bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Partner Testing in High HIV Prevalence Setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lakoh Sulaiman , Firima Emmanuel , Jiba Darlinda F. , Sesay Momodu , Conteh Mariama Marco , Deen Gibrilla Fadlu
Published: October 2019

Objective: Despite a 1.5% national HIV prevalence, 33% of people living with HIV in Sierra Leone know their status. Limited activities on testing partners of HIV patients could be contributory to this substantial unawareness of HIV status. We carried out a retrospective study aimed at assessing partner testing and HIV prevalence among adults (≥15 years) tested using DetermineTM and SD Bioline as recorded in the HIV testing registers from January to December 2017 at Connaught Hospital, an urban tertiary hospital in Sierra Leone.
Results: Of the 3808 clients tested for HIV, 2048(53.8%) were females. The median age was 31 (IQR 24 – 42) years and 2104 (55.3%) were single. While 3014(79.1%) had Provider-Initiated Testing and Counseling (PITC), 794 (20.9%) had Client-Initiated Testing and Counseling (CITC). HIV test was positive in 925 (24.3%) {CI 22.9 – 25.6, P< 0.001} clients. Of the 17 (0.4%) partners tested for HIV, 9 (52.9%) were positive. PITC yielded more HIV positive cases (760, 25.2%) than CITC (165, 20.8%). Partner testing (P=0.007), female sex (P<0.001) and PITC (P=0.006) were associated with a positive HIV diagnosis. With high HIV prevalence and low partner testing, activities on partner testing are needed to improve the response to the epidemic.
The effect of job aids on knowledge retention among Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors trained to administer injectable contraceptives: Longitudinal results from implementation science in Nigeria.
Authors: Dwyer Sara Chace , Jain Aparna , Ishaku Salisu , Okunade Faizah , Uzomba Chiamaka , Adebayo Adedamola , Tobey Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Background: To increase access to voluntary family planning (FP) services, policymakers in Nigeria are debating how to task share the provision of injectable contraceptives to drug shop owners known as Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs). Globally, task sharing FP services to drug shops is a promising practice, but more information is needed on how to support PPMVs in providing high quality FP, including injectable services.
Methods: 194 PPMVs were trained to provide FP counseling and administration of injectable contraceptive services in Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi and Kaduna states. PPMVs were interviewed immediately before, immediately after, and 9 months after the training. Three variables were used to assess injectable contraceptive knowledge: 1) intramuscular depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) knowledge: a combination of three questions related to device type, injection location, and reinjection frequency; 2) subcutaneous DMPA (DMPA-SC) knowledge: a combination of the same three questions but for DMPA-SC; and 3) knowledge of at least 4 of the 7 common side effects of progestin-only injectables. Three separate adjusted logistic regression models were conducted to determine the factors that influence PPMV knowledge of injectable contraceptives 9 months after the training.
Results: A little over half of PPMVs (56%) reported using at least two job aids at 9 months.
PPMVs’ knowledge of DMPA-IM, DMPA-SC and side effects were low before the training but increased immediately after. Nine months later, knowledge levels remained higher than pre-test levels but generally reduced compared to post-test levels. PPMVs who reported using at least 2 FP job aids were 2.6 (95% CI: 1.4-5.1) times more likely to have complete DMPA-IM knowledge 9 months after the training compared to those who did not use job aids or only used one, while adjusting for PPMV characteristics. Similar results were observed for knowledge of DMPA-SC (AOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2-4.6) and side effects (AOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-4.8).
Conclusion: Training PPMVs to use proven FP job aids should be incorporated into routine trainings, as they reinforce knowledge months after a training and can help PPMVs to retain information. When designing scale-up programs, jobs aids are a good investment for larger capacity-building strategies.
The effect of temperature on childhood hand, foot and mouth disease in Guangdong Province, China, 2010-2013: A multicity study
Authors: Xu Zece , Hu Wenqi , Jiao Kedi , Ren Ci , Jiang Baofa , Ma Wei
Published: October 2019

Background Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a serious infectious disease, which has become a public health problem. Previous studies have shown that temperature may influence the incidence of HFMD, but most only focus on single city and the results are highly heterogeneous. Therefore, a multicity study was conducted to explore the association between temperature and HFMD in different cities and search for modifiers that influence the heterogeneity. Methods We collected daily cases of childhood HFMD (aged 0-5 years) and meteorological factors of 21 cities in Guangdong Province in the period of 2010-2013. Distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) with quasi-Poisson was adopted to quantify the effects of temperature on HFMD in 21 cities. Then the effects of each city were pooled by multivariate meta-analysis to obtain the heterogeneity among 21 cities. Potential city-level factors were included in meta-regression to explore effect modifiers. Results A total of 1,048,574 childhood cases were included in this study. There was a great correlation between daily childhood HFMD cases and temperature in each city, which was non-linear and lagged. High heterogeneity was showed in the associations between temperature and HFMD in 21 cities. The pooled temperature-HFMD association was peaking at the 79th percentile of temperature with relative risk (RR) of 2.474(95%CI: 2.065-2.965) as compared to the median temperature. Latitude was the main modifier for reducing the heterogeneity to 69.28% revealed by meta-analysis. Conclusions There was a strong non-linear and lagged correlation between temperature and HFMD. Latitude was strongly associated with the relationship between temperature and HFMD. Meanwhile, it had an effect on modifying the relationship. These findings can conducive to local governments developing corresponding preventive measures.
Compression Therapy Following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Prospective, Randomized, Clinical Study
Authors: Sun Wu , Gao Jing-hua , Li-guo ZHU , Xiao Wei , Wang Zhen-zhong , Yang Ke-xin , Zhang Qing , Wang Bao-jian
Published: October 2019

