bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Governance Theory as Basic Pattern for Promoting Financial Support System of the Poor in Iranian Health System
Authors: Etemadi Manal , Kenis Patrick , Ashtarian Kioomars , Kangarani Hannaneh Mohammadi , Gorji Hasan Abolghasem
Published: January 2021

Background: The share of out-of-pocket payments in Iranian families have the greatest burden on the poor and lead to impoverishment caused by catastrophic health expenditures. It increased pressure on households’ budget, delayed treatment, distrust of health insurance systems, and rapid poverty growth in Iranian society. In order to improve access of the poor to public resources, it is necessary to create better governance system and effective policy-making. In this article, we are looking for a theoretical framework to overcome the challenges of Iranian health network. Based on network governance theory, the purpose of this study is to improve network effectiveness of Iranian health system and to design a financial protection network for the poor.Methods: we are using both qualitative and quantitative method with a network analysis approach. To draw an optimal network, we conducted interviews with experts by focusing on the arrangement and relationship among different institutions. The research sample was purposefully selected. We used UCINET software for data analysis and NetDraw software to draw networks.Results: In this article, the authors propose an optimal network with following characteristics. First, the problem of density of relationships among several central institutions and the isolation of the other institutions have been solved. Second, in our model, the relationships have been distributed in a balanced manner among all institutions in the network. Third, the number of participants has been reduced and consensus on poor people support policies has been achieved in this optimal network. Forth, executive organizations keep their central positions and upper institutions are not at the central position, so that the power is distributed in favor of more balanced governance. However, in order to increase efficiency and to have coherent decision-making, it is necessary to establish a “core” for this optimal network. The “core” has to include the organizations with the most relationship with others.Conclusion: The result revealed that the usefulness of network analysis as a tool for proposing an effectiveness of governance. By strengthening the relationship among the main actors, an organized system of network management can be achieved. The network has to include all actors from different levels, from policy-making to implementation. The network also has to clarify the tasks from identifying the poor to covering costs. From an academic perspective, this study showed the adequacy of network analysis as a tool for policy sciences. Governance in our optimal health financial protection model follows the shared-governance pattern due to its high density, low centralization and distance. The model of network governance can be the source of changes in health governance system. It is a necessary structural condition to provide access to universal health coverage.
BCL-xL is Correlated With Disease Severity in Neonatal Infants With Sepsis
Authors: Wu Wenshen , Peng Qi , Huang Tianli , Liao Jinfen , Li Ning
Published: January 2021

Objective: to investigate the association between disease severity in patients with sepsis and TNF-a, B cell lymphoma-extra-large (BCL-xL), and serum Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Methods: we investigated the correlation between SNAP-II score and levels of TNF-α, BCL-xL, and MMP-index, respectively. The receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) was to assess the diagnostic value of the the Bcl - xL in the diagnosis of the of septic shock. Results: A total of 37 children were diagnosed with sepsis. SNAP-II was positively correlated with the level of BCL-xL (r=0.450, P =0.006). The area under the BCL-xL curve was 83.0%, and the 95% CI was 67.1–93.3%. The septic shock threshold was >3.022 ng/mL, and the sensitivity and specificity were 75.0% and 95.2%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 92.3%, and the negative predictive value was 83.3%. Furthermore, the level of SNAP-II was >10, and BCL-xL was >3.022 ng/mL as the threshold, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of septic shock were 93.8%, 95.2%, 93.8%, and 95.2%, respectively. Conclusion: A correlation has been established between SNAP II and neonatal prognosis. The combination of BCL-xL and SNAP-II was more sensitive and specific than the BCL-xL to predict neonatal sepsis outcomes.
Self-administered Succus Entericus Reinfusion before Ileostomy Closure improves short-term outcomes
Authors: Liu Zhen , Fang Liang , Lv Liang , Niu Zhaojian , Hou Litao , Chen Dong , Zhou Yanbing , Guo Dong
Published: January 2021

Objective: The study aims to assess whether reinfusion of succus entericus prior to ileostomy closure can decrease postoperative length of stay and ameliorate low anterior resection score. Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis based on prospectively collected data. Patients were screened from May 2016 to November 2019. A total of 30 patients who underwent Reinfusion with Succus Entericus (SER) were enrolled in the SER group and 42 patients without SER were enrolled in the non-SER group. Results: There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative ileus between Succus Entericus Reinfusion (SER) group and the control group. Time to first passage of flatus or stool after surgery in the SER group (27.9 ± 1.10 hours) is significantly shorter than the control group (32.3 ± 0.97, hours p= 0.004). Compared with the control group (5.52 (4.0-7.0)days), postoperative length of stay in the SER group was 4.90 (3.0-7.0)days (p= 0.009). As for low anterior resection score(LARS), the SER group had a lower score 1 week after discharge than the control group (p=0.034). However, 1 month after discharge, the LARS in the two groups had no significant difference. Conclusions: Self-administered succus entericus reinfusion is a feasible prehabilitation management for outpatients and can improve better outcomes. Compared with non-reinfusion group, succus enterius reinfusion group displays significantly shorter time for gastrointestinal function recovery and postoperative hospital stay without increasing complication, and it can bring better quality of life in a short term.
Feasibility of Implementing Recommendations to Improve Neglected Tropical Diseases Surveillance and Response in Kenya: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Ng'etich Arthur , Voyi Kuku , Mutero Clifford
Published: January 2021

