bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Preferences for Discussing and Acting on Health-Related Needs in Primary Care
Authors: O’Loughlin Kristen , Shadowen Hannah M. , Haley Amber D. , Gilbert Jennifer , Lail Kashiri Paulette , Webel Ben , Huebschmann Amy G. , Krist Alex H.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Addressing social needs, health behaviors, and mental health may help patients more than traditional medical care. However, these root causes of poor health are difficult to address and the role of primary care is unclear. This qualitative study assesses patient’s willingness and motivations to discuss and accept assistance for these needs from their primary care team.

Methods:

In July and August of 2020, semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with family medicine patients (n = 6) and residents of low resource neighborhoods (n = 11) in Richmond, Virginia. Interviews were conducted over Zoom. We conducted a qualitative analysis of patient and resident interview transcripts. A rapid qualitative analysis approach and immersion-crystallization processes were used to identify themes and categories.

Results:

Interviewees reported varying degrees of comfort discussing topics with their health care team. They were less comfortable discussing needs they considered outside the realm of “traditional primary care” including finances, transportation, and housing, but interviewees expressed willingness to discuss these needs under certain conditions. Important factors were a strong patient-clinician relationship to create a trusted and safe space for discussion, adequate time for discussion during visits, communication of practices’ ability to provide resources to help patients, and ensuring appropriate high quality referrals.

Conclusions:

Primary care provides opportunity for identifying and addressing needs that adversely impact health. Some needs are more sensitive for patients to work with their care team on, though, there was willingness to work on any need when a strong provider relationship and clinic structure for providing support were in place. This study highlights critical care delivery factors which may be used to enhance patient comfort accepting support for their needs and ultimately improve clinical care and chronic disease management.
Mortality Rates in Femoral Neck Fractures Treated With Arthroplasty in South Africa
Authors: Jordaan Jacobus D. , Burger Marilize C , Jakoet Shafique , Manjra Muhammad Ahmed , Charilaou Johan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the mortality rate for neck of femur fractures treated with arthroplasty at a tertiary level unit in South Africa and to evaluate the effect of known risk factors for mortality in neck of femur fractures treated with arthroplasty in the South African context.

Design

Retrospective cohort study. The main outcome was to determine mortality rates during in hospital stay, at 3 months, 6 months 1 year post surgery. The secondary outcome was to determine factors influencing mortality at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months post-surgery.

Results

Mortality rate was 3.3% in hospital, 5.6% at 30 days and 26.7% at 1 year. Age >79, ASA score >3, and cementing of the femur had statistically increased mortality risk ( P < .001). Average length of hospital stay was 12.3 ± 5.1 days (range 3.0-41.0 days) with 73% of patients discharged back to pre-hospital home.

Conclusion

Mortality rates after femur neck fracture arthroplasty in South Africa are slightly higher at 1 year compared to international data. However, the rates are comparably low during hospital stay, 30 day and at 6 months post-surgical intervals.
Aging Services Workers in the Pandemic: Voiced Experience of Senior Center Staff and Case Workers
Authors: Okang Esther Narkie , Aaron Siohban , Supiano Katherine , Osman Abdukrazak
Published: August 2022

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study, using focus groups to understand the experience and perspective of the older adult service staff during both the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants expressed the need for more education and training and ongoing psychosocial support, yet demonstrated sustained resiliency coping, work self-efficacy, and a deepened dedication to community residing older adult clients.
Alcoholism and American healthcare: The case for a patient safety approach
Authors: Zipperer Lorri , Ryan Ruth , Jones Barbara
Published: August 2022

Alcoholism, more professionally termed alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a widespread and costly behavioral health condition. The aims of this paper are draw attention to systemic gaps in care for patients with AUD and advocate for patient safety leaders to partner with both the mainstream medical and substance abuse treatment communities to reduce harm in this patient population. The authors performed a narrative review of the literature on the current state of AUD treatment and patient safety, finding extensive evidence that patients with AUD usually go undiagnosed, unreferred and untreated. When they do receive AUD treatment, little evidence was found to indicate that a patient safety approach is incorporated into their care. Behavioral medicine is virgin territory for the patient safety movement. Medical care and behavioral medicine in the United States currently constitute two separate and unequal systems generally lacking in pathways of communication or care coordination for AUD patients. Significant barriers include institutional culture, individual and systemic bias against those with AUD, and health care infrastructure, especially the separation of medical and behavioral treatment. It is the authors’ conclusion that care of patients with AUD is unsafe. We advocate for the patient safety approach common in American hospitals to be extended to AUD treatment. Experienced patient safety leaders are in the strongest position to initiate collaboration between the mainstream medical and substance abuse treatment communities to reduce harm for this patient population.
The Impact of Neonatal Mandibular Distraction on Long-Term Mandibular Growth and Morphology
Authors: Pfaff Miles J. , Beiriger Justin W. , Owoc Maryanna S. , Mittal Adi , Erpenbeck Sarah , Bruce Madeleine , Bradley James P. , Lee Justine C. , Losee Joseph E. , Goldstein Jesse A.
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is the gold standard treatment for upper airway obstruction associated with Robin Sequence (RS). The long-term effects of MDO on mandibular morphology approaching or at skeletal maturity remain unknown. The objective of this study was to morphologically characterize the mandibles of MDO and conservatively managed (CM) RS patients at or approaching skeletal maturity.

