bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and management of laparoscopic treatment of pyonephrosis caused by calculi
Authors: Liu Jun , Chen Liang , An Lizhe , Ma Kai , Ye Xiongjun , Xu Qingquan , Huang Xiaobo , Xiong Liulin
Published: November 2020

Background: Calculous pyonephrosis is a disease characterized by infectious hydronephrosis associated with pyogenic destruction of the renal parenchyma, with complete or almost complete loss of renal function.Methods: The clinical data of laparoscopic nephrolithotomy performed at Peking University People’s Hospital from May 2017 to June 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Eight patients (2 men; 6 women) aged 27 to 65 years (average age, 45.8 years) were included. Among them, 7 patients were treated with retroperitoneal approach and 1 patient by transperitoneal approach. All patients had received more than one endoscopic lithotripsy before nephrectomy. Renal dynamic imaging and computed tomography revealed the absence of function in pyonephrosis before nephrectomy. General clinical data and perioperative data were recorded. All nephrectomies were performed by the same physician.Results: Laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed in 7 patients; however, 1 patient underwent open surgery because of bleeding. The operation time, average operation time, and blood loss were 1.5–4.5 hours, 3.4 hours, and 100–1000 ml (average, 300 ml), respectively. The postoperative pathology showed inflammatory renal disease in 6 patients, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in 1 patient, and high-grade urothelial cancer in 1 patient. The average postoperative hospital stay was 5.3 days. One patient had a Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIb complication (severe hematuria), which required laparotomy, and was found that there was bleeding of ureteral stump. None of the patients experienced poor healing of endoscopic wounds.Conclusion: For patients with complicated calculous pyonephrosis, renal inflammation could not be effectively controlled, and renal function was seriously damaged. Thus, kidneys should be immediately resected. With laparoscopy, patients may recover quickly, but surgeons require enough experience when performing laparoscopy to achieve safety.
A novel method for isolation and culture of primary swine gastric epithelial cells
Authors: Bautista-Amorocho Henry , Silva-Sayago Jorge Alexander , Goyeneche-Patino Diego A. , Pérez-Cala Tania Liseth , Macías-Gómez Fabio , Arango-Viana Juan Carlos , Martínez Alonso
Published: November 2020

Background: Culturing primary epithelial cells has a major advantage over tumor-derived or immortalized cell lines as long as their functional phenotype and genetic makeup are mainly maintained. The swine model has shown to be helpful and reliable when used as a surrogate model for human diseases. Several porcine cell lines have been established based on a variety of tissues, which have shown to extensively contribute to the current understanding of several pathologies, especially cancer. However, protocols for the isolation and culture of swine gastric epithelial cells that preserve cell phenotype are rather limited. We aimed to develop a new method for establishing a primary epithelial cell culture from the fundic gland region of the pig stomach.Results: Mechanical and enzymatic dissociation of gastric tissue was possible by combining collagenase type I and dispase II, protease inhibitors and antioxidants, which allowed the isolation of epithelial cells from the porcine fundic glands showing cell viability > 90% during the incubation period. Gastric epithelial cells cultured in RPMI 1640, DMEM-HG and DMEM/F12 media did not contribute enough to cell adhesion, cluster formation and cell proliferation. By contrast, William’s E medium supplemented with growth factors supports confluency and proliferation of a pure epithelial cell monolayer after 10 days of incubation at 37oC, 5% CO2. Mucin-producing cell phenotype of primary isolates was confirmed by PAS staining, MUC1 by immunohistochemistry, as well as the expression of MUC1 and MUC20 genes by RT-PCR and cDNA sequencing. Swine gastric epithelial cells also showed origin-specific markers such as cytokeratin cocktail (AE1/AE3) and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence methods, respectively.Conclusions: A new method was successfully established for the isolation of primary gastric epithelial cells from the fundic gland zone through a swine model based on a combination of tissue-specific proteases, protease inhibitors and antioxidants after mechanical cell dissociation. The formulation of William’s E medium with growth factors for epithelial cells contributes to cell adhesion and preserves functional primary cells phenotype, which is confirmed by mucin production and expression of typical epithelial markers over time.
Developing a specialist children’s nursing workforce in sub-Saharan Africa: a descriptive programme evaluation.
Authors: Ruthe Jennifer , North Natasha Lee
Published: November 2020

