bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function test in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Agarwal Amit , Grover Ankit , Agarwal Amresh
Published: May 2019

Background: We are today witnessing a pandemic of diabetes mellitus (DM), globally and nationally. DM and its complications have become the most important contemporary and challenging health problems. Diabetes is not associated with any specific pulmonary symptom and hence periodic screening for lung disease is not done in diabetic patients. However, an extensive microvascular circulation and an abundant connective tissue in the lung raise the possibility that the lung may also be a target organ in diabetic patients. The aim and objectives were to study the pulmonary function of individual with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients by performing spirometry.Methods: Study included non-smoker diabetic patients, who had no history of respiratory disease, were selected for this study and undergone pulmonary function test by spirometry. The study was conducted at department of General Medicine Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.Results: Present study, author found that there was significant derangement in the spirometric readings in the diabetic patients. The FEV1/FVC values further declines as the duration of diabetes increased.Conclusions: Spirometric values (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) were consistently lower in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effect on FVC predicted % was found to be more pronounced in subjects whose duration of DM was more than 5 years.
Phenotypic detection of carbapenem resistance and metallo-beta-lactamase among Enterobacteriaceae from clinical samples in tertiary care hospital
Authors: Agarwal Nidhi , Chauhan Sapna , Singh Paramjit , Sharma V. K.
Published: May 2019

Background: Carbapenems have the broadest activity spectra of any β-lactam antibiotic and are often the most appropriate agents for use in the treatment of infections caused by multi resistant gram negative bacteria. The recent worldwide emergence and dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Gram negative rods that are resistant to carbapenems is a significant concern with respect to patient care and infection control strategies. Hence this study was undertaken to study the magnitude of carbapenem resistance among routine clinical isolates of family Enterobacteriaceae so as to guide the clinicians in selection of appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapies and infection control measures.Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology over a period 18 months from January 2017 to July 2018. All the clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were screened for carbapenem resistance as per CLSI guidelines. Such strains were then subjected to phenotypic confirmation of carbapenemase production by the Modified Hodge test. All isolates that gave a positive screening test were further evaluated for metallo-β-lactamase production. The technique used was the Combined Disk Test using a combination of Imipenem and Imipenem-EDTA.Results: Out of the 400 total clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae isolated in the laboratory,57 were found to be Meropenem resistant (14.25%) and were labelled 'Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae" or CRE. Modified Hodge test (MHT) performed on the 57 carbapenem resistant isolates showed 41 (71.93%) isolates to be carbapenemase enzyme producers. Combined disc test (CDT) conducted on the 57 isolates of CRE detected Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) enzyme production in 39 isolates (68.42%).Conclusions: Since there is a high prevalence of carbapenemase resistance in our setting hence we need to be cautious with the indiscriminate use of broad spectrum antimicrobials, more so, the carbapenems.
Risk estimates and features of infectious events in subjects with different causes and level of neutropenia
Authors: Manuli E. , Intra J. , Limonta G. , Brambilla P.
Published: May 2019

Neutropenia is diagnosed when absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is less than 1,500 cells/µL.1  Specific causes and severity of neutropenia were directly related to the risk of infection. Four decades ago, Bodey et al. demonstrated an inverse relationship between neutrophils number and infection in subjects affected by acute leukemia after chemotherapy.2 The risk of infection increased when ANC was less than 500 cells/µL for a long period, whereas it is decreased when ANC is greater than 500 cells/µL and the duration of neutropenia is reduced.
EFFECT OF INTERNET FINANCIAL REPORTING AND COMPANY SIZE ON STOCK TRADING VOLUME AT LQ45 COMPANY IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE
Authors: . Suryanto
Published: May 2019

Purpose of Study: The research aims to determine and study the effect of the application of internet financial reporting and the size of the company to the trading volume of shares in companies listed in the LQ45 Index in Indonesia Stock Exchange. Methodology: The method used in this research is descriptive verification with a quantitative approach. Sampling used in this research is saturated sampling, as many as 63 companies become sample in this research. The object of research studied is the company website LQ45 along with the financial statements of each company. The research data is obtained from financial and non-financial information from the company website and financial data from IDX Fact Year 2012-2014. The analysis method used is panel data test, classical assumption test, multiple regression analysis, coefficient of determination, with the F test statistical test and t-test. Results: The results showed that internet financial reporting and firm size influence simultaneously to stock trading volume while partially, only company size has a significant influence on stock trading volume. Implications/Applications: Internet financial reporting does not affect the volume of stock trading.
THE EFFECT OF MEMORIZING QURAN ON THE CHILDREN COGNITIVE INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Slamet Sri
Published: May 2019

Purpose of Study: The present research aimed to find out whether memorizing Quran (tahfidz Quran) affected cognitive intelligence in kindergarten students. The research was conducted at Mardisiwi Islamic Kindergarten, Surakarta, Indonesia. The population consisted of a student group at the kindergarten. Ten students of the group were selected as the samples using a saturated sampling technique. The data source consisted of kindergarten students, a recapitulation of evaluation towards students, and data on students.

