bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A process for developing a sustainable and scalable approach to community engagement: community dialogue approach for addressing the drivers of antibiotic resistance in Bangladesh
Authors: King Rebecca , Hicks Joseph , Rassi Christian , Shafique Muhammad , Barua Deepa , Bhowmik Prashanta , Das Mahua , Elsey Helen , Questa Kate , Fieroze Fariza , Hamade Prudence , Huque Sameena , Newell James , Huque Rumana
Published: June 2020

Background

Community engagement approaches that have impacted on health outcomes are often time intensive, small-scale and require high levels of financial and human resources. They can be difficult to sustain and scale-up in low resource settings. Given the reach of health services into communities in low income countries, the health system provides a valuable and potentially sustainable entry point that would allow for scale-up of community engagement interventions. This study explores the process of developing an embedded approach to community engagement taking the global challenge of antibiotic resistance as an example.

Methods

The intervention was developed using a sequential mixed methods study design. This consisted of: exploring the evidence base through an umbrella review, and identifying key international standards on the appropriate use of antibiotics; undertaking detailed formative research through a) a qualitative study to explore the most appropriate mechanisms through which to embed the intervention within the existing health system and community infrastructure, and to understand patterns of knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance; and b) a household survey – which drew on the qualitative findings - to quantify knowledge, and reported attitudes and practice regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance within the target population; and c) drawing on appropriate theories regarding change mechanisms and experience of implementing community engagement interventions to co-produce the intervention processes and materials with key stakeholders at policy, health system and community level.

Results

A community engagement intervention was co-produced and was explicitly designed to link into existing health system and community structures and be appropriate for the cultural context, and therefore have the potential to be implemented at scale. We anticipate that taking this approach increases local ownership, as well as the likelihood that the intervention will be sustainable and scalable.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the value of ensuring that a range of stakeholders co-produce the intervention, and ensuring that the intervention is designed to be appropriate for the health system, community and cultural context.
Correction to: Medical specialists’ basic psychological needs, and motivation for work and lifelong learning: a two-step factor score path analysis
Authors: van der Burgt Stéphanie M. E. , Kusurkar Rashmi A. , Wilschut Janneke A. , Tjin A Tsoi Sharon L. N. M. , Croiset Gerda , Peerdeman Saskia M.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Level of quality of option B+PMTCT service provision in public health facilities in Mekelle zone, northern Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Ajemu Kiros Fenta , Desta Alem
Published: June 2020

Background

Substantial improvements have been observed in coverage and access to maternal health services in Ethiopia. However, the quality of care has been lagging behind. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of quality of Option B+ PMTCT in Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility based survey was conducted from February to April 2016 in Northern Ethiopia. Twelve health facilities were enrolled in the study. Mixed method approach was used in line with Donabedian (Input- Process-Output) service quality assessment model. Data of 168 HIV positive mothers & their infant were abstracted from registers, and follow up charts. During the Option B+ service consultation, a total of 60 sessions were involved for direct observation. Of which, 30 clients and 12 service providers were subjected for exit and in-depth interview respectively. Facilities were categorized rendering good service quality based on predetermined quality judgment criteria. Reasons of good and bad service quality were thematically fitted with each quality component based on emerging themes (TM1-TM3), and categories (CA1-CA6).

Results

Of the total 12 study health facilities, 2(16.7%) were achieved the desired level of service quality based on the three quality components. The input quality was better and judged as good in 33.3% health facilities. However; process and output service quality were realized in one - fourth of them.

Conclusion

Insignificant numbers of facilities fulfilled the aspired level of service quality. Quality of care was found influenced by multiple inputs, processes, and output related barriers and facilitators. Comprehensive Program monitoring is needed based on three quality components to improve the overall service quality.
A prospective longitudinal study on the
microbiota composition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Di Gioia Diana , Bozzi Cionci Nicole , Baffoni Loredana , Amoruso Angela , Pane Marco , Mogna Luca , Gaggìa Francesca , Lucenti Maria Ausiliatrice , Bersano Enrica , Cantello Roberto , De Marchi Fabiola , Mazzini Letizia
Published: June 2020

Background

A connection between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and altered
gut microbiota composition has previously been reported in animal models. This
work is the first prospective longitudinal study addressing the microbiota
composition in ALS patients and the impact of a probiotic supplementation on the
gut microbiota and disease progression.

Methods

Fifty patients and 50 matched controls were enrolled. The microbial
profile of stool samples from patients and controls was analyzed via
PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis, and the main microbial groups
quantified via qPCR. The whole microbiota was then analyzed via next generation
sequencing after amplification of the V3–V4 region of 16S rDNA. Patients were
then randomized to receive probiotic treatment or placebo and followed up for
6 months with ALSFRS-R, BMI, and FVC%.