Methods:

Mandibular morphometric analysis was performed on MDO and CM patient mandibles via 3D-rendered computed tomographic (CT) images. Age- and sex-matched unaffected controls were used for comparison. Mean ± standard deviation was reported, Mann Whitney U Test was utilized, and a P-value of .05 or less was considered statistically significant.

Results:

RS patients (57.1% female, mean age 16.9 ± 2.6) treated with either CM (n = 5) or MDO (n = 7) were included. Age at latest CT was 17.3 ± 2.3 years for the CM group and 16.5 ± 2.9 for the MDO group. When compared to controls, CM patient mandibular body length was shorter, volumetrically smaller, and the anterior symphyseal angle was more obtuse ( P = .008, P = .06, and .008, respectively). When compared to controls, the MDO patient ramus height and body length were shorter ( P = .01 and <.001, respectively), the gonial angle and anterior symphyseal angle were more obtuse ( P = .02 and <.001, respectively), and mandibular volume was less ( P = .05).

Conclusion:

Neonatal MDO was associated with morphologic changes unique to the RS mandible at or approaching skeletal maturity. This study provides further insight into the long-term effects of MDO on mandibular morphology.
Research on Surface Roughness of Supersonic Vibration Auxiliary Side Milling for Titanium Alloy
Authors: Wei Xuetao , Yue Caixu , Hu Desheng , Liu Xianli , Ding Yunpeng , Liang Steven Y.
Published: August 2022

The processed surface contour shape is extracted with the finite element simulation software. The difference value of contour shape change is used as the parameters of balancing surface roughness to construct finite element model of supersonic vibration milling in cutting stability domain. The surface roughness trial scheme is designed in the orthogonal test design method to analyze the surface roughness test result in the response surface methodology. The surface roughness prediction model is established and optimized. Finally, the surface roughness finite element simulation prediction model is verified by experiments. The research results show that, compared with the experiment results, the error range of the finite element simulation model is 27.5%–30.9%, and the error range of the empirical model obtained by the response surface method is between 4.4% and 12.3%. So, the model in this paper is accurate and will provide the theoretical basis for the optimization study of the auxiliary milling process of supersonic vibration.
A framework for characterizing heterogeneity in neurodevelopmental data using latent profile analysis in a sample of children with ADHD
Authors: Arnett Anne B. , Flaherty Brian P.
Published: August 2022

Background

Heterogeneity in neurodevelopmental disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in particular, is increasingly identified as a barrier to identifying biomarkers and developing standards for clinical care. Clustering analytic methods have previously been used across a variety of data types with the goal of identifying meaningful subgroups of individuals with ADHD. However, these analyses have often relied on algorithmic approaches which assume no error in group membership and have not made associations between patterns of behavioral, neurocognitive, and genetic indicators. More sophisticated latent classification models are often not utilized in neurodevelopmental research due to the difficulty of working with these models in small sample sizes.

Methods

In the current study, we propose a framework for evaluating mixture models in sample sizes typical of neurodevelopmental research. We describe a combination of qualitative and quantitative model fit evaluation procedures. We test our framework using latent profile analysis (LPA) in a case study of 120 children with and without ADHD, starting with well-understood neuropsychological indicators, and building toward integration of electroencephalogram (EEG) measures.

Results

We identified a stable five-class LPA model using seven neuropsychological indicators. Although we were not able to identify a stable multimethod indicator model, we did successfully extrapolate results of the neuropsychological model to identify distinct patterns of resting EEG power across five frequency bands.

Conclusions

Our approach, which emphasizes theoretical as well as empirical evaluation of mixture models, could make these models more accessible to clinical researchers and may be a useful approach to parsing heterogeneity in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Rice MPK17 Plays a Negative Role in the Xa21-Mediated Resistance Against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Wang Tianxingzi , Lan Jinping , Ma Jinjiao , Xu Haiqing , Yang Zexi , Guo Yalu , Chen Yue , Zhang Jianshuo , Dou Shijuan , Yang Ming , Li Liyun , Liu Guozhen
Published: August 2022

