bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Xi
Published: November 2021

Object:To explore the correlation between serum vitamin D level and the occurrence and pathological grade of gastric cancer.Data sources:Search the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane,Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Science and Technology Journal Full-text Database, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Full-text Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), All articles about the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and gastric cancer published before July 2021.Results:10 trials with 1159 cases of gastric cancer patients and 33387 cases of normal control patients were analyzed. The serum vitamin D level of the gastric cancer group(15.56±7.46ng/ml) was lower than the control group (17.60±1.61ng/ml), and the difference was statistically significant (MD=-8.28, 95%CI: -14.32~-2.23, P <0.00001). The patients with gastric cancer clinical stage III/IV(16.19±8.04ng/ml) is lower than that of patients with stage I/II (19.61±9.61ng/ml), and the patients with low differentiation of gastric cancer is (17.5± 9.5ng/ml) is lower than that of well or moderately differentiated patients (18.04±7.92ng/ml), and the patients with lymph node metastasis (19.41±8.63ng/ml) is lower than that of patients without lymph node metastasis (20.65± 7.96ng/ml), the difference is statistically significant;Conclusions:Vitamin D levels are negatively correlated with the occurrence of gastric cancer. Vitamin D levels are significantly correlated with different clinical stages, degrees of differentiation and lymph node metastasis, suggesting that low vitamin D levels may be a predictor of poor prognosis in gastric cancer.
Improvement of Bovine Pestiviral diagnosis by the development of a cost-effective method for detecting viral RNA in fresh specimens and samples spotted in filter papers.
Authors: Favaro Paula Melisa , Molineri Ana , Santos Maria J. Dus , Calvinho Luis F. , Pecora Andrea
Published: November 2021

Bovine pestiviruses are the causative agents of Bovine viral diarrhea, a disease that generates severe economic losses in cattle. The aim of this study was to improve its diagnosis by means of developing a RT-qPCR to detect bovine pestiviruses A, B and H; and to set a protocol for collecting, shipping and conserving bovine pestiviral RNA in filter papers. The developed RT-qPCR showed high sensitivity in detecting these viruses in different matrixes: viral stocks, semen and serum samples. Regarding the possibility of using the technique to test serum pools, it was possible to identify a positive serum sample within a pool containing 30 sera. In addition to evaluating the qPCR from fresh samples, the use of filter papers to sow bovine samples was analyzed. The sampling method in two different filter papers using bovine blood drops was a useful alternative for diagnosis purposes and allowed the preservation of pestiviral RNA up to 12 months under refrigeration.
Urinary A- and C-megalin predict progression of diabetic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iida Tomomichi , Hosojima Michihiro , Kabasawa Hideyuki , Kabasawa Keiko , Goto Sawako , Tanaka Takahiro , Kitamura Nobutaka , Nakada Mitsutaka , Itoh Shino , Ogasawara Shinya , Kaseda Ryohei , Suzuki Yoshiki , Narita Ichiei , Saito Akihiko
Published: November 2021

Background

Urinary excretion of megalin, a proximal tubular endocytic receptor, may be associated with the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, no studies have assessed whether the levels of the urinary ectodomain (A-megalin) and full-length (C-megalin) forms of megalin can predict DKD progression.
Methods

We evaluated the correlation of urinary A-megalin levels of 34 patients with type 2 diabetes as measured by novel reducing and previous methods. Then, we retrospectively analyzed 188 type 2 diabetes patients not taking sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in order to investigate whether urinary A- and C-megalin might be used as predictors of kidney outcomes. The median observation period was 3.96 years. The associations between the baseline urinary A-megalin measured by the novel method and/or C-megalin levels and the subsequent estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation. Patients were categorized into higher or lower groups based on the optimal cutoff values, obtained from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, of the two forms of urinary megalin.
Results

Urinary A-megalin levels measured by the two methods were strongly correlated. The eGFR slopes of the higher A-megalin and C-megalin groups were −0.904 (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.584, −0.224) and −0.749 (95% CI −1.312, −0.186) ml/min/1.73 m2 per year steeper than those of the lower groups, respectively. Moreover, the eGFR slope was −1.888 (95% CI −2.764, −1.011) ml/min/1.73 m2 per year steeper in the group with both higher A- and higher C-megalin than in the other groups. These results remained significant when adjusted for albuminuria or known tubular injury markers.
Conclusions

Our novel method allows urinary A-megalin measurements to be performed more easily. Baseline urinary megalin levels were associated with the subsequent eGFR slope independently of known biomarkers in type 2 diabetes patients not receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. These two forms of megalin may be distinct urinary biomarkers of the progression of DKD.
Changing Lake Ice Intermittency in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Liu Grace , Jeevanjee Nadir , Kalidindi Sirisha , Vecchi Gabriel A
Published: November 2021

