bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SafeWatch
Authors: Bi Chongguang , Huang Jun , Xing Guoliang , Jiang Landu , Liu Xue , Chen Minghua
Published: November 2019

Driving while distracted or losing alertness significantly increases the risk of traffic accident. The emerging Internet of Things (IoT) systems for smart driving hold the promise of significantly reducing road accidents. In particular, detecting unsafe hand motions and warning the driver using smart sensors can improve the driver’s alertness and skill. However, due to the impact of the vehicle’s movement and the significant variation across different driving environments, detecting the position of the driver’s hand is challenging. This article presents SafeWatch—a system based on smartwatches and smartphones that detects the driver’s unsafe behaviors in a real-time manner. SafeWatch infers driver’s hand position based on several important features, such as the posture of the driver’s forearm and the vibration on the smartwatch. SafeWatch employs a novel adaptive training algorithm that keeps updating the training data set at run-time based on inferred hand positions in certain driving conditions. The evaluation with 75 real driving trips from six subjects shows that SafeWatch has a high accuracy over 97.0% for both recall and precision in detection of the unsafe hand positions when the condition lasts for more than 6.0
s
, as well as over 97.1% recall and over 91.0% precision in detection of the unsafe hand movements when it lasts for more than 2.5
s
. The relative position of the hand to the steering wheel also reveals some detailed driving habits, like the type of steering method.
Will They Use It or Not? Investigating Software Developers’ Intention to Follow Privacy Engineering Methodologies
Authors: Senarath Awanthika , Grobler Marthie , Arachchilage Nalin Asanka Gamagedara
Published: November 2019

With the increasing concerns over privacy in software systems, there is a growing enthusiasm to develop methods to support the development of privacy aware software systems. Inadequate privacy in software system designs could result in users losing their sensitive data, such as health information and financial information, which may cause financial and reputation loss. Privacy Engineering Methodologies (PEMs) are introduced into the software development processes with the goal of guiding software developers to embed privacy into the systems they design. However, for PEMs to be successful it is imperative that software developers have a positive intention to use PEMs. Otherwise, developers may attempt to bypass the privacy methodologies or use them partially and hence develop software systems that may not protect user privacy appropriately. To investigate the factors that affect software developers’ behavioural intention to follow PEMs, in this article, we conducted a study with 149 software developers. Findings of the study show that the usefulness of the PEM to the developers’ existing work to be the strongest determinant that affects software developers’ intention to follow PEMs. Moreover, the compatibility of the PEM with their way of work and how the PEM demonstrates its results when used were also found to be significant. These findings provide important insights in understanding the behaviour of software developers and how they perceive PEMs. The findings could be used to assist organisations and researchers to deploy PEMs and design PEMs that are positively accepted by software developers.
Aquaporins in the kidney: physiology and pathophysiology
Authors: Su Wen , Cao Rong , Zhang Xiao-yan , Guan Youfei
Published: November 2019

The kidney is the central organ involved in maintaining water and sodium balance. In human kidneys, nine aquaporins (AQPs), including AQP1–8 and AQP11, have been found and are differentially expressed along the renal tubules and collecting ducts with distinct and critical roles in the regulation of body water homeostasis and urine concentration. Dysfunction and dysregulation of these AQPs result in various water balance disorders. This review summarizes current understanding of physiological and pathophysiological roles of AQPs in the kidney, with a focus on recent progress on AQP2 regulation by the nuclear receptor transcriptional factors. This review also provides an overview of AQPs as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for renal diseases.
Molecular and cellular physiology of organic cation transporter 2
Authors: Wright Stephen H.
Published: November 2019