Rice bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is one of the most serious diseases affecting rice production worldwide. Xa21 was the first disease resistance gene cloned in rice, which encodes a receptor kinase and confers broad resistance against Xoo stains. Dozens of components in the Xa21-mediated pathway have been identified in the past decades, however, the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes in the pathway has not been well described. To identify MAPK involved in Xa21-mediated resistance, the level of MAPK proteins was profiled using Western blot analysis. The abundance of OsMPK17 (MPK17) was found decreased during the rice-Xoo interaction in the background of Xa21. To investigate the function of MPK17, MPK17-RNAi and over-expression (OX) transgenic lines were generated. The RNAi lines showed an enhanced resistance, while OX lines had impaired resistance against Xoo, indicating that MPK17 plays negative role in Xa21-mediated resistance. Furthermore, the abundance of transcription factor WRKY62 and pathogenesis-related proteins PR1A were changed in the MPK17 transgenic lines when inoculated with Xoo. We also observed that the MPK17-RNAi and -OX rice plants showed altered agronomic traits, indicating that MPK17 also plays roles in the growth and development. On the basis of the current study and published results, we propose a “Xa21-MPK17-WRKY62-PR1A” signaling that functions in the Xa21-mediated disease resistance pathway. The identification of MPK17 advances our understanding of the mechanism underlying Xa21-mediated immunity, specifically in the mid- and late-stages.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy study of accommodative state in Smartphone abusers
Authors: Kashif Randa Farouk , Rashad Mohammad Ahmad , Said Azza Mohamed Ahmed , Rabie Menan Abd-El-Maksoud , Gomaa Wael Adel
Published: August 2022

Background

Addiction to Smartphone usage has psychological and physical impacts. However, the state of spasm of accommodation is unclear in Smartphone abusers.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study among adults aged 18–35 years between October 2016 and December 2018. Forty participants were Smartphone abusers according to the Smartphone addiction questionnaire, and 40 participants were non users. We measured auto refraction precycloplegia and postcycloplegia at far for all participants to evaluate the state of spasm of accommodation. We assessed the ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) parameters including anterior chamber angle (ACA).

Results

There was a significant difference in the odds of having spasm of accommodation between Smartphone abusers compared to non-users (OR = 6.64, 95% CI = 1.73–25.47; adjusted OR = 14.63, 95% CI = 2.99–71.62). The Smartphone abusers and non-users groups had a superior ACA median of 30.45° ± 8.3° vs. 26.75° ± 6.6° (P = 0.04) precycloplegia at far and 31.70° ± 11.8° vs. 31.45° ± 8.3° (P = 0.15) postcycloplegia at far, respectively, demonstrated by the Mann-Whitney U test. There was significant higher difference in the precycloplegic nasal ACA at far in the Smartphone abusers group than the non-users group (mean precycloplegic nasal ACA difference = 3.57°, 95% CI = 0.76° - 6.37°), demonstrated by the independent t test. Similarly, there was significant higher difference in the postcycloplegic nasal ACA at far (mean postcycloplegic nasal ACA difference = 4.26°, 95% CI = 1.33° - 7.19°).

Conclusions

Smartphone abusers are in a condition of accommodation spasm. As a result, cycloplegic refraction should be done for Smartphone abusers.
Governmental support for achieving “VISION 2020: the Right to Sight” in Iran: the cataract surgical rates
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Rezvan Farhad , Yekta Abbasali , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of governmental support in the form of Health Transformation Plan (HTP) on increasing the cataract surgical rate.

Methods

The number of cataract surgeries was collected from Iranian cataract surgery clinics during 2019. HTP was implemented in 2014. Forty-seven major and forty-five minor surgery centers were selected from all provinces. In each center, sampling was done from 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016.

Results

On average, 6202 and 7134 cataract surgery rate were performed before and after HTP, respectively. The cataract surgical rate rose by 15.03% after the HTP. After HTP, the proportion of cataract surgery increased by 21.32% in governmental centers and decreased by 17.56%, 24.45%, and 14.89% in private, insurance, and charity centers, respectively. The cataract surgical rate was 4093 and 6026 in the first economic quartile (the poorest), 3669 and 4595 in the second quartile, 5884 and 5928 in the third quartile, and 8427 and 9681 in the fourth quartile (the richest) before and after HTP, respectively. The highest growth in the cataract surgical rate was seen in the first quartile (47.24%) followed by the second (25.26%), fourth (14.88%), and third quartiles (0.74%).

Conclusion

The Health Transformation Plan has been successful in increasing the cataract surgical rate in the low-income group and identifying differences in the services as well as the economic groups within the population.
“I don’t hesitate to use the left-over antibiotics for my child” practices and experiences with antibiotic use among caregivers of paediatric patients at Zomba central hospital in Malawi
Authors: Machongo Redson Biswick , Mipando Alinane Linda Nyondo
Published: August 2022

Background

Inappropriate use of antibiotics is among the major causes of the global emergency of antibiotic resistance among children. The problem of inappropriate use of antibiotics among children is of special concern because they are still developing immunological systems, hence they are susceptible to many infectious diseases. As such, they receive a considerable disproportional amount of antibiotics which exposes them to antibiotic resistance. This study explored the lived experiences of caregivers of children under the age of five years on the use of antibiotics at Zomba central hospital.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of caregivers of children under the age of five years on antibiotic usage at Zomba Central Hospital, Zomba-Malawi.

