bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demography and Determinants of Dog and Cat Ownership in Three Towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Sarba Edilu Jorga , Getaneh Abraham Mekebib , Tola Getachew Kebebew , Endale Solomon Shiferaw , Marami Lencho Megersa
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThe dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to the absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for effective planning and control of the pet population and zoonosis. The present study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was designed and administered to households to collect data on the demography and determinates of dog and cat ownerships. Six hundred ten households, consisting of 305 in Ambo, 182 in Bako and 123 in Gojo towns, were interviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association of factors with dog and cat ownership. ResultsAbout 65.1% (95% CI: 62.12 – 69.84%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.83 – 43.81%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.43 – 34.99%) own both. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6.2:1, and human to owned-cat ratio was 10.1:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 2.70:1 for the dog while 0.68:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have access to the outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs or cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, shortage of finance, lack of private houses and shortage of dogs and cats. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, the gender of head of household, ownership of other domestic animals as determinants for both dog and cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership. ConclusionData on dog and cat ownership status is important for the provision of veterinary services, pet population control and for quantifying risks associated with dog and cat ownership and control of dog/cut borne zoonosis.
Cumulative effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on the forest carbon balance in the Oil Sands Region of Alberta, Canada; a pilot study (1984–2012)
Authors: Shaw Cindy , Rodrigue Sebastien , Voicu Mihai , Latifovic Rasim , Pouliot Darren , Hayne Shari , Fellows Max , Kurz Werner A.
Published: August 2020

Background Assessing cumulative effects of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on forest carbon (C) stocks and fluxes, because of their relevance to climate change, is a requirement of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in Canada. However, tools have not been developed specifically for these purposes, and in particular for the boreal forest of Canada, so current forest C assessments in EIAs take relatively simple approaches. Here, we demonstrate how an existing tool, the Generic Carbon Budget Model (GCBM), developed for national and international forest C reporting, was used for a relatively rigorous assessment of the cumulative effects of anthropogenic and natural disturbances to support EIA requirements. We applied the GCBM to approximately 1.3 million ha of upland forest in a pilot study area of the oil sands region of Alberta that has experienced a large number of anthropogenic (forestry, energy sector) and natural (wildfire, insect) disturbances.Results 24% of the pilot study area was disturbed. Increasing disturbance emissions combined with declining net primary productivity over the 29 years of the pilot study changed the area from a net C sink to a net C source. Forest C stocks changed from 332 Mt to 327.5 Mt, declining at an average rate of 0.155 tC ha− 1 yr− 1. The largest cumulative areas of disturbance were caused by wildfire (139,000 ha), followed by the energy sector (110,000 ha), insects (33,000 ha) and harvesting (31,000 ha) but the largest cumulative disturbance emissions were caused by the energy sector (9.5 Mt C), followed by wildfire (5.5 Mt C), and then harvesting (1.3 Mt C).Conclusion An existing forest C model was used successfully to provide a rigorous regional cumulative assessment of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on forest C, which meets requirements of EIAs in Canada. The assessment showed the relative importance of disturbances on C emissions in the pilot study area but their relative importance is expected to change in other parts of the oil sands region because of its diversity in disturbance, types, patterns and intensity. Future assessments should include peatland C stocks and fluxes, which could be addressed by using the Canadian Model for Peatlands.
Prevalence of Premarital Sex and Related Risky Practices Among Students of Ayer Tena Health Science and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Birri Dagim , Kumie Mihiretu
Published: August 2020

Background: Premarital sex may result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. Published reports on the prevalence premarital in private colleges in Ethiopia are limited. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of premarital and risky behaviours among students of Ayer Tena Health Science and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among of Ayer Tena Health Science and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 390 students that were selected by systematic random sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. Associations between variables were determined using chi-square test.Results: The study participants consisted of 81% females, 73.7% Christians, 58% business students, 56.8 % degree students, 62.1% regular students and 49.1% fresh students. We found that 23.3% of the students had exprienced premarital sex, of which 43.5% had sex in the last 12 months, 14.3% were homosexuals, and 20% started sex before 18. About 68.2% never used condom at the first sex and 60% had history of having sex without condom. About 51.3% did not plan for the first sex. Nearly 34% had multiple sexual partners in their life time and 15.5% had multiple current sexual partners. From 334 respondents, 14.7% said that oral contraceptive pills prevent sexually STIs. Nearly 59 % (47/80) of the study subjects did not have a practice of requesting a new sexual partner for STIs test result. Many students had a history of watching pornography (17.3%), drinking alcohol (17.3%) and taking drugs (3%). Among 65 female students, 20% had a history of pregnancy, of which 46.2% have done abortion. Among those who practiced sexual intercourse, 5.9% had history of STIs, including HIV. Premarital sex was common among males, Christians, health students, non-regular students, degree students, and among those who never attended religious services, live alone, have income, watch pornography, believe that oral contraceptive pills prevent STIs, and take alcohol.Conclusion: The prevalence of premarital is high among the study participants. Risky behaviors and misconceptions are also common. Hence, it would be better to devise and implement effective intervention strategies to reverse the situation.
Kinematic analysis of upper extremity movement in stroke patients as a rehabilitation supporting tool
Authors: Mariusz Konieczny , Pakosz Paweł , Monika Błaszczyszyn
Published: August 2020

