bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To be or not to be: Relationship between grandparent status and health and wellbeing
Authors: Lai Daniel W.L. , Li Jia , Bai Xue
Published: November 2020

Background It is common for older people to become grandparents in later life. However, the impacts of grandparenting on their health and well-being remain ambiguous, especially in Chinese society, where the family is in the core of culture. The current study explored the relationship between grandparenthood and Chinese older people’s health and psychological well-being in Hong Kong. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 1,208 Hong Kong Chinese older people aged 55 and above through a telephone survey conducted in 2019. Participants were grouped into three categories: current grandparents (n = 507), grandparents-to-be (n = 275), and grandparents-not-to-be (n = 426). Multivariate linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between grandparenting status and health and well-being outcomes, including self-rated physical health, mental health, resilience, and happiness. The potential moderating roles of older adults’ demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education, marital status, financial status, were also examined. Results Bivariate analyses suggested statistically significant differences between health and well-being across the three groups of participants. Regression models showed that, compared with grandparents-not-to-be, being a current grandparent was associated with a significantly higher happiness level. Being a future grandparent was associated with significantly higher levels of happiness, resilience, and self-rated physical health. Moderating analyses showed that age, marital status, and educational level could moderate the relationship between grandparent status and resilience and self-rated mental health. Conclusions The current study offers preliminary insights into the significant relationship between grandparenthood and older adults’ health and well-being. It calls for future studies to further explore the mechanisms between grandparenthood and the healthy ageing of different subgroups of older adults.
Mental health status of Chinese residents during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Jiang Wen , Liu Xuerong , Zhang Jingxuan , Feng Zhengzhi
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the mental health status of Chinese residents during the epidemic of COVID-19, as well as to identify the positive and negative factors and regulatory effect of negative cognitive processing bias on mental health.Methods: A total of 60199 residents in China were surveyed via an internet-based survey containing a general questionnaire, such as the self-rating depression scale, the state anxiety inventory, and the negative cognitive processing bias questionnaire. An ordered multiple logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the collected data. Results: The survey revealed mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms in 62.65%, 11.33%, and 6.14% participants, respectively, and mild, moderate, and severe anxiety symptoms in 33.21%, 41.27%, and 22.99% participants, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that factors, such as female gender, being older than 55 years, high school education level, medical staff, marital conflicts, negative attention bias, rumination, and death growth rate, positively affected depression and anxiety symptoms. The good family functionality, democratic working atmosphere, and a myriad of social activities negatively affected the level of depressive and anxiety symptoms.Conclusion: Chinese residents exhibited a high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms during the epidemic. Thus, psychological interventions should focus on the vulnerable groups, and cognitive training should focus on reducing the negative cognitive processing bias. This might be an effective way to alleviate the mental stress of the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sero-epidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis among sheep and goat population in the south western Nepal: A comparative study
Authors: Gompo Tulsi Ram , Shah Rubina , Tiwari Ishwari , Gurung Yam Bahadur
Published: November 2020

BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease of animals and humans caused by the Brucella spp. In Nepal, the presence of brucellosis in small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, has impacted farmers' livelihood and the food safety of the consumer. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Rupandehi district of Nepal to investigate the seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in the sheep and goat population. Altogether, nineteen sheep and sixty goat farms located in the district were visited. The owners were interviewed to get information on animals, including their management and movement patterns. Three hundred fifty-seven samples (80 sheep and 277 goat samples) were collected proportionately based on the farm sizes. Each serum sample was tested with Rose Bengal Test and ELISA to estimate the seropositivity of brucellosis. Logistic regression was applied to calculate corresponding odds ratios of each variable associated with detection brucellosis. Results At the farm level, 31.6% (6/19; 95% CI: 12%, 54%) of sheep farms and 3.3% (2/60, 95% CI: 0.9%, 11.4 %) of the goat farms were seropositive to brucellosis. Out of 80 sheep serum samples, 12 (15%; 95% CI: 8.79%-24.41%) and out of 277 goat serum samples 3 (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.37%-3.14%) were seropositive to brucellosis. Age greater than 1.5 years (OR= 5.56, 95% CI: 1.39, 29.38, p = 0.02) and herd size of greater than a hundred (OR= 4.74, 95% CI: 1.23, 20.32, p = 0.03) were identified as significant risk factors for seropositivity of brucellosis in the sheep population. While in the goat population, none of the variables was identified as a significant risk factor. ConclusionThe study provides evidence that the older sheep and the sheep from the large herd sizes were at higher risk of detecting brucellosis. A control program should be applied immediately in the sheep population because they may transmit infections to other livestock as they were regularly moved for grazing and selling purposes. Also, strict biosecurity measures should be implemented among pastoralists to prevent brucellosis transmission in them. We suggest further one health-based study to reveal the transmission dynamics of brucellosis between animals and humans.
Developing a complex intervention to support pregnant women with mild to moderate anxiety: application of the Medical Research Council framework
Authors: Evans Kerry , Spiby Helen , Morrell Jane C
Published: November 2020

