bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nest defense in the face of cuckoldry: evolutionary rather than facultative adaptation to chronic paternity loss
Authors: Zimmermann Holger , Fritzsche Karoline , Henshaw Jonathan M. , Katongo Cyprian , Banda Taylor , Makasa Lawrence , Sefc Kristina M. , Bose Aneesh P. H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Raising unrelated offspring is typically wasteful of parental resources and so individuals are expected to reduce or maintain low levels of parental effort when their parentage is low. This can involve facultative, flexible adjustments of parental care to cues of lost parentage in the current brood, stabilizing selection for a low level of paternal investment, or an evolutionary reduction in parental investment in response to chronically low parentage.

Results

We studied parental care inVariabilichromis moorii, a socially monogamous, biparental cichlid fish, whose mating system is characterized by frequent cuckoldry and whose primary form of parental care is offspring defense. We combine field observations with genetic parentage analyses to show that while both parents defend their nest against intruding con- and hetero-specifics, males and females may do so for different reasons. Males in the study group (30 breeding pairs) sired 0–100% (median 83%) of the fry in their nests. Males defended less against immediate threats to the offspring, and more against threats to their territories, which are essential for the males’ future reproductive success. Males also showed no clear relationship between their share of defense and their paternity of the brood. Females, on the other hand, were related to nearly all the offspring under their care, and defended almost equally against all types of threats.

Conclusion

Overall, males contributed less to defense than females and we suggest that this asymmetry is the result of an evolutionary response by males to chronically high paternity loss in this species. Although most males in the current study group achieved high parentage in their nests, the average paternity inV. moorii, sampled across multiple seasons, is only about 55%. We highlight the importance and complexity of studying nest defense as a form of parental care in systems where defense may serve not only to protect current offspring, but also to ensure future reproductive success by maintaining a territory.
Correction to: Mitochondrial phylogeography of baboons (Papio spp.) – Indication for introgressive hybridization?
Authors: Zinner Dietmar , Groeneveld Linn F. , Keller Christina , Roos Christian
Published: November 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified that some of the NCB accession numbers were incorrectly associated to their corresponding taxon in the Additional file 1.
Assembly, annotation, and comparison of Macrophomina phaseolina isolates from strawberry and other hosts
Authors: Burkhardt Alyssa K. , Childs Kevin L. , Wang Jie , Ramon Marina L. , Martin Frank N.
Published: November 2019

Background

Macrophomina phaseolinais a fungal plant pathogen with a broad host range, but one genotype was shown to exhibit host preference/specificity on strawberry. This pathogen lacked a high-quality genome assembly and annotation, and little was known about genomic differences among isolates from different hosts.

Results

We used PacBio sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding to provide nearly complete genome assemblies forM. phaseolinaisolates representing the strawberry-specific genotype and another genotype recovered from alfalfa. The strawberry isolate had 59 contigs/scaffolds with an N50 of 4.3 Mb. The isolate from alfalfa had an N50 of 5.0 Mb and 14 nuclear contigs with half including telomeres. Both genomes were annotated with MAKER using transcript evidence generated in this study with over 13,000 protein-coding genes predicted. Unique groups of genes for each isolate were identified when compared to closely related fungal species. Structural comparisons between the isolates reveal large-scale rearrangements including chromosomal inversions and translocations. To include isolates representing a range of pathogen genotypes, an additional 30 isolates were sequenced with Illumina, assembled, and compared to the strawberry genotype assembly. Within the limits of comparing Illumina and PacBio assemblies, no conserved structural rearrangements were identified among the isolates from the strawberry genotype compared to those from other hosts, but some candidate genes were identified that were largely present in isolates of the strawberry genotype and absent in other genotypes.

Conclusions

High-quality reference genomes ofM. phaseolinahave allowed for the identification of structural changes associated with a genotype that has a host preference toward strawberry and will enable future comparative genomics studies. Having more complete assemblies allows for structural rearrangements to be more fully assessed and ensures a greater representation of all the genes. Work with Illumina data from additional isolates suggests that some genes are predominately present in isolates of the strawberry genotype, but additional work is needed to confirm the role of these genes in pathogenesis. Additional work is also needed to complete the scaffolding of smaller contigs identified in the strawberry genotype assembly and to determine if unique genes in the strawberry genotype play a role in pathogenicity.
Clarification of the dispensability of PDX1.2 for Arabidopsis viability using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Dell’Aglio Elisa , Dalvit Ivan , Loubéry Sylvain , Fitzpatrick Teresa B.
Published: November 2019

Background

PDX1.2 has recently been shown to be a regulator of vitamin B6 biosynthesis in plants and is implicated in biotic and abiotic stress resistance. PDX1.2 expression is strongly and rapidly induced by heat stress. Interestingly, PDX1.2 is restricted to eudicota, wherein it behaves as a non-catalytic pseudoenzyme and is suggested to provide an adaptive advantage to this clade. A first report on an Arabidopsis insertion mutant claims that PDX1.2 is indispensable for viability, being essential for embryogenesis. However, a later study using an independent insertion allele suggests that knockout mutants of pdx1.2 are viable. Therefore, the essentiality of PDX1.2 for Arabidopsis viability is a matter of debate. Given the important implications of PDX1.2 in stress responses, it is imperative to clarify if it is essential for plant viability.

