bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Records of Streblidae (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea) in a tropical dry forest fragment in Colombia
Authors: Ascuntar-Osnas Oscar , Montoya-Bustamante Sebastián , González-Chávez Baltazar
Published: January 2020

Streblidae es una familia de moscas altamente especializada, la cual se alimenta exclusivamente de murciélagos. Aquí se presenta información sobre las especies de Streblidae presentes en dos fragmentos de bosque seco tropical en Cauca, Colombia. Entre abril y noviembre de 2012 se realizaron 16 jornadas de captura de murciélagos, utilizando redes de niebla, las cuales estuvieron abiertas desde las 18:00 hasta las 06:00. Cada murciélago capturado se revisó y los ectoparásitos encontrados se conservaron en alcohol al 90%. Se recolectaron 85 ectoparásitos y se identificaron 10 especies de estréblidos en siete especies de murciélagos. El análisis mostró que estos parásitos son localmente especializados, lo cual contrasta fuertemente con el alto número de especies hospederas que han sido reportadas para ellos. Se hipotetiza que esta diferencia se debe a restricciones locales que filtran el nicho fundamental de estas moscas. Este trabajo enriquece los inventarios de la entomofauna en remanentes de bosque seco tropical, un ecosistema en estado crítico de conservación.
Ictiofauna del río Manso (Caldas, Colombia)
Authors: Aguiar Gómez Wilton , Sánchez Garcés Gian Carlo , Bonilla Paula Andrea
Published: January 2020

Se presenta un listado de los peces de la cuenca media y baja del río Manso (Caldas, Colombia), el cual consolida los resultados de 33 campañas de muestreo que se realizaron  en ocho estaciones distribuidas en la zona media y baja del río y una quebrada tributaria, además de la información previamente existente. En total se han registrado para el río Manso 68 especies de peces. En el periodo 2012-2014 se registraron 55 especies, de las cuales 15 están incluidas en el Libro Rojo de Peces de Agua Dulce de Colombia, 12 son especies de importancia para consumo humano y las demás representan interés biológico y ecológico.
Modelamiento de la distribución potencial de Corapipo leucorrhoa (Pipridae) en el valle alto del Magdalena, Tolima, Colombia
Authors: Gaitán García Cristhian David , Losada Prado Sergio
Published: January 2020

En los últimos años, el saltarín gorgiblanco (Corapipo leucorrhoa) ha sido reportado por fuera de su distribución habitual hacia el norte del valle alto del Magdalena (Tolima, Colombia), lo cual supone que su distribución real no es bien conocida. En este estudio se reportan tres registros de C. leucorrhoa en el departamento del Tolima. Con la revisión de varios registros de bases de datos y nuestros reportes, modelamos un mapa de distribución potencial para esta especie, encontrando que hay condiciones propicias para su presencia a lo largo del valle alto del Magdalena y que esta región debe ser incluida como parte de su distribución geográfica para Colombia.
Pneumocystis jirovecii Colonization and Its Association with Pulmonary Diseases: a Multicenter Study Based on a Modified Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay
Authors: Xue Ting , Ma Zhuang , Liu Fan , Du Wei-Qin , He Li , Wang Jin-Yan , An Chun-Li
Published: January 2020

Background
Pneumocystis jirovecii ( P. jirovecii ) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen and the role of its colonization in pulmonary diseases has become a popular focus in recent years. The aim of this study is to develop an improved loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii ( P. jirovecii ) DNA and use it to examine the prevalence and association of P. jirovecii colonization among non-HIV patients with various pulmonary diseases.
Methods
We modified the previously reported LAMP assay for P. jirovecii by adding real-time detection. This method was used to detect P. jirovecii colonization in pulmonary samples collected from 403 non-HIV patients with various pulmonary diseases enrolled from 5 hospitals in China. We determined the prevalence of P. jirovecii colonization in 7 types of pulmonary diseases and assessed the association of P. jirovecii colonization with clinical characteristics of these diseases.
Results
The new LAMP assay showed no cross-reactivity with other common pulmonary microbes and was 1,000 times more sensitive than that of conventional PCR. Using the new LAMP assay, we detected P. jirovecii colonization in 281 (69.7%) of the 403 patients enrolled. P. jirovecii colonization was more common in interstitial lung diseases than in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (84.6% vs 64.5%, P < 0.05). Patients with acute exacerbation of COPD had a higher prevalence of P. jirovecii colonization compared to patients with stabilized COPD (67.4% vs 43.3%, P < 0.05). P. jirovecii colonization was associated with decreased pulmonary function, increased levels of 1,3-β-D-glucan and C-reactive protein, and decreased levels of CD4+ T-cell counts (P < 0.05 for each). Approximately 70% of P. jirovecii colonized patients had confections with other fungi or bacteria.
Conclusions
We developed an improved LAMP assay for detecting P. jirovecii . Our multi-center study of 403 patients supports that P. jirovecii colonization is a risk factor for the development of pulmonary diseases and highlights the need to further study the pathogenesis and transmission of P. jirovecii colonization in pulmonary diseases.
Unsafe child feces disposal status in Ethiopia: what factors matter? analysis of pooled data from four demographic and health surveys
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam
Published: January 2020