Background: Achieving Universal Health Coverage in low and lower-middle income countries requires an estimated additional five and a quarter million nurses. Despite an increasing focus on specialist nursing workforce development, specialist children’s workforce in most African countries falls well below recommended densities. The Child Nursing Practice Development Initiative was established with the aim of building the children’s nursing workforce in Southern and Eastern Africa, and Ghana. The purpose of this evaluation was to enable scrutiny of programme activities conducted between 2008 and 2018 to inform programme review and where possible to identify wider lessons of potential interest in relation to specialist nursing workforce strengthening initiatives. Methods: The study took the form of a descriptive programme evaluation. Data analysed included quantitative programme data and contextual information from documentary sources. Anonymised programme data covering student enrolments between January 2008 and December 2018 were analysed. Findings were member-checked for accuracy. Results: The programme recorded 348 enrolments in 11 years, with 75% of students coming from South Africa and 25% from other sub-Saharan African countries. With a course completion rate of 94%, 99% of known alumni were still working in Africa at the end of 2018. Most graduates were located at top-tier (specialist) public hospital facilities. Nine percent of known alumni were found to be working in education, with 54% of graduates at centres that offer or plan to offer children’s nursing education. Conclusion: The programme has made a quantifiable, positive and sustained contribution to the capacity of the specialist clinical and educational children’s nursing workforce in nine African countries. Data suggest there may be promising approaches within programme design and delivery in relation to very high course completion rates and the retention of graduates in service which merit further consideration. Outputs from this single programme are however modest when compared to the scale of need. Greater clarity around the vision and role of specialist children’s nurses and costed plans for workforce development are needed for investment in specialist children’s nursing education to realise its potential in relation to achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
Apparent density, trypanosome infection rates and host preference of tsetse flies in the sleeping sickness endemic focus of   Northwestern Uganda
Authors: Opiro Robert , Opoke Robert , Angwech Harriet , Nakafu Esther , Oloya Francis A. , Openy Geoffrey , Njahira Moses , Macharia Mercy , Echodu Richard , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Opiyo Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2020

Background: African trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the tsetse fly, is a serious parasitic disease of humans and animals. Reliable data on the vector distribution, feeding preference and the trypanosome species they carry is pertinent to planning sustainable control strategies.Methodology: We deployed 109 biconical traps in 10 villages in two districts of northwestern Uganda to obtain information on the apparent density, trypanosome infection rates and blood meal sources of tsetse flies. A subset (272) of the collected samples was analyzed for detection of trypanosomes species and sub-species using a nested PCR protocol based on primers amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. 34 blood-engorged adult tsetse midguts were analyzed for blood meal sources by sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes. Results: Out of the 109 traps deployed, we captured 622 Glossina fuscipes fuscipes tsetse flies (269 males and 353 females). Apparent density (AD) ranged from 0.6 to 3.7 flies/trap/day in the two districts. 29 (10.7%) of the flies were infected with one or more trypanosome species. Infection rate was not significantly associated with neither age group (χ2 = 5.001, df=2, 0.082), sex of the fly (χ2 = 0.099, df = 1, p = 0.753), district of origin (χ2= 0.629, df = 1, p = 0.428) nor village (χ2= 9.252, df = 9, p = 0.414). Nested PCR revealed several species of trypanosomes: T. vivax (6.62%), T. congolense (2.57%), T. brucei and T. simiae each at 0.73%. Blood meal analyses revealed five principal vertebrate hosts, namely, cattle (Bos taurus), humans (Homo sapiens), Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus), African mud turtle (Pelusio schapini) and the African Savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana).Conclusion: We found an infection rate of 10.78 %, with all infections attributed to trypanosome species that are causative agents for the animal disease only. However, more verification of this finding using large-scale passive and active screening of human and tsetse samples should be done. Cattle and humans appear to be the most important tsetse hosts in the region and should be considered in the design of interventions.
An Investigation Into the Cause of Road Failure Along Sagamu-papalanto Highway Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: UBIDO OYEM EMMANUEL , Ogbonnaya Igwe , Ukah Bernadette Uche
Published: November 2020

Investigation into the cause of road failure has been carried out along a 60km Sagamu –Papalanto highway southwestern Nigeria. Geochemical, mineralogical, geotechnical and geophysical analyses were conducted to evaluate the cause of failure along the study area. The results of the laboratory tests showed that the percentage amount of fines ranges from 12-61.3%, natural moisture content from 6.8 to 19.7%, liquid limit in the range of 25.1-52.2%, linear shrinkage between 3.96 to 12.71%, plastic limit ranges from 18.2-35%, plasticity index ranges from 5.2 to 24.6%, free swell in the range from 5.17 – 43.9%, maximum dry density ranges from 1.51 -1.74g /cm3, specific gravity ranges from 2.52-2.64 and CBR between 3-12%. The Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) shows a resistance value of 20-138 kgf/cm2. The major clay mineral that is predominant in the studied soil is kaolinite. The major oxides present are SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O, MgO and CaO. The result of the 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging revealed a low resistivity values for profile 2 and 3 ranging from 100 Ωm – 300 Ωm, between a distance of 20m – 240 m along the profile to a depth of 7.60m and a low resistivity value ranging from 50 Ωm – 111Ωm, between a distance of 80 m –120 m along the profile to a depth of 15m. It was concluded that the low CBR, low MDD and the class of subsoils namely A-26, A-7, A-2-7 (clayey soils) which were identified are responsible for the cause of failure experienced in the study area. These makes the soils unsuitable as road construction materials and hence, there is need for stabilization during the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road.
Two ancient genome duplication events shape diversity in Hibiscus L. (Malvaceae)
Authors: Eriksson Jonna Sofia , Bacon Christine D. , Bennett Dominic J. , Pfeil Bernard E. , Oxelman Bengt , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: November 2020

