bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Aetiology of Bacterial Pneumonia in Children in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Onwuchekwa Chukwuemeka , Edem Bassey , Williams Victor , Olajuwon Ibiloye , Jallow Musa , Sanyang Binta , Verdonck Kristien
Published: June 2021

BackgroundBefore the introduction of vaccination to protect children from pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB) were the most frequent aetiological agents causing bacterial pneumonia in children under five years old. However, under the influence of these vaccines, the aetiology of childhood pneumonia appears to be changing and non-vaccine-type S. pneumoniae, non-typeable H. influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus are becoming more relevant. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review aimed at identifying the common causes of bacterial pneumonia in children in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and African Index Medicus and included primary studies conducted since January 2010 that reported on the bacterial causes of pneumonia in children under five from sub-Saharan Africa. We extracted data items (about the study setting, pneumonia diagnosis, sampling, microbiological methods, and etiological agents) as well as study quality indicators.ResultsEleven studies (published in twelve records), involving 5362 pneumonia cases, were included in our review: nine were case-control studies and two were case series. S. pneumoniae was the most common bacteria identified from blood cultures in children with pneumonia (8%, 95% CI: 4 – 14%), and H. influenzae was the second most common (3%, 95% CI: 1 - 17%). Common isolates from nasopharyngeal swabs were S. pneumoniae (66%), Moraxella catarrhalis (62%), and H. influenzae (44%) were commonly identified in the nasopharynx of children Conclusion S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae remain relevant causes of bacterial pneumonia in children in sub-Saharan Africa. Our review also highlights the ubiquitous occurrence of several potentially pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx of children under five group and makes the case for continued research aimed at understanding how nasopharyngeal colonization results in pneumonia.
Percutaneous Osteoplasty under Fluoroscopy and Cone-Beam CT guidance for Painful Sternal Metastases
Authors: Liu Xun-wei , Wang Zhi-guo , Peng Jin , Sun Gang
Published: June 2021

Background: Although percutaneous osteoplasty (POP) has been widely accepted and is now being performed for the treatment of painful bone metastases outside the spine, there are only scarced reports regarding osteoplasty in painful sternal metastases.Case presentation: The paper reported four patients with painful sternal metastasis who underwent POP under fluoroscopic and cone-beam CT guidance. The patients were three men and one woman (mean age, 66.25 years). Primary tumor location in lung is 3 cases, in thyroid is 1 case. In these cases, Pain was measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). The scores on the NRS in the four patients before POP were 9, 8, 8, and 9. After POP, the NRS scores decreased to 2, 3, 2, and 2, respectively, in follow-up at 6 months. Conclusions: POP is a safe and effective treatment for pain caused by metastatic bone tumors in the sternum. However, care and at tention should be paid to the insertion of a needle and cement distribution for better treatment effect
Construction of Metabolic Pathways based on Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Laterally- Transferred Wolbachia-like Sequences in the Setaria Digitata Genome
Authors: Rashanthy Nadarajah , Kothalawala Mahil Sharada Alwis , Mugunamalwaththa Thamarahansi Shashiprabha , de Zoysa Kasun , Chandrasekharan Naduviladath Vishvanath , Gunawardene Yasanthi Illika Nilmini Silva , Suravajhala Prashanth , Dassanayake Ranil Samantha
Published: June 2021

Setaria digitata is a Wolbachia-free filarial parasite that causes cerebrospinal nematodiasis in non-permissive hosts such as goats, sheep and horses leading to substantial economic losses in animal husbandry. Due to its similarity to Wuchereria bancrofti, primary causing agent of human lymphatic filariasis (HLF), S. digitata can be used as a model organism to study the biology of HLF. This study was mainly aimed to bring functional analysis of metabolic pathways in S. digitata. A draft genome of 78,774,594 bases making a total of 2,075 contigs was generated. ‘BLAST2GO’ functional annotation resulted in 28112 BLAST hits with an e-value lower than 1e-4 and a sequence similarity higher than 30%. Out of a total of 2075 contigs, 1280 contigs were used to generate a total of 6055 GO annotations at a mean level of 6.488 with standard deviation of 2.675. Overall, 89.1% of mapped reads were annotated by at least one of the three categories of the GO function classification. Moreover, 111 enzymes associated with 95 distinct metabolic pathways were identified. We suggest that S. digitata may have evolved its own sequences to code for haem, riboflavin, and FAD in the absence of Wolbachia.
Fixation with Cephalic Intramedullary Nail Versus Sliding Hip Screw for Fractured Lesser Trochanter with Completeness of Lateral Wall
Authors: Lin Yu-Lien , Wang Chien-Shun , Chiang Chao-Ching , Chang Ming-Chau , Lin Chun Cheng
Published: June 2021