Background: Wound-related complications are an inevitable issue faced by spinal surgeons. Negative pressure drainage remains the most commonly used method to prevent postoperative hematoma and related complications. This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of compression therapy following posterior lumbar interbody fusion, with emphasis on pain, anemia, and inflammation.
Methods: Sixty consecutive patients who have undergone posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the age range 43–78 years, with an average age of 59 years, were selected and randomly assigned into two groups. Factors, such as drainage volume, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score for back pain, white blood cell (WBC) count , red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels assessed on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th days postoperatively, were compared between the two groups.
Results: The average follow-up was 6 months, ranging from 3 to 11 months. Drainage volume, VAS score, and CRP levels on the 10th day after the surgery were found to be significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. RBC count and Hb levels on the 3rd and 10th postoperative days were observed to be significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group ( P <0.05). During discharge, the wounds of the patients of the both groups had healed and neither showed any symptoms of infection, hematoma, or necrosis.
Conclusion: Compression therapy relieves pain, alleviates anemia, and the inflammatory response following posterior lumbar interbody fusion.
Management and outcome of pelvic fracture associated with vaginal injuries: a retrospective study of 25 cases
Authors: Li Pengyu , Zhou Dongsheng , Fu Baisheng , Song Wenhao , Dong Jinlei
Published: October 2019

Backgound: Pelvic ring fractures associated with vaginal injuries were rarely reported due to low incidence. The displaced segments of pelvic ring may increase the risk of vaginal injury. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the correlation between pelvic fracture and vaginal injury.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 25 patients with pelvic fractures associated with vaginal injury treated at our institution. The medical records of these patients were collected and 24 patients were followed-up for 10-36 months.
Results: All patients suffered anterior pelvic ring fracture. Young-Burgess fracture classification and compromised pubic symphysis were related to severity vaginal injury. Gauze packing was done in 6 patients and 18 patients received surgical repair. Infection occurred in 6 patients among them 4 were due to delayed diagnosis. Factors associated with pelvic outcome were age, urethral injury, and infection. Four patients suffered pain in sexual intercourse but no influence factor found correlated to sexual function.
Conclusion: VS type pelvic fractures and compromised pubic symphysis are related to higher severity of vaginal injury. Disruption of anterior ring and an unstable pelvic ring caused by forces on coronary and axial plane may increase the risk of vaginal injury.

Key words: Pelvic fracture, Vaginal injury, Clinical outcome
Transarticular external fixation versus deltoid ligament repair in treating SER IV ankle fractures: a comparative study
Authors: Li Bohua , Wang Shanxi , Zhang Zhengdong , Yang Hai , Li Jun , Li Qin , LIU Lei
Published: October 2019