Background: To design and develop an intervention to support women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety in pregnancy.Methods: The development followed the MRC framework for complex interventions, utilising psychological theory, review level evidence and professional and public involvement. Two systematic reviews were completed which helped identify potentially beneficial intervention components. The theory underpinning the components was explored to consider the potential benefit for women with mild to moderate anxiety symptoms in pregnancy. Methods of delivering the intervention within maternity services were explored. The intervention comprised: group discussions, one to one support and assisted self-help resources. Midwives were identified as ideally placed to facilitate the intervention supported by midwifery support workers. A bespoke training package was provided by subject experts to prepare the facilitators. Discussion: The absence of established interventions and a paucity of evidence based approaches for pregnant women with symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety indicated the need for a rigorous and systematic approach to the intervention design. This approach led to the development of an intervention feasible for implementation in maternity care systems tailored to the needs of pregnant women. The involvement of a multi-professional advisory team and active engagement of service users helped to consider the acceptability of the intervention for women and the feasibility of delivering the intervention in the context of maternity care. Conclusion: The MRC Framework provided useful overarching guidance to develop a midwife facilitated intervention for women with symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy. The framework assisted the development of a robust rationale for each intervention component and considered the processes of evaluation and implementation into maternity care systems.
Eye gaze differences in school scenes between preschool children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development
Authors: Ishizaki Yuko , Higuchi Takahiro , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Kobayashi Hodaka , Noritake Atsushi , Nakamura Kae , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: November 2020

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience difficulty adapting to daily life in a preschool or school setting and are likely to develop psychosomatic symptoms. For a better understanding of the difficulties experienced daily by preschool children and adolescents with ASD, this study investigated differences in eye gaze behavior in the classroom environment between children with ASD and those with typical development (TD).Methods: The study evaluated 30 children with ASD and 49 children with TD. Participants were presented with images of a human face in a classroom setting. While they gazed at specific regions of visual stimuli, eye tracking was used with an iView X system to evaluate and compare the duration of gaze time between the two groups.Results: Compared with preschool children with TD, preschool children with ASD spent less time gazing at the eyes of the human face and the object to which the teacher pointed in the classroom image. Preschool children with TD, who had no classroom experience, tended to see the object to which the teacher pointed in the classroom image.Conclusion: Children with ASD did not look at the human eyes in the facial image or the object pointed to in the classroom image, which may indicate their inability to analyze situations, understand instruction in a classroom, or act appropriately in a group. It is suggested that this gaze behavior of children with ASD causes social maladaptation and psychosomatic symptoms. A therapeutic approach that focuses on joint attention is desirable for improving the ability of children with ASD to adapt to the social environment.
Do Cognitive Performance and Physical Function Differ between Individuals with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome and those with Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Authors: Cheng Fang-Yu , Chang Yuanmay , Cheng Shih-Jung , Shaw Jin-Siang , Lee Chuo-Yu , Chen Pei-Hao
Published: November 2020

Background Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is defined by slow gait speed combined with subjective cognitive complaint. MCR is a predementia syndrome, similar to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is currently no study comparing the differences in cognitive performance and physical function between these two types of cognitive impairment. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare cognitive performance and physical function in individuals with MCR versus MCI. Methods A total of 77 participants, free of dementia, were recruited from the neurological outpatient clinic of a medical center in Taiwan. Participants were separated into two groups, MCR (n=33) and MCI (n=44) groups, based on definition criteria from previous studies. The priority was to assign a diagnosis of MCR first, followed by MCI. Hence, “pure” MCI has no overlap with MCR syndrome. Cognitive performance, including executive function, attention, working memory, episode memory, visuospatial function, and language, were measured. Physical functions such as activities in daily living, the Tinetti Assessment Scale, and the Timed Up and Go test were also measured. Results Executive function, attention, working memory, episodic memory and language were all significantly lower in the MCR group than the MCI group. Abilities related to physical function, including those measured by the Tinetti Assessment Scale and the Timed Up and Go test, were significantly lower in the MCR group than the MCI group. Conclusions We noted that cognitive performance and physical function were lower in MCR individuals than MCI but without MCR syndrome. However, the conclusions were based on the enrollment procedure of participants prioritizes the MCR syndrome. Because of the overlap of MCR and MCI, future studies should use different enrollment strategies to further clarify the status of these two populations.
Nutrient-imbalanced conditions shift the interplay between zooplankton and gut microbiota
Authors: Li Yingdong , Xu Zhimeng , Liu Hongbin
Published: November 2020