Background: Ischemic stroke often results in reduced mobility of the upper extremity and subsequent long-term disability. Evaluation of the effects of rehabilitation monitoring is often insufficient, while technological progress in 3D analysis application is more objective in the assessment of motor deficits. The aim of the study was to examine the use of kinematic analysis indicators for diagnosing the rehabilitation process in post-stroke patients. Methods: 20 ischemic stroke patients in the early post-stroke phase (up to three months after the stroke) took part in the study. The study tests were conducted at the beginning of the rehabilitation process and after its completion. The procedure comprised moving the index finger and reaching for four target points (closer, farther, contralaterally, ipsilaterally) placed on a table in front of the patient. The analysis of movement time and movement trajectory was carried out using the OptiTrack system. Movement time and movement smoothness (trajectory smoothness) were calculated with the use of normalized jerk score (JERK). Results: The JERK parameter changed significantly in three movement trajectory directions: closer (p ≤ 0.01; d = 1.82), further (p ≤ 0.05; d = 1.02), and contralaterally (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.91). Conclusions: The results confirm the usefulness of the applied measurements in diagnosing the effects of rehabilitation of patients in the early post-stroke phase.Trial registration: (not applicable)
Two Year Average Follow Up of Supercapsular Percutaneously Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty; Zero Dislocations
Authors: Kay Andrew , KLAVAS DEREK , Haghshenas Varan , PHAN MIMI , LE DAN TRAN
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUNDDislocation after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has an incidence of 2-3. Approximately 77% of dislocations occur within the first year after surgery. The SuperPATH technique is a minimally invasive approach for THA that preserves soft tissue attachments. The purpose of this study is to describe the dislocation rate at one year after SuperPATH primary THA. METHODSAll elective primary THAs performed by the senior author using the SuperPATH approach. Exclusion criteria were acute femoral neck fracture, revision surgery, or malignancy. There were 214 of 279 eligible patients available for telephone interviews (76.7%). Medical records were reviewed for secondary outcomes including early and late complications, cup positioning, distance ambulated on postoperative day one, discharge destination, and blood transfusions. RESULTSMean age at surgery was 64 ± 10.8 years and mean time to telephone follow up was 773 ± 269.7 days. There were 104 female and 110 male patients. There were zero dislocations reported. Blood transfusions were performed in 3.7% of patients, and 75.7% were discharged to home at an average of 2.3 ± 1.0 days. Cup position averaged 43.6 ± 5.2° abduction and 20.9 ± 6.2° anteversion, with an average leg length discrepancy of 3.6 ± 3.32mm. Complications included three intraoperative calcar fractures, one periprosthetic femur fracture, one early femoral revision, three superficial infections, and one instance of wound necrosis.CONCLUSIONSuperPATH approach is safe for use in primary THA resulting in a low dislocation rate.
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants from West Azerbaijan, Northwestern Iran
Authors: SALTEH SAEIDEH ALIZADEH , Amani Mina
Published: August 2020

Background

This study has identified the applications and local (Azari) and persian names of wild and cultivated plants collected for medical purposes by Azerian people of West Azerbaijan region in the Province of West Aerbaijan, Iran. The aim of this study is to collect information from local population concerning the use of medicinal plants of Khoy and determine the relative importance of the species including use value of species and the informant consensus factor (ICF) were surveyed and calculated in relation to medicinal plant use.
Methods

A field study had been carried out for a period of approximately 2 years (2014–2015). A questionnaire was administered to the local people, through face-to-face interviews. Demographic characteristics of participants, names of the local plants, their utilized parts and preparation methods were asked. The plant species were collected as herbarium specimen. The collected data were used to calculate the ICF and the plant use values. 82 Plants were found to be used for medical purposes in study area.
Results

The results showed that the highest use value were recorded for the species Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. exhibited maximum use value (0.58), while the highest ICF was cited for Cold, flu, fever (0.61).
Conclusions

The results of this research showed that in the studied area the folk medicinal plants are still applied and evaluation of pharmacological activity for the indigenous medicinal plants is recommended.
Male involvement in Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mekonnen Chilot kassa , Abate Hailemichael Kindie , Demessie Negesu Gizaw
Published: August 2020

