bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Brucella Infection and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care around Human, Wildlife and Livestock Interface in Ngorongoro Ecosystem, Northern Tanzania. A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Makala Robert , Majigo Mtebe Venance , Bwire George M. , Kibwana Upendo , Mirambo Mariam M. , Joachim Agricola
Published: January 2020

Background
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, animal products or consumption of infected dairy products. Brucella infection during pregnancy is of special interest due to association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study determined the seroprevalence and factors associated with Brucella infection among pregnant women around the human-wildlife-livestock interface area in Ngorongoro Ecosystem, Northern Tanzania.
Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2018 at six health facilities that provide antenatal services. Pregnant women receiving antenatal care were invited to participate. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics in addition to behavior and practices related to the occurrence of human brucellosis. The presence of serum immunoglobulin against Brucella was determined using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). The positive samples were further assayed for the presence of IgG and IgM using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay. Bivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables associated with Brucella seropositivity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors independently associations with Brucella seropositivity after adjustment for other explanatory variables.
Results
A total of 313 participants were enrolled in the study. The overall seroprevalence of Brucella infection was 10.9 % (34/313) determined by Rose Bengal plate test. Of 34 positive individuals, 27(79.4%) and 8(23.5%) were positive in the ELISA specific for IgG and IgM Brucella antibodies respectively. Regular contact with manure (AOR 3.16, 95%CI 1.27-7.83) and preference for animal fresh milk (AOR 3.80, 95 % CI 1.23–11.69), raw meat (AOR 2.58, 95 % CI 1.14 – 5.81) and raw animal blood (AOR 2.71, 95 % CI 1.15–6.35) increased the odds of being Brucella seropositive . Contact with the animal placenta were not associated with Brucella seropositivity after adjustment.
Conclusion
This study has found that brucellosis is an important public health problem among pregnant women in areas with interactions of humans; livestock and wildlife. The risk of infection increased with the regular contact with manure and preference of raw foodstuffs like animal blood, meat, and milk. We emphasize the need for interventional strategies to reduce the risk of exposure.
Pedicle frozen autograft-prosthesis composite reconstructions for malignant bone tumors of the proximal femur
Authors: xu gang , Miwa Shinji , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Igarashi Kentaro , Taniguchi Yuta , Araki Yoshihiro , Yonezawa Hirotaka , Morinaga Sei , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: January 2020

Background
Limb salvage surgery is becoming increasingly popular after tumor resection in the lower extremity. Biological reconstruction and use of megaprosthesis are main methods for malignant bone tumors of the proximal femur, which remain controversial due to short- and long-term complication in the proximal femur. Tumor-bearing bone treated by liquid nitrogen is one of biological reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the mid- and long-term functional outcomes and complications in patients treated with frozen autograft–prosthesis composite (FAPC) reconstructions in the proximal femur.
Methods
This retrospective study included 19 patients (10 women, 9 men) with malignant tumors of the proximal femur who underwent tumor-wide resection and FAPC reconstruction (mean age, 46 years; range, 9-77 years). The mean follow-up period of 69 months (range, 9-179 month). Functional outcomes, oncological outcomes and complications were evaluated by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, clinical and radiological examinations.
Results The overall survival rate was 68.4%, and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 26.4 points (88%). FAPC survival rates were 100% and 50% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Five of the 19 patients (26%) had complications: 2 required prosthesis removal and 2 developed a deep infection around acetabular. Wear of the acetabulum occurred in 2 cases, while disease recurrence was occurred in 1 case. There were no cases of greater trochanter avulsion, obvious absorption around frozen bone, prosthesis loosening or leg length discrepancy.
Conclusions
Due to without femoral osteotomy, this technique features satisfactory functional outcome and provide biomechanical stability that is comparable to those of other methods of biological reconstruction or megaprosthesis.
A cross-sectional study of the relationships between different components of sarcopenia and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity in community-dwelling elderly
Authors: Rong Yu-Dong , Bian Ai-Lin , Hu Hui-Ying , Ma Yue , Zhou Xin-Zi
Published: January 2020