As the global climate warms, lakes are expected and have been observed to experience changes in seasonal ice cover. Previous research has observed decreasing freeze durations, but relatively few studies have investigated the impact of climate change on lake ice intermittency - the tendency of lakes to freeze over in some years but not others. Here we conduct an analysis of a lake dataset that includes nineteen intermittent ice-covered lakes in the northern hemisphere. We use logistic and binomial regression to model the relationship between historical climate changes and freeze events, with log CO2 concentration and mean winter temperature as covariates. Across the lakes, we observe a decrease in freeze probability and years with freeze events, with nine out of nineteen lakes showing a significant relationship between freeze years and log CO2 concentration. Additionally, we find that mean winter temperature can be a simple, readily accessible predictor for intermittent lake freeze. We also examine Lake Carnegie in Princeton, NJ as a case study, taking into account both quantitative data and anecdotal evidence, and find that the probability of ice skating has decreased from nearly 1 to 0.2 over the past century. Accordingly, local newspaper archives semantically suggest that local expectations for lake freezing have reversed over the last century as a societal response to climate change.
Association Between Cigarette Smoking and Ovarian Reserve Among Women Seeking Fertility Care
Authors: Oladipupo Islamiat , Ali T'shura , Hein David W , Pagidas Kelly , Bohler Henry , Doll Mark A , Mann Merry Lynn , Gentry Adrienne , Jasmine Chiang L , Pierson Rebecca C , Torres Sashia , Reece Emily , Taylor Kira C
Published: November 2021

Background
This study examined the association of smoking with ovarian reserve in a cross-sectional study of 207 women enrolled in the Louisville Tobacco Smoke Exposure, Genetic Susceptibility, and Infertility (LOUSSI) Study and assessed effect modification by NAT2 acetylator phenotype.
Methods
Information on current smoking status was collected using a structured questionnaire and confirmed by cotinine assay. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were used to assess ovarian reserve. Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) was defined as AMH < 1ng/mL. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the NAT2 gene, which metabolizes toxins found in cigarette smoke, were analyzed to determine NAT2 acetylator status. Linear and logistic regression were used to determine the effects of smoking on ovarian reserve and evaluate effect modification by NAT2. Regression analyses were stratified by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) status and adjusted for age.
Results
Current smoking status, either passive or active, was not significantly associated with DOR. For dose-response assessed using self-report, the odds of DOR increased significantly for every additional cigarette currently smoked (odds ratio, OR:1.08; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI:1.01–1.15); additionally, every 1 pack-year increase in lifetime exposure was associated with an increased odds of DOR among women without PCOS (OR: 1.08 95%CI: 0.99–1.18). These trends appear to be driven by the heavy or long-term smokers. Effect modification by NAT2 genotype was not established.
Conclusion
A history of heavy smoking, but not current smoking status, may indicate increased risk of diminished ovarian reserve.
Relationship Between High Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Compliance of the Pelvic Floor Support System in Women Without Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaode , Rong Qiguo , Wang Jianliu , Xie Bing , Ren Shuang
Published: November 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to study the relationship between high intra-abdominal pressure and the compliance of the pelvic floor support system in a normal woman without pelvic organ prolapse (POP), using a finite element model of the whole pelvic support system.Methods: A healthy female volunteer (55 years old) was scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the Valsalva maneuver. According to the pelvic structure contours traced by a gynecologist and anatomic details measured from dynamic MRI, a finite element model of the whole pelvic support system was established, including the uterus, vagina with cavity, cardinal and uterosacral ligaments, levator ani muscle, rectum, bladder, perineal body, pelvis, and obturator internus and coccygeal muscles. This model was imported into ANSYS software, and an implicit iterative method was employed to simulate the biomechanical response with increasing intra-abdominal pressure.Results: Stress and strain distributions of the vaginal wall showed that the posterior wall was more stable than the anterior wall under high intra-abdominal pressure. Displacement at the top of the vagina was larger than that at the bottom, especially in the anterior–posterior direction.Conclusion: These results imply potential injury areas with high intra-abdominal pressure in non-prolapsed women, and provide insight into clinical managements for the prevention and surgical repair plans of POP.
Pertussis outbreak investigation in Likimsa-Bokore kebele, Meda Walebu district, Bale zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Badeso Mohammed Hasen , Kalili Falaho Sani , Bogale Naod Berhanu
Published: November 2021

Background

Pertussis is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Globally, an estimated 45 million cases and 400,000 deaths occur every year. Meda-Walebu district health office reported the outbreak of pertussis in one of the remote villages/kebele. This study aims to describe an outbreak of pertussis in Likimsa-Bokore village of Meda-Walebu district, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia.
Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2019. We identified the pertussis cases recorded on the line-list from the District Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) database. A suspected case of pertussis was defined as any person with cough illness and with at least one of the following symptoms: paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory whooping, post-tussive vomiting, or apnea. The data were cleaned and then analyzed by Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23 software. Data were reported stratified by age groups, sex, and geographical locations and described in terms of time, place, and person.
Results

From September 2018 to December 2018, a total of 439 suspected cases of pertussis were reported from Likimsa-Bokore village of Meda-Walebu district. The age of the cases ranged from 2 months to 30 years. The overall attack rate was 55/1000 population with a case fatality rate of 0.7% (3 deaths/439). Children below five years of age and females were the most affected group with an attack rate of 198/1000 and 57/1000 population respectively. Delay to seek medical care by patients or caretakers ranged from 2-9 days with a mean delay of 3 days. Immunization service is not provided regularly, available refrigerators in the health posts were not functional and the cold chain management system was poor.
Conclusion