Results

We have studied the previously reported insertion alleles of PDX1.2, one of which is claimed to be essential for embryogenesis (pdx1.2–1), whereas the other is viable (pdx1.2–2). Our study shows that pdx1.2–1 carries multiple T-DNA insertions, but the T-DNA insertion in PDX1.2 is not responsible for the loss of embryogenesis. By contrast, the pdx1.2–2 allele is an overexpressor of PDX1.2 under standard growth conditions and not a null allele as previously reported. Nonetheless, upregulation of PDX1.2 expression under heat stress is impaired in this mutant line. In wild type Arabidopsis, studies of PDX1.2-YFP fusion proteins show that the protein is enhanced under heat stress conditions. To clarify if PDX1.2 is essential for Arabidopsis viability, we generated several independent mutant lines using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. All of these lines are viable and behave similar to wild type under standard growth conditions. Reciprocal crosses of a subset of the CRISPR lines with pdx1.2–1 recovers viability of the latter line and demonstrates that knocking out the functionality of PDX1.2 does not impair embryogenesis.

Conclusions

Gene editing reveals that PDX1.2 is dispensable for Arabidopsis viability and resolves conflicting reports in the literature on its function.
A mutant allele of ζ-carotene isomerase (Z-ISO) is associated with the yellow pigmentation of the “Pinalate” sweet orange mutant and reveals new insights into its role in fruit carotenogenesis
Authors: Rodrigo María J. , Lado Joanna , Alós Enriqueta , Alquézar Berta , Dery Orly , Hirschberg Joseph , Zacarías Lorenzo
Published: November 2019

Background

Fruit coloration is one of the main quality parameters of Citrus fruit primarily determined by genetic factors. The fruit of ordinary sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) displays a pleasant orange tint due to accumulation of carotenoids, representing β,β-xanthophylls more than 80% of the total content. ‘Pinalate’ is a spontaneous bud mutant, or somatic mutation, derived from sweet orange ‘Navelate’, characterized by yellow fruits due to elevated proportions of upstream carotenes and reduced β,β-xanthophylls, which suggests a biosynthetic blockage at early steps of the carotenoid pathway.

Results

To identify the molecular basis of ‘Pinalate’ yellow fruit, a complete characterization of carotenoids profile together with transcriptional changes in carotenoid biosynthetic genes were performed in mutant and parental fruits during development and ripening. ‘Pinalate’ fruit showed a distinctive carotenoid profile at all ripening stages, accumulating phytoene, phytofluene and unusual proportions of 9,15,9′-tri-cis- and 9,9′-di-cis-ζ-carotene, while content of downstream carotenoids was significantly decreased. Transcript levels for most of the carotenoid biosynthetic genes showed no alterations in ‘Pinalate’; however, the steady-state level mRNA of ζ-carotene isomerase (Z-ISO), which catalyses the conversion of 9,15,9′-tri-cis- to 9,9′-di-cis-ζ-carotene, was significantly reduced both in ‘Pinalate’ fruit and leaf tissues. Isolation of the ‘Pinalate’ Z-ISO genomic sequence identified a new allele with a single nucleotide insertion at the second exon, which generates an alternative splicing site that alters Z-ISO transcripts encoding non-functional enzyme. Moreover, functional assays of citrus Z-ISO in E.coli showed that light is able to enhance a non-enzymatic isomerization of tri-cis to di-cis-ζ-carotene, which is in agreement with the partial rescue of mutant phenotype when ‘Pinalate’ fruits are highly exposed to light during ripening.

Conclusion

A single nucleotide insertion has been identified in ‘Pinalate’ Z-ISO gene that results in truncated proteins. This causes a bottleneck in the carotenoid pathway with an unbalanced content of carotenes upstream to β,β-xanthophylls in fruit tissues. In chloroplastic tissues, the effects of Z-ISO alteration are mainly manifested as a reduction in total carotenoid content. Taken together, our results indicate that the spontaneous single nucleotide insertion in Z-ISO is the molecular basis of the yellow pigmentation in ‘Pinalate’ sweet orange and points this isomerase as an essential activity for carotenogenesis in citrus fruits.
The effects of anesthesia induction and positive pressure ventilation on right-ventricular function: an echocardiography-based prospective observational study
Authors: Magunia Harry , Jordanow Anne , Keller Marius , Rosenberger Peter , Nowak-Machen Martina
Published: November 2019

Background

General anesthesia induction with the initiation of positive pressure ventilation creates a vulnerable phase for patients. The impact of positive intrathoracic pressure on cardiac performance has been studied but remains controversial. 3D echocardiography is a valid and MRI-validated bed-side tool to evaluate the right ventricle (RV). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of anesthesia induction (using midazolam, sufentanil and rocuronium, followed by sevoflurane) with positive pressure ventilation (PEEP 5, tidal volume 6–8 ml/kg) on 2D and 3D echocardiography derived parameters of RV function.