Nutrient stoichiometry of phytoplankton frequently changes with aquatic ambient nutrient concentrations, which is mainly influenced by anthropogenic water treatment and the ecosystem dynamics. Consequently, the stoichiometry of phytoplankton can markedly alter the metabolism and growth of zooplankton. However, the effects of nutrient-imbalanced prey on the interplay between zooplankton and their gut microbiota remain unknown. Using metatranscriptome, a 16s rRNA amplicon-based neutral community model (NCM) and experimental validation, we investigated the interactions between Daphnia magna and its gut microbiota in a nutrient-imbalanced algal diet. Our results showed that in nutrient-depleted water, the nutrient-enriched zooplankton gut stimulated the accumulation of microbial polyphosphate in fecal pellets under phosphorus limitation and the microbial assimilation of ammonia under nitrogen limitation. Compared with the nutrient replete group, both N and P limitation markedly promoted the gene expression of the gut microbiome for organic matter degradation but repressed that for anaerobic metabolisms. In an N- and P-limited diet, the gut microbial community exhibited a higher fitting to NCM with promoted R-square value when compared with the Control group (0.624, 0.781, and 0.542 for N-limited, P-limited, and Control diet, respectively), suggesting increased ambient-gut exchange process favored by compensatory feeding. Further, an additional axenic grazing experiment revealed that bacteria can still benefit D. magna to achieve better growth under a nutrient-imbalanced diet. Together, these results demonstrated that under a nutrient-imbalanced diet, the microbes not only benefit themselves by absorbing excess nutrients inside the zooplankton gut but also help zooplankton to survive during the tough time of nutrient limitation.
The pattern of hospital-community-home (HCH) nursing in tracheostomy patients with severe traumatic brain injury: is it feasible?
Authors: Yin Xiangyi , Wu Jie , Zhou Lihui , Ni Chunyan , Xiao Minyan , Meng Xianlan , Zhu Xiaowen , Cao Qing , Li Huifen
Published: November 2020

Background: Tracheostomy is very common in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and long-term nursing care are needed for those patients. We aimed to evaluate the effects of hospital-community-home (HCH) nursing in those patients. Methods: Tracheostomy patients with severe TBI needing long-term care were included. All patients underwent two months long follow-up. Glasgow coma score (GCS), Karnofsky, Self-Anxiety Scale (SAS) (SAS) and Barthel assessment at the discharge and two months after discharge were evaluated. The tracheostomy related complications were recorded and compared.Results: A total of 60 patients were included. There weren’t significant differences between two groups in the GCS, Karnofsky, SAS and Barthel index at discharge((all p>0.05), the GCS, Karnofsky and Barthel index was all significantly increased after two months follow-up for two groups (all p<0.05), and the GCS, Karnofsky and Barthel index at two months follow-up in HCH group was significantly higher than that of control group(all p<0.05), but the SAS at two months follow-up in HCH group was significantly less than that of control group(p=0.009). The incidence of block of artificial tracheal cannula and readmission in HCH group were significant less than that of control group (all p<0.05).Conclusion: HCH nursing care is feasible in tracheostomy patients with severe TBI, future studies are needed to further evaluate the role of HCH nursing care.
Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Changes in Exhaled Nitric Oxide and DNA Methylation in Arginase and Nitric Oxide Synthase in Children with Asthma
Authors: Ji Nan , Fang Mingzhu , Baptista Ana , Cepeda Clarimel , Greenberg Molly , Mincey Ivelisse Colon , Strickland Pamela Ohman , Fiedler Nancy , Kipen Howard M. , Laumbach Robert J.
Published: November 2020

