bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter Pylori UreB Upregulates the Expression of PD-L1 through Myh9 /mTOR Pathway and Inhibits the Activation of CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Wu Jian , Wang Honghao , Guo Xia , Cai Qinzhen , Xiang Tian , Luo Wei , Xiang Yun , Liu Gao , Yuan Chunhui
Published: December 2020

Objectives: Immune regulation mechanism of how Helicobacter pylori urease disrupting the homeostasis of host cells remains unknown.Methods: We thus detected the effect of Helicobacter pylori UreB on macrophage PD-L1 expression with recombinant protein and defective strains. The influence of UreB induced PD-L1 on CD8+ T cells’ proliferation and perforin and granzyme expression were assessed through co-culture model. Results: Urease subset B (UreB) significantly promoted PD-L1 expression in Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and thus blocked the proliferation and activity of H. pylori-primed CD8+ T cells. Myosin heavy chain 9 (Myh9) works as the receptor for UreB. The interaction between UreB and Myh9 promoted amino acid anabolism, activated mTOR pathway and induced PD-L1 expression in BMDMs. mTOR inhibitor Temsirolimus reversed UreB-induced PD-L1 expression and the inhibitory effects on CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: Our study reveals a hitherto-unknown immunosuppressive mechanism of UreB during H. pylori infection, provides clues for the development of H. pylori vaccine.
Comparison of Six Statistical Methods for Interrupted time Series Studies: Empirical Evaluation of 190 Published Series
Authors: Turner Simon , Karahalios Amalia , Forbes Andrew , Taljaard Monica , Grimshaw Jeremy , McKenzie Joanne
Published: December 2020

Background The Interrupted Time Series (ITS) is a quasi-experimental design commonly used in public health to evaluate the impact of interventions or exposures. Multiple statistical methods are available to analyse data from ITS studies, but no empirical investigation has examined how the different methods compare when applied to real-world datasets. MethodsA random sample of 200 ITS studies identified in a previous methods review were included. Time series data from each of these studies was sought. Each dataset was re-analysed using six statistical methods. Point and confidence interval estimates for level and slope changes, standard errors, p-values and estimates of autocorrelation were compared between methods. ResultsFrom the 200 ITS studies, including 230 time series, 190 datasets were obtained. We found that the choice of statistical method can importantly affect the level and slope change point estimates, their standard errors, width of confidence intervals and p-values. Statistical significance (categorised at the 5% level) often differed across the pairwise comparisons of methods, ranging from 4% to 25% disagreement. Estimates of autocorrelation differed depending on the method used and the length of the series. ConclusionsThe choice of statistical method in ITS studies can lead to substantially different conclusions about the impact of the interruption. Pre-specification of the statistical method is encouraged, and naive conclusions based on statistical significance should be avoided.
Winter Grazing on Cotton Stubble Affects Grazing Behavior and Feed Intake of Ewes
Authors: Rehemujiang Halidai , Yimamu Aibibula
Published: December 2020

Background:In this study, we investigated the effects of cotton (Gossypium spp) stubble grazing during winter on the feed intake, grazing behavior, and blood chemical parameters of Altay ewes in Xinjiang, China. Eighty adult and twenty-five young ewes grazed continuously on cotton stubble from sunrise to sunset for 90 d during the winter, without receiving any supplementary feed. We measured the biomass and components of cotton stubble before, and at 1 and 2 months of grazing; the ewes’ feed intake and grazing behavior at 1 and 2 months; and their blood parameters and immunity indices at the beginning and end of the grazing period. Results: The biomass of cotton stalk was 5486.08 kg/hm2 at the beginning and decreased to 4340.90 ± 917.10 kg/hm2 and 3599.09 ± 689.56 kg/hm2 at 1 and 2 months, respectively. The proportion of cotton leaves and boll shells in each component of cotton stalk decreased significantly (P < 0.05). At 1 and 2 months, the walking time of ewes was 93.58 ± 3.08 min and 115.99 ± 2.25 min and the distance covered was 6.8 ±0.92 km and 10.2 ± 2.30 km, respectively; both increased significantly during the late grazing stage (P < 0.05). At 1 and 2 months, the feed intake and dry matter digestibility did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The intake of digestible energy and digestible crude protein levels at 1 and 2 months in sheep were 7.91~9.58 MJ/d and 47.30~69.04 g/d, respectively, which were lower than the nutritional requirements of grazing ewes. Compared with those before grazing, the blood platelet count and iron concentration in ewes at the end of grazing decreased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the concentrations of free gossypol and aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased (P < 0.05). The most common activity of the ewe’s day was grazing, the grazing time of ewes accounted for over 60 % of the total pasture time. Conclusion:Owing to the limited feed intake and digestibility of cotton stubble in winter, the demand for digestible energy and digestible crude protein in ewes cannot be satisfied by grazing alone.
Effects of Different Ration of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder and Mulberry Leaf Powder on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Activity, Lipid Metabolism and Organ Index of Laying Hens
Authors: Li Tao , Shen Manman , Hou Qirui , Zhang Shaolun , Huang Haoling , Guo Peng , Wu Ping , Zhao Weiguo
Published: December 2020