Methodology: The data was collected through test, observation, documentation, and interviews. The kindergarten students should memorize Al Insyirah surah of Quran using the Tasalsuli method. The observation of cognitive intelligence results was measured before (pre-treatment) and after the treatment (post-treatment). The results revealed that the procedure of memorizing Quran improved children cognitive intelligence.

Results: The research concluded that memorizing Quran in kindergarten might positively improve the children cognitive intelligence.

Implications/Applications: The cognitive intelligence score of children was 25.40 after the treatment. The score had an improvement of 5.00 then the pre-treatment test with a score of 20.40. The pre-treatment test resulted in 63.75% of improvement, while the post-treatment test resulted in 79.38%. The difference was 15.63%.
MODERN LIFESTYLE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ULCERATIVE COLITIS INCIDENCE
Authors: Bikbavova G. R. , Livzan M. A. , Sovalkin V. I. , Turchaninov D. V. , Lopatina O. E. , Tretyakova T. V. , Ahramovich A. P. , Gordienko T. S.
Published: May 2019

The aim of the study. To assess the significance of surrogate markers of the «hygienic hypothesis», the «old friends theory» and the hypothesis of «depletion of biomes» in the development of ulcerative colitis among the population of Western Siberia.

Materials and methods: an active survey (interviewing) of 81 patients with ulcerative colitis and 39 healthy respondents was conducted. The main surrogate markers of the «hygienic theory», the hypotheses of «old friends» and «depletion of biomes» were studied: past infestations, pets in childhood, use of antibiotics, breastfeeding, family size (number of siblings), attendance at pre-school institutions, accommodation in a dormitory while studying, accommodation in a city or a village, type of drinking water supply and the type of water respondents use for drinking; in the framework of the «biome depletion» theory, in addition to the markers listed above, a sugar consumption rate was assessed. Consumption of simple carbohydrates was calculated based on the number of cups of tea and/or coffee drunk per week and the number of teaspoons or cubes of sugar that the respondent puts in one cup.

Results. Among the indirect markers of the «hygiene hypothesis» and the theory of «old friends» examined, only one effect the risk of ulcerative colitis among the population of the Omsk region — visiting preschool institutions (2I = 4,59, p <0,05). Of the indirect signs of the «biome depletion» hypothesis examined, significant differences were found in the amount of simple carbohydrates consumed: patients with ulcerative colitis consumed more sugar with tea and/or coffee in the period before the first signs of the disease than healthy respondents (U = 1214,0; Z = 2,0; p = 0,04).

Conclusion. In our study, the statistical significance of such factors as rare visits to kindergartens and the consumption of large amount of sugar by patients with ulcerative colitis in the period before the onset of the disease in comparison with healthy respondents was demonstrated.
CLINICAL CASE OF TREATMENT OF A PATIENT WITH CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA WITH A MUTATION BCR-ABL Y253H AND COMORBIDITIES
Authors: Safuanova G. Sh. , Ryabchikova N. R. , Gaisarova G. A. , Tsareva E. G. , Safuanova D. R.
Published: May 2019

The article presents information on the methods of diagnosis and targeted therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A clinical case of CML with the development of resistance to therapy with 1st generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ITK), the appointment of 2nd generation ITK (dasatinib) with regard to comorbidity, the development of adverse events in the form of fibrosing alveolitis and severe pleurisy, translation of nilotitis in the form of fibrosis of the alveolitis and severe pleurisy is considered, but the lack of effect of treatment. The study of the mutational status revealed a BCR-ABL Y253H mutation, which made it possible to individualize the patient’s therapy, obtain a large molecular response, and overcome undesirable phenomena. The development of resistance or the loss of response to the treatment of ITK in CML with comorbidity requires the timely identification of mutations in the kinase domain of BCR-ABL and contributes to the selection of early personalized therapy for a particular patient.
Hardware Factors Influencing Interlayer Bonding Strength of Parts Obtained by Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Kuznetsov Vladimir E. , Tavitov Azamat G. , Urzhumtcev Oleg D.
Published: May 2019