Background: Unsafe child feces disposal has compounding effects on children’s wellbeing. In Ethiopia and many other countries, still, there is a common misconception that children’s feces are not harmful, and not end up in a toilet.
Objective: The study aims to determine the magnitude and factors associated with unsafe child feces disposal in Ethiopia.
Methods: The study is cross-sectional in nature and the analysis was based on data from 1st to 4th rounds of the population-based Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) conducted between 2000 and 2016. Descriptive statistics were computed to illustrate the given data. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify factors associated with unsafe child feces disposal.
Results: The pooled dataset contained information on 40,520 children younger than 5 years, male accounts 20,629 (50.9%). Overall, 77.7% (95%CI: 76.3-79.0) of children feces disposed of unsafely. In the multivariable logistic regression model, those mothers whose child was 13-24 months [AOR: 0.68, 95% CI: (0.60-0.78)] and ≥ 25 months [AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: (0.60-0.72)] were lower odds of unsafe child’s feces disposal. Children born into households having two or fewer children were 33% lower [AOR: 0.67, 95% CI: (0.56-0.79)] odds of unsafe child’s feces disposal than their counterparts. The odds of disposing of feces unsafely among households having improved toilet facility was 76% lower [AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: (0.19-0.29)] that of households lacking such facilities. Being an urban resident, having improved drinking water facility, a high level of maternal and paternal education, paternal occupational status (work in non-agriculture), and maternal age were factors associated with lower odds of unsafe child's feces disposal.
Conclusions: Three in four Ethiopian children feces disposed of unsafely. Unsafe child feces disposal is less prevalent among households that had improved water and toilet facility, those in urban areas, those with older children, those with a high level of maternal and paternal education, and those with a lower number of under-five children. There is a need for more attention to be paid to curtail the significant burden of unsafe child feces disposal in Ethiopia.
Identifying risk factors for perinatal death at Tororo District Hospital, Uganda: a case-control study
Authors: Tesfalul Martha , Natureeba Paul , Day Nathan , Thomas Ochar , Gaw Stephanie L
Published: January 2020

Background
Sub-Saharan Africa faces a disproportionate burden of perinatal deaths globally. However, data to inform targeted interventions on an institutional level is lacking, especially in rural settings. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for perinatal death at a resource-limited hospital in Uganda.

Methods
This is a retrospective case-control study at a district hospital in eastern Uganda using birth registry data. Cases were admissions with stillbirths at or beyond 24 weeks or neonatal deaths within 28 days of birth. Controls were admissions that resulted in deliveries immediately preceding and following each case. We compared demographic and obstetric factors between cases and controls to identify risk factors for perinatal death. Subgroup analysis of type of perinatal death was also performed. Chi square, Fisher's exact, t-test, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank sum tests were utilized for bivariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression for multivariate analysis.

Results
From January 2014 to December 2014, there were 185 cases of perinatal death, of which 36% (n=69) were macerated stillbirths, 40% (n=76) were fresh stillbirths, and 25% (n=47) were neonatal deaths. The rate of perinatal death among all deliveries at the institution was 35.5 per 1,000 deliveries. Factors associated with increased odds perinatal death included: prematurity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 19.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.2-49.2), breech presentation (aOR 7.0, CI 1.4-35.5), multiple gestation (aOR 4.0, CI 1.1 – 13.9), cesarean delivery (aOR 3.8, CI 2.3 – 6.4) and low birth weight (aOR 2.5, CI 1.1-5.3). Analysis by subtype of perinatal death revealed distinct associations with the aforementioned risk factors, in particular for antepartum hemorrhage, which was only associated with fresh stillbirths (aOR 6.7, CI 1.6-28.8), and low birth weight.

Conclusions
The rate of perinatal death at our rural hospital site was higher than national targets, and these deaths were associated with prematurity, low birth weight, breech presentation, multiple gestation, and cesarean delivery. This data and the approach utilized to acquire it can be leveraged to inform targeted interventions to reduce the rate of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in similar low resource settings.
Qualitative growth potential test for brackish Vaucheria species
Authors: Belzen Jim van
Published: January 2020

The yellow-green algae _Vaucheria_ can be found on tidal flats as densely interwoven mats. Such dense mats can stabilise sediments and result in a ridge-and-runnel bedform. While _Vaucheria_ is visually covering the ridges as thick algal mats, the runnels are apparently deprived of the filamentous algae. In the present protocol I describe the procedure for sampling and testing sediments for the presence of _Vaucheria_ propagules. The method provides a qualitative test for the presence of algae propagules of _Vaucheria_ in bare sediments but is non-exclusive as also other algae \(e.g., microphytobenthos) will grow when present. To check for cross-contamination and sufficient growth conditions, appropriate negative and positive controls are implemented.
Evaluation of a community-based intervention for health and economic empowerment of marginalized women in India
Authors: Sharma Shantanu , Mehra Devika , Akhtar Faiyaz , Mehra Sunil
Published: January 2020