Background: Effective health information systems are critical towards achieving timely response to preventive chemotherapy targeted neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs) and eventual elimination. Endemic countries should initiate disease control programmes coupled with strengthened health systems that enable prompt case detection and effective response to halt disease transmission and prevent probable outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the importance and feasibility of implementing recommendations for improving surveillance core, support and attribute functions concerning PC-NTDs in Kenya.Methods: A descriptive web-based Delphi process comprising of two survey rounds was used to achieve group consensus. In the first round, participants were enrolled to complete a five-point likert-type self-administered electronic questionnaire comprising of 60 statements across 12 sub-domains on the importance of recommendations. In the second round, participants reappraised their responses following completion of a questionnaire with rephrased statements on feasibility of implementing the recommendations to improve PC-NTDs surveillance and response. Data from both rounds were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis performed for the open-ended responses. Results: Sixty-two key stakeholders actively involved in surveillance and response activities in seven PC-NTDs endemic counties in Kenya were invited to participate. Of these, 50/62 completed the first round (81% response rate) and 45/50 completed the second round (90% response rate). Consensus was achieved (defined as >70% agreement) on the importance (93%) of recommendation statements and feasibility (77%) of implementing the recommendations. Stakeholders agreed on the importance and feasibility of specific recommendations across the 12 sub-domains: case detection and registration, reporting, data analysis, feedback, epidemic preparedness and response, supervision, training, resources, simplicity, acceptability, stability and flexibility. However, there was lack of consensus on the practicability of availing case registers specific for PC-NTDs (42%), confirming all cases (29%), conducting routine data analysis (31%), increasing supervisory visits (22%), involving all health workers in surveillance training (16%), retaining trained surveillance staff (27%) and increasing the number of designated surveillance personnel (38%). Conclusion: Consensus among surveillance system stakeholders on implementation of the forty-six practical recommendations will inform development of a logical framework to guide decisions on strengthening specific surveillance components within the existing surveillance system in view of PC-NTDs in Kenya.
Death Risk Analysis for Patients With Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Dai Hui , Huang Renjun , Feng Mengmeng , Shang Yalei , Huang Jian’an , Su Nan , Zeng Daxiong , Li Hongmei , Li Yonggang
Published: January 2021

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a global pandemic. Information about the death predicting of severe COVID-19 is not clear. Methods: 151 in-patients from January 23th to March 8th 2020 were divided into severe and critically severe group, as well as survival and death group. The analysis of differences of clinical and imaging data were performed between groups. The logistic regression analysis of factors associated with death in COVID-19 were conducted, and the prediction model of death risk was developed.Results: Many clinical and imaging indices were significantly different between groups, including the age, the epidemic history, the past medical history, the duration of symptoms prior to admission, blood routine, inflammatory related factors, Na+, myocardial zymogram, liver and renal function, coagulation function, fraction of inspired oxygen and complications. The proportion of patients in imaging stage III and comprehensive CT scores was increased significantly in death group. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the prediction model was 0.9593.Conclusions: The clinical and imaging data reflect the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. The prediction model of death risk might be a promising method to help clinicians to quickly identify and screen potential individuals who had a high-risk of death.
Adjusted T SPOT.TB Criteria Can Increase the Specificity of Diagnosis When Differentiating Spinal Tuberculosis From Other Spinal Infections
Authors: Jiang Zhongjing , Gao Qile , Tang Mingxing , Zhang Hongqi , Li Yanbing , Guo Chaofeng , Liu Shaohua , Xu Peng
Published: January 2021