Results

The results demonstrate that the gut microbiota of ALS patients is
characterized by some differences with respect to controls, regardless of the
disability degree. Moreover, the gut microbiota composition changes during the
course of the disease as demonstrated by the significant decrease in the number
of observed operational taxonomic unit during the follow-up. Interestingly, an
unbalance between potentially protective microbial groups, such as
Bacteroidetes, and other with potential neurotoxic or pro-inflammatory activity,
such as Cyanobacteria, has been shown. The 6-month probiotic treatment
influenced the gut microbial composition; however, it did not bring the
biodiversity of intestinal microbiota of patients closer to that of control
subjects and no influence on the progression of the disease measured by ALSFRS-R
was demonstrated.

Conclusions

Our study poses the bases for larger clinical studies to
characterize the microbiota changes as a novel ALS biomarker and to test new
microbial strategy to ameliorate the health status of the gut.

Trial registration

CE 107/14, approved by the Ethics Committee of the “Maggiore della
Carità” University Hospital, Italy.
Exploiting collateral sensitivity controls growth of mixed culture of sensitive and resistant cells and decreases selection for resistant cells in a cell line model
Authors: Grolmusz Vince Kornél , Chen Jinfeng , Emond Rena , Cosgrove Patrick A. , Pflieger Lance , Nath Aritro , Moos Philip J. , Bild Andrea H.
Published: June 2020

Background

CDK4/6 inhibitors such as ribociclib are becoming widely used targeted therapies in hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer. However, cancers can advance due to drug resistance, a problem in which tumor heterogeneity and evolution are key features.

Methods

Ribociclib-resistant HR+/HER2− CAMA-1 breast cancer cells were generated through long-term ribociclib treatment. Characterization of sensitive and resistant cells were performed using RNA sequencing and whole exome sequencing. Lentiviral labeling with different fluorescent proteins enabled us to track the proliferation of sensitive and resistant cells under different treatments in a heterogeneous, 3D spheroid coculture system using imaging microscopy and flow cytometry.

Results

Transcriptional profiling of sensitive and resistant cells revealed the downregulation of the G2/M checkpoint in the resistant cells. Exploiting this acquired vulnerability; resistant cells exhibited collateral sensitivity for the Wee-1 inhibitor, adavosertib (AZD1775). The combination of ribociclib and adavosertib achieved additional antiproliferative effect exclusively in the cocultures compared to monocultures, while decreasing the selection for resistant cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that optimal antiproliferative effects in heterogeneous cancers can be achieved via an integrative therapeutic approach targeting sensitive and resistant cancer cell populations within a tumor, respectively.
Building capacities of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) through a complementary mix of directed and self-directed skill-based learning—A case study in Pune District, Western India
Authors: Karvande Shilpa , Purohit Vidula , Gopalakrishnan Somasundari Somla , Subha Sri B. , Mathai Matthews , Mistry Nerges
Published: June 2020

Auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) play a pivotal role in provision of maternal and newborn health at primary level in India. Effective in-service training is crucial for upgrading their knowledge and skills for providing appropriate healthcare services. This paper aims at assessing the effectiveness of a complementary mix of directed and self-directed learning approaches for building essential maternal and newborn health-related skills of ANMs in rural Pune District, India.

Methods

During directed learning, the master trainers trained ANMs through interactive lectures and skill demonstrations. Improvement and retention of knowledge and skills and feedback were assessed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. Significant differences at the 0.05 level using the Kruskal-Wallis test were analysed to compare improvement across age, years of experience, and previous training received. The self-directed learning approach fulfilled their learning needs through skills mall, exposure visits, newsletter, and participation in conference. Qualitative data were analysed thematically for perspectives and experiences of stakeholders. The Kirkpatrick model was used for evaluating the results.

Results

Directed and self-directed learning was availed by 348 and 125 rural ANMs, respectively. Through the directed learning, ANMs improved their clinical skills like maternal and newborn resuscitation and eclampsia management. Less work experience showed relatively higher improvement in skills, but not in knowledge. 56.6% ANMs either improved or retained their immediate post-training scores after 3 months.

Self-directed learning helped them for experience sharing, problem-solving, active engagement through skill demonstrations, and formal presentations. The conducive learning environment helped in reinforcement of knowledge and skills and in building confidence. This intervention could evaluate application of skills into practice to a limited extent.