Background
Empowered women have improved decision-making capacity and can demand equal access to health services. Community-based interventions (CBI) based on building women’s groups for awareness generation on maternal and child health (MCH) are the best and cost-effective approaches in improving their access to health services. The present endeavour evaluates a community-based intervention aimed at improving marginalized women’s awareness and utilization of maternal, and child health services, and access to livelihood and savings using the peer-led approach from two districts of India.
Methods
We used peer educators as mediators of knowledge transfer among women and for creating a supportive environment at the household and community levels. The intervention was implemented in two marginalized districts of Uttar Pradesh, namely Banda and Kaushambi. Two development blocks in each of the two districts were selected randomly, and twenty-four villages in each of the four blocks were selected based on the high percentage of a marginalized population. The evaluation of the intervention involved a non-experimental, pre- and post-research design, using a mixed-method approach. Data were collected at three points in time, including a rapid assessment (quantitative and qualitative interviews) at baseline, qualitative interviews at the end line and tracking data of the intervention population (n=37,324) through an online management information system.
Results
Most of the women in Banda (90%) and Kaushambi (85%) attended at least 60% of the education sessions. Around 39% of women in Banda and 35% of women in Kaushambi registered for the livelihood scheme, and 94% and 80% of them had worked in these two places, respectively under the scheme. Women during group discussions informed that their awareness about MCH increased post-intervention. The money earned after getting work under the livelihood scheme or from daily savings was deposited in the bank account by the women. These savings helped the women investing money at times of need, such as starting their work, in emergencies for the medical treatment of their family members, education of their children, etc.
Conclusion
Peer-led model of intervention can be explored to improve the combined health and economic outcomes of marginalized women.
Prognosis Evaluation of Universal Acute Coronary Syndrome: The Interplay between SYNTAX Score and ApoB/ApoA1
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Wang Zhongyu , Li Bing , Yang Ping
Published: January 2020

Background：Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a group of clinical syndromes associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rate. Syntax and Syntax II score used to be a reference for surgical selection of coronary revascularization and prognosis evaluation in patients with 3-vessel or left main artery disease. In addition, apoB/apoA1 is an important predictor of ACS risk. This study aims to assess the prognosis value of different kinds of SYNTAX score together with apoB/apoA1 in universal ACS patients (Regardless of ACS type, lesion location and vessel numbers). Method：396 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention（PCI）and coronary stenting from 2013 to 2014 were chosen and recorded the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and quality of life during the next 5 years. According to SYNTAX and SYNTAX II score, the patients were divided into low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups, and the clinical features, MACCE incidence and EQ-5D score at each time points were compared. And the predictive factors of MACCE incidence were analyzed. Results：①Compared with SYNTAX low-risk group, MACCE incidence in 1 year significantly increased in medium-high risk group（p=0.011）. Compared with SYNTAX II low-risk group, MACCE incidence in 5 years significantly increased in medium and high-risk group（p=0.032）.② Compared with SYNTAX II low-risk group，cardiovascular mortality in 3 and 5 years significantly elevated in high-risk group（p=0.001，p＜0.001 respectively）. ③ Compared with SYNTAX II low and medium-risk group, EQ-5D score in 5 years significantly decreased in high-risk group（p=0.001）. ④ ApoB/ApoA1 was more likely to be classified as high risk in SYNTAX/SYNTAX II medium and high-risk group（p=0.023，p=0.044 respectively）. ⑤Logistic regression analysis showed that apoB/apoA1 was an independent predictor of MACCE events in hospital and 5 years（p=0.038，p=0.016 respectively），SYNTAX score was an independent predictor of MACCE events in 1 year（medium-risk group：p=0.02；high-risk group：p=0.015）SYNTAX II score was an independent predictor of MACCE events in 5 yeasrs(p=0.003). Conclusions：①SYNTAX score has a high predictive value for short-term prognosis while SYNTAX II score is more predictive of long-term prognosis. ② SYNTAX II score is superior to SYNTAX score in predicting cardiovascular death. ③ The combination of apoB/apoA1 high-risk and SYNTAX II medium and high-risk group is the focus of clinical treatment and long-term follow-up observation.
Immunogold labeling of synaptic vesicle proteins in developing hippocampal neurons
Authors: Tao-Cheng Jung-Hwa
Published: January 2020