Background: The use of moringa oleifera and mulberry as animal feed satisfy not only a nutritional requirement for livestock, but also improve antioxidant status and prevent lipid oxidation. Different feed combinations could produce synergy effect in animals. The combination between moringa oleifera and mulberry may result in additive and/or synergic effects that enhance animal performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different ration of moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and mulberry leaf powder (MLP) on the performance of laying hens. Methods: A total of 210 37-week-old F1 generation produced from Wenchang Chicken and Rugao yellow chicken were randomly divided into three groups (each group had 5 repetitions; each repetition had 14 chickens). The control group (C0) was fed basal diet, while test I (T1) and test II (T2) were fed basal diet supplemented with 2.5% MOLP + 2.5% MLP and 5% MOLP + 2.5% MLP, respectively. During the experiment, the laying performance, feed conversion, egg quality, internal organ index, antioxidant index and lipid indictors were measured. Results: The results showed that the supplementation of 5%MOLP and 2.5%MLP significantly decreased laying rate, albumen height, Haugh Unit and eggshell index compared with the Control group (P<0.05), whereas the supplementation of 2.5%MOLP and 2.5%MLP had no significant effect the above indicators. In the two supplemented groups, yolk colors were significantly increased. A significant decrease of antioxidant activity of serum triglyceride, lipid indictor of liver total cholesterol(T-CHO), and internal organ of abdominal fat index were also observed in 5%MOLP and 2.5%MLP group. RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression levels of SOD2 mRNA were significantly increased, while APOB mRNA were significantly decreased with the supplementation of MOLP and MLP. Conclusions: The supplementation of 2.5%MOLP+2.5%MLP in the local chicken diet had no side effect on egg production performance, egg weight and most egg quality, however, it could improve the yolk color and eggshell strength. The combination supplementation of MOLP and MLP may regulate the antioxidant status and lipid metabolism by regulating SOD2 and APOB gene expression. The supplementation of 2.5%MOLP+2.5%MLP was recommended.
Effect of Dietary Amylose/amylopectin Ratio on Diarrhea and Gut Microorganism of Weaned Pigs Challenged With Escherichia Coli Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: yang can , wang min , tang xiaowu , yang huansheng , li fengna , wang yancan , yin yulong
Published: December 2020

Background: Dietary amylose/amylopectin ratio (DAR) plays important role in piglets’ immune system. It is controversial whether diarrhea could be relieved by changing DRA in weaning piglets.Methods: A total of 60 (Landrace × Yorkshire) castrated male pigs (initial body weight 6.51 ± 0.64 kg) were allotted to 5 groups (1 pig/cage and 12 replicates/group) in a randomized complete block design according to their BW. Piglets were fed ad libitum with diets different in DAR (0.00, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80) for 28 days. Feed transition occurs at day 15. 100 μg/kg body weight lipopolysaccharides or same amount of saline were injected via abdomen on day 29, 12 h before slaughter. Results: Diarrhea rate and diarrhea degree were higher when DAR was 0.40 than in groups 0.20 and 0.80 during third weed (P<0.05). Iso-valeric acid of ileum decreased after LPS stress (P<0.05). Cecal iso-butyrate acid and iso-valeric acid concentrations increased after LPS stress (P<0.05). Iso- and valeric acid concentration of ileal chyme was higher in group 0.20 compared with other groups (P＜0.05). Cecal acetic acid and propionic acid concentration were higher in group 0.40 than in group 0.20 (P＜0.05). Alpha diversity of cecal microbial representative by goods coverage was higher in group 0.40 when compared with group 0.20 (P＜0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_ NK4A214_ group and Anaerotruncus in cecal chyme of Group 0.20 was significantly higher than that in Group 0.40 (P<0.05), with no significant difference compared with other groups (P>0.05). The abundance of Cetobacterium was significant lower in cecal chyme from Group 0.20 compared with pigs from Group 0.40(P<0.01), with no significant difference compared with other groups (P>0.05). Diarrhea rate during third week negative correlated with abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_ gut_ group and X.Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Diarrhea happened when weaned piglets received diet with DAR 0.40 during feed transition, but they will regulate cecal microorganism and metabolites such as acetic acid and propionic acid to restore their health.
Optimal Timing for Hospice-shared Care in Terminal Cancer Patients
Authors: Dai Yan-Mei , Huang Ya-Ting , Lai Min-Yu , Liu Hsueh-Erh , Shiao Chih-Chung
Published: December 2020