Current paper investigates the influence of hardware setup and parameters of a 3D printing process based on fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology on resulting sample strength. Three-point bending of samples printed with long side oriented along Z axis was used as a measure of the interlayer bonding strength. The same CAD model was converted into NC-programs through same slicing software to be run on four different desktop FFF 3D printers, out of filament of same brand and color. Within all the printers same ranges of layer thickness values from 0.1 to 0.3 mm and feed rates from 25 to 75 mm/s were planned to be varied. All the machines demonstrated statistically almost identical values of maximum flexural strength, however the different machines exhibited maximum sample strength with different combinations of varied parameters. Among all the hardware factors observed, the most important was proved to be extruder type, direct or Bowden. This feature fundamentally changes the nature of studied parameters influence onto the resulting strength of the FFF process. For the extruders of Bowden type the length of flexible guiding tube is of great importance.All the machines demonstrated statistically almost identical values of maximum flexural strength, however the different machines exhibited maximum sample strength with different combinations of varied parameters. Among all the hardware factors observed, the most important was proved to be extruder type, direct or Bowden. This feature fundamentally changes the nature of studied parameters influence onto the resulting strength of the FFF process. For the extruders of Bowden type the length of flexible guiding tube is of great importance.
Effect of the Dilaton Field on Deflection Angle of Massive Photons by Black Holes in Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton-Axion Theory
Authors: Javed Wajiha , Babar Rimsha , Övgün Ali
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we argue that one can calculate the weak deflection angle in the background of Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton-Axion black hole using the Gauss-Bonnet theorem. To support this, the optical geometry of the black hole with the Gibbons-Werner method are used to obtain the deflection angle of light in the weak field limits. Moreover, we investigate the effect of a plasma medium on deflection of light for a given black hole. Because of dilaton and axion are one of the candidate of the dark matter, it can give us a hint on observation of dark matter which is supported the black hole. Hence we demonstrate the observational viability via showing the effect of the dark matter on the weak deflection angle.
Comparing Yiq and Ycbcr Colour Image Transforms for Semi-Fragile Medical Image Steganography
Authors: Eze Peter , Udaya Parampalli , Evans Robin , Liu Dongxi
Published: May 2019

Visible light photography diagnostic images are coloured ex vivo medical images popularly used in Dermatology and Endoscopy for diagnosis and monitoring. The need to protect the integrity of these images as well as associated patient data calls for techniques such as image steganography and watermarking. This research explores and compares the effect of watermarking on the YIQ and YCbCr colour transforms used in processing digital coloured images and video in recent times. Using a new spread spectrum watermarking algorithm, it was found that YIQ has better distortion performance than YCbCr in the order of 3dB while YCbCr had lower BER for accurate watermark retrieval and tamper detection in the order of 1.3 x 10-3.
Evaluation of the Impact of Black Carbon on the Worsening of Allergic Respiratory Diseases in the Region of Western Serbia: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study
Authors: Tomić Spirić Vesna , Kovačević Gordana , Marinković Jelena , Janković Janko , Ćirković Anđa , Miošević Đerić Ana , Relić Nenad , Janković Slavenka
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives: Many epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between black carbon (BC) and the exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. However, none of the studies in Serbia examined this relationship so far. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between BC and emergency department (ED) visits for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in the Užice region of Serbia. Materials and Methods: A time-stratified case-crossover design was applied to 523 ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma exacerbation that occurred in the Užice region of Serbia between 2012−2014. Data regarding ED visits were routinely collected in the Health Center of Užice. The daily average concentrations of BC were measured by automatic ambient air quality monitoring stations. Odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for the potential confounding influence of weather variables (temperature, humidity, and air pressure). Results: Statistically significant associations were observed between ED visits for allergic rhinitis and 2-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.20; CI = 1.00−10.18; p < 0.05) and allergic asthma and 3-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.23; CI = 1.05−9.95; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to BC in the Užice region increases the risk of ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly during the heating season.
EBEVEYNLERİN ÖZEL KREŞ VE ANAOKULU TERCİHİNE YÖNELİK TUTUMLARININ KONJOİNT ANALİZİ İLE İNCELENMESİ
Authors: TUNALI Duygu
Published: May 2019

Türkiye’de
son yıllarda kadınların işgücüne yüksek oranda katılımı ve çalışan kadın
sayısının artmasıyla birlikte; okul öncesi çocuk bakımına yönelik ihtiyaç da
artmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı anne ve babaların okul öncesi eğitimde özel kreş
ve anaokulu tercihine yönelik tutumlarının konjoint analizi ile ortaya
konmasıdır. Çok değişkenli analiz tekniklerinden biri olan konjoint analizi,
daha çok pazarlama araştırmalarında tüketici tercihlerinin değerlendirilmesinde
kullanılan bir tekniktir. Bu çalışmada ebeveynlerin hizmet ve eğitim
sektörlerinde faaliyet gösteren özel kreş ve anaokulu tercihlerini etkileyen
unsurların önem sıralamasını yapmak ve yorumlamak amacıyla kullanılmıştır.
Analizde kullanılan veri, Eskişehir’deki özel kreş ve anaokullarından birine
kayıtlı 2-6 yaş arası çocuğu olan ebeveynlerden 2018 yılı Ocak ayında elde
edilmiştir. Analiz sonucunda öğretmen ilgisinin tercihler üzerinde en önemli
etkiye sahip olduğu, ardından sırasıyla; ortam koşulları, aylık ücret ve öğretmen
eğitim düzeyinin geldiği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca servis, tecrübe ve konum
özellikleri de birbirine çok yakın değerler alarak en az önem verilen
özellikler olarak saptanmıştır. Çalışmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre bu alanda
hizmet ve eğitim veren özel kuruluşların hangi özelliklere göre daha fazla
tercih edilebileceği yorumlanmıştır.
ÇİN’İN MERKANTİLİST ENERJİ POLİTİKALARI VE LATİN AMERİKA’DAKİ YANSIMALARI
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Orhan
Published: May 2019