Background: Maternal death may occur from complications while a woman is pregnant, during labor and post-partum period. Birth preparedness and complication readiness during pregnancy period prominently increase positive maternal as well as child health outcomes. Male involvement in pregnancy, labor and post-partum care has been shown to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Nevertheless, it continues to be low, especially in low income countries. One of the reasons is the lack of birth preparedness and complication readiness, which is recognized as the most cost-effective and achievable components of safe motherhood programs around the world. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis study tried to determine the pooled prevalence of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: Searching of the primary articles was completed by PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHAL, and Google Scholar, HINARI portal which includes the SCOPUS, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online Database. The data was extracted by using a standard data extraction checklist that developed according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).For assessing heterogeneity across the studies I2 statistics was used. The Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s tests were used to check the presence of publication bias. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness. Odds Ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval was also used to determine the association of identified factors with the outcome variable. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 11 software.Result: From a total of 614, primary studies with (sample participants 3413), 8 were eligible for inclusion in the final systematic Review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness was found to be 40.17% [95%CI (24.01-56.33) Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of male involvement in birth preparedness and complication readiness was relatively low. Thus, Minister of Health with its stake holders better to give emphasis on community awareness programs so as to increase male involvement for birth preparedness and complication readiness.
The Effect of An Educational Intervention on Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: hossennia Maede , Mazaheri Maryam Amidi , Heidari Zahra
Published: August 2020

Background: this study evaluated the effect of an educational intervention for increasing elementary school teachers’ ADHD knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Method: Teachers from 12 schools who had at least one student with a definitive diagnosis of ADHD participated in the study and were allocated into either an intervention (n=31) or control group (n=27). Teachers’ ADHD knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior were assessed before and after intervention. Six-session participatory intervention were provided only for the intervention group.Results: Two mounts after the intervention, the intervention group scored significantly higher on all three outcomes (P≤0.001).Conclusion: The educational intervention significantly improved teachers’, knowledge, attitudes as well as their behaviors and strategies to manage children with ADHD. It is recommended that this program will incorporate into in-service training courses for primary school teachers as a means of facilitating teaching and managing children with ADHD in class. Trial registration: The study was approved by the by the Research Deputy of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In addition, The Ethical Committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences approved the study proposal. (ID code: IR.MUI.RESEARCH.REC.1398.297). The required permission from Education Department of Isfahan City was attained. Participation in the study was voluntary. Before taking part in the study, selected teachers provided written consent also study goals were described to them.
Genomic investigation of atypical malaria cases in Kanel, northern Senegal
Authors: Sy Mouhamad , Badiane Aida Sadikh , Siddle Katherine J. , Gaye Amy , Ndiaye Tolla , Deme Awa Bineta , Dieye Baba , Ndiaye Yaye Die , Diallo Mamadou Alpha , Diongue Khadim , Seck Mame Cheikh , Ndiaye Ibrahima Mbaye , Fall Fatou Ba , Cissé Moustapha , Gueye Alioune Badara , Sène Doudou , Dieye Yakou , Souané Tamba , MacInnis Bronwyn , Volkman Sarah K. , Wirth Dyann F , Ndiaye Daouda
Published: August 2020

BackgroundDiagnosis of malaria cases in regions where the malaria burden has decreased significantly and prevalence is very low becomes more challenging, in part because of reduced clinical presumption of malaria. The appearance of a cluster of malaria cases with atypical symptoms in Mbounguiel, a village in northern Senegal where malaria transmission is low, in September 2018 exemplifies this scenario. The collaboration between the national malaria control program (NMCP) at the Senegal ministry of health and the laboratory of parasitology mycology at Cheikh Anta Diop University worked together to evaluate this cluster of malaria cases using molecular and serology tools.ResultsNine of the fifteen patients were evaluated, and all nine samples were found to be positive for P. falciparum only. The 24 SNP molecular barcode showed the predominance of polygenomic infections, with identifiable strains being different from one another. All patients tested positive for the P. falciparum antigens. No other pathogenic infection was detected by either the serological panel or metagenomic sequencing. ConclusionsThis work undertaken locally within Senegal as a collaboration between the NMCP and a research malaria laboratory at University of Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) revealed that a cluster of malaria cases were caused by different strains of P. falciparum. The public health response in real time demonstrates the value of local molecular and genomics capacity in affected countries disease control and elimination.
Two-dimensional ferroelectric channel transistors integrating ultra-fast memory and neural computing
Authors: Wang Shuiyuan , Liu Lan , Gan Lurong , chen Huawei , Hou Xiang , Ding Yi , Ma Shunli , Zhang Wei , Zhou Peng
Published: August 2020

