bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Candida bloodstream isolates from patients in two hospitals in Vietnam
Authors: Duy Bac1 Nguyen , Anh2 Le Tran , Quang Le Bach , Khac Luc Nguyen , Tran Thi  , Nagi Minoru , Yoshitsugu Miyazaki , Thi Thu Ha Hoang , Duc Anh Dang , Quyet Do , Ngoc Anh Do
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: Identification of yeasts provides helpful information for appropriate administration of an- ti-fungal treatments; however, few reports from the Vietnam have been published. This study has been performed to find the prevalence of Candida blood stream isolates from patients in two hospitals in Vietnam.
Materials and Methods: Candida spp. were isolated from blood cultures in two hospitals, Vietnam between May 2013 and May 2015. Participating hospitals were 103 Military Hospital, Ha Noi city (550 beds) and Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh city (1800 beds). All the bloodstream isolates were identified to species level by the germ tube test and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, unknown isolates were subjected to PCR sequencing.
Results: A total of 93 Candida isolates were isolated from blood cultures during the study period. The results of this study showed that C. tropicalis (n = 47, 50.54%) was the most common agent, followed by Candida albicans/dubliniensis (n = 18,
19.35%), C. parapsilosis (n = 16, 17.20%), C. glabrata (n = 6, 6.45%), C. mesorugosa (n = 5, 5.38%) and C. krusei (n = 1,
1.08%), respectively.
Conclusion: The frequency of the non-albicans Candida species in blood is increasing, especially C. tropicalis. Addi-
tional investigations should be made to clarify the epidemiological profile of invasive Candida bloodstream in Vietnam.
Identification of Candida spp. isolated from oral mucosa in patients with leukemias and lymphomas in Iran
Authors: Hamzeh Sara , Kalantar-Neyestanaki Davood , Ali Mohammadi Mohammad , Nasibi Saeed , Ayatollahi Mousavi Seyed Amin
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: Oral candidiasis is a serious problem for immunocompromised patients, especially patients with hematological malignancies. After becoming a systemic candidiasis it is difficult to diagnose, control and treat in indi- viduals with hematological malignancies. The aim of this study was to diagnose candidiasis in the oral mucosa of patients with leukemias and lymphomas in a timely manner in order to prevent their progression to systemic candidiasis.
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 50 clinical samples were collected from the mouth of patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy from the oncology units of teaching hospitals in Kerman, Iran. Pa- tients were from Kerman, Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan in south-eastern Iran. Sampling was restricted to patients with diagnosed acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL); acute myeloid leukemia (AML); chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL); chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Presumptive species identi- fication of fungi was performed using conventional methods like colony characteristics on CHROMagar Candida medium, germ tube production, and assessing the morphology fungi on corn meal agar. Confirmation of presumptive candida isolates was performed using PCR-RFLP.
Results: From a total of 50, 14 patients (28%) had positive oral candidiasis. Candida albicans (57.14%) was the most com- mon species followed by Candida glabrata (14.28%), Candida parapsilosis (14.28%), Candida krusei (7.14%) and Candida kefyr (7.14%). Candida albicans had the highest rate of oral infection in ALL (35.71%) and then NHL (28.57%) patients. Conclusion: The results indicate that oral candidiasis is a prevalent fungal infection in the patients with hematologic ma- lignancies with C. albicans being the main etiological agent. However, other species of Candida cause similar infections in these patients.
Identification of microorganisms in persistent/secondary endodontic infections with respect to clinical and radiographic findings: bacterial culture and molecular detection
Authors: Zargar Nazanin , Marashi Mahmoud Amin , Ashraf Hengameh , Hakopian Rene , Beigi Peyman
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: Bacterial agents are commonly accepted as the main etiology of endodontic infections. A significant proportion of oral bacteria cannot be cultured using existing methods. Since diversity and abundance of bacterial species are different in different populations, the present study was aimed to identify effective microorganisms in persistent endodontic infections in Iranian patients based on culture and molecular biology methods using sequence analysis of 16S rDNA gene.
Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with previous failure of endodontic treatment were enrolled in the study. After isolation and disinfection of the tooth surrounding area with 3% sodium hypochlorite and 30% hydrogen peroxide, sampling from the root canals was carried out using two sterile Hedstrom files and two sterile paper points, and then the specimens were transferred to the microbiology laboratory in thioglycolate transport medium so that they undergo aerobic-anaerobic culture, PCR, and 16S rDNA gene sequencing.
Results: Of 30 patients (15 women and 15 men), 15 patients had radiographic lesions smaller than 5 mm and other 15 pa- tients had radiographic lesions larger than 5 mm. The mean age of patients was 40.20 ± 13.76 years. A total of 26 patients were asymptomatic. Only four patients had clinical signs such as pain and percussion sensitivity and Tannerella forsythia was the most common bacterium found in this group of patients. 13 bacterial species were found in 11 different genus, one virus strain and one fungus strain. From 30 studied specimens, Enterococcus faecalis was the most common microorganism with prevalence rate of 63.63%.
Conclusion: This study showed the type and prevalence of effective bacteria in secondary/persistent endodontic infections in Iranian patients. E. faecalis is the most commonly found microorganism in Iranian patients
Fecal human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) levels and gut microbiota patterns in preterm neonates with different feeding patterns
Authors: I.R.V. Corebima Brigitta , Rohsiswatmo Rinawati , Gayatri Pramita , Patole Sanjay
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: Human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) is an essential antibacterial peptide involved in innate immunity and is expressed in breast milk and intestinal mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigate fecal hBD-2 levels and gut microbiota in preterm neonates with different feeding patterns.
Materials and Methods: This study was cross-sectionally designed and included 44 preterm neonates categorized into four groups as follows: breast milk only, breast milk predominant, formula milk predominant, formula milk only. The study was conducted at the Neonatology Ward, National Center Hospital Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta from November 2016 to April