Background: The ability of T-SPOT.TB to differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the spine from other infections is little known. This study quantified the efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity of the T-SPOT.TB assay to distinguish between spinal tuberculosis (STB) caused by M. tuberculosis and other infections of the spine and evaluated whether diagnostic performance was improved by adjusting the T-SPOT.TB assay criteria. Methods: From January 2010 to May 2020, 147 patients with spinal infections were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected, and the number of spot-forming cells was observed. Patients’ white blood cell (WBC) counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and TB antibodies were recorded. Specimen/tissue bacteriological culture was the reference standard for sensitivity and specificity. Results: There were 77 (52.4%) participants with confirmed TB and 70 (47.6%) with other infections. The groups were comparable in T-SPOT.TB assay results, age, sex, lesions in the segments, WBC count, CRP, procalcitonin, ESR, and TB antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of the T-SPOT.TB assay for identifying STB was 88.3% and 40.0%, respectively. On the basis of Relative operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and the Youden index, when we adjusted the T-SPOT.TB assay’s diagnostic criteria, ESAT-6>12 or CFP-10>19,the sensitivity and specificity of the T-SPOT.TB assay for identifying STB was 83.1% and 64.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The T-SPOT.TB assay has great sensitivity to distinguish STB from other spinal infections; however, the specificity is extremely low. Specificity can be significantly improved while sensitivity is guaranteed by adjusting the diagnostic criteria.
Changes in Pulse Waveforms in Response to Intraocular Pressure Elevation Determined by Laser Speckle Flowgraphy in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Iwase Chie , Iwase Takeshi , Tomita Ryo , Akahori Tomohiko , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko , Yamamoto Kentaro
Published: January 2021

Background: To determine whether autoregulation of the blood flow is present in the blood flow on the optic nerve head (ONH) by intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations using pulse waveform parameters determined by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) in normal subjects.Methods: We conducted this prospective cross sectional study at the Nagoya University Hospital. An ophthalmodynamometer was pressed on the sclera to increase the IOP by 20 mmHg or 30 mmHg for 1 min (Experiment 1, 16 subjects) and by 30 mmHg for 10 min (Experiment 2, 10 subjects). The mean blur rate (MBR) and the eight pulse waveform parameters determined by LSFG were measured before, immediately after and during an IOP elevation, and after the IOP returned to the baseline pressure.Results: A significant elevation of the IOP and a significant reduction in the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) were found after applying the ophthalmodynamometer (both, P<0.001). The blowout score (BOS) (P<0.001) was significantly reduced, and the flow acceleration index (FAI; P<0.01) and resistivity index (RI; P<0.001) was significantly increased immediately after increasing the IOP by 20 or 30 mmHg (Experiment 1). During the IOP elevation throughout the 10 min, the BOS and the RI significantly recovered to the baseline at time 10 compared to time 0, (P <0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively) (Experiment 2).Conclusions: Our results indicate that the blood flow on the ONH is autoregulated by several mechanisms for changes in the OPP induced by an elevation of the IOP in normal subjects.
Relation of Quality of Life, Activities and Participation with Contracture Categories, and Contracture Sites in Elderly Residents With Joint Contractures in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Chen Yi-chang , Lin Keh-chung , Yeh Shu-Hui , Wang Chih-Hung , Pan Ay-Woan , Chen Hao-Ling , Chen Chen-Jung
Published: January 2021

Background: Joint contractures and degenerative osteoarthritis are the most common joint diseases in the elderly, can lead to limited mobility in the elderly with diseases, can exacerbate symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and disability, and can interfere with social participation and quality of life, affecting mental health. However, relevant studies on this topic are very limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of demographic characteristics and joint contracture categories and sites with the quality of life, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of elderly residents in long-term care facilities.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study. Elderly individuals with joint contractures who were residents in long-term care facilities were recruited. The World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 were used to survey the participants. Correlations, multiple linear regressions, and multiple analyses of variance, with joint contractures as the response variable, were used in the statistical analysis.Results: The final statistical analysis included 232 participants. The explanatory power of contracture sites on activities and participation had a moderate strength of association (η2 = .113). Compared with elderly residents with joint contractures and osteoarthritis in isolated upper limbs, elderly residents with joint contractures and osteoarthritis in both the upper and lower limbs had significantly worse activity and participation limitations. There were no significant differences in activity and participation between elderly residents with joint contractures affecting isolated upper limbs and elderly residents with joint contractures affecting isolated lower limbs (F1,226 = 2.604 and F1,226 =.674, n.s.). Osteoarthritis had the greatest impact on activity limitations and participation restrictions of elderly residents with joint contractures affecting both upper and lower limbs (F1,226 = 6.251, p = .014).Conclusions: Elderly residents in long-term care facilities who are minorities and have non-mainstream religious beliefs, history of stroke and osteoarthritis are at high risk of developing activity limitations and participation restrictions. Moreover, compared with other contractile sites, regardless of osteoarthritis, elderly residents with joint contractures affecting both upper and lower limbs had the most substantial activity limitations and participation restrictions.Trial registration: This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Registration number and date: ChiCTR2000039889
Saphenous Vein Valves Assessment Utilizing Upright CT. -Potentially Improve the Graft Assessment for Bypass Surgery-
Authors: Nakahara Takehiro , Yamada Minoru , Yokoyama Yoichi , Yamada Yoshitake , Narita Keiichi , Imanishi Nobuaki , Yamazaki Masataka , Shimizu Hideyuki , Narula Jagat , Jinzaki Masahiro
Published: January 2021