Background
Declination of skeletal muscle mass or sarcopenia is associated with the arterial stiffness. However, but it is unclear whether muscle strength and physical performance; important contributors of sarcopenia are associated with the arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia, the components of sarcopenia and arterial stiffness among elderly population.
Methods
Four hundred and fifty community dwelling elderly participants (266 male, and 184 female, >65 years) were enrolled in this study. Each participant received general medical examinations in Tianjin First Center Hospital. Based on the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia in older people developed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), 89 participants were separated into the sarcopenia group. The living habits, disease status, general status and laboratory examinations of all participants were collected. The body composition (including appendicular skeletal muscle mass , and visceral fat area (VFA) was measured by bioimpedance analysis. Handgrip strength (HS), usual gait speed (GS), and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured.
Results
Sarcopenia participants had higher baPWV, nutrition risk and lower appendicular skeletal muscle index(ASMI), HS, GS, body mass index(BMI), triacylglycerol(TG), serum albumin(ALB) and creatinine(Cr) than the non-sarcopenia participants; Sarcopenia participants also had higher visceral fat area (VFA)compared to non-sarcopenia participants (p<0.05). ASMI and HS were negatively associated with baPWV (t=-5.807, p=0.000 and t=-3.085, p=0.002), but the relationship between baPWV, and GS was not statistically significant (t=-0.862, p=0.389) by multivariable linear regression. After adjusting for confounders, a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that sarcopenia was related to age, BMI, sports and baPWV in community dwelling elderly.
Conclusions
ASMI and HS were negatively associated with baPWV in community dwelling elderly in China; and baPWV was a risk factor of sarcopenia.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Romanian Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOSJR)
Authors: Florescu Sorin , Vermesan Dinu , Haragus Horia , Patrascu Jenel M , Timar Bogdan , Todor Adrian
Published: January 2020

Aim: To perform validation of the Romanian Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOSJR).
Method: 96 patients (101 knees) with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) scheduled for total knee replacement completed Romanian translations of KOOSJR and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee – subjective knee form) and Euroqol EQ-5D-5L, and the treating physician completed the original knee society score (KSS).
Results: Average age was 66.4 (range 50-83) years and male to female ratio 1:3.76. There was moderate correlation between the test-retest (average 4 days) KOOSJR (r=0.618, n=45) and IKDC (r=-0.671, n=99), weak between KOOSJR and EQ-5D-5L Index (r=-0.431, n=100) and VAS (r=-0.364, n=99) and very weak to KSS score (r=-0.133, n=98) and function (r=-0.072, n=97) For the first KOOSJR, Cronbach's alpha was 0.816 and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.816 (95% CI 0.755-0.866) for average measures. For the retest, Cronbach's alpha was 0.841 (95% CI 0.760-0.903) for averages.
Conclusion: The Romanian Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOSJR) is a valid, reliable, consistent and reproducible clinical score for patients with OA requiring arthroplasty.
Immune activation of murine RAW264.7 macrophages by sonicated and alkalized paramylon from Euglena gracilis
Authors: Guo Qingqing , Bi Decheng , Wu Mingcan , Yu Boming , Hu Lang , Liu Chenchen , Gu Liang , Zhu Hui , Lei Anping , Xu Xu , Wang Jiangxin
Published: January 2020

Background: Euglena is a new super health food resource that is rich in the natural polysaccharide paramylon, a linear β-1,3-glucan with various biological activities including activity on the immune system in different cell lines and animals. Despite these reports, the immune regulation mechanism of paramylon is still unclear.
Results: We investigate the signaling pathways paramylon impacts in immune macrophages. In RAW264.7 macrophages, sonicated and alkalized paramylon oligomers up-regulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and increased secretion of nitric oxide (NO) , interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, paramylon activated the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and inhibiting these pathways attenuated the paramylon-induced secretion of the above immune-mediators.
Conclusions: These results demonstrate that Euglena gracilis paramylon modulates the immune system via activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and thus has potential therapeutic benefits.
Ticks and associated pathogens in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazi Abdullah Daria , Nguyen Viet Linh , Alyousif Mohamed Saleh , Manoj Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari , Alouffi Abdulaziz Saleh , Donato Ridolfi , Sazmand Alireza , Mendoza-Roldan Jairo Alfonso , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Otranto Domenico
Published: January 2020

Background Camel production in Saudi Arabia is severely affected by various diseases and by inadequate veterinary services. Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a major threat to the health of camels consequently affecting their productivity and performances. In addition, camels may act as hosts for TBPs (e.g. Anaplasma phagocytophilum ) causing diseases in humans. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks and molecularly investigate the associated pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. Methods Blood and tick samples were collected from camels (n=170) in Riyad Province of Saudi Arabia. Ticks were morphologically identified and blood of camels were molecularly screened for apicomplexan (i.e. Babesia spp ., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp.) and rickettsial parasites (i.e. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.). Results Of the 170 camels examined, 116 (68.2%; 95% CI: 60.9–75.1) were infested by ticks with a mean intensity of 2.53 (95% CI =2.4–2.6). In total of 296 ticks collected, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent (76.4%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (23.3%) and Hyalomma excavatum (0.3%). Of the tested animals, 13 (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–12.8) scored positive to at least one TBP, with Anaplasma platys (5.3%; 95% CI: 2.7–9.9) being the most prevalent species, followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum , Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis (0.6% each; 95% CI: 0.04–3.4). None of the camels were found to be co-infected with more than one pathogen. All samples tested negative for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Conclusions Current study reveals the occurrence of different tick species and tick-borne pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. Importantly, these camels may carry A. phagocytophilum and A. platys , representing a potential risk to humans.
The association between climate, geography and respiratory syncitial virus hospitalizations among children in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study
Authors: Radhakrishnan Dhenuka , Ouedraogo Alexandra , Shariff Salimah Z. , McNally Dayre , Benchimol Eric I. , Clemens Kristin K.
Published: January 2020