The suspected pertussis outbreak has occurred in the remote villages of Meda-Walebu district. The absence of regular immunization service, unfunctional cold chain management system and weak surveillance system in early detection and notification might have contributed to the outbreak. Provision of regular immunization service, strengthening cold chain management, and intensified surveillance system is required for early detection, investigation, and response to the outbreak
Mapping borophene onto graphene: Quasi-exact solutions for guiding potentials in tilted Dirac cones
Authors: Ng R. A. , Wild A. , Portnoi M. E. , Hartmann R. R.
Published: November 2021

We show that if the solutions to the (2+1)-dimensional massless Dirac equation for a given 1D potential are known, then they can be used to obtain the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for the same potential, orientated at an arbitrary angle, in a tilted anisotropic 2D Dirac material. This simple set of transformations enables all the exact and quasi-exact solutions associated with 1D quantum wells in graphene to be applied to the confinement problem in tilted Dirac materials such as borophene. We also show that smooth electron waveguides in tilted Dirac materials can be used to manipulate the degree of valley polarization of quasiparticles travelling along a particular direction of the channel. We examine the particular case of the hyperbolic secant potential to model realistic top-gated structures for valleytronic applications.
WITHDRAWN: Extended Rectangular Fuzzy B-metric Space
Authors: Furqan Salman , Saleem Naeem , Abbas Mujahid
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we introduce an extended rectangular fuzzy b-metric space which generalizes rectangular fuzzy b-metric space and rectangular fuzzy metric space. We show that an extended rectangular fuzzy b-metric space is not Hausdorff. A Banach fixed point theorem is proved as a special case of our main result where a Ciric type contraction was employed. Our main result generalizes some comparable results in rectangular fuzzy b-metric space and rectangular fuzzy metric space. We provide some examples to support the concepts and results presented herein. As an application of our result, we obtain the existence of the solution of the integral equation.
Intrathecal Analgesia Via a Percutaneous Port For the Management of Movement-Evoked Breakthrough Cancer Pain of Refractory Lower Extremity Cancer Pain: A Retrospective Review and Commentary
Authors: Zhou Liang , Guo Zhenggang
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives: Intrathecal analgesia (ITA) is a trusty treatment option for refractory and intractable cancer pain. However, there is still no general consensus on the analgesic effect of movement-evoked breakthrough pain (MEBTP) in the ITA setting. This study examined the effect of patient-controlled intrathecal analgesia (PCIA) on analgesic efficacy, emphasizing movement evoked breakthrough pain (MEBTP) in patients with refractory lower extremity cancer pain. Methods: A retrospective chart review included all patients with refractory lower extremity cancer pain who received Intrathecal morphine infusion therapy via percutaneous port (IMITPP) at our hospital between January 2017 and December 2020. Data on the numerical pain rating scales (NRS) scores, opioid doses, and complications were collected from medical records prior to IMITPP and at a one-month postimplant visit.Results: A total of 16 patients were included in the study group. Mean SRPI (spontaneous resting pain intensity) decreased from 8.75 pre- IMITPP to 3.75 post- IMITPP, (P < 0.001); mean MEPI (movement-evoked breakthrough pain intensity) fell from 8.83 pre- IMITPP to 4.25 post- IMITPP (P < 0.001); mean daily morphine equivalent dosing decreased from 360 mg/d to 48mg/d (P< 0.001); mean daily morphine equivalent dosing for MEBTP decreased from 87 mg/d to 6 mg/d (P< 0.001). Both total and breakthrough dosing of conventional opioid medications significantly decreased following the initiation of ITT with PCIA. The mean perceived time to onset with conventional movement evoked breakthrough medications was 38 minutes, and the mean perceived time to onset with PCIA was 8 minutes (P < 0.001). Conclusions: IMITPP was associated with improved pain control in patients with refractory lower extremity cancer pain. Compared with conventional MEBTP medication, appropriate PCIA provided superior analgesia and a much faster onset of action.
The Effectiveness of Mobile-Learning in Teaching Corrective Exercises to Scoliosis Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Samad-Soltani Taha , heshmati Arefeh , Hazrati Hakimeh , Salahzade Zahra Salahzade , hachesu Peyman Rezaei , ekrami Nushin khalili
Published: November 2021