Synaptic vesicles (SV) contain high concentrations of specific proteins. How these proteins are transported from soma to synapses, and how they become concentrated at SV clusters at presynaptic terminals were examined by immunogold electron microscopy in dissociated rat hippocampal neurons at 3-6 days in culture, a developmental stage when axonal transport of SV proteins is robust. In neuronal somas, labels for the SV integral membrane proteins (synaptophysin, SV2, VAMP/synaptobrevin, and synaptotagmin) were localized at Golgi complexes and other membranous structures that were dispersed in the cytoplasm as individual vesicle/vacuoles. These vesicles/vacuoles became aggregated in axons, with the size of aggregates ranging from 0.2 to 2 µm in length. Pleomorphic vesicle/vacuoles within the aggregate were typically larger (50-300 nm) than SVs, which were uniform in size at ~40 nm. These pleomorphic vesicles/vacuoles are probably transport cargos carrying SV integral membrane proteins from the soma, and then are preferentially sorted into axons at early developmental stages. Serial thin sections of young axons indicated that many labeled aggregates were not synaptic, and in fact, some of these axons were without dendritic contacts. In contrast, labels for two SV-associated proteins, synapsin I and a-synuclein, were not localized at the Golgi complexes or associated with membranous structures in the soma, but were dispersed in the cytoplasm. However, these SV-associated proteins became highly concentrated on clusters of SV-like vesicles in axons, and such clusters were already distinctive in axons as early as 3 days in culture. These clusters consisted of ~4 - 30 vesicles in single thin sections, and the vesicles were of a uniform size (~40 nm). Serial sectioning analysis showed that these clusters could be part of nascent synapses or exist in axons without any dendritic contact. Importantly, the vesicles were intensely labeled for SV integral membrane proteins as well as SV-associated proteins. Thus, these EM observations reveal that the two groups of proteins, SV integral membrane and SV-associated, proceed through different routes of biosynthesis and axon transport, and are only sorted into the same final compartment, SV clusters, when they are in the axons.
Association of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells and human papilloma virus infection in Egyptian Women with breast cancer
Authors: Tawfeik Amany , Mora Ahmed , Osman Ahmed , Elsheikh Nabila , Elrefaei Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Several subsets of regulatory CD4+ T cells (CD4+ Tregs) have been described in peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment and blood of breast cancer (BC) patients and may play a key role in the progression of BC. High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) have a causal role in a significant proportion of cervical, and head, and neck tumors and may play an important role in evoking neoplasia in BC. In this study we assessed the prevalence of CD4+Tregs (CD4+CD25+ FOXP3+ cells) and CD3+ CD8+ T cells by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from a total of 55 Egyptian women, including 20 treatment-naïve BC, 15 with breast benign lesions (BBL) and 20 healthy volunteers (HV). High-risk HPV genotype type 16, 18, and 31 was investigated in breast tissue from all BC and BBL patients using Real-Time PCR. HPV was detected in 4 BC, but in none of BBL patients. The frequency of CD4+ Tregs was significantly higher in BC compared to BBL and HV, (p < 0.001). In addition, we observed a significantly higher frequency of CD3+ CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of patients with late stage III compared to early stage I and II BC (p = 0.011). However, there was no significant association between the ratio of CD8+ T cell to CD4+ Tregs frequencies and the expression of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2). In conclusion, CD4+ Tregs may contribute to progression BC in Egyptian women with HPV infection. The potential role CD4+ Tregs as a prognostic or predictive parameter should be analyzed in a larger longitudinal study with sufficient follow-up time.
Recruitment and Retention in Randomized Controlled Trials with Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Adolescents: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Authors: Dickerson Daniel , Parker Jennifer , Johnson Carrie , Brown Ryan A. , D'Amico Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

Background: Although the majority of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) reside in urban areas, there are very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzing culturally centered substance use prevention interventions for this population. Methods: We describe methods employed to recruit and retain urban AI/AN adolescents into a RCT, which was focused on testing the potential benefits of a substance use prevention intervention for this population. We also report challenges encountered in recruitment and retention of participants and strategies employed addressing these challenges. Data collection occurred from August 2014 to October 2017. Results: We partnered with two community-based organizations in different cities in California. We utilized AI/AN recruiters from communities, placed flyers in community-based organizations, and asked organizations to post flyers on their web and social media sites. We also offered gift cards for participants. Our initial recruitment and retention model was moderately successful; however, we encountered five main challenges: 1) transportation, 2) increasing trust and interest, 3) adding research sites, 4) getting the word out about the project, and 5) getting youth to complete follow-up surveys. Strategies employed to overcome transportation challenges included shortening the number of sessions, offering sessions on both weekends and weekdays, and increasing bus tokens and transportation options. We hired more staff from AI/AN communities, added more research sites from our previously established relationships, and were more pro-active in getting the word out on the project in AI/AN communities. We also utilized more field tracking, and emailed and mailed survey invitations to reach more participants for their follow-up surveys. Because of our efforts, we were nearly able to reach our initial recruitment and retention goals. Conclusions: By identifying challenges and employing culturally appropriate strategies, we were able to collect valuable data on the potential effectiveness of a substance use prevention intervention for urban AI/AN adolescents. Findings from this study assist toward the development of potentially successful strategies to successfully recruit and retain urban AI/AN adolescents in RCTs.
Dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota to predict in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients: results of a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Wei Ru , Chen Xu , Hu Linhui , He Zhimei , Ouyang Xin , Liang Silin , Dai Shixue , Sha Weihong , Chen Chunbo
Published: January 2020