With the advent of big data era, applications are more data-centric, and energy efficiency issues caused by frequent data interactions due to the physical separation of memory and computing will become more severe. Emerging technologies have been proposed to perform analog computing with memory to address the dilemma. Ferroelectric memory has become a promising technology due to field-driven fast switching and non-destructive readout, but endurance and miniaturization are limited. Here, we demonstrate the α-In2Se3 ferroelectric semiconductor channel device that integrates non-volatile memory (NVM) and neural computation functions. Remarkable performance includes NVM ultra-fast write speed of 40ns, improved endurance through internal electric field, flexible adjustment of neural plasticity, energy consumption as low as 40fJ per event, and thermally modulated 94.74% high-precision iris recognition classification simulation. This prototypical demonstration laid the foundation for an integrated memory computing system with high density and energy efficiency.
Influence of MIF Polymorphisms on CpG Island Hyper-methylation of CDKN2A in the Patients With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Sakurai Naoko , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nakamura Masakatsu , Takano Hikaru , Hayashi Tasuku , Ota Masafumi , Nomura-Horita Tomoe , Hayashi Ranji , Shimasaki Takeo , Otsuka Toshimi , Tahara Tomomitsu , Arisawa Tomiyasu
Published: August 2020

Background: CDKN2A hypermethylation is among of the major events associated with carcinogenesis and is also observed in non-neoplastic colonic mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a crucial role in promoting gastrointestinal inflammation characteristic of UC. The aim of this study is to explore associations between CDKN2A methylation status and MIF polymorphisms (rs755622 and rs5844572). Methods: One hundred and fifty-nine patients diagnosed with UC were enrolled in this study. The methylation status of p14ARF and p16INK4a was determined by MSP; MIF genotypes were identified by PCR-SSCP. Results: The frequencies of the rs755662 GC + CC genotype and rs5844572 7-repeat allele were significantly higher in group with methylated p14ARF and methylated p16INK4a, respectively. Carrying the rs755622 C allele indicated a significantly higher risk for p14ARF methylation (odds ratio (OR), 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-4.32); similarly, carrying the rs5844572 7-repeat allele indicated a significantly higher risk for p16INK4a methylation (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.26–5.24) after an adjusted regression analysis. The carriers of the rs755662 C allele and the rs5844572 7-repeat allele were both at a significantly higher risk for methylation of both p14ARF and p16INK4a when compared to the cohort in which neither of the genes were methylated (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.22–6.01 and OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.25–6.62, respectively). Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that MIF genotypes associated with inflammation may also be involved in promoting carcinogenesis via CDKN2A hyper-methylation in patients diagnosed with UC.
Peripheral nerve activity potential difference among TaiYang, TaiYin, ShaoYang and ShaoYin
Authors: JIN Li-yan , JIANG Jin-long , ZHENG Dao-xuan , JIN Chunyu
Published: August 2020

Objects

Explain the mechanism of PNAP Characteristic changes for each Korean Medicine Sasang typology.
Methods

By ways of question form and expert’s deliberation, 1000 healthy volunteers are distinguished into corresponding Sasang types, then detect median, ulnar, peroneal, tibial nerves’ CMAP and F-Wave, to analyze nerve conduction’s characteristic changes between groups or within group.
Results

① Within group, TaiYin: Median nerve’s right side MCV is declined than left side; Ulnar and Peroneal and tibial nerve’s left side MCV is declined than right side. ShaoYang: Ulnar and tibial nerve’s left side MCV is declined than right side. ( P < 0.05 ). ② Between groups, TaiYin & ShaoYang: About median and tibial nerve’s Distal Amlitude ( DA ), MCV, TaiYin is declined than that of ShaoYang; TaiYin & ShaoYin: About tibial nerve’s DA, MCV, The shortest latency of F-wave ( FL ), TaiYin is declined or extended than that of ShaoYin; ShaoYang & ShaoYin: For median nerve’s MCV, FL, ShaoYin is declined or extended than that of ShaoYang ( P < 0.05 ). ③ Nerve amount rate of FL ≥ 2SD ( ShaoYang as standard), for peroneal and tibial nerves, TaiYin is greater than ShaoYang and ShaoYin ( P < 0.01). ④ Nerve amount rate which conduction is under-activity, for tibial nerve, TaiYin is greater than ShaoYin ( right ) and ShaoYang ( left ) ( P < 0.01). ⑤ AMP. / DUR. rate of median nerve: ShaoYin > ShaoYang > TaiYin ( P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions

Median nerve’s left side has advantage than right side, however the ulnar and tibial nerve’s right side is well than left side, this characteristic is much more obvious in TaiYin; PNAP of ShaoYang is well than TaiYin and ShaoYin; AMP. / DUR. rate of median nerve shows sensitively about constitutional differences.
Significance

Provide foundation of clinical diagnosis and treatment on a constitutional basis.
Assessing a national policy on strengthening chronic care in primary care settings of a low-resource country using patients' perspectives.
Authors: Suriyawongpaisal Paibul , Aekplakorn Wichai , Srithamrongsaw Samrit , Kaewkamjonchai Phanuwich
Published: August 2020