Background: Mobile-learning (M-learning) has recently provided new opportunities and facilitated patient education due to its attractiveness and ease of access. As a result, the present study aimed to design an application (app) and evaluate the effectiveness of M-learning in teaching CEx to patients suffering from scoliosis.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was fulfilled in two phases, namely, app design and educational intervention among scoliosis patients, and then reflections on the effectiveness of the app and educational intervention implementation concerned. Within the implementation step, the scoliosis patients referred to the rehabilitation center affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, were divided into case and control groups upon imaging and grading their spine curvature. The effectiveness of the educational intervention was also assessed through the rate of recovery in spine curvature and users’ opinions and satisfaction with the app usability via the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Results: In this sense, the accuracy index was equal to 100% based on physiotherapists’ approval. The level of satisfaction with the educational intervention in the case group with a mean value of 97% was also higher than that in the controls (88%). Moreover, the values ​​of the Cob angle change in the case group were significantly higher than that in the controls. Based on the analysis of the UEQ outcomes, the highest and the lowest levels of satisfaction among the users were associated with the “perspicuity” and “stimulation” dimensions of the app, respectively.Conclusion: Given that the new models of care are today mostly focused on the role of patients, moving toward patient self-management, the app designed here could be utilized as a model for developing broader similar systems and programs for treatment management, patient monitoring, emergency response, personalized health monitoring, and widespread access to health care information.
Dexmedetomidine Reduces IL-4 and IgE Expression Through Downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Alleviate Airway Hyperresponsiveness in OVA Mice
Authors: Zhi Juan , Duan Qirui , Wang Qian yu , Du Xiyu , Yang Dong
Published: November 2021

Background: Asthma is a disease that affects health worldwide. It is characterised by inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. Because airway hyperreactivity can occur in other diseases, perioperative airway hyperreactivity is more insidious and widespread than in asthma and has serious implications that need to be addressed urgently. The use of dexmedetomidine in acute asthma and lung protection has been reported, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms associated with dexmedetomidine in airway hyperresponsiveness.Methods: Forty BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into five groups: group K (blank group), group A (asthma group), group HD (asthma + dexmedetomidine treatment group), group TH (asthma + yohimbine group) and group HT (asthma + dexmedetomidine + yohimbine group), and the airway resistance of group K, group A and group HD were analysed by invasive airway resistance assay, ELISA assay, immunohistochemistry and q-PCR, respectively. Airway resistance; IL-4 and IgE levels in serum and BLAF; and IL-4, IL-13, Muc5AC, NFκB, TLR2, TLR4 and TSLP1 protein levels in lung tissues of the 5 groups were analysed by invasive airway resistance assay, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Results: Compared with group A, there were statistical differences in airway resistance (P < 0.05); LIL-4 and IgE (P < 0.05) in serum and BLAF; and Muc5AC, TLR4 and NFκB protein contents (P < 0.05) in lung tissues in the HD group. Conclusion: 1. Dexmedetomidine can attenuate airway hyperresponsiveness in the OVA asthma model; 2. Dexmedetomidine reduced the production of IL-4 and IgE by down-regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the lung inflammatory response and airway hyperresponsiveness in the OVA-induced asthma model.
Knowledge discovery and dengue forecasting applied in a four-year dataset collected at Natal, RN – Brazil
Authors: Sanchez-Gendriz Ignacio , de Souza Gustavo , de Andrade Ion , Neto Adrião Duarte Doria , Tavares Alessandre , Barros Daniele , de Morais Antonio Freire , Galvão-Lima Leonardo , Valentim Ricardo de Medeiros
Published: November 2021

Dengue, a disease recognized as a health problem, causes significant impacts on health and affects millions of people each year worldwide. A suitable method for dengue vector surveillance is to count eggs the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti have laid in spatially distributed ovitraps. In view of this approach, this study uses a database collected in 397 ovitraps distributed across the municipality of Natal, RN – Brazil. The number of eggs in each ovitrap was counted weekly, over four years (2016 - 2019), and simultaneously analyzed with the incidence of dengue. Our results confirm that dengue incidence seems to be related to socioeconomic status in Natal. Using a deep learning model, we then predict the incidence of new dengue cases based on data obtained from the previous week of dengue or the number of eggs present in the ovitraps. The analysis shows that ovitrap data allows earlier detection (four to six weeks) when compared to dengue cases themselves (one week). Furthermore, the results confirm that quantifying Aedes aegypti eggs may be valuable for planning actions and public health interventions.
Distinctive Kinesin-14 Motors Associate with Midzone Microtubules to Construct Mitotic Spindles with Two Convergent Poles in Arabidopsis
Authors: Guo Xiaojiang , Huang Calvin , Lee Yuh-Ru Julie , WANG JIRUI , Liu Bo
Published: November 2021

Microtubule (MT) motors in the Kinesin-14 subfamily proliferated in photosynthetic organisms and they often incorporated sequences bearing novel structural features. To gain insights into the functions of diversified Kinesin-14 motors from an evolutionary perspective, we performed phylogenetic analyses across different eukaryotic kingdoms. Compared to fungi that have a single class of Kinesin-14, the early divergent protist Giardia possesses two classes and the motile green alga Chlamydomonas produces four classes (Kinesin-14A to Kinesin-14D). The fifth class Kinesin-14E first appeared among immotile green algae and the sixth Kinesin-14F emerged in mosses, concomitantly with the display of 3D growth. The conservation of Kinesin-14D from green algae prompted us to investigate its function in Arabidopsis in which three such motors functioned in cell cycle-dependent manners. They localized on selective spindle MTs and/or sometimes kinetochore-like structures, and later all became conspicuous on MT bundles in the spindle midzone following sister chromatid segregation. Genetic dissection of Kinesin-14D1 showed that its loss led to hypersensitivity to low doses of the MT-depolymerizing herbicide oryzalin. Kinesin-14D1 association with the midzone MTs in both prophase and mitotic spindles. The oryzalin treatment left behind discrete kinetochore fibers attached to randomly positioned chromosomes in the mitotic kinesin-14d1 cells but prevented the pole convergence of bipolar mitotic spindles. This function of Kinesin-14D1 in the spindle midzone is likely dependent on an MT-binding domain at the C-terminus to the catalytic motor domain. Therefore, our results revealed a novel Kinesin-14D-dependent mechanism that regulates the formation of bipolar spindle apparatus with converged acentrosomal poles.
Serum Triglycerides Fasting Glycemic Product Index Predict No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients with Actue Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Coronary Intervention
Authors: Liao LiPing , Yang Yang , Ye Zi Xuan , Du Zheng , Li Weizhen , Shi Xiajun
Published: November 2021