Organic cation transporters play a critical role in mediating the distribution of cationic pharmaceuticals. Indeed, organic cation transporter (OCT)2 is the initial step in the renal secretion of organic cations and consequently plays a defining role in establishing the pharmacokinetics of many cationic drugs. Although a hallmark of OCTs is their broad selectivity, this characteristic also makes them targets for unwanted, adverse drug-drug interactions (DDIs), making them a focus for efforts to develop models of ligand interaction that could predict and preempt these adverse interactions. This review discusses the molecular characteristics of these transporters as well as the evidence that established the OCTs as key players in the distribution of organic cations. However, the primary focus is the present understanding of the complexity of ligand interaction with OCTs, particularly OCT2, including evidence for the presence of multiple ligand-binding sites and the influence of substrate structure on the affinity of the transporter for inhibitory ligands. This leads to a discussion of the complexities associated with the development of protocols for assessing the inhibitory potential of new molecular entities to perpetrate unwanted DDIs, the criteria that should be considered in the interpretation of the results of such protocols, and the challenges associated with development of models capable of predicting unwanted DDIs.
Antistaphylococcal Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Crude Extracts of Five Medicinal Plants Used in the Center of Morocco against Dermatitis
Authors: Zeouk Ikrame , Balouiri Mounyr , Bekhti Khadija
Published: November 2019

Novel drugs for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) hospital- and community-acquired infections are needed because of the emergence of resistance against antibiotics. In this study, methanolic and aqueous extracts ofBerberis hispanica,Crataegus oxyacantha,Cistus salviifolius,Ephedra altissima, andLavandula dentataselected from an ethnopharmacological study to treat skin infections in Sefrou city (Center of Morocco) were tested for their antistaphylococcal activity against strains often involved in cutaneous disorders: two methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrains and one strain ofStaphylococcus epidermidisusing the well-diffusion assay, while the agar macrodilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations. The total phenolic compounds and flavonoid contents of all tested extracts were also evaluated. Three of the five methanolic extracts showed an important antibacterial activity.Berberis hispanicaextract was the most active with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 04.00 mg/ml against all tested strains, followed byCistus salviifoliusandCrataegus oxyacanthaextracts containing the highest amounts of total phenols (133.83 ± 9.03 and 140.67 ± 3.17 μg equivalent of gallic acid/mg of extract). However, the aqueous extracts have not shown any activity against the tested strains. The current data suggested that the most active extracts can be a good source of natural antistaphylococcal compounds and warrants further investigations to isolate bioactive molecules.
Beyond T Cells: Understanding the Role of PD-1/PD-L1 in Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Lu Di , Ni Zhen , Liu Xiguang , Feng Siyang , Dong Xiaoying , Shi Xiaoshun , Zhai Jianxue , Mai Shijie , Jiang Jianjun , Wang Zhizhi , Wu Hua , Cai Kaican
Published: November 2019

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 have attracted wide attention from researchers in the field of immunotherapy. PD-1/PD-L1 have been shown to exist in many types of cells in addition to T lymphocytes, and studies have accordingly extended from their suppressive effect on T cell activation and function to examining their role in other cells. In this review, we summarize recent research on PD-1/PD-L1 in macrophages, with the aim of furthering our understanding of PD-1/PD-L1 and their detailed roles in macrophages. This information may provide additional insights for researchers, enrich the basic theory of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, and thus ultimately benefit more patients.
Conceptual Design and Computational Modeling Analysis of a Single-Leg System of a Quadruped Bionic Horse Robot Driven by a Cam-Linkage Mechanism
Authors: Wang Liangwen , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Caidong , Meng Fannian , Du Wenliao , Wang Tuanhui
Published: November 2019

In this study, the configuration of a bionic horse robot for equine-assisted therapy is presented. A single-leg system with two degrees of freedom (DOFs) is driven by a cam-linkage mechanism, and it can adjust the span and height of the leg end-point trajectory. After a brief introduction on the quadruped bionic horse robot, the structure and working principle of a single-leg system are discussed in detail. Kinematic analysis of a single-leg system is conducted, and the relationships between the structural parameters and leg trajectory are obtained. On this basis, the pressure angle characteristics of the cam-linkage mechanism are studied, and the leg end-point trajectories of the robot are obtained for several inclination angles controlled by the rotation of the motor for the stride length adjusting. The closed-loop vector method is used for the kinematic analysis, and the motion analysis system is developed in MATLAB software. The motion analysis results are verified by a three-dimensional simulation model developed in Solidworks software. The presented research on the configuration, kinematic modeling, and pressure angle characteristics of the bionic horse robot lays the foundation for subsequent research on the practical application of the proposed bionic horse robot.
Crotalus durissus ruruimaSnake Venom and a Phospholipase A2Isolated from This Venom Elicit Macrophages to Form Lipid Droplets and Synthesize Inflammatory Lipid Mediators
Authors: de Carvalho Ana Eduarda Zulim , Giannotti Karina , Junior Elbio Leiguez , Matsubara Márcio , Santos Maria Cristina Dos , Fortes-Dias Consuelo Latorre , Teixeira Catarina
Published: November 2019