hBD-2 levels were measured by ELISA. Intestinal bacteria were quantified by qPCR.

Results: hBD-2 levels were significantly different between groups (one-way ANOVA, p=0.004) and the highest value of hBD-2 was found in the formula milk predominant group (344.87±61.2 ng/mL). hBD-2 levels were positively correlated with feeding pattern (Spearman correlation test, p=0.009, r=0.391). There were no significant differences in the total number of specific intestinal microbiota (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Klebsiella) among groups (one-way ANOVA, p>0.05). Interestingly, the formula milk only group had the highest amount of Klebsiella compared with other groups. hBD-2 levels were not correlated with the quantity of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Klebsiella (Pearson correlation test, p>0.05). Conclusion: hBD-2 levels were significantly higher in the formula milk predominant group compared with the breast milk only group. Gut microbiota patterns showed that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were higher in the breast milk only group, while Klebsiella was higher in formula milk group, although this difference was not statistically significant.
Effect of microencapsulation on Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii viability in the gastrointestinal tract and level of some blood biochemical factors in wistar rats
Authors: Ghorbani-Choboghlo Hassan , Nikaein Donya , Khosravi Ali-Reza , Rahmani Reza , Farahnejad Zohreh
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
 
 
Background and Objectives: Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in an adequate amount, confer a health benefit on the host through the gut. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a widespread yeast found in nature. This microor- ganism has been used as a probiotic agent in recent years. In this study, the effect of microencapsulation on survival rate of S. cerevisiae var. boulardii in the simulated gastrointestinal tract medium and the impact of microencapsulated S. cerevisiae var. boulardii on some serum biochemical factors in a rat model was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: 30 male wistar rats were divided into three groups (control, rats receiving microencapsulated S. cerevisiae var. boulardii, and rats receiving S. cerevisiae var. boulardii alone). The probiotic was gavaged at a dosage of 2 gr/ kg BW for 8 weeks. Blood was collected from rats at the end of the treatment period and biochemical factors were measured using Mancompany kits.
Results: The results showed a significant increase in viability of microencapsulated S. cerevisiae var. boulardii in compar- ison with free S. cerevisiae var. boulardii (p<0.05). Weight of rats in probiotic treated groups was significantly higher in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, probiotic treatment reduced mean levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, free blood sugar and liver enzymes in rats.
Conclusion: Microencapsulation could increase the survival rate of yeast probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract; however, more studies are needed for better understanding of the exact effect of microencapsulation on probiotics’ function.
Antibacterial effect of chitosan from squid pens against Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria
Authors: Mooduto Latief , Agustin Wahjuningrum Dian , Prita A Agatha , G. J. Lunardhi Cecilia
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: Chitosan, a polysaccharide derived from squid pens – the squid waste, is gaining considerable interests in biomedical engineering due to the biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and antibacterial activity. It is necessary to eradicate the bacteria from root canal in endodontic treatment, including Porphyromonas gingivalis. P. gingiva- lis is one of the most prevalently found bacteria in root canals and its presence can cause endodontic treatment failure. This study was conducted to find the antibacterial effect of chitosan from squid pen against P. gingivalis at a certain concentration. Materials and Methods: Chitosan 1.5% (w/v) was diluted in several tubes. The lowest concentration with no bacterial growth was considered to have antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis.
Results: There was no bacterial growth in nutrient agar media at the concentration of 10.75%.
Conclusion: Chitosan that was made from squid pens has antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis.
Bilateral septic arthritis of the knee caused by group B streptococci: a case report
Authors: Dehghan Manshadi Seyed Ali , Alizadeh Ramazanali , Salehi Mohammadreza , Seifi Arash , Seifi Mojgan
Published: June 2019