Background The topic that whether the injured deltoid ligament should be repaired when associated with ankle joint fractures is still discussed. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical effect of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with deltoid ligament repair (DLR) or transarticular external fixation (TEF) in treating supination-external rotation type IV (SER IV) ankle fractures.
Methods Between January 2012 and December 2015, 43 patients were diagnosed as SER IV ankle fractures, 20 underwent ORIF and transarticular external fixation (TEF) without DLR (group 1), 23 were treated with ORIF and DLR (group 2). The pre- and post-operative radiographic examination were performed, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the visual analog scale (VAS), the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36-item questionnaire score (SF-36), and the ankle range of motion (ROM) were used for functional evaluation.
Results In both groups, the three scores improved significantly after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. At 6 weeks after surgery, patients in group 2 had better ankle ROM than group 1 (29.35 ± 2.033 vs. 40.35 ± 3.550, P < 0.001), but there was no difference at 12 months postoperatively. No cases of bone nonunion or post-traumatic arthritic changes were seen during the follow-up. Patients in group 1 required a shorter time to achieve fracture union than patients in group 2.
Conclusions ORIF with TIF is an optional strategy to manage SER IV ankle fractures as it achieves comparable functional results to ORIF with DLR. It also allows patients to start relatively earlier weight-bearing and may promote fracture union.
Keywords Transarticular external fixation; ORIF; Deltoid ligament repair; Supination-external rotation; Ankle fracture
Multicenter investigation of pediatric alimentary tract magnets ingestion in China
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Dan , Li Xianling , Wang Zengmeng , Hou Guangjun , Jia Xinjian , Niu Huizhong , Qi Shiqin , Deng Qingqiang , Jiang Bin , Bian Hongqiang , Yang Heying , Chen Yajun
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To describe the incidence and management of alimentary tract Buckyball ingestion in Chinese pediatric patients, and discuss the precautionary measures through a multicenter investigation.
Methods: Medical records of 74 pediatric patients from 9 large Chinese hospitals were included in this study. Questionnaires were distributed online, and medical records were reviewed. Follow-up was through telephone and outpatient service.
Results: Among the 74 cases were 50 boys (68%) and 24 girls (32%). The median age was 36 (22, 77) months, with a range of 7 months to 11 years old, and it showed two peaks. The annual case number showed a sharp increase, and the total case number in the last 2 years (2017 and 2018) showed a greater than 9-fold increase when compared with the first 2 years (2013 and 2014). The majority of ingestions were unintentional, with only 3 patients deliberately swallowing the Buckyball. The median time of ingestion until the onset of emergent symptoms was 2 (1, 5) days, and varied from 4 hours to 40 days. 21 patients had no symptoms, and the remaining cases presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, abdominal distension, excessive crying, melena, and the ceasing of flatus and defecation. Gastroscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy surgery were adopted according to the algorithm from the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). Gastrointestinal mucosa erosion, ischemia and necrosis, perforation, and abdominal abscess, ileus and fistula was found in the patients. The median number of Buckyballs ingested was 4 (2, 8), with a range from 1 to 39. During the follow-up period of 6 (1, 15) months, 3 patients had ileus, and one underwent a second operation. The remaining 71 patients were uneventful. None of the 74 patients reported a second swallowing of foreign bodies.
Conclusions: The incidence of pediatric alimentary tract magnets ingestion in China is still increasing. Management of such patients should follow the algorithm from NASPGHAN. Precautionary measures toward the issue should be taken from three levels, namely the national administration, producer, and consumer.
Keywords: Pediatric, Alimentary tract, Magnetic foreign body, Buckyball
Perioperative poor grip strength recovery is associated with 30-day complication rate after cardiac surgery discharge in middle-aged and older adults- a prospective observational study
Authors: Fu Liyuan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Shao Bohan , Liu Xiangjing , Yuan Bo , Wang Zhengqing , Chen Tienan , Liu Zhigang , Liu Xiaocheng , Guo Qi
Published: October 2019

Background: Although perioperative care during heart surgery has improved considerably, the rate of postoperative complications has remained stable. It has not been concluded how to better apply grip strength to clinical, postoperative complications. So our study aimed at researching the best way for using grip value for predicting early postoperative complications.
Methods: A total of 212 patients with mean age 63.8±6.3 who underwent cardiac surgery included participated in our study. We analyzed the ROC curve of grip strength, grip/weight and grip recovery with complications, found the best cutoff point. Logistic regression confirmed the correlation between grip strength grouping and complications.
Results: We found that 36 patients had 30-day complications. EuroSCORE were 2.15±1.52 and 2.42±1.58 between normal and complication groups, respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of grip recovery take the most area (0.837, p<0.001), and the cutoff point was 83.92%. In logistic regression, lower grip recovery has higher risk impact on 30-day complications for 25.68 times than normal group, after adjusted surgery-related factors. After relisted characteristic information with grip recovery group , found that percentage of the estimated 6MWD (41.5 vs 48.3, p=0.028) and hospitalization time (7.2 vs 6.1, p=0.042) had worse trends in lower recovery group.
Conclusions: Poor grip recovery may be related to higher risk of postoperative complications within 30 days after discharge in middle-aged and older people independent of surgical risk. The results of this study provide a reference for the development of rehabilitation programs in the early postoperative recovery, and may also be a prognostic indicator for postoperative high-risk groups.
Breast self-examination practice and associated factors among female healthcare workers in West Shoa Zone, Western Ethiopia 2019: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shallo seifadin Ahmed , Boru Jibril Dori
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective : Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among reproductive-age women worldwide and the second leading cause of death among women in Ethiopia. Regular breast self-examination is the most cost-effective methods for early detection of breast cancer. Despite this fact, breast self-examination was low among women in the general population and it was not well documented among health care workers. Therefore, this study intended to assess the magnitude of breast self-examination practice and associated factors among female healthcare workers in public health facility in West Shoa zone, Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 female healthcare workers. The study participants were recruited by lottery method. Data were collected from March to April 2019. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.5 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions analysis were done. With 95% CI, significance level was decided at p-value≤ 0.05

Results: The magnitude of regular breast self-examination practice was 32.6%. Educational levels, breast cancer awareness, knowledge towards breast self-examination were predictors of breast self-examination. Regular awareness creation forum on breast self-examination technique, risk factors, and related matters should be facilitated so that all female health care workers will be reminded.
Drinking patterns and the distribution of alcohol-related harms in Ireland: Evidence for the prevention paradox
Authors: O'Dwyer Claire , Mongan Deirdre , Millar Seán R. , Rackard Marion , Galvin Brian , Long Jean , Barry Joe
Published: October 2019

Background

According to the prevention paradox, the majority of alcohol-related harms in the population occur among low-to-moderate risk drinkers, simply because they are more numerous in the population, although high-risk drinkers have a higher individual risk of experiencing alcohol-related harms. In this study we explored the prevention paradox in the Irish population by comparing alcohol-dependent drinkers (high-risk) to low-risk drinkers and non-dependent drinkers who engage in heavy episodic drinking (HED).Methods