Viper snakeCrotalus durissus ruruima(Cdr) is a subspecies found in northern area of Brazil. Among the snakes ofCrotalusgenus subspecies, the venom of Cdr presents highest level of crotoxin, which is the major component ofCrotalussnake venoms, formed by two subunits (crotapotin and a phospholipase A2named CBr) and presents potent neurotoxic activity. Curiously, the venom ofC. d. ruruima(CdrV) is better neutralized by antibothropic than by anticrotalic serum, strongly suggesting that this venom has similarities with venom ofBothropsgenus snakes with regard to the ability to induce inflammation. Macrophages are cells with a central role in inflammatory and immunological responses. Upon inflammatory stimuli, these cells exhibit increased numbers of lipid droplets, which are key organelles in the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators. However, the effects of CdrV and CBr in macrophage functions are unknown. We herein investigated the ability of CdrV and CBr to activate macrophages with focus on the formation of lipid droplets (LDs), synthesis of lipid mediators, and mechanisms involved in these effects. The involvement of LDs in PGE2biosynthesis was also assessed. Stimulation of murine macrophages with CdrV and CBr induced an increased number of LDs and release of prostanoids (PGE2, PGD2, and TXB2). Neither CdrV nor CBr induced the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 by macrophages. LDs induced by both CdrV and CBr are associated to PLIN2 recruitment and expression and were shown to be dependent on COX-1, but not COX-2 activity. Moreover, PGE2colocalized to CdrV- and CBr-induced LDs, revealing the role of these organelles as sites for the synthesis of prostanoids. These results evidence, for the first time, the ability of a whole snake venom to induce formation of LDs and the potential role of these organelles for the production of inflammatory mediators during envenomation byCrotalussnakes.
Acute Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia due to Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan Therapy
Authors: Tam Eric L. , Draksharam Padma L. , Park Jennifer A. , Sidhu Gurinder S.
Published: November 2019

We describe a case of a 63-year-old woman with advanced colon cancer and liver metastases who was treated with fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) and cetuximab chemotherapy. She tolerated 13 cycles of chemotherapy without any significant hematological side effects, but after the 14th cycle, she developed melena and was admitted for severe thrombocytopenia. After supportive care, the platelet counts rapidly improved to 76,000/μL. Upon initiation of FOLFIRI and cetuximab chemotherapy, she again developed rectal bleeding and severe thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 6000/μL. Lab testing was positive for oxaliplatin and irinotecan drug-dependent platelet antibodies on flow cytometry assay. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP) is associated with several classes of drugs with several proposed underlying mechanisms. Prospective studies are needed to further address different mechanisms of drug-induced thrombocytopenia.
Platelet Indices in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Synchronous Liver Metastases
Authors: Li Li , Huang Xiao-Yi , Li Na , Cui Ming-ming , Wang Rui-tao
Published: November 2019

Aims. Liver metastases occur in approximately 25% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and cause more than 90% of deaths in CRC. Platelets play a crucial role in cancer progression and metastases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between platelet indices and CRC with synchronous liver metastases. Methods. We conducted a retrospective clinical study including 206 CRC patients without metastases and 200 CRC patients with synchronous liver metastases from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017. Data of the patients’ clinicopathological characteristics were collected. Results. Platelet distribution width (PDW) was decreased in CRC patients with liver metastases compared with CRC patients without liver metastases. In addition, the prevalence of liver metastases reduced as PDW quartiles increased. After adjusting for other risk factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for CRC liver metastases according to PDW quartiles were 1.000, 0.289 (0.156-0.535), 0.482 (0.271-0.860), and 0.190 (0.101-0.358). Conclusions. Compared with CRC patients without metastases, PDW is reduced in CRC patients with liver metastases. Moreover, PDW was independently associated with the presence of CRC liver metastases.
Transcriptionally Active Androgen Receptor Splice Variants Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Dauki Anees M. , Blachly James S. , Kautto Esko A. , Ezzat Sameera , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed H. , Coss Christopher C.
Published: November 2019