Background To improve care for patients with chronic diseases, a recent policy initiative in Thailand focuses on strengthening primary care including training of the team to deliver healthcare based on the concept of Chronic Care Model(CCM). This study conducted a cross-sectional survey of 4,071 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes registered to 25 primary care units and 16 hospital NCD clinics in 11 provinces (76 in total) to examine the effects of provider training and local health systems settings on patients’ perception of the chronic care quality.Methods A home-based interview with questionnaire was conducted on the patients in primary care settings. The questionnaire was adopted from the Thai version of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC+) developed by the MacColl Institute for Healthcare Innovation. The questionnaire contains 20 items from the original PACIC, which measure different parts of the CCM, and an additional 6 items assess the 5A Model.Mixed effect models were employed to compare subscale of patient perception of the care quality between trained upgraded PCUs, upgraded PCUs, ordinary PCUs and NCD clinics. Upgraded PCUs were ordinary PCUs with the multiprofessional team including a physician. Trained upgraded PCUs were upgraded PCUs with the training input.Results Mixed effect models depicted an independent association between every PACIC subscale (as a measure of CCM) and facility type with the maximum likelihood for patients of ordinary PCU reporting high to highest scores (ORs: 1.52-1.76; p<0.05) compared to hospital NCD clinics. This is also the case for patients: seeing the same doctor on repeated visits (ORs: 1.66-1.87; p<0.05) or having phone contacts of the providers (ORs:1.42-1.63; p<0.05). Similarly, across all of the 5A model subscales, ORs for patients attending ordinary PCU responded with high to highest scores were 1.4-2.0 times compared to those for patients attending hospital NCD clinics(p<0.05). Conclusions We could not find evidence to support effectiveness of the training approach. The training failure might indicate a need to address mismatch between health workforce and workload. It also indicates a need to incorporate fidelity check into any training program for chronic care addressing the complex healthcare needs.
Transplantation of a Heart Donated After Circulatory Death via Thoraco-Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion. Results from the first Spanish case.
Authors: Redondo Marina Pérez , Carmona Sara Alcántara , García Susana Villar , Gil Alberto Forteza , Fernández Hector Villanueva , Hernández-Pérez Francisco José , Cruz Jose Luis Campo-Cañaveral de la , Calvo Rocío Velasco , Segovia-Cubero Javier , Menárguez Beatriz Alonso , Gallegos Francisco del Río , Coll Elisabeth , Gonzalez Beatriz Domínguez-Gil , Muñoz Juan José Rubio
Published: August 2020

BackgroundControlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) has emerged as one of the main strategies for increasing the organ donor pool. Because of the ischemic injury that follows the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, hearts from cDCD donors have not been considered for transplantation until recently. The ex-situ perfusion of hearts directly procured from cDCD donors has been used to allow the continuous perfusion of the organ and the assessment of myocardial viability prior to transplantation.Based on our experience with abdominal normothermic regional perfusion in cDCD, we designed a protocol to recover and validate hearts from cDCD donors using thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion without any ex-situ device.Case presentationWe describe the first case of a cDCD heart transplant performed with this approach in Spain. The donor was a 43-year-old asthmatic female diagnosed with severe hypoxic encephalopathy. She was considered the potential cDCD donor as a suitable candidate for multiorgan procurement including the heart via thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion. The heart recipient was a 60-year-old male diagnosed with amyloid cardiomyopathy. Cold ischemia time was 55 minutes. The surgery was uneventful.ConclusionsThis case report has revealed the feasibility of evaluating and successfully transplanting cDCD hearts without the need for ex-situ perfusion based on the use of thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion. It opens up the way for multiorgan donation in cDCD.
Biofilm prevention potential of 0.02% polyhexanide irrigation solution in urethral catheters under practice-like in vitro conditions
Authors: Brill Florian H. H. , Hambach Julia , Utpatel Christian , Mogrovejo Diana , Gabriel Henrik , Klock Jan-Hendrik , Steinmann Joerg , Arndt Andreas
Published: August 2020

Background
Long-term use of indwelling urethral catheters is associated with high risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and blockage. Microbial biofilms are a common cause of catheter blockage, reduce their lifetime and significantly increase morbidity of UTIs. A 0.02% polyhexanide irrigation solution developed for routine mechanical rinsing shows potential for bacterial decolonization of suprapubic and indwelling urethral catheters and has the potential to reduce or prevent biofilm formation.
Methods
Using a practice-like in vitro assay and standard silicon catheters, artificially contaminated with clinically relevant bacteria, assays were carried out to evaluate the biofilm reduction and prevention potential of polyhexanide vs. no intervention (standard approach) and irrigation with saline solution (NaCl 0.9%). The biofilm mass was measured by crystal violet staining and fluorescence microscopy.
Results
Irrigation with a 0.02% polyhexanide solution reduced the biofilm mass by approx. 85% vs. non-treated catheters. Standard 0.9% saline solution was able to reduce the biofilm mass by approx. 50%. Fluorescence microscopy showed that polyhexanide is able to destroy bacteria in the biofilm, albeit only those cells on the upper layers.
Conclusions
The polyhexanide and standard saline solutions are able to reduce bacterial biofilm from urinary catheters, showing a combination of mechanical and antibacterial effects. The data supports a prevention strategy to avoid the formation of a thick biofilm, which is characteristically difficult to be efficiently removed. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term tolerability and efficacy of polyhexanide in clinical practice.
Improvement of Renal Function After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Its Impact on Survival
Authors: Frank Derk , Kylies Dominik , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Fulisch Florian , Seoudy Hatim , Kuhn Christian , Kihm Lars Philipp , Pühler Thomas , Lutter Georg , Dempfle Astrid , Frey Norbert , Feldkamp Thorsten
Published: August 2020

