bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a health education intervention on the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women of Pakistan: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Farzeen Midhat , Hafeez Assad , Achakzai Baseer Khan , Vankwani Muskan , Lal Manohar , Iqbal Rabia , Somrongthong Ratana
Published: June 2020

Background

About one quarter of pregnant women in the population of Pakistan are using long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) for prevention of malaria. Past research reported that adequate information and education would act as mediator to change behaviour among patients for prevention of malaria infection. The effective use of LLINs would contribute to reduction of disease burden caused by malaria. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of health education on the adoption of LLINs among pregnant women living in Tharparkar, a remote district in Sindh Province, Pakistan.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study design with control and intervention groups was conducted with 200 pregnant women (100 in each group). Women in the intervention group were provided with health education sessions on malaria for 12 weeks, while those in the control group obtained routine information from lady health workers (LHWs). Pre- and post-intervention assessment was done of knowledge about malaria and use of LLIN, which was statistically analysed using descriptive statistics and difference in difference (DID) multivariable regression analysis to test effectiveness of the intervention.

Results

Baseline was conducted with 200 pregnant women. Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups with slight differences in age, education, income, type of latrine, and source of drinking water. There were no significant differences between mean knowledge and use of LLINs scores between groups at baseline. However, the estimated DID value after the intervention was 4.170 (p < 0.01) and represents an increase in scores of knowledge in the intervention group compared to control. Similarly DID value of 3.360 (p < 0.05) showed an increase in use of LLINs score after the intervention which was significant, showing that the intervention had a positive effect.

Conclusions

Results proved that health education could be an effective intervention for improving knowledge and usage of LLINs among pregnant women for the prevention of malaria. Such educational interventions have a positive potential to be implemented at larger scale by incorporating them into routine health sessions provided by health workers.
Individual, health system, and contextual barriers and facilitators for the implementation of clinical practice guidelines: a systematic metareview
Authors: Correa Verónica Ciro , Lugo-Agudelo Luz Helena , Aguirre-Acevedo Daniel Camilo , Contreras Jesús Alberto Plata , Borrero Ana María Posada , Patiño-Lugo Daniel F. , Valencia Dolly Andrea Castaño
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are designed to improve the quality of care and reduce unjustified individual variation in clinical practice. Knowledge of the barriers and facilitators that influence the implementation of the CPG recommendations is the first step in creating strategies to improve health outcomes. The present systematic meta-review sought to explore the barriers and facilitators for the implementation of CPGs.

Methods

A search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Health System Evidence and International Guideline Library (G-I-N) databases. Systematic reviews of qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods studies that identified barriers or facilitators for the implementation of CPGs were included. The selection of the title and abstract, the evaluation of the full text, extraction of the data and the quality assessment were carried out by two independent reviewers. To summarise the evidence, we grouped the barriers and facilitators according to the following contexts: political and social, health organisational system, guidelines, health professionals and patients.

Results

Overall, 25 systematic reviews were selected. The relevant barriers in the social-political context were the absence of a leader, difficulties with teamwork and a lack of agreement with colleagues. Relevant barriers in the health system were a lack of time, financial problems and a lack of specialised personnel. Barriers of the CPGs included a lack of clarity and a lack of credibility in the evidence. Regarding the health professional, a lack of knowledge about the CPG and confidence in oneself were relevant. Regarding patients, a negative attitude towards implementation, a lack of knowledge about the CPG and sociocultural beliefs played a role. Some of the most frequent facilitators were consistent leadership, commitment of the members of the team, administrative support of the institution, existence of multidisciplinary teams, application of technology to improve the practice and education regarding the guidelines.

Conclusions

The barriers and facilitators described in this review are factors that influence the implementation of evidence in clinical practice. Knowledge of these factors should contribute to the development of a theoretical basis for the creation of CPG implementation strategies to improve professional practice and health outcomes for patients.
Factors influencing the use of reproductive health services among young women in Nepal: analysis of the 2016 Nepal demographic and health survey
Authors: Thapa Naba Raj
Published: June 2020

Background

Utilization of reproductive health services is a key component for preventing young women from different sexual and reproductive health problems. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the factors influencing the use of reproductive health services among young women in Nepal.

Methods

Data have been extracted from the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) datasets wherein the weighted sample population size was restricted for modern contraceptive use to 1593 whereas for the antenatal care and skilled birth attendants to1606. This study has selected three reproductive health indicators as outcome variables of reproductive health service utilization for the analysis viz, modern contraceptive use, at least four antenatal care visits, and use of skilled birth attendants. Likewise, all calculations are based on standard sample weight of NDHS.

Results

The study has found that 21% of young women used modern contraception, 71% attended at least four ANC visits, and 67% utilized a skilled birth attendant at delivery. Young Janajati women, women having 1–2, and 3 or more living children, women participating household decision-making, and the ones having exposure to media were more likely to use modern contraceptives, whereas the women who want more children were less likely to use them. Higher education attainments, higher wealth quintile, and lower birth order were associated with higher level of receiving at least four ANC visits and SBAs. However, the young women willing to have more children and having access to media have higher odds of receiving at least four ANC visits; and the women attending four and more ANC visits have higher odds of using SBAs.