Objective: To investigate the value of serum triglyceride and fasting glycemic index in predicting no reflow in patients with acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: A total of 1037 patients with acute myocardial infarction who received PCI in the Department of Cardiology of Shanghai General Hospital and Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital from January 2016 to May 2021 were retrospectively selected. According to postoperative TIMI blood flow classification, all patients were divided into no reflow group (TIMI blood flow≤grade 2) (309 cases) and reflow group (TIMI blood flow = grade 3) (728 cases). Clinical data, laboratory indicators and surgical information were collected from the two groups of patients. Logistic univariate and multivariate regression were used to analyze the independent risk factors of no reflow in actue myocardial infarction patients after PCI. ROC curve was used to analyze the best cut-off point for TyG index to predict the occurrence of no reflow. Results: The TyG index of no reflow group was significantly higher than of reflow group (7.16±0.64 vs 6.63±0.38, P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TyG index(OR=1.484,95%Cl 1.203-1.831,P< 0.001);WMSI(OR=2.640,95%Cl1.036-4.722,P=0.039);CSI (OR=2.299,95%Cl1.117-4.767,P=0.022) was independent predictors of no reflow phenomenon in patients with acute myocardial infarction after PCI .The area under the ROC curve predicted by TyG index after PCI without reflow was 0.809,95%Cl(0.740-0.879),higher than CSI and WMSI.When the TyG index was 6.995, the sensitivity and specificity of Youden index were 82.4% and 70.3% respectively at the maximum.Conclusion: TyG index can be used as an indicator to predict the occurrence of no-reflow in patients with acute myocardial infarction after PCI, which is helpful for clinicians to select high-risk patients and take interventions timely, so as to reduce the risk of no-reflow in patients after PCI.
Design considerations for overdose education and Naloxone distribution: Results of a multi-stakeholder workshop
Authors: Sellen Katherine , Markowitz Benjamin , Goso Nick , Mulvale Alison , Hunt Richard , Handford Curtis , Klaiman Michelle , Wright Amy , Charles Mercy , Sniderman Ruby , Jüni Peter , Morrison Laurie , Campbell Douglas , Leece Pamela , Strike Carol , Parsons Janet , Orkin Aaron
Published: November 2021

Background

Opioid overdose epidemic is a public health crisis that is impacting communities around the world. Overdose education and naloxone distribution programs equip and train lay people to respond in the event of an overdose. We aimed to design an open-access naloxone kit and ultra-brief education session for use in point-of-care settings.
Methods

We hosted a multi-stakeholder co-design workshop to elicit suggestions for the kit and education session. We recruited people with lived experience of opioid overdose, community representatives, and other stakeholders from family practice, emergency medicine, addictions medicine, and public health to participate in a one-day facilitated co-design discussion wherein large and small group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic approaches.
Results

A total of twenty four participants participated in the multi-stakeholder workshop from five stakeholder groups including geographic and setting diversity. Collaborative dialogue and shared storytelling which revealed seven design considerations: recognizing overdose, how much naloxone, impact of stigma, legal risk of responding, position as conventional first aid, friends and family as responders, support to call 911.
Conclusion

To create an open access kit and ultra-brief education session for distribution in emergency departments, family practice and substance use treatment services, stigma is a central design consideration. Design choices that reference the iconography, type, and form of materials associated with first aid have the potential to satisfy the need to de-stigmatize overdose response.
Double Posteromedial Portals for Excision of a Symptomatic Os Trigonum With Ankle Arthroscopy in Supine Position
Authors: Su Songchuan , Hao Qi , Ding Qi
Published: November 2021