BackgroundChronic kidney disease as well as acute kidney injury are associated with adverse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, little is known about the prognostic implications of an improvement in renal function after TAVR. Methods Renal improvement (RI) was defined as a decrease in postprocedural creatinine in µmol/l of ≥ 1% compared to its preprocedural baseline value. A propensity score representing the likelihood of RI was calculated to define patient groups which were comparable regarding potential confounders (age, sex, BMI, NYHA classification, STS score, log. EuroSCORE, history of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, pulmonary disease, previous stroke, CRP, creatinine, hsTNT and NT-proBNP). The cohort was stratified into 5 quintiles according to this propensity score and the survival time after TAVR was compared within each subgroup. Results Patients in quintile 5 (n=93) had the highest likelihood for RI. They were characterized by higher creatinine, lower eGFR, higher NYHA class, higher NT-proBNP, being mostly female and having shorter overall survival time. Within quintile 5, patients without RI had significantly shorter survival compared to patients with RI (p=0.002). There was no survival time difference between patients with and without RI in the whole cohort (p=0.12) and in quintiles 1 to 4 (all p > 0.16).Conclusions We here describe a propensity score-derived specific subgroup of patients in which RI after TAVR correlated with a significant survival benefit.
Evaluation of optimal fermentation conditions for volatile fatty acids production from artisanal fish waste
Authors: Cadavid-Rodríguez Luz Stella , Castro-López Viviana E. , PLACIDO JERSSON
Published: August 2020

In this research, operational parameters were assessed to optimise the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) from artisanal fish waste (FW) using mixed-culture fermentation. The experiments were performed using a randomised block design with pH and Inoculum/Substrate (I/S) ratio as factors with three pH levels (5, 7 and 9) and five I/S ratios levels (0.20, 0.15, 0.10, 0.05, 0.00) with VFA production, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), biogas and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) as response variables. The results indicated that pH and I/S ratio significantly influenced VFA production and the other variables evaluated. The highest VFA concentration (54.5 g/L) was obtained at pH 7 and with an I/S ratio of 0.05. These conditions were also optimal for TAN and sCOD. External pH control was proved as unnecessary as the highest VFA production (70.3 g VFA/L) was obtained without pH control. In these conditions, the fermentation broth was able to maintain its pH between 6.6 and 7.7. The VFA profile had acetic (35%) and butyric (32%) acids as the dominant species, however, propionic, iso-valeric and iso-butyric were also produced in small amounts (< 10%). These results evidence the potential of artisanal FW as a raw material for producing high concentrations of VFA and smooth the path for the establishment of a VFA and biogas biorefinery from artisanal FW.
IL-17A Polymorphism (rs2275913) and Levels Are Associated With Preeclampsia Pathogenesis in Chinese Patients  
Authors: Lang Xiao , Liu Wei , Hou Yanyan , Zhao Wenxia , Yang Xingyu , Chen Lan , Yan Qi , Cheng Weiwei
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPreeclampsia (PE) is a pregnant related syndrome affecting both child and mother. Although, the role of various inflammatory molecules in PE has been demonstrated, importance of proinflammatory molecules such as IL-17A, IL-23 are poorly understood. In the present investigation, we tested a possible association of common genetic variants in IL-17A and IL-23 gene with PE. MethodsClinically diagnosed 115 PE patients who reported to the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital were enrolled in the present study. Age, sex-matched 102 pregnant women, and 147 healthy Chinese women were also included. ELISA was used to quantify serum levels of IL-17A and IL-23 in all enrolled subjects. Common genetic polymorphisms in IL-17A (rs 2275913, rs1974226, and rs1974226), IL-23A (rs11171806), and IL-12B (rs3212227) were genotyped by PCR-RFLP or TaqMan probe-based method. ResultsElevated levels of serum IL-17A was observed in PE patients compared to pregnant (P<0.0001) and healthy women (P<0.0001). However, IL-23 levels were comparable among different clinical categories. Furthermore, heterozygous (GA) and minor allele (A) for IL-17A (rs2275913) and IL-23A (rs11171806) were more prevalent in PE patients in comparison to pregnant ladies or healthy women suggesting an essential role in predisposition to PE development. Interestingly, IL-17A (rs 2275913) mutants were linked with elevated IL-17A levels in comparison to wildtype (GG). ConclusionsIL-17A (rs2275913) variants are associated with higher serum levels of cytokine, and predisposed PE development.
Multiple waves of freshwater colonization of the three-spined stickleback in the Japanese Archipelago
Authors: Kakioka Ryo , Mori Seiichi , Kokita Tomoyuki , Hosoki Takuya K , Nagano Atsushi J , Ishikawa Asano , Kume Manabu , Toyoda Atsushi , Kitano Jun
Published: August 2020