Our study provides references and guidelines, backed by evidence and real world data, in determining if and which certain surgical devices are more applicable to improve the outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fracture treatments. This retrospective case-crossover study compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 177 elderly patients from 2010 to 2014, who underwent procedures for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, specifically, AO/OTA type 31-A1.3 fractures using either the cephalic intramedullary device (Gamma3 IM nail system, Stryker®); or the fixation with sliding hip screws method (Dynamic Hip Screw, DHS, Synthes®). Clinical outcome conclusions were based on the union rates of the fractures during the patient’s one year follow-up. Radiographic conclusions were drawn from various factors, including neck shortening, neck-shaft angle, neck medialization, posterior tilting, callus formation time, Tip-apex distance (TAD), implant failure, and modified TAD, an additional factor further explained in the paper. The study shows evidence that the cephalic intramedullary device had significantly shorter union time, and significantly reduced rates of lag screw sliding and femoral shortening as well. No significant differences with regard to malunion and cut-out of the lag screw were found. The use of the intramedullary devices led to better clinical and radiographical outcomes for this specific fracture.
Prognostic Factors of Severe Bacteraemic Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Critically Ill Immunocompetent Patients: A STREPTOGENE Sub-Study
Authors: BELLUT Hugo , PORCHER Raphael , VARON Emmanuelle , ASFAR Pierre , TULZO Yves LE , MEGARBANE Bruno , MATHONNET Armelle , DUGARD Anthony , VEINSTEIN Anne , OUCHENIR Kader , SIAMI Shidasp , REIGNIER Jean , GALBOIS Arnaud , COUSSON Joël , PREAU Sébastien , BALDESI Olivier , RIGAUD Jean‑Philippe , SOUWEINE Bertrand , MISSET Benoit , JACOBS Frederic , DEWAVRIN Florent , MIRA Jean-Paul , BEDOS Jean‑Pierre
Published: June 2021

Background: The presence of bacteraemia in pneumococcal pneumonia in critically ill patient does not appear to be a strong prognostic factor on its own from the existing literature, but there may be a specific pattern of factors associated with mortality in ICU patients with bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).We aimed to identify factors associated with mortality in patients admitted to intensive care for severe bacteraemic CAP. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of data from the prospective, observational, multicentre STREPTOGENE study in immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care in France, between 2008 and 2012, for bacteraemic pneumococcal CAP documented by culture and/or urinary antigenuria. Patients were divided into two groups based on initial blood culture positivity for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Serotypes of 339 S. pneumoniae strains were determined. Results: Of 614 included patients, 274 did and 340 did not have a blood culture positive for S. pneumoniae at admission. The only baseline difference between the groups was more frequent leukopenia in bacteraemic patients (26% vs. 14%, p =0.0002). Hospital mortality was not significantly different between groups ( p =0.11). The associations between the various prognostic parameters studied and mortality were similar in the two groups. Bacteraemic patients more often had invasive serotypes but less often had serotypes associated with high case-fatality rates ( p =0.003). Antibiotic regimens were similar in the two groups. In neither group was mortality different in patients given a beta-lactam alone vs. a beta-lactam combined with a macrolide or fluoroquinolone. Interpretation: In immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care for severe pneumococcal CAP, bacteraemia had no influence on mortality, regardless of the prognostic factor profile. A prospective randomised trial is warranted to confirm the absence of superiority of one treatment over others.
Structural basis of RNA polymerase inhibition by viral and host factors
Authors: Werner Finn , Pilotto Simona , Fouqueau Thomas , Lukoyanova Natalya , Sheppard Carol , Lucas-Staat Soizick , Díaz-Santín Luis Miguel , Matelska Dorota , Prangishvili David , Cheung Alan
Published: June 2021

The inhibition of RNA polymerases activity plays an important role in the regulation of transcription in response to environmental changes and in the virus-host relationship. Here we present the high-resolution structures of two such RNAP-inhibitor complexes that provide the structural basis underlying RNAP inhibition in archaea. The Acidianus two-tailed virus (ATV) encodes the RIP factor that binds to the inside the DNA-binding channel of RNAP, inhibiting transcription by occlusion of binding sites for nucleic acid and the transcription initiation factor TFB. Infection with the Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus (STIV) induces the expression of the host factor TFS4, which binds in the RNAP secondary channel similarly to eukaryotic transcript cleavage factors. In contrast to RIP, TFS4 binding allosterically induces a widening of the DNA binding channel which disrupts trigger loop and bridge helix motifs. Importantly, the conformational changes induced by TFS4 are closely related to inactivated states of RNAP in other domains of life indicating a deep evolutionary conservation of allosteric RNAP inhibition.
Homogeneous Regions for Rainfall Distribution in the City of Rio De Janeiro Associated to the Risk of Natural Disasters
Authors: Pereira Renato Marques Sanches , Wanderley Henderson Silva , Delgado Rafael Coll
Published: June 2021