The optimal timing for initiating palliative care in cancer patients varied widely. This retrospective population-based study aimed to determine the optimal initiation timing of hospice-shared care (HSC), which maximizes the beneficial effects of quality of care (QOC) and medical expenses among terminal cancer patients. We extracted cancer patients who were in their last year of lives during 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2013 from a nationwide database. After the selection and matching process, 1,714 patients (67.7±13.2 years, 62.7% male) were enrolled and categorized into the HSC group and usual care (UC) group (n=857 in each group). By suing the generalized linear mixed-effects model for comparisons between groups, we found that the HSC groups showed generally better QOC in the four indices (with emergency room visit, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and receiving chemotherapy) than the UC group in those who initiated HSC 8-60 days before death. The HSC group also had significantly lower medical expenses than the UC group in those who initiated HSC 15-90 days before death. In conclusion, HSC initiation before the last eight days and 15 days of lives were found to effectively improve QOC and save medical expenses, respectively, among patients with terminal cancer.
Comparative Analysis of Evaluation Parameters in Broiler Chickens Infected With Major Parasitic Species of Eimeria 
Authors: Flores Rochelle , Nguyen Binh , Cammayo Paula Leona , Fernandez-Colorado Cherry , Kim Woo , Kim Suk , Min Wongi , Roy Anindita
Published: December 2020

Background: Avian coccidiosis is a major disease within the poultry industry caused by species of Eimeria, an intestinal protozoan parasite. Body weight gain, intestinal lesion score, and fecal oocyst shedding are parameters that have been used to assess the protective effects of various treatments in Eimeria-infected chickens. The objective of this study was to compare the aforementioned parameters in broiler chickens infected with major parasitic species of Eimeria, such as E. acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella. Results: The results of the body weight gain, intestinal lesion score, and fecal oocyst shedding showed similar patterns between female and male broilers infected with Eimeria species. However, there was a difference in body weight gain between normal females and males, and also between Eimeria-infected females and males. When broilers were infected with 1×104 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria species, each Eimeria species induced distinct changes in body weight gain, lesion score, and fecal oocyst shedding. In addition, a lesion score of approximately 3 was more closely related to body weight gain than a lesion score of approximately 2. Conclusion: These results suggest that certain levels of lesion severity are more closely related to body weight gain.
Genetic and Process Engineering Strategies for Enhanced Recombinant N-glycoprotein Production in Bacteria
Authors: Pratama Fenryco , Linton Dennis , Dixon Neil
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe production of N-linked glycoproteins in genetically amenable bacterial hosts offers great potential for reduced cost, faster/simpler bioprocesses, greater customisation and utility for distributed manufacturing of glycoconjugate vaccines and glycoprotein therapeutics. Efforts to optimize production hosts have included heterologous expression of glycosylation enzymes, metabolic engineering, use of alternative secretion pathways, and attenuation of gene expression. However, a major bottleneck to enhance glycosylation efficiency, which limits the utility of the other improvements is the impact of target protein sequon accessibility during glycosylation.ResultsHere, we explore a series genetic and process engineering strategies to increase recombinant N-linked glycosylation mediated by the Campylobacter-derived PglB oligosaccharyltransferase in Escherichia coli. Strategies include increasing membrane residency time of the target protein by modifying the cleavage site of its secretion signal, and modulating protein folding in the periplasm by use of oxygen limitation or strains with compromised oxidoreductases or disulphide-bond isomerase activity. These approaches could achieve up to 90% improvement in glycosylation efficiency. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that supplementation with the chemical oxidant cystine enhanced glycoprotein production and improved cell fitness in the oxidoreductase knock out strain.ConclusionsIn this study, we demonstrated that improved glycosylation in the heterologous host could be achieved by mimicking the coordination between protein translocation, folding and glycosylation observed in native such as Campylobacter jejuni and mammalian hosts. Furthermore, it provides insight into strain engineering and bioprocess strategy, to improve glycoprotein yield and to avoid physiological burden of unfolded protein stress to cell growth. The process and genetic strategies identified herein will inform further optimisation and scale-up of heterologous recombinant N-glycoprotein production
A Novel Combinatorial Shield Design for Eye and Face Protection in COVID-19
Authors: Huang Xiu-Ling , Yang Jin-Rong , Sun Yu-Xiang , Chen Yi-Wen , Wang Xiu-Mei , Du Shui-Miao , Hua Zi-Kai
Published: December 2020

The World Health Organization emphasized the importance of goggles and face shields for protection of medical personnel at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsurprisingly, almost all countries suffered from a critical supply shortage of goggles and face shields, as well as many other types of personal protective equipment (PPE), for a long period, owing to the lack of key medical material supplies and the inefficiency of existing fabrication methods arising from the need to avoid crowds during the outbreak of COVID-19. In this context, we propose a novel combined shield design for eye and face protection that can be rapidly fabricated using three-dimensional printing technology. The designed prototype eye–face shield is accessible to the general public , offering more possibilities for yield improvement in PPE during emergent infectious disease events such as COVID-19.
Prevalence, Median Time and Associated Factors with the Likelihood of Initial Antidepressant Change in Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study in Qatar.
Authors: Elbakary Nervana , Ouanes Sami , Riaz Sadaf , Abdallah Oraib , Mahran Islam , Al-Khuzaei Noriya , Eltorki Yassin
Published: December 2020