Conclusions

In order to improve the use of reproductive health services among young women, efforts should be made to enrich the young women of lower educational level, lower economic status, higher birth order, and lower exposure to media. Further research is required to detect the causes that affect the use of reproductive health services.
miR-1323 suppresses bone mesenchymal stromal cell osteogenesis and fracture healing via inhibiting BMP4/SMAD4 signaling
Authors: Xie Hui , Liu Ming , Jin Yaofeng , Lin Haiqing , Zhang Yushan , Zheng Song
Published: June 2020

Background

Atrophic non-union fractures show no radiological evidence of callus formation within 3 months of fracture. microRNA dysregulation may underlie the dysfunctional osteogenesis in atrophic non-union fractures. Here, we aimed to analyze miR-1323 expression in human atrophic non-union fractures and examine miR-1323’s underlying mechanism of action in human mesenchymal stromal cells.

Methods

Human atrophic non-union and standard healing fracture specimens were examined using H&E and Alcian Blue staining, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and ALP activity assays. The effects of miR-1323 mimics or inhibition on BMP4, SMAD4, osteogenesis-related proteins, ALP activity, and bone mineralization were analyzed in human mesenchymal stromal cells. Luciferase reporter assays were utilized to assay miR-1323’s binding to the 3'UTRs of BMP4 and SMAD4. The effects of miR-1323, BMP4, and SMAD4 were analyzed by siRNA and overexpression vectors. A rat femur fracture model was established to analyze the in vivo effects of antagomiR-1323 treatment.

Results

miR-1323 was upregulated in human atrophic non-union fractures. Atrophic non-union was associated with downregulation of BMP4 and SMAD4 as well as the osteogenic markers ALP, collagen I, and RUNX2. In vitro, miR-1323 suppressed BMP4 and SMAD4 expression by binding to the 3'UTRs of BMP4 and SMAD4. Moreover, miR-1323’s inhibition of BMP4 and SMAD4 inhibited mesenchymal stromal cell osteogenic differentiation via modulating the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional co-activator TAZ. In vivo, antagomiR-1323 therapy facilitated the healing of fractures in a rat model of femoral fracture.

Conclusions

This evidence supports the miR-1323/BMP4 and miR-1323/SMAD4 axes as novel therapeutic targets for atrophic non-union fractures.
WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG): the first pre-service training study
Authors: Chaulagain Ashmita , Pacione Laura , Abdulmalik Jibril , Hughes Peter , Oksana Kopchak , Chumak Stanislav , Mendoza José , Avetisyan Kristine , Ghazaryan Gayane , Gasparyan Khachatur , Chkonia Eka , Servili Chiara , Chowdhury Neerja , Pinchuk Iryna , Belfar Myron , Guerrero Anthony , Panteleeva Lilya , Skokauskas Norbert
Published: June 2020

Background

Despite the increasing burden of mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders, a significant treatment gap for these disorders continues to exist across the world, and especially in low- and middle-income countries. To bridge the treatment gap, the World Health Organization developed and launched the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) and the mhGAP Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) to help train non-specialists to deliver care. Although the mhGAP-IG has been used in more than 100 countries for in-service training, its implementation in pre-service training, that is, training prior to entering caregiver roles, is very limited.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to collect and present information about the global experience of academic institutions that have integrated WHO’s mhGAP-IG into pre-service training.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire, from December 2018 to June 2019.

Results

Altogether, eleven academic institutions across nine countries (Mexico, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan) participated in this study. Five of the institutions have introduced the mhGAP-IG by revising existing curricula, three by developing new training programmes, and three have used both approaches. A lack of financial resources, a lack of support from institutional leadership, and resistance from some faculty members were the main obstacles to introducing this programme. Most of the institutions have used the mhGAP-IG to train medical students, while some have used it to train medical interns and residents (in neurology or family medicine) and nursing students. Use of the mhGAP-IG in pre-service training has led to improved knowledge and skills to manage mental health conditions. A majority of students and teaching instructors were highly satisfied with the mhGAP-IG.