Understanding the occurrence of natural disasters in regions where the occurrence is high is very important, it is known that the occurrence of disasters associated with intense rains are a source of research in different locations around the globe, being important not only for increasing accuracy of weather forecasting models, but important information for civil defense, where lives can be saved. The increase in the occurrence of natural disasters related to extreme rainfalls has become a problem of large urban centers, such as the city of Rio de Janeiro (CRJ). Thus, the identification of homogeneous regions for rainfall distribution (HRRD) becomes essential to identify regions at risks of floods and mass movements. The aim of this research was to identify HRRD in CRJ associated to the risk of natural disasters. The identification of homogeneous regions was carried out with the use of monthly rainfall data from 14 pluviometric stations spatially distributed in the study area between 1997 and 2018. Rainfall data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis, and subsequently to Cluster Analysis. Cluster analysis identified 4 homogeneous groups regarding annual rainfall distribution. The result showed relevance regarding physiographic aspects that characterize the rainfall dynamics in CRJ, highlighting areas favorable to the occurrence of natural disasters.
Afforestation With Tropical N-Fixing Species in The Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest: Carbon and Nitrogen in The Soil Profile
Authors: Siqueira David Pessanha , Gama-Rodrigues Emanuela Forestieri , Caldeira Marcos Vinícius Winckler , Rezende Carlos Eduardo , Marciano Claudio Roberto , Barroso Deborah Guerra
Published: June 2021

Aims Atlantic Rainforest biome is one of the most threatened in the world by deforestation where afforestation programs are urgently needed. N-fixing species should be prioritized in re-establishing forest covers as they can enhance soil C and N and stimulate cycling of other nutrients. Yet, tropical ecosystems play a key role in global warming and remain underestimated in the global biogeochemical balances. We aimed to investigate the effects of tropical N-fixing species on soil C and N pools after pasture conversionMethods We selected: Plathymenia reticulata, Hymenaea courbaril, and Centrolobium tomentosum 27-year-old monospecific stands. We evaluated soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (STN), and the natural abundance of 13C and 15N in the soil profile up to 100 cm depth. Results SOC was higher for P. reticulata, but an opposite pattern was observed when combining only soil layers up to 30 cm soil depth. Meanwhile, STN was similar across species and d15N values showed enrichment at intermediate soil layers indicating 14N gaseous loss. Most of the SOC originated from the planted trees rather than the former pasture, except beneath C. tomentosum where C4 derived C is decreasing at a slower rate. Conclusion This study presents novel insights in the understanding of tropical N-fixing species effects on soil C and N where specific-species traits appear to mediate SOC retention to the mineral soil rather than the N-fixing ability per se.
Improvement of the Point Spread Function by Collimators’ New Configuration in Nuclear Medicine
Authors: Ashoor Mansour , Khorshidi Abdollah
Published: June 2021

Objective: The collimators in which the various geometrical configurations have been suggested to optimize the sensitivity and resolution have a key role in acquiring the qualified images in nuclear medicine towards a better recognition of some diseases. Methods: In this study, a new configuration as a geometrical combination of the conical, cylindrical and spherical (CCS) volumes for parallel hole collimators which is assessed by using the volumetric-parametric method has been introduced to improve point spread function (PSF) being the collimators response on the radioactive point source. It has been simulated by the MCNPX code at the various energies values of the point source along with the traditional collimator in which included the cylindrical volume only. Results: The PSF will transmogrify from a delta function to a distribution which can correlate with a Gaussian distribution, while the scattered gamma rays were increased. The simulation results have indicated that the PSF in the CCS configuration is narrower than that of the cylindrical one at all the energies, leading the improvement of the resolution. Also, the theoretical results are agreement with the simulated ones. The more the energy value of the source, the more broaden the PSF will be due the more penetration strength. The narrower the PSF, the better the qualified image will be. Conclusion: This method may be employed to determine the accurate attenuation coefficient of absorbers as well.
Assessing Risk Factors for Short Birth Interval Hot Spots using Geographically Weighted Regression: Findings from a Nationally Representative Survey Data
Authors: Islam Mohammad Zahidul , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Khan Md. Nuruzzaman , Islam M Mofizul
Published: June 2021

Background Short Birth Interval (SBI) is a public health problem in most low- and lower-middle-income countries. Understanding geographic variations in SBI, particularly SBI hot spots and associated factors, may help intervene with tailored programs. This study identified the geographical hot spots of SBI in Bangladesh and the factors associated with them. `Methods We analyzed women’s data extracted from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and the healthcare facility data extracted from the 2017 Service Provision Assessment. Moran’s I was used to examine the spatial variation of SBI in Bangladesh whereas the Getis-Ord G*i (d) was used to determine the hot spots of SBI. The Geographical Weighted Regression (GWR) was used to explore the spatial variation of SBI on explanatory variables. The explanatory variables included in the GWR were selected using the exploratory regression and ordinary least square regression model. Results Data of 5941 women were included in the analyses. Around 26% of the total births in Bangladesh had occurred in short intervals. A majority of the SBI hot spots were found in the Sylhet division, and almost all SBI cold spots were in the Rajshahi and Khulna divisions. No engagement with formal income-generating activities, high maternal parity, and history of experiencing the death of a child were significantly associated with SBI in the Sylhet region. Women’s age of 34 years or less at the first birth was a protective factor of SBI in the Rajshahi and Khulna divisions. Conclusion The prevalence of SBI in Bangladesh is highly clustered in the Sylhet division. We recommend introducing tailored reproductive health care services in the hot spots instead of the existing uniform approach across the country.
The Sustainability of Reforesting Landscapes with Exotic Species: Case Study of Eucalypts in Central-South Ethiopia
Authors: Seware Belay Zerga , Dullo Bikila Warkineh , Fanta Demel Teketay , Abshare Muluneh Woldetsadik
Published: June 2021