Background: Despite the essential functions of the intestinal microbiota in human physiology, little research has been reported on the gut microbiota alteration in intensive care patients. This investigation aimed to explore the dysbacteriosis of intestinal flora in critically ill patients, and evaluate the prognostic performance of this dysbiosis to predict in-hospital mortality. Methods: A prospective cohort of patients were consecutively recruited at Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from March 2017 through October 2017. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were assessed, and fecal samples were taken for examination within 24 hours of ICU admission. The taxonomic composition of intestinal microbiome was determined using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Patients were divided into survival and death group based on the outcomes in hospital. The two groups were statistically compared using the independent samples t test and Metastats analysis. Genera of bacteria showing significantly different abundance between groups were assessed for predictors of in-hospital death. The prognostic value of bacterial abundance alone and in combination with APACHE II or SOFA score were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: Among the 61 patients that were examined, a total of 12 patients (19.7%) died during hospital stay. Bifidobacterium differed significantly in abundance between survival and death group ( P =0.031). The AUROC of Bifidobacterium abundance identifying in-hospital death at a cut-off probability of 0.0041 was 0.718 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.588-0.826). The panel of Bifidobacterium abundance plus SOFA (AUROC, 0.882; 95% CI, 0.774-0.950) outperformed SOFA (AUROC, 0.649; 95% CI, 0.516-0.767; P =0.012) and Bifidobacterium abundance alone ( P =0.007). The panel of Bifidobacterium abundance plus APACHE II (AUROC, 0.876; 95% CI, 0.766-0.946) outperformed APACHE II (AUROC, 0.724; 95% CI, 0.595-0.831; P =0.035) and Bifidobacterium abundance alone ( P =0.012). Conclusions: Dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota with variable degree of reduction in Bifidobacterium abundance exhibits promising performance in predicting in-hospital mortality, and provides incremental prognostic value to existing scoring systems in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) setting.
Biosocial and disease conditions affecting the quality of life among older adults in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Yadav Uday Narayan , Thapa Tarka Bahadur , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Ghimire Saruna , Boateng Godfred O. , Callaghan Cathy O’
Published: January 2020

Background The ageing population in most low-and middle-income countries is accompanied by an increased risk of non-communicable diseases culminating in a poor quality of life. However, the factors accelerating this poor quality of life (QOL) have not been fully examined. Therefore, this study examined the factors influencing the quality of life of Nepali older adults.Methods Data from a previous cross-sectional study, conducted between January and April 2018 in eastern Nepal, was used. The analytical sample included 794 older adults aged ≥60 years, selected by a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. QOL was measured using the Older People’s Quality of Life tool; dichotomized as poor and good QOL. Other measures used included age, gender, ethnicity, religion, marital status, physical activity and chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and depression. The factors associated with quality of life were examined using mixed-effects logistic regression.Results Seven in ten respondents (70.4%) reported a poor quality of life. At the bivariate level, increasing age, unemployment, intake of alcohol, lack of physical activity as well as osteoarthritis, COPD and depression were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of a good quality of life. The adjusted model showed that older age (AOR=0.50, p<0.05), the Christian religion (AOR=0.38, p<0.01), and being from an Indigenous, Dalit, or Madheshi background were associated with a lower likelihood of good quality of life. However, higher income of >Nrs 10,000 (AOR=3.34, p<0.001), daily physical activity (AOR=3.33, p<0.001), and the absence of osteoarthritis and depression were associated with a higher odds ratio of good quality of life.Conclusion The findings of this study echo the need to develop and implement policies aimed at improving the socio-cultural and disease conditions that catalyse poor quality of life in this population.
Multimorbidity and the health-related quality of life among people 50 years and up: results of a longitudinal study in New Zealand
Authors: Aminisani Nayyereh , Stephens Chris , Alpass Fiona , Shamshirgaran Seyed Morteza
Published: January 2020

Objective This study aimed to examine the association of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and multimorbidity (MM) and its correlates over time in New Zealand.Methods People aged 55 years and over were invited to participate in a nationally representative population-based longitudinal study in 2006 and followed up biennially until 2016. GEE models, adjusted for both time-constant and time-varying factors used baseline and five subsequent waves of data, to compare a range of factors related to changes in MM and HRQOL.Results At baseline, 957 of the participants were classified as “MM participants”; 570 had two, and the rest had three chronic conditions. The results of the GEE modelling demonstrated that SF12-PCS decreased over time and there was a significant difference in SF12-PCS between MM and Non-MM participants. Having MM was negatively associated with HRQOL-PCS [-3.00 (95%CI -3.60, -2.49); p <0.001)]. Although the results showed an increase in SF12-MCS over time, the score of the mental dimension of HRQOL was lower among MM participants compared to Non-MM participants [-2.60, 95%CI -3.09, -2.11].Conclusions According to this longitudinal study, there is an inverse association between MM and one of the most important health outcomes; HRQOL, in older adults.
Social participation is an important health behaviour for health and quality of life among chronically ill older Chinese people
Authors: Feng Zeyun , Cramm Jane Murray , Nieboer Anna Petra
Published: January 2020