Background: Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has been associated with increased risk of airway inflammation in children with asthma. While epigenetic changes could potentially modulate TRAP-induced inflammatory responses, few studies have assessed the temporal pattern of exposure to TRAP, epigenetic changes and inflammation in children with asthma. Our goal was to test the time-lag patterns of personal exposure to TRAP, airway inflammation (measured as fractional exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO), and DNA methylation in the promoter regions of genes involved in nitric oxide synthesis among children with asthma.Methods: We measured personal exposure to black carbon (BC) and FeNO for up to 30 days in a panel of children with asthma. We collected 90 buccal cell samples for DNA methylation analysis from 18 children (5 per child). Methylation in promoter regions of nitric oxide synthase (NOS1, NOS2A, NOS3) and arginase (ARG1, ARG2) was assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Linear-mixed effect models were used to test the associations of BC at different lag periods, percent DNA methylation at each site and FeNO level.Results: Exposure to BC was positively associated with FeNO, and negatively associated with DNA methylation in NOS3. We found strongest association between FeNO and BC at lag 0–6 hours while strongest associations between methylation at positions 1 and 2 in NOS3 and BC were at lag 13-24 hours and lag 0-24 hours, respectively. The strengths of associations were attenuated at longer lag periods. No significant associations between exposure to TRAP and methylation levels in other NOS and ARG isoforms were observed.Conclusions: Exposure to TRAP was associated with higher levels of FeNO and lower levels of DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the NOS3 gene, indicating that DNA methylation of the NOS3 gene could be an important epigenetic mechanism in physiological responses to TRAP in children with asthma.
Cellular and humoral peritoneal immunity to Mesocestoides vogae metacestodes infection in mice.
Authors: Kubašková Terézia Mačák , Mudroňová Dagmar , Vargová Miroslava , Reiterová Katarína , Hrckova Gabriela
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHere, Mesocestoides (M.) vogae infection in mice is proposed as a suitable experimental model for studying the immunity in the peritoneal cavity of mice. MethodsTo investigate the kinetics of immune parameters in M. vogae-infected mice, we detected, using flow cytometry, the expression of selected lymphoid and myeloid markers within the peritoneal cell population at day 0, 3, 6, 10, 14, 19, 25, 30 and 35 post-infection. Then, using ELISA, we analyzed the cytokine IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10 responses and the levels of anti-M. vogae IgG and IgM antibodies in the peritoneal lavage fluid. Cells isolated from peritoneal cavity were subjected to further molecular analysis. To assess cell activation, peritoneal cells were exposed to LPS, and culture supernatants were collected and assayed for the level of cytokines and production of nitrite. Ly6C+ and Ly6G+ cells were isolated using MACS from the peritoneal cells at day 35 post-infection. Both MACS-isolated subsets were co-cultured with preactivated T cells to measure their suppressive capacity. Next, the role of parasite excretory-secretory antigens on induction of CD11b+ myeloid cells with the suppressive phenotype and the production of IL-10 was examined.ResultsIn the peritoneal cavity an initial increase of CD11b+Gr-1+F4/80highMHCIIhigh cells, NK, NKT cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells was observed in the first week of infection. At day 14 post-infection, an increase in the number of myeloid CD11b+Gr-1+ cells was detected, and most of this cell population expressed low levels of F4/80 and MHC II in later stages of infection, suggesting the impairment of antigen-presenting cell functions, probably through the excretory-secretory molecules. Moreover, we confirmed that peritoneal Gr1+ cells (Ly6C+ and Ly6G+ population) are phenotypically and functionally consistent with myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Metacestode infection elicited high levels of IL-10 and up-regulated of STAT-3 in peritoneal cells. A higher level of IgM suggests that this isotype may be predominant and is involved in the host protection.ConclusionsM. vogae tetrathyridia induced the recruitment of immunosuppressive cell subsets, which may play a key role in the down-regulation of immune response in long-term parasitic diseases, and excretory-secretory antigens seem to be the main regulatory factor.
Stress and burnout: Exploring postgraduate physiotherapy students’ experiences and coping strategies.
Authors: Brooke Tess , Brown Makaela , Orr Robin , Gough Suzanne
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose: The impact of stress and burnout in students is an emerging topic. When students perceive that they are unable to cope with stressors, there is increased potential for burnout. To maximise students’ higher educational institution outcomes, students must be able to effectively cope with stressful demands. Research suggests physiotherapy students, in particular, suffer from a high risk of stress and burnout, however limited research exists on postgraduate, pre-registration, physiotherapy students. The purpose of this study was to determine perceived stress, burnout and associated coping strategies across three timepoints in the first year of a postgraduate, pre-registration physiotherapy program. Methods: A qualitative and quantitative survey design was utilised at one Australian Higher Education Institution. The 51-item self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographics, the Coping Self Efficacy (CSE) Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey for Students (MBI-GS (S)), and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was administered at three timepoints (T) in the program: T1 at the start of semester 1, T2 before the first placement in semester 2 and T3 after 10-weeks of placement. Data were analysed using descriptive, statistical and thematical analysis. Subjects: All first year Doctor of Physiotherapy students.Results: A response rate of 62% (n=38) was achieved. There were no differences in stress and burnout scores between sexes, nor differences in stress and burnout over time. Highest median CSE scores were seen at T1, with highest median MBI-GS (S) cynicism scores at T2, exhaustion (EX) at T1 and T2, and professional efficacy at T1 and T2. The greatest mean CSE changes were seen from T1-T2 and T1-3, and PE greatest changes from T2-T3 and T1-T3. No strong correlation was found between stress and burnout. Curriculum coursework was a frequently reported stressor, along with clinical placement and transition periods. Coping strategies utilized by students were both positive and maladaptive. Positive strategies included sporting activities, baking, listening to music, and social connections, whereas maladaptive strategies included alcohol consumption, excessive eating, and gaming. Conclusion: Student consistently identified periods of stress and burnout, with curriculum coursework in particular being a trigger. Findings acknowledge the need for further investigation on sources of perceived stress, burnout, and coping mechanisms to optimise student welfare and enhance Higher Education Institution outcomes.
Overhydration and low serum prealbumin predict peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Quy Quyen Dao Bui , Huy Tuan Pham Ngoc , Duc Loc Nguyen , Van My Pham , Huu Dung Nguyen , Duy Toan Nguyen , Viet Tien Tran , Do Quyet , Viet Thang Le
Published: November 2020