Background: The great diversity in plant genome size and chromosome number is partly due to polyploidization (i.e., genome doubling events). The differences in genome size and chromosome number among diploid plant species can be a window into the intriguing phenomenon of past genome doubling that may be obscured through time by the process of diploidization. The genus Hibiscus L. (Malvaceae) has a wide diversity of chromosome numbers and a complex genomic history. Hibiscus is ideal for exploring past genomic events because although two ancient genome duplication events have been identified, more are likely to be found due to its diversity of chromosome numbers. To reappraise the history of whole genome duplication events, we tested a series of scenarios describing different polyploidization events.Results: Using target sequence capture, we generated 87 orthologous genes from four diploid species. We detected paralogues in >54% putative single-copy genes. 34 of these genes were selected for testing three different genome duplication scenarios using gene counting. Species of Hibiscus shared one genome duplication with H. syriacus and one whole genome duplication occurred along the branch leading to H. syriacus.Conclusions: Here, we corroborated the independent genome doubling previously found in the lineage leading to H. syriacus and a shared genome doubling of this lineage and the remainder of Hibiscus. Additionally, we found a previously undiscovered genome duplication shared by the /Pavonia and /Malvaviscus clades (both nested within Hibiscus) with the occurrences of two copies in what were otherwise single-copy genes. Our results highlight the complexity of genomic diversity in some plant groups, which makes orthology assessment and accurate phylogenomic inference difficult.
Understanding demand for, and feasibility of, centre-based child-care for poor urban households: A mixed methods study in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Authors: Elsey Helen , Fieroze Fariza , Shawon Riffat Ara , Nasreen Shammi , Hicks Joseph Paul , Das Mahua , Huque Rumana , Hirano Izumi , Wallace Hilary Jane , Mashreky Saidur
Published: November 2020

Background: Centre-based child-care has potential to provide multiple health and development benefits to children, families and societies. With rapid urbanisation, increasing numbers of low-income women work with reduced support from extended family, leaving a child-care vacuum in many low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to understand perceptions of, and demand for, centre-based child-care in Dhaka, Bangladesh among poor, urban households, and test the feasibility of delivering sustainable centre-based child-care. Methods: We used sequential mixed methods including a household survey (n=222) and qualitative interviews with care-givers (n=16), community leaders (n=5) and policy-makers (n=5). We co-produced and piloted a centre-based child-care model over ten-months, documenting implementation. A co-design focus group with mothers, parents’ meetings, and qualitative interviews with child-care centre users (n=5), non-users (n=3), ex-users (n=3) and staff (2) were used to refine the model and identify implementation issues. Results: We found 24% (95% CI: 16%,37%) of care-givers reported turning-down paid work due to lack of child-care and 84% (95% CI:74%, 91%) reported wishing to use centre-based child-care and were willing to pay up to 283 Takka (~$3.30) per month. Adjusted odds of reported need for child-care among slum households were 3.8 times those of non-slum households (95% CI: 1.4, 10). Implementation highlighted that poor households needed free child-care with food provided, presenting feasibility challenges. Meta-inference across quantitative and qualitative findings identified the impact of the urban environment on child-care through long working hours, low social capital and fears for child safety. These influences interacted with religious and social norms resulting in caution in using centre-based child-care despite evident need.Conclusion: Sustainable provision of centre-based care that focuses on early childhood development requires subsidy and careful design sensitive to the working lives of poor families, particularly women and must respond to the dynamics of the urban environment and community values. We recommend increased research and policy focus on the evaluation and scale-up of quality centre-based child-care, emphasising early-childhood development, to support low-income working families in urban areas.
Bioinformatics analysis of the regulatory lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in patients with neuropathic pain and prediction of potential therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Huai-Gen , Liu Li , Song Zhi-Ping , Zhang Daying
Published: November 2020