Background

Rural landscapes, particularly those close to human settlements and main roads throughout the highlands of Ethiopia, appear greener than the outfields because of eucalypt plantations. The most common factors for eucalypt plantations are two: fuel and construction demands and to generate income.
Objective

This study tried to investigate the socioeconomic impacts of eucalypt plantations in Western Gurage Watersheds located in Central-south Ethiopia. The specific objectives are: to evaluate the socioeconomic importance of eucalypt plantations on the livelihood of farm households, and to assess perceptions on impacts of eucalypt plantation and copping strategies.
Methods

Systematic and purposive sampling method was employed by selecting households with eucalypt woodlots from the list of each Woreda’s Kebeles. Close- and open- ended questionnaires were distributed to every fifth households that possessed eucalypt plantations. Three hundred eighty three questionnaires were distributed and collected from households found in three Woredas (districts) namely Cheha, Enemorna Ener, and Eza located in the Watersheds. To supplement the information critical observations, discussions with focus groups and interviews with key informant were employed. The survey data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To describe data acquired from critical observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews; critical and logical qualitative data analysis technique were used. Descriptive and dispersive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and correlation were employed using SPSS Version 20.
Results

The result showed that eucalypt plantation dominated fuel wood and construction consumption and substituted further encroachment to natural forests. From multiple responses given, households prefer planting eucalypts to indigenous trees because it is fast growing (100%), profitable (100%), needs lesser labor (100%), needs lower capital (100%), can be used for multipurpose (100%), and coppice itself fatly (93%). They rated income gained from eucalypt as 2nd next to enset.
Conclusions

Households may continue planting the species particularly for fuel wood and construction need since substituting it by other alternative seems not feasible and challenging. To sustain the livelihood and environment; appropriate management like site selection and substitutions by horticultural and cash crops using micro irrigation schemes for market needs are recommended. Conducting in-depth participatory research and specific policy ratification and promulgation on eucalypt plantations will sustain its utilization and curb the drawbacks.
Deforestation Impacts on Amazon-Andes Hydroclimatic Connectivity
Authors: Sierra Juan P. , Junquas C. , Espinoza J. C. , Segura H. , Condom T. , Andrade M. , Molina-Carpio J. , Ticona L. , Mardoñez V. , Blacutt L. , Polcher J. , Rabatel A. , Sicart J.E.
Published: June 2021

Amazonian deforestation has accelerated during the last decade, threatening an ecosystem where almost one third of the regional rainfall is transpired by the local rainforest. Due to the precipitation recycling, the southwestern Amazon, including the Amazon-Andes transition region, is particularly sensitive to forest loss. This study evaluates the impacts of Amazonian deforestation in the hydro-climatic connectivity between the Amazon and the eastern tropical Andes during the austral summer (December-January-February) in terms of hydrological and energetic balances. Using 10-year high-resolution simulations (2001–2011) with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model, we analyze control and deforestation scenario simulations. Regionally, deforestation leads to a reduction in the surface net radiation, evaporation, moisture convergence and precipitation (~ 20%) over the entire Amazon basin. In addition, during this season, deforestation increases the atmospheric subsidence over the southern Amazon and weakens the regional Hadley cell. Atmospheric stability increases over the western Amazon and the tropical Andes inhibiting convection in these areas. Consequently, major deforestation impacts are observed over the hydro-climate of the Amazon-Andes transition region. At local scale, nighttime precipitation decreases in Bolivian valleys (~ 20–30%) due to a strong reduction in the humidity transport from the Amazon plains toward Andes linked to the South American low-level jet. Over these valleys, a weakening of the daytime upslope winds is caused by local deforestation, which reduces the turbulent fluxes at lowlands. These alterations in rainfall and atmospheric circulation could impact the rich Andean ecosystems and its tropical glaciers.
Impact of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease on In-Hospital Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients: Results From the American Heart Association COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry
Authors: Tehrani David , Wang Xiaoyan , Rafique Asim M. , Hayek Salim S , Herrmann Joerg , Neilan Tomas G. , Desai Pooja , Morgans Alicia , Lopez-Mattei Juan , Parikh Rushi V. , Yang Eric H.
Published: June 2021