Conclusions

In India, there are some ongoing initiatives for building skills of the ANMs like skilled birth attendance and training in skills lab. However, such a complementary mix of skill-based ‘directed’ and ‘self-directed’ learning approaches could be a plausible model for building capacities of health workforce. In view of the transforming healthcare delivery system in India and the significant responsibility that rests on the shoulder of ANMs, a transponder mechanism to implement skill building exercises at regular intervals through such innovative approaches should be a priority.
Neuroinflammatory mechanisms of post-traumatic epilepsy
Authors: Mukherjee Sanjib , Arisi Gabriel M. , Mims Kaley , Hollingsworth Gabriela , O’Neil Katherine , Shapiro Lee A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs in as many as 64–74 million people worldwide each year and often results in one or more post-traumatic syndromes, including depression, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits. TBI can also increase seizure susceptibility, as well as increase the incidence of epilepsy, a phenomenon known as post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). Injury type and severity appear to partially predict PTE susceptibility. However, a complete mechanistic understanding of risk factors for PTE is incomplete.

Main body

From the earliest days of modern neuroscience, to the present day, accumulating evidence supports a significant role for neuroinflammation in the post-traumatic epileptogenic progression. Notably, substantial evidence indicates a role for astrocytes, microglia, chemokines, and cytokines in PTE progression. Although each of these mechanistic components is discussed in separate sections, it is highly likely that it is the totality of cellular and neuroinflammatory interactions that ultimately contribute to the epileptogenic progression following TBI.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review focuses on the neuroinflammatory milieu and explores putative mechanisms involved in the epileptogenic progression from TBI to increased seizure-susceptibility and the development of PTE.
25-Hydroxycholesterol amplifies microglial IL-1β production in an apoE isoform-dependent manner
Authors: Wong Man Ying , Lewis Michael , Doherty James J. , Shi Yang , Cashikar Anil G. , Amelianchik Anna , Tymchuk Svitlana , Sullivan Patrick M. , Qian Mingxing , Covey Douglas F. , Petsko Gregory A. , Holtzman David M. , Paul Steven M. , Luo Wenjie
Published: June 2020

Background

Genome-wide association studies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have implicated pathways related to lipid homeostasis and innate immunity in AD pathophysiology. However, the exact cellular and chemical mediators of neuroinflammation in AD remain poorly understood. The oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is an important immunomodulator produced by peripheral macrophages with wide-ranging effects on cell signaling and innate immunity. Cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H), the enzyme responsible for 25-HC production, has also been found to be one of the disease-associated microglial (DAM) genes that are upregulated in the brain of AD and AD transgenic mouse models.

Methods

We used real-time PCR and immunoblotting to examine CH25H expression in human AD brain tissue and in transgenic mouse brain tissue-bearing amyloid-β plaques or tau pathology. The innate immune response of primary mouse microglia under different treatment conditions or bearing different genetic backgrounds was analyzed using ELISA, western blotting, or immunocytochemistry.

Results

We found that CH25H expression is upregulated in human AD brain tissue and in transgenic mouse brain tissue-bearing amyloid-β plaques or tau pathology. Treatment with the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly upregulates CH25H expression in the mouse brain and stimulates CH25H expression and 25-HC secretion in mouse primary microglia. We found that LPS-induced microglial production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β is markedly potentiated by 25-HC and attenuated by the deletion of CH25H. Microglia expressing apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), a genetic risk factor for AD, produce greater amounts of 25-HC than apoE3-expressing microglia following treatment with LPS. Remarkably, 25-HC treatment results in a greater level of IL-1β secretion in LPS-activated apoE4-expressing microglia than in apoE2- or apoE3-expressing microglia. Blocking potassium efflux or inhibiting caspase-1 prevents 25-HC-potentiated IL-1β release in apoE4-expressing microglia, indicating the involvement of caspase-1 inflammasome activity.

Conclusion

25-HC may function as a microglial-secreted inflammatory mediator in the brain, promoting IL-1β-mediated neuroinflammation in an apoE isoform-dependent manner (E4>>E2/E3) and thus may be an important mediator of neuroinflammation in AD.
Contraceptive use and associated factors among women seeking induced abortion in Debre Marko’s town, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alemu Lebeza , Ambelie Yeshambel Agmus , Azage Muluken
Published: June 2020

Background

Contraceptive utilization is a practice that helps individuals or couples to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Even though there is the widespread availability of contraceptives, induced abortion remains an alarming public health problem in Ethiopia. Nationally, more than a third (35%) of women seeking an induced abortion service had a previous history of abortion. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the history of contraceptive use and identify associated factors among women seeking an induced abortion service in Debre Marko’s town, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 to May 15, 2019. The sample size was 416 and each health institution was proportionally allocated based on the previous 2 months of patient flow. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered by EPI-data and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Model fitness was assured.