Background: In this study, we focused on the role of overhydration (OH) and low serum prealbumin concentration in predicting peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients over a 3-year period.Methods: We measured serum prealbumin concentration and OH by body composition monitor in 278 CAPD patients (159 males and 119 females) with a mean age of 46 years and a median peritoneal dialysis (PD) duration of 21 months. Cases of PD-related peritonitis were collected over 3 years.Results: After the 3-year follow-up, 44 patients were diagnosed with PD-related peritonitis (15.8%). Low education, serum glucose, prealbumin, and OH were independent risk factors for predicting peritonitis over 36 months in CAPD patients. Based on the ROC curve model and Kaplan-Meier analysis, we realized that low prealbumin and high OH were independent predictors of 3-year peritonitis in CAPD patients (Prealbumin: AUC = 0.838, cut-off value = 32.5 mg/dL, Se= 90.9%, Sp = 32.9%; OH: AUC = 0.851, cut-off value = 1.33 L, Se = 79.5%, Sp = 85.5%; and log-rank test p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Overhydration and low serum prealbumin were the independent predictors of PD-related peritonitis in CAPD patients.
Trends in Contraceptive Use, Unmet Need and Associated Factors of Modern Contraceptive Use among Urban Adolescents and Young Women in Guinea
Authors: Sidibe Sidikiba , Delamou Alexandre , Camara Bienvenu Salim , Camara Nafissatou , Manet Hawa , Ayadi Alison M El , Benova Lenka , Kouanda Seni
Published: November 2020

Background In Guinea, high fertility among adolescents and young women in urban areas remains a public health concern. This study describes trends in contraceptive use, unmet need, and factors associated with the use of modern family planning (FP) methods among urban adolescents and young women in Guinea.MethodsWe used four Guinea Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 1999, 2005, 2012, and 2018. Among urban adolescents and young women (15-24 years), we examined trends over time in three key indicators: 1. Modern Contraceptive use, 2. Unmet need for FP and 3. Modern contraceptive use among those in need of FP (demand satisfied). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine association between socio-demographic factors and modern FP use on the most recent DHS dataset (2018).ResultsWe found statistically significant changes over the time period examined with an increase in modern contraceptive use (8.4% in 1999, 12.8% in 2018, p<0.01) and demand satisfied (29.0% in 1999, 54.1% in 2018, p<0.001), and a decrease in unmet need for FP (15.8% in 1999, 8.6% in 2018, p<0.001). Factors significantly associated with modern FP use were; young women aged 20-24 years (AOR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.9–4.1), living in urban areas of Faranah (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1–6.5) and Kankan (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.7–7.8), living in households in the middle (AOR: 7.7, 95% CI: 1.4–42.2) and richer wealth quintiles (AOR: 6.3, 95% CI: 1.0–38.1). Ever-married women (AOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9) were less likely to use modern FP methods than never married as were those from the Peulh (0.3, 95% CI: 0.2–0.4) and Malinke (0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8) ethnic groups compared to Soussou ethnic group.Conclusion Despite some progress, efforts are still needed to improve FP method use among urban adolescent and young women. Age, administrative region, wealth index, marital status, and ethnic group are significantly associated with modern FP use. Future policies and interventions should place emphasis on improving adolescents’ reproductive health knowledge, increasing FP availability and strengthening provision. Efforts should target adolescents aged 15–19 years in particular, and address disparities between administrative regions and ethnic groups, and health-related inequalities.
Genetic analysis of rice seedling traits related to machine transplanting under different seeding densities
Authors: Zhu Dan , Zhang Yuping , Xiang Jing , Wang Yaliang , Zhu Defeng , Zhang Yikai , Chen Huizhe
Published: November 2020