Background: While pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) appears to be associated with poor outcomes in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), data on patients with CVD and concomitant cancer is limited. Evaluate the effect of underlying CVD and CVD risk factors with cancer history on in-hospital mortality in those with COVID-19.Methods: Data from symptomatic adults hospitalized with COVID-19 at 86 hospitals in the US enrolled in the American Heart Association’s COVID-19 CVD Registry was analyzed. The primary exposure was cancer history. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for demographics, CVD risk factors, and CVD. Interaction between history of cancer with concomitant CVD and CVD risk factors were tested.Results: Among 8222 patients, 892 (10.8%) had a history of cancer and 1501 (18.3%) died. Cancer history had significant interaction with CVD risk factors of age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking history, but not underlying CVD itself. History of cancer was significantly associated with increased in-hospital death (among average age and BMI patients, adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07-6.24; p<0.0001 in those with a smoking history and aOR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.01 - 1.76; p=0.04 in non-smokers). Among the cancer subgroup, prior use of chemotherapy within 2 weeks of admission was associated with in-hospital death (aOR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.05-2.80; p=0.03). Underlying CVD demonstrated a numerical but statistically nonsignificant trend toward increased mortality (aOR=1.18, 95% CI: 0.99 - 1.41; p=0.07).Conclusion: Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, cancer history was a predictor of in-hospital mortality. Notably, among cancer patients, recent use of chemotherapy, but not underlying CVD itself, was associated with worse survival. These findings have important implications in cancer therapy considerations and vaccine distribution in cancer patients with and without underlying CVD and CVD risk factors.
Comprehensive Versus Standard Care in Post-Severe Acute Kidney Injury Survivors, A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Thanapongsatorn Peerapat , Chaikomon Kamolthip , Lumlertgul Nuttha , Yimsangyad Khanitha , Leewongworasingh Akarathep , Kulvichit Win , Sirivongrangson Phatadon , Peerapornratana Sadudee , Chaijamorn Weerachai , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Srisa Nattachai
Published: June 2021

Background: Currently, there is a lack of evidence to guide the optimal care for post-acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors. Therefore, post-discharge care by a multidisciplinary care team (MDCT) may improve these outcomes. This study aimed to demonstrate the outcomes of implementing comprehensive care by a MDCT in post-severe AKI survivors.Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted between August 2018 to January 2021. Patients who survived severe AKI stage 2-3 were enrolled and randomized to be followed up with either comprehensive or standard care for 12 months. The comprehensive post-AKI care integrated a MDCT (nephrologists, nurses, nutritionists, and pharmacists). The primary outcome was the feasibility outcomes, comprised of the rates of loss to follow up, specialist consultation, 3-d dietary record, drug reconciliation, and drug alert rates at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included major adverse kidney events, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and amount of albuminuria at 12 months. Results: Ninety-eight AKI stage 3 survivors were enrolled, and randomized into comprehensive care and standard care groups (49 patients in each group). Compared to the standard care group, the comprehensive care group had significantly better in feasibility outcomes; higher rates of specialist consultation, 3-d dietary record, drug reconciliation, and drug alerts (p < 0.001). The mean eGFR at 12 months were comparable between the two groups (66.74 vs. 61.12 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.54). The urine albumin: creatinine ratio (UACR) was significantly lower in the comprehensive care group (36.83 vs. 177.70 mg/g, p = 0.036), while the blood pressure control was also better in the comprehensive care group (87.9% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.006). There was no difference in the other renal outcomes between the two groups.Conclusions: Comprehensive care by a MDCT is feasible and could be implemented for post-severe AKI survivors. These resulted in a better reduction in the UACR and better blood pressure control. Trial registration: clinicaltrial.gov: NCT04012008 (First registered July 9, 2019)
Evaluating COVID-19 Vaccination Website using DISCERN and QUality Evaluation Scoring (QUEST) Tools
Authors: Prabhune Akash Gajanan , Mallavaram Aishwarya , Bhat Sachin , Pandey Samridhi , Shagufta Ayesha Mehar , Reddy Ashitha , H Vinay Sri
Published: June 2021