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of hospitalization in young children in Canada, despite routine immunoprophylaxis in those with medical risk factors. We aimed to determine if cold temperatures are associated with RSV hospitalization. Methods: We conducted a population-based nested case–control study of children in Ontario, Canada, using health administrative data. We compared children hospitalized for RSV between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012 to age and sex matched controls. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify associations between minimum daily temperature and RSV hospitalizations with adjustment for sociodemographic and environmental factors. Results: We identified 1670 children with RSV hospitalizations during the study period and 6680 matched controls. Warmer temperatures (OR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.93, 0.95) were associated with lower odds of RSV hospitalization. Southern ecozone (OR=1.6, 95%CI: 1.2, 2.1), increased ozone concentration (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.06) and living in a lower income neighbourhood (OR=1.3, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.5) significantly increased the odds of RSV hospitalization, as did living in a household with a larger number of siblings in a sub-cohort of children (OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.26, 1.41). Conclusions: In Ontario, the likelihood of having an RSV hospitalization is associated with colder temperature exposures and socioeconomic factors.
Interpretation and content validity of the items of the numeric rating version Short-WORC to evaluate outcomes in management of rotator cuff pathology: A cognitive interview approach.
Authors: Furtado Rochelle , MacDermid Joy C , Bryant Dianne , Faber Kenneth J , Athwal George S
Published: January 2020

Background: The shortened version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (Short-WORC) is a patient reported outcome measure that evaluates quality of life (QoL) of patients with rotator cuff pathology. However, formal content validation of the full or Short-WORC has not been reported. This study aims to understand how 1) people interpret and calibrate responses to items on the Short-WORC and 2) compensatory strategies that might enhance function and thereby affect responses.

Methods: This study uses cognitive interviewing, a qualitative methodology that focuses on the interpretation of questionnaire items. Patients with rotator cuff disorders (n=10), clinicians (n=6) and measurement researchers (n=10) were interviewed using a talk aloud structured interview that evaluated each of the 7 items of the Short-WORC. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim by one researcher (R.F). Analysis was done through an open coding scheme using a previously established framework.

Results: Overall, the items on the Short-WORC were well received by participants. Through the interviews, the 6 themes of: Comprehension, Inadequate response definition, Reference Point, Relevance, Perspective Modifiers and Calibration Across Items emerged. The items of working above the shoulder (90%), compensating with the unaffected arm (88%) and lifting heavy objects (92%) were the most relevant to participants. Participants calibrated their scores on the items of sleeping and styling (19%) the most. Perspective modifiers of gender, influenced the calibrations of items of styling your hair (30%) and dressing or undressing (19%). Compensatory strategies of task-re allocation and using assistive devices/resources were frequently mentioned by participants. Overall, participants had minor comprehension issues, but found the 7- items of the Short-WORC to be relevant to QoL.

Conclusions: Therefore, the findings demonstrate that the Short-WORC is not cognitively complex, but varies with patient perspectives. Overall, the Short-WORC provides evidence of demonstrating strong content validity when used for rotator cuff disorder patients.
Substance P Induces Sympathetic Immune Response in the Contralateral Eye after the First Eye Cataract Surgery in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Gong Xianhui , Ren Yueping , Pan Wenjie , Zheng Jingwei , Fang Xiuxiu , Cai Junyong , Song E
Published: January 2020

Background: Substance P (SP) is a nociceptive tachykinin which regulates the immune inflammatory reactions including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) production. Sequential second-eye cataract surgery patients often suffer more pain than the first one partly because of the MCP-1 increase in aqueous humor (AH). This study aims to illustrate whether SP is involved in sympathetic inflammatory responses in the contralateral eye in patients with or without type 2 diabetes. Methods: This prospective randomized clinical study included 51 cataract patients (22 with diabetes and 29 without). Bilateral sequential cataract surgeries were conducted with 1-day or 1-week interval randomly. More than 100 µl of AH were obtained before surgery and stored for later analysis using magnetic Luminex assays to detect interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1ra,IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, spinal macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1a), interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), as well as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for SP. Results: Among the 4 groups with 1-day or 1-week intervals, and of the 51 cataract patients with or without diabetes, no significant differences were found in age, sex distribution, the R/L ration of the first surgery eye, or the lens nucleus hardness (P ≥ 0.802). Over 100 µl of AH samples were collected safely in all cases without intraoperative complications. SP and MCP-1 levels were both increased significantly in the second eye of the diabetic patients with 1-day and 1-week interval ( P ≤ 0.040). The SP increase in the second eye of the diabetic patients were significantly higher than that of the patients without diabetes ( P ≤ 0.030) both in the groups with 1-day and 1-week interval. Similarly, the MCP-1 increase was significantly higher in the diabetic patients in the group with 1-week interval (P = 0.042). Conclusions: Substance P and MCP-1 productions elevated in the AH of the contralateral eye after the first-eye cataract surgery in diabetic patients, indicating that SP and MCP-1 were involved in the sympathetic inflammatory responses. Diabetic patients are susceptible to noninfectious inflammation after cataract surgery, and perceive more pain in the second-eye phacoemulsification.
Performance of Malaria Microscopy External Quality Assessment and networking among Health Facilities in West Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Banchamlak , Ejigu Kefale , Alemu Getaneh , Fetene Yeshimebet , Endaylalu Kindye , Melese Mulatu
Published: January 2020