Septic arthritis (SA) remains to be a critical diagnosis for a swollen knee at the emergency department. Here, we report a rare case of bilateral knee arthritis in a 59-year-old diabetic woman who had been immobilized 5 months prior to admission. Her right knee swelling exacerbated in 10 days leading to left knee involvement. In 5 days the clear synovial tap in the first hos- pital turned purulent in the second hospital and empirical antibiotics get started with high WBC count, dominant neutrophils, and Gram-positive cocci in smear. Knee arthrotomy was performed after 6 days in the third hospital with the same smear results but negative blood and synovial cultures of both knees. When followed in retrograde, two positive blood cultures were reported for Streptococcus agalactiae in the second hospital. Vancomycin was changed to ampicillin and symptoms were resolved in 4 weeks. Despite improvement, mobility was not retained. Uncommon etiologic agents of knee arthritis should be in mind specifically in debilitated patients. Timely initiation of proper antibiotics hinders permanent sequels, hence clinicians should be suspicious of such organisms.
THE EFFECTS OF CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE ON TASK PERFORMANCE AND CONTEXTUAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Hartini H. , Fakhrorazi A. , Islam Rabiul
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the Study: This paper investigates high performers as those who are highly competent and possess the necessary skills for a job. In conducting businesses globally, public employees are also exposed to diverse cultural situations. Due to cultural challenges and complexities, public sector employees in Malaysia need to embrace the right capabilities to deal effectively with global customers. One of the key managerial competencies needed for dealing effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds is cultural intelligence or cultural quotient (CQ). The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between CQ, task performance, and contextual performance in a cross-cultural context. Methodology: The data used for this study is derived from the questionnaire survey distributed among Malaysian public service employees in two selected government agencies. A total number of 174 valid responses were successfully obtained. Data were analyzed using Partial Lease Square (PLS) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: The results showed that knowledge CQ and drive CQ have positive influence on employees’ task performance and contextual performance. The findings of this study have important implications for organizations. Our study provides empirical evidence that CQ can serve as a predictor for employee’s work performance in a cross-cultural situation. Implications: This study implements a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge in the fields of human resource management and cross-cultural management studies in Malaysia. It also augments the growing corpus of literature related to the concept of CQ and individual work performance. Human resource management (HRM) should focus on developing employee’s CQ so that they are able to connect and adapt in any global business environment. CQ can be enhanced through proper guidance, training, and development programs.
CONSUMERS’ PARSIMONY OF MOBILE INTERNET BANKING USAGE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Foo-Wah Lim , Fakhrorazi A. , Islam Rabiul
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the Study: The objective of this study is to empirically investigate the determinants of the adoption of mobile Internet Banking in Malaysia. However, the slow growth of mobile Internet banking usage as comparison to online Internet Banking increases the concern on the adoption and parsimony issues of mobile Internet banking (MI-Banking) usage in managing personal finances and banking activities.

Methodology: Self-administered survey was applied and analyzed by using V-Base structural equation modeling. The responses of 358 respondents were analyzed by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique.

Results: The findings of this study revealed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk significantly influenced the adoption of mobile internet banking, while perceived ease of use was found to have the greatest influence on the overall adoption of mobile internet banking. At the same token, perceived ease of use was found to have a significant influence on perceived usefulness.

Implications: The application of mobile internet services has increased and mobile phones are becoming significant tools for managing and controlling personal finances and spending. Thus, a study was conducted to seek clarification on the predictors of mobile Internet banking adoption among Malaysians that will embark further and deeper studies in the context of mobile Internet Banking.
THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN GLOBAL CORPORATIONS
Authors: Othman Muhammad Fuad , Islam Rabiul , Abdul Ghani Ahmad Bashawir
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the Study: The impact of global leadership behavior in the contemporary business environment cannot be easily overlooked as the global environment is full of competitive challenges. Leadership behavior is critically significant because it impacts the present or future situations of any organization. The attainment of an organization’s objectives depends largely on leaders and their leadership behavior.

Methodology: The data for this study were obtained from existing literatures on international leadership in global corporations as well. The methodology relied heavily on existing previous literatures on the subject being dealt with.

Results: The demonstration of a specific leadership behavior by leaders affects both productivity and job satisfaction of employees directly or indirectly. Multinational firms can promote economic activities in developing nations and offer an opportunity to enhance the economic growth, qualities of life, regional, and world commons. This leadership expertise enables the achievement of maximum proficiency and output at a minimum cost.

Implications: The role of global leadership behavior on the performance of multinational corporations has been discussed decisively and how they impact on both workers and organizational performance. Multinational companies often have their headquarters in one state, while other branches or outlets exist in other nations of the world and keep a high standard of leadership outfit.

Novelty: The innovation of this paper is the maximum proficiency of international leadership in global corporations.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT ON POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Authors: Islam Rabiul , Arbak Salwani , Raihan Joarder Mohd Hasanur
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to discuss the role of government on politics and trade. Political economy brings the production and exchange of goods and services that are parallel with the country’s law. The government plays a massive role because if it is not effective then the trade profitability will be decreased. Thus, political intervention is needed to protect the development of economy, sovereignty, and citizens of the state.

Methodology: The data for this study were obtained from existing literatures on the role of government on politics and international trade. The methodology relied heavily on existing literatures on the subject being dealt with.

Result: Political economy on international trade enables the cheap production and import of goods and services in the country. This is because international trade does not limit to commodities as they are produced by only some countries. Finally, political economy can be surveyed by comprehensively gathering political aspects, such as national policies and their administration, and this will take a basic position on the existing and ideal financial models, organizations, and related policies which are being formulated by micro- and macro-economic agendas.