Background: Due to the diversity of rice varieties and cropping systems in China, the limitation of seeding density and seedling quality makes it hard to improve machine-transplanted efficiency. Previous studies have shown that indica and japonica varieties varied in machine transplanting efficiency and optimal seeding density . In this study, a RIL population derived from ‘9311’ and ‘ Nipponbare ’ were performed to explore the seedling traits variations and the genetic mechanism under three seeding densities. Results: The parents and RIL population exhibited similar trends as the seeding density increased, including seedling height and first leaf sheath length increases, shoot dry weight and root dry weight decreases. Among the 37 QTLs for six traits detected under the three seeding densities, 12 QTLs were detected in both three seeding densities. Five QTL hotspots identified clustered within genomic regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 11. Specific QTLs such as qRDW 1.1 and qFLSL 5.1 were detected under low and high seeding densities, respectively. Detailed analysis the QTL regions identified under specific seeding densities revealed several candidate genes involved in phytohormones signals and abiotic stress responses. Whole-genome additive effects showed that ‘9311’ contributed more loci enhancing trait performances than ‘Nipponbare’, indicating ‘9311’ was more sensitive to the seeding density than ‘Nipponbare’. The prevalence of negative epistasis effects indicated that the complementary two-locus homozygotes may not have marginal advantages over the means of the two parental genotypes. Conclusions: Our results revealed the differences between indica rice and japonica rice seedling traits in response to seeding density. Several QTL hotspots involved in different traits and specific QTLs (such as qRDW 1.1 and qFLSL 5.1 ) in diverse seeding densities had been detected. Genome-wide additive and two-locus epistasis suggested a dynamic of the genetic control underlying different seeding densities. It was concluded that novel QTLs, additive and epistasis effects under specific seeding density would provide adequate information for rice seedling improvement during machine transplanting.
Susceptibility to malaria during the Prevention of Re-establishment phase in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jeevatharan Hamsananthy , AR Wickremasinghe
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSusceptibility to malaria is the predisposition of populations to be infectedby malaria parasites.It is influenced by the age-sex composition, parasitaemia, immunity, pregnancy status, type of residency, socio economic status, migration history of the population; broadly biological and generic factors. As imported cases are still being reported and one introduced malaria case was reported in 2018, prevention of re-establishment of malaria is a challenge for Sri Lanka.Addressing susceptibility to malaria is crucial for planning and implementing appropriate interventions to sustain malaria-free status of the country. The aim of this study was to assess susceptibility to malaria during the prevention of re-establishment phase in Sri Lanka.MethodsA national survey was conducted among 3,454 households. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select the households. Susceptibility was assessed based on a conceptual framework adapted from Kienberger and Hagenlocher [20], using an interviewer-administered questionnaire administered to heads of households. Basic socio-demographic information, travel history, history of fever and past malaria infections in the preceding three years were collected; in addition, subjects were tested for presence of malaria parasites. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 package.ResultsThe proportion of population who had been overseas within the last 3 years in the urban sector (4.5%, n=99) was significantly higher than that of the rural (2.8%, n=288) and estate sectors (0.2%, n=2) (χ42=66.103; p<0.001). The proportions reporting overseas travel declined significantly with the wealth index up to the 4th quintile with a slight rise in the 5th quintile (χ82=60.985; P<0.001). There were 177 persons who had fever within the past 2 weeks of the survey. None of the surveyed population had malaria parasites on blood examination.Conclusions Urban and upper socioeconomic class population should be targeted for screening and awareness programmes on prevention of re-establishment of malaria. Travel overseas is the most important criterion to assess susceptibility in an island nation.As susceptibility is a dynamic phenomenon, it should be assessed periodically. Combining it with resilience and receptivity, social vulnerability and risk of re-establishment of malaria could be assessed.
Malaria micro-stratification using routine surveillance data in Western Kenya
Authors: Alegana Victor A , Suiyanka Laurissa , Macharia Peter M , Ikahu-Muchangi Grace , Snow Robert W
Published: November 2020

Background: There is an increasing need for finer spatial resolution data on malaria risk to provide micro-stratification to guide sub-national strategic plans. Here, spatial-statistical techniques are used to exploit routine data to depict sub-national heterogeneities in test positivity rate (TPR) for malaria among patients attending health facilities in Kenya. Methods: Routine data from health facilities (n=1804) representing all ages over 24 months (2018-2019) was assembled across 8 counties (62 sub-counties) in Western Kenya. Statistical model-based approaches were used to quantify heterogeneities in TPR and uncertainty at fine spatial resolution adjusting for missingness, population distribution, spatial data structure, month, and type of the health facility.Results: The overall monthly reporting rate was 78.7% (IQR 75.0 – 100.0) and public-based health facilities were more likely than private facilities to report ≥ 12 months (OR 5.7, 95% CI 4.3 – 7.5). There was marked heterogeneity in population-weighted TPR with sub-counties in the north of the lake-endemic region exhibiting the highest rates (exceedance probability >70% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.7 million (28.5%) people reside. At micro-level the lowest rates were in 14 sub-counties (exceedance probability <30% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.2 million (23.1%) people lived and indoor residual spraying had been conducted since 2017.Conclusion: The value of routine health data on TPR can be enhanced when adjusting for underlying population and spatial structures of the data, highlighting small scale heterogeneities in malaria risk often masked in broad national stratifications. Future research should aim at relating these heterogeneities in TPR with traditional community-level prevalence to improve tailoring malaria control activities at sub-national levels.
Psychosocial factors associated with postpartum psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Ostacoli Luca , Cosma Stefano , Bevilacqua Federica , Berchialla Paola , Bovetti Marialuisa , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Malandrone Francesca , Carletto Sara , Benedetto Chiara
Published: November 2020