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires therapeutic interventions during the initial month after being diagnosed for better disease outcomes. International guidelines recommend a duration of 4-12 weeks for an initial antidepressant (IAD) trial at an optimized dose to get a response. If depressive symptoms persist after this duration, guidelines recommend switching, augmenting, or combining strategies as the next step. Premature discontinuation of IAD due to ineffectiveness can cause unfavorable consequences. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and the patterns of strategies applied after an IAD was changed because of a suboptimal response as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the median survival time on IAD before any change; and the factors that were associated with IAD change.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in Mental Health Services in Qatar. A dataset between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, was extracted from the electronic health records. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined and applied. The sample size was calculated to be at least 379 patients. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequencies and percentages, in addition, to mean and standard deviation. The median time of IAD to any change strategy was calculated using survival analysis. Associated factors were examined using three cox regression models.Results: A total of 487 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study, 431 (88%) of them had an occurrence of IAD change to any strategy before end of the study. Almost half of the sample (212 (49%); 95% CI [44% - 53%]) had their IAD changed within less than or equal to 30 days. The median time to IAD change was 43 days with 95% CI [33.2 – 52.7]. Cox regression analysis showed three statistically significant factors were associated with our secondary outcome: age, un-optimization of the dose, and absence of comorbid anxiety.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that clinicians resorted to IAD change within a median time of six weeks. However, this change often occurred without optimization of the IAD dose and might be too late. Future prospective studies with adequate randomization can better investigate the median survival time on IAD and other associated factors.
MsCIPK, a CBL-interacting Protein Kinase in Medicago sativa L., Confers Salt and Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Zhao Xia , liu Yushi , Ye Lin , Yang Peizhi , Hu Tianming
Published: December 2020

Alfalfa is an important perennial forage but suffers from salt and osmotic stresses worldwide. Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) and CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) are reported to play important roles in response to diverse plant stresses, but are largely unvalidated in alfalfa. In this study, we cloned a MsCIPK gene, which contained 1530 bp, coding 509 amino acids, with typical CIPK functional domains. The expression pattern of MsCIPK was measured using qRT-PCR under salt, drought, heat, cold and ABA stresses. Under NaCl, heat and ABA treatment, the expression pattern of MsCIPK was generally similar, with a first steady decrease and then a gradual increase pattern. The highest expression of MsCIPK was all observed at the start point of all treatments, except in cold treatment. Using transgenic tobaccos of MsCIPK, we further measured the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), soluble protein (SOP), and proline (Pro) under 21 days’ salt and 24 hours’ cold treatment. Under both salt and cold conditions, the content of MDA, SOP and Pro had a similar overall increase pattern with the time of treatment. These results indicated that the MsCIPK played an important role in improving alfalfa’s salt and osmotic tolerance.
Efficacy of Trans-abdominis Plane Block for Post Cesarean Delivery Analgesia in Low-income Countries: a Phase Three Feasibility Study.
Authors: Sanga Evans Azina , Ndebea Ansbert Sweetbert , Salim Shuweikha , Kaino Mwemezi , Njau Bernard , Temu Rogers
Published: December 2020

Background: Optimal pain control in a parturient woman undergoing caesarean section is essential for preventing complications such as venous thrombo-embolism and improving maternal satisfaction, early functional recovery, mother-baby bond and breastfeeding. Intentional pain assessment and adequate management to acceptable pain severity using multimodal methods can be achieved in low-middle income countries (LMICs).Aim: Is to assess the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and satisfaction post cesarean delivery analgesia at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Low-Income countries. Methods: The study population consisted of 72 participants who met criteria posted for elective and emergency caesarean section. They were blindly assigned into two groups: group A was the interventional group which received TAP block and standard pain management according to local protocols and consisted of 41 participants and group B was the control group which received standard pain management without TAP block and consisted of 31 participants. In Group A 30ml of 0.25% bupivacaine single shot was deposited in the TAP plane bilaterally for postoperative analgesia. Participants were randomized using a parallel method. Their demographics were recorded before surgery and visual analogue scale was used to assess postoperative pain at rest and on movement, and maternal satisfaction at 0hrs, 6hrs, 12hrs and 24hrs.Results: Total of 72 patients were analyzed using NRS with pain score at 0hr, 6hr and 12hr was significantly low by about 50% in Intervened group as compared to control group with (p-value (2 tail) of < 0.001 however at 24 hrs. was 0.272. Participant in group A had extra movements at 0hr, 6hrs and 12hrs with p-value <0.001 as compare to control cut had no significant difference when coughing. Martenal satisfaction with pain management was 95.1% with no reported adverse event.Conclusions: Trans Abdominis Plane block when used as part of multimodal pain management is more effective in managing post cesarean pain resulting in less physical limitation and high martenal satisfaction.Trail registration: Register in Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR) with no PACTR202011815473426 on 12 November 2020.
Manufacturing of Bricks From Coal Mine Overburden Dump of Korba, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Singh Shailendra Kumar , Singh Ranjeet K
Published: December 2020