Implication: The interest for the political economy of trade arrangement is the complementary impact of global exchange on local and worldwide legislative issues.
IMPACT OF GLOBAL LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS ON PERFORMANCE OF MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES
Authors: Islam Rabiul , Osman Nazariah , Othman Muhammad Fuad , Raihan Md. Abu
Published: June 2019

Purpose of Study: The aim of this study is to influence the global leadership behaviors on performance in multinational companies. The leadership of multinational companies has become a prominent issue in the 21st century. Organizational performance depends on the leadership style and behavior of the organization. It is also viewed as the survival and profitability of an organization in which its measurement is primary both in manufacturing and services. On the other hand, transactional leadership focuses mainly on goal attainment and transactional leaders are focused on task completion and have fewer emphasis on the emotions and challenges of subordinates or employees.

Methodology: The data for this study were obtained from existing literatures on the impact of global leadership behaviors on the performance of multinational companies. The methodology heavily relied on existing previous literatures on the subject being dealt with.

Results: Transactional leadership was explicated as the style of leadership that focuses on meeting specific goals or performance criteria and the development of followers and their needs. Relations-oriented leaders are different from task-oriented leaders. On this side of the spectrum, relations-oriented leaders tend to focus more on developing a close relationship with their employees.

Implications: Transactional leadership style lacks supervision and influence on subordinates from leaders, as they indulge themselves from any situation that threatens or confronts them; therefore, the responsibilities are shifted on the employees.
INFLUENCE OF ISLAMIC ADVERTISING: ETHIC VIOLATION ON CUSTOMER PURCHASE INTENTION OF HALAL COSMETIC PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Arbak Salwani , Islam Rabiul , Al Rasyid Harun
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the study: This paper examines the relation between Muslim women customer offense due to Islamic advertising ethics violation and purchase intention of halal cosmetic products in Malaysia.

Methodology: The relation between Muslim women customer offense due to Islamic advertising ethics violation of halal cosmetic products and purchase intention in Malaysia was examined through a survey that included 110 Muslim women respondents in Malaysia, who used cosmetics. The items used for the operationalization of variables were based on the advertising ethics provided by Quran and Sunnah. Based on the correlation results, this study reveals that Islamic advertising ethic violation (honesty, racism, sexism, intention, and language) has correlation with purchase intention. A multiple regression analysis highlighted that racism, sexism, intention, and language have negative and significant influence on purchase intention.

Results: Only one variable was found that was not a significant influence on the purchase intention of halal cosmetic products in Malaysia. Sexism plays the most critical role in influencing consumers’ intention that makes them avoid buying halal cosmetic products. Furthermore, customer offense is created due to the violation of ethics and has a negative impact on purchase intention of halal cosmetic products.

Implications: The current study confirms that irrespective of their religion as Muslims, women’s perspective find those advertisements offensive and unethical. The ethics provided by Islam are universal in nature.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVERTISEMENT AND PURCHASE INTENTION ON HALAL COSMETIC PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Arbak Salwani , Islam Rabiul , Al Rasyid Harun
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the Study: The aim of this paper is to examine the relation between Muslim women customer offense caused due to Islamic advertising of halal cosmetic products in Malaysia.

Methodology: The violation of Islamic ethics on the advertisement of halal cosmetic products and purchase intention was examined through a survey that included 110 Muslim women respondents in Malaysia who used cosmetics. The items used for the operationalization of variables were based on the advertising ethics provided by Quran and Sunnah. The current study confirms that irrespective of their religion, women find those advertisements offensive that do not abide by Islamic ethics, which are universal in nature. Based on the correlation results, this study reveals that violation of Islamic advertising ethics (honesty, racism, sexism, intention, and language) has a correlation with purchase intention. A multiple regression analysis was highlighted and it was found that racism, sexism, intention, and language have negative and significant influence on purchase intention. Only one variable did not have a significant influence on purchase intention of halal cosmetic products in Malaysia.

Results: Sexism plays the most critical role in influencing consumers’ intention that makes them avoid buying halal cosmetic products. Furthermore, customer offense created due to violation of ethics has a negative impact on the purchase intention of halal cosmetic products. If advertisers want to attract customers in Malaysia and retain them, then they must avoid creating customer offense by following Islamic advertising ethics.

Implications: This study will be beneficial to marketers, advertisers, and companies in developing their advertising and marketing strategies for halal cosmetic products. In addition, this study has implemented the study of Islamic advertising ethic violations and purchase intentions of halal cosmetic products.
Acute Kidney Injury In Hospitalized Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy
Authors: Konigsfeld Henrique Pinheiro , Santos Thais Oliveira Claizoni Dos , Viana Tatiana Garcia , Pereira Suzy Cristine , Kirsztajn Gianna Mastroianni , Tavares Agostinho , Júnior Marcelino de Souza Durão
Published: June 2019

Background

Performing a kidney biopsy is necessary to accurately diagnose diseases such as glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis, among other such conditions. These conditions predispose patients to chronic kidney disease, as well as acute kidney injury (AKI). Notably, most epidemiological studies describing AKI have not investigated this patient population.