Background: In most health facilities, microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears is performed for definitive diagnosis of malaria. Despite it produces reliable results about both the infection status and level of parasitemia, microscopic examination of malaria is affected by skill of the laboratory personnel, workload, condition of microscopes and quality of laboratory supplies. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the performance of laboratories is critical in order to make timely corrections. Objective: To assess malaria microscopy performance of diagnostic laboratories in west Amhara region.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2019 among thirty malaria diagnostic laboratories in west Amhara region. Thirty slides were collected from participating laboratories every quarter. Collected slides were taken to Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI) reference laboratory and re-checked by malaria microscopist who were blind to the results from health facilities. Percentage of test agreement, rates of false positive, false negative and species misdiagnosis were calculated using Excel 2010.Results: Among a total of 6689 slides re-examined, results of 6146 slides were the same with that of participating laboratories to give a test agreement of 97.31% and 94.6% in parasite detection and species identification, respectively. Variations in the overall performance of individual laboratories were seen within a range of 81.55% to 97.27% test agreement. Results of 543 (8.12%) slides were discordant, of which 363 (5.4%), 93 (1.4%) and 87 (1.3%) were due to species misdiagnosis, false positive and false negative results, respectively. Conclusion: There was good test agreement between participated laboratories and APHI laboratory. More accurate performance is expected as the country is tracking to malaria elimination. Hence, strengthening the EQA program by integrating rechecking with onsite evaluation is recommended.K
PGRMC1 phosphorylation affects cell shape, motility, glycolysis, mitochondrial form and function, and tumor growth
Authors: Thejer Bashar M. , Adhikary Partho P. , Kaur Amandeep , Teakel Sarah L. , Oosterum Ashleigh Van , Seth Ishith , Pajic Marina , Hannan Katherine M. , Pavy Megan , Poh Perlita , Jazayeri Jalal A , Zaw Thiri , Pascovici Dana , Ludescher Marina , Pawlak Michael , Cassano Juan C. , Turnbull Lynne , Jazayeri Mitra , James Alexander C. , Coorey Craig P. , Roberts Tara L. , Kinder Simon J. , Hannan Ross D. , Patrick Ellis , Molloy Mark P. , J. Elizabeth , Fehm Tanja N. , Neubauer Hans , Goldys Ewa M. , Weston Leslie A. , CAHILL Michael
Published: January 2020

Background: Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) is expressed in many cancer cells, where it is associated with detrimental patient outcomes. It contains phosphorylated tyrosines which evolutionarily preceded deuterostome gastrulation and tissue differentiation mechanisms. Results: We demonstrate that manipulating PGRMC1 phosphorylation status in MIA PaCa-2 (MP) cells imposes broad pleiotropic effects. Relative to parental cells over-expressing hemagglutinin-tagged wild-type (WT) PGRMC1-HA, cells expressing a PGRMC1-HA-S57A/S181A double mutant (DM) exhibited reduced levels of proteins involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, and altered glucose metabolism suggesting modulation of the Warburg effect. This was associated with increased PI3K/Akt activity, altered cell shape, actin cytoskeleton, motility, and mitochondrial properties. An S57A/Y180F/S181A triple mutant (TM) indicated the involvement of Y180 in PI3K/Akt activation. Mutation of Y180F strongly attenuated subcutaneous xenograft tumor growth in NOD-SCID gamma mice. Elsewhere we demonstrate altered metabolism, mutation incidence, and epigenetic status in these cells. Conclusions: Altogether, these results indicate that mutational manipulation of PGRMC1 phosphorylation status exerts broad pleiotropic effects relevant to cancer and other cell biology.
Effectiveness of circular external fixator in periprosthetic fractures around the knee
Authors: Nozaka Koji , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Hongo Michio , Kasukawa Yuji , Saito Hidetomo , Kijima Hiroaki , Tsuchie Hiroyuki , Mita Motoki , Shimada Yoichi
Published: January 2020