Data were generated from the 2013 National Alcohol Diary Survey (NADS), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of Irish adults aged 18–75. Data were available for 4338 drinkers. Respondents dependent on alcohol (as measured by DSM-IV criteria), respondents who engaged in monthly HED or occasional HED (1–11 times a year) and low-risk drinkers were compared for distribution of eight alcohol-related harms.Results

Respondents who were dependent on alcohol had a greater individual risk of experiencing each harm (p<.0001). The majority of the harms in the population were accounted for by drinkers who were not dependent on alcohol. Together, monthly and occasional HED drinkers accounted for 62% of all drinkers, consumed 70% of alcohol and accounted for 59% of alcohol-related harms.Conclusions

Our results indicate that the majority of alcohol consumption and related harms in the Irish population are accounted for by low- and moderate-risk drinkers, and specifically by those who engage in heavy episodic drinking. A population-based approach to reducing alcohol-related harm is most appropriate in the Irish context. Immediate implementation of the measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act (2018) is necessary to reduce alcohol-related harm in Ireland.
Longitudinal validity of using digital hand photographs for assessing hand osteoarthritis progression over 7 years in community-dwelling older adults with hand pain
Authors: Marshall Michelle , Jonsson Helgi , Helgadottir Gudrun , Nicholls Elaine , Myers Helen L , Jansen Victoria , Windt Danielle van der
Published: October 2019

Background : To determine the longitudinal construct validity of assessing hand OA progression on digital photographs over 7 years compared with progression determined from radiographs, clinical features and change in symptoms.
Methods: Participants were community-dwelling older adults (≥50 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. Standardized digital hand photographs were taken at baseline and 7 years, and hand joints graded for OA severity using an established photographic atlas. Radiographic hand OA was assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence grading system. Hand examination determined the presence of nodes, bony enlargement and deformity. Symptoms were reported in self-complete questionnaires. Radiographic and clinical progression and change in symptoms were compared to photographic progression. Differences were examined using analysis of covariance and Chi-Square tests.
Results: Of 253 individuals (61% women, mean age 63 years) the proportion with photographic progression at the joint and joint group-level was higher in individuals with radiographic or clinical progression compared to those without, although differences were not statistically significant. At the person-level, those with moderate photographic progression over 7 years had significantly higher summed radiographic and clinical scores (adjusted for baseline scores) compared to those with no or mild photographic progression. Similar findings were observed for change in symptoms, although differences were small and not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Assessing hand OA on photographs shows modest longitudinal construct validity over 7 years compared with change in radiographic and clinical hand OA at the person-level. Using photographs to assess overall long-term change in a person with hand OA may be a reasonable alternative when hand examinations and radiographs are not feasible.
Fluoride Concentration in Ground Water and Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in Ethiopian Rift Valley: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Enyew Habtamu Demelash , Beyene Abebe Hailu , Abebe Zewdu , Melese Addisu Dagnaw
Published: October 2019

Background: The concentration of fluoride in ground drinking water greater than the world health organization standard value imposes a serious health, social and economic problem in developing countries. In the Ethiopian Rift Valley where deep wells are the major source of drinking water, high fluoride level is expected. Though many epidemiological studies on fluoride concentration and its adverse effects have been conducted in the region, the result is highly scattered and needs systematically summarized for better utilization.
Objective: This research is aimed at estimating the pooled level of fluoride concentration in ground drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis among Ethiopian rift valley residences.
Methods: Cochrane library, MEDLINE/PubMed and Google scholar databases were searched for studies reporting the mean concentration of fluoride in ground water and prevalence of dental fluorosis in Ethiopian Rift valley. Search terms were identified by extracting key terms from reviews and selected relevant papers and review medical subject headings for relevant terms.
Results: The mean fluoride level in ground water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis were pooled from eleven and nine primary studies conducted in Ethiopian Rift Valley respectively. The pooled mean level of fluoride in ground water therefore was 6.03 mg/l (95% CI; 4.72–7.72, p < 0.001) and the pooled prevalence of dental fluorosis among residents in Ethiopian rift valley was 32% (95% CI: 25, 39%, p<0.001), 29% (95% CI: 22, 36%, p<0.001) and 24% (95% CI: 17, 32%, p<0.001 for mild, moderate and sever dental fluorosis respectively. The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis is 28% (95% CI: 24, 32%, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Though, the concentration level varies across different part of the rift valley region, still the level of fluoride in ground drinking water is greater than the WHO standard value (1.5mg/l). Relatively high-level pooled prevalence of dental fluorosis was also seen in Ethiopian rift valley. Therefore, further studies covering the temperature, exposure time and other intake path ways with large sample size is recommended. Interventional projects should be implemented to decrease the concentration of fluoride in the ground drinking water source.
Key words: Dental fluorosis, Fluoride, Concentration, Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Comparative analysis of IGFBP-3 gene sequence in Egyptian sheep, cattle, and buffalo
Authors: Saleh Ahmed Abdel-kader , Rashad Amr M.A. , Hassanine Nada. N.A.M. , Sharaby Mahmoud A. , Zhao Yongju
Published: October 2019