The saphenous veins (SV) are frequently employed as bypass grafts. The SV graft failure is predominantly seen at the valve site. Avoiding valves during vein harvest would help reduce graft failure. We endeavored to detect SV valves, tributaries, and vessel size employing upright CT for the raw cadaver venous samples and in healthy volunteers.Five cadaver legs were scanned. The anatomical analysis showed 3.0 (IQR: 2.0-3.0) valves and 13.50 (IQR: 10.00-16.25) tributaries. The upright CT completely detected, compared to 2.0 (IQR: 1.5-2.5, p=0.06) valves and 9.5 (IQR: 7.5-13.0, p=0.13) tributaries by supine CT. From a total 190 volunteers, 138 (men:75, women:63) were included. The number of valves from the SF junction to 35 cm were significantly higher in upright CT than in supine CT bilaterally [upright vs. supine, Right: 4 (IQR: 3-5) vs. 2 (IQR:1-2), p<0.0001, Left: 4 (IQR: 3-5) vs. 2 (IQR: 1-2), p <0.0001]. The number of tributaries and vessel area was also higher for upright compared with supine CT.Upright CT enable detection of SV valves, tributaries, and vessel size non-invasively. Although not tested here, it is expected that upright CT might potentially improve the graft assessment for bypass surgery.
Recalcitrant Periprosthetic Joint Infection With Iliac Fossa Abscess After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Peng Kuo-Ti , Huang Tsung-Yu , Chen Jiun-Liang , Lee Chiang-Wen , Shih Hsin-Nung
Published: January 2021

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely used and successfully performed orthopedic procedure for treating severe hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and avascular necrosis. However, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after THA is a devastating complication for patients and orthopedic surgeons. Although surgical technology has been advanced and antibiotic-loaded cemented spacers or beads have developed, the treatment failure rate of one- or two-stage exchange arthroplasty for PJI is reported to be high, with >10% rate of incidence. Therefore, determining the possible pathogenesis and increasing the treatment success rate is a clinically important and urgent issue. Methods: A total of 256 patients with PJI who had undergone THA from 2005 to 2015 were included in this retrospective review. Seven patients required combined ilioinguinal and anterlateoal approach for debridement of iliac fossa abscess and infected hip lesion, included five patients with intraoperative pus leakage from the acetabular inner wall and the other two patients who underwent pre-operative pelvic computed tomography (CT) because of repeat PJI treatment failure. All available data from the medical records from all patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Of the 256 patients, seven (3.1%) patients was combined iliac fossa abscess in our cohort. For the microbiologic analysis, a total of thirteen pathogens were isolated from seven recurrent PJI patients with iliac fossa abscess, and Staphylococus aureus was the most commomly pathogen (4 out of 7 cases). The serum white blood cell (WBC) count was decreased significantly two weeks after debridement with combined the ilioinguinal and anterolateral approach compared to the day before surgery (11840/μL vs. 7370/μL; p<0.01), and level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was decreased at postoperative one week (107 mg/dL vs. 47.31 mg/dL; p=0.03). Furthermore, no recurrent infection was found in six revision THA patient in a follow up of 7.1 year. Conclusion: This result suggests that pre-operative pelvic CT and cautious identification of uncertain pus leakage from the inner wall of the acetabulum is essential for the diagnosis of recurrent PJI. Radical debridement with combined ilioinguinal and anterlateoal approach may aviod treatment failure in recurrent PJI with iliac fossa abscess.
Prismatic mesh generation based on anisotropic volume harmonic field
Authors: Zhu Yiming , Wang Shengfa , Zheng Xiaopeng , Lei Na , Luo Zhongxuan , Chen Bo
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we present an effective prismatic mesh generation method for viscous flow simulations. To address the prismatic mesh collisions in recessed cavities or slit areas, we exploit 3D tensors controlled anisotropic volume harmonic field to generate prismatic meshes. Specially, a well-fitting tetrahedral mesh is first constructed to serve as the discrete computation domain of volume harmonic fields. Then, 3D tensors are exploited to control the volume harmonic field that better fits the shape geometry. From the topological perspective, the generation of the prismatic mesh can be treated as a topology-preserved morphing of the viscous wall. Therefore, iso-surfaces in the volume harmonic field should be homeomorphic to the viscous wall while fitting its shapes. Finally, a full prismatic mesh can be induced by estimating the forward directions and visible regions in the volume harmonic field. Moreover, to be compatible with different simulation situations, the thickness of prismatic meshes should be variable. Our approach provides local adjustable thickness of prismatic meshes, which can be achieved by controlling local 3D tensors. The proposed anisotropic volume harmonic field based prismatic meshes are efficient and robust, and a full prismatic mesh can be guaranteed without low quality collisions. Various experiments have shown that our proposed prismatic meshes have obvious advantages in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
Amplify Antimicrobial Photo Dynamic Therapy Efficacy With Poly-beta-amino Esters (PBAEs)
Authors: Perni Stefano , Preedy Emily , Prokopovich Polina
Published: January 2021