Methodology

This was a descriptive qualitative study with a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experience of caregivers of paediatric patients on antibiotic usage from May 2019 to July 2020. The study used interview guides to conduct in-depth interviews with 16 caregivers and purposive sampling was used to select the participants from the children’s ward. All interviews were audio-recorded and qualitative data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed manually to extract major themes and concepts on the subject matter.

Results

Caregivers had little knowledge about antibiotic use and its resistance. most caregivers use the antibiotics inappropriately through self-medication, use of left-over antibiotics, buying antibiotics without prescription, and sharing of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, investment in public awareness and organising community-led interventions in antibiotic use related information is key to improve the quality use of antibiotics. The Government should focus on promoting interventions that lessen the indiscriminate use of antibiotics among the caregivers. Stringent laws need to be enforced by the government to restrict the access of antibiotics to parents without a prescription.
Effect of change in individual and household level characteristics on anemia prevalence among adolescent boys and girls in India
Authors: Srivastava Shobhit , Kumar Pradeep , Paul Ronak , Debnath Paramita
Published: August 2022

Background

Anemia is a significant public health challenge that affects the population of all nations. Anemia among adolescents emerged as an alarming public health issue as it harms an individual’s physical capacity and cognitive and work performance. The study aims to determine the effect of changes in individual and household level factors on the prevalence of anemia among adolescent boys and girls.

Method

The study utilized data from two waves of the “Understanding the lives of adolescent and young adults” (UDAYA) survey, conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during 2015–16 (wave-1) and 2018–19 (wave-2). The sample size for the present study was 4216 and 5974 unmarried adolescent boys and girls aged 10–19 years in both waves. We performed descriptive analysis to observe the characteristics of adolescents during 2015–16. Further, changes in selected independent variables from wave-1 to wave-2 were examined using the proportion test. Moreover, random-effect regression models were employed to examine the association of changes in individual and household level factors with anemia prevalence among adolescents.

Results

The prevalence of anemia decreased over time among adolescent boys (33 to 30%), whereas it increased among adolescent girls (59 to 63%). The results from the random-effect model show that adolescent boys who used shared toilets were more anemic than those who used a private restroom [β:0.05, 95% CI:(0.01, 0.08)]. Moreover, underweight [β:0.05, CI:(0.01, 0.09)] and thin [β:0.04, CI:(0.00, 0.07)] adolescent boys were more likely to be anemic compared to their normal counterparts. Additionally, boys who belonged to the poorest [β:0.08, CI:(0.02, 0.14)] households had a higher risk of anemia than the richest household.

Conclusion

The anemia prevalence was higher among adolescents aged 10–19 years in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This study has filled an information gap by providing state-level representative estimates indicating underweight status and thinness as the common factors behind the anemia prevalence among adolescent boys than in girls. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent in certain age groups in India. Hence, Anemia prevention efforts and iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation programs are currently being strengthened in India, targeting the high-risk population.
Trends and age-period-cohort effects on incidence and mortality of asthma in Sichuan Province, China, 1990–2019
Authors: Luo Yu , Wang Mu , Tian Yumei
Published: August 2022

Background

The provinces in western China have undergone rapid urbanization and industrialization, particularly since the Chinese government launched the Great Western Development Strategy in 2000. We examined the time trends and contributions of age, period, and cohort effects to asthma incidence and mortality in Sichuan Province, a populous province in western China, from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

The data of Sichuan Province from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. Trends and average annual percentage change were estimated using joinpoint regression. Age, period, and cohort effects were estimated using an age-period-cohort model with the intrinsic estimator method.

Results

In the latest period (2015–2019), the highest incidence of asthma was 2004.49/100,000 in children aged < 5 years, and the highest mortality rate was 22.04/100,000 for elderly people aged > 80 years. Age-standardized rates generally remained stable (95% confidence interval [CI]  − 0.21, 0.11) for incidence and declined by 4.74% (95% CI − 5.09, − 4.39) for mortality over the last 30 years. After controlling for other effects, the age effect on asthma showed that the incidence rate ratio (RR) was highest in the < 5 years age group, and the mortality RR was highest in the > 80 years age group. The period effect on incidence and mortality decreased from 1990 to 2019, respectively. A cohort effect was found the incidence RR increased slowly from the early birth cohorts to the later birth cohorts, especially after the 2005 birth cohort, whereas the mortality RR continued to decline.