Background: The incidence of periprosthetic fractures after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is rising due to an increasing number of TJAs performed annually and the growing elderly population. In many elderly patients with periprosthetic fractures, the bone strength is lowered due to the deterioration of bone quality and a decrease in bone quantity; rigid fixation of the fracture is difficult. It is a challenging operation for orthopedic surgeons. The usefulness of circular external fixation for periprosthetic fractures has been reported in several case studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of union and complications associated with circular external fixation in periprosthetic fractures around the knee. Methods: We included 19 patients with periprosthetic femur and tibial fractures who underwent osteosynthesis using a circular external fixator and had at least 2 years of follow-up. All patients had comorbidities and high risks associated with anesthesia. Tourniquets were not used in any of the patients. There were no cases in which the skin incision was placed, and the closed reduction technique was used in all cases.　Results: A 100% union rate was achieved with no serious complications. All fractures healed after a mean time of 14.3±5.2 weeks (range, 8-38 weeks). The walking ability was the same level as before the injury in 13 cases. Discussion: There are many comorbidities associated with periprosthetic fractures in elderly patients. Double-plate or revision surgery were largely invasive and had high risks associated with anesthesia. Circular external fixation is a feasible and effective treatment option because it provides stable fixation, prompt postoperative mobilization, and has no major complications, especially in elderly patients who are treated for periprosthetic fractures Conclusion: Circular external fixation is a safe and reliable method for periprosthetic fractures around the knee in elderly patients. Level of evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series Key words: circular external fixation, periprosthetic fractures around the knee, union rate, walking level, closed reduction technique
Diagnostic accuracy of perioperative electromyography in the positioning of pedicle screws in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment: a cross-sectional diagnostic study
Authors: Barsotti Carlos Eduardo , Gavassi Bruno Moreira , Prado Francisco Eugenio , Batista Bernardo Nogueira , Pratali Raphael de Resende , Ribeiro Ana Paula , de Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Soares , Ferreira Ricardo Rodrigues
Published: January 2020

Background: To investigate in the conventional techniques of the pedicle screws using triggered screw electromyography (t-EMG), considering different threshold cutoffs: 10, 15, 20 25 mA, for predicting pedicle screw positioning during surgery of the adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: Sixteen patients (4 males, 12 females, average age 16.6 years) were included, with an average curve magnitude of 50 degrees and placement of 226 pedicle screws. Each screw was classified as “at risk for nerve injury” (ARNI) or “no risk for nerve injury” (NRNI) using CT and the diagnostic accuracy of EMG considering different threshold cutoffs (10,15, 20 and 25 mA) in the axial and Sagittal planes for predicting screw positions ARNI was investigated. Results: The EMG exam accuracy, in the axial plane, 90.3% screws were considered NRNI. In the sagittal plane, 81% pedicle screws were considered NRNI. A 1-mA decrease in the EMG threshold was associated with a 12% increase in the odds of the screw position ARNI. In the axial and sagittal planes, the ORs were 1.09 and 1.12, respectively. At every threshold cutoff evaluated, the PPV of EMG for predicting screws ARNI was very low in the different threshold cutoff (10 and 15); the highest PPV was 18% with a threshold cutoff of 25 mA. The PPV was always slightly higher for predicting screws ARNI in the sagittal plane than in the axial plane. In contrast, there was a moderate to high NPV (78%-93%) for every cutoff analyzed. Conclusions: EMG had a moderate to high accuracy for positive predicting value screws ARNI with increase threshold cutoffs of 20 and 25 mA. In addition, showed to be effective for minimizing false-negative screws ARNI in the different threshold cutoffs of the EMG in adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
Exploratory Analysis of Retracted Cardiovascular Diseases Publications
Authors: Badreldin Hisham , Ghawaa Yazeed , Alshehri Abdulmajeed , Alzaharani Mohammed , Almubarak Abdulaziz
Published: January 2020

Background There is a lack of studies that examine the nature of retraction in the discipline of cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this research was, therefore, to report comprehensively on the nature and trend of retracted cardiovascular disease publications.Methods Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Retraction Watch databases were utilized to identify retracted publications on cardiovascular diseases from a database-specific inception date to June 10, 2019.Results A total of 568 publications met our eligibility criteria. With regard to the first author’s continent of affiliation, the majority of retracted publications 251 (44.1%) originated from Asia. In 2000, the number of retracted publications began to trend up, and it peaked in 2015, with 76 (13.4%) publications being retracted that year. The mean number of times a publication was cited prior to retraction was 37 times, with a standard deviation of 76. Basic science publications and animal studies represented almost 43% of the total retracted publications relating to cardiovascular disease. Misconduct was the main reason for retractions in 249 (43.3%) publications, followed by scientific error by authors, 215 (37.8%). Almost 61% of the retracted studies were present in their intact form, with no watermark indicating retraction. Conclusions The trend of retracting publications within the field of cardiovascular diseases is increasing. Certain papers are still being cited even after retraction. Moreover, a significant number of retracted publications are still present with no watermark indicating retraction. The consequences of the continued usage of these retracted publications could be detrimental and harmful.
Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among adolescents at high schools in Aksum town, Tigray, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Srah Mengesha , Tirfeneh Enguday
Published: January 2020