Background: The objective of this paper was to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccine registration website across UN-recognized member states for their portal quality, reliability, Ease Use and help to the general population in informed decision making.Methods: 12 UN member states (Countries) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria mentioned in the methodology section of this paper. PPS technique was used for sampling and selection of 12 countries from 193 UN member states. Post selection of UN member states the study used 2 step evaluation techniques, Step 1 The DISCERN checklist consists of 16 questions in three sections and is aimed to assess the reliability of information and quality of information; Step 2 The QUEST tool consists of 6 items with a subitem, Authorship, Attribution, Conflict of Interest, Complementarity, Currency, Tone. The authors developed a standard set of instructions for evaluating Vaccination Portals to bring uniformity in understanding and context setting.Results: DISCERN tool overall reliability score on the Likert scale of 0 to 5 was 4 (SD ± 1.28). On Quality of information regarding treatment choices, the average score was 3.4 (SD ± 1.67). The QUEST tool on ease of use, concision, and comprehensiveness demonstrated an average score of 18.1 (SD ± 8.3) out of 28.The vaccine registration portal of the Czech Republic was found to be most informative and was able to provide a piece of scientifically valid information on safety, efficacy, long-term short effects, choice of vaccine with attributable authors details. India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, South Africa scored relatively low to missing critical information on the website. The United Arab Emirates, Republic of South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, and Argentina had minor elements missing.Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination portals vary in the quality of information and many were found unable to provide critical information for decision making on getting vaccinated
Soil–building Interaction under Surface Horizontal Strain Induced by Underground Mining
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Xu Liangji
Published: June 2021

Underground mining will cause the ground to deform, leading to the destruction of buildings. Horizontal strain is one of the most important causes of damage to strip foundation buildings. However, related research is insufficient, making the mechanism of building damage caused by horizontal strain unclear and resulting in several difficulties in performing coal mining under villages. In this study, interface slip and soil pressure caused by the horizontal strain of ground transfer between soil and buildings are investigated, and stress concentration in buildings driven by soil movement is considered the primary cause of building damage. The influences of the mechanical parameters of the soil and the geometric parameters of building on stress distribution inside a building are analyzed by establishing a stress distribution model of a building under different ground horizontal strain. Softening the foundation or designing deformation joints inside a building can reduce the influence of horizontal strain on the building. This research can provide an important reference for performing coal mining safely under villages and designing building protection against ground horizontal strain.
Assessment of the Cost of the Mediterranean Diet in a Low-Income Region: Adherence and Relationship with Available Incomes
Authors: Rubini Alessia , Prieto Cristina Vilaplana , Flor-Alemany Marta , Yeguas-Rosa Lorena , Hernández-González Miriam , García Francisco Javier Félix , Félix-Redondo Francisco Javier , Fernández-Bergés Daniel
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recognized as heart-healthy, but the economic cost associated with this type of diet has scarcely been studied.AimThe objective of the present study was to explore the cost and adherence of the low-income region population to the MD and its relationship with available incomes.MethodsA population-based study was carried out on 2,833 subjects between 25 and 79 years of age, 54% women, selected at random from the communities of Vegas Altas, La Siberia and La Serena in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain. The average cost of each product included in the MD and monthly expenditure were calculated. The expenditure was related to the degree of adherence to the MD (the Panagiotakos Index) and to the incomes of the participants.ResultsThe monthly median cost was 203.6 euros (IQR 154.04-265.37). Food-related expenditure was higher among the male population (p<0.001) of between 45 and 54 years of age (p<0.013) and living in urban areas (p<0.001). A positive correlation between food-related expenditure and the MD adherence was found. Expenditure represents 15% of total incomes, ranging from 11% for the group with a low MD adherence to 17% for the group with a high MD adherence.Conclusions The monthly cost of the MD was positively correlated with the degree of adherence to this dietary pattern, and is similar to that of other regions of Spain with higher per capita income, which entails a greater expenditure for equal adherence to the MD.
Drivers of Purchase Decisions for Cannabis Products Among Consumers in a Legalized Market: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Donnan Jennifer , Shogan Omar , Bishop Lisa , Najafizada Maisam
Published: June 2021

Background: Cannabis was legalized in Canada for non-medical use in 2018. The goal of legalization was to improve health and safety by creating access to regulated products, with accurate product labels and warnings and no risk of contamination. However, more than two years post-legalization, a large proportion of purchases are still suspected to be through unlicensed retailers. This study sought to identify the factors that influenced the purchase decisions of cannabis consumers in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Methods: Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were conducted in NL with individuals who were >19 and had purchased cannabis within the last 12 months. All sessions were conducted virtually, audio-recorded, and transcribed. A thematic analysis was conducted, and two members of the research team coded the data using NVivo. A combination of deductive and inductive coding was carried out, themes from the literature were identified, and new themes from the transcripts were discovered. A final coding template of the data was agreed upon by the team through discussion and consensus. Results: A total of 23 individuals (30% female) participated, with 83% coming from urban areas. While all cannabis product types were discussed, the conversation naturally focused on dried leaf products. Participants discussed a variety of considerations when making purchase decisions categorized around five broad themes: 1) price, 2) quality, 3) packaging and warnings, 4) the source of the cannabis, and 5) social influences. The price difference between licensed and un-licensed sources was commonly discussed as a factor that influenced purchase decisions. Product quality characteristics (e.g. size, color, moisture content) and social influences were also considered in purchase decisions. Participants were generally indifferent to packaging and warning labels but expressed concern about the excessive packaging required for regulated products. Conclusion: This study explores the many attributes that influence purchase decisions for dried leaf cannabis. Understanding the drivers of purchase decisions can help inform policy reforms to make regulated cannabis products more appealing to consumers. Further research is needed to measure the effect of each attribute on cannabis purchase decisions.
Integrative review of soft skills the desirable traits and skills in nursing practise
Authors: Laari Luke , Anim-Boamah Oboshie , Boso Christian Makafui
Published: June 2021