Conclusions

There was a significant effect of older age on the asthma mortality rate over the last 30 years, and the incidence rate in children aged < 5 years increased. The relative risk of asthma incidence in the later birth cohorts increased. Effective preventive measures and public health policies should be to protect children and elderly people from potentially harmful chronic diseases.
Expression and prognostic value of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) in bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Xiang An-Ping , Chen Xiao-Nong , Xu Peng-Fei , Shao Si-Hai , Shen Yue-Fan
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the expression intensity of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) in bladder urothelial carcinoma and its predictive value for the recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was made of 194 specimens who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors in our hospital from January 2014 to January 2016 and completed follow-up. The expression intensity of CA-IX and the clinical data of the patients were analyzed, and the subjects were divided into positive group and negative group according to the expression intensity of CA-IX. The age, gender, T stage, degree of differentiation, tumor number, tumor diameter, recurrence of each group was analyzed. Logistic univariate and multivariate analysis was used successively to find independent influencing factors for predicting the recurrence of bladder urothelial carcinoma after resection. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve was drawn according to the relationship between CA-IX expression intensity and postoperative recurrence.

Results

The positive expression rates of CA-IX in bladder urothelial carcinomas were 68.1% (132/194). The positive expression of CA-IX had no statistical significance with age, gender and tumor diameter (P > 0.05), while the positive expression of CA-IX had statistical significance with tumor T stage, tumor differentiation, tumor number and recurrence (P < 0.05); Logistic regression analysis showed that clinical T stage, tumor differentiation, tumor number, and CA-IX expression intensities were independent risk factors for predicting recurrence of bladder urothelial carcinoma after resection (P < 0.05); There were 59 cases of recurrence in the positive expression of CA-IX group, with a recurrence rate of 44.69% (59/132), and 17 cases of recurrence in the negative expression group, with a recurrence rate of 27.41% (17/62). The mean recurrence time of CA-IX positive group was 29.93 ± 9.86 (months), and the mean recurrence time of CA-IX negative group was 34.02 ± 12.44 (months). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that the recurrence rate and recurrence time of patients with positive expression of CA-IX in bladder urothelial carcinomas were significantly higher than those of patients with negative expression of CA-IX.

Conclusion

CA-IX is highly expressed in bladder urothelial carcinoma, is a good tumor marker, and can be used as a good indicator for predicting the recurrence of bladder urothelial carcinoma after transurethral resection of bladder tumor.
Covid-19: teaching and learning in practical courses under special regulations – a qualitative study of dental students and teachers
Authors: Hertrampf Katrin , Wenz Hans-Jürgen , Goetz Katja
Published: August 2022

Background

The coronavirus pandemic led to a lockdown of public life. For universities, this meant suspensions or corresponding adaptations of practical courses. In Germany, Kiel Dental Clinic received special permission to start practical courses under appropriate hygiene conditions. The study aimed at recording the experiences and associated challenges of course implementation under the special regulations from the perspective of students and teachers.

Methods

Qualitative guided interviews were conducted with students and teachers at Kiel in the summer semester 2020. Students (4th, 6th, 8th, 10th semesters) were recruited and lecturers responsible for conducting the practical courses within the dental clinic’s four departments. Evaluation was carried out by means of qualitative content analysis, whereby deductive procedures were supplemented by inductive ones.

Results

Thirty-nine students and 19 lecturers took part. The flow of information at the start of the course was welcomed by students and teachers across the board. The lack of or limited adjustment to the scope tended to be assessed positively by students. The majority of both groups suspected there had been no reduction in learning, and learning had been improved due to the smaller group sizes. Regarding the necessary conditions for conducting the course, positive and negative aspects became apparent.

Conclusion

Students and teachers felt very relief to start the practical courses under special conditions although the implementation was very challenging for both groups. The structural and content-related course adaptations required a high degree of flexibility on the part of students and lecturers alike, but also meant that courses were able to be conducted without serious deficits in learning gains.
The Mentor-Mothers program in the Nigeria Department of Defense: policies, processes, and implementation
Authors: Ibu Josephine Moshe , Mhlongo Euphemia Mbali
Published: August 2022

Background

Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and is one of the countries with the highest rates of new pediatric infections in sub-Saharan Africa. The country faces several challenges in the provision of healthcare services and coverage of Prevention of Mother to child transmission of HIV. In the Nigeria’s Department of Defense, prevention of vertically transmitted HIV infections has been given a boost by utilizing Mentor Mothers to facilitate antiretroviral compliance and retention in care. The aim of this study was to explore those processes and policies that guide the implementation of the Mentor Mothers program for PMTCT of HIV in the Department of Defense in Nigeria as no studies have examined this so far.