Background: World Health Organization has documented many health risks and complications secondary to unprotected sexual activity among adolescents. Even though the impact of risky sexual practice on the general health of adolescents is enormous, little attention has been given on identification and intervention plans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find magnitude of risky sexual behavior and associated factors among adolescents in high schools at Aksum town, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: we conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study at Aksum town. A systematic random sampling technique was applied. Data was collected with face to face interview and analyzed using statistical package for social science version 22. we have done bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Adjusted Odds ratio at a p-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was taken to declare statistical significance. Result: A total of 644 students were participated with a response rate of 97.7%. Prevalence of risky sexual behavior was found to be 17.2%. Factors like poor social support [AOR=5.59, 95% CI: 2.71-11.53], living out of family [AOR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.21-3.07], experiencing parental neglect [AOR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.18-2.94] and drinking alcohol [AOR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.55-4.20] were statistically associated with risky sexual behavior. Conclusion: An alarming proportion of adolescent students have participated in risky sexual behavior. This can significantly affect health quality in the community and the country at large. Factors, like having poor social support, living out of the family, experiencing parental neglect and using alcoholic beverages are risk factors that increase the odds of risky sexual behavior among adolescent students.
WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) Extension for Traditional Chinese Medicine 2020: Recommendations, Explanation, and Elaboration
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Lan Liang , Chan Jacky CP , Zhong Linda LD , Cheng Chung-Wah , Lam Wai-Ching , Tian Ran , Zhao Chen , Wu Tai-Xiang , Shang Hong-Cai , Lyu Ai-Ping , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: January 2020

Background: Although the WHO Trial Registration Data Set (TRDS) has been published for many years, the quality of clinical trial registrations with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is still not satisfactory, especially about the inadequate reporting on TCM interventions. The development of the WHO TRDS for TCM Extension 2020 (WHO TRDS-TCM 2020) aims to address this inadequacy.
Methods: A group of clinical experts, methodologists, epidemiologists, and editors has developed this WHO TRDS-TCM 2020 through a comprehensive process, including publication of the literature review, consensus collection of the initial items, three-round of Delphi survey, solicitation of comments, revision, and finalization.
Results: The WHO TRDS-TCM 2020 statement extends the latest version (V.1.3.1) of TRDS published in November 2017. The checklist includes 11 extended items (including subitems), namely Source(s) of Monetary or Material Support (Item 4), Scientific Title (Item 10a and 10b), Countries of Recruitment (Item 11), Health Condition(s) or Problem(s) Studied (Item 12), Intervention(s) (Item 13a, 13b and 13c), Key Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria (Item 14), Primary and Key Secondary Outcomes (Item 19 to 20), and Lay Summary (Item B1). For Item 13 (Interventions), three common TCM interventions--i.e., Chinese herbal medicine formulas, acupuncture and moxibustion—are elaborated.
Conclusions: The group hopes that the WHO TRDS-TCM 2020 can improve the reporting quality and transparency of TCM trial registrations, assist registries in assessing the registration quality of TCM trials, and help readers understand TCM trial design.
Risk Factors Of Infective Endocarditis In Persons Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Shah Meera , Wong Ryan , Ball Laura , Tan Charlie , Shojaei Esfandiar , Koivu Sharon , Silverman Michael
Published: January 2020

Background: The rising incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) among people who inject drugs (PWID) has been a major concern across North America. Details of injection practices leading to IE are not well characterized.Methods: A case-control study, using one-on-one interviews to understand risk factors and injection practices associated with IE among PWID was conducted. Eligible participants included those who had injected drugs within the last 3 months, were > 18 years old and either never had or were currently admitted for an IE episode. Cases were recruited from the tertiary care centers and controls were recruited from outpatient clinics in patients without IE and addiction clinics in London, Ontario. Results: 33 cases (PWID IE+) and 102 controls (PWID but IE-) were interviewed. Using clean injection equipment from the provincial distribution network was a protective factor against IE (p<0.001). Furthermore, using lighters during the injection process was also protective for IE (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.11–5.63). Female sex (OR 3.63; 95% CI 1.58-8.36) and injection into multiple sites (OR 4.31; 95% CI 1.33-13.93) were associated with IE. Injection into the feet (57.6% cases; 36.6% control; p= 0.034) was also associated with IE. Discussion: Our pilot study highlights the importance of distributing clean injection materials for IE prevention. Injection into multiple areas may indicate a greater difficulty in accessing common and safer injection sites such as the arm, and thus multi-site injections may be a surrogate marker for injection-related venous damage in entrenched drug users. Moreover, the use of lighters may be correlated with the best practice of heating preparations of drugs prior to injection, which is known to reduce bacterial burden. Lastly, gender differences in injection techniques, which may place women at higher risk of IE, requires further study.
Epidemiological, Clinical characteristics and Drug resistance situation of Culture-confirmed Children TBM in Southwest of China: A 6-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Dong-Mei , Li Qing-Feng , Zhu Ma , Wu Gui-Hui , Li Xi , Xu Yuan-Hong , Zhong Jing , Luo Jia , Li Ying-Jie , Ying Bin-Wu , Tao Chuan-Min
Published: January 2020