Background Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style. Methods Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.Results The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors. Conclusion This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.
Mortality Among Male Cigar and Cigarette Smokers in the U.S.
Authors: Rodu Brad , Plurphanswat Nantaporn
Published: November 2020

Background. Cigars and cigarettes are both smoked, but much less is known about the former’s long-term health effects, due to its low prevalence and infrequent collection of cigar information in national surveys. Purpose. We conducted a follow-up mortality study of cigar-smoking men age 40-79 years in National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS). Methods. We used pooled NHIS files linked to the National Death Index to obtain follow-up from year of interview to year of death or December 31, 2015. We developed categories of cigarette and cigar smoking that accommodate dual and former use of both products. We used Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income, health status, body mass index, and region to estimate hazard ratios (HRs, 95% confidence intervals, CI) for mortality from all causes, heart diseases, malignant neoplasms, cerebrovascular disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases and two mutually exclusive categories: smoking-related and other diseases. Results. There were 14,628 deaths from all causes, including 3,420 never tobacco users, 3,266 exclusive cigarette smokers, and 176 exclusive cigar users. The latter had no statistically significant evidence of increased mortality from all causes, heart diseases, malignant neoplasms, cerebrovascular disease, smoking related diseases or other causes. In contrast, the mortality experience of dual users of cigars and cigarettes and cigar smokers who formerly used cigarettes is similar to exclusive cigarette smokers. Conclusions. This study provides evidence that male cigar smokers age 40+ years had elevated mortality risks. However, after accounting for cigarette smoking and other confounding variables, we found significantly increased mortality only among dual and former users of cigarettes.
Location Inference for Hidden Population with Online Text Analysis
Authors: Liu Chuchu , Cao Ziqiang , Lu Xin
Published: November 2020

Background: Understanding the geographic distribution of hidden population, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, or injecting drug users, are of great importance for the adequate deployment of intervention strategies and public health decision making. However, due to the hard-to-access properties, e.g., lack of a sampling frame, sensitivity issue, reporting error, etc., traditional survey methods are largely limited when studying such populations. With data extracted from the very active online community of MSM in China, in this study we adopt and develop location inferring methods to achieve a high-resolution mapping of users in this community at national level. Methods: We collect a comprehensive dataset from the largest sub-community related to MSM topics in Baidu Tieba, covering 628,360 MSM-related users. Based on users’ publicly available posts, we evaluate and compare the performances of mainstream location inference algorithms on the online locating problem of Chinese MSM population. To improve the inference accuracy, other approaches in natural language processing are introduced into the location extraction, such as context analysis and pattern recognition. In addition, we develop a hybrid voting algorithm (HVA-LI) by allowing different approaches to vote to determine the best inference results, which guarantees a more effective way on location inference for hidden population.Results: By comparing the performances of popular inference algorithms, we find that the classic gazetteer-based algorithm has achieved better results. And in the HVA-LI algorithms, the hybrid algorithm consisting of the simple gazetteer-based method and named entity recognition (NER) is proven to be the best to deal with inferring users’ locations disclosed in short texts on online communities, improving the inferring accuracy from 50.3% to 71.3% on the MSM-related dataset.Conclusions: In this study, we have explored the possibility of location inferring by analyzing textual content posted by online users. A more effective hybrid algorithm, i.e., the Gazetteer & NER algorithm is proposed, which is conducive to overcoming the sparse location labeling problem in user profiles, and can be extended to the inference of geo-statistics for other hidden populations.
Transcriptional response of Bacillus megaterium FDU301 to PEG200-mediated arid stress
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhou Yanjun , Li Jianbei , Xia Yucheng , Wang Weiyun , Luo Xiuqi , Yin Juan , Zhong Jiang
Published: November 2020