Methods

The descriptive, qualitative research approach was utilized. We conducted 7 key informants interviews with 7 purposively selected participants made up of 2 program Directors, 1 Doctor, 1 PMTCT focal Nurse, 1 PMTCT site coordinator, 1 Mentor Mother, and 1 patient from one each of the health facilities of the Army, Navy, Airforce and the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre. Open coding for major themes and sub-themes was done. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Findings revealed that the program in the Department of Defense had been modelled after the WHO and implementing partners’ guidelines. Foundational Factors; Leadership; Skill acquisition; and Service Characteristics emerged as processes guiding the implementation of the Mentor-Mothers program in the DoD. These findings supported the Mentor Mother Model, which empowers mothers living with HIV – through education and employment – to promote access to essential PMTCT services and medical care to HIV positive pregnant women.

Conclusion

We concluded that no definitive policy establishes the Mentor Mothers program in the DoD. Working with Doctors, Nurses, local & collaborating partners, and communities in which these hospitals are located, the Mentor Mothers play a pivotal role in the formation, facilitation, and implementation of the MM model to effectively decrease HIV infections in children and reduce child and maternal mortality in women and families they interact with.
Prospective relations of maternal reward-related eating, pregnancy ultra-processed food intake and weight indicators, and feeding mode with infant appetitive traits
Authors: Cummings Jenna R. , Faith Myles S. , Lipsky Leah M. , Liu Aiyi , Mooney Jan T. , Nansel Tonja R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Infant appetitive traits including eating rate, satiety responsiveness, food responsiveness, and enjoyment of food predict weight gain in infancy and early childhood. Although studies show a strong genetic influence on infant appetitive traits, the association of parent and infant appetite is understudied. Furthermore, little research examines the influence of maternal pregnancy dietary intake, weight indicators, and feeding mode on infant appetite. The present study investigated relations of maternal reward-related eating, pregnancy ultra-processed food intake and weight indicators, and feeding mode with infant appetitive traits.

Methods

Mothers in the Pregnancy Eating Attributes Study (458 mothers enrolled, 367 retained through delivery) completed self-report measures of reward-related eating, and principal component analysis yielded two components: (1) food preoccupation and responsiveness and (2) reinforcing value of food. Mothers completed 24-h dietary recalls across pregnancy, and the standardized NOVA (not an acronym) system categorized recalled foods based on processing level. Maternal anthropometrics were measured across pregnancy. At infant age 6 months, mothers reported on feeding mode and infant appetitive traits. Linear regressions were conducted predicting infant appetitive traits from household income-poverty ratio (step 1); maternal reward-related eating components (step 2); pregnancy ultra-processed food intake (% of energy intake), early pregnancy body mass index, and gestational weight gain (step 3); and exclusive breastfeeding duration (step 4).

Results

A 1-SD greater maternal food preoccupation and responsiveness was associated with 0.20-SD greater infant satiety responsiveness (p = .005). A 1-SD greater % energy intake from ultra-processed foods during pregnancy was associated with 0.16-SD lower infant satiety responsiveness (p = .031). A 1-SD longer exclusive breastfeeding duration was associated with 0.18-SD less infant food responsiveness (p = .014). Other associations of maternal reward-related eating, pregnancy ultra-processed food intake and weight indicators, and feeding mode with infant appetitive traits were non-significant.

Conclusions

Proximal early-life environmental factors including maternal pregnancy dietary intake and feeding mode may facilitate or protect against obesogenic infant appetitive traits, whereas infant appetite may not parallel maternal reward-related eating. Further investigation into the etiology of appetitive traits early in development, particularly during solid food introduction, may elucidate additional modifiable risk factors for child obesity.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov. Registration ID – NCT02217462. Date of registration – August 13, 2014.
Neurogenesis of the scallop Azumapecten farreri: from the first larval sensory neurons to the definitive nervous system of juveniles
Authors: Kniazkina Marina , Dyachuk Vyacheslav
Published: August 2022

Background

Scallops are among the best-studied bivalve mollusks. However, adult nervous system and neurogenesis studies of scallops are limited. Here, we studied the localization of neurotransmitters (serotonin/5-HT, FMRFamide, catecholamines) in adult ganglia and larvae of Azumapecten farreri using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods.

Results

We found peptide FMRFamide in all adult scallop ganglia, whereas 5-HT-like immunoreactive (lir) somata were exclusively detected in the cerebropleural, pedal, and accessory ganglia. Scallop larval neurogenesis starts with the emergence of the 5-HT-lir neurons, which are part of the apical organ (AO) at the early veliger stage. Near the AO, paired anlagen of cerebral ganglion (CG) developed. 5-HT-lir neurites of the CG innervate the velum, ventral, and dorsal parts of the larva at the late veliger stage. Scallop pediveligers possess 5-HT-lir CG, pleural ganglia, and immunopositive signals in the developing enteric nervous system. FMRFamide-lir is first detected in dorsal, ventral, and AO cells of early veligers. Later, FMRFamide-lir extends to the visceral nervous cord, all ganglia, as well as in the enteric nervous system in pediveligers. Catecholaminergic neurons are detected near the larval mouth, in the vellum, and in the stomach in veligers.