Background: The existence of abnormal os trigonum often causes posterior ankle impingement syndrome, the commonly used method for excision of symptomatic os trigonum is standard arthroscopic approach when posterior and anterior abnormalities appear in one patient. However, the arthroscopy of posterior and anterior compartement of the ankle joint must be undertaken in one surgical position. In most cases, when adopting the standard arthroscopic approach, the patient has to be firstly positioned supine to perform the anterior procedure, and then re-positioned prone to operate on the posterior compartment. Material and Methods: To simplify this process and shorten operation time, we describe a double posteromedial ankle portals procedure, which provides access to reach both the posterior and anterior compartment without changing position, to exam both symptomatic compartement. Standard operation are conducted by changing position to reach both compartement. Standard operation and double posteromedial ankle portals procedure were conducted to 46 patients (standard approach 23, 2 posteromedial portals 23). Operation time, AOFAS score, KAF score and VAS score were analyzed.Results: It shows operation time reduced from 69.78±5.24 min to 36.61±3.63 min (P<0.05) and postoperative recovery index of novel method including AOFAS score, KAF score and VAS score were better than that in standard way one month after operation, but there was no significance difference after one month. Conclusion: The figures strongly suggest that the double posteromedial portals approach is better than the standard procedures in operation time, short-term postoperative recovery.
Prevalence of Sarcopenia Was Higher in Women Than in Men: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Rural Area in Eastern China
Authors: Yang Yichen , Zhang Qin , Chen Jing , He Caihong , Deng Danfeng , Lu Wenwen , Wang Yuming
Published: November 2021

Purpose

There were limited studies specifically evaluating whether the difference of the prevalence of sarcopenia exists in men and women in older adults from rural areas in China. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia between men and women in a rural area in eastern China and to explore the underlying causes.
Methods

This study included 1,105 participants aged 60~89 years. Muscle mass was measured by bio-electrical impedance analysis. Hand grip strength was measured by Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia-2019 Consensus. Data were analyzed using a log-binomial and linear regression.
Findings:

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 21.7% in women and 12.9% in men among the study cohort. After adjusting for age, education level, number of diseases, smoking, drinking, and eating habits, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 151% times higher in women than in men (PR=1.51, 95% CI = 1.01-2.26, P<0.05).
Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly women in this rural area of eastern China is higher than in men, suggesting that women in rural areas in China seems more vulnerable for sarcopenia, thus early screening and prevention need to be provided for them to eliminate such gender disparity in health.
Eco-Friendly Preparation and Characterization of Bioplastic Films from Marine Fish Wastes
Authors: Surya Parthasarathy , Arumugam Sundaramanickam , Nithin Ajith , Iswarya Parthasarathy
Published: November 2021

Synthetic plastics are highly hazardous contaminants; hence they must be replaced with alternatives. This study aimed to prepare corn starch-based bioplastics using fish scale through film casting technique as an alternative to synthetic plastics. In this work, four types of bioplastic films containing different percentages of fish-scale powder and corn starch were prepared. Physical and chemical properties such as texture, color, solubility in hot water, tensile strength, organic content, and morphology of all the four types of the synthesized biopolymer were analyzed. The mixture of fish-scale powder and corn-flour powder in the ratio of 1: 3 yielded the best results. In the biodegradability test, degradation was noticed after 7 days of treatment with organic waste. The degradation was confirmed by surface changes in the morphology and the development of Aspergillus sp. The produced bioplastics were synthesized from eco-friendly, inexpensive, and natural materials. Thus, the present research has provided a viable alternative to synthetic plastics.
The Correlation Between The COVID-19 Infection Severity and ABO Blood Groups in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq
Authors: Omer Nazaneen , Ismael Sarwer , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Mohammed Maryam
Published: November 2021

Background

ABO blood group types are among the risk factors of COVID-19 infection in many recent studies. Thus, the objective of this study is to find the relations between ABO types and COVID-19 infection as well as to find out the riskier group that is associated with hospitalization and the need for O2 support.
Methods

This observational cross-sectional study was done to identify the risk and relations between ABO blood groups and Rh factor of 530 Iraqi-Kurdish patients affected with COVID-19 infection. Among them, 184 patients were severe cases that needed hospitalization while 346 patients were mild to moderate cases that were treated at home. The diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was based on Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, high-resolution Chest CT scan, strong clinical suspicion plus history of the close home or job contact with COVID-19 confirmed patient.
Results

There were no significant differences in the distribution of ABO blood grouping in the total COVID-19 cases, however, the severity in form of hospitalization and O2 demand was higher in blood group A whereas the lowest in group B. Male patient were significantly older than females with more prolonged illness duration. The duration of COVID-19 illness, the need for plasma, and the rate of mortality were very significantly higher among hospitalized COVID-19 patients than non-hospitalized. In 37.2% of the patient, the initial presentation was a combination of more than one symptom. In 28% of cases, myalgia was the 1st mono-symptomatic presentation.
Conclusions

Blood group A is associated with the highest rate of hospitalization and O2 demand, besides, the duration of illness and rate of mortality in males were more than females.
Impact of Photobiomodulation for Oral Mucositis on Body Weight and Bmi of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Melo Amanda de Sousa , Andrade Camila Lima , Dantas Juliana Borges de Lima , Medrado Alena Ribeiro Alves Peixoto , Martins Gabriela Botelho , Lima Hayana Ramos , Carrera Manoela
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of photobiomodulation for oral mucositis on body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) of patients with head and neck cancer.
Methods