Background : Sichuan is a province located in southwestern China, which have a higher incidence of tuberculosis (TB).This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, as well as drug resistance in culture-confirmed children with Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) in Southwest of China.
Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on children (<14 years old) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture-confirmed TBM between January 2013 and December 2018 at Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu (PHCCC). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) drug sensitivity testing (DST) was performed using the MicroDST TM method. The age, gender, family history of tuberculosis, status of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination, residential areas information, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics Client 25.0, and the change in drug resistance rate was examined using the Cruskal-Wallis test.
Results: Among 319 patients clinically diagnosed with TBM, 42 cases were Mycobacterial culture-positive, with a positive rate of 13.2 per 100 patients. Their median age was nine years, and the distribution was equal among female and male patients. Among 42 patients who were enrolled in the study, 1/42 (2.38%) passed away. Children with TBM were concentrated in the minority areas of western Sichuan, where 34/42 (81.0%) patients with TBM were ethnic minorities, and only 2/42 (4.76%) received BCG vaccination in the past. Chest X-rays changes were observed in all patients. Fever and headache were the most common presenting symptom. Thirty-five (83.3%) patients suffered from neck stiffness, and 30/42 (71.4%) had high CSF pressure. DST results showed that the resistance rate was high; resistance to any anti-tuberculosis drug (ATD) was observed in 13 (31.0%) patient isolates, while multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) were found in 2 (4.8%) and 1 (2.4%) patients, respectively.
Conclusions : TBM among children in Southwest China was mainly concentrated in the minority areas of western Sichuan. The most common symptoms were fever, headache, and neck stiffness and all patients had positive chest X-ray findings. In addition, high rates of drug resistance were found; and more than 95% of patients did not receive BCG vaccination at birth.ΦΦΦ
Oral health status and associated lifestyle behaviors in a sample of Iranian adults: An exploratory household survey
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Bagheri Raziollah , Darabi Fatemeh , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Sistani Mohammad Mehdi Naghibi , Ponnet Koen
Published: January 2020

Background: Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious diseases, such as periodontitis, tooth decay, pain and discomfort in teeth or gums, infections, and loss of teeth. In Iran, adults aged 50 y and older are a high-risk group for oral health problems, and this age group will grow in the coming decades. Despite increasing attention on healthy aging, there is relatively less emphasis on oral hygiene and health-related problems. The present study investigated the oral health status of Iranian adults using the oral health self-assessment questionnaire (OHQ) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Methods: A population-based household survey of a sample of adults aged 18–65 y was conducted. In this study, the participants were recruited between May and October 2016 in Tabriz, Iran, and the study population was sampled using a multi-stage cluster sampling design. The WHO’s OHQ for adults was used for measuring oral health status and oral hygiene behavior.
Results: In total, 2,310 respondents completed the survey. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 41.6(23.4) y. Males accounted for 48.8% of the participants. Of the 2,310 respondents,187 (8.1%) individuals were edentulous, 152(20.7%) of whom were aged 51–65 y. Furthermore, 72.3% of those aged 51–65 y were dentate, and 50% of adults aged 51–65 y said they had 20 or more teeth. About one-third of the participants reported that they did not brush their teeth daily (23% of those aged 18–35 y,35.9% of those aged 36–50 y, and 44.6% for those aged 51–65 y). In the sample, 39.4% of individuals aged 18–35 y, 34.1% of individuals aged 36–50 y, and 26.6% of individuals aged 51–65 y had visited a dentist less than 6 month ago. One-third of the participants consumed sweets and sugary drinks daily.
Conclusions: Although the majority of Iranian adults considered their oral health status good, only a small percentage of the sample visited their dentist regularly. Furthermore, visits to the dentist declined in accordance with increasing age, a time when the incidence of oral health problems may increase. Poor oral health may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, particularly among the aging population.
Searchable Re-encryption Cloud Storage Method Based on Markov Chain
Authors: Hui Wang , Sheng Wang Zhong , Jinguang Li
Published: January 2020