Conclusions

We described the distribution of neurotransmitters of the ganglia in adult scallops and the larval neurodevelopment in A. farreri. Immunostaining of neurotransmitters showed that the gross anatomy of adult scallop ganglia, in general, is similar to that in other bivalves, but complicated by the complexity of the structure of the ganglia and the appearance of additional ganglia not described in other molluscs. A comparison of larval neuromorphology suggests that 5-HT-lir structures are more conservative than FMRF-lir structures in Bivalvia. Notably, the latter are much more distributed in scallop A. farreri larvae than in other studied bivalves.
Efficacy and safety of tension band wire versus plate for Mayo II olecranon fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Yizhen , Liu Aifeng , Guo Tianci , Chen Jixin , Yu Weijie , Zhai Jingbo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

For olecranon fractures, the choice of tension band wire (TBW) or plate fixation has long been controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TBW and plate in the treatment of patients with Mayo II olecranon fractures by Meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, the Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and China Biomedical Database were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies (CSs) where TBW was compared with plate for Mayo II olecranon fractures (OF). Subsequently, the data were extracted by two reviewers independently and were analysed via RevMan5.4.1. Besides, mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Furthermore, Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale were adopted for assessing the risk of bias.

Results

A total of 1RCT and 10 CSs were included, when 449 cases were treated with TBW and 378 with plate. The plate has favourable postoperative long-term (≥ 1 year) functional score in MEPS (MD: − 3.06; 95% CI − 5.50 to 0.62; P = 0.01; I2 = 41%) and Dash score (MD: 2.32; 95% CI 1.91, 2.73; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%), also carrying fewer complications (RR: 2.13; 95% CI 1.48, 3.08; P < 0.0001; I2 = 58%). Besides, there exists no significant difference in postoperative long-term (≥ 1 year) elbow flexion (MD: − 1.82°; 95% CI − 8.54, 4.90; P = 0.60; I2 = 71%) and extension deficits (MD: 1.52°; 95% CI − 0.38, 3.42; P = 0.12; I2 = 92%). Moreover, TBW is featured with a shorter operation time (MD = − 5.87 min; 95% CI − 7.93, − 3.82; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0) and less intraoperative bleeding (MD: − 5.33 ml; 95% CI − 8.15, − 2.52; P = 0.0002; I2 = 0). In terms of fracture healing time, it is still controversial. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis has revealed that for Mayo IIA OF, the plate has a better outcome in the long-term (≥ 1 year) postoperative MEPS, the Dash score, and the incidence of postoperative complications than TBW, while there is no significant difference in the long-term (≥ 1 year) postoperative elbow motion between two groups.

Conclusions

Plate has better efficacy and safety for Mayo II OF. Considering that few studies are included in the meta-analysis, more high-quality RCTs are still required to confirm these findings.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022313855.
Biomechanical study on fixation methods for horizontal oblique metacarpal shaft fractures
Authors: Chiu Yung-Cheng , Hsu Cheng-En , Ho Tsung-Yu , Ting Yen-Nien , Tsai Ming-Tzu , Hsu Jui-Ting
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate differences in the effectiveness of two lag screws, a regular bone plate, and locking bone plate fixation in treating horizontal oblique metacarpal shaft fractures.

Materials and methods

Horizontal oblique metacarpal shaft fractures were created in 21 artificial metacarpal bones and fixed using one of the three methods: (1) two lag screws, (2) a regular plate, and (3) a locking plate. All the specimens were subjected to the cantilever bending test performed using a material testing machine to enable recording of the force–displacement data of the specimens before failure. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare failure force and stiffness values among the three fixation methods.

Results

The mean failure force of the two lag screw group (78.5 ± 6.6 N, mean + SD) was higher than those of the regular plate group (69.3 ± 17.6 N) and locking plate group (68.2 ± 14.2 N). However, the mean failure force did not significantly differ among the three groups. The mean stiffness value of the two lag screw group (17.8 ± 2.6 N/mm) was lower than those of the regular plate group (20.2 ± 10.5 N/mm) and locking plate group (21.8 ± 3.8 N/mm). However, the mean stiffness value did not significantly differ among the three groups.

Conclusion

The fixation strength of two lag screw fixation did not significantly differ from that of regular and locking bone plate fixation, as indicated by the measurement of the ability to sustain force and stiffness.
Proper understanding of recurrent stress urinary incontinence treatment in women (PURSUIT): a randomised controlled trial of endoscopic and surgical treatment
Authors: Clark L. , Fitzgerald B. , Noble S. , MacNeill S. , Paramasivan S. , Cotterill N. , Hashim H. , Jha S. , Toozs-Hobson P. , Greenwell T. , Thiruchelvam N. , Agur W. , White A. , Garner V. , Cobos-Arrivabene M. , Clement C. , Cochrane M. , Liu Y. , Lewis A. L. , Taylor J. , Lane J. A. , Drake M. J. , Pope C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) experience urine leakage with physical activity. Currently, the interventional treatments for SUI are surgical, or endoscopic bulking injection(s). However, these procedures are not always successful, and symptoms can persist or come back after treatment, categorised as recurrent SUI. There are longstanding symptoms and distress associated with a failed primary treatment, and currently, there is no consensus on how best to treat women with recurrent, or persistent, SUI.