Methods

A prospective observational study on fifty-three patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery in a tertiary care university hospital was designed. Transthoracic echocardiography exams were performed before and immediately after anesthesia induction and were recorded together with hemodynamic parameters and ventilator settings.

Results

After anesthesia induction TAPSE (mean difference − 1.6 mm (95% CI − 2.6 mm to − 0.7 mm;p = 0.0013) as well as the Tissue Doppler derived tricuspid annulus peak velocity (TDITVs’) were significantly reduced (mean difference − 1.9% (95% CI: − 2.6 to − 1.2;p < 0.0001), but global right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF;p = 0.1607) and right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV;p = 0.1838) did not change.

Conclusions

This data shows a preserved right ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular stroke volume after anesthesia induction and initiation of positive pressure ventilation. However, the baso-apical right ventricular function is significantly reduced. Larger studies are needed in order to determine the clinical impact of these findings especially in patients presenting with impaired right ventricular function before anesthesia induction.

Trial registration

Retrospecitvely registered, 6th June 2016, ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02820727.
Validation of a 5-item tool to measure patient assessment of clinician compassion in the emergency department
Authors: Sabapathi Praveen , Roberts Michael B. , Fuller Brian M. , Puskarich Michael A. , Jones Christopher W. , Kilgannon J. Hope , Braz Valerie , Creel-Bulos Christina , Scott Nathaniel , Tester Kristina L. , Mazzarelli Anthony , Trzeciak Stephen , Roberts Brian W.
Published: November 2019

Background

To test if the 5-item compassion measure (a tool previously validated in the outpatient setting to measure patient assessment of clinician compassion) is a valid and reliable tool to quantify a distinct construct (i.e. clinical compassion) among patients evaluated in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted in three academic emergency departments in the U.S. between November 2018 and April 2019. We enrolled adult patients who were evaluated in the EDs of the participating institutions and administered the 5-item compassion measure after completion of care in the ED. Validity testing was performed using confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test reliability. Convergent validity with patient assessment of overall satisfaction questions was tested using Spearman correlation coefficients and we tested if the 5-item compassion measure assessed a construct distinct from overall patient satisfaction using confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

We analyzed 866 patient responses. Confirmatory factor analysis found all five items loaded well on a single construct and our model was found to have good fit. Reliability was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) among the entire cohort. These results remained consistent on sub-analyses stratified by individual institutions. The 5-item compassion measure had moderate correlation with overall patient satisfaction (r = 0.66) and patient recommendation of the ED to friends and family (r = 0.57), but reflected a patient experience domain (i.e. compassionate care) distinctly different from patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

The 5-item compassion measure is a valid and reliable tool to measure patient assessment of clinical compassion in the ED.
Epidemiology of echinococcosis in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mahmoudi Shima , Mamishi Setareh , Banar Maryam , Pourakbari Babak , Keshavarz Hossein
Published: November 2019

Background

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stages of taeniid cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. The two major types of infection in humans are cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). It is endemic in some parts of the world, such as the Middle East, with Iran being a part of it. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of CE and AE echinococcosis and their epidemiological and clinical aspects in Iran.

Methods

Electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, Web of Science, SID and Mag Iran (two Persian scientific search engines) were searched from 1 January 1990 to 8 August 2017. The prevalence of CE and AE echinococcosis was estimated using the random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated by subgroup analysis. Data were analyzed by STATA version 12.

Results

Of the 2051 records identified in the mentioned electronic databases, Seventy-eight articles met our eligibility criteria, with a total of 214124individuals. The meta-analysis was performed on only 37 out of 78 included studies. The pooled prevalence of CE and AE in Iran was 5% [95% confidence interval )CI(: 3-6%] and 2% [95% CI: 0-5%], respectively. Subgroup meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of CE was significantly higher in North [9%, 95% CI: 4-18%] and West of Iran [6%, 95% CI: 3-11%], patients younger than 40 years of age [7%, 95% CI: 4-12%], villagers and nomads [6%, 95% CI: 2-12%], and studies that used the combination of serological, clinical, and imaging diagnostic methods [7%, 95% CI: 5-9%]. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of CE among low and high-quality studies. Housewives were the most affected group by hydatidosis (n=24/77, 31%), followed by illiterate people (n=11/77, 14%) and farmers (n= 9/77, 12%). Liver [55%, 95% CI: 46-65%] and lung [28%, 95% CI, 22-35%] were the most common sites of cyst formation.