Light-activated antimicrobial agents (photosensitisers) are promising alternatives to antibiotics for the treatment of skin infections and wounds through antimicrobial Photo Dynamic Therapy (aPDT); utilisation of this technique is still restricted by general low efficacy requiring long exposure time (in the order of tens of minutes) that make the treatment very resource intensive. We report for the first time the possibility of harvesting the cell penetrating properties of poly-beta-amino esters (PBAEs) in combination with toluidine blue O (TBO) to shorten aPDT exposure time. Candidates capable of inactivation rates 30 times quicker than pure TBO were discovered and further improvements through PBAE backbone optimisation could be foreseen. Efficacy of the complexes was PBAE-dependent on a combination of TBO uptake and a newly discovered and unexpected role of PBAEs on reactive species production. Chemometric approach of partial least square regression was employed to assess the critical PBAE properties involved in this newly observed phenomenon in order to elicit a possible mechanism.The superior antimicrobial performance of this new approach benefits from the use of well established, low-cost and safe dye (TBO) coupled with inexpensive, widely tested and biodegradable polymers also known to be safe. Moreover, no adverse cytotoxic effects of the PBAEs adjuvated TBO delivery have been observed on a skin cells in vitro model demonstrating the safety profile of this new technology.
Validation of the Intel RealSense T265 for Tracking Natural Human Head Motion
Authors: Hausamann Peter , Sinnott Christian , Daumer Martin , MacNeilage Paul
Published: January 2021

Accurate and robust tracking of natural human head motion in natural environments is important for a number of applications including virtual and augmented reality, clinical diagnostics, as well as basic scientific research. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide a versatile solution for recording inertial data including linear acceleration and angular velocity, but reconstructing head position is difficult or impossible. This problem can be solved by incorporating visual data using a technique known as visual-inertial simultaneous localization and mapping (VI-SLAM). A recently released commercial solution, the Intel RealSense T265, uses VI-SLAM to estimate linear and angular position and velocity, but the performance of this device for tracking of natural human head motion in natural environments has not yet been comprehensively evaluated against gold-standard methods. In this study, we used a wide range of metrics to evaluate the performance of the T265 with different walking speeds in different environments, both indoor and outdoor, against two gold-standard methods, an optical tracking system and a so-called perambulator. Overall, we find that performance of the T265 relative to these gold-standard methods is most accurate for slow to normal walking speeds in small- to medium-sized environments. The suitability of this device for future scientific studies depends on the application; data presented here will be useful in making that determination.
Obesity Related Eating Behaviors and Weight Loss Maintenance.
Authors: Koutras Yiannis , Chrysostomou Stavri , Giannakou Konstantinos , Yannakoulia Mary
Published: January 2021

Background: This study examined the differences between maintainers and regainers regarding obesity related eating behaviors. A secondary objective was to develop an eating behavior index predicting the likelihood of successful weight loss maintenance. Methods: The current cross-sectional evaluation was based on the Cypriot cohort of the MedWeight study (Greece). Eligible participants (maintainers=145; regainers=87) were adult men and women who reported being at least overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and experienced an intentional weight loss of ≥10% of their maximum weight, at least 1 year before participation. Among other assessments, obesity-related behaviors were evaluated through a Healthy Eating Behavior Index (HEBI). Results: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding meals per day (P=0.008), frequency of eating home cooked meals (P=0.004) and HEBI total score (P=0.022). Results from logistic regression models indicated that the odds of maintaining weight loss increase at 23% (Model 1: P<0.05, OR 1.230, 1.062-1.424 95% C.I., Model 2: P<0.05, OR 1.233, 1.064-1.428 95% C.I.) and to almost 30% after adjusting for physical activity (Model 3: P<0.05, OR 1.293, 1.077-1.552 95% C.I.) for each point scored in HEBI total score. Conclusions: Eating more frequently home cooked meals and less eating away from home meals may be beneficially associated with weight loss maintenance. HEBI seems as a useful tool when dealing with patients who have previously lost significant weight.
Morphology, pathogenicity and molecular identification of Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) associated with potato tubers
Authors: Gherbawy Youssuf , Hussein Mohamed , Hassany Nabila , Shebany Yassmin , Awad Mohamed , EL-Dawy Eman
Published: January 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is among the top five crops growing worldwide following cereals, wheat, rice, corn and barley due to its high carbohydrate content and adaptability. Potatoes are particularly valued in developing countries as a rich source of starch, vitamins C and B6 and essential amino acids. Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is common pathogen of potato, causing dry rot in the Upper Egypt. In this study were isolated and identified FSSC from potato tubers based on the morphological and molecular characteristics. 187 isolates of Fusarium solani were obtained from potato tubers collected from different regions in the Upper Egypt. Based on the morphological characters, sequence data from β-tubulin and translation elongation factor (TEF-1α) genes, all of the selected FSSC isolates were divided into three major groups (F. keratoplasticum, F. falciforme and F. solani). All the tested FSSC were able to produce amylases. All of the isolates were evaluated for their pathogenicity on healthy potato tubers; which showed pathogenic effect, lesion sizes were quite variable. F. solani (SVUFs73) had a highly virulent effect.
Development of a temporally harmonized asset index: Evidence from across 50 years of follow up of a birth cohort in Guatemala
Authors: Varghese Jithin Sam , Maluccio John , Cunningham Solveig , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Stein Aryeh
Published: January 2021