Background: The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a remarkable system to study the genetic mechanisms underlying parallel evolution during the transition from marine to freshwater habitats. Although the majority of previous studies on the parallel evolution of sticklebacks have mainly focused on postglacial freshwater populations in the Pacific Northwest of North America and northern Europe, we recently use Japanese stickleback populations for investigating shared and unique features of adaptation and speciation between geographically distant populations. However, we currently lack a comprehensive phylogeny of the Japanese three-spined sticklebacks, despite the fact that a good phylogeny is essential for any evolutionary and ecological studies. Here, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis of the three-spined stickleback in the Japanese Archipelago.Results: We found that freshwater colonization occurred in multiple waves, each of which may reflect different interglacial isolations. Some of the oldest freshwater populations from the central regions of the mainland of Japan (Hariyo populations) were estimated to colonize freshwater approximately 170,000 years ago. The next wave of colonization likely occurred approximately 100,000 years ago. The inferred origins of several human-introduced populations showed that introduction occurred mainly from nearby habitats. We also found a new habitat of the three-spined stickleback sympatric with the Japan Sea stickleback (Gasterosteus nipponicus).Conclusions: These Japanese stickleback systems differ from those in the Pacific Northwest of North America and northern Europe in terms of divergence time and history. Stickleback populations in the Japanese Archipelago offer valuable opportunities to study diverse evolutionary processes in historical and contemporary timescales.
Bariatric surgery can acutely modulate ER-stress and inflammation on subcutaneous adipose tissue in non-diabetic patients with obesity
Authors: Ferraz-Bannitz Rafael , Welendorf Caroline Rossi , Coelho Priscila Oliveira , Salgado Wilson , Nonino Carla Barbosa , Beraldo Rebeca , Foss-Freitas Maria
Published: August 2020

Background
Bariatric surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most effective and durable treatment option for population with severe obesity. The mechanisms involving adipose tissue may be important to explain the effects of surgery.
Methods
We aimed to identify the genetic signatures of adipose tissue in patients undergoing RYGB. We evaluated 13 obese, non-diabetic patients (mean age 37 years, 100% women, Body mass index (BMI) 42.2 kg/m2) one day before surgery, 3 and 6 months (M) after RYGB.
Results
Analysis of gene expression in adipose tissue collected at surgery compared with samples collected at 3M and 6M Post-RYGB showed that interleukins (Interleukin 6, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP1)) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) genes (Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (EIF2AK3) and Calreticulin (CALR)) decreased during the follow-up (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Otherwise, genes involved in energy homeostasis (Adiponectin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)), cellular response to oxidative stress (Sirtuin 1, Sirtuin 3, and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)), mitochondrial biogenesis (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α)) and amino acids metabolism (General control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2)) increased from baseline to all other time points evaluated (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Also, expression of Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARϒ) (adipogenesis regulation) was significantly decreased after RYGB (P < 0.05) We also observed a strong positive correlation between PGC1α, SIRT1 and AMPK with BMI at 3M (P ≤ 0.01 for all) and ADIPOQ and SIRT1 with BMI at 6M (P ≤ 0.01 for all).
Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that weight loss is associated with amelioration of inflammation and ERS and increased protection against oxidative stress in adipose tissue. These observations are strongly correlated with a decrease in BMI and essential genes that control cellular energy homeostasis, suggesting an adaptive process on a gene expression level during the caloric restriction and weight loss period after RYGB.
Impact of Region- of-interest Size and Location on Quantitative Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound of Canine Splenic Perfusion
Authors: Morabito Simona , Pietro Simona Di , Cicero Luca , Falcone Annastella , Liotta Luigi , Crupi Rosalia , Cassata Giovanni , Macrì Francesco
Published: August 2020