Background: For microorganisms on a paper surface, the lack of water is one of the most important stress factors. A strain of Bacillus megaterium FDU301 was isolated from plaques on a paper surface using culture medium with polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) to simulate an arid condition. Global transcriptomic analysis of B. megaterium FDU301 grown under normal and simulated arid conditions was performed via RNA-seq technology to identify genes involved in arid stress adaptation.Results: The transcriptome of B. megaterium FDU301 grown in LB medium under arid (15% PEG200 (w/w)) and normal conditions were compared. A total of 2941 genes were differentially expressed, including 1422 genes upregulated and 1519 genes downregulated under arid conditions. Oxidative stress-responsive regulatory genes perR, fur, and tipA were significantly upregulated, along with DNA protecting protein (dps), and catalase (katE). Genes related to Fe2+ uptake (feoB), sporulation stage II (spoIIB, spoIIE, spoIIGA), small acid-soluble spore protein (sspD), and biosynthesis of compatible solute ectoine (ectB, ectA) were also highly expressed to various degrees. Oxidative phosphorylation-related genes (atpB, atpE, atpF, atpH, atpA, atpG, atpD, atpC) and glycolysis-related genes (pgk, tpiA, frmA) were significantly downregulated.Conclusion: This is the first report about transcriptomic analysis of a B. megaterium to explore the mechanism of arid resistance. Major changes in transcription were seen in the arid condition simulated by PEG200 (15%), with the most important one being genes related to oxidative stress. The results showed a complex mechanism for the bacteria to adapt to arid stress.
Bloodstream infections caused by ST2 Acinetobacter baumannii: Risk factors, antibiotic regimens, and virulence over 6 years period in China
Authors: Yu Kaihang , Zeng Weiliang , Xu Ye , Liao Wenli , Xu Wenya , Zhou Tieli , Cao Jianming , Chen Lijiang
Published: November 2020

Background: Bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) has been increasingly observed among hospitalized patients. The following study analyzed the epidemiology and microbiological characteristics of MDR-AB, as well as the clinical features, antimicrobial treatments, and outcomes in patients over a six years period in ChinaMethods: This retrospective study was conducted in a large tertiary hospital in China between January 2013 and December 2018. The clinical and microbiological data of all consecutive hospitalized patients with MDR-AB induced bloodstream infection were included and analyzed.Results: A total of 108 BSI episodes were analyzed. All MDR isolates belonged to ST2. Overall, ST2 strains showed strong biofilm formation ability, high serum resistance, and high pathogenicity. As for the clinical characteristics of the patient, 30-day mortality was 69.4% (75/108). The three main risk factors included mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and thrombocytopenia; three protective factors included a change of antimicrobial regimen within 48 h after bacteria isolation from blood, use of the antibacterial agent combination, and more inpatient days. The most effective antibacterial regimen was the combination of cefoperazone/sulbactam and tigecycline.Conclusions: BSI caused by ST2 A.baumannii represents a difficult challenge for physicians, considering the high mortality associated with this infection. The combination of cefoperazone/sulbactam and tigecycline may be an effective treatment option.
Dosimetric comparison between dynamic wave arc and co-planar volumetric modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Abdelghaffar Alshaymaa , Kishi Noriko , Ashida Ryo , Matsuo Yukinori , Hirashima Hideaki , Mukumoto Nobutaka , Yoshimura Michio , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mohamed Ahmed El Sayed , Ali Elsayed Mostafa , Gaber Mohamed Soliman , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: November 2020

Background: Dose reduction to the duodenum is important to decrease gastrointestinal toxicities in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. We aimed to compare dynamic wave arc (DWA), a volumetric-modulated beam delivery technique with simultaneous gantry/ring rotations passing the waved trajectories, with coplanar VMAT (co-VMAT) with respect to dose distributions in LAPC. Methods: DWA and co-VMAT plans were created for 13 patients with LAPC in the pancreatic head or body. The prescribed dose was 45.6 or 48 Gy in 15 fractions. The dose volume indices (DVIs) for the gross tumor volume, planning target volume (PTV), stomach, duodenum, small bowel, large bowel, kidney, liver, and spinal cord were compared between the corresponding plans. The values of the gamma passing rate, monitor unit (MU), and beam-on time were also compared. Results: The volumes of the duodenum receiving 39, 42, and 45 Gy were significantly reduced to 2.8, 0.8 and 0.15 cm3 in DWA from 3.9, 1.6 and 0.34 cm3 in co-VMAT, respectively. The mean dose of the liver and D2cm3 of the planning volume for the spinal cord were significantly increased to 6.9 and 31.7 Gy in DWA from 5.9 and 30.2 Gy in co-VMAT, respectively. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the target volumes except for dose irradiated to 2% of PTV (110.4% in DWA vs. 109.6% in co-VMAT). There were also no significant differences in the other DVIs. Further, the gamma passing rate was 96.5% for DWA and 96.7% for co-VMAT (p = 0.65). The MU was significantly higher in DWA than in co-VMAT (620 vs. 589, p = 0.001), and there was a significant increase in the beam-on time (104 sec vs. 89 sec, p = 0.04).Conclusion: DWA was superior to co-VMAT regarding dose distributions in the duodenum in LAPC, albeit with slight increasing doses to the liver and the spinal cord and increasing MU and the beam delivery time. Further evaluation is needed to know how the dose differences would affect the clinical outcomes in chemoradiotherapy for LAPC.