Results

The proportion of contraceptive use within the last 6 months before pregnancy was 41.3% among women seeking an induced abortion. Women who had good knowledge about contraceptives (AOR = 3.9; 95%CI: 2.36, 6.54), women who had a positive attitude about contraceptives (AOR=; 95%CI: 1.02, 2.56), women who had living children (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI; 1.04, 4.11), women who had frequent sexual practice (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI; 1.53, 4.21) and women discussed with their sexual partners about contraceptives (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.18, 3.18) were increase the odds of contraceptive use among women seeking an induced abortion.

Conclusion

Contraceptive use among women seeking an induced abortion was low despite the expected national goal of 55% contraceptive use in 2020. Having good knowledge and having a positive attitude on contraceptives, and having a discussion on contraceptives with sexual partner were increase the odds of contraceptive use. The intervention should focus on abortion seeking women to achieve their contraceptive needs and encourage sexual partner discussion about contraceptives to improve joint partner collective decision-making.
Effects of perinatal factors on sirtuin 3, 8-hydroxy-2′- deoxyguanosine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serotonin in cord blood and early breast milk: an observational study
Authors: Nyárády Kata , Turai Réka , Funke Simone , Györgyi Erzsébet , Makai Alexandra , Prémusz Viktória , Bódis József , Sulyok Endre
Published: June 2020

Background

The profile of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin (5-HT) in cord blood and in early breast milk was studied and it was related to perinatal factors. 5-HT and BDNF signalling systems have been claimed to play a critical role in intrauterine development, postnatal adaptation and lactation. Since prematurity and Caesarean birth are frequently associated with inflammation and related oxidative stress, an attempt was made to reveal the adaptive changes of the protective SIRT3 and the complex interplay among these bioactive components in cord blood and early breast milk.

Methods

Three groups each consisting of 30 mothers were included in the study: mothers who underwent spontaneous vaginal birth at term (group I), Caesarean section at term (group II) and preterm birth (group III). Venous cord blood and early breast milk samples were collected for measuring the biomarkers. SIRT3, 8-OHdG, BDNF and 5-HT levels were determined by using commercially available ELISA kits.

Results

It was demonstrated that cord blood levels of SIRT3, BDNF and 5-HT were markedly reduced whereas those of 8-OHdG were significantly elevated after preterm birth when compared with birth at term. The Caesarean section was associated with a moderate decrease in BDNF and 5-HT, however, both SIRT3 and 8-OHdG remained unaffected. Breast milk levels of all biomarkers studied proved to be independent of their corresponding cord blood concentrations. In response to preterm birth breast milk SIRT3, 8-OHdG and 5-HT increased significantly, while a drastic fall occurred in BDNF. A significant positive relationship was found of 5-HT with SIRT3 and 8-OHdG irrespective of the gestational age and the mode of delivery.

Conclusions

It is suggested that the selected biomarkers in the breast milk mostly derive from local production by the mammary glands and 5-HT may have an essential role in the control of this process.
Impetus to change: a multi-site qualitative exploration of the national audit of dementia
Authors: Sykes Michael , Thomson Richard , Kolehmainen Niina , Allan Louise , Finch Tracy
Published: June 2020

Background

National audit is a key strategy used to improve care for patients with dementia. Audit and feedback has been shown to be effective, but with variation in how much it improves care. Both evidence and theory identify active ingredients associated with effectiveness of audit and feedback. It is unclear to what extent national audit is consistent with evidence- and theory-based audit and feedback best practice.

Methods

We explored how the national audit of dementia is undertaken in order to identify opportunities to enhance its impact upon the improvement of care for people with dementia. We undertook a multi-method qualitative exploration of the national audit of dementia at six hospitals within four diverse English National Health Service organisations. Inductive framework analysis of 32 semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis (n= 39) and 44 h of observations (n= 36) was undertaken. Findings were presented iteratively to a stakeholder group until a stable description of the audit and feedback process was produced.

Results

Each organisation invested considerable resources in the audit. The audit results were dependent upon the interpretation by case note reviewers who extracted the data. The national report was read by a small number of people in each organisation, who translated it into an internal report and action plan. The internal report was presented at specialty- and organisation-level committees. The internal report did not include information that was important to how committee members collectively decided whether and how to improve performance. Participants reported that the national audit findings may not reach clinicians who were not part of the specialty or organisation-level committees.