Owing to the marked sexual dimorphism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sex hormone receptor signaling has been implicated in numerous aspects of liver cancer pathogenesis. We sought to reconcile the clear contribution of androgen receptor (AR) activity that has been established in preclinical models of HCC with the clinical failure of AR antagonists in patients with advanced HCC by evaluating potential resistance mechanisms to AR-targeted therapy. The AR locus was interrogated for resistance-causing genomic modifications using publicly available primary HCC datasets (1,019 samples). Analysis of HCC tumor and cell line RNA-seq data revealed enriched expression of constitutively active, treatment-refractory AR splice variants (AR-SV). HCC cell lines expressed C-terminal–truncated AR-SV; 28 primary HCC samples abundantly expressed AR-SV. Low molecular weight AR species were nuclear localized and constitutively active. Furthermore, AR/AR-SV signaling promoted AR-mediated HCC cell progression and conferred resistance to AR antagonists. Ligand-dependent and -independent AR signaling mediated HCC epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by regulating the transcription factor SLUG. These data suggest that AR-SV expression in HCC drives HCC progression and resistance to traditional AR antagonists. Novel therapeutic approaches that successfully target AR-SVs may be therapeutically beneficial for HCC.

Significance:

Treatment-refractory, constitutively active androgen receptor splice variants promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathway.
A Phase I Study of ADCT-402 (Loncastuximab Tesirine), a Novel Pyrrolobenzodiazepine-Based Antibody–Drug Conjugate, in Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Kahl Brad S. , Hamadani Mehdi , Radford John , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Caimi Paolo , Reid Erin , Feingold Jay M. , Ardeshna Kirit M. , Solh Melhem , Heffner Leonard T. , Ungar David , He Shui , Boni Joseph , Havenith Karin , O'Connor Owen A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

ADCT-402 (loncastuximab tesirine) is an antibody–drug conjugate comprising a CD19-targeting antibody and pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers. A first-in-human study evaluated the safety and preliminary clinical activity of loncastuximab tesirine in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Patients and Methods:

A multicenter, phase I, dose-escalation and dose-expansion study enrolled patients ages ≥18 years with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell NHL. Patients received loncastuximab tesirine every 3 weeks at doses assigned by a 3+3 dose-escalation design. Dose escalation was used to assess the safety and tolerability of loncastuximab tesirine to determine the dose for expansion. Secondary objectives evaluated clinical activity, characterized the pharmacokinetic profile, and evaluated antidrug antibodies.

Results:

During dose escalation, 88 patients with R/R B-cell NHL were treated with loncastuximab tesirine at doses 15 to 200 μg/kg. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were experienced by 87/88 (98.9%) patients. Most common TEAEs (≥20% of patients) were hematologic abnormalities, fatigue, edema, liver test abnormalities, nausea, rash, and dyspnea. Grade ≥3 TEAEs (≥5% of patients) included hematologic abnormalities, liver test abnormalities, fatigue, and dyspnea. Overall response rate at doses ≥120 μg/kg was 59.4% (41 of 69 patients; 40.6% complete response; 18.8% partial response). Median duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival (all doses) were 4.8, 5.5, and 11.6 months, respectively. Drug exposure increased with increasing dose, showing moderate accumulation with multiple doses ≥150 μg/kg. There was no evidence of immunogenicity.

Conclusions:

Loncastuximab tesirine had promising activity with acceptable safety in this dose-escalation study. A phase II study with initial dosing at 150 μg/kg has been initiated based on these results.
Idiopathic versus Provoked Renal Infarction: Characteristics and Long-Term Follow-Up of a Cohort of Patients in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: García-García Alejandra , Demelo-Rodríguez Pablo , Ordieres-Ortega Lucia , Cervilla-Muñoz Eva , García-Fernández-Bravo Irene , Pulfer Maria Dolores , López-Aparicio Ana , Galeano-Valle Francisco , del Toro-Cervera Jorge
Published: November 2019