Background
Asset-based indices are widely-used proxy measures of wealth in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The stability of these indices within households over time is not known.
Methods
We develop a harmonized household asset index for the participants (n = 2392) of INCAP Longitudinal Study, Guatemala using data from six waves of follow-up over the period of 1965–2018. We estimate its cross-sectional association with parental schooling (in 1967-75) and attained schooling (in 2015-18) of cohort members. We study how patterns of cross-sectional loadings change over time and between urban-rural settings. We assess its robustness to omission of assets or study waves and alternate specifications of factor extraction procedure.
Results
The harmonized index created using 8 assets and 11 housing characteristics explained 32.4% of the variance. Most households increased in absolute wealth over time with median wealth (25th percentile, 75th percentile; households) increasing from − 3.74 (-4.42, -3.07; 547) in 1967 to 2.08 (1.41, 2.67; 1145) in 2017-18. Ownership of television, electricity, quality of flooring and sanitary installation explained the largest proportion of variance. The index is positively associated with measures of schooling (maternal: r = 0.16; paternal: r = 0.10; attained: r = 0.35, all p < 0.001). In 2015-18, house ownership versus housing characteristics and ownership of electronic goods differentiate households in urban and rural areas respectively. The index is robust for omission of assets or study waves, indicator categorization and factor extraction method.
Conclusion
A temporally harmonized asset index administered consistently over time may allow study of associations of life-course social mobility with human capital outcomes in LMIC contexts. Our approach permits exploration of trends in household wealth of the sample over a follow-up period against repeated cross-sectional surveys which permit the estimation of only the mean trajectory.
Re-thinking Treatment Strategies for Febrile Neutropenia in Paediatric Oncology Population: A Perspective from a Developing Country
Authors: James Vinson , Prakash Anand , Mehta Kayur , Durugappa Tarangini
Published: January 2021

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological profile of bacterial isolates in febrile neutropenia in a pediatric oncology unit, thereby, reviewing the use of restricted antibiotics and need for aggressive medical treatment accordingly. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a paediatric haemat-oncology division of a tertiary care teaching hospital in southern India from September 2014 to August 2016. Children with febrile neutropenia were enrolled in the study. Blood cultures were performed using automated system. Cultures from other sites were obtained if needed, based on the clinical profile. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing was done. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS.Results: One hundred and thirty children were enrolled for the study. Two hundred and fifty episodes of febrile neutropenia were studied. Three hundred and eighty four cultures were sent and 92 (24%) cultures were positive. There were 52.2% gram negative isolates followed 35.8% gram positive isolates, 6.5% fungal isolates and 5.5% poly-microbial cultures. Lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria (29 isolates, 31.5%) were the most frequently isolated in the gram negative group, with Escherichia coli being the most common organism (19 isolates, 20.6%). Amongst gram positive coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) was the most common (29%). Escherichia coli and NFGNB had only 36%, 25% sensitivity to ceftazidime respectively. Most gram negative bacteria were found to have better sensitivity to amikacin (mean: 57). There was a higher prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing organisms. 36 out of 48 GNB were found to be either multi/extremely/pan drug resistant. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were often drug resistant. Significantly higher mortality was associated with gram negative isolates (61.5%)Conclusions: In view of higher prevalence of gram negative isolates and emergence of multi drug resistance, frequent audits of resistance patterns should guide the choice of antimicrobials in febrile neutropenia management. Our results show the importance of surveillance, monitoring resistance frequencies and identifying risk factors specific to each region. Given that significant mortality is attributed to drug resistant gram negative bacteria, early initiation of appropriate antibiotics to cover for drug resistance is required while formulating empirical antibiotic policies for febrile neutropenia in the oncology units in the developing world.
Biological Network Inference with GRASP: A Bayesian Network Structure Learning Method Using Adaptive Sequential Monte Carlo
Authors: Yu Kaixian , Cui Zihan , Sui Xin , Qiu Xing , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: January 2021