Conclusions

There is considerable organisational commitment to the national audit of dementia. We describe potential evidence- and theory-informed enhancements to the enactment of the audit to improve the local response to performance feedback in the national audit. The enhancements relate to the content and delivery of the feedback from the national audit provider, support for the clinicians leading the organisational response to the feedback, and the feedback provided within the organisation.
KAML: improving genomic prediction accuracy of complex traits using machine learning determined parameters
Authors: Yin Lilin , Zhang Haohao , Zhou Xiang , Yuan Xiaohui , Zhao Shuhong , Li Xinyun , Liu Xiaolei
Published: June 2020

Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have reduced the cost of genotyping dramatically and led to genomic prediction being widely used in animal and plant breeding, and increasingly in human genetics. Inspired by the efficient computing of linear mixed model and the accurate prediction of Bayesian methods, we propose a machine learning-based method incorporating cross-validation, multiple regression, grid search, and bisection algorithms named KAML that aims to combine the advantages of prediction accuracy with computing efficiency. KAML exhibits higher prediction accuracy than existing methods, and it is available athttps://github.com/YinLiLin/KAML.
Stakeholder perspectives on adaptive clinical trials: a scoping review
Authors: Madani Kia Tina , Marshall John C. , Murthy Srinivas
Published: June 2020

Background

Adaptive clinical trials (ACTs) represent an emerging approach to trial design where accumulating data are used to make decisions about future conduct. Adaptations can include comparisons of multiple dose tiers, response-adaptive randomization, sample size re-estimation, and efficacy/futility stopping rules. The objective of this scoping review is to assess stakeholder attitudes, perspectives, and understanding of adaptive trials.

Methods

We conducted a review of articles examining stakeholders encompassing the broad medical trial community’s perspectives of adaptive designs (ADs). A computerized search was conducted of four electronic databases with relevant search terms. Following screening of articles, the primary findings of each included article were coded for study design, population studied, purpose, and primary implications.

Results

Our team retrieved 167 peer-reviewed titles in total from the database search and 5 additional titles through searching web-based search engines for gray literature. Of those 172 titles, 152 were non-duplicate citations. Of these, 119 were not given full-text reviews, as their titles and abstracts indicated that they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thirty-three articles were carefully examined for relevance, and of those, 18 were chosen to be part of the analysis; the other 15 were excluded, as they were not relevant upon closer inspection.

Perceived advantages to ADs included limiting ineffective treatments and efficiency in answering the research question; −perceived barriers included insufficient sample size for secondary outcomes, challenges of consent, potential for bias, risk of type 1 error, cost and time to adaptively design trials, unclear rationales for using Ads, and, most importantly, a lack of education regarding ADs among stakeholders within the clinical trial community. Perceptions among different types of stakeholders varied from sector to sector, with patient perspectives being noticeably absent from the literature.

Conclusion

There are diverse perceptions regarding ADs among stakeholders. Further training, guidelines, and toolkits on the proper use of ADs are needed at all levels to overcome many of these perceived barriers. While education for principal investigators is important, it is also crucial to educate other groups in the community, such as patients, as well as clinicians and staff involved in their daily implementation.
Unexpected high frequency of neurofibroma in the celiac ganglion of German cattle
Authors: Dammann Insa , Wemheuer Wiebke M. , Wrede Arne , Wemheuer Wilhelm E. , Campe Amely , Petschenka Jutta , Schulze-Sturm Ulf , Hahmann Uwe , Czerny Claus P. , Münster Pia , Brening Bertram , Kreienbrock Lothar , Herden Christiane , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter J.
Published: June 2020

In a study originally designed to find potential risk factors for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) we examined tissues from 403 Holstein Frisian cattle in total. These included 20 BSE cattle and their 236 birth- and feeding cohort animals plus 32 offspring, 103 age, breed and district-matched control cattle and further twelve cattle with neurological signs. In addition to the obex, we examined the celiac ganglion, cervical cranial ganglion, trigeminal ganglion and proximal ganglion of the vagus nerve using histological techniques. Unexpectedly, we found a high number of neurofibroma, a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor consisting of Schwann cells, fibroblasts and perineural cells. The neurofibroma were present only in the celiac ganglion and found during histologic examination. With a frequency of 9.91% in BSE cattle and their cohorts (case animals) and 9.09% in the age, breed and district matched control animals there seems to be no correlation between the occurrence of BSE and neurofibroma. Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors have been described more often in cattle than in other domestic animals. Usually, they are incidental macroscopic findings in the thoracic ganglia during meat inspection. To our knowledge, there are no previous systematic histologic studies including bovine celiac ganglia at all. The high incidence of celiac ganglia neurofibroma may play a role in the frequently occurring abomasal displacements in Holstein Frisian cattle as the tumors might cause a gastrointestinal motility disorder. At present a genetic predisposition for these neoplasms cannot be ruled out.
Improved two-stream model for human action recognition
Authors: Zhao Yuxuan , Man Ka Lok , Smith Jeremy , Siddique Kamran , Guan Sheng-Uei
Published: June 2020