Mixing coal mine overburden with sodium silicate and cement, for manufacturing bricks was studied with the objective of converting the coal mine overburden waste into value-added products. Bricks were prepared using different compositions of coal mine overburden with proportions of sodium silicate and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), in cuboid mould (9″ X 5″X 3″). Bricks were air dried for 24 hours, placed in oven for 115 ± 10 °C for 24 hours. Characterization of tailings and manufactured bricks were done. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength (CS), water absorption (WA), loss on ignition (LoI) and efflorescence were measured. The maximum CS of 9.5 N/mm2 was recorded for brick having overburden to cement ratio of 8:2. However, for making it more economical the ratio of 9:1 was considered and this compares very well cost with full filed the Indian standard (IS): 3495 (Part 1) (1992) of bricks. The results also indicated that the overburden percentage in the bricks affect their mechanical properties. The WA rates of the manufactured bricks are low compared to standard conventional clay bricks, and the same varies with process parameters. The low capillary pore may deter the formation of efflorescence. The process, with standardized parameters, may be commercially adapted, and large quantities of coal mine overburden may be put to use in making bricks. Thus, the process technology observed in this paper can potentially convert the huge amount of environmentally hazardous waste into value added product. Coal mine overburden may materialize as a sustainable supplement to conventional clay, use of which in brick making is totally restricted. The finding also usher a new area of research.
Sideroflexin 1 Detection as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Its Correlation With Clinical and Pathological Parameters
Authors: Xu Zhongneng , Zhou Hao , Luo Yonggang , Chen Sheng
Published: December 2020

BackgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remained the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Increasing evidence showed that sideroflexin 1 (SFXN1) may function as an essential and novel regulator in various diseases. However, its mechanism and pathological role in NSCLC remained unclear.MethodsIn this study, we recruited 237 NSCLC patients. The demographic and pathological information of NSCLC patients were recorded and analyzed. The expressions of SFXN1 in tissues and cell lines were confirmed by qRT-PCR assay. Furthermore, the diagnostic and prognostic potentials of SFXN1 in NSCLC were detected by ROC and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. CCK-8, wound healing and Transwell assays determined the cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of A549 cell after transfection. Finally, PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax, MMP2, and MMP9 levels after knocking down SFXN1 expression in A549 cells were detected by western blot assay.ResultsWe found that SFXN1 was significantly increased in NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines. Up-regulated SFXN1 was associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. The ROC analysis confirmed the high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SFXN1 in discriminating tumor tissues from non-tumor adjacent tissues. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that increased expression of SFXN1 might predict unfavorable prognosis and disease-free survival rate. Knockdown of SFXN1 led to increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in A549 cells. SFXN1 silencing generated decreased PCNA, Bcl-2, MMP2, MMP9 expressions, and increased Bax expression in A549 cells. ConclusionThe results in our study suggested that SFXN1 was up-regulated in NSCLC, functioning as a predictive indicator for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis, shedding new sights for therapeutic target treatment.
Wrong Perceptions Towards Health Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation and Associated Factors Among Women in Adama District, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Feyissa Chala Diriba , Komicha Myerema Abdo , Habtewold Ephrem Mannekulih
Published: December 2020

Background: Wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation among women can contribute to the continuation of this harmful practice. So this study was aimed at determining the prevalence of wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women at Adama District.Objectives: to determine the prevalence of wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women in Adama District from October 15 to 20, 2019.Method: Community based cross sectional study design and stratified sampling techniques were used. Semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire translated to Amharic and Afan Oromo was used. A pretest of 10% was done on women at non-selected kebeles. Data were planned to be collected from a sample of 554 women by 4 female health extension workers. Its completeness was checked daily by supervisor and principal investigator. Data entered to Epi info version 7 were exported to SPSS version 20 for cleaning, recoding and analysis. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression was employed with 95% CI and p-value <0.25. Multi co- linearity was checked with variance inflation factor >10 and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilation among women and associated factors with 95% CI, p-value <0.05. Result: the response rate, median age and inter quartile range were 91.52%, 30 years and 18 years respectively. About 31% (95% CI: 27, 35.5) of women had wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation. Rural residence (AOR= 1.76; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.01), not having any maternal care service (AOR= 2.61, 95% CI: 1.45, 4.69), no mass media exposure (AOR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.23, 6.32) and age at circumcision >11 years (AOR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.80) were statistically significant variables associated with wrong perception towards health consequences of female genital mutilations.Conclusion and recommendation: 31% of women had wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation. Rural residence, no mass media exposure, having no maternal care service and age at circumcision >11 years were significant variables. Increased maternal care service and health education were recommended to improve women’s wrong perceptions towards health consequences of female genital mutilation.
Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Associated Factors Among Female Sex Workers in Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Daka Deresse , Hailemeskel Getahun
Published: December 2020