Conclusions

This study, for the first time, has collected evidence about the use of WHO’s mhGAP-IG in pre-service training in several countries. It demonstrates that the mhGAP-IG can be successfully implemented to train a future cadre of medical doctors and health nurses.
Peripheral nerve injury reduces the excitation-inhibition balance of basolateral amygdala inputs to prelimbic pyramidal neurons projecting to the periaqueductal gray
Authors: Cheriyan John , Sheets Patrick L.
Published: June 2020

Cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying how chronic pain induces maladaptive alterations to local circuits in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), while emerging, remain unresolved. Consistent evidence shows that chronic pain attenuates activity in the prelimbic (PL) cortex, a mPFC subregion. This reduced activity is thought to be driven by increased inhibitory tone within PL circuits. Enhanced input from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to inhibitory neurons in PL cortex is one well-received mechanism for this circuit change. In mice, we used retrograde labeling, brain slice recordings, and optogenetics to selectively stimulate and record ascending BLA inputs onto PL neurons that send projections to the periaqueductal gray (PAG), which is a midbrain structure that plays a significant role in endogenous analgesia. Activating BLA projections evoked both excitatory and inhibitory currents in cortico-PAG (CP) neurons, as we have shown previously. We measured changes to the ratio of BLA-evoked excitatory to inhibitory currents in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain. Our analysis reveals a reduced excitation-inhibition (E/I) ratio of BLA inputs to PL-CP neurons 7 days after SNI. The E/I ratio of BLA inputs to CP neurons in neighboring infralimbic (IL) cortex was unchanged in SNI animals. Collectively, this study reveals that the overall E/I balance of BLA inputs to PL neurons projecting to the PAG is reduced in a robust neuropathic pain model. Overall, our findings provide new mechanistic insight into how nerve injury produces dysfunction in PL circuits connected to structures involved in pain modulation.
Staphylococcal meningitis therapy with linezolid in a young infant: efficacy, CSF levels and side effects
Authors: Auriti Cinzia , Piersigilli Fiammetta , Bersani Iliana , Cairoli Sara , Amante Paolina Giuseppina , Longo Daniela , Goffredo Bianca Maria
Published: June 2020

Background

Linezolid is a synthetic antibiotic which is active against most Gram-positive bacteria, especially on Staphylococcus aureus. Its administration can be required when the infection is due to staphylococcus strains, which are resistant to vancomycin. Although mostly well tolerated, some mild to moderate side effects have been reported.

Case presentation

This case report describes an infant with multiloculated hydrocephalus, staphylococcal meningitis and prolonged linezolid therapy, in which we observed the association between linezolid administration and a lengthened QTc interval at the electrocardiogram (ECG). To rule out toxic levels during the therapy, plasma and cerebro-spinal fluid concentrations of linezolid were measured and reported.

Conclusions

Although generally well tolerated in neonates and infants, linezolid prolonged administration seems be able to cause QTc interval prolongation. Therefore, its administration in such patients should be limited to cases of bacterial resistance to other antibiotics. In addition to well-known close monitoring of the platelet level, we suggest serial ECG controls before and during linezolid administration. In the case we report, linezolid plasma concentrations resulted within the therapeutic range during therapy, while cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations appeared lower than those considered effective.
Biofilm formation on three different endotracheal tubes: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Thorarinsdottir Hulda R. , Kander Thomas , Holmberg Anna , Petronis Sarunas , Klarin Bengt
Published: June 2020

Background

Biofilm formation on endotracheal tubes (ETTs) is an early and frequent event in mechanically ventilated patients. The biofilm is believed to act as a reservoir for infecting microorganisms and thereby contribute to development and relapses of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Once a biofilm has formed on an ETT surface, it is difficult to eradicate. This clinical study aimed to compare biofilm formation on three widely used ETTs with different surface properties and to explore factors potentially predictive of biofilm formation.

Methods

We compared the grade of biofilm formation on ETTs made of uncoated polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone-coated PVC, and PVC coated with noble metals after > 24 h of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. The comparison was based on scanning electron microscopy of ETT surfaces, biofilm grading, surveillance and biofilm cultures, and occurrence of VAP.

Results

High-grade (score ≥ 7) biofilm formation on the ETTs was associated with development of VAP (OR 4.17 [95% CI 1.14–15.3], p = 0.031). Compared to uncoated PVC ETTs, the silicone-coated and noble-metal-coated PVC ETTs were independently associated with reduced high-grade biofilm formation (OR 0.18 [95% CI 0.06–0.59], p = 0.005, and OR 0.34 [95% CI 0.13–0.93], p = 0.036, respectively). No significant difference was observed between silicon-coated ETTs and noble-metal-coated ETTs (OR 0.54 [95% CI 0.17–1.65], p = 0.278). In 60% of the oropharyngeal cultures and 58% of the endotracheal cultures collected at intubation, the same microorganism was found in the ETT biofilm at extubation. In patients who developed VAP, the causative microbe remained in the biofilm in 56% of cases, despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. High-grade biofilm formation on ETTs was not predicted by either colonization with common VAP pathogens in surveillance cultures or duration of invasive ventilation.

Conclusion

High-grade biofilm formation on ETTs was associated with development of VAP. Compared to the uncoated PVC ETTs, the silicone-coated and noble-metal-coated PVC ETTs were independently associated with reduced high-grade biofilm formation. Further research on methods to prevent, monitor, and manage biofilm occurrence is needed.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02284438. Retrospectively registered on 21 October 2014.
Long-term survival of elderly patients after intensive care unit admission for acute respiratory infection: a population-based, propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Guillon Antoine , Hermetet Coralie , Barker Kimberly A. , Jouan Youenn , Gaborit Christophe , Ehrmann Stephan , Le Manach Yannick , Dequin Pierre-François , Grammatico-Guillon Leslie
Published: June 2020

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisations of elderly patients with acute respiratory infection have increased, yet the long-term effects of ICU admission among elderly individuals remain unknown. We examined differences over the 2 years after discharge in mortality, healthcare utilisation and frailty score between elderly survivors of ARI in the ICU and an elderly control population.