BackgroundHealth behaviours (physical activity, maintenance of a healthy diet and not smoking) are known to be beneficial to the health and well-being of chronically ill people. With China's ageing population and increased prevalence of people with chronic diseases, the improvement of unhealthy behaviours in this population has become crucial. Although recent studies have highlighted the importance of social participation for health and quality of life (QoL) among older people, no study to date has included social participation along with more traditional health behaviours. Therefore, this study aimed to identify associations of multiple health behaviours (social participation, physical activity, maintenance of a healthy diet and not smoking) with health and QoL outcomes (including cognitive and physical function) among chronically ill older adults in China. Methods For this nationally representative cross-sectional study, wave 1 data from the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (China) were examined. In total, 6,629 community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 64.9 years) with at least one chronic disease were included. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to evaluate associations of health behaviours with health and QoL outcomes while controlling for background characteristics. Results Greater social participation was associated with better QoL [β = 0.127, standard error (SE) = 0.002, p < 0.001], cognitive function (β = 0.154, SE = 0.033, p < 0.001) and physical function (β = –0.102, SE = 0.008, p < 0.001). Physical activity was associated with better QoL (β = 0.091, SE = 0.015, p < 0.001) and physical function (β = –0.155, SE = 0.062, p < 0.001). Sufficient fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with better QoL (β = 0.087, SE = 0.015, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings suggest that social participation is a crucial health behaviour for quality of life and cognitive function among chronically ill older people in China. Health promotion programmes should expand their focus to include social participation as a health behaviour, in addition to physical activity, maintenance of a healthy diet and not smoking.
Relationship between comprehensive geriatric assessment and amyloid PET in older persons with MCI
Authors: Lauretani Fulvio , Ruffini Livia , Scarlattei Maura , Maggio Marcello
Published: January 2020

Background. The association between amyloid deposition and cognitive, behavioral and physical performance in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been poorly investigated, especially in older persons. Methods. We studied the in vivo correlation between the amyloid deposition at Positron Emission Tomography (amyloid-PET) and the presence of memory loss, reduced executive function, physical performance and neuropsychiatric symptoms in older persons with MCI due to AD. Amyloid-PET was performed with 18F-flutemetamol and quantitavely analyzed. Results. We evaluated 48 subjects, including 21 men and 27 women older than 65 years old. We performed in each patient a comprehensive geriatric assessment including MMSE, Clock Drawing Test, ADL, IADL, NPI, SPPB and Hand Grip strength. Then, each patient underwent amyloid-PET. The mean scores obtained at the MMSE by the subjects under examination was 24.97 ± 3.90 with a median NPI of 4. PET scan revealed brain amyloid deposition in 21 persons. Participants with positive amyloid scans exhibited a higher prevalence of pathological clock drawing test (p=0.0009). We did not find a significant association between MMSE score and beta amyloid plaque burden. When amyloid deposition was present, we observed that the deposition was diffuse, involving cortex in a widespread manner, as showed by alterations of CDT. Conclusion. Our findings support the recent hypothesis that amyloid deposition could be associated with multiple cerebral dysfunction, such as executive dysfunction and other cognitive impairment.
Royal Jelly ameliorates 6-mercaptopurine induced spermatogenesis impairment and testicular apoptosis by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway in male rats
Authors: Hashem khalid , Abdelazem Ahmed Z. , Abdelbaky Naglaa W.
Published: January 2020

Testicular apoptosis is an obvious adverse effect of many chemotherapeutic agents.one of these chemotherapeutic drugs is 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) which has a powerful anticancer effect. On the contrary, it has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the prospective ameliorative effects of Royal Jelly (RJ) on 6MP induced testicular apoptosis and investigate the mechanistic pathway of protection. For this aim, forty male adult albino rats were divided into four equal groups (n= 10): control rats, RJ group (200 mg/kg.b.wt. of RJ for 30 day P.o.), 6MP group (5 mg/kg.b.wt of 6MP for 20 day P.o.), and RJ+6MP group pretreated with RJ (200 mg/kg.b.wt. for 10 day P.o.), and continued with 6MP (5 mg/kg.b.wt, P.o) for 20 day. After 30 days blood samples, epididymis and testis were collected to investigate sex hormones, sperm parameters, histological and molecular changes of testicular tissues, that include anti-oxidants activity, caspase-3, TNF-α, gene expression of Androgen receptors (AR) and P53 also protein concentration of PI3K, AKT, Nrf2 and HO1were estimated. The results of our study revealed that Pretreatment of Royal Jelly (RJ) abrogated 6MP induced spermatogenesis impairment by ameliorating sperm count, motility and morphology, regulating AR mRNA expression and sex hormones levels. RJ ameliorated testicular damage of 6MP exposed rats through restoring testicular antioxidant/oxidative redox, inhibiting caspase-3 activity and P53 mRNA expression as well as regulation of PI3K, AKT, Nrf2 and HO1 protein levels. Our data concluded that RJ protected testicular tissue from 6MP induced apoptosis by regulation PI3K/AKT pathway.
Validation of the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) using time-and-motion measurements in Dutch Intensive Care Units
Authors: Margadant Charlotte , Hoogendoorn Marga E. , Bosman Rob J. , Spijkstra Jan Jaap , Brinkman Sylvia , Keizer Nicolette F. de
Published: January 2020