Conclusions

Given to the importance of echinococcosis on human health and domestic animals industry, it is necessary to implement monitoring and control measures in this regard.
Lessons about the reliability of congenital syphilis and vertical HIV transmission data learned from case reviews in Uruguay: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cabrera Susana , Silveira Mariangela Freitas , Visconti Ana , García Fabian , Aguirre Rafael , Ponce de Leon Rodolfo Gomez , Quian Jorge , Serruya Suzanne J.
Published: November 2019

Background

In Uruguay it is mandatory to review all cases of positive HIV or reactive syphilis tests in pregnancy and peripartum. We compared the rates of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV detected by case reviews to those obtained from the usual surveillance system and described the characteristic of vertical transmission cases.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study performed with secondary data obtained from official government sources, for all the country cases of maternal to child transmission of HIV and syphilis from 2012 to 2017, with descriptive analyses. For congenital syphilis analyses, the following pregnancy characteristics were investigated: number of antenatal checks, gestational age at pregnancy diagnosis, gestational age at syphilis test and diagnosis, adequate treatment, and treatment of partners. Sociodemographic characteristics included type of health care (public/private), maternal age, distribution of ethnic minorities, maximum educational attainment, presence of partner, planned pregnancy, drug and alcohol use, domestic violence, previous maternal diagnosis of syphilis, and previous children with congenital syphilis.

Results

Coverage of syphilis case reviews increased from 82% in 2014 to 97.4% in 2017. For HIV, this coverage reached 100% in 2017 and elimination of mother to child transmission was achieved. A marked decline in congenital syphilis was noted in the public health care sector, especially in the capital Montevideo, whereas the private sector has remained below the elimination target. Variables related with congenital syphilis in exposed children were late pregnancy diagnosis, < 5 antenatal checks, delayed diagnosis of gestational syphilis, lower rate of correct treatment for gestational syphilis, untreated partner, low maternal schooling, unplanned pregnancy, history of syphilis, and having other children with syphilis.

Conclusion

The use of case reviews provided knowledge regarding the accurate number of mother-to-child transmission cases and the evolution of elimination of mother to child transmission in the country. The results suggest that rates must be adjusted, providing an opportunity to improve the reliability of surveillance data, and point the need to address specific gaps in order to improve the quality of care during pregnancy, delivery, and the neonatal period.
SMAD4 Y353C promotes the progression of PDAC
Authors: Wang Zusen , Li Yongxing , Zhan Shixiong , Zhang Lu , Zhang Shun , Tang Qian , Li Miaomiao , Tan Zhen , Liu Shiguo , Xing Xiaoming
Published: November 2019

Background

SMAD4 is frequently inactivated and associated with a poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Abnormal SMAD4 expression also plays an important role in the malignant progression of PDAC.

Methods

We investigated SMAD4 status in PDAC by immunohistochemical methods to explore the relationships between SMAD4 expression and clinicopathological features and then detected SMAD4 mutations by Sanger sequencing in 95 patients with PDAC to identify new mutation sites in PDAC. We further evaluated the effects of a missense mutation, Y353C, in the SMAD4 MH2 domain, on cell proliferation and migration in vitro.

Results

Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of SMAD4 in PDAC carcinoma tissue was significantly lower than that in normal pancreatic tissue, and negative SMAD4 expression was closely related to tumour diameter, staging, lymph node metastasis and differentiation. Sanger sequencing analysis showed that the rate of SMAD4 mutation was 11.8% in 85 PDAC cases, and the novel SMAD4 Y353C missense mutation identified in this study promoted cell migration and invasion without affecting cell proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, SMAD4 Y353C resulted in reduced expression of E-cadherin and increased expression of Vimentin compared with wild-type SMAD4 overexpression.

Conclusion

This study supports the key role of SMAD4 as a tumour suppressor gene in PDAC and shows that SMAD4 Y353C is associated with poor progression of PDAC.
AIB1 sequestration by androgen receptor inhibits estrogen-dependent cyclin D1 expression in breast cancer cells
Authors: De Amicis Francesca , Chiodo Chiara , Morelli Catia , Casaburi Ivan , Marsico Stefania , Bruno Rosalinda , Sisci Diego , Andò Sebastiano , Lanzino Marilena
Published: November 2019

Background

Androgens, through their own receptor, play a protective role on breast tumor development and progression and counterbalance estrogen-dependent growth stimuli which are intimately linked to breast carcinogenesis.

Methods

Cell counting by trypan blu exclusion was used to study androgen effect on estrogen-dependent breast tumor growth. Quantitative Real Time RT–PCR, western blotting, transient transfection, protein immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were carried out to investigate how androgen treatment and/or androgen receptor overexpression influences the functional interaction between the steroid receptor coactivator AIB1 and the estrogen- or androgen receptor which, in turn affects the estrogen-induced cyclin D1 gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Data were analyzed by ANOVA.