Methods

We used 2009–2017 data from 39 hospital discharge databases. Patients ≥ 80 years old discharged alive from ICU hospitalisation for acute respiratory infection were propensity score-matched with controls (cataract surgery) discharged from the hospital at the same time and adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities present before hospitalisation. We reported 2-year mortality and compared healthcare utilisation and frailty scores in the 2-year periods before and after ICU hospitalisation.

Results

One thousand two hundred and twenty elderly survivors of acute respiratory infection in the ICU were discharged, and 988 were successfully matched with controls. After discharge, patients had a 10.1-fold [95% CI, 6.1–17.3] higher risk of death at 6 months and 3.6-fold [95% CI, 2.9–4.6] higher risk of death at 2 years compared with controls. They also had a 2-fold increase in both healthcare utilisation and frailty score in the 2 years after hospital discharge, whereas healthcare utilisation and frailty scores among controls were stable before and after hospitalisation.

Conclusions

We observed a substantially increased rate of death in the years following ICU hospitalisation for elderly patients along with elevated healthcare resource use and accelerated age-associated decline as assessed by frailty score. These findings provide data for better informed goals-of-care discussions and may help target post-ICU discharge services.
Recurrent angioedema, Guillain-Barré, and myelitis in a girl with systemic lupus erythematosus and CD59 deficiency syndrome
Authors: Javadi Parvaneh Vadood , Ghasemi Leila , Rahmani Khosro , Shiari Reza , Mesdaghi Mahbobeh , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Tonekaboni Seyed Hassan
Published: June 2020

Background

CD59 deficiency is a congenital mutation disorder in complement pathway which can present with various manifestations.

Case presentation

Herein, we presented an adolescent 16-years-old girl with recurrent attacks of Guillain-Barre in early childhood and then recurrent attacks of angioedema, paresthesia, and myelitis. Finally, she presented with quadriplegia, malar rash, proteinuria, lymphopenia, and high titer of antinuclear antibody. So, the patient developed systemic lupus erythematosus. Furthermore, we performed whole exome sequencing which revealed homozygote mutations in CD59 for the patient and heterozygote one for her parents. CD flow cytometry showed less than 1 percent expression of CD59 on the surface of the patient’s peripheral blood cells confirming the disorder. So, she had CD59 deficiency. The patient’s episodes were managed with plasma exchanges, corticosteroids, Cyclophosphamide, and Mycophenolate Mofetil which induced and maintained remission.

Conclusion

CD59 deficiency can be presented with various clinical features such as neurologic, hematologic, dermatologic, and rheumatologic problems including systemic lupus erythematosus.
DTiGEMS+: drug–target interaction prediction using graph embedding, graph mining, and similarity-based techniques
Authors: Thafar Maha A. , Olayan Rawan S. , Ashoor Haitham , Albaradei Somayah , Bajic Vladimir B. , Gao Xin , Gojobori Takashi , Essack Magbubah
Published: June 2020

In silico prediction of drug–target interactions is a critical phase in the sustainable drug development process, especially when the research focus is to capitalize on the repositioning of existing drugs. However, developing such computational methods is not an easy task, but is much needed, as current methods that predict potential drug–target interactions suffer from high false-positive rates. Here we introduce DTiGEMS+, a computational method that predictsDrug–Targetinteractions usingGraphEmbedding, graphMining, andSimilarity-based techniques. DTiGEMS+ combines similarity-based as well as feature-based approaches, and models the identification of novel drug–target interactions as a link prediction problem in a heterogeneous network. DTiGEMS+ constructs the heterogeneous network by augmenting the known drug–target interactions graph with two other complementary graphs namely: drug–drug similarity, target–target similarity. DTiGEMS+ combines different computational techniques to provide the final drug target prediction, these techniques include graph embeddings, graph mining, and machine learning. DTiGEMS+ integrates multiple drug–drug similarities and target–target similarities into the final heterogeneous graph construction after applying a similarity selection procedure as well as a similarity fusion algorithm. Using four benchmark datasets, we show DTiGEMS+ substantially improves prediction performance compared to other state-of-the-art in silico methods developed to predict of drug-target interactions by achieving the highest average AUPR across all datasets (0.92), which reduces the error rate by 33.3% relative to the second-best performing model in the state-of-the-art methods comparison.
Phantom and clinical evaluation of bone SPECT/CT image reconstruction with xSPECT algorithm
Authors: Miyaji Noriaki , Miwa Kenta , Tokiwa Ayaka , Ichikawa Hajime , Terauchi Takashi , Koizumi Mitsuru , Onoguchi Masahisa
Published: June 2020

Background

Two novel methods of image reconstruction, xSPECT Quant (xQ) and xSPECT Bone (xB), that use an ordered subset conjugate gradient minimizer (OSCGM) for SPECT/CT reconstruction have been proposed. The present study compares the performance characteristics of xQ, xB, and conventional Flash3D (F3D) reconstruction using images derived from phantoms and patients.