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is the main form of chronic pain, caused by damage to the nervous system and dysfunction. Here, we aimed at exploring the key molecules involved in NP pathogenesis via the identification of its regulatory lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.Methods: We downloaded NP-related data from public databases and identified differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs through differential gene expression analysis. The lncRNA and miRNA target predictions were performed and an integration of the three datasets was used for construction of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to explore the role and the interactions of the mRNAs. The drug prediction was performed based on the mRNAs in the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Results: A total of 8,251 differentially expressed mRNAs (4,193 upregulated and 4,058 downregulated), 959 differentially expressed miRNAs (455 upregulated and 504 downregulated), 2,848 differentially expressed lncRNAs (1,324 upregulated and 1,524 downregulated) were identified by integrating the results of the three microarray datasets. We found that differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in blood circulation, metal ion transmembrane transporter activity, and synaptic membrane. The most significant pathway of mRNAs in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were GTPase, cell cycle, and platelet activation. A total of 1,200 drugs were predicted as potential therapeutics for NP based on the regulatory genes.Conclusion: Our study predicted drugs that may be effective for NP based on the NP regulatory network. This information will help further reveal the pathological mechanism of NP and provide more treatment options for NP patients.
Spatial inequality, characteristics of internal migration, and pulmonary tuberculosis in China, 2011–2017: A spatial analysis
Authors: He Wen-Chong , Ju Ke , Gao Ya-Min , Zhang Pei , Zhang Yin-Xia , Jiang Ye , Liao Weibin
Published: November 2020

Background: Human migration facilitate the spread of tuberculosis (TB). Migrants face an increased risk of TB infection. In this study, we aim to explore the spatial inequity of sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB (SS + PTB) in China; and the spatial heterogeneity between SS + PTB and internal migration.Methods: Notified SS + PTB cases in 31 provinces in mainland China were obtained from the national web-based PTB surveillance system database. Internal migrant data were extracted from the report on China’s migrant population development. Spatial autocorrelations were explored using the global Moran’s statistic and local indicators of spatial association. The spatial variation in temporal trends was performed using Kulldorff’s scan statistic. Fixed effect and spatial autoregressive models were used to explore the spatial inequity between SS + PTB and internal migration.Results: A total of 2 380 233 SS+PTB cases were reported in China between 2011 and 2017, of which, 1 716 382 (72.11%) were male and 663 851 (27.89%) were female. Over 70% of internal migrants were from rural households and had lower income and less education. The spatial variation in temporal trend results showed that there was an 9.9% average annual decrease in the notification rate of SS + PTB from 2011 to 2017; and spatial clustering of SS + PTB cases was mainly located in western and southern China. The spatial autocorrelation results revealed spatial clustering of internal migration each year (2011–2017), and the clusters were stable within most provinces. Internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and GDP per capita were significantly associated with SS + PTB, further, internal emigration could explain more variation in SS + PTB in the eastern region in mainland. However, internal immigration and rural-to-urban migration were not significantly associated with SS + PTB across China. Conclusions: Our study found the spatial inequity between SS + PTB and internal migration. Internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and GDP per capita were statistically associated with SS + PTB; the negative association was identified between internal emigration, urban-to-rural migration and SS + PTB. Further, we found those migrants with lower income and less education, and most of them were from rural households. These findings can help stakeholders to implement effective PTB control strategies for areas at high risk of PTB and those with high rates of internal migration.
“Those are things for married people ”: Exploring parents’/adults’ and adolescents’ perspectives on contraceptives in Kenya
Authors: Mwaisaka Jefferson , Wado Yohannes Dibaba , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Oduor Clement , Habib Helen , Njagi Joan , Bangha Martin
Published: November 2020

BackgroundContraceptive use among adolescent girls is low in many sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. One factor likely to limit contraceptive use among adolescent girls is the attitude of parents and other community members including adolescent girls themselves. Understanding parents’, other adults’ in the community and adolescent girls’ perspectives and attitudes towards contraceptive use might help to unravel the cause of low use of contraception among adolescent girls. This study therefore sought to explore and compare adults’/parents’ and adolescent girls’ narratives and perspectives about contraception in Narok and Homa Bay counties, Kenya. MethodsQualitative data from 45 in-depth-interviews conducted with purposively selected consenting adolescent girls aged 15-19 was used. Additionally, twelve focus group discussions were held with 86 consenting adults conveniently recruited from the two counties. All discussions were conducted in the local language and audio recorded following consent of the study participants. Female moderators were engaged throughout the study making it appropriate for the study to solicit feedback from the targeted respondents.Results Findings highlighted adults’ perceptions on adolescents’ sexuality and the presence of stringent conceptions about the side-effects of contraception in the study communities. Some participants underscored the need for open contraceptive talk between parents and their adolescent girls. Four main themes emerged from the discussions; i) Perceptions about adolescents’ sexuality and risk prevention, ii) Conceptions about contraception among nulligravida adolescents: fear of infertility, malformation and sexual libertinism, iii) Post-pregnancy contraceptive considerations and iv) Thinking differently: divergent views regarding contraceptives and parent/adolescent discussion.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the need for increased attention towards adolescents and their caregivers particularly in demystifying contraceptive misconceptions. Programmatic responses and models which include the provision of comprehensive sexuality education and increased access to and utilization of SRH information, products and services through a well-informed approach need to be well executed. Programmatic efforts like SRH community education should further seek to enhance the capacity of parents to discuss sexuality with their adolescents.
Relationships between test positivity rate, total laboratory confirmed cases of malaria, and malaria incidence in high burden settings of Uganda: An ecological analysis
Authors: Okiring Jaffer , Epstein Adrienne , Namuganga Jane F. , Kamya Victor , Sserwanga Asadu , Kapisi James , Ebong Chris , Kigozi Simon P. , Mpimbaza Arthur , Wanzira Humphrey , Briggs Jessica , Kamya Moses R. , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Dorsey Grant
Published: November 2020