Background Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the most serious infections and is a major public health problem. Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are considered to be at soaring risk for transmission and acquisition of HBV due to exposure to multiple sexual partners and barriers to the negotiation of consistent condom use. HBV screening services are not widely available in Ethiopia particularly for high risk groups such as persons with multiple sex workers. Hence, this study aimed to assess Sero-prevalence of HBVsAg and associated factors among FSWs in southern Ethiopia.Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to February 2019 at Hawassa city in ISHDO confidential clinic on 383 FSWs. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select study participants using standardized questionnaire. Data were entered to SPSS version 20.0 and analyzed for different variables using Logistic regression. HBsAg was detected from plasma samples using ELISA method. ResultsThe prevalence of HBV among FSWs was 9.2%(95%CI:6.3–12.1). The condom use, condom breakage during sex, use of stimulants, duration of prostitute, history of STI, history of genital ulcer, the number of clients used per day, sex during menses, sexual assault, common use of sharp material and the history of abortion were one of the common factors associated with HBV among FSWs. Conclusion The prevalence of HBV among FSWs in this study area was high. Condom use, history of genital ulcer, sexes during menses and sharp material sharing is highly associated with HBV infection among FSWs and emphasis should be given.
The Mediating Role of Depression Between Early Maladaptive Schema and Pain: A Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Vakili Najme , rezaei Fatemeh , Hosseini Nasrin
Published: December 2020

Background: Individuals with chronic pain frequently display comorbid depression. Depression and chronic pain may be related to childhood maltreatment and early distress. Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) designed to assess early distress. EMSs are at the core of personality pathology and psychological distress.Objective: The main objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that depression mediates the relationship between EMSs and pain.Methods: One hundred chronic pain patients completed Young’s Schema Questionnaire, McGill Pain Questionnaire and depression subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: We estimated two structural models; second model fitted the clinical sample well (chi2= 19.2; p= .31). In this model a latent variable (general maladaptive schema) was explored is directly associated with depression (β=0.39; p<0.01); Also depression is associated with the pain (β= -.57; p<0.01); General maladaptive schema had an indirect effect on pain that was mediated by depression (β= -.35; p<0.01). Conclusions: The results of the study suggested that early emotional maltreatment plays an important role in depression and pain in chronic pain patients. The model can help to adequate and establish targets for the psychological treatments included in multidisciplinary programs for this disorder.
Predicting Response to Total Neoadjuvant Treatment (TNT) in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Based on Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ouyang Ganlu , Yang Xibiao , Deng Xiangbing , Meng Wenjian , Yu Yongyang , Wu Bing , Jiang Dan , Shu Pei , Wang Ziqiang , Yao Jin , Wang Xin
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To investigate the potential value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting response relevance to total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) in locally advanced rectal cancer.Methods: We analyzed MRI of 71 patients underwent TNT from 2015 to 2017 retrospectively. We categorized the response of TNT as CR (complete response) and non-CR, and high, moderate and low sensitivity. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the best predictors of response. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver - operating characteristic curve analysis.Results: Post–ICT (induction chemotherapy) ∆TL (tumor length), post-CRT (concurrent chemoradiotherapy) ∆LNN (the numbers of lymph node metastases), post–CCT (consolidation chemotherapy) ∆SDWI (maximum cross-sectional area of tumor on diffusion-weighted imaging), post-CCT ADCT (the mean apparent diffusion coefficient values of tumor) and post-CCT ∆LNV (volume of lymph node) were the best CR predictors. Post-CRT EMVI (extramural vascular invasion) and post-CCT ∆ST2 (S on T2-weight) were the best significant factors for high sensitivity. Conclusions: Post-ICT ∆TL and post-CRT EMVI may an early predictor of CR and high sensitivity to TNT, respectively. The grouping scheme of CR and non–CR was more suitable for predicting response by MRI parameters than high, moderate and low sensitivity.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
The Impact of an All-female Healthcare Environment on Mentorship and Empowerment of Female Healthcare Professionals in LMICs
Authors: Munabi Naikhoba , Auslander Allyn , Xepoleas Meredith D. , Bunker Libby D. , Vangsness Kella L. , Koualla Sara , Magee Kathy S. , Magee William P. , Yao Caroline A.
Published: December 2020