Results

Here we demonstrated, in estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer cells, an androgen-dependent mechanism through which ligand-activated androgen receptor (AR) decreases estradiol-induced cyclin D1 protein, mRNA and gene promoter activity. These effects involve the competition between AR and ERα for the interaction with the steroid receptor coactivator AIB1, a limiting factor in the functional coupling of the ERα with the cyclin D1 promoter. Indeed, AIB1 overexpression is able to reverse the down-regulatory effects exerted by AR on ERα-mediated induction of cyclin D1 promoter activity. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the preferential interaction of AIB1 with ERα or AR depends on the intracellular expression levels of the two steroid receptors. In addition, ChIP analysis evidenced that androgen administration decreased E2-induced recruitment of AIB1 on the AP-1 site containing region of the cyclin D1 gene promoter.

Conclusions

Taken together all these data support the hypothesis that AIB1 sequestration by AR may be an effective mechanism to explain the reduction of estrogen-induced cyclin D1 gene activity. In estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell proliferation, these findings reinforce the possibility that targeting AR signalling may potentiate the effectiveness of anti-estrogen adjuvant therapies.
Cisplatin-resistant triple-negative breast cancer subtypes: multiple mechanisms of resistance
Authors: Hill David P. , Harper Akeena , Malcolm Joan , McAndrews Monica S. , Mockus Susan M. , Patterson Sara E. , Reynolds Timothy , Baker Erich J. , Bult Carol J. , Chesler Elissa J. , Blake Judith A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Understanding mechanisms underlying specific chemotherapeutic responses in subtypes of cancer may improve identification of treatment strategies most likely to benefit particular patients. For example, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients have variable response to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Understanding the basis of treatment response in cancer subtypes will lead to more informed decisions about selection of treatment strategies.

Methods

In this study we used an integrative functional genomics approach to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying known cisplatin-response differences among subtypes of TNBC. To identify changes in gene expression that could explain mechanisms of resistance, we examined 102 evolutionarily conserved cisplatin-associated genes, evaluating their differential expression in the cisplatin-sensitive, basal-like 1 (BL1) and basal-like 2 (BL2) subtypes, and the two cisplatin-resistant, luminal androgen receptor (LAR) and mesenchymal (M) subtypes of TNBC.

Results

We found 20 genes that were differentially expressed in at least one subtype. Fifteen of the 20 genes are associated with cell death and are distributed among all TNBC subtypes. The less cisplatin-responsive LAR and M TNBC subtypes show different regulation of 13 genes compared to the more sensitive BL1 and BL2 subtypes. These 13 genes identify a variety of cisplatin-resistance mechanisms including increased transport and detoxification of cisplatin, and mis-regulation of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

Conclusions

We identified gene signatures in resistant TNBC subtypes indicative of mechanisms of cisplatin. Our results indicate that response to cisplatin in TNBC has a complex foundation based on impact of treatment on distinct cellular pathways. We find that examination of expression data in the context of heterogeneous data such as drug-gene interactions leads to a better understanding of mechanisms at work in cancer therapy response.
A hybrid coloboma and optic disc pit associated with macular retinoschisis
Authors: Abe Ricardo Yuji , Iguma Camila Ishii , Wen Lorena Campos
Published: November 2019

Background

To report and describe an unusual case of a patient with optic disc pit in one eye and optic disc coloboma with a focal pit associated with macular retinoschisis in the other eye.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old woman presented with optic disc pit in the right eye and optic disc coloboma with a focal pit like excavation in the left eye. Macular spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of the left eye revealed macular retinoschisis, without serous detachment.

Conclusions

Proper monitoring of patients with disc anomalies associated with maculopathy is mandatory. The use of OCT imaging during follow-up can help to identify involvement of the fovea or enlargement of the retinoschisis area.
First-year growth of 834 preterm infants in a Chinese population: a single-center study
Authors: Deng Ying , Yang Fan , Mu Dezhi
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to follow the growth and hematological indicators of preterm infants during their first year.

Methods

Neonates below 37 gestational weeks had routine follow-ups up through 1 year from January 2012 to December 2015 at West China 2nd University Hospital, Sichuan University. Weight, length and head circumference (HC) were measured monthly during the first 6 months, followed by monitoring every second month until 12 months. The catch-up growth defined as a gain of Z-score > 0.67 according to previous study. All preterm infants were prescribed iron prophylaxis based on national guideline. The hemoglobin concentration was examined at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Altogether, 132 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW), 504 low-birth-weight (LBW) and 198 normal-birth-weight (NBW) infants were followed. The rates of catch-up growth for weight, length and HC 12 months of corrected age (CA) were 22.6, 29.1 and 14.6%, respectively. SGA and VLBW infants showed higher catch-up growth rates. The overall prevalence of anemia was 6.8% at 6 months and 7.8% at 12 months. The Z-scores for weight-for-length, length and HC were lower in the VLBW and SGA preterm infant groups than in the other preterm groups throughout the first year of life. The incidences of stunting, microcephaly and wasting changed from 5, 1.3 and 3.7% to 2, 1.1, 0.9 and 2.4%, respectively, during the first year. However, the incidences of wasting and stunting were higher for the VLBW infants than for the LBW and NBW infants at 12 months (9.3% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.01; 9.3% vs. 1%, p < 0.01,respectively; 4.7% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.01, 4.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.01,respectively). Similar results were observed between SGA and AGA infants (8.7% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.01; 5.8% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.01). Logistic regression revealed SGA and VLBW as risk factors for poor growth (WLZ < -2SD) at 12 months (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 2.1–14.8, p < 0.01: OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.8–12.8, p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The VLBW and SGA preterm infants showed significant catch-up growth during their first year of life. However, SGA and VLBW were risk factors for poor growth during the preterm infants’ first year of life. Prophylactic iron supplementation in preterm infants appears to reduce the prevalence of anemia.
Formula-feeding practice and associated factors among urban and rural mothers with infants 0–6 months of age: a comparative study in Jimma zone Western Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Lakew , Aman Mamusha , Asfaw Shifera , Gebreyesus Hailay , Teweldemedhin Mebrahtu , Mamo Abebe
Published: November 2019