Background: Malaria surveillance is critical for monitoring changes in malaria morbidity over time. National Malaria Control Programs often rely on surrogate measures of malaria incidence, including the test positivity rate (TPR) and total laboratory confirmed cases of malaria (TCM), to monitor trends in malaria morbidity. However, there are limited data on the accuracy of TPR and TCM for predicting temporal changes in malaria incidence, especially in high burden settings.Methods: This study leveraged data from 5 malaria reference centers (MRCs) located in high burden settings over a 15-month period from November 2018 through January 2020 as part of an enhanced health facility-based surveillance system established in Uganda. Individual level data were collected from all outpatients including demographics, laboratory test results, and village of residence. Estimates of malaria incidence were derived from catchment areas around the MRCs. Temporal relationships between monthly aggregate measures of TPR and TCM relative to estimates of malaria incidence were examined using linear and exponential regression models. Results: A total of 149,739 outpatient visits to the 5 MRCs were recorded. Overall, malaria was suspected in 73.4% of visits, 99.1% of patients with suspected malaria received a diagnostic test, and 69.7% of those tested for malaria were positive. Temporal correlations between monthly measures of TPR and malaria incidence using linear and exponential regression models were relatively poor, with small changes in TPR frequently associated with large changes in malaria incidence. Linear regression models of temporal changes in TCM provided the most parsimonious and accurate predictor of changes in malaria incidence, with adjusted R2 values ranging from 0.81 to 0.98 across the 5 MRCs. However, the slope of the regression lines indicating the change in malaria incidence per unit change in TCM varied from 0.57 to 2.13 across the 5 MRCs, and when combining data across all 5 sites, the R2 value reduced to 0.38. Conclusions: In high malaria burden areas of Uganda, site-specific temporal changes in TCM had a strong linear relationship with malaria incidence and were a more useful metric than TPR. However, caution should be taken when comparing changes in TCM across sites.
Prevalence and associated factors for Alcohol Use Disorder among tuberculosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis study.
Authors: Necho Mogesie , Tsehay Mekonnen , Seid Muhammed , Zenebe Yosef , Belete Asmare , Gelaye Habitam , Muche Amare
Published: November 2020

Background: Alcohol use disorders (AUD) in tuberculosis patients are complicated with poor compliance to anti-tuberculosis treatment and poor tuberculosis treatment outcomes. However, aggregate data concerning this problem is not available. Therefore, this review aimed to fill the above gap by generating an average prevalence of AUD in tuberculosis patients.Method: Our electronic search for original articles was conducted in the databases of Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE, African Index Medicus, and psych-info. Besides, the reference list of selected articles was looked at manually to have further eligible articles for the prevalence and associated factors of AUD in tuberculosis patients. The random-effects model was employed during the analysis. MS-Excel was used to extract data and stata-11 to determine the average prevalence of AUD among tuberculosis patients. A sub-group analysis and sensitivity analysis were also run. A visual inspection of the funnel plots and an Eggers publication bias plot test were checked for the presence of publication bias.Result: A search of the electronic and manual system resulted in 1970 articles. After removing duplicates and unoriginal articles, only 28 articles that studied 30854 tuberculosis patients met the inclusion criteria. The average estimated prevalence of AUD in tuberculosis patients was 30% (95% CI: 24.00, 35.00). This was with a slight heterogeneity (I2 = 57%, p-value < 0.001). The prevalence of AUD in tuberculosis patients was higher in Asia and Europe; 37% than the prevalence in the US and Africa; 24%. Besides, the average prevalence of AUD was 39%, 30%, 30%, and 20% in studies with case-control, cohort, cross-sectional and experimental in design respectively. Also, the prevalence of AUD was higher in studies with the assessment tool not reported (36%) than studies assessed with AUDIT. AUD was also relatively higher in studies with a mean age of ≥ 40 years (42%) than studies with a mean age < 40 years (24%) and mean age not reported (27%). Based on a qualitative review; the male gender, older age, being single, unemployment, low level of education and income from socio-demographic variables, retreatment and treatment failure patients, stigma, and medication non-adherence from clinical variables were among the associated factors for AUD. Conclusion: This review obtained a high average prevalence of AUD in tuberculosis patients and this varies across continents, design of studies, mean age of the participants, and assessment tool used. This implied the need for early screening and management of AUD in tuberculosis patients.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has limited predictive value for determining outcomes in perforated colon cancer: a propensity score analysis.
Authors: Wu Chunyi , Chiang Jy-Ming , You Jeng-Fu , Tang Reiping , Chen Jinn-Shiun , Yeh Chien-Yuh , Hsieh Pao-Shiu , Tsai Wen-Sy , Hung Hsin-Yuan , Chiang Sum-Fu , Lai Cheng-Chou
Published: November 2020