Bayesian networks (BNs) provide a probabilistic, graphical framework for modeling high-dimensional joint distributions with complex correlation structures. BNs have wide applications in many disciplines, including biology, social science, finance and biomedical science. Despite extensive studies in the past, network structure learning from data is still a challenging open question in BN research. In this study, we present a sequential Monte Carlo (SMC)-based three-stage approach, GRowth-based Approach with Staged Pruning (GRASP). A double filtering strategy was first used for discovering the overall skeleton of the target BN. To search for the optimal network structures we designed an adaptive SMC (adSMC) algorithm to increase the quality and diversity of sampled networks which were further improved by a third stage to reclaim edges missed in the skeleton discovery step. GRASP gave very satisfactory results when tested on benchmark networks. Finally, BN structure learning using multiple types of genomics data illustrates GRASP’s potential in discovering novel biological relationships in integrative genomic studies.
High Central Venous Pressure and Right Ventricle Size are Related to Increased Stroke Volume to Negative Fluid Balance in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Hua Zhao , Wang Xiaoting , Dawei Liu , Xin Ding
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether a negative fluid balance can increase stroke volume (SV) and the relationship between changes in hemodynamics variables.MethodsThis prospective study included patients with high central venous pressure (CVP) (≥8 mmHg) treated in the Critical Medicine Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Patients were classified into two groups based on their right to left ventricle diastolic dimension (RVD/LVD) ratio using a cutoff value of 0.6. The hemodynamic and echo parameters of the two groups were recorded at baseline and after negative fluid balance. ResultsThis study included 71 patients: 35 in Group 1 (RVD/LVD≥ 0.6) and 36 in Group 2 (RVD/LVD <0.6). Of all patients, 56.3% showed increased SV after negative fluid balance. Cox logistic regression analysis suggested that a high CVP and RVD/LVD ratio were significant independent risk factors for SV increase after negative fluid balance in critically patients without underlying cardiac disease. The AUC of CVP was 0.894. A CVP> 10.5 mmHg provided a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 77.4%. The AUC of CVP combined with the RVD/LVD ratio was 0.926 ,which provided a sensitivity of 92.6% and a specificity of 80.4%. ConclusionHigh CVP and RVD/LVD ratio were identified as independent risk factors for RV volume overload in critically patients without underlying cardiac disease. A reduced intravascular volume may increase SV for these patients.
Newcastle Disease Virus Expressing an Angiogenic Inhibitor Exerts an Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy in Colon Cancer Model
Authors: Meng Fanrui , Cao Yukai , Su Han , Tian Limin , Yang Jiarui , Xiao Wei , Li Deshan
Published: January 2021

Numerous studies demonstrate that the NDV-mediated gene therapy is a promising new approach for treatment of cancer. VEGF-Trap plays a vital role in anti-angiogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that a recombinant NDV (rNDV) expressing VEGF-Trap would be an ideal agent for the colon cancer therapy. In this study, VEGF-Trap gene was incorporated into the genome of rNDV (named rNDV-VEGF-Trap). rNDV-VEGF-Trap reduced cell growth ratio by 85.37% and migration ratio by 87.9% in EA.hy926 cells. In vivo studies, treatment with rNDV-VEGF-Trap reduced tumor volume of CT26-bearing mice by more than 3 folds and tumor weight by more than 4 folds. Immunohistochemistry analysis of CD34 showed rNDV-VEGF-Trap significantly decreased the number of vascular endothelial cells in the tumor tissues of the tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, Western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment with rNDV-VEGF-Trap significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of AKT, ERK1/2 and STAT3 and increased the expression levels of P53, BAX and cleaved caspase-3 in the tumor tissue. In addition, to evaluate the toxicity of VEGF-Trap, serum chemistries were analyzed. The results showed that rNDV-VEGF-Trap caused insignificant changes of creatinine levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Futhermore, administration of rNDV-VEGF-Trap did not cause the diarrhoea，decreased appetite, weight decrease and haemorrhage of the experimental mice. These data suggest that rNDV-VEGF-Trap exhibits an enhanced inhibition of CT26-bearing mice by enhancing anti-angiogenesis and apoptosis. rNDV-VEGF-Trap is a potential candidate for carcinoma therapy especially for colon cancer.
Marginal Transplantation Dose Study for the Treatment of Insulin-independent Type 1 Diabetes After Allogeneic Islet Transplantation in Macaca Fascicularis Monkeys
Authors: Kim Geun Soo , Cho Chan Woo , Lee Jong Hyun , Shin Du Yeon , Lee Han Sin , Lee Kyo Won , Yang Heung-Mo , Kim Sung Joo , Park Jae Berm
Published: January 2021