Küresel
ekonominin yükselen gücü Çin, artan nüfus ve sanayileşme eğilimleri
çerçevesinde enerji ihtiyacını giderme gayesiyle devlet petrol şirketleriyle
birçok bölgede doğrudan yatırım yapmaya başlamıştır. Bu bölgelerden biri de
Latin Amerika’dır. Latin Amerika Ülkeleri ile Çin arasındaki ekonomik ilişkiler
giderek artmaktadır. Bu bağlamda çalışmada önce, Çin’in enerji politikalarının
merkantilist bir niteliği olduğuna ve Latin Amerika’da yaptığı yatırımların
merkantilist stratejinin bir parçası olduğuna vurgu yapılacaktır. Daha sonra,
bu yatırımların ve diğer ticari ilişkilerin Güney-Güney işbirliği ve ABD
hegemonyasındaki ekonomi-politik modele bir alternatif oluşturma çabalarının
göstergesi olarak nitelenmesi gerektiğine değinilecektir.
Evaluating the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians: study protocol for a randomized controlled equivalence trial
Authors: Atuhairwe Susan , Byamugisha Josaphat , Allvin Marie Klingberg , Cleeve Amanda , Hanson Claudia , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Kakaire Othman , Danielsson Kristina Gemzell
Published: May 2019

Background

A large proportion of abortion-related mortality and morbidity occur in the second trimester of pregnancy. The Uganda Ministry of Health policy restricts management of second trimester incomplete abortion to physicians who are few and unequally distributed with most practicing in urban regions. Unsafe and outdated methods like sharp curettage are frequently used. Medical management of second trimester post abortion care by midwives offers an advantage given the difficulty in providing surgical management in low-income settings and current health worker shortages. The study aims to assess the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians.

Methods

A randomized controlled equivalence trial implemented at eight hospitals and health centers in Central Uganda will include 1192 eligible women with incomplete abortion of uterine size >12 weeks up to 18 weeks. Each participant will be randomly assigned to undergo a clinical assessment and treatment by either a midwife (intervention arm) or physician (control arm). Enrolled participants will receive 400mcg of misoprostol administered sublingually 3 hourly up to 5 doses within 24 hours at the health facility until a complete abortion is confirmed. Women who do not achieve complete abortion within 24 hours will undergo surgical uterine evacuation. Pre-discharge, participants will receive contraceptive counseling and information on what to expect in terms of side effects and signs of complications with follow up 14 days later to assess secondary outcomes. Analyses will be by Intention-to-Treat. Background characteristics and outcomes will be presented using descriptive statistics. Differences between groups will be analyzed using risk difference (95% CI) and equivalence established if it lies between the pre-defined range of -5% to +5%. Chi-square test will be used for comparison of outcome and t test used to compare mean values. P-values equal to or lower than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our study will provide evidence to inform national and international policies, standard care guidelines and training programmes curricula on treatment of second trimester incomplete abortion for improved access.
Spontaneous healing of an isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection without stroke: a case report
Authors: Kishi Yo
Published: May 2019

Background
Isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissections can cause subarachnoid hemorrhages or infarctions. Surgical and endovascular treatments for hemorrhagic stroke cases and medical treatments using antithrombotic agents for ischemic stroke cases have been performed, but there are very few reports on nonstroke isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissections, and the treatment strategy for nonstroke cases has not been established. This is the first detailed report on a spontaneously healed, isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection without stroke, followed by high-resolution MRI examinations.

Case presentation
A 48-year-old healthy male felt a severe, throbbing headache on the right side and came to our clinic on the fourth day following onset. MRI examinations revealed a right posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection and showed no infarctions or hemorrhages. He was observed carefully with continuous monitoring of blood pressure, hydrated sufficiently, and given analgesic anti-inflammatory agents. Two weeks later, the dissected vessel’s diameter grew to the maximum size, though the patient’s headache rapidly improved around that day. Surgical or endovascular treatments for prevention of subarachnoid hemorrhage were recommended, but careful conservative therapy was continued in accordance with the patient’s wishes. Gradually, the dissection finding improved. Four months later, MRI examinations showed his right posterior inferior cerebellar artery was almost normal in size and shape.