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a significant prognostic marker in resectable colorectal cancer; however, there are no equivalent findings for perforated colon cancer. Using our colorectal cancer database, we retrospectively analyzed the data from 1995 to 2015 to determine whether the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with survival outcomes in patients with perforated colon cancer.Methods: One-to-one propensity score matching was applied to minimize the difference between the high (>5) and low (≤5) neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio groups. Clinicopathological factors, long-term overall survival, and disease-free survival were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The primary outcomes were overall survival and disease-free survival.Results: Before propensity score matching, the high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio group had a significantly higher prevalence of leukocytosis (low vs. high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio groups: 12 [12.9%] vs. 46 [59.7%], p<0.001), lower serum albumin levels (low vs. high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio groups: 30 [32.3%] vs. 42 [54.5%], p=0.003), and a higher emergent operation rate (low vs. high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio groups: 5 [5.4%] vs. 20 [26.0%], p<0.001). After one-to-one propensity score matching, the groups comprised 41 patients each; none of the parameters were significantly different between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 76.3 months. The 5-year overall survival (p=0.637) and disease-free survival (p=0.827) rates were not significantly different between the high and low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio groups.Conclusions: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has limited predictive value for determining outcomes in patients with perforated colon cancer.
Higher expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in mild COVID-19 patients might be correlated with inhibition of IFN signaling
Authors: Xi Xueyan , Guo Yang , Zhu Min , Wei Yuhui , Li Gang , Du Boyu , Wang Yunfu
Published: November 2020

Background: Chemokine levels in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have been shown to be markedly elevated. But the role of chemokines in mild COVID-19 has not yet been established. According to the epidemiological statistics, most of the COVID-19 cases in Shiyan City, China, have been mild. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of chemokines in mild COVID-19 patients and explore the correlation between chemokines and host immune response.Methods: In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect serum levels of chemokines in COVID-19 patients in Shiyan City. Expression of chemokine receptors and of other signaling molecules was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: We first demonstrated that COVID-19 patients, both sever and mild cases, are characterized by higher level of chemokines. Specifically, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) is expressed at higher levels both in severe and mild cases of COVID-19. The receptor of MCP-1, C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), was expressed at higher levels in mild COVID-19 patients. Finally, we observed a significant negative correlation between expression levels of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and serum levels of MCP-1 in mild COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: Higher expression of MCP-1 in mild COVID-19 patients might be correlated with inhibition of IFN signaling. The finding adds to our understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and provides potential therapeutic targets and strategies.
Surgical Procedure of Segmentectomy as a Possible Cause of Postoperative Cerebral embolism: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Peirui , Qing Qiushan , Diao Mingqiang , Sun Xiaokang , Yang Junrong , Lv Jing
Published: November 2020

Background: Cerebral embolism after lobectomy is a life-threatening complication during the early postoperative period. However, it is unclear if cerebral embolism can develop after segmentectomy. Case Presentation: We experienced a case of a 37-year-old man who demonstrated early symptom of acute ischemic stroke in early postoperative period after right upper posterior segmentectomy and performed intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy (IAMT) successfully.Conclusions: long and irregular pulmonary vein stump (PVS) and endothelial injury caused by surgical procedure may lead to cerebral embolism after segmentectomy. We believe that doing preoperative pulmonary vascular assessment and using appropriate surgical procedure may reduce the rate of cerebral embolism.
Relativity and View Effects
Authors: Fischli Bernard
Published: November 2020

Relativity has been based on the implicit assumption that electromagnetism would exclusively describe interactions. Relativistic view effects are included as well, and they act with no force and no energy exchanges. The Ehrenfest paradox is solved. View effects specific to each point of view are the solution. The calculation of the deflection of light by the sun explains in detail why the deflection angle must be almost double the value obtained with Newton’s laws. The compatibility of General Relativity with the new interpretation is discussed. View effects cannot impact total energy. An object has no speed limit due to relativity but can be limited due to other causes. Inertial behavior is examined. Inertial masses are redundant, but this does not introduce gravitation to General Relativity.
Photochemically Induced Cyclic Morphological Dynamics via Degradation of Autonomously Produced Self-Assembled Polymer Vesicles
Authors: Lin Chenyu , Katla Sai , Perez-Mercader Juan
Published: November 2020