This paper addresses the recognitions of human actions in videos. Human action recognition can be seen as the automatic labeling of a video according to the actions occurring in it. It has become one of the most challenging and attractive problems in the pattern recognition and video classification fields. The problem itself is difficult to solve by traditional video processing methods because of several challenges such as the background noise, sizes of subjects in different videos, and the speed of actions. Derived from the progress of deep learning methods, several directions are developed to recognize a human action from a video, such as the long-short-term memory (LSTM)-based model, two-stream convolutional neural network (CNN) model, and the convolutional 3D model.In this paper, we focus on the two-stream structure. The traditional two-stream CNN network solves the problem that CNNs do not have satisfactory performance on temporal features. By training a temporal stream, which uses the optical flow as the input, a CNN can have the ability to extract temporal features. However, the optical flow only contains limited temporal information because it only records the movements of pixels on thex-axis and they-axis. Therefore, we attempt to design and implement a new two-stream model by using an LSTM-based model in its spatial stream to extract both spatial and temporal features in RGB frames. In addition, we implement a DenseNet in the temporal stream to improve the recognition accuracy. This is in-contrast to traditional approaches which typically utilize the spatial stream for extracting only spatial features. The quantitative evaluation and experiments are conducted on the UCF-101 dataset, which is a well-developed public video dataset. For the temporal stream, we choose the optical flow of UCF-101. Images in the optical flow are provided by the Graz University of Technology. The experimental result shows that the proposed method outperforms the traditional two-stream CNN method with an accuracy of at least 3%. For both spatial and temporal streams, the proposed model also achieves higher recognition accuracies. In addition, compared with the state of the art methods, the new model can still have the best recognition performance.
The intrinsic plasticity of medial vestibular nucleus neurons during vestibular compensation—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wijesinghe Rajiv , Camp Aaron
Published: June 2020

Background

Vestibular compensation is a homeostatic process that occurs in the central nervous system in response to peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Experimental studies in rodent models have suggested that unilateral peripheral vestibular lesions are correlated with an increase in the intrinsic excitability of central vestibular neurons. This process may be dependent on the intrinsic properties of the neurons themselves. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature to survey the evidence for changes in intrinsic plasticity observed during the acute phase of vestibular compensation.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the literature regarding the electrophysiological effect of experimentally induced unilateral vestibular deafferentation (UVD) on the intrinsic membrane properties of medial vestibular nucleus neurons in animal models. We developed tools to assess the methodological quality (precision, validity and bias) of studies that met pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We extracted numerical data and performed a meta-analysis of specific quantitative data pooled from these studies.

Results

We identified 17 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. There is moderate quality evidence to suggest a statistically significant increase in the intrinsic excitability of medial vestibular nucleus neurons following unilateral vestibular deafferentation. Specifically, the spontaneous discharge rate increases by 4 spikes/s on average and the sensitivity to current stimuli increases.

Conclusion

Using this novel approach, we demonstrate that the methodology of systematic review and meta-analysis is a useful tool in the summation of data across experimental animal studies with similar aims.
Microstructure and long-term corrosion of archaeological iron alloy artefacts
Authors: Grevey A.-L. , Vignal V. , Krawiec H. , Ozga P. , Peche-Quilichini K. , Rivalan A. , Mazière F.
Published: June 2020

The smithing skills of craftsmen in the western Mediterranean during the early Iron Age can be determined by studying the microstructure of oxidised iron items. While some ghost structures have already been identified in dense corrosion products, their formation has not always been explained. Four objects from southern France were analysed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The role of microstructure, grain boundaries, cracks, species diffusion through oxides in soil corrosion and the initial microstructure are discussed. An additional parallel degradation mechanism (graphitisation) was experimentally revealed.
COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa: preparedness, response, and hidden potentials
Authors: Osseni Issideen Ayinla
Published: June 2020

After the detection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first reported case in Nigeria, the virus has spread to all sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Through different initiatives, SSA countries came together to create goal-driven taskforces to improve their responses against the virus. As COVID-19 raises major concerns over the scarcity of medical supplies, numbers of SSA countries adopted innovative solutions to fill in their shortage. This health crisis may come as an opportunity for SSA to demonstrate its pandemic readiness, responses, and reveal unknown potential.
Simple change in logistic procedure improves response rate to QOL assessment: a report from the Japan Children’s Cancer Group
Authors: Sato Iori , Soejima Takafumi , Ishida Yasushi , Maeda Miho , Koh Katsuyoshi , Kamibeppu Kiyoko
Published: June 2020

Background

Reducing non-completion of quality-of-life assessment in clinical trials is an important challenge in obtaining accurate data and unbiased interpretation of patients’ quality-of-life for each regimen. We evaluated the effect of changing our questionnaire distribution procedure in a multicenter phase II/III trial on the response rate to a quality-of-life questionnaire.