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need for additional healthcare providers, and women outside the workforce could help address the need. Women in healthcare need more mentorship and leadership training to advance their careers. This study evaluates how women working together on a medical team impacts mentorship, leadership and empowerment. Methods: An all-female volunteer team participating in a cleft surgery mission in Oujda, Morocco were surveyed before and after the mission. Responses were analyzed according to country of origin, national gender equality ranking, volunteer role, and prior mentorship experiences. Statistical analysis with student’s t-test or chi-squared were performed with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: 95 female volunteers from 23 countries participated and 85% completed surveys. Volunteers from HICs (32%) and LMICs (68%) had similar mission roles (p=0.58) and duration of volunteerism (p=0.69). Experience as a mission volunteer (p=0.47), team leader (p=0.28), and educator (p=0.18) were equivalent between cohorts. 73% of women had previously received mentorship but 98% wanted more. 75% had previously mentored others, but 97% wanted to be mentors. Over 90% of past mentor-mentee relationships were between women. 73% of volunteers who had no prior mentorship found their first mentor during the mission. All participants found a long-term peer relationship and felt motivated to mentor women at home. All volunteers felt empowered and enjoyed the mission. Over 95% were inspired to pursue leadership positions, advance professionally, and work with other women at home.Conclusion: Female healthcare professionals in HICs and LMICs desire more mentorship than is available. An all-female healthcare environment can provide opportunities for mentorship and create lasting motivation to teach, lead, and advance professionally. Increasing the visibility of female professionals may effectively empower women in healthcare.
An Exploratory Study of Prevalence of Food Addiction in Indian Youth
Authors: Ghosh Tamoghna , Sarkar Siddharth , Tilak Aman , Kochhar Kanwal Preet
Published: December 2020

Background and aims: As the understanding of food addiction increases, there is a need to explore the occurrence of this condition in different population groups. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of food addiction in a sample of respondents from India using a Hindi version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS).Methods: The Hindi language version of the scale was developed using the back-translation methodology. Subsequently, an online questionnaire-based study was conducted using convenience sampling which presented the Hindi version of YFAS. Results: From 376 respondents (median age 19 years, 42.8% males), the prevalence of food addiction was 13.3%. Persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit was the most common symptom domain endorsed. The weight (median 67 kg versus 60 kg) and BMI (median 25.89 kg/ m2versus 23.04 kg/ m2) were higher in the food addiction group as compared to the non-food addiction group.Conclusions: Despite the limitations of selection bias, the study suggests that food addiction may be present in a proportion of young aged Indians. The association of food addiction with higher weight and BMI suggests propensity to develop metabolic syndrome, and the need to evaluate interventions that could modify phenomenological expression of food addiction.
The Effect of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors on Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Hua-song , Liu Yue , Fu Yang , Li Meng , Wu Yan-qing
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: It is reported that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors can exert a protective effect on the cardiovascular system other than the glucose-lowering effect. However, whether DPP-4 inhibitors can delay or prevent the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker for atherosclerosis, is not clear. METHODS: An extensive literature search was performed up to December 2019.Double-blind, randomized controlled trials that compare the effect of DPP-4 inhibitors with conventional therapy were included. The primary outcome was IMT of carotid.RESULTS: Four studies in total involving 1141 participants were enrolled. The results indicated that DPP-4 inhibitors group showed significant decreases in IMT (- 0.022 mm, P = 0.053) when compared with control group, but it was not statistically significant. There was also a decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (- 0.16%, p < 0.001) in DPP-4 inhibitors groups in comparison with control groups.CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates DPP-4 inhibitors administrated in type 2 diabetes mellitus have no protective effects on carotid IMT compared with conventional/placebo treatment.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic towards Common Neglected Tropical Diseases among Indigenous Group in Malaysia
Authors: Nisha Mehru , Naim Muhammad Alif , Davamani Fabian
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 is a pandemic which heavily affected all walks of around the world. Whilst all people are affected could be from to job losses, increase in poverty, sudden death of family member or loved ones and so many others, the indigenous communities in Malaysia do face severity of the Covid 19 pandemic effect. As being the minority community with lack of proper income, lack of education and incapable of adjusting themselves to new norm and living in areas with high prevalence of disease for the poor, like neglected tropical diseases- the overall impact of Covid 19 showed inequalities for the Indigenous (Orang Asli) community in Malaysia. Here we discuss on some of the challenges faced by Orang Asli community in Malaysia and how the pandemic hampered neglected tropical diseases like STHs infection monitoring in Malaysia.
A Multifactor Credential Translation and Verification Service for Computational Grid
Authors: T Hemalatha , Pushpalatha S.
Published: December 2020