Objective: A total of 205 animals from four Egyptian livestock species; cattle (n=18), buffaloes (n=12), sheep (n=150) and goats (n=25) were used in this study to detect polymorphism and perform comparative analysis for IGFBP-3 gene using DNA sequencing and (PCR-RFLP).
Results: The amplified fragments were found to be of length 654 bp in sheep, 651bp in cattle and 655 bp in buffalo. For Falahy goats, PCR was performed to amplify a 316 bp fragment from exon 2 of the IGFBP-3 gene. The digestion of 654 bp with HaeIII restriction enzyme yielded a single restriction pattern for goats, while for cattle, 3 genotypes were identified; (AA),(AB), and (BB). Moreover, for buffalo one genotype (AA) only was found with HaeIII and TaqI restriction enzymes, separately. Also, the digestion profile for goats with HaeIII revealed one pattern only. Nucleotide sequencing of the amplified fragments of IGFBP-3 gene in sheep, cattle, buffalo, and goat was submitted to the NCBI GenBank (Accession no. MG738671.1, MG738673.1, MG738674.1, and MG738672.1, respectively). The nucleotide sequencing analysis indicated similarity percentages in IGFBP-3 gene fragments of 88.54, 89.63 and 95.06 % between ''sheep and cattle '', ''sheep and buffalo '', and ''cattle and buffalo'', respectively.
Predictors of very preterm births (born between 23 and 29 weeks’ gestation) at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan: additional multivariate analyses on data from primary cohort
Authors: Yakoob Mohammad
Published: October 2019

Objective: Previously, we have published univariate analyses on a cohort of all singleton, very preterm infants (N=101) born between 23 and 29 weeks of gestation during January 01, 1998 to June 30, 2003 at The Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Our main objective was to extend these analyses to multivariate logistic regression models and report Odds Ratios (ORs) for univariate and multivariate analyses. All variables in univariate were included in multivariate models.
Results: The survival incidences were 0% at 23, 16.7% at 24, 40.0% at 25, 30.0% at 26, 33.3% at 27, 68.8% at 28 and 83.9% at 29 weeks of gestation. In univariate analyses, gestational age, birth-weight and mode of delivery (Cesarean-section had higher survival compared to vaginal) were statistically significant predictors of survival (P≤0.001 each). Other variables that also included antenatal steroids did not achieve significance. However, in complete-case multivariate analyses, only gestational age (per week) was associated with survival (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–5.5, P=0.03); birth-weight (per 100 grams) and C-section were not associated-1.2, 0.88–1.6, P=0.26 and 2.4, 0.48–12.2, P=0.28. Antenatal steroid use, maternal age, year of birth, parity, history of preterm delivery, hemoglobin levels, complications and time of birth remained not associated.
Morphological, molecular and pathological appraisal of Hymenolepis nana (Hymenolepididae) infecting laboratory mice Mus musculus
Authors: Al-Olayan Ebtsam , Abdel-Gaber Rewaida , Aloufi Abeer , Alanazi Zainab
Published: October 2019

Background: Hymenolepis nana , commonly found parasite in mice colonies maintained under conventional conditions, has zoonotic potential and is characterised by autoinfection and direct life cycle.
Results: This study intended to determine parasitic infection rate in laboratory mice. Of the 50 mice, 40.0% were found to be infected with hymenolepidid cestode. Infection rate was higher in males (52.0%) than in females (28.0%). Light and scanning electron microscopic studies of cestode parasite revealed that the worms were medium-sized; had globular scolex with four suckers, a retractable rostellum equipped with 20-30 hooks, and a short unsegmented neck; remaining strobila consisted of immature, mature, and gravid proglottids; irregularly alternating genital pores; lobulated ovary; post-ovarian vitelline gland; and uterus containing ˃200 small eggs in gravid proglottids. Molecular characterisation based on mitochondrial COX1 gene sequence analysis used to confirm taxonomy of the parasite. The parasite showed identity ˃80.0% with other species available in GenBank. High blast scores and low divergence were noted between isolated parasite and previously described H. nana (gb| AP017666.1). Phylogenetic analysis using COX1 sequence place this hymenolepidid species within Cyclophyllidea.
Conclusions: The present species was found to be deeply embedded in the genus Hymenolepis with close relationships to other H. nana as a putative sister taxon.
Analysis of Segregation Ratio Distortion and Linkage Mapping in Two Switchgrass F1 Populations: Lowland-lowland and Lowland-upland Using Genotyping by Sequencing Data
Authors: Razar Rasyidah , Devos Katrien , Missaoui Ali
Published: October 2019