Methods

Included patients admitted to the nephrology ward of a tertiary hospital who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy. AKI was diagnosed based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria.

Results

Of the 223 patients investigated, 140 (62.8%) showed AKI. Of these, 91 (65%), 19 (13.6%), and 30 (21.4%) presented with AKI classified as stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The primary indication for performing biopsy was nephrotic syndrome or nephrotic proteinuria (73 [52.1%] in the AKI vs. 51 [61.4%] in the non-AKI group, p=0.048). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most prevalent primary disease (24 [17.1%] in the AKI vs. 15 [18.0%] in the non-AKI group, p=0.150). Multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with AKI showed hemoglobin levels (odds ratio [OR] 0.805, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.681–0.951, p=0.011), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-c, OR 0.970, 95% CI 0.949–0.992, p=0.008), and baseline serum creatinine levels (OR 2.703, 95% CI 1.471–4.968, p=0.001) were significantly associated with AKI.

Conclusions

We observed a high incidence of AKI in hospitalized patients who underwent kidney biopsy to investigate their renal disease, particularly glomerulonephritis. Higher levels of hemoglobin and serum HDL-c were associated with a lower risk of AKI.
Length of Hospital Stay Is Associated with a Decline in Activities of Daily Living in Hemodialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kamitani Tsukasa , Fukuma Shingo , Shimizu Sayaka , Akizawa Tadao , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: June 2019

Background

The impact of length of hospital stay on activities of daily living (ADLs) has not specifically been investigated among dialysis patients. Therefore, we attempt to verify the association between the length of hospital stay and decline in ADLs among hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study used data from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (J-DOPPS). We included 2,442 hemodialysis patients aged more than or equal to 40 years from the J-DOPPS phase V (2012–2015) and then excluded those who were not independent in more than three of the five basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and for whom changes in ADLs were evaluated for less than 90 days. The main exposure was the cumulative length of hospital stay during the follow-up period. The main outcomes were a decline in at least one of the five BADLs and eight instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). We compared risk ratios (RRs) for 30-day increments in hospital stay with 10-year increments in age and having diabetes.

Results

A total of 960 patients were included in the statistical analysis. The cumulative length of hospital stay was significantly associated with a risk of decline in ADLs (adjusted RRs [95% confidence intervals] per 30-day increments: 1.42 [1.17 to 1.73] for BADLs, 1.30 [1.10 to 1.54] for IADLs). The adjusted RRs [95% CI] for 10-year increments in age were 1.20 [0.96 to 1.50] and 1.27 [1.05 to 1.54]. The adjusted RRs [95% CI] for having diabetes were 1.46 [1.06 to 2.02] for BADLs and 1.38 [1.05 to 1.81] for IADLs.

Conclusion

The impact of a 30-day increment in the cumulative length of hospital stay on the decline in ADLs was comparable to that of a 10-year increase in age and having diabetes.
Identification one major thousand-grain weight QTL TGW12 based on recombinant inbred line population crossed by wild rice (Oryza minuta) introgression line K1561 and indica rice G1025
Authors: Li Xiaoqiong , Wei Yu , Li Jun , Yang Fangwen , Chen Ying , Chen Yinghua , Guo Sibin , Sha Aihua
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Background: Rice yield is needed to improve to meet the requirement of increasing population. Narrow genetic source in cultivated rice is limiting the yield improvement. Wild rice owned valuable genes that have been lost or lacked in cultivated rice. Identification of the quantitative trait locus (QTL) for yield related traits such as thousand-grain weight (TGW) from wild rice can be used to widen the genetic source of cultivated rice.
Results: In the study, sixteen TGW QTL were identified based on a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of one introgression line K1561 of Oryza minuta. and one cultivated rice G1025. One largest effective QTL TGW12 was mapped to the region of 241.47 kb between the Specific Locus Amplified Fragment (SLAF) Marker2768345 and Marker2853491. The origin of TGW12 was tested by means of three markers nearby or within the TGW12 region, but it is presently uncertain whether it was originated from Oryza minuta. or not. Preliminary prediction of TGW12 indicated thirty-two Open Reading Fragments (ORFs) in the region. RT-PCR analysis and sequence alignment showed that the coding domain sequence of one MADS-box gene were different between G1025 and K1561 due to alternative slicing, which caused premature transcription termination. The MADS-box gene was considered as one putative candidate of TGW12
Conclusion: We mapped a major QTL TGW12 by RILs population derived from the cross of one O. minuta introgression line and one cultivated rice, and preliminarily concluded its candidate genes. The region of TGW12 should be further narrowed and creation of transgenic lines will reveal its function. In addition, TGW12 can be directly applied for improvement of TGW in breeding program.
Effects of thermal radiation using wood stoves on population health
Authors: Vallejo Rafael Santiago Rodríguez , Gámez María Rodríguez , Espinales Andrés Manuel Salas , Pérez Antonio Vázquez
Published: June 2019