Many groups are working to improve the results of clinical allogeneic islet transplantation in a primate model. However, few studies have focused on the optimal islet dose for achieving normal glycemia without exogenous insulin after transplantation in primate models or on the relationship between rejection and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) expression. We evaluated the dose (group 1/10,000, group 2/20,000, and group 3/>25,000 islet equivalents (IEQ)/kg) needed to achieve normal glycemia without exogenous insulin after transplantation using eleven cynomolgus monkeys, and we analyzed the characteristics exhibited in the islets after transplantation. Group 1 (n2) failed to control blood glucose level, despite injection with the highest dose of exogenous insulin, and group 2 (n5) achieved unstable control, with a high insulin requirement. However, group 3 (n4) achieved normal glycemia without exogenous insulin and maintained it for more than 60 days. Immunohistochemistry results from staining islets found in liver biopsies indicated that as the number of transplanted islets decreased, the amount of IAPP accumulation within the islets increased, which accelerated immune cell infiltration. In conclusion, the marginal transplantation dose for achieving a normal glycemia without exogenous insulin in our cynomolgus monkey model was >25,000 IEQ/kg, and the accumulation of IAPP early after transplantation, which depends on the transplanted islet dose, can be considered one factor in rejection.
The Effects of Caffeine and Pre-Workout Multi-Ingredient Performance Supplement on Reactive Agility and Countermovement Jump Height
Authors: Kaczka Piotr , Kubicka Katarzyna , Batra Amit , Maciejczyk Marcin , Jastrząb Rafał , Kopera Edyta , Bira Justyna , Zakliczyńska Halina , Zając Tomasz
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effects of a commercially available multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS) in comparison to caffeine, on reactive agility and jump height, in recreationally-trained handball male players. MethodsThe study followed a randomized double-blind, crossover design. Twenty-four individuals were treated with placebo, caffeine or multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS). Dosage of caffeine in caffeine supplement and MIPS contain the same amounts of caffeine for each subject (5 mg/kg) . All subjects attended a familiarization session 1 week before testing. Participants underwent reactive agility test (Y-test: 1-1-2 test) on three separate days with 72 h apart between test days. Just after accomplishing of each repetition of reactive agility tests participants were asked to perform countermovement jump (CMJ; 2 repetitions separated by one minute break) to establish the average height of jump, that is directly related to lower body power. To assess the significance of differences between the groups studied, Friedmann ANOVA test was used, the chi-square value (χ2) calculated and the p value of statistical significance estimated. ResultsThe research indicated significant inter-group differences in 1-1-2 agility test (p=0.04). The time was significantly shorter for MIPS supplement group in comparison to placebo (-3.4%; p=0.02) and to caffeine (-2.8%; p=0.004) group. Significant improvements (p<0.01) were observed in jump height for MIPS supplement group in comparison to placebo (+5.2%; p=0.001) and caffeine (+5.1%; p=0.001) groups, but not in caffeine to placebo comparison (p=0.84). ConclusionsThe results of these study may contribute to the assessment of the usefulness of multi-ingredient performance type supplementation in comparison to the ingestion of identical amounts of caffeine only in enhancing reactive agility and jump performance.
SEM-EDX Analysis of Heavy Metals in Anal Papillae of Hydropsyche Angustipennis Larvae (Trichoptera, Insecta) as a Support for Water Quality Assessment
Authors: Tszydel Mariusz , Błońska Dagmara , Jóźwiak Piotr , Jóźwiak Małgorzata
Published: January 2021

Anal papillae of caddisflies are peripheral organs responsible for osmoregulation and detoxification. Investigation of morphological abnormalities in the anal papillae of Hydropsyche angustipennis enriched with using SEM-EDX analysis (scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis), was used to assess heavy metal pollution levels in urban streams receiving surface runoff. Heavy metal ions not previously detected in water and tissue samples were detected using SEM-EDX method. Morphological irregularities were most frequently observed in larvae from the most contaminated streams. Heavy metals were almost 10 times more concentrated in darkened papillae than in pale, normal-shaped papillae. The present study confirms that SEM-EDX microscopy is an effective method as a support of standard heavy metal bioassays, especially if there is a necessity to detect trace elements in very low concentrations or incidental appearance of some ions in the water.
Post-Traumatic Exogenous Endophthalmitis Caused By Nocardia Farcinica
Authors: Burdová Marie Česká , Donátová Kateřina , Mahelková Gabriela , Chrenková Vanda , Dotřelová Dagmar
Published: January 2021

A case report of post-traumatic exogenous endophthalmitis caused by Nocardia farcinica, including treatment procedures, microbiology examination, and systemic medications. A 23-year-old male suffered a penetrating corneal injury that was treated with sutures. The sutures were individually removed during the 4th and 5th months after surgery. On the thirteenth day after the final suture was removed, an anterior uveitis developed and progressed to whitish, plump, nodular, and tufted exudates within the anterior chamber over the next 10 days; this led to an indication for intraocular surgery. Anterior chamber lavage and resection of solid fibrinous exudates (using a vitrectomy knife) for a complete microbiological examination were performed. Nocardia farcinica was identified. Systemic medications were chosen according to sensitivity, and a fixed combination of sulfamethoxazole 400 mg/trimethoprim 80 mg was administered long-term (months). After a complicated course, the final visual acuity was 0.5. In this case, accurate, early detection of an atypical infectious agent and determination of its sensitivity to antibiotic treatment enabled effective treatment that achieved the best functional and anatomical results under the circumstances.