Background

Infants are in a state of rapid development and maturation; the growth rate is most rapid during the first 4 to 6 months of life. Few studies indicated that in developing countries including Ethiopia the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding is declining and being replaced by formula milk. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the formula-feeding practice and its associated factors among urban and rural mothers with infants 0–6 months of age in the Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 7, 2015, to January 10, 2016, in the Jimma Zone. The quantitative data were collected from a sample of 714 respondents using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and the multivariate logistic regression model was used to show predictors of the formula-feeding practice among mothers with infants 0–6 months of age.

Result

The proportion of mothers who feed their baby formula-based was 47.2%, of which 34.5% were living in rural areas and 65.5% were living in urban areas. Among the mothers living in urban areas, the likelihood of formula-feeding was significantly associated with maternal educational status and attitude towards formula-feeding. On the other hand, being attended by relatives/friends and the traditional birth attendant was significantly associated with the formula-feeding practice among mothers who live in rural areas.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the mothers in the study area practice formula-feeding for their infant. Therefore, sustained community based nutritional health education is recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers to reduce the practice of formula-feeding for infants.
The effect of enteral bolus feeding on regional intestinal oxygen saturation in preterm infants is age-dependent: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Kuik Sara J. , van Zoonen Anne G. J. F. , Bos Arend F. , Van Braeckel Koenraad N. J. A. , Hulscher Jan B. F. , Kooi Elisabeth M. W.
Published: November 2019

Background

The factors that determine the effect of enteral feeding on intestinal perfusion after preterm birth remain largely unknown. We aimed to determine the effect of enteral feeding on intestinal oxygen saturation (rintSO2) in preterm infants and evaluated whether this effect depended on postnatal age (PNA), postmenstrual age (PMA), and/or feeding volumes. We also evaluated whether changes in postprandial rintSO2 affected cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2).

Methods

In a longitudinal observational pilot study using near-infrared spectroscopy we measured rintSO2 and rcSO2 continuously for two hours on postnatal Days 2 to 5, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36. We compared preprandial with postprandial values over time using multi-level analyses. To assess the effect of PNA, PMA, and feeding volumes, we performed Wilcoxon signed-rank tests or logistic regression analyses. To evaluate the effect on rcSO2, we also used logistic regression analyses.

Results

We included 29 infants: median (range) gestational age 28.1 weeks (25.1–30.7) and birth weight 1025 g (580–1495). On Day 5, rintSO2 values decreased postprandially: mean (SE) 44% (10) versus 35% (7), P = .01. On Day 29, rintSO2 values increased: 44% (11) versus 54% (7), P = .01. Infants with a PMA ≥ 32 weeks showed a rintSO2 increase after feeding (37% versus 51%, P = .04) whereas infants with a PMA < 32 weeks did not. Feeding volumes were associated with an increased postprandial rintSO2 (per 10 mL/kg: OR 1.63, 95% CI, 1.02–2.59). We did not find an effect on rcSO2 when rintSO2 increased postprandially.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that postprandial rintSO2 increases in preterm infants only from the fifth week after birth, particularly at PMA ≥ 32 weeks when greater volumes of enteral feeding are tolerated. We speculate that at young gestational and postmenstrual ages preterm infants are still unable to increase intestinal oxygen saturation after feeding, which might be essential to meet metabolic demands.

Trial registration

For this prospective longitudinal pilot study we derived patients from a larger observational cohort study: CALIFORNIA-Trial, Dutch Trial Registry NTR4153.
The pitfall of empathic concern with chronic fatigue after a disaster in young adults
Authors: Nakagawa Seishu , Sugiura Motoaki , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Kotozaki Yuka , Miyauchi Carlos Makoto , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Sakuma Atsushi , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: November 2019

Background

Empathic concern (EC) is an important interpersonal resilience factor that represents positive adaptation, such as “relating to others” (a factor of posttraumatic growth [PTG]) after disaster. However, controversy exists regarding whether the changes in EC (e.g., the intra-personal change between the acute phase and the disillusionment phase) positively or negatively affect mental health after a disaster. We hypothesized that increased EC may increase chronic fatigue due to over-adjustment (hypothesis 1). We also hypothesized that increasing the changes in “relating to others” could decrease the changes in chronic fatigue (hypothesis 2).