The use of biomass for cooking food in the rural sector of the province of Manabí is very common. The present work analyzes the situation of families that use wood stoves for the cooking of food in the community of Casas Viejas, canton Jipipapa, province of Manabí. Thermography techniques have used to measure the level of emissivity to which users of traditional kitchens are exposed. It was determined that the exposure is direct and reaches temperatures up to 250 ° C, being able to raise its body temperature in the abdominal area up to 80 ° C. This periodic and prolonged exposure to thermal radiation can seriously affect the health of users.
A Vendor-Independent Mobile Health Monitoring Platform for Digital Health Studies: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Vandenberk Thijs , Storms Valerie , Lanssens Dorien , De Cannière Hélène , Smeets Christophe JP , Thijs Inge M , Batool Tooba , Vanrompay Yves , Vandervoort Pieter M , Grieten Lars
Published: June 2019

Background

Medical smartphone apps and mobile health devices are rapidly entering mainstream use because of the rising number of smartphone users. Consequently, a large amount of consumer-generated data is being collected. Technological advances in innovative sensory systems have enabled data connectivity and aggregation to become cornerstones in developing workable solutions for remote monitoring systems in clinical practice. However, few systems are currently available to handle such data, especially for clinical use.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and implement the digital health research platform for mobile health (DHARMA) that combines data saved in different formats from a variety of sources into a single integrated digital platform suitable for mobile remote monitoring studies.

Methods

DHARMA comprises a smartphone app, a Web-based platform, and custom middleware and has been developed to collect, store, process, and visualize data from different vendor-specific sensors. The middleware is a component-based system with independent building blocks for user authentication, study and patient administration, data handling, questionnaire management, patient files, and reporting.

Results

A prototype version of the research platform has been tested and deployed in multiple clinical studies. In this study, we used the platform for the follow-up of pregnant women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia. The patients’ blood pressure, weight, and activity were semi-automatically captured at home using different devices. DHARMA automatically collected and stored data from each source and enabled data processing for the end users in terms of study-specific parameters, thresholds, and visualization.

Conclusions

The increasing use of mobile health apps and connected medical devices is leading to a large amount of data for collection. There has been limited investment in handling and aggregating data from different sources for use in academic and clinical research focusing on remote monitoring studies. In this study, we created a modular mobile health research platform to collect and integrate data from a variety of third-party devices in several patient populations. The functionality of the platform was demonstrated in a real-life setting among women with high-risk pregnancies.
Electronic Health Record–Based Strategy to Promote Medication Adherence Among Patients With Diabetes: Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Bailey Stacy Cooper , Wallia Amisha , Wright Sarah , Wismer Guisselle A , Infanzon Alexandra C , Curtis Laura M , Brokenshire Samantha A , Chung Arlene E , Reuland Daniel S , Hahr Allison J , Hornbuckle Kenneth , Lockwood Karen , Hall Lori , Wolf Michael S
Published: June 2019

Background

Poor medication adherence is common; however, few mechanisms exist in clinical practice to monitor how patients take medications in outpatient settings.

Objective

This study aimed to pilot test the Electronic Medication Complete Communication (EMC2) strategy, a low-cost, sustainable approach that uses functionalities within the electronic health record to promote outpatient medication adherence and safety.

Methods

The EMC2 strategy was implemented in 2 academic practices for 14 higher-risk diabetes medications. The strategy included: (1) clinical decision support alerts to prompt provider counseling on medication risks, (2) low-literacy medication summaries for patients, (3) a portal-based questionnaire to monitor outpatient medication use, and (4) clinical outreach for identified concerns. We recruited adult patients with diabetes who were prescribed a higher-risk diabetes medication. Participants completed baseline and 2-week interviews to assess receipt of, and satisfaction with, intervention components.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled; 90 completed the 2-week interview. Patients were racially diverse, 30.0% (30/100) had a high school education or less, and 40.0% (40/100) had limited literacy skills. About a quarter (28/100) did not have a portal account; socioeconomic disparities were noted in account ownership by income and education. Among patients with a portal account, 58% (42/72) completed the questionnaire; 21 of the 42 patients reported concerns warranting clinical follow-up. Of these, 17 were contacted by the clinic or had their issue resolved within 24 hours. Most patients (33/38, 89%) who completed the portal questionnaire and follow-up interview reported high levels of satisfaction (score of 8 or greater on a scale of 1-10).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the EMC2 strategy can be reliably implemented and delivered to patients, with high levels of satisfaction. Disparities in portal use may restrict intervention reach. Although the EMC2 strategy can be implemented with minimal impact on clinic workflow, future trials are needed to evaluate its effectiveness to promote adherence and safety.
Personalized, Web-Based, Guided Self-Help for Patients With Medically Unexplained Symptoms in Primary Care: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: van Gils Anne , Hanssen Denise , van Asselt Antoinette , Burger Huibert , Rosmalen Judith
Published: June 2019

Background

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) constitute a major health problem because of their high prevalence, the suffering and disability they cause, and the associated medical costs. Web-based interventions may provide an accessible and convenient tool for managing MUS. We developed a personalized, Web-based, guided self-help intervention for MUS in primary care (Grip self-help) and would compare its effectiveness with that of usual care.