Cloud storage is an emerging paradigm that offers on-demand, flexible, and elastic computational and storage services for the terminal users. When the large amount of data increases dramatically, the storage efficiency of the system would be decreased seriously. In this paper a new method of SReCSM(Searchable Re-encryption Cloud Storage Method) based on Markov chain is proposed. It predicts periodically by using the steady Markov strategy in stages and easy to select the optimal storage node. The data is scheduled to store in the node with the lowest cost in real time, and the node is selected to implement cloud storage access on mobile terminal. By using searchable re-encryption method, SReCSM has increased the storage requirement flexibility and minimize cost and searching time. And then the reliability model of SReCSM is established. Simulation results show that SReCSM introduced in this paper has the ability to predict accurately when the size of the data is different. Moreover, the influence of storage efficiency is reduced effectively through SReCSM when different size of the data is stored in storage nodes regardless of the storage cost. It is verified that the SReCSM based on Markov chain has higher reliability.
A New Method of Improving the Traditional Traffic Identification and Accuracy
Authors: Zhongsheng Wang , Jiaqiong Gao
Published: January 2020

As the traffic generated by the increasing number of applications on the Internet is becoming more and more complex, how to improve the quality of service and security of the network is also increasingly important. This paper studies the application of Support Vector Machine (SVM) in traffic identification to classify network traffic. Through data collection and feature generation methods and network traffic feature screening methods, SVM is used as a classifier by using the generalization capability, and the parameters and the kernel functions of SVM are adjusted and selected based on cross comparison ideas and methods. Using the cross-validation method to make the most reasonable statistics for the classification and recognition accuracy of the adjusted support vector machine avoids the situation that the classification accuracy of the support vector machine is unstable or the statistics are inaccurate. Finally, a traffic classification and identification system based on SVM is implemented. The final recognition rate of encrypted traffic is up to 99.31%, which overcomes the disadvantages of traditional traffic identification and achieves a fairly reliable accuracy.
Remote ECG System Data Encryption Scheme
Authors: Xin Liu , Zhiqiang Wei
Published: January 2020

The remote ECG communicates over the public Internet, and the public Internet security is not sufficient to ensure the information security of the remote ECG system. User data disclosure poses a security threat to the system. The ECG information security solution proposed in this paper adopts the method of preset multi-key-per-machine at the factory to avoid leakage caused by personnel factors, and uses the hash function to generate a secondary password for communication encryption during network transmission. Experiments show that this program can effectively resist the existing various attack methods and fully protect patient data security.
Research of Oil Pump Control Based On Fuzzy Neural Network PID Algorithm
Authors: Gong Chen , Yang Shengquan
Published: January 2020

In view of the fact that oil pumps exist in the more complex mountains and plains, external temperature, humidity, crude oil characteristics and other adverse factors make the oil pumps control system appear the problem of drift, Fuzzy neural network PID algorithm is studied and designed to realize controling the oil pump system in this paper, combined with the advantages of conventional PID control, fuzzy control and neural network control, the composition and structure of the oil pump control system are analyzed, the model structure and algorithm implementation of fuzzy neural network PID control algorithm are designed in detail. The simulation results show that the control algorithm has good adaptability and anti-interference ability.
Application of AGC Technology in Software Radio
Authors: Hejing Wu
Published: January 2020

The characteristics of software radio are flexibility, openness, scalability. The hardware platform of software radio should be a general platform. This paper discusses automatic gain control(AGC) technology in software radio receiver and introduces an AGC algorithm applicable for DSP implement. This algorithm is tested in matlab and simulation results are provided.
Improvement and Realization of CamShift Algorithm Based MotionImage Tracking
Authors: Yubian Wang , Shebzukhov Yuri
Published: January 2020

The detection and tracking technology of moving object image is one of the key technologies of computer vision, and is widely used in many fields such as industry, transportation, and military. The detection and tracing of moving object in the motion scenes based on the UAV platform is a technical difficulty in this field. In practical applications, the characteristics of complicated environment, small target object and moving platform require higher real-time performance and reliability of the algorithm. If it is possible to add some other features of the target to the tracking process, it will be possible to improve the shortcomings of Camshift itself. Based on the Camshift tracking algorithm, this paper integrates SURF feature detection into the algorithm, which greatly improves the tracking accuracy of the target object, and also has better real-time performance which can achieve better tracking performance of the object.
The Shortcomings of Ipv6 and Upgrade of Ipv4
Authors: Wang Tao , Gao Jiaqiong
Published: January 2020

IPv6 is to solve the problem of IPv4 address exhaustion, with the development of the Internet of things, big data and cloud storage and other technologies, these technologies are gradually applied in recent years, the continuous development of new technologies application show that the IPv6 address structure design ideas have some fatal defects. This paper proposed a route to upgrade the original IPv4 by studying on the structure of IPv6 “spliced address”, and point out the defects in the design of IPv6 interface ID and the potential problems such as security holes.