Methods

A two-arm trial, set in at least 20 National Health Service (NHS) urology and urogynaecology referral units in the UK, randomising 250 adult women with recurrent or persistent SUI 1:1 to receive either an endoscopic intervention (endoscopic bulking injections) or a standard NHS surgical intervention, currently colposuspension, autologous fascial sling or artificial urinary sphincter. The aim of the trial is to determine whether surgical treatment is superior to endoscopic bulking injections in terms of symptom severity at 1 year after randomisation. This primary outcome will be measured using the patient-reported International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence - Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF). Secondary outcomes include assessment of longer-term clinical impact, improvement of symptoms, safety, operative assessments, sexual function, cost-effectiveness and an evaluation of patients’ and clinicians’ views and experiences of the interventions.

Discussion

There is a lack of high-quality, randomised, scientific evidence for which treatment is best for women presenting with recurrent SUI. The PURSUIT study will benefit healthcare professionals and patients and provide robust evidence to guide further treatment and improve symptoms and quality of life for women with this condition.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) registry ISRCTN12201059. Registered on 09 January 2020
The effect of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli colonization on the gut morphology, functional integrity, and microbiota composition of female turkeys
Authors: Rzeznitzeck Janina , Breves Gerhard , Rychlik Ivan , Hoerr Frederic J. , von Altrock Alexandra , Rath Alexandra , Rautenschlein Silke
Published: August 2022

Background

Campylobacter (C.) species are the most common bacterial cause of foodborne diarrhea in humans. Despite colonization, most animals do not show clinical signs, making recognition of affected flocks and disruption of the infection chain before slaughter challenging. Turkeys are often cocolonized with C. jejuni and C. coli. To understand the pathogen-host-interaction in the context of two different Campylobacter species, we compared the colonization patterns and quantities in mono- and co-colonized female commercial turkeys. In three repeated experiments we investigated the impact on gut morphology, functional integrity, and microbiota composition as parameters of gut health at seven, 14, and 28 days post-inoculation.

Results

Despite successful Campylobacter colonization, clinical signs or pathological lesions were not observed. C. coli persistently colonized the distal intestinal tract and at a higher load compared to C. jejuni. Both strains were isolated from livers and spleens, occurring more frequently in C. jejuni- and co-inoculated turkeys. Especially in C. jejuni-positive animals, translocation was accompanied by local heterophil infiltration, villus blunting, and shallower crypts. Increased permeability and lower electrogenic ion transport of the cecal mucosa were also observed. A lower relative abundance of Clostridia UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillaceae was noted in all inoculated groups compared to controls.

Conclusions

In sum, C. jejuni affects gut health and may interfere with productivity in turkeys. Despite a higher cecal load, the impact of C. coli on investigated parameters was less pronounced. Interestingly, gut morphology and functional integrity were also less affected in co-inoculated animals while the C. jejuni load decreased over time, suggesting C. coli may outcompete C. jejuni. Since a microbiota shift was observed in all inoculated groups, future Campylobacter intervention strategies may involve stabilization of the gut microbiota, making it more resilient to Campylobacter colonization in the first place.
Re-emergence of mayaro virus and coinfection with chikungunya during an outbreak in the state of Tocantins/Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Souza Marinho Robson , Duro Rodrigo Lopes Sanz , Bellini Caldeira Débora , Galinskas Juliana , Oliveira Mota Mânlio Tasso , Hunter James , Rodrigues Teles Maria da Aparecida , de Pádua Milagres Flávio Augusto , Sobhie Diaz Ricardo , Shinji Kawakubo Fernando , Vasconcelos Komninakis Shirley
Published: August 2022

Objective

To perform a molecular screening to detect infections by the mayaro virus and possible coinfections with Chikungunya during an outbreak in the state of Tocantins/Brazil in 2017.

Results

Of a total 102 samples analyzed in this study, 6 cases were identified with simultaneous infection between mayaro and chikungunya viruses (5.88%). In these 6 samples, the mean Cycle threshold (Ct) for CHIKV was 26.87 (SD ± 10.54) and for MAYV was 29.58 (SD ± 6.34). The mayaro sequences generated showed 95–100% identity to other Brazilian sequences of this virus and with other MAYV isolates obtained from human and arthropods in different regions of the world. The remaining samples were detected with CHIKV monoinfection (41 cases), DENV monoinfection (50 cases) and coinfection between CHIKV/DENV (5 cases). We did not detect MAYV monoinfections.