Objective

This paper aims to describe the rationale, objectives, and design of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effectiveness of Grip self-help.

Methods

For a pragmatic multicenter RCT, 165 adult patients with mild to moderate MUS will be recruited through general practices in the Netherlands. Randomization will be performed at general practice level. Over the course of several months, patients in the intervention group will receive a personalized set of Web-based self-help exercises, targeting the unhelpful cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and social factors that are relevant to them. The intervention is guided by a general practice mental health worker. The control group will receive care-as-usual. Primary outcome is physical health-related quality of life (RAND-36 or 36-item general health survey, physical component score). Secondary outcomes include severity of physical and psychological symptoms, mental health–related quality of life, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability. Assessments will take place at baseline, end of treatment, and at 16-, 26-, and 52-week follow-ups.

Results

Recruitment started in December 2018, and enrolment is ongoing. The first results are expected to be submitted for publication in December 2021.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to combine the concepts of electronic health, self-help, and personalized medicine in the treatment of MUS. By improving the quality of life and reducing symptoms of patients with MUS, Grip self-help has the potential to reduce costs and conserve scarce health care resources.

Trial Registration

Dutch Trial Register NTR7390; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7390.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/13738
Kırılgan Yaşlılarda Beslenme
Authors: ALKAN Şenay Burçin , RAKICIOĞLU Neslişah
Published: June 2019

Kırılganlık yaşa bağlı olarak birden çok sistemde
oluşan fizyolojik değişiklikler nedeniyle ortaya çıkan geriatrik sendromlardan
biridir. Akut ve kronik hastalıklar, kronik inflamasyon, çevresel faktörler,
genetik gibi etmenler kırılganlığın patogenezinde rol oynayabilmektedir. Yaşlı
bireyin ağırlık kaybı, bitkinlik/halsizlik hissi, fiziksel aktivite, yürüme
hızı ve el kavrama gücü değerlendirilerek kırılganlık tespit edilir. Beslenme
ve kırılganlık arasındaki ilişkiyi inceleyen çalışmalarda enerji, protein, D
vitamini, antioksidan besin öğelerinin yeterli alımı ve Akdeniz diyetinin
koruyucu etkisi gösterilmiştir. Kırılganlığın önlenmesi ve tedavisinde;
egzersiz, yeterli protein alımı (1.2-1.5 g/kg/gün) ve gerekli durumlarda oral
beslenme solüsyonlarının kullanılması önerilmektedir. Ayrıca anemi ve
depresyonun tedavi edilmesi, serum düzeyinin izlenip düşük olduğu durumlarda D
vitamini desteği verilmesi gerekliliği vurgulanmaktadır.
Böbrek Nakli Olan Hastaların Sağlıklı Yaşam Biçimi Davranışları ve Yaşam Doyumlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: DOĞAN Başak , CANDAN DÖNMEZ Yelda
Published: June 2019

Amaç: Araştırma, böbrek
nakli olan hastaların sağlıklı yaşam biçimi davranışları ve yaşam doyumlarının
belirlenmesi amacıyla yürütüldü.

Materyal-Metot: Tanımlayıcı tipte olan çalışmanın
evrenini 23 Mart – 10 Temmuz 2015
tarihleri arasında bir üniversite hastanesinin Organ Nakli Uygulama ve
Araştırma Merkezi polikliniğine böbrek nakli sonrası başvuran hastalar oluşturdu.
Araştırma örneklemine böbrek nakli
olan, 18 yaş üzeri ve araştırmaya katılmayı kabul eden 80 hasta dahil edildi.  Verilerin
toplanmasında literatür doğrultusunda
geliştirilen sosyodemografik soru formu, Sağlıklı Yaşam Biçimi
Davranışları Ölçeği ve Yaşam Doyum Ölçeği kullanıldı. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde SPSS paket programı
kullanıldı. Araştırma için Bilimsel Etik Kurul’dan onay alındıktan sonra
araştırmanın yapılacağı kurumdan yazılı izin alındı.

Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan hastaların yaş ortalamasının 36.44±10.24
yıl olduğu saptandı. Hastaların % 52.5’inin erkek, % 42.5’inin lise mezunu,  % 72.5’inin evli, % 27.4’ünün işçi olduğu, %
50.0’ının ilçede yaşadığı, % 43.8’inin 6-10 yıldır böbrek hastalığının olduğu
belirlendi. Araştırmaya katılan hastaların Sağlıklı Yaşam
Biçimi Davranışları Ölçeği toplam puan ortalamasının 126.32±12.20 ve Yaşam Doyumu Ölçeği toplam puan ortalamasının 11.60±2.24 olduğu saptandı.

Sonuç:
Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda hastaların sağlıklı yaşam biçimi
davranışları ve yaşam doyumunun orta düzeyde olduğu görüldü.
Breastfeeding Knowledge and Behaviors of Postpartum Mothers
Authors: ÖRSDEMİR Çiğdem , KOÇ Gülten
Published: June 2019

Aim: The purpose
of the study is to reveal the breastfeeding knowledge and behaviors of
postpartum mothers in the Northern Cyprus (NC).