We report on the physico-chemical mechanism behind a dynamic morphological evolution process through which self-organized and self-assembled polymeric structures autonomously booted from a homogeneous mixture, evolve from nanosized micelles to micron-sized giant vesicles accompanied by periodic growth and implosion cycles when exposed to oxygen under light irradiation. The same system however resulted in formation of only nanosized objects or gelation with poor oxygen or with increase in temperature. Here we determine that such dynamic morphological evolution of our polymerization induced self-assembled amphiphiles is due to photoinduced chemical degradation within hydrated polymer cores which induces osmotic water influx and the subsequent morphological dynamics completely under the control of chemistry. This process also led to an increase in the population of the polymeric objects through system self-replication. This study offers a new path toward the design of chemically self-assembled systems and their potential application in the autonomous material artificial simulation of living systems.
Origin of Probability in Quantum Mechanics and the Physical Interpretation of the Wave Function
Authors: Wen Shuming
Published: November 2020

The theoretical calculation of quantum mechanics has been accurately verified by experiments, but Copenhagen interpretation with probability is still controversial. To find the source of the probability, we revised the definition of the energy quantum and reconstructed the wave function of the physical particle. Here, we found that the energy quantum ê is 6.62606896 ×10-34J instead of hν as proposed by Planck. Additionally, the value of the quality quantum ô is 7.372496 × 10-51 kg. This discontinuity of energy leads to a periodic non-uniform spatial distribution of the particles that transmit energy. A quantum objective system (QOS) consists of many physical particles whose wave function is the superposition of the wave functions of all physical particles. The probability of quantum mechanics originates from the distribution rate of the particles in a state in the QOS per unit volume at time t and near position r. Based on the revision of the energy quantum assumption and the origin of the probability, we proposed new certainty and uncertainty relationships, explained the physical mechanism of wave-function collapse and the quantum tunnelling effect, derived the quantum theoretical expression of double-slit and single-slit experiments.
The problem of neurotoxicity of drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis patients
Authors: Mozhokina G. N. , Samoylova A. G. , Vasilyeva I. A.
Published: November 2020

The article presents the analysis of 36 publications about neurotoxic properties of anti-tuberculosis drugs, their clinical manifestations and mechanisms of the neurotoxic action. It specifies predisposing factors for the development of neurotoxicity and risk groups. It highlights the necessity of early detection of neurotoxicity caused by chemotherapy regimens for timely management and adequate treatment of patients.
The outbreak of the new coronavirus infection in pediatric TB department
Authors: Gubkina M. F. , Petrakova I. Yu. , Yukhimenko N. V. , Sterlikova S. S. , Khokhlova Yu. Yu. , Аmansakhedov R. B.
Published: November 2020

The objective: to analyze the course of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in children with active respiratory tuberculosis.

Subjects and methods. The article describes results of retrospective analysis of the course of the new coronavirus infection in 25 children (3-12 years old) with active respiratory tuberculosis during the outbreak of COVID-19 in an in-patient TB unit.

Results. 24 (96%) persons got infected after the close exposure to the coronavirus infection, and 1 (4%) child didn't get infected. The diagnosis was verified by polymerase chain reaction (detection of RNK of SARS-CoV-2) in 33.3%, by enzyme immunoassay (detection of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in 1 month after quarantine removal) in 100%. 58.3% of children with respiratory tuberculosis (14 people) infected with coronavirus infection had minimal respiratory symptoms, that did not differ from signs of other respiratory viral infections; clinical manifestations of the disease were completely absent in 41.7% (10) patients. Coronavirus pneumonia was diagnosed in 4 (16.7%) children who suffered from COVID-19, they had no clinical signs of lower respiratory tract disorders and no body temperature increase; 3 patients had no signs of respiratory viral infection; in all cases, the lung damage detected by computed tomography didn't exceed 10%. In 2 months after the removal of quarantine, no IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 2 out of 10 examined children (20.0%), thus there was a chance for re-infection. No mutual aggravating effect of coronavirus infection and tuberculosis was revealed in their combination over the entire observation period (4 months).
YIELD AND NUT QUALITY OF 29 CASHEW MOTHER TREES (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE L) ESTABLISHED AT THE GERMPLASM OF OUOGHI IN CENTRAL REGION OF BENIN
Authors:   Central Agricultural Research Center (CRA-Centre), National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB). BP 112 Save, Benin Republic., Djolosse Kouami N , Adolphe Azonkpin ,   Central Agricultural Research Center (CRA-Centre), National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB). BP 112 Save, Benin Republic., Hubert Adoukonou-Sagbadja ,   Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Molecular Breeding, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques (FAST), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), BP 1947 Abomey-Calavi, Benin Republic., Barnabas Worou ,   Central Agricultural Research Center (CRA-Centre), National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB). BP 112 Save, Benin Republic., Raphiou Maliki ,   Central Agricultural Research Center (CRA-Centre), National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB). BP 112 Save, Benin Republic., Saliou Bello ,   Central Agricultural Research Center (CRA-Centre), National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB). BP 112 Save, Benin Republic., Yemalin Alfred Vinou ,   Central Agricultural Research Center (CRA-Centre), National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB). BP 112 Save, Benin Republic.
Published: November 2020