Patients were divided into two distinct groups: Photobiomodulation - PBM (n = 17) and SHAM (n = 19). Participants in the PBM group received the low-power aluminum gallium arsenide (AsGaAl) laser device with maximum output power of 86.7 mW, wavelength of 660 nm (red) and laser applications at 33 different points of the oral mucosa, on alternate days. Patients in the SHAM group were found to be using the same procedure but with the device turned off. During the first and twenty-fourth session of radiotherapy, participants from both groups underwent an intraoral examination to assess the presence or absence of mucositis and its respective degree according to WHO scale, and were assessed by measuring weight and height and for BMI calculation.
Results

All patients presented significant differences on weight and BMI throughout the study. Patients in the PBM group had less weight loss (p<0.01) and reduced BMI loss (p<0.01) when compared to patients in the SHAM group. PBM did not prevent oral mucositis, however, it decreased its severity (p<0.01).
Conclusion

Photobiomodulation for oral mucositis reduces weight loss and prevented the reduction of BMI in patients who underwent radiochemotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer. Although it did not avoid the appearance of oral mucositis, PBM was able to reduce its degrees, preventing the progress of this condition. Retrospectively registered: https://data.mendeley.com//datasets/4kd7s49wk4/1
Health Behaviors in Austrian Apprentices and School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: O´Rourke Teresa , Dale Rachel , Humer Elke , Probst Thomas , Plener Paul , Pieh Christoph
Published: November 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives, which in turn has impacted health behaviors. Young people have been particularly affected. This study aimed to assess health behaviors in Austrian apprentices and high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether vaccination willingness is affected by health behaviors. Methods: Two online surveys were conducted via REDCap with 1442 apprentices (female: 53.5%, male: 45.4%) from March 29th to May 18th, 2021 and 563 school students (female: 79.6%, male: 18.6%) from June 19th to July 2nd, 2021. The two samples were matched to account for sociodemographic differences and analyses were run on the matched sample. Besides the health behaviors smoking, alcohol consumption, cannabis consumption and exercise, health status and vaccination willingness were also assessed. Results: Health behaviors were affected by both education group and gender. Apprentices reported significantly more smoking than high school students and this difference was more pronounced in women (all p<0.01). Alcohol consumption was higher in apprentices than school students, but only in women (p<0.01). There was a trend for the two education groups to differ in their cannabis use as well (p=0.05). Apprentices took part in more weekly exercise (p<0.0001), but high school students reported better average health status (p<0.001). When included in the same model, health behaviors did not affect vaccine willingness, but education group did, with high school students showing a higher willingness to receive the COVD-19 vaccine than apprentices. Conclusions: These findings support the argument that education type is an important factor for health behaviors, but this is also mediated by gender. Appropriate interventions for adolescents are needed to prevent adverse health behavior changes following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peripheral inflammatory biomarkers of methamphetamine withdrawal based on the neuro-inflammation hypothesis: the possible improvement effect of exercise
Authors: Wang Jingsong , Lu Chunxia , Zheng Lan , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2021

Background
Investigate how exercise affects the desire for methamphetamine (MA) withdrawal and to explore the mechanisms of peripheral inflammation.
Methods
Ninety methamphetamine withdrawal patients participated enrolled in the study. The subjects were grouped according to the degree of craving induced by the clues: non craving control group (NCC group), craving control group (CC group) and craving exercise group (CE group). The CE group performed aerobic combined resistance training. The ELISA method was then used to detect plasma IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations, Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) measurement of cue-induced cravings under Virtual Reality(VR) exposure (VR-VAS) and the Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) were used to assess cravings.
Results
Plasma IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, levels as well as the VR-VAS and DDQ scores of methamphetamine withdrawal patients were significantly reduced after exercise; The scores of VR-VAS were positively correlated with the plasma concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β.
Conclusions
This study confirmed that plasma IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β can be used as biomarkers of peripheral inflammation in methamphetamine withdrawal patients to predict the degree of craving. At the same time,eight weeks of incremental load aerobic combined with resistance training reduces peripheral inflammation, significantly reduces the level of craving for MA extraction.
IDSopen: Online-only Publikationen des Leibniz-Instituts für Deutsche Sprache
Authors: Fiedler Norman , Hein Katrin , Reineke Silke , Trawiński Beata
Published: November 2021

Mit diesem Papier wird die neue Online-Reihe IDSopen des Leibniz-Instituts für Deutsche Sprache konzeptuell aufgelegt. Die Reihe bietet Autor/-innen und Rezipient/-innen aus allen Bereichen der Linguistik eine moderne und offene Plattform für digitales Publizieren. Mit IDSopen steht eine zeitgemäße Publikationsumgebung zur Verfügung, die schwerpunktmäßig Arbeiten veröffentlicht, die auf Ressourcen des IDS beruhen und deren Verwendungsmöglichkeiten in besonderem Maße zeigen. Gleichzeitig zeichnet sich IDSopen durch eine Öffnung für unkonventionelle Publikationsformen und -formate aus. Transparente Begutachtungsprozesse gehören dabei genauso zum Profil der Reihe wie ein offener Erscheinungsturnus und das Ansprechen unterschiedlicher Zielgruppen. IDSopen verfolgt entlang der Leitlinien des IDS und der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft (vgl. LeibnizOpen) das Open-Access-Prinzip und veröffentlicht ausschließlich digital, ohne gedruckte Form (Online-only). Diese Maßnahmen haben das Ziel, kurze Veröffentlichungszeiten für Manuskripte zu ermöglichen, einen unbeschränkten und kostenlosen Zugang zu qualitätsgeprüfter wissenschaftlicher Information rund um die IDS-Ressourcen im Internet zu bieten und liquide Publikationsprozesse zu unterstützen.
A Comparison of Latent Class Analysis and the Mixture Rasch Model Using 8th Grade Mathematics Data in the Fourth International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS-2011)
Authors: TOKER Turker , GREEN Kathy
Published: November 2021