Background: Switchgrass is an emerging bioenergy crop due to its perennial nature, high biomass yield, and ability to grow in marginal land. The high genetic diversity in switchgrass germplasm can be exploited to capture favorable traits that increase the range of adaptation and biomass yield. Genetic diversity can be explored using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that next-generation sequencing has made possible for high-throughput genotyping. We used genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of genomic fragments resulting from two methylation sensitive restriction enzymes: PstI and MspI . Two bi-parental F1 populations were developed from crosses between lowland B6 and lowland AP13 (AB population), and lowland B6 with upland VS16 genotypes (BV population), with a target number of 298 progenies in each population. Pseudo-testcross strategy was adopted to perform linkage analysis in these populations that are segregating for winter dormancy using single dose markers (SDA): heterozygous in one parent and homozygous in the other parent. We compared the amount of polymorphisms between the two crosses and examined the pattern of segregation distortion based on the SNPs data generated. Results: Two genetic maps were generated for each population, with 2772 markers in AB and 3766 markers in BV. The higher number of markers in the BV population was expected for since the parents originated from different ecotypes and verified to have the highest genetic distance. More segregation distortion was observed in markers located in the telomeric regions where more genes reside. More markers from the AB population exhibited segregation distortion compared to the BV, and the proportion of heterozygous alleles were significantly higher than homozygous alleles in AB population. The linkage maps showed strong collinearity with P. virgatum V5.1 reference genome with a very minimal number of markers originating from different chromosomes. Conclusion: Understanding the extent of segregation distortion in switchgrass crosses is important for the correct inclusion of markers based on their segregation ratio when constructing a linkage map. Switchgrass linkage maps should be a useful resource to dissect beneficial biomass traits linked to SNP markers.
Treatment with radiosynoviorthesis in hemophilic patients with and without inhibitor
Authors: Sanabria Mario Edgar Tena , Sato Y. Rojas , Resendiz J.C Castañeda , Herrera G. Fuentes
Published: October 2019

Background. Spontaneous bleedings occurring into joints (hemarthrosis) are the most common manifestations of hemophilia and causes severe joint damage ultimately resulting in joint disfunction known as hemophilic arthropathy. Among available therapeutic options for reducing recurrent hemarthrosis-associated damage, radiosynoviorthesis (RS) has proven effective in improving joint function. Aim. To assess the impact of RS with Yttrium 90 (90Y) on frequency of hemarthroses, need for prophylaxis and joint function in a group of pediatric patients, as well as on costs for hospitalization. Methods . Between November 1998 and February 2017, we evaluated 27 pediatric patients with mild, moderate or severe hemophilia with haemophilic arthropathy. Patients suffered between two and five episodes of hemarthrosis per month. Overall, RS was applied in 60 joints. All patients but 3 received one single intra-articular injection with 90Y. Results. During the follow-up, one patient showed a recurrent joint bleeding 15 months after RS wit 90Y, one patient after 12 months and one patient after 45 days. Both costs of hospitalization and need for prophylaxis were reduced. Conclusion. RS with 90Y is a simple and safe treatment for recurrent hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia. It decreases the use of factor VIII / IX and improves joint function.
Welfare and Wealth in Iran: Rural and Urban Dichotomies
Authors: Shafiei Sediqe , Yazdani Shahram , Zafarmand A Hamid , Jadidfard Mohammad-Pooyan , Shakerian sareh
Published: October 2019

Objective : Increasing social welfare and reducing poverty are to ensure the well-being of all classes of a society. Cities and villages are distinguished by cultural and economic disparities. The purpose of this study was to develop and present a comprehensive model on welfare and wealth components and their relationship with each other , as well as determining the contributing factors and variables affecting them by presenting a comprehensive model.
Results : The Structural Equation Modeling ( SEM ) method was used to analyze the data and investigate the causal relationship of latent variables. Observed variables and latent variables of the model were analyzed and tested by using AMOS and SPSS (version 21) statistical methods, in two exploratory and confirmatory steps. Wealth and welfare were identified as two separate subjects in the conceptual model and in the final structural model for rural households. Unlike, in the urban community, they were recognized as a single category in the final structural model. The results of this study can provide the clear hints for effective policy making to break the cycle of deprivation and poverty in Iranian rural and urban population.
Does fasting during Ramadan increase the risk of developing Sialadenitis?
Authors: Joachim Michael V. , Ghantous Yasmine , Zaaroura Suleiman , Alkeesh Kutaiba , Zoabi Tameem , El-Naaj Imad Abu
Published: October 2019

Background: Ramadan is a the within the Islamic lunar calendar, where Muslims are required to fast (abstain from food and drink) during the daytime (from sunrise to sunset) for the entire month. Due to connection between fasting, dehydration and siaadenitis, the aim of this study is to determine if there is a higher frequency of sialadenitis among the Muslim population during Ramadan compared to other months of the year. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using the medical records of 120 Muslim patients admitted through the emergency room (ER) with a diagnosis of sialadenitis over a 5-year period at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya and St. Vincent de Paul Hospital, Nazareth – both located in Israel. Results: During the month of Ramadan the admission of Muslims through the emergency room (ER) with a diagnosis of sialadenitis was more than doubled compared to other months of the year – a difference that was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). Additionally we found that Ramadan patients had significantly higher Leukocyte numbers at admission (p=0.0085) and importantly a significantly higher level of dehydration (BUN/Creatinine rate) (p=0.0001). Conclusion: There is evidence that fasting in Ramadan may increase the risk for developing sialadenitis compared to non-fasting months. Our results suggest that this may be the result of dehydration.
Predicting patient outcomes in psychiatric hospitals with routine data: a machine learning approach
Authors: Wolff Jan , Gary Alexander , Jung Daniela , Normann Claus , Kaier Klaus , Binder Harald , Domschke Katharina , Klimke Ansgar , Franz Michael
Published: October 2019