Background The Nursing Activities Score (NAS) is widely used for workload measurement of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses. However, the performance of the NAS to measure actual nursing time has not been comprehensively and externally validated. The aim of this study is to validate the NAS using time-and-motion measurements in Dutch ICUs. Methods We measured nursing time for patients admitted to seven Dutch ICUs, between November 2016 and October 2017. The patient(s) that were under the care of a chosen nurse were followed by the observers during the entire shift and measurements were performed using an in-house developed web application. To validate the reliability of the NAS, we first converted NAS points per activity into minutes. Next, we compared the converted time per NAS item and the converted total nursing time per patient with the actual observed time. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests at nursing activity level and Pearon’s R and R 2 at patient level for these comparisons. Results A Pearson’s correlation of R=0.59 (R 2 =0.35) was found between the total converted NAS time and the total observed time per patient. The median converted NAS time per patient (202.6 minutes) was higher compared to the observed time per patient (114.3 minutes). At NAS item level, we found significant differences between the converted NAS time and the observed time for all separate NAS items. Conclusions The NAS overestimates the needed nursing time for patients in Dutch ICUs. Therefore, we advise revisions of the time weights assigned to each NAS item to get better insight in the true nursing workload to enable the use of this information for more adequate nursing capacity planning. Keywords: Nursing Activities Score (NAS), time-and-motion techniques, validation, nursing workload, patient acuity.
GM2 ganglioside accumulation causes neuroinflammation and behavioral alterations in a mouse model of early-onset Tay-Sachs disease.
Authors: Demir Secil Akyildiz , Timur Zehra Kevser , Ates Nurselin , Martinez Luis Alarcon , Seyrantepe Volkan
Published: January 2020

BackgroundTay-Sachs disease (TSD), a type of GM2-gangliosidosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder, caused by mutations in the a subunit of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase enzyme. This disease is characterized by excessive accumulation of GM2 ganglioside, predominantly in the central nervous system. Although Tay-Sachs patients appear normal at birth, the progressive accumulation of undegraded GM2 gangliosides in neurons leads to death. Recently, an early-onset Tay-Sachs disease mouse model with genotype Hexa-/-Neu3-/- was generated. Progressive accumulation of GM2 led to premature death of the double KO mice. Importantly, this double-deficient mouse model displays typical features of Tay-Sachs patients, such as cytoplasmic vacuolization of nerve cells, deterioration of Purkinje cells, neuronal death, deceleration in movement, ataxia and, tremors. GM2-gangliosidosis is characterized by acute neurodegeneration preceded by activated microglia expansion, macrophage and astrocyte activation, along with the production of inflammatory mediators. However, the mechanism of disease progression in Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice relevant to neuroinflammation is poorly understood. MethodWe investigated the onset and progression of neuropathological and neuroinflammatory changes in the cortex, cerebellum and retina of Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice and littermate wild-type as well as Hexa-/- and Neu3-/- mice by using a combination of expression, immunofluorescence and behavioral analyses. ResultsWe found elevated levels of pro-inflamatory pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine transcripts, such as Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4 and Cxcl10 and also extensive microglial and astrocyte activation and proliferation accompanied by in peripheral blood mononuclear cell infiltration in neurons and oligodendrocytes. Behavioral tests demonstrated high level of anxiety, and age dependent loss in both memory and muscle strength in Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice compared with that in the controls. ConclusionAltogether, our data suggest that Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice display a phenotype similar to human TSD patients suffering from chronic neuroinflammation triggered by GM2 accumulation. Our observations collectively suggest a hypothesis that modulation of Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4 and Cxcl10 or of their receptors, in combination with traditional drugs such as propagermanium, may provide a novel approach for the management of disease and better understanding of the neuropathology in a mouse model of early-onset Tay-Sachs disease.
Geographical Access of Elderly to Health Care Centers during a 20 Years Period (1996-2016): a Case Study of Kermanshah , Iran
Authors: Almasi Ali , Saeidi Shahram , Zangeneh Alireza , Khezeli Mehdi , Salimi Yahya , Soofi Moslem , Gilan Nader Rajajbi
Published: January 2020