This study provides a comparison of the results of latent class analysis (LCA) and mixture Rasch model (MRM) analysis using data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study – 2011 (TIMSS-2011) with a focus on the 8th-grade mathematics section. The research study focuses on the comparison of LCA and MRM to determine if results obtained differ when the assumed psychometric model differs. Also, a log-linear analysis was conducted to understand the interactions between latent classes identified by LCA and MRM. Response data to the three booklets were used to run latent class analysis using Mplus 7.31 (Muthén & Muthén, 2012a) for LCA and WINMIRA (von Davier, 2001a). The findings of this paper do not reveal unequivocally whether a model based on primarily qualitative differences (LCA), that is, different strategies, instructional differences, curriculum etc. or a model including additional factors of quantitative differences within strategies (MRM) should be used with this particular dataset. Both of the tests provided similar results with more or less similar interpretations. Both techniques fit the data similarly, a result found in prior research. Nonetheless, for tests similar to TIMSS exams, item difficulty parameters can be useful for educational researchers giving potential priority to use of MRM.
Detection of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast DNA by Real Time PCR in hair of wild rabbits
Authors: J.J. AYUSO-SÁINZ , S. BELINCHÓN-LORENZO , J. FERNÁNDEZ-COTRINA , M. JIMÉNEZ , A. ORDUÑA-DOMINGO , E.J. QUINTO
Published: November 2021

The study of potential wild mammal reservoirs is necessary for the surveillance of leishmaniosis, as Leishmania protozoans have been isolated from a wide range of wild and domestic animal species, including Leporidae. Recently, it has been demonstrated that both hares and wild rabbits can act as sylvatic reservoirs of Leishmania. In Spain, most of the research involving wild rabbits has been developed in the central area of Madrid and in the southeastern Mediterranean coast. We studied the presence of Leishmania infantum in 116 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) captured in Santovenia de Pisuerga, Valladolid, Spain. Hair samples were analyzed by real time PCR. L. infantum kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was detected and quantified in 4 out of 116 analyzed animals. The estimated number of parasites obtained were quite variable, ranging from 2.60 to 276.60. Hair samples can be collected by non-invasive methods, being a proper sample for Leishmania detection in wild Leporidae, which have an important role as reservoirs of Leishmania. Our findings enhance the need for more extensive studies in different geographical areas.
Pembelajaran Blended Learning dengan Metode Praktikum untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Fisika Siswa SMK
Authors: Yunita Herma , Sesunan Feriansyah , Maulina Hervin , Suana Wayan
Published: November 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic and government regulations regarding the Enforcement of Restrictions on Community Activities in Indonesia have caused face-to-face learning activities not to be fully implemented. One way to be used as an alternative is through blended learning, which combines online and offline learning activities. This study aims to test vocational students' learning outcomes through blended learning with practicum methods. The population of this study was all students of class XI TKJ of SMK Negeri 1 Liwa, and the samples selected by purposive sampling technique were students of class X-TKJ1 as the control class and students of X-TKJ2 as the experimental class. This study used a pretest-posttest control group design. The two sample classes were given a pretest and posttest, which were then analyzed to determine the N-gain for each class. The results showed differences in student learning outcomes in the experimental and control classes with N-gains, respectively, 0.72 and 0.40. The analysis results showed that the average increase in student learning outcomes in the experimental class was higher than in the control class. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that blended learning with practicum methods can improve student learning outcomes.
influence of environmental psychoeducation on children's empathy skill in community reading park
Authors: Khisbiyah Yayah , Prihartanti Nanik , Thoyibi Mohammad , Purwanto Aris , Izza Yuslina Himmatul
Published: November 2021

This research aimed to compare the empathy ability of children before and after acquiring the community-based psychoeducation with pro-green activities designed for environment conservation. This research used a quantitative design with Quasi Experiment: One Group Pretest-Posttest Design as the research design. The participants were 34 children with age 8 until 12 years old. This research used purposive sampling with the criteria such as 1) The children from Dusun Jayan, Desa Senting, Boyolali Regency, and 2) Age 8 until 12 years old. The results showed that the mean score before the activity was 70,62 and after the activity was 74,32. There was an increase score 3,7 with the significance score (Sig.2-tailed) of 0.035 (p<0,05) and t-value = -2,194. Conclusion: 1). There was a positive significance between environment psychoeducation and children's empathy ability, and 2) The environment psychoeducation was effective to increase children's ability who play and learn at Taman Baca Masyarakat Panggon Sinau.