Aim: To explore the value of soft skills in nursing practice.Background: While hard skills refer to the technical ability and the factual knowledge needed to do a job, soft skills allow you to more effectively use your technical abilities and knowledge pleasingly. These two skills are complementary but soft skills are a prerequisite in every profession where human interaction and teamwork are needed to succeed. This integrative review examined the literature on soft skills within the nursing domain and made suggestions.Methods: An integrative literature review was carried using four electronic databases. These databases were Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, Medline on EBSCOhost and Google Scholar using keywords: soft skills, non-technical skills, nursing skills, nursing art and aesthetics. No dates were considered during the search of the literature. Full texts of relevant studies were retrieved after screening the titles and abstracts. Critical appraisal was undertaken, and the findings of the relevant studies were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Seventeen studies were included, and the findings suggest an urgent need for softs skills in the nursing domain. Five themes: denotation of soft skills in nursing; benefits of soft skills in nursing; need for soft skills in nursing; inculcating soft skills into nursing practice; and links between hard and soft skills emerged. Also, the findings show that soft skills are the cognitive and social capabilities that complete the technical skills of the nurse in the health care industry.Conclusions: Soft skills have become the oxygen needed to resuscitate the seemingly dying nursing care quality. Regulatory bodies should see the call to incorporate soft skills into the nursing curriculum as an urgent resuscitative call that needs attention.
Drug Resistance and Epigenetic Modulatory Potential of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Against Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Zeferino Ana Sofia , Mira Ana Rita , Delgadinho Mariana , Brito Miguel , Ponte Tomás , Ribeiro Edna
Published: June 2021

Background: Antimicrobial resistance of human pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is described by the World Health Organization as a health global challenge and efforts must be made for the discovery of new effective and safe compounds. This work aims to evaluate Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) epigenetic and drug modulatory potential against S. aureus in vitro and in vivo. Methods: S. aureus strains were isolated from commensal flora of healthy volunteers. Antibiotic susceptibility and synergistic assay were assessed trough disk diffusion accordingly to EUCAST guidelines with and without co-exposure to EGCG at final concentrations of 250, 100, 50 and 25 µg/ml. Transcriptional expression of orfx, spdC and WalKR was performed trough qRT-PCR. A 90 days interventional study was performed with a daily consumption of 225 mg of EGCG. Results: Obtained data revealed a high prevalence of S. aureus colonization in health care workers and clearly demonstrate the antimicrobial and synergistic potential of EGCG as well as divergent resistant phenotypes associated with altered transcriptional expression of epigenetic and drug response modulators genes. Conclusions: Here we demonstrate the potential of EGCG for antimicrobial treatment and/or therapeutic adjuvant against antibiotic resistant microorganisms and report divergent patterns of epigenetic modulators expression associated with phenotypic resistance profiles.
Down-regulated Beclin 1 expression is closely linked to lung carcinogenesis by reversing aggressive phenotypes
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Xue Hang , Jiang Hua-mao , Zheng Hua-chuan
Published: June 2021

Background

Beclin1 is involved in numerous biological processes, including autophagy, stress, senescence, and death. This article aims to clarify the roles of Beclin1 expression in lung carcinogenesis and subsequent progression.
Methods

The Beclin 1 expression was examined in lung cancer and compared it with clinicopathological parameters and survival data of the cancers using a large number of lung cancer samples. Additionally, we observed the effects of forced Beclin 1 overexpression and its silencing on the proliferation, glucose metabolism, apoptosis, autophagy, invasion, migration, lamellipodia formation, and chemoresistance of lung cancer cells and analyzed the relevant mechanisms. Finally, in vivo effects of Beclin 1 overexpression on tumor growth was determined in nude mice.
Results

Beclin 1 reversed aggressive phenotypes in SQ-5 and KJ cells with Bcl-2, HSP90, and β-catenin underexpression, LC-3B, ADFP, p-p38, and cytochrome c hyperexpression. The effect of Beclin 1 silence was opposite in H446 cells. In vivo and in vitro Beclin 1-mediated chemoresistance to cisplatin was close with the apoptotic level and NF-кB activation. Beclin 1 overexpression suppressed tumor growth of lung cancer by decreasing proliferation and inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Beclin 1 expression was down-regulated in lung cancer at both mRNA and protein levels. A higher level of Becn1 mRNA was detectable in adenocarcinoma than squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.05), while versa for its protein. Becn1 mRNA expression was positively correlated with overall or post-progression survival rates of all cancer patients, even stratified by aggressive behaviors (p < 0.05).
Conclusions