BackgroundIdentifying the spatial distribution of Health Care Centers (HCC) and equitable access for all members of society (especially the elderly), can be effective in health policy making. This study aimed to determine the geographical accessibility of elderly to HCC in Kermanshah metropolis during a 20 year period (1996-2016).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional applied study. The statistical population included all elderly people in Kermanshah metropolis (65 years and above). The data of this study included statistical blocks and locations of Health Centers of Kermanshah during 1996 to 2016. After data collection through the Iranian Statistical Center and Kermanshah Health Center, digitization of HCC and urban roads network was done in Geographic Information System (GIS). In addition, the walking of 12.30 minutes was determined as access time for the elderly, and the number of elderly with appropriate and inappropriate access was determined using the Network Analysis tool. Finally, the Standard Deviation Ellipse (SDE) model was used for spatial analysis of HCC and the distribution of the elderly population.ResultsThe elderly people with inappropriate access to HCC was 48.15%, 47.85%, and 36.12% in 1996, 2006 and 2016, respectively. The results also showed that there was a 14% increase in the number of new HCC in the period of 1996-2006 (14%) and 136% during 2006 to 2016. During the 20 years, the expansion of HCC was toward the northwest and west of city, and the trend of elderly population expansion was toward the south and central parts of Kermanshah.ConclusionDespite the doubling of HCC during 1996-2016, more than one-third of the elderly still do not have appropriate access to HCC. This situation indicates inappropriate spatial distribution of HCC in Kermanshah metropolis and should be considered as a challenge by health managers and policy makers.
An association between the nitrogen metabolism pathway and cold tolerance in rice was identified using comparative transcriptome and proteome profiling
Authors: Yan Jia , Hualong Liu , Zhaojun Qu , Jin Wang , Xinpeng Wang , Zhuoqian Wang , Liang Yang , Dong Zhang , Detang Zou , Zhao Hongwei
Published: January 2020

BackgroundRice (Oryza sativaL.), one of the most important crops cultivated in both tropical and temperate regions, has a high sensitivity to cold stress. Chilling stress limits the N uptake and nitrogen metabolism in rice. To identify the genes and pathways involved in cold tolerance, and specifically associations with the nitrogen metabolism pathway, we have compared the gene and protein expression changes between a cold-tolerant cultivar, Dongnong428 (DN), and a cold-sensitive cultivar, Songjing10(SJ).ResultsUsing absolute quantification (iTRAQ) with high-throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques, we identified 5,549 genes and 450 proteins in DN and 6,145 genes and 790 proteins in SJ, that were differentially expressed during low- water temperature (Tw) treatment. There were 354 transcription factor (TF) genes (212down, 142 up), 366 TF genes (220 down, 146 up), including 47 gene families, differentially expressed in the DN under control (CKDN) vs. DN under low-Tw(D15DN) and CKSJ vs. D15SJ, respectively. These results indicated that TF genes play a major role in post-translational regulations. Genes related to rice cold-related biosynthesis pathways, particularly the MAPK signaling pathway, zeatin biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways, were significantly differentially expressed in both rice cultivars. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to rice cold-related biosynthesis pathways and particularly glutathione metabolism were significantly differentially expressed in both rice cultivars. Transcriptome and proteome analysis of the nitrogen metabolism pathways showed that major genes and proteins were down-regulated that participated in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamine synthesis.ConclusionUnder cold stress conditions during reproductive growth, genes and proteins related to the biosynthesis pathways of cold stress, were significantly differentially expressed in the DN and SJ. The present study confirmed the known cold stress-associated genes and identified a number of putative new cold-responsive genes. It has also revealed that translational regulation under cold stress plays an important role in cold-tolerant DN. Low-Twtreatments affect the N uptake and N metabolism in rice, and promote Glu metabolism, and the synthesis of ornithine and proline in cold-sensitive SJ.
The rice BZ1 locus is required for glycosylation of arabinogalactan proteins and galactolipid and plays a role in both mechanical strength and leaf color
Authors: Liu Sitong , Tang Yijun , Ruan Nan , Dang Zhengjun , Huang Yuwei , Miao Wei , Xu Zhengjin , Li Fengcheng
Published: January 2020

Background: The cell wall and chloroplast are two fundamental structures determining plant mechanical strength and grain yield. Therefore, understanding mechanisms that improve plants’ ability to develop a robust cell wall and well-developed chloroplast is of upmost importance for agricultural activities. Results: In this study, we report the functional characterization of a novel rice mutant, brittle stem and zebra leaf ( bz1 ), which displays altered cell wall composition and collapsed chloroplast membrane. Molecular and biochemical analysis revealed that BZ1 encodes a functional UDP-galactose/glucose epimerase (UGE) and is ubiquitously expressed with higher expression in stem and leaf tissues. Multiple techniques analyses, including immunoblots, immuno-gold, and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, demonstrated a significantly impaired glycosylation of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and disordered cellulose microfibril deposition in bz1 . Lipid profiling assay showed that the amount of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MDGD), a major chloroplast membrane glycolipid, was significantly decreased in bz1 . Taken together, these results strongly demonstrate that BZ1 participates in UDP-galactose supply for the sidechain biosynthesis of AGPs and MDGD, which thereby, respectively, results in altered cell wall and abnormal chloroplast development. Due to inferior mechanical strength and reduced photosynthesis, bz1 plants displayed detrimental agronomic traits, whereas BZ1 overexpressing lines showed enhanced plant growth. Transcriptome analysis of stems and leaves further showed that numerous key genes involved in AGPs biosynthesis and photosynthesis metabolism were substantially suppressed in bz1 . Conclusions: Our finding identifies BZ1 as a dual-targeting UGE protein for glycosylation of AGPs and MDGD and suggests a strategy for breeding robust elite crops.