Methods

A custom-designed body phantom for bone SPECT was scanned using a Symbia Intevo (Siemens Healthineers), and reconstructed xSPECT images were evaluated. The phantom experiments proceeded twice with different activity concentrations and sphere sizes. A phantom with 28-mm spheres containing a 99mTc-background and tumor-to-normal bone ratios (TBR) of 1, 2, 4, and 10 were generated, and convergence property against various TBR was evaluated across 96 iterations. A phantom with four spheres (13-, 17-, 22-, and 28-mm diameters), containing a 99mTc-background at TBR4, was also generated. The full width at half maximum of an imaged spinous process (10 mm), coefficients of variance (CV), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and recovery coefficients (RC) were evaluated after reconstructing images of a spine using Flash 3D (F3D), xQ, and xB. We retrospectively analyzed images from 20 patients with suspected bone metastases (male, n = 13) which were acquired using [99mTc]Tc-(H)MDP SPECT/CT, then CV and standardized uptake values (SUV) at the 4th vertebral body (L4) were compared after xQ and xB reconstruction in a clinical setup.

Results

Mean activity concentrations with various TBR converged according to increasing numbers of iterations. The spatial resolution of xB was considerably superior to xQ and F3D, and it approached almost the actual size regardless of the iteration numbers during reconstruction. The CV and RC were better for xQ and xB than for F3D. The CNR peaked at 24 iterations for xQ and 48 iterations for F3D and xB, respectively. The RC between xQ and xB significantly differed at lower numbers of iterations but were almost equivalent at higher numbers of iterations. The reconstructed xQ and xB images of the clinical patients showed a significant difference in the SUVmax and SUVpeak.

Conclusions

The reconstructed xQ and xB images were more accurate than those reconstructed conventionally using F3D. The xB for bone SPECT imaging offered essentially unchanged spatial resolution even when the numbers of iterations did not converge. The xB reconstruction further enhanced SPECT image quality using CT data. Our findings provide important information for understanding the performance characteristics of the novel xQ and xB algorithms.
Effect of urine reflex culturing on rates of cultures and infections in acute and long-term care
Authors: Lynch Chelsea S. , Appleby-Sigler Andrea , Bork Jacqueline T. , Davé Rohini , Agnes Kathy , Sanikop Molly , Heath Doris , Clark Arlene F. , Claeys Kimberly , Zhan Min , Morgan Daniel J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Urine cultures are often positive in the absence of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Pyuria is generally considered necessary to diagnose a UTI.

Problem

Urine cultures are often positive in the absence of UTI leading to unnecessary antibiotics.

Methods

Quasi-experimental pre-post study of all patient urine cultures ordered in a VA acute care hospital, emergency department (ED), and two long-term care (LTC) facilities from August 2016 to August 2018. Urine cultures performed per 100 days were compared pre- (August 2016 to July 2017) versus post-intervention (August 2017 to August 2018) using interrupted time series negative binomial regression.

Intervention

We examined whether reflexing to urine culture only if a urinalysis (UA) found greater than 10 WBC/hpf decreased urine culturing.

Results

In acute-care, reflex culturing resulted in a 39% time series regression analysis adjusted decrease in the rate of cultures performed (pre-intervention, 3.6 cultures/100 days vs. Post-intervention, 1.8 cultures/100 days, p < 0.001). Pre-intervention, 29% (4/14) of Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) would not have been reported if reflex culturing was employed. In the ED, reflex culturing was associated with a 38% (p = 0.0015) regression analysis adjusted decrease in cultures, from 5.4/100 visits to 3.3/100 visits. In LTC, there was a small absolute, but regression analysis adjusted increase of 89% (p = 0.0018) in rates from (0.4/100 days to 0.5/100 days).

Conclusion

In acute care and ED, urine reflex culturing decreased the number of urine cultures performed. A small absolute increase was seen between pre-post time periods in LTC. Reflex testing generally decreases cultures and may lead to more accurate diagnoses of CAUTI.
Pharmacologic inhibition of mTORC1 mimics dietary protein restriction in a mouse model of lactation
Authors: Pszczolkowski Virginia L. , Halderson Steven J. , Meyer Emma J. , Lin Amy , Arriola Apelo Sebastian I.
Published: June 2020

Background

Understanding the mechanisms of N utilization for lactation can lead to improved requirement estimates and increased efficiency, which modern dairy diets currently fail to maximize. The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a central hub of translation regulation, processing extra- and intra-cellular signals of nutrient availability and physiological state, such as amino acids and energy. We hypothesized that dietary amino acids regulate lactation through mTORC1, such that inhibition of mTORC1 will lead to decreased lactation performance when amino acids are not limiting. Our objectives were to assess lactation performance in lactating mice undergoing dietary and pharmacologic interventions designed to alter mTORC1 activity.