Background: There is limited evidence on the etiology and outcomes of renal infarction. A provoking factor is identified only in one- to two-thirds of patients. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute renal infarction were studied; the sample was divided into two groups according to the presence of at least one provoking factor at the time of diagnosis (atrial fibrillation, flutter, major thrombophilia, or renal artery malformations). Results: The study comprised 59 patients with a mean age of 63 (±16.7) years and a follow-up period of 3.1 (±2.8) years. An identifiable provoking factor was found for 59.3% of the renal infarctions at the time of diagnosis, and atrial fibrillation was the most frequent one (in 49.2% of all patients). Renal impairment was found in 49.2% of the patients at diagnosis and in 50.8% of the patients 6 months after the event (p = 0.525). When compared with the idiopathic group, the patients with provoked infarction were older (69.8 vs. 57.9 years, p = 0.014) and had a higher rate of recurrence of arterial thrombosis during follow-up (18.8 vs. 0%, p = 0.028), but there were no differences in the rest of the baseline characteristics or in mortality rates. Six patients (10.2%) in the idiopathic group were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation, both at diagnosis and at follow-up, is the most common identifiable cause of renal infarction; however, a significant number of patients are idiopathic, and these are younger, but they have a similar burden of cardiovascular disease and a lower risk of arterial recurrence.
Deep Phenotyping of Development, Communication and Behaviour in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome
Authors: Droogmans Gilles , Swillen Ann , Van Buggenhout Griet
Published: November 2019

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS; also referred to as 22q13.3 deletion syndrome) is a congenital condition due to a microdeletion in the SHANK3 gene. Cognitive and communicative deficits as well as behaviour in the autism spectrum are often noticed in affected individuals. The aim of the present study was to obtain a detailed phenotype of the development, communication, and behaviour of 15 individuals with PMS by using both quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative methods (interviews and observations). In addition, data from the patients' medical records were included. In a subgroup of participants (n = 5), data from a previous study were incorporated to enable a comparison over 2 points in time (longitudinal course). Results indicate a severe to profound level of intellectual disability in all participants, impaired adaptive behaviour, a low level of speech and language, a high incidence of features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a high sensory threshold. Younger individuals (age <18 years) exhibited more challenging behaviour and features of ASD. In older individuals with PMS, a regression across many developmental and adaptive domains was frequently reported and observed. We did not find a relation between the deletion size and the severity of the phenotype. Implications of the findings and recommendations for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Sanitation of House and School, Personal Hygiene and Infection of Soil Transmitted Helminths among Elementary School Students
Authors: Merisa Damanik Dina , Soeyoko Soeyoko , Sutomo Adi Heru
Published: November 2019

In Indonesia, soil transmitted helminths (STH) infection is still a public health problem particularly in the child of elementary school age. The high of that infection was also supported by low environmental sanitation and poor personal hygiene. STH infection is one of 10 great of frequent diseases in Palue Island and in this region still able can be found an adult worm in feces even from regurgitate. This was observational analytic study by cross sectional design. The location of the study was Palue Island, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The repondents of the study was 100 students of eight elementary school. Diagnosis of STH infection was establised based on worm eggs examination in feces used floatation method. Questionnaire, and check list were the instruments for collecting data in this study. There were significant relationship between house’s environmental sanitation (p=0.043), school’s environmental sanitation (p= 0.000), personal hygiene (p = 0.032) with STH infection among the students of elementary school in Palue Island, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Multivariate analysis obtained that personal hygiene was the most influence variable to the STH infection in this region.
Biological Tools to Deal with Pollution : Selected Advances and Novel Perspectives
Authors: Ghanemi Abdelaziz , Boubertakh Besma
Published: November 2019

Pollution  represents  a  problem  common  to economy and  public  health. Indeed, the public health, because of the  divers’  type of pollutions, is facing divers challenges for which urgent solutions are required.The biology provides approaches not only to deal with the pollution, but also to  obtain  economic  benefits. Some living  organisms  have  particular metabolisms  that allow  them  to  assimilate  and  metabolite  the polluting agents  and thus reduce the  impact  they have on both environment  and public health.  On  the other  hand,  the  metabolic  properties  of  specific organisms make  the  polluting  elements raw materials to  synthesize  other elements that are benefits  for  economy  and  non-toxic  for  the  ecology and  the  biohealth. Yet, other options such as the regulations and laws are  required  to improve the efficiency of these approaches.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Poliomyelitis during the 21st century (2000-2013)
Authors: Ahmad Tahir , Arif Sania , Chaudry Nazia , Anjum Sadia
Published: November 2019

