Yang Xiao-Jiang , Lu Chang-Bo , Lei Wei , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2020

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common disease in the elderly population; it has been reported that patients with LSS have an abnormal gait pattern due to symptom such as neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC); however, no detailed reports exist on the plantar pressure distributions in LSS patients with NIC. To analysis the plantar pressure characteristics of LSS patients, the Footscan® pressure system was used to perform dynamic plantar pressure measurements in 20 LSS patients (age, 69.5 ± 7.2 years) before and after the occurrence of NIC. The contact time (CT), foot progression angle (FPA), pressure‐time integral (PTI), and contact area (CA) were collected and compared between the LSS patients and age‐matched healthy subjects in each measurement. The LSS group showed an increase in forefoot CT%, PTI, and CA% in both measurements compared with those in the control group. After the occurrence of NIC in the LSS group, CT%, PTI, and CA% of the forefoot increased further compared with those before the occurrence of NIC. In addition, after the occurrence of NIC, the PTI and CA% of the forefoot shifted from the medial foot to the lateral foot. The results suggested that the plantar pressure distributions of patients with LSS differs from normal subjects due to the posture of waking with lumbar forward flexion, and the forefoot bears a higher relative load. In addition, the occurrence of NIC could affect the plantar pressure distribution of the patients with LSS, predicting the patient’s risk of falling to the anterior direction and to the symptomatic side.
CD147 Aggravated Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Triggering NF‐κB‐Mediated Pyroptosis
Authors: Xu Zhaohui , Liu Ruitao , Huang Ling , Xu Yuxin , Su Mingmin , Chen Jiayu , Geng Lanlan , Xu Wanfu , Gong Sitang
Published: July 2020

Background. Pyroptosis, a novel form of inflammatory programmed cell death, was recently found to be a cause of mucosal barrier defect. In our pervious study, CD147 expression was documented to increase in intestinal tissue of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the function of serum CD147 in pyroptosis. Methods. The study group consisted of 96 cases. The centration of CD147, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 levels in serum was assessed by ELISA. Real‐time PCR and WB were performed to analyze the effect of CD147 on pyroptosis. Results. In this study, our results showed that CD147 induced cell pyroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) by enhancement of IL‐1β and IL‐18 expression and secretion in IECs, which is attributed to activation of inflammasomes, including caspase‐1 and GSDMD as well as GSDME, leading to aggregate inflammatory reaction. Mechanically, CD147 promoted phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65 in IECs, while inhibition of NF‐κB activity by the NF‐κB inhibitor BAY11‐7082 reversed the effect of CD147 on IL‐1β and IL‐18 secretion. Most importantly, serum CD147 level is slightly clinically correlated with IL‐1β, but not IL‐18 level. Conclusion. These findings revealed a critical role of CD147 in the patients with IBD, suggesting that blockade of CD147 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the patients with IBD.
Mass Spectrum of Mesons via the WKB Approximation Method
Authors: Omugbe Ekwevugbe , Osafile Omosede E. , Onyeaju Michael C.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we demonstrated that the multiple turning point problems within the framework of the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation method can be reduced to two turning point one for a nonsymmetric potential function by using an appropriate Pekeris-type approximation scheme. We solved the Schrödinger equation with the Killingbeck potential plus an inversely quadratic potential (KPIQP) function. The special cases of the modeled potential are discussed. We obtained the energy eigenvalues and the mass spectra of the heavy QQ¯ and heavy-light Qq¯ mesons systems. The results in this present work are in good agreement with the results obtained by other analytical methods and available experimental data in the literature.
Factors Associated with Maternal Near Miss among Women Admitted in West Arsi Zone Public Hospitals, Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Dessalegn Fikadu Nugusu , Astawesegn Feleke Hailemichael , Hankalo Nana Chea
Published: July 2020

Background. Maternal near miss refers to a very ill pregnant or delivered woman who nearly died but survived a complication during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. Maternal death; the most catastrophic end is frequently described as just “tip of the iceberg,” whereas maternal near-miss as the “base.” Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the factors associated with maternal near-miss among women admitted in public hospitals of West Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from Mar 1 to Apr 30, 2019. Three hundred twenty-one (80 cases and 241 controls) study participants were involved in the study. Cases were recruited consecutively as they present, whereas controls were selected by systematic sampling method. Cases were women admitted to hospitals during pregnancy, delivery, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy and fulfilled at least one of the maternal near-miss disease-specific criteria, while controls were women admitted and gave birth by normal vaginal delivery. The interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and data abstraction tool was used to collect data. Data were entered Epi data 3.1 and then transferred into SPSS 20 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used, and the significance level was declared at p value ≤ 0.05. Results. The major maternal near-miss morbidities were severe obstetric hemorrhage (32.5%), pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders (31.3%), and obstructed labor (26.3%), followed by 6.3% and 3.8% of severe anemia and pregnancy-induced sepsis, respectively. The odds of maternal near miss were statistically significantly associated with women’s lack of formal education [AOR=2.24, 95% CI: (1.17, 4.31)]. Not attending antenatal care [AOR=3.71, 95% CI: (1.10, 12.76)], having prior history of cesarean section [AOR=3.53, 95% CI: (1.49, 8.36)], any preexisting chronic medical disorder [AOR=2.04, 95% CI: (1.11, 3.78)], and having experienced first delay [AOR=5.74, 95% CI: (2.93, 11.2)]. Conclusions. Maternal education, antenatal care, chronic medical disorders, previous cesarean section, and first delay of obstetric care-seeking were identified as factors associated with maternal near-miss morbidity. Therefore, this finding implies the need to get better with those factors, to preclude severe maternal complications and subsequent maternal mortality.
On Inverse Nodal Problem and Multiplicities of Eigenvalues of a Vectorial Sturm-Liouville Problem
Authors: Liu Xiaoyun
Published: July 2020

An m-dimensional vectorial inverse nodal Sturm-Liouville problem with eigenparameter-dependent boundary conditions is studied. We show that if there exists an infinite sequence ynj,rx,λnj,r2j=1∞ of eigenfunctions which are all vectorial functions of type (CZ), then the potential matrix Qx and A are simultaneously diagonalizable by the same unitary matrix U. Subsequently, some multiplicity results of eigenvalues are obtained.