Methods

First lactation mice (N = 18; n = 6/treatment) were fed an adequate protein diet (18% crude protein), or an isocaloric protein-restricted diet (9% crude protein) from the day after parturition until lactation day 13. A third group of mice was fed an adequate protein diet and treated with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin (4 mg/kg every other day) intraperitoneally, with the first two groups treated with vehicle as control. Dams and pups were weighed daily, and feed intake was recorded every other day. Milk production was measured every other day beginning on lactation day 4 by the weigh-suckle-weigh method. Tissues were collected after fasting and refeeding.

Results

Milk production and pup weight were similarly decreased by both protein restriction and rapamycin treatment, with final production at 50% of control (P = 0.008) and final pup weight at 85% of control (P < 0.001). Mammary phosphorylation of mTORC1’s downstream targets were decreased by protein restriction and rapamycin treatment (P < 0.05), while very little effect was observed in the liver of rapamycin treated mice, and none by protein restriction.

Conclusions

Overall, sufficient supply of dietary amino acids was unable to maintain lactation performance status in mice with pharmacologically reduced mammary mTORC1 activity, as evidenced by diminished pup growth and milk production, supporting the concept that mTORC1 activation rather than substrate supply is the primary route by which amino acids regulate synthesis of milk components.
Role of DNA repair defects in predicting immunotherapy response
Authors: Zhang Jing , Shih David J. H. , Lin Shiaw-Yih
Published: June 2020

Defect in DNA damage response (DDR) is a common feature of cancer cells, which regulates tumor growth and therapeutic response. Recently, the approval of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) for tumors with defective mismatch repair has paved the way for investigating the role of other DDR defects in sensitizing cancer to ICB therapy. Despite great progress in understanding DDR pathways, the mechanisms that link DDR defects and ICB response remain incompletely understood. Further, the clinical activity of ICB in patients with DDR defective tumors has not been well described. Here, we discuss recent studies demonstrating that biomarkers in DDR pathways may serve as potential predictors to guide the selection of patients for ICB therapy. A better understanding of the relationship between deficiency in DDR and response to ICB would facilitate efforts in optimizing the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Low temperature CO oxidation by doped cerium oxide electrospun fibers
Authors: Sim Myeongseok , Wang Buhua , Oh Tae-Sik
Published: June 2020

We investigated CO oxidation behavior of doped cerium oxide fibers. Electrospinning technique was used to fabricate the inorganic fibers after burning off polymer component at 600 °C in air. Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, and La were doped at 10 and 30 mol% by dissolving metal salts into the polymeric electrospinning solution. 10 mol% Cu-doped ceria fiber showed excellent catalytic activity for low temperature CO oxidation with 50% CO conversion at just 52 °C. This 10 mol% Cu-doped sample showed unexpected regeneration behavior under simple ambient air annealing at 400 °C. From the CO oxidation behavior of the 12 samples, we conclude that absolute oxygen vacancy concentration estimated by Raman spectroscopy is not a good indicator for low temperature CO oxidation catalysts unless extra care is taken such that the Raman signal reflects oxide surface status. The experimental trend over the six dopants showed limited agreement with theoretically calculated oxygen vacancy formation energy in the literature.
Characterizing science graduate teaching assistants’ instructional practices in reformed laboratories and tutorials
Authors: Wan Tong , Geraets Ashley A. , Doty Constance M. , Saitta Erin K. H. , Chini Jacquelyn J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) often lead laboratory and tutorial sections in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), especially at large, research-intensive universities. GTAs’ performance as instructors can impact student learning experience as well as learning outcomes. In this study, we observed 11 chemistry GTAs and 11 physics GTAs in a research-intensive institution in the southeastern USA. We observed the GTAs over two consecutive semesters in one academic year, resulting in a total of 58 chemistry lab observations and 72 physics combined tutorial and lab observations. We used a classroom observation protocol adapted from the Laboratory Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (LOPUS) to document both GTA and student behaviors. We applied cluster analysis separately to the chemistry lab observations and to the physics combined tutorial and lab observations. The goals of this study are to classify and characterize GTAs’ instructional styles in reformed introductory laboratories and tutorials, to explore the relationship between GTA instructional style and student behavior, and to explore the relationship between GTA instructional style and the nature of laboratory activity.

Results

We identified three instructional styles among chemistry GTAs and three different instructional styles among physics GTAs. The characteristics of GTA instructional styles we identified in our samples are different from those previously identified in a study of a traditional general chemistry laboratory. In contrast to the findings in the same prior study, we found a relationship between GTAs’ instructional styles and student behaviors: when GTAs use more interactive instructional styles, students appear to be more engaged. In addition, our results suggest that the nature of laboratory activities may influence GTAs’ use of instructional styles and student behaviors. Furthermore, we found that new GTAs appear to behave more interactively than experienced GTAs.