Methods

Forty-nine young, healthy volunteers (M/F: 36/13; age at 3 months after the disaster [3 months]: mean ± SD: 21.1 ± 1.7 years) underwent assessments of EC using the Japanese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, chronic fatigue using the Japanese version of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS-J) questionnaire, and “relating to others” using the Japanese version of the PTG inventory during the acute phase (3 months) and the disillusionment phase (1 year after the disaster). Pearson product moment correlations at 3 months and 1 year were determined for all scores related to EC.

The changes (delta = degree of change from 3 months to 1 year) or scores at 1 year were entered into linear structural equation systems to test the hypotheses.

Results

The delta of EC positively affected the delta of the CIS-J, and the delta of relating to others negatively affected the delta of the CIS-J. Both the EC and relating to others scores were negatively associated with the CIS-J score at 1 year. These results were in accordance with hypothesis 1 and 2.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the opposite effects of 2 types of ECs, i.e., stability (inherent disposition) and flexibility (degree of change), on the degree of chronic fatigue. Increasing EC with increasing chronic fatigue, but not the change in relating to others, may be a red flag for individuals during the disillusionment phase.
Effect of integrating maternal health services and family planning services on postpartum family planning behavior in Ethiopia: results from a longitudinal survey
Authors: Zimmerman Linnea A. , Yi Yuanyuan , Yihdego Mahari , Abrha Solomon , Shiferaw Solomon , Seme Assefa , Ahmed Saifuddin
Published: November 2019

Background

Very few postpartum women want to become pregnant within the next 2 years, but approximately 60% of postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries are not using contraceptive methods. The World Health Organization recommends that women receive postpartum family planning (PPFP) counseling during antenatal, immediate postpartum, and postnatal services. Our objective was to establish whether PPFP counseling is being provided in antenatal and postnatal care services in SNNPR, Ethiopia and whether receipt of PPFP counseling improved uptake of postpartum family planning use by 6 months postpartum.

Methods

Longitudinal data from the Performance Monitoring for Accountability 2020 – Maternal and Newborn Health study were used. At screening, 329 women were identified as six or more months pregnant; 307 completed the survey at 6 months postpartum. We used weighted parametric survival analysis with Weibull distribution to assess the effect of receipt of postpartum counseling in antenatal and/or postnatal care by 6 weeks postpartum on contraceptive uptake, after adjusting for intention to use family planning, wantedness of the index pregnancy, delivery location, amenorrhea, exclusive breastfeeding, residence, parity, and education.

Results

Coverage of PPFP counseling is low; by six-weeks postpartum only 20% of women had received counseling. Women who received counseling in postnatal care only and postnatal care and antenatal care took up contraception at significantly higher rates than women who did not receive any counseling (HR: 3.4, p < .01 and HR: 2.5, p = .01, respectively). There was no difference between women who received PPFP counseling only in ANC and women who did not receive counseling at all. Women who did not want the child at all took up contraception at significantly lower rates than women who wanted the child at that time (HR: 0.3, p = .04). Women who had four or more children took up contraception at significantly lower rates than woman with 1–3 children (HR: 0.3, p = .01). There were no significant differences by delivery location, exclusive breastfeeding, residence, or education.

Conclusion

Integration of postpartum family planning counseling into postnatal care services is an effective means to increase postpartum contraceptive uptake, but significant gaps in coverage, particularly in the delivery and postnatal period, remain.
Determinants of occupational injuries among building construction workers in Kampala City, Uganda
Authors: Kiconco Arthur , Ruhinda Nathan , Halage Abdullah Ali , Watya Stephen , Bazeyo William , Ssempebwa John C. , Byonanebye Joseph
Published: November 2019

Background

Globally, about 1000 people die and close to 860,000 people sustain injury at work daily. Injury prevention and control require contextual evidence, although most studies in Uganda have focused on general causes. Factors associated with occupational injuries among building construction workers were assessed in this study.

Methods

A cross-sectional study among building construction workers was conducted in Kampala, Uganda. A standardized semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Three hundred nineteen (319) participants were randomly and proportionately selected from 57 construction sites. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the variables while generalized linear modeling was used to estimate the crude/adjusted prevalence ratios.