BackgroundDuring the contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) the features of regions of interest (ROI) can affects the value of the perfusion parameters obtained from a time intensity curves (TIC). In veterinary medicine, the influence of ROI size and location during the CEUS exam has been described using the kidney as target organ, with contrasting results. No guidelines have been reported for the ideal placement or size of the ROI during the quantitative analysis of CEUS in canine spleen.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size and location of ROIs in the spleen of conscious dogs on perfusion variables determined using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with sulphur hexafluoride. ResultsA prospective, observational study on 15 adult client-owned mixed-breed dogs was performed using a system equipped with contrast-tuned imaging technology. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the enhancement pattern of the spleen were performed. Three square ROIs (0.05 cm2) were manually drawn in a row and spaced 1mm apart, placing adjacent ROIs at three different depths. Three medium rectangular ROIs (0.3 cm2 ) encompass the 3 smaller ROIs of each row and a single large square ROI (1 cm2) containing all the previous ROIs were drawn. Software analysis of generated time-intensity curves within each ROI allowed to calculate the perfusion parameters: peak enhancement, time to peak, regional blood flow and volume and mean transit time. The coefficient of variation for all parameters was always lowest in the largest ROI in comparison with the other smaller ROIs. The ROI A and B, positioned in proximal and middle levels respectively, showed coefficients of variation similar to the largest ROI. The analysis of variance model showed a significant effect of location and size of ROIs in the quantitative perfusion analysis of the canine spleen, with a reduction of perfusion parameters in the distal ROI.Conclusions The analysis of splenic perfusion through quantitative evaluation of enhancement with a contrast agent into a large enough and proximal to the ultrasound beam area of ​​splenic parenchyma may be of clinical importance in the diagnosis of splenic disorders.
Assessing Neo-natal mortality trends in Pakistan: An insight using Equity Lens
Authors: Dawood Zainab , Majeed Naeem
Published: August 2020

BackgroundAlmost 2.5 million children died in the first year of life in the year 2017. These account for almost half of the total deaths of children under the age of five years. Overall, child mortality has declined over the past two decades. Comparatively, the pace of decline in neonatal mortality has remained much slow. Significant inequalities in health across a number of dimensions – including wealth, ethnicity, and geography – continue to exist both between and within countries, and these contribute to neonatal mortality. This study aims to quantify the magnitude of inequalities in neonatal mortality trends by wealth quintile and place of residence with province wise segregation. MethodsThe study was done using raw data from the last three Pakistan Demographic & Health Surveys (20017-18, 2012-13 and 2006-7). The concentration curves were drawn in Microsoft Excel 365 using scatter plot as graph type while the frequencies were calculated using SPSS 24. ResultsThe situation of inequity across provinces and in rural vs urban areas has slightly declined, however, gross inequities continue to exist.ConclusionsPresentation of outcomes data, such as neonatal mortality in various wealth quintiles is an effective way to highlight the inequities amongst income groups as it highlights the vulnerable and at-risk groups. In other countries, rural-urban distribution, or ethnic groups may also reflect similar differences and help in identifying high-risk groups.
Distinction Between Vaginal and Cervical Microbiota in High-risk Human Papilloma Virus Infected Women in China
Authors: Zhang Zhan , Li Ting , Zhang Dai , Zong Xiaonan , Bai Huihui , Bi Hui , Liu Zhaohui
Published: August 2020

Background: High-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) is regarded as the main causal factor of cervical precancer and cancer when persistent infection is left untreated. Previous studies have declared that HPV is associated with microecological environment of lower genital tract but haven’t discriminate vaginal microbiota from that of cervix. Objective: To analyze the distinction between vaginal and cervical microbiota in high-risk HPV(+) Chinese women. Methods: One hundred participants were recruited including 20 healthy women with HPV (-), 32 with other hrHPV (+), 38 subjects with HPV16/18 (+) and 10 with cervical carcinoma, demographics of whom were collected and analyzed. Vaginal and cervical microbiota were separately tested through next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) targeting the variable region (V3-V4) of bacterial ribosome 16S rRNA gene. Results: 1. Analysis of demographics demonstrated that hrHPV infected women tend to be accustomed to vaginal douching (p =0.001), show more frequent usage of sanitary pads (p =0.007), have more sex partners (p =0.047), be more sexually active (p =0.025), have more diverse ways of contraception (p =0.001) and history of vaginitis (p =0.002). 2. NGS identified microbial diversity of cervical microbiota was much higher than that of vagina with significantly increased Proteobacteria and decreased Lactobacillus. Variation of cervical microbiota of hrHPV(+) subjects partly similar to vaginal microbiota but had its unique features. Sphingomonas of α-Proteobacteria, almost invisible in the vagina, was more frequent at normal cervix whereas decreased remarkably at hrHPV(+) cervix. Reversely, γ-Proteobacteria showed a significant positive correlation with HPV16/18 and cervical cancer. BV related anaerobes like Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium and Sneathia showed similar changes in both vaginal and cervical microbiota of hrHPV(+) women and did not exhibit cervical specificity. Conclusions: Cervical microbiota has its uniqueness from that of vagina in bacterial communities presenting a higher proportion of Proteobacteria, of which Sphingomonas is potentially predictive of a health guardian of hrHPV while Pseudomonas the opposite.