Material and
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the largest
hospital in the NC where the highest number of delivery, with 290 mothers. The
data were collected with questionnaire and the LATCH Breastfeeding Charting
System. The data collection form was administered face-to-face interviews by
the researchers to mothers. The breastfeeding behaviors of mothers were
evaluated twice.

Results: The mean
breastfeeding knowledge score was 27.88±3.30,
the mean LATCH score was 7.75±1.95, and 30.7% of mothers did not need support
for breastfeeding.  One-third of
the participants (35.8%) who had a below-average breastfeeding knowledge score
got 10 from LATCH, 26.1% of those who had an above-average score. Although
mothers who had cesarean, who were getting adequate breastfeeding information
during pregnancy, and who lacked social insurance had high breastfeeding
knowledge scores, appropriate breastfeeding behaviors were exhibited at a
higher level by mothers who had a lower educational status, who did not work,
who had already had two or more deliveries or had two or more living children,
who had experienced breastfeeding before, and who had a vaginal delivery
(p<0.05).

Conclusion: In order to
improve the incidence and duration of breastfeeding, it is essential that
“baby-friendly hospital initiative”, should be reflected in national policies
and implemented at all hospital. Since breastfeeding is influenced by a number
of factors, any personalized training/counseling service should be based on a
decent recognition of a given culture.
Orta Karadeniz Bölgesi Çocuklarında Konjenital Daimi Diş Eksikliği Prevalansının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: AYRANCI Ferhat
Published: June 2019

Amaç: Bu çalışma; Orta Karadeniz bölgesindeki çocuklarda yirmi yaş dişleri haricindeki daimi dişlerde görülen konjenital diş eksikliklerin prevelansını belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Materyal Metod: Bu çalışmada Ordu Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi Ağız Diş ve Çene Cerrahisi Anabilim dalına başvuran 6-12 yaşları arasındaki 996 çocuğun (460 kız, 536 erkek) panoramik radyografileri incelenmiştir. Konjenital diş kesikliğinin cinsiyetler arası ve alt ve üst çene arası sıklığını analiz etmek için Chi-square test uygulandı. Bulgular: Araştırmada konjenital daimi diş eksikliği prevalansı  % 7,3 olarak bulundu (kızlarda % 6,5 ve erkeklerde % 8) ve cinsiyete göre istatistiksel fark gözlenmedi. En sık eksikliği gözlenen dişler sırası ile alt ikinci küçük azı, üst yan kesici ve üst ikinci küçük azı olarak tespit edildi. Dört ayrı yarım çenede diş eksiklikleri birbirine çok yakın değerler verdi ve karşı yarım çenelerdeki diş eksikliklerinin simetrik olduğu görüldü. Sonuç: Konjenital daimi diş eksikliklerinin erken dönemde tespitinin ileride oluşabilecek diş ve çene uyumsuzluklarının önlenmesinin erken dönem tedbir ve tedavilerle daha kolay olacağını düşünmekteyiz.
Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Kanıta Dayalı Hemşireliğe İlişkin Tutum ve Davranışlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: EVCİMEN Hasan , İŞCAN AYYILDIZ Neşe
Published: June 2019

Amaç:
Bu
araştırma hemşirelik son sınıf öğrencilerinin kanıta dayalı hemşireliğe yönelik
bilgi ve tutumlarını belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır.

Gereç-Yöntem:
Tanımlayıcı
tipte olan bu araştırma bir üniversitenin hemşirelik bölümünün son sınıfında
okuyan 143 öğrenci ile yürütülmüştür. Verilerin toplanmasında öğrenci bilgi
formu ve kanıta dayalı hemşireliğe yönelik tutum ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Verilerin
değerlendirilmesinde yüzdeleme, frekans, t  testi kullanılmıştır.

Bulgular:
Araştırmaya
katılanların yaş ortalaması 22.01±0.95 tir. Öğrencilerin genel ağırlıklı not
ortalamaları ise 76.62±7.85' dir. Araştırmaya katılan öğrencilerin %80.4 ' ü
kadın, %72.7' si alana özgü dergi/yayın takip etmediğini %69.2' sinin
lisansüstü eğitim yapmayı düşündüğü görülmüştür. Kanıta dayalı hemşireliğe
yönelik tutum ölçeği toplam ortalama  puanı 61.65±9.30 olup ölçeğin cronbach alpha
katsayısı 0.92' dir.

Sonuç:
Öğrencilerin
kanıta dayalı hemşireliğe yönelik tutum ve niyetlerinin iyi düzeyde olduğu
görülmektedir. Kadın öğrencilerin erkeklere göre ölçek toplam puanı ve alt
boyutlarında daha yüksek puan aldığı görülmektedir (p<0.05). Lisansüstü
eğitim düşünenlerin düşünmeyenlere göre ölçek toplam ve alt boyut puanlarının
daha yüksek olduğu gözlemlenmiştir (p<0.05).