These findings suggested that down-regulated Beclin1 expression was closely linked to the tumorigenesis and histogenesis of lung cancer. Beclin 1 might be employed as a potential target for the gene therapy of lung cancer if its chemoresistance can be ameliorated or avoided.
LINC00839 Knockdown Restrains The Metastatic Behaviors of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma By Sponging miR-454-3p
Authors: Zhang Feng Ying , Li Xia , Huang Ting Ting , Xiang Mei Ling , Sun Lin Lin , Sun Zhao Lan
Published: June 2021

Background Long intergenic non-coding RNA 00839 (LINC00839) has been verified as a cancer-promoting gene in malignancies. However, the significance of LINC00839 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has yet to be elaborated, as well as its underlying mechanism.Methods LINC00839 and miR-454-3p relative expression levels in NPC cells were examined by qRT-PCR. The growth of cells was examined by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and Transwell experiment, respectively. The binding sequence of LINC00839 and miR-454-3p was confirmed by the luciferase reporter gene experiment. The regulatory function of LINC00839 and miR-454-3p on c-Met was investigated by western blot.Results Here, we revealed that LINC00839 was elevated in NPC. Both LINC00839 knockdown and upregulation of miR-454-3p suppressed NPC cells proliferation, invasive capacity and EMT in vitro. Besides, LINC00839 was validated as a miR-454-3p “sponge”, and upregulation of LINC00839 could reverse miR-454-3p-mediated functions in NPC C666-1 and SUNE-1 cells. Furthermore, c-Met was determined to be targeted by miR-454-3p. Notably, c-Met was downregulated by LINC00839 knockdown through sponging miR-454-3p. In vivo, LINC00839 knockdown resulted in a slower tumor growth.Conclusions Altogether, knockdown of LINC00839 inhibits the aggressive properties of NPC cells via sponging miR-454-3p and regulating c-Met.
CXCL14 Facilitates the Growth and Metastasis of Ovarian Carcinoma Cells via Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Li-Na , Hao Man , Liu Xiao-Hui , Zhang Li , Dong Yan , Zhang Yu-Fang , He Xiao-Chun
Published: June 2021

Background There is an urgent need to identify potential targets in anticancer therapy to improve the survival and prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer (OC). Herein, we investigated the functional significance of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (CXCL14) in OC cell growth and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).MethodsqRT PCR and western blotting was used to detect CXCL14 mRNA level and protein expression, respectively. The functional mechanism of CXCL14 in OC was investigated by CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays. The protein expression of CXCL14 and β-catenin in OC tissues was determined by immumohistochemical staining.ResultsWe demonstrated that high levels of CXCL14 were associated with a worse prognosis in patients with OC. CXCL14 knockdown considerably restrained the growth and invasion of OC cells in vitro. In contrast, ectopic CXCL14 overexpression yielded the opposite results. Investigations to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in CXCL14-facilitated OC cell invasiveness.ConclusionThese data collectively demonstrate that CXCL14 contributes to OC cell growth and metastatic potential by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Knowledge of Surgical Informed Consent and Associated Factors among Patients Undergone Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgery at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2020. An Institutional Based Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Kebede Belete Fenta , Tesfaye Tsegaw Biazin , Hiwot Aynalem Yetwale
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The practice of informed consent before any surgical procedure should form the fundamental element that serves to protect both patient and surgeon from prosecution. Several factors can affect the process of surgical informed consent. Knowledge towards surgical informed consent is one important factor. It is worth mentioning that patients’ understanding of the information provided in the consent form is a prerequisite for obtaining valid informed consent, otherwise, it will be only symbolic. The study aimed to assess knowledge of surgical informed consent and associated factors among patients who undergone obstetric and gynecologic surgery at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Oromia Region, EthiopiaMethodology: Institutional based crossectional study was conducted among systematically selected women undergo obstetrics and gynecologic surgery in Jimmy medical center from April 1 to May 30, 2020. The collected data were coded, entered into Epi data version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariate regression was carried out to determine the association between an outcome variable and an independent variable. Tables, pie -charts, and texts were used to report the result.Results: This study revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 29.5 ±3.5 years and the majority of them (83.3%) were married. The respondents had significantly poor overall knowledge of surgical informed consent 77.2 %( 95%CI: 72.8-81.2).Patient educational status (AOR: 1.22 (95%CI: 1.1-2.47), satisfaction level (AOR: 1.823(95%CI: 1.061-3.134).and patient- provider relation-ship (AOR: 0.472(95%CI: 0.271-0.822) were associated with knowledge of surgical informed consent.Conclusion: in this study, the overall level of knowledge regarding surgical informed consent was significantly poor than the other national and international figures. Patient Education, satisfaction, and patient-provider relation-ship were associated with knowledge of surgical informed consent. Health care providers should provide adequate information before surgery to improve patients’ knowledge regarding surgical informed consent and provide adequate input on ways to improve the consent process to make it better suited to fit the needs of all patients.