Poliovirus is the pathogenic agent of paralytic poliomyelitis that belongs to the picornaviridae family. Poliomyelitis has an extended history dating over to the Egyptian eighteenth dynasty. It was recognized as distinct disease in the late nineteenth century when the world was ravaged by large number of outbreaks and epidemics in many countries. Paralytic Polio, the rarest but the most severe form of the disease, is characterized by acute flaccid paralysis of any or rarely both of the limbs. Increasing epidemics during the late 19th and 20th centuries lead to the initiation of a worldwide global effort for polio eradication in 1988, super headed by WHO and various other organizations. The launch of Global Polio Eradication Initiative together with the introduction of two polio vaccines resulted in 99% reduction of wild poliovirus cases worldwide while the total number of polio-endemic countries dropped from 24 countries in the year 2000 to only three countries in 2012; Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. This review will focus on the general biology of poliovirus, some historic and geographic epidemiological aspects of poliomyelitis eradication during the year 2000-2012 and also on the major failing factors associated with the efficiency of the vaccines to eradicate polio in Pakistan.
The Design of Intervention among Survivors of Disaster
Authors: Urbayatun Siti , Listyanti Widuri Erlina , Muttaqiyatun Ani , Eskawati Dewi
Published: November 2019

Indonesia is a region that is frequently hit by disasters, especially the earthquake because of geological factors. Earthquake in 2006 in the region of Yogyakarta and Central Java still has problems to this day, the basics of the economy has not fully recovered , disabled people coud not work as usual, people experience a variety of stressors such as income and material stress and emotional stress. The aimed of this study was to find out the effect of cognitive and religious intervention to cope with stress of disaster. The subjects of this study were people in Bantul who exposed to stress due to disasters such as disability and individuals who have low self-confidence because of disabilty. The method of the study was a responsive action research. Data were collected through observation, interviews, focus group discussions, psychoeducation and training. The study found that cognitive and religious intervention has positive impact on recovery of the subject, for example increase on self-confidence of individual and decrease in the mean of SUD (subjective unit disturbances) score of familie’s subject member. The interventions were usefull to improve the future intervention of disabled persons and people who experience stress of family member’s disability.
Predictors of Immunization Defaulting among Children Age 12-23 Months in Hawassa Zuria District of Southern Ethiopia: Community Based Unmatched Case Control Study
Authors: Tesfaye Fikru , Tamiso Alemu , Birhan Yemane , Tadele Tariku
Published: November 2019

As part of the overall package of maternal and child health services in Ethiopia, all children are provided with free immunization services and it is available in all government health facilities, both in rural and urban areas. But significant number of children was defaulted from Immunization schedule, even after the health extension program was launched. Therefore, the study was assessed predictors of immunization defaulting among children age range of 12-23 months, in Hawassa Zuria district of southern Ethiopia. Unmatched case control study was conducted in six Kebeles which were selected from 26 kebeles by simple random sampling techniques. Cases were children in the age ranges of 12 - 23 months who did not complete the recommended immunization. All cases (105) and controls (209) in the kebeles were identified by using health posts Vaccine registration book. Bivariable and multiple logistic regression model were used to identify important predictor of immunization defaulting. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as the level of significances. The study identified educational status, place of delivery, immunization related knowledge, ANC follow up and household wealth status as significant predictors of defaulting from immunization schedules. Sustained health education on vaccination related knowledge and institutional delivery services utilization will be needed. The household literacy and economic status should also get emphasis so as to decreases defaulting of children from immunization schedule.
Factors Influencing Utilization of Health Services in Kenya: The Case of Homa Bay County
Authors: Otieno Stephen Odiwuor , Macharia David
Published: November 2019

In order to improve efficiency in health service delivery in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has developed structures through inter-sectoral collaboration at various levels. Despite efforts by the government and key stakeholders to improve health sector, utilization of health services