Conclusion

GTAs use a variety of instructional styles when teaching in the reformed laboratories and tutorials. Also, compared to traditional laboratory and tutorial sections, reformed sections appear to allow for more interaction between the nature of lab activities, GTA instructional styles, and student behaviors. This implies that high-quality teaching in reformed laboratories and tutorials may improve student learning experiences substantially, which could then lead to increased learning outcomes. Therefore, effective GTA professional development is particularly critical in reformed instructional environments.
Detection of the Oyashio and Kuroshio fronts under the projected climate change in the 21st century
Authors: Nishikawa Haruka , Nishikawa Shiro , Ishizaki Hiroshi , Wakamatsu Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Yoichi
Published: June 2020

We evaluate the Oyashio and Kuroshio fronts latitudinal transition under the projected climate change scenarios using eddy resolving regional ocean climate projection products from 1981 to 2100. The regional ocean climate projections are produced based on dynamical downscaling of four CMIP5 models and two RCP experiments RCP2.6 and RCP8.5. Two approaches of the fronts detection methods are compared. One is conventional approach based on subsurface specific isotherm and another is newly proposed approach based on the Oyashio and Kuroshio water temperature and salinity (TS) profiles that may change as the global warming progresses. It is found that the Oyashio TS profile rapidly shift to be high both in temperature and salinity in RCP8.5 cases while the Kuroshio TS profile shows small change toward the end of the twenty-first century in all cases. Northward shift of the Oyashio and Kuroshio fronts reaches 2° northward by the late twenty-first century in extreme case of RCP8.5 cases from the temperature-based definition. On the other hand, the northward shifts of fronts are less than 1° when we use the TS-based definition. The comparison of both fronts positions with the surface velocity distributions suggest that the TS-based definition captures transitions of the fronts better than the temperature-based definition.
Laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus: a case report
Authors: Fujinaga Atsuro , Shibata Tomotaka , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Tada Kazuhiro , Suzuki Kosuke , Nishiki Kohei , Ogawa Katsuhiro , Kono Yohei , Hiratsuka Takahiro , Akagi Tomonori , Ueda Yoshitake , Toujigamori Manabu , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Shiraishi Norio , Inomata Masafumi
Published: June 2020

Background

An esophageal diverticulum is rare and is frequently associated with esophageal motility disorders. Jackhammer esophagus is also rare, is characterized by esophageal hypercontraction, and comprises 4.1% of esophageal motility disorders. Here, we report a case of a patient successfully treated by laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus diagnosed with high-resolution manometry (HRM).

Case presentation

The patient was a 78-year-old man who presented to the hospital with dysphagia. A diverticulum was detected in the lower part of his esophagus by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. HRM was performed to investigate esophageal motility disorders. His integrated relaxation pressure was normal at 25.9 (< 26) mmHg, but his distal contractile integral (DCI) was very high at 21,464 (1500–13,000) mmHg s cm. Esophageal peristalsis was preserved. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus for which laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and Heller-Dor procedure were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. His symptoms improved, and the level of DCI also returned to a normal level of 3867 mmHg s cm at 2 months after the operation.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and esophagomyotomy can be useful procedures for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus due to their lower invasiveness.
Impact of wind energy development on birds and bats: the case of Adama wind farm, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfahunegny Weldemariam , Datiko Demeke , Wale Mengistu , Hailay Gebre Egziabeher , Hunduma Tadesse
Published: June 2020

Background

In contrast to wind farm collision, birds and bats were understudied and their occurrence and function were poorly understood. Here, study on mortality of iconic bird and bat species were conducted on Adama I and II wind farms during wet (August 2018) and dry (March 2019) seasons.

Materials and methods

The methodology employed carcass searches using direct physical inspections, semi-structured interviews (n = 50), and focus group discussions of wind farm officials and farmers around Adama I and II wind farms. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and chi-square test were employed to analyze the surveyed data.

Result

The result suggested 51 (78.43%) carcass of bird species comprising 11 families. Out of the 125 installed operational turbines, about 35 species of birds were found in 11 families; 27 unidentified molted carcasses of species of birds were significantly impacted with Adama I and II wind farms. In addition, 11 unidentified species of bat were observed as collision victims.

Conclusion

Wind farm establishment and expansion in areas with concentrations of the sensitive species had been avoided. To focus on conservation efforts, we illustrate how knowledge of the structural and environmental factors that influence bird and bat collision can be used to record fatalities in the broader landscape. In order to minimize the mortality rate of birds and bats from collision, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment should be undertaken as precautionary measures.
Testicular dysfunction induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticle administration in albino rats and the possible protective role of the pumpkin seed oil
Authors: Hamdi Hamida
Published: June 2020

Background

Even though the widespread of nanoalumina and their benefits in all fields, its potential impacts on male reproductive system have limited information.