Conclusions
This is the first detailed report on a nonstroke isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissection that spontaneously occurred and healed, observed by serial high-resolution MRI examinations.
VIBRA trial – Effect of village-based refill of ART following home-based same-day ART initiation vs clinic-based ART refill on viral suppression among individuals living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho
Authors: Amstutz Alain , Lejone Thabo Ishmael , Khesa Lefu , Muhairwe Josephine , Nsakala Bienvenu Lengo , Tlali Katleho , Bresser Moniek , Tediosi Fabrizio , Kopo Mathebe , Kao Mpho , Klimkait Thomas , Battegay Manuel , Glass Tracy Renée , Labhardt Niklaus Daniel
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND
There is a need for evaluating community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models to improve overall performance of HIV programs, specifically in populations that may have difficulties to access continuous care. This cluster-randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent differentiated ART delivery model (VIBRA model) after home-based same-day ART initiation in remote villages in Lesotho, Southern Africa.

METHODS
VIBRA (Village-Based Refill of ART) trial is a cluster-randomized, parallel-group, superiority clinical trial conducted in two districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. Clusters (i.e. villages) are randomly as-signed to either the VIBRA model or standard of care, stratified by district, village size, and village access to the nearest health facility. Eligible individuals (HIV-positive, aged 10 years or older, not taking ART) found during community-based HIV testing campaigns are offered same-day home-based ART initiation. Intervention clusters offer a differentiated ART delivery package with two fea-tures: Firstly, drug-refill and follow-up through trained and supervised village health workers (VHW). Secondly, the option of receiving individually tailored adherence reminders and viral load result notifications via SMS. Standard of care applies for the control clusters, i.e. ART visits at the clinic and no SMS. The primary endpoint is viral suppression 12 months after enrolment. Second-ary endpoints include linkage to and engagement in care. Furthermore, safety and cost-effectiveness analyses plus qualitative research are planned. Minimum target sample size is 262 participants. Statistical analyses will follow CONSORT guidelines. VIBRA trial is linked to another trial, the HOSENG (HOme-based SElf-testiNG) trial, in the GET ON (GETing tOwards Ninety) re-search project.

DISCUSSION
VIBRA trial is among the first to evaluate ART delivery through VHW immediately after ART-initiation and it assesses the entire HIV care cascade from testing to viral suppression. As most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have cadres similar to the VHW program in Lesotho, this model – if shown to be effective – has potential to be scaled up. The system impact evaluation will provide valuable cost estimations, and the qualitative research will suggest how the model could further be modified to optimize impact.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03630549) on August 15, 2018.
Enhancing & Mobilizing the POtential for Wellness & Emotional Resilience Among Surrogate Decision-Makers of ICU Patients (EMPOWER): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Prigerson Holly G. , Viola Martin , Brewin Chris R. , Cox Christopher , Ouyang Daniel , Rogers Madeline , Pan Cynthia X. , Rabin Shayna , Xu Jiehui , Vaughan Susan , Gordon-Elliot Janna S. , Berlin David , Lief Lindsay , Lichtenthal Wendy G.
Published: May 2019

Background: Critical illness increases the risk for poor mental health outcomes among both patients and their informal caregivers, especially their surrogate decision-makers. Surrogates who must make life-and-death medical decisions on behalf of incapacitated patients may experience additional distress. EMPOWER (Enhancing & Mobilizing the POtential for Wellness & Emotional Resilience among Surrogate Decision-Makers of ICU Patients) is a novel cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based intervention delivered in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting to surrogate decision-makers designed to improve both patients’ quality of life and death and dying as well as surrogates’ mental health.

Methods: Clinician stakeholder and surrogate participant feedback (n=15), as well as results from an open trial (n =10), will be used to refine the intervention, which will then be evaluated through a multisite randomized controlled trial (n = 60) to examine clinical superiority to usual care. Feasibility, tolerability, and acceptability of the intervention will be evaluated through self-report assessments. Hierarchical linear modeling will be used to adjust for clustering within interventionists to determine the effect of EMPOWER on surrogate differences in the primary outcome, peritraumatic stress. Secondary outcomes will include symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and experiential avoidance. Exploratory outcomes will include symptoms of anxiety, depression, and decision regret, all measured at one-month and three-months from post-intervention assessment. Linear regression models will examine the effects of assignment to EMPOWER versus the enhanced usual care group on patient quality of life or quality of death and intensity of care the patient received during the indexed ICU stay assessed at the time of the post-intervention assessment on. Participant exit interviews will be conducted at the three-month assessment time point and will be analyzed using qualitative thematic data analysis methods.

Discussion: The EMPOWER study is unique in its application of evidence-based psychotherapy targeting peritraumatic stress to improve patient and caregiver outcomes in the setting of critical illness. The experimental intervention will be strengthened through the input of a variety of ICU stakeholders, including behavioral health clinicians, physicians, bereaved informal caregivers, and open trial participants. Results of the RCT will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and serve as preliminary data for a larger, multisite RCT grant application.
Depression in the nursing home: a cluster-randomized stepped-wedge study to probe the effectiveness of a novel case management approach to improve treatment (the DAVOS project)
Authors: Tesky Valentina Antonia , Schall Arthur , Schulze Ulrike , Stangier Ulrich , Oswald Frank , Knopf Monika , König Jochem , Blettner Maria , Arens Elisabeth , Pantel Johannes
Published: May 2019

Background

Depression is the second most common psychiatric illness in old people. Up to 30% of nursing home residents suffer from minor or major depression. Although depressive disorders in old age can be improved and even cured with adequate therapy, they often go unnoticed in nursing home residents and remain untreated. This highlights a striking deficit in health care and might results not only in lower quality of life among those concerned but also in poor physical functioning, premature mortality and increased hospitalization rates.