Methods

In the trial, we distributed 1767 questionnaires and 1045 were returned. We adopted a regression discontinuing design and estimated the change in response rate between pre-intervention (quality-of-life questionnaires were sent to each center soon after patient registration) and post-intervention (a set of tailored questionnaires was sent just before the first quality-of-life assessment).

Results

The post-intervention response rate was higher (odds ratio = 1.62) than the pre-intervention response rate.

Conclusions

A simple logistic intervention reduced the non-completion of QOL assessment in this case, suggesting that a simple change can contribute to improving clinical trial accomplishment.
Effects of storage periods and positioning during storage on hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks from different egg sizes
Authors: Ayeni Akinlolu Oluwafemi , Agbede Johnson Oluwasola , Igbasan Francis Adegbaye , Onibi Gbenga Emmanuel , Adegbenro Muyiwa
Published: June 2020

Background

This study evaluates the effects of storage periods (1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 days), egg size (small 60–64 g, medium 65–69 g, and large ≥ 70 g), and egg positioning with air cell facing either down or up during storage on hatchability percentages and day-old chick’s weight. One thousand and five hundred (1500) fertile eggs from Arbor acre broiler breed were purchased and arranged each according to egg sizes into five (5) different storage periods of 100 eggs per storage period. Each storage period was subdivided into 2 groups of 50 eggs each based on positioning during storage. A completely randomized design in 3 × 5 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted. Stored eggs were incubated for hatch with recording of weights of the hatched chicks, and the hatchability rate was calculated.

Results

The results indicated eggs stored for a day and 4 days had maximum hatchability, but declined slightly as the storage period increased (92 to 78%). The eggs positioned down generally had better hatchability. However, medium-sized eggs had the highest hatchability percentage. On the other hand, large-sized eggs stored for longer period attained higher chick weight compared to medium- and small-sized eggs, but large-sized eggs positioned down gave a better chick weight. Generally, eggs stored with air cell down present superior chick weight.

Conclusion

Storage period and egg positioning during storage affect the subsequent egg hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks from different egg sizes. However, egg storage must not exceed 4 days for optimum hatchability and weight of the hatched chicks. In addition, storing of eggs with air cell down might also enhance the hatchability and weight of hatched chicks irrespective of the weight of the eggs.
The musculoskeletal impairment negatively impacts the quality of life of children and adolescents with psoriasis
Authors: Meneghetti Thaís Cugler , Padilha Thaís Mayumi Honda , Azevedo Valderílio Feijó , Cat Mônica Nunes Lima , Sarolli Bruna Maria Stofela , de Carvalho Vânia Oliveira
Published: June 2020

Background

The severity of nail disease, the presence of arthralgia and fatigue are predictors of development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis (Pso). In children, little is known about the musculoskeletal (MSK) impairment in patients with Pso and its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Objectives

To determine the frequencies of pain and MSK inflammation (i.e., arthritis, enthesitis, and sacroiliitis) among children and adolescents with Pso and its relationship to HRQoL and fatigue.

Methods

Pediatric patients with Pso underwent a rheumatologic physical examination to evaluate synovitis, enthesalgia, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain and tender points of fibromyalgia. The core set of domains recommended by the GRAPPA - OMERACT to be measured in PsA studies was assessed. Ultrasound (US) was performed in clinical cases of enthesitis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in cases of SIJ pain.

Results

Forty-three participants (10 ± 2.9 years old) were evaluated. Pain on palpation of the entheses was observed in 10 (23.2%) patients and pain on SIJ palpation was observed in 3 (7%). No patient presented with synovitis; one presented with enthesitis on US, but MRI did not confirm sacroiliitis in any case. Patients with MSK pain had greater skin disease severity (PASI 5.4 vs. 2,p <  0.01), worse fatigue, and lower HRQoL scores on all instruments used. The estimated risk of HRQoL impairment was eight times higher in the presence of MSK pain, which was an independent predictive factor. With a NAPSI greater than 30, the probability of pain was greater than 80%.