Results

The prevalence of occupational injuries was 32.4%. Most injuries, approximately 70% occurred among nightshift workers. Age of ≤24 years (APR: 2.09 CI: 1.20–3.65, P = 0.009); daily income in or above the second quartile−USD ≥3.2 (APR: 1.72, CI: 1.06–2.80, P = 0.028); job dissatisfaction (APR: 1.63, CI: 1.17–2.27, P = 0.004); job stress (APR: 1.72, CI: 1.22–2.41, P = 0.004); poor safety environment (APR: 1.51, CI: 1.10–2.05, P = 0.009); PPE provision (APR: 1.47, CI: 1.05–2.05, P = 0.02) and routine use of PPE (APR: 0.57, CI: 0.34–0.95, P = 0.03) were significantly associated with occupational injuries.

Conclusion

There was a relatively high prevalence of injuries mostly resulting from cuts and mostly suffered on night duty. Upper and lower extremities were the most hurt parts of the body during injury leading to loss of a substantial number of productive days. This could affect the health and wellbeing of construction workers. Most of the factors significantly associated with occupational injuries are modifiable thus an opportunity to address the problem. Efforts towards integrating education for behaviour change, advocacy and training workers to demand for their rights to safe and protection at work and legislation enforcement can help reduce occupational injury occurrence.
Economic development and road traffic injuries and fatalities in Thailand: an application of spatial panel data analysis, 2012–2016
Authors: Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Sornsrivichai Vorasith , Limwattananon Supon , Thammawijaya Panithee
Published: November 2019

Background

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) have been one of the most critical public health problems in Thailand for decades. The objective of this study was to examine to what extent provincial economy was associated with RTIs, road traffic deaths and case fatality rate in Thailand.

Methods

A secondary data analysis on time-series data was applied. The unit of analysis was a panel of 77 provinces during 2012–2016. Data were obtained from relevant public authorities, including the Ministry of Public Health. Descriptive statistics and econometric models, using negative binomial (NB) regression, negative binomial regression with random-effects (RE) model, and spatial Durbin model (SDM) were employed. The main predictor variable was gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the outcome variables were incidence proportion of RTIs, traffic deaths and case fatality rate. The analysis was adjusted for key covariates.

Results

The incidence proportion of RTIs rose from 449.0 to 524.9 cases per 100,000 population from 2012 till 2016, whereas the incidence of traffic fatalities fluctuated between 29.7 and 33.2 deaths per 100,000 population. Case fatality rate steadily stood at 0.06–0.07 deaths per victim. RTIs and traffic deaths appeared to be positively correlated with provincial economy in the NB regression and the RE model. In the SDM, a log-Baht increase in GDP per capita (equivalent to a growth of GDP per capita by about 2.7 times) enlarged the incidence proportion of injuries and deaths by about a quarter (23.8–30.7%) with statistical significance. No statistical significance was found in case fatality rate by the SDM. The SDM also presented the best model fitness relative to other models.

Conclusion

The incidence proportion of traffic injuries and deaths appeared to rise alongside provincial prosperity. This means that RTIs-preventive measures should be more intensified in economically well-off areas. Furthermore, entrepreneurs and business sectors that gain economic benefit in a particular province should share responsibility in RTIs prevention in the area where their businesses are running. Further studies that explore others determinants of road safety, such as patterns of vehicles used, attitudes and knowledge of motorists, investment in safety measures, and compliance with traffic laws, are recommended.
Ulinastatin treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome in China: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Xiangyun , Zhu Zhaozhong , Jiao Weijie , Liu Wei , Liu Fang , Zhu Xi
Published: November 2019

Background

Epidemiologic studies have shown inconsistent conclusions about the effect of ulinastain treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It is necessary to perform a meta-analysis of ulinastatin’s randomized controlled trials (RCTS) to evaluate its efficacy for treating ARDS.

Methods

We searched the published RCTs of ulinastatin treatment for ARDS from nine databases (the latest search on April 30th, 2017). Two authors independently screened citations and extracted data. The meta-analysis was performed using Rev. Man 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 33 RCTs involving 2344 patients satisfied the selection criteria and were included in meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that, compared to conventional therapy, ulinastatin has a significant benefit for ARDS patients by reducing mortality (RR = 0.51, 95% CI:0.43~0.61) and ventilator associated pneumonia rate (RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36~0.69), and shortening duration of mechanical ventilation (SMD = -1.29, 95% CI: -1.76~-0.83), length of intensive care unit stay (SMD = -1.38, 95% CI: -1.95~-0.80), and hospital stay (SMD = -1.70, 95% CI:-2.63~−0.77). Meanwhile, ulinastatin significantly increased the patients’ oxygenation index (SMD = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.62~2.46) and decreased respiratory rate (SMD = -1.08, 95% CI: -1.29~-0.88) and serum inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α: SMD = -3.06, 95% CI:-4.34~-1.78; interleukin-1β: SMD = -3.49, 95% CI: -4.64~-2.34; interleukin-6: SMD = -2.39, 95% CI: -3.34~-1.45; interleukin-8: SMD = -2.43, 95% CI: -3.86~-1.00).

Conclusions

Ulinastatin seemly showed a beneficial effect for ARDS patients treatment and larger sample sized RCTs are needed to confirm our findings.