Objective

The present study was conducted to investigate the testicular dysfunction of nanoalumina and the protective role of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) against potential adverse impacts induced by alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3-NPs) in male rat.

Methodology

Al2O3-NPs were administered to the rat orally at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight once a day for 28 successive days, while pumpkin seed oil was administered to the rat orally at 4 mL/kg b w before administration of Al2O3-NPs, once a day for 28 successive days. After the administration period, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA damage, as biomarkers of reproductive toxic effects, were evaluated using sperm analysis and comet assays, and histopathological examination of testis was performed. In addition, level of the serum testosterone hormones were estimated, and the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers that take part in the reproductive pathologies such as catalase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde were estimated.

Results

The present results revealed that Al2O3-NPs induced DNA damage in testicular cells, marked histopathological alterations, and caused a significant elevation in MDA in testicular tissue. There was a significant decline in GSH and CAT activities. Furthermore, there was a significant decline in serum testosterone level in the testicular tissue of Al2O3-NP-administered rats. In contrast, pumpkin seed oil co-administration alleviated DNA damage and improved the histopathological alterations in the testicular tissues. Moreover, pumpkin seed oil co-administration significantly reduced MDA and improved the antioxidant defenses in testicular tissue.

Conclusion

The current study concluded that Al2O3-NPs caused testicular dysfunction by generating oxidative injury. Otherwise, PSO co-administration successfully attenuated the adverse impacts of Al2O3-NPs via suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as enhancement of the antioxidant defense system.
A case study of non-traditional treatments for the control of wheat stem rust disease
Authors: Omara Reda I. , Essa Tarek A. , Khalil Amal A. , Elsharkawy Mohsen M.
Published: June 2020

Wheat stem rust causes by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is a serious threat to wheat production all over the world. This study evaluated the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis, B. polymyxa and B. megaterium, Eugenol and leaf extract of Artemisia cina against the disease, and the involved mechanisms in disease resistance. B. subtilis and Eugenol treatments inhibited spore germination and increased incubation and latent periods than other treatments. Additionally, the lowest infection type, pustule length and pustule width, and receptivity (no. of pustules) were recorded in case of B. subtilis and Eugenol treatments compared with the check control. The best results in disease assessment were achieved by foliar spray application 24 h before and after inoculation. Abnormalities, lysis, collapse, and shrinking of urediniospores were recorded in treated leaves. The activities of antioxidant defense enzymes, i.e., catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenoloxidase (PPO), were significantly increased in B. subtilis and Eugenol treatments. On the other hand, electrolyte leakage was decreased. The active compounds in B. subtilis were revealed by utilizing GC-MS analysis.
Effect of foliar application of boron trioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on leaves chemical composition, yield and fruit quality of Olea europaea L. cv. Picual
Authors: Genaidy Esmail A. E. , Abd-Alhamid Nazmy , Hassan Hassan S. A. , Hassan Ahmed M. , Hagagg Laila F.
Published: June 2020

Background and objective

Olive tree is one of the most important and a widely distributed tree grown in many arid and semi-arid areas of the world. The production of olive in these areas is generally low due to the poor soil fertility. Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients for plants, and its deficiency is common in many crops. Boron deficiency is also a common micronutrient problem in agriculture, which results in reducing of yield production and quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most innovative scientific field in agriculture. So the objective of this work is determine the appropriate concentration of nano-zinc and nano-boron to reach the best olive fruits yield and improve its chemical and morphological traits.

Materials and methods

The present investigation has been made during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018 in a private orchard located at Ismailia governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of foliar application of boron nanoparticles at a rate of 10 and 20 ppm and zinc nanoparticles at a rate of 100 and 200 ppm on leaf chemical composition, yield, and fruit quality of Picual olive tree.

Results

The application of boron and zinc nanoparticles in different concentration was able to effect on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Picual cultivar in the first and second seasons, respectively, compared with the control treatment leaves mineral content and pigments, fruit set percent, fruit drop percent, fruits yield, fruit physical, and chemical characteristics. Moreover, spraying Picual cultivar with nano-boron at 20 ppm + nano-zinc at 200 ppm (T8) is the best treatment in this study to obtain the maximum final fruit set which led to harvest the maximum fruits yield with the high seed oil percentage and low acidity in the first and second seasons, respectively.

Conclusion

It could recommend that spraying Picual olive trees with nano-boron at 20 ppm + nano-zinc at 200 ppm is the best treatment in this study to obtain the maximum final fruit set which led to harvest the maximum fruits yield with the high seed oil percentage and low acidity.
Correction to: The role of diagnostic hysteroscopy in diagnosis of incomplete uterine septum/significant arcuate uterine anomaly in infertile patients in the era of transvaginal 3D ultrasound scan
Authors: Abuzeid O. , LaChance J. , Zaghmout O. , Corrado J. , Hebert J. , Ashraf M. , Abuzeid M. I.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.