Conclusion

MSK pain is frequent among children with Pso, related to the severity of skin and nail disease, and negatively affects HRQoL. The typically used complementary exams might not detect the inflammatory process caused by Pso.
Engaging stakeholders in the adaptation of the Connect for Health pediatric weight management program for national implementation
Authors: Simione Meg , Frost Holly M. , Cournoyer Rachel , Mini Fernanda Neri , Cassidy Jackie , Craddock Cassie , Moreland Jennifer , Wallace Jessica , Metlay Joshua , Kistin Caroline J. , Sease Kerry , Hambidge Simon J. , Taveras Elsie M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Connect for Health is an evidence-based weight management program with clinical- and family-facing components for delivery in pediatric primary care for families of children ages 2 to 12 years. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide formative work prior to national implementation. The purpose of this study was to describe the process and results of stakeholder engagement and program adaptation.

Methods

We used mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to iteratively adapt and optimize the program by assessing needs and perspectives of clinicians and parents, as well as contextual barriers, facilitators, and organizational readiness for the uptake of the proposed program tools and implementation strategies. We conducted interviews with primary care clinicians from four health care organizations in Boston, MA; Denver, CO; and Greenville, SC, and used principles of immersion-crystallization for qualitative analyses. We also conducted surveys of parents of children with a body mass index ≥ 85th percentile.

Results

We reached thematic saturation after 52 clinician interviews. Emergent themes representing the CFIR domains of intervention characteristics, outer and inner setting, and process included (1) importance of evidence-based clinical decision support tools that integrate into the workflow and do not extend visit time, (2) developing resources that respond to family’s needs, (3) using multimodal delivery options for family resources, (4) addressing childhood obesity while balancing competing demands, (5) emphasizing patient care rather than documentation and establishing sustainability plans, and (6) offering multiple training methods that incorporate performance feedback. Of the parents surveyed (n = 400), approximately 50% were Spanish-speaking and over 75% reported an annual income < $50,000. Parents affirmed the importance of addressing weight management during well-child visits, being provided with referrals and resources, and offering multiple methods for resource delivery. Decisions about program modifications were made at the program and healthcare-system level and based on stakeholder engagement findings. Modifications included cultural, geographic, and target audience adaptations, as well as varied resource delivery options.

Conclusions

To ensure the fit between the Connect for Health program and national implementation settings, adaptations were systematically made through engagement of clinician and parent stakeholders to support adoption, sustainability, and health outcomes.

Trial registration

NCT04042493
Role of circulating miRNA-17-3P as a potential diagnostic biomarker for sporadic colon cancer in Egyptian cohort
Authors: Aziz Mohamed Ahmed Abdel , Ahmed Ezzat Ali , Elbanna Amany Ahmed , Halim Reham Abdel , Afifi Khloud Salahuddin , Nouh Hanan Hosny
Published: June 2020

Background

Cancer colon is one of the leading causes of death and MiRNAs are incorporated in biological pathways that affect tumorigenesis as proved by multiple studies. The present study aimed to investigate whether miR-17-3p is elevated in the plasma free samples of colon cancer patients in correlation with other tumor markers (CEA, CA19.9).

Results

MiRNA 17-3P plasma free sample levels were significantly elevated in the plasma free samples of colon cancer patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001); on the other hand, serum levels of CA19.9 were significantly higher in colon cancer patients compared to healthy controls while serum levels of CEA were found to be of no statistical significance.

Conclusion

The detection miRNA-17-3p may be considered of clinical value for the detection of colon cancer; also, CA19.9 detection was found to significantly increase the sensitivity and specificity of a colon cancer diagnosis.
Urachal abscess in a child with single kidney and multiple anomalous vertebrae—a case report and literature review
Authors: Abou Chaar Mohamad K. , Al-Shamaileh Tamador , Saleem Mohammad M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Urachal anomalies (UAs) are rare in children; the most encountered are urachal cysts, urachal sinus, and urachal diverticulum. Other associated anomalies have been reported to include renal and abdominal wall defects. No skeletal anomalies have been reported to date.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 20-month-old female patient, who presented to our emergency department with a fever of 2 weeks duration associated with colicky abdominal pain, a tender abdomen, and an infraumbilical mass. The suspicion of urachal sinus abscess was confirmed by ultrasound. The patient was also found to have a single left kidney and multiple vertebral segmental anomalies on a full-body computed tomography scan. The patient underwent open surgical excision of the urachal abscess without complications on follow-up.

Conclusion

Urachal abscess is rare in children. Associated anomalies include renal and abdominal wall defects. To our knowledge and based on our meticulous search through the literature, this is the first case to report a combination of renal and skeletal findings in a child. Whenever a urachal remnant is found in a patient, a radiological investigation should be made to rule out associated anomalies.