Methods

The aim of the interdisciplinary research project DAVOS is to implement an innovative and stepped structural case management program to improve depression treatment in nursing home residents by a modularized intervention and to assess it in terms of its effectiveness. Intervention modules are in line with recommendations given by the German national treatment guidelines for depression (S3 guidelines). Ten nursing homes in Frankfurt, Germany, will participate in the project which aims to recruit a study population of N = 380. The recruitment will continue throughout the trial (open cohort). Persons (>60 years) that live in a nursing home, have no medical diagnosis of dementia and can provide their informed consent to participate are eligible for inclusion in the study. Residents with a clinical diagnosis of dementia, alcohol or substance related disorders or other serious psychiatric illnesses will be excluded. DAVOS is a controlled cluster-randomized study that employs a stepped-wedge design.

Discussion

Our main hypothesis is that the implementation of the intervention will lead to a decline in the prevalence of depression and a reduction in depression symptoms among the home residents. In addition, we expect the intervention to have a positive impact on secondary outcomes such as level of functioning, quality of life and social participation. The project’s results can make an important contribution towards improving the health care of nursing home residents suffering from late-life depression.
Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among mentally disabled and non-disabled primary school students, Bahir Dar, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2018: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayalew Agumas Fentahun , Achamyeleh Anemaw Asrat , Aniley Abebayehu Bitew , Admas Selamawit Mulat
Published: May 2019

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still common in low-income countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children due to low-quality drinking water, poor personal and environmental sanitation. Disabled individuals are excluded from most academic, economic, social and cultural opportunities, they are among the poorest and most marginalized of the whole world’s people. The aim of this study wasto assess the prevalenceof intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among mentally disabled and non-disabled students at primary schools in Bahir Dar city, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods:A school-based Comparative cross-sectional study design was conductedfrom November 1 – 30, 2018. A total of 418 study participants, 104 mentally disabled and 314 non-disabled students were recruited through a simple random sampling technique. The collected data were coded, entered and cleaned with EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% Confidence interval at a 5% level of significance was used to measure the strength of association. Results: The mean age of study participants was 14.05±3.66 and 11.96 ±2.94 for mentally disabled students and non-disabled students. Prevalence of parasitic infection was 56.70% (n=59) for mentally disabled students whereas 41.10%(n=129) for non-disabled students. Uncleanfingernails [AOR=2.42; 1.40,4.17], health checkups [AOR=1.87;1.16,3.02], hand washing with water only[AOR=2.48; 1.49,4.12],cooking and sanitation source of water [AOR=4.40;2.32,8.36],Grade(1-4)[AOR=2.27;1.41,3.67], sex [AOR=1.64;1.03,2.63] and Familysize>=7[AOR=2.74;1.25,5.99] were variables which showed statistically significant association with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was higher among mentally disabled students than non-disabled students. Unclean fingernails, health checkups, hand washing habits, source of water, family size, sex and Grade of students have had a statistically significant association with intestinal parasitic infections. Periodic medicinal treatment was needed twice a year for mentally disabled and once a year for non-disabled students.
Risk factors for viral hepatitis C infection in Rwanda: Results from a Nationwide Screening Program
Authors: Makuza Jean Damascene , Liu Carol Y , Ntihabose Corneille Killy , Dushimiyimana Donatha , Umuraza Sabine , Nisingizwe Marie Paul , Umutesi Justine , Serumondo Janvier , Mugeni Soline Dusabeyesu , Semakula Muhamed , Gupta Neil , Hellard Margaret , Nsanzimana Sabin
Published: May 2019

Background

The epidemiology and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Rwanda are not well known; however, this information is crucial to shaping the country’s public health approach to hepatitis C control.

Methods

A HCV screening campaign was conducted in the general population in 24 districts previously identified to have a high HCV disease burden at the time of sample collection, sociodemographic information and self-reported risk factors were collected. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to assess risk factors independently associated with HCVAb seroprevalence.

Results

Out of a total of 326,263 individuals screened for HCVAb, 22183 (6.8%) were positive. In multivariate analysis, risk factors identified as statistically associated with HCVAb positivity include history of traditional operation or scarification (OR=1.091, 95% CI: 1.049-1.135), presence of viral hepatitis in the family (OR=1.268, 95% CI: 1.151-1.397), widowed or separated/divorced (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.257-1.471), South province (OR=1.978, 95% CI: 1.884-2.077) and age 65 years old and over (OR=4.857, 95% CI: 4.617-5.110). Ubudehe category 3 (OR=0.966, 95% CI: 0.927-1.008) and participants using RAMA insurance (OR=0.775, 95% CI: 0.704-0.854) had lower odds of HCV seropositivity.

Conclusions

Our findings provide important information for Rwanda’s strategy on prevention and case-finding. Future prevention interventions will aim to reduce transmission through targeted messaging around traditional healing practices and future case-finding will target individuals with a history of exposure or of older age.
Therapeutic effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on form-deprived amblyopic kittens
Authors: Li Bo , Zou Yunchun , Li Liwen , Deng Hongwei , Mi Wei , Wang Xing , Yin Ximin
Published: May 2019

Background

Exploring the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the lateral geniculate body (LGBd) in visual development and studying the therapeutic effect of VIP on amblyopic kittens.

Methods

Three-week-old domestic cats were divided into a control group (n = 10) and a monocular deprivation group (n = 20), with an eye mask covering the right eye of those in the deprived group. After pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) recording confirmed the formation of monocular amblyopia, the left LGBd was isolated from 5 kittens in each group. The remaining control kittens continued to be raised, and the remaining deprivation group was divided into a VIP intervention group (n = 5), Sefsol (caprylic acid monoglyceride) intervention group (n = 5) and amblyopia non-intervention group (n = 5) after removal of the eye mask. Three weeks later, PVEPs, VIP immunohistochemistry and VIP mRNA expression in the left LGBd were compared across groups.

Results

At 6 weeks of age, there were significant differences in P100 wave latency and amplitude and VIP immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization between the control group and the deprivation group (P < 0.05). After 3 weeks of the corresponding interventions, the latency and amplitude in the VIP intervention group were better than that in the Sefsol intervention group and amblyopia non-intervention group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, VIP treatment increased the number of immunohistochemical VIP-positive cells (P < 0.05) and the average optical density of positive cells (P > 0.05), as well as the number (P < 0.05) and average optical density of VIP mRNA-positive cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

VIP plays an important role in visual development. Nasal administration of VIP can improve the function of neurons in the LGBd of kittens and has a certain therapeutic effect on amblyopia.
The Effect of An Educational Program for Pregnant Women to Prevent Allergic Diseases In Infants: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ito Rie , Nezu Yoko , Ishiguro Nao , Nakade Masato , Ishitsuka Yukiko , Naru Eiji
Published: May 2019

Background

Allergic diseases in infants have dramatically increased in developed countries during the past few decades. To date, extensive research has been done on risk factors for allergies in infancy, and preventive measures against it. However, the effect of the primary approach to preventing infants' allergy still remains limited.

The aim of this trial is to evaluate whether prenatal education interventions, including the latest public research results on allergic diseases, prevent the infant allergies onset.

Methods/Design

We designed a randomized, controlled, two-arm (standard prenatal education vs our education), parallel-group, assessor-blind, trial. A sample of 120 pregnant women will be recruited at Chiba Aiyukai Kinen hospital and allocation is by computer-generated randomization.

Pregnant women in the intervention arm participate in the childbirth education program established by the specialist and a pediatric allergy educator. The program was developed based on evidences supporting interventions on primary prevention, which are suggested to be beneficial to infant’s allergies in recent studies.

The primary objective of the study is to determine whether it is possible to establish effective behaviors for allergy prevention during early infancy in pregnant women who participate in an educational program developed by pediatric allergy specialists. Four months after birth, their behaviors will be compared against those of pregnant women who did not participate in the program.

Discussion

Allergies are common in many individuals worldwide, and can be present from babyhood through the person’s lifetime. One of the strong points of this study is that it will provide pregnant women with accumulated information on preventive knowledge against allergy that can be effective in some cases, and women can apply a combination of these behavior before and after pregnancy. The results of our program will be publicized to help change the behaviors of mothers, and if the program is effective for preventing allergies in infants, it will be disclosed worldwide as a new preventive measure for allergy in infants.
DNA methylation and miRNA-1296 act in concert to mediate spatiotemporal expression of KPNA7 during bovine oocyte and early embryonic development
Authors: Wang Lei , Hand Jacqelyn M. , Fu Liyuan , Smith George W. , Yao Jianbo
Published: May 2019

Background

Epigenetic regulation of oocyte-specific maternal factors is essential for oocyte and early embryonic development. KPNA7 is an oocyte-specific maternal factor, which controls transportation of nuclear proteins important for early embryonic development. To elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the controlled expression of KPNA7, both DNA methylation associated transcriptional silencing and miRNA-mediated mRNA degradation of KPNA7 were examined.

Results

Comparison of DNA methylation profiles at the proximal promoter of KPNA7 gene between oocyte and 6 different somatic tissues identified 3 oocyte-specific differentially methylated CpG sites. Expression of KPNA7 mRNA was reintroduced in bovine kidney-derived CCL2 cells after treatment with the methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). Analysis of the promoter region of KPNA7 gene in CCL2 cells treated with 5-Aza showed a lighter methylation rate in all the CpG sites. Bioinformatic analysis predicted 4 miRNA-1296 binding sites in the coding region of KPNA7 mRNA. Ectopic co-expression of miRNA-1296 and KPNA7 in HEK293 cells led to reduced expression of KPNA7 protein. Quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed that miRNA-1296 is expressed in oocytes and early stage embryos, and the expression reaches a peak level in 8-cell stage embryos, coincident with the time of embryonic genome activation and the start of declining of KPNA7 expression.

Conclusions

These results suggest that DNA methylation may account for oocyte-specific expression of KPNA7, and miRNA-1296 targeting the coding region of KPNA7 is a potential mechanism for KPNA7 transcript degradation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition.
Invisible Heritage: Ancient Egypt and the Museums in Serbia
Authors: Vasiljević Vera
Published: May 2019

The museum collections in Serbia, along with one mummy and two coffins, include a little over one hundred fifty artefacts from Ancient Egypt, acquired mainly as gifts by the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, with only one scarab discovered during the archaeological excavations in the country. The Egyptian antiquities in our museums, scientifically studied and published almost without exemption, have long been inaccessible to the public, or occasionally available to a limited number of visitors (part of the collection of the National Museum in Belgrade situated in the Archaeological Collection of the Faculty of Philosophy). They are not mentioned in the web presentations of the museums where they are kept, i.e. the museums in Vršac, Belgrade, and Sombor. Potential reasons for this invisibility will be discussed, especially the issue whether these antiquities are perceived as heritage, in what category of heritage are they listed, and according to what criteria.
Social Factors of Health Vulnerability of Marginalized Social Groups
Authors: Žikić Bojan
Published: May 2019

Marginalized social groups are part of a certain apotheosis of otherness in present-day anthropological studies, being groups – such as refugees or immigrants – that come from other socio-cultural environments, and are marginalized in the anthropologists’ own environments, or environments socio-culturally similar to these. Groups that are to be considered as marginalized are those that have been put in this position contextually, through displacement from everything that represents life according to human standards, which becomes a continuous/permanent state, i.e. the way of life of the people in question, leading to the destabilization of both their physical and their mental health. The causes of this displacement are social in nature, thus constituting the primary social factors of health vulnerability of displaced populations, and they include wars and armed conflicts, persecution for various reasons, and poverty, i.e. the impossibility of subsisting on resources available in one’s own socio-economic environment. The secondary social factors of health vulnerability of marginalized social groups occur in the environments in which the groups find themselves after having been displaced from their previous socio-cultural environments; they result from the legal status of unwilling newcomers to these environments, and refer to the difficulty or impossibility of accessing the social and health care systems in their new environments.
Ex oriente nigri: “Captain of the Blacks” and the Fabrication of the Minoan Culture
Authors: Matić Uroš
Published: May 2019

The fabrication of the Minoan culture is the specifically modern phenomenon, closely linked to the imperial and colonial conquest and appropriation of Ancient Greece. The Greek war of independence created an arena in which Europe could take part in the fight for its cradle. In the postcolonial key, the paper situates the fresco “Captain of the Blacks” into the context of the fabrication of the Minoan culture and the colonial narratives inscribed into it.  In the beginning of the 20th century, this colonial past of the notion, known today as the Minoan culture, played a major role in the definition of the European past, present and future. The Minoan culture, as a colonial discursive formation in archaeology, has remained in the framework of the culture-historical paradigm, but beyond it as well. The paper argues that the reconstruction of the fresco “Captain of the Blacks” in the works of Arthur Evans is the consequence of the colonial racism, putting the emphasis on the colour of the skin as a racial/ ethnic category. The interpretation that the dark-skinned figures are of the African origin has rarely been questioned, but rather perpetuated as a given
The Economic Viability of Ethnicity: Economic Behavior as an Expression of Ethnic Identity among Serbian Immigrants in the USA
Authors: Nedeljković Saša
Published: May 2019

The economic aspect of ethnicity represents a wide topic of research which still hasn’t been extensively studied in Serbian ethnology and anthropology. It encompasses numerous kinds of relationships between people who belong to the same ethnic group, as well as all kinds of economic discrimination or economic favorizing based on ethnic identity. In this paper I shall attempt to highlight some of the basic characteristics of this issue, and to point out the interconnectedness of economic behavior and ethnic identity, based on one case study. I shall also demonstrate some of the specifics of the socio-economic system within which the studied topic was considered (USA), as well as the complex and ambiguous influence that this system has had on ethnic identity through certain economic actions. The paper focuses on the economic aspect of ethnicity of the Serbian Diaspora in the US, and certain specific issues are considered through the example of the economic behavior of one Serbian immigrant from Romania.