Background A common problem in machine learning applications is availability of data at the point of decision making. The aim of the present study was to use routine data readily available at admission to predict aspects relevant to the organization of psychiatric hospital care. A further aim was to compare the results of machine learning with those obtained through traditional methods and a naive baseline classifier.Methods The study included consecutively discharged patients between 1st of January 2017 and 31st of December 2018 from nine psychiatric hospitals in Hesse, Germany. We compared the predictive performance achieved by stochastic gradient boosting (GBM) with multiple logistic regression and a naive baseline classifier. We tested the performance of our final models on unseen patients from another calendar year and from different hospitals.Results The study included 45,388 inpatient episodes. The models’ performance, as measured by the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, varied strongly between the predicted outcomes, with relatively high performance in the prediction of coercive treatment (area under the curve: 0.83) and 1:1 observations (0.80) and relatively poor performance in the prediction of short length of stay (0.69) and non-response to treatment (0.65). The GBM performed slightly better than logistic regression. Both approaches were substantially better than a naive prediction based solely on basic diagnostic grouping.Conclusion The present study has shown that administrative routine data can be used to predict aspects relevant to the organisation of psychiatric hospital care. Future research should investigate the predictive performance that is necessary to provide effective assistance in clinical practice for the benefit of both staff and patients.
Comprehensive Classification of the RNaseH-like domain-containing Proteins in Plants
Authors: Li Shuai , Liu Kunpeng , Sun Qianwen
Published: October 2019

Background R-loop is a nucleic acid structure containing an RNA-DNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA. Recently, accumulated evidences showed that R-loops occur frequently in various organisms’ genomes and have crucial physiological functions, including replication, transcription and DNA repair. RNaseH-like superfamily (RNHLS) domain-containing proteins, such as RNase H enzymes, RNase H1 and RNase H2, are important in restricting R-loop levels. However, little is known about other RNHLS proteins and their relationship and function on modulating R-loops, especially in plants.Results In this study we characterized 6193 RNHLS proteins from 13 representative plant species, and clustered them into 27 clusters, among which reverse transcriptases and exonucleases are the two largest groups. Moreover, we found there are 691 RNHLS proteins in Arabidopsis, and the catalytic alpha helix and beta sheet domain are conserved among them. Interestingly, each of the Arabidopsis RNHLS proteins is composed of RNHLS domains and other distinctive protein domains. we further found that RNHLS genes are highly expressed in diverse meristems and metabolic tissues. Various RNHLS genes expressed in different tissues grouped together indicate that they work both isolatedly and cooperatively.Conclusions In summary, we systematically analyzed RNHL proteins in plant and found that there are mainly 27 subclusters of them. Most of these proteins are implicated in DNA replication, RNA transcription and nucleic acid degradation. We characterized and classified the RNHLS proteins in plant, which affords new insights on investigation of novel regulatory mechanisms and functions in R-loop biology.
Transcriptomic analysis of bovine monocytes in response to non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus infection
Authors: HE Yanhua , YANG Yajun , HUANG Xin , ZHANG Yunfen , XIAO Chencheng , ZHAO Xinxia , MA Xusheng , GUO Tao , ZHONG Fagang , CHEN Chuangfu
Published: October 2019

Background: Monocytes are significant players in the detection of invading pathogens, particularly in pathogen defense. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) can cause a persistent infection and immune suppression if animals are infected with an non-cytopathic (ncp) biotype. However, its exact role in ncp BVDV-infected bovine monocytes remains poorly understood. To explore the immune suppression mechanisms of ncp BVDV, we used a transcriptomics approach to find genes with differential expression patterns in monocytes during infection with ncp BVDV over time. Results: Bovine monocytes were sampled at 2 and 24 h post-infection (hpi) to represent the early and late stages of an ncp biotype strain of bovine viral diarrhea virus infection. Compared with the non-infected cells, 9959 and 7977 differentially expressed gene (DEGs) were identified at 2 and 24 h hpi, respectively. These DEGs were associated with signal transduction, immune response, apoptotic process, cellular process , binding and cellular component. The differential expression profiles of select the type I interferon signaling pathway , interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs), and genes involved in the innate immune response, including IRF7, DDX3X, TLR13, DDX58(RIG-I), MVAS, TLR9, TRAF6, IRF1, IFIT1, STAT1, ISG20, TRIM25, MX1,NLRX1, CYLD, SIKE1 and ZAP70 were confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR and consistent with the RNA-seq data. These results indicated that infection with ncp BVDV could activate type I interferon signaling pathway in bovine monocytes and induces weak ISGs responses, which extends our present understanding how the virus modulates the immune response and leads to better understanding behind the immunopathogenesis of ncp BVDV. Conclusion: Our transciptome anslysis provides useful initial data towards better understanding of the infection mechanisms used by ncp BVDV, while highlighting the potential molecular relationships occurring between the virus and the host’s immune response.
Do partial AZFc deletions affect the sperm retrieval rate in non-mosaic Klinefelter patients undergoing microdissection testicular sperm extraction?
Authors: Huang I-Shen , Fantus Richard J , Chen Wei-Jen , Wren James , Kao Wei-Tang , Huang Eric Yi-Hsiu , Bennett Nelson E , Brannigan Robert E , Huang William J
Published: October 2019

Background The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic factors for sperm retrieval and determine if Y chromosome deletion is associated with deleterious effects. Whether Y chromosome deletion determines the sperm retrieval rate in non-mosaic Klinefelter patients has not yet been addressed.Methods We retrospectively collected medical records of azoospermic patients from Sep 2009 to Dec 2018, and enrolled 66 non-mosaic 47, XXY patients who were receiving mTESE. The predictive values of patients age, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin, estradiol and Y chromosome deletion were assessed for successful sperm recovery.Results Testicular sperm recovery was successful in 24 (36.4%) of 66 men. The mean age (36.0 vs. 36.6 years), and levels of FSH (30.0 vs 36.9 IU/L), LH (17.7 vs 21.9 IU/L), testosterone (2.4 vs. 2.1 ng/ml), prolactin (9.1 vs. 8.8 ng/ml), and estradiol (19.4 vs. 22.3 pg/ml) did not show any significant difference when comparing patients with and without successful sperm retrieval. Partial deletion of azoospermic factor c (AZFc) was noted in 5 (20.8%) of 24 patients with successful sperm retrieval, including three b2/b3 and two gr/gr deletion cases, whereas 4 (9.5%) of 42 patients with unsuccessful sperm retrieval were noted to have AZFc partial deletion (one b2/b3 , one sY1206 and two gr/gr deletion), though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.27)Conclusion According to present results, age and AZFc partial deletion status should not be a deterrent for azoospermic males with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome to undergo mTESE.
Features of idiopathic and intermediate uveitis–associated epiretinal membranes on OCT and multi-color imaging
Authors: Wang Xiao , Lin Shaofen , Lu Jing , Liu Qiuhui , Mai Guiying , Liu Ruyuan , Cai Xiaoyu , Sadda SriniVas , Luo Yan , Lu Lin
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND To characterize the morphologic features of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and subtle intermediate uveitis-associated epiretinal membrane (IU-ERM) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) with multi-color imaging.METHODS Forty-three eyes of 36 patients diagnosed as iERM and IU-ERM by fundus examination and ultrasound biomicroscopy were underwent multi-color scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging using a Heidelberg Spectralis HRA+OCT. Area and thickness of the ERM, central foveal thickness (CFT), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between these two groups.RESULTS The ERM area of the IU-ERM group was larger than that of the iERM group (33.03 ± 14.62mm2 vs.13.03 ± 7.00 mm2, P<0.001). The ERM thickness of the IU-ERM group was also thicker than that of iERM group (20.14 ± 1.52 µm vs.17.92 ± 1.28 µm, P<0.001). The BCVA of the eyes with iERM was better (0.10 ± 0.18 vs.0.35 ± 0.28, P<0.001) and the CFT was thinner (217.66 ± 64.21 µm vs. 359.19 ± 128.72 µm, P = 0.002) compared to the IU-ERM group.CONCLUSION IU-ERM was larger and thicker than iERM. OCT with multi-color imaging could faciliate the assessment of ERM morphology, which might aid in differentiating IU-ERM from iERM.
Characteristics of Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Older Adults after the PICMOR Intervention Program: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Sugimoto Hikaru , Kawagoe Toshikazu , Otake-Matsuura Mihoko
Published: October 2019

Background: The present study aimed to provide a basis for future research examining neural mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of an intervention program named Photo-Integrated Conversation Moderated by Robots (PICMOR) on verbal fluency in older adults, which was identified in our previous study. In this preliminary report, we conducted an additional experiment using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and investigated the characteristics of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of participants in the intervention group (INT) by comparing with that of participants in the control group (CONT).Methods: The rsfMRI data were acquired from 31 participants in INT and 30 participants in CONT after the randomized control trial. These data were analyzed by a seed-based approach, in which the left inferior and middle frontal gyrus (IFG/MFG) were selected as seed regions and the rsFCs with them were compared between INT and CONT. To interpret the group difference in the rsFCs, we also conducted regression analyses using individual scores of the phonemic verbal fluency test, which were collected before and after the intervention.Results: We found higher rsFC in INT than in CONT between the left IFG and the temporal pole and MFG. The rsFC strength between the left IFG and temporal pole positively correlated with an increased score in the phonemic verbal fluency test through the intervention period. In contrast, we found lower rsFC in INT than in CONT between the left MFG and the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and postcentral gyrus.Conclusions: Along with our previous findings that greater enhancement of the phonemic verbal fluency score through the intervention period was observed in INT than in CONT, the present findings suggest that the beneficial intervention effect is characterized by enhanced rsFC of the left IFG with semantic and executive control-related regions and suppressed rsFC between the left MFG and default mode network.Trial registration: The trial was retrospectively registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000036667) (Date of registration: 7th May, 2019).