Description of subject: One of the main constraints to cashew crop development in Benin and Africa is the unavailability of efficient planting material for the plantations establishment. This constraint is largely responsible for the low level of nut yieldsobtained in cashew plantations. Objective: This study aimed to assess the agronomic performances of 29 different cashew mother trees established in the germplasm of the Central Agricultural Research Center (CRA-Centre) of the National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin located in Save, Central region, in sightof selecting high-performance clones to be distributed in rural areas. Materials and Methods: Nuts production, unit nuts weight and the kernelrate data were collected on 29 cashew mother trees during the harvest seasons from 2017 to 2020. These data were submitted to the analysis of variance and comparison of the means tests with software R. Results: The average nut yields of the 29 cashew mother trees varied from 0.85 to 11.98 kg / tree with a general average of 3.57 kg / tree at the age of 7 years old. Average unit nut weights ranged from 4.61 to 8.28 g with an overall average of 6.40 g. The average kernel ratio of nuts ranged from 24.08% to 32.46% with an overall average of 27.18%. The average weight of akernel varied from 1.43 to 2.15g with an average of 1.71g. At the end of the fouryears assessment, five of the 29 cashew mother trees with a minimum nut yield of 5 kg / tree were preselected as the first efficient cashew clones from Benin. Conclusion: These preliminary results are very important for the cashew breeding program in Benin. Furtherstudieswill plan to assess the cashew mother trees performance at 10, 15, 20 and 25 years old.
SEXUAL SLAVERY OF CHILDREN AS A WAR CRIME IN INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors:   Faculty of Law, JenderalSoedirman University, Central Java, Indonesia., Indriati N. , a Wismaningsih ,   Faculty of Law, JenderalSoedirman University, Central Java, Indonesia., b Danial ,   Faculty of Law, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, Banten, Indonesia.
Published: November 2020

Child is a creature from God Almighty who needs to be protected by self-esteem and his dignity and is guaranteed for the right of his life to grow and develop according to his natural fate. Any form of treatment that interferes and impairs the fundamental rights in various forms of unauthorized utilization and exploitation must be discontinued without exception.This is a normative juridical research. The method of the research is statute approaches, that is analyzing sexual slavery in children as war crime, because many cases of completion can be done through international criminal court.The results showed that child is vulnerable to any crime of its form at his ag, and one of the war crimes is child sexual slavery, which are not a few children became victims. In international criminal law is known the term of individual responsibility, which means that the perpetrators of criminals either commander or soldier can be tried in the International Criminal Court established by Rome Statuteof 1998.
The efficacy and safety of local therapy of atopic dermatitis in infants and school-age children
Authors: Sidorovich O. I. , Tsyvkina A. A. , Abdullaeva G. D.
Published: November 2020

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial genetic inflammatory skin disease associated with disturbances of skin barrier function affected by predisposition to IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, which is characterized by itching, chronic recurrent course of the disease, age-related features of localization and lesion morphology, and requires the long-term and permanent treatment.Treatment is based on the continuous use of emollients, topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical glucocorticoids, and hygienic skin care.The mechanisms of the atopic dermatitis development are primarily based on a genetic predisposition to allergies, failure of the normal development of congenital and acquired factors of the immune system, as well as the influence of environmental factors and various trigger factors, such as allergenic (food, indoor, epidermal, fungal allergens, etc.). and non-allergenic (tobacco smoke, pollutants, psycho-emotional stress, concomitant chronic and acute diseases, mainly ARVI, etc.).It has been established that atopic dermatitis is characterized by the epidermal barrier dysfunction leading to excessive tran-sepidermal water loss, increased permeability of the epidermis, the penetration of allergens and microbial agents via the skin and eventually to sensitization to allergens and the development of specific allergic skin inflammation and atopic march with the sequential development of other atopic diseases.Modern therapeutic strategies are actively aimed at repairing the epidermal barrier, preventing sensitization and atopic march development. This article describes the features of the epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis, lists the methods of its restoration and ways to prevent subsequent exacerbations using local therapy and emollients, and presents 3 clinical cases.