The authentication mechanism in Grid need to support local heterogeneity and need to support n-way security context. The objective of this work is focused on the interoperable issue in the existing Grid Security Infrastructure. An adaptable Multi factor Authentication framework for computational grid is proposed in this work and it is compared with existing Credential Federation Systems. The proposed system is designed using the concept of Service Oriented Architecture SOA a specific type of Distributed System in which the agents are software service which are designated to perform the complicated time and resource consuming task of Credential management and Credential Validation service. GSI does not support Kerberos based authentication. Hence in order to integrate Kerberos with GSI, a Credential Translation Service CTS is designed and implemented. This feature is incorporated in this design by developing a service that can handle Kerberos token and PKI Certificate. The performance of the proposed system is compared with existing credential federation systems.
When Food is Feared: A Systematic Review of Enteral Feeding by Nasogastric Tube in Young People with Eating Disorders
Authors: Hindley Kristen , Fenton Clare , McIntosh Jennifer
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAdolescents with severe restrictive eating disorders often require enteral feeding. Nasogastric feeding is occasionally used during hospitalisation to treat medical instability as a result of malnourishment, or in a specialist setting to supplement minimal oral intake by underweight patients. There is minimal guidance for clinicians to determine when nasogastric feeding should be implemented, how it should be provided and how to complement feeding with a nasogastric tube. This systematic review sets out to determine best practice for NG feeding.MethodsA systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted by searching AMED, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from 2000-2020. Inclusion terms used were as follows: enteral feeding by nasogastric tube, under 18 years, eating disorders, and primary research. Exclusion terms: mental disorders other than eating disorders; non-primary research; no outcomes specific to NG feeding and over 18 years. Titles and abstracts were screened by all authors before reviewing full length articles.Results28 studies met the full criteria. 51.7% of studies were deemed high risk of bias due to the type of study: 37.9% retrospective cohort and 10.3% RCT; 17.2% were qualitative. Studies identified 1) 6-66% required NG feeding; 2) staff and young people understand its necessity but generally view it negatively; 3) there are 3 main types of feeding regime: continuous, nocturnal and bolus; 4) high calorie feeds are not associated with increased risk of refeeding syndrome; 5) Common complications were nasal irritation, epistaxis, electrolyte disturbance, distress and tube removal; 6) length of stay in hospital may be longer in patients requiring NG feeding; 7) psychiatric and medical wards differ in approach; 8) concurrent therapy reduces NG use and aids recovery.ConclusionsAll studies which reviewed the use of NG over a period of time found that it had increased significantly in recent years. Due to the possibility of patient removal of the tube, it may be beneficial in practice to deliver feeds using a bolus regime which has been tailored to the individual caloric needs of the patient. This review enables cautious recommendations to be made and highlights the lack of high-quality evidence around the use of NG feeding in eating disordered young people.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implement E-learning in Continuing Medical Education: Evidence From the China-gates Foundation Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Zhang Lijie , Liu Yuhong , Jiang Weixi , Tang Shenglan , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: December 2020

[Objective] To evaluate the implementation of E-learning continuing medical education (CME) programs, analyse the barriers and facilitators during the implementation process, and provide policy recommendations based on the evidence from the China-Gates Foundation TB Control Program. [Methods] Routine monitoring data were collected through the project office. In-depth interviews, focus group discussion with project management personnel, teachers, and trainees (N=78), and staff survey (baseline N=555, final N=757) were conducted in selected pilot areas at the provincial, municipal, and county/district levels in the three project provinces (Zhejiang, Jilin, and Ningxia). [Results] By the end of June 2019, the national and provincial remote training platforms had organized 98 synchronous learning activities, with an average of 173.2 people (standard deviation, SD=49.8) per online training session, 163.3 people (SD=41.2) per online case discussion. In the pilot area, 64.5% of TB health workforce registered the asynchronous learning platform, and 50.1% obtained their professional certifications. Participants agreed that E-learning CME was more economical, has better content as well as more flexible work schedules. However, the project still faced challenges in terms of unmet learning needs, disorganized governance, insufficient hardware and software, unsupported environment, and lack of incentive mechanisms. [Conclusions] Our results suggested that it’s feasible to conduct large scale E-learning continuing medical education activities in the three project provinces of China. Training content and format are key facilitators of the program implementation, while the matching the supply/demand of training, organizational coordination, internet technology, motivations, and sustainability are key barriers.
Outbreak of peracute Glässer’s disease in suckling piglets in a self-recruiting high health farrow to grower herd: A Case report
Authors: Karlsen Odd Magne
Published: December 2020

BackgroundGlässer’s disease is caused by a bacterial infection where the causative agent is Glaesserella parasuis and is of rising concern in Norwegian high health pig herds. Different factors can trigger the onset of Glässer’s disease, including management practices such as unstable room temperature, poor ventilation or impaired immunity. Outbreaks of peracute Glässer’s disease in suckling piglets are rarely described. Case presentationIn a high health, farrow to grower pig herd 270 suckling piglets out of 920 died in a peracute to acute manner during a 20-day period. Post-mortem examinations revealed findings consistent with congestion and oedema and histopathological examination found no signs of inflammation or intravascular microthrombi. Bacteriological examination detected G. parasuis in relevant tissues. Emesis in half of the piglets and central nervous signs in a few was found after first intramuscular injection of procaine penicillin. Anaemia, poor temperature regulation in the farrowing unit and poor hygiene were factors contributing to the disease outbreak.ConclusionsIn the present case, it was concluded that an outbreak with high mortality and predominantly peracute to acute clinical disease in 3-5 week old suckling piglets was caused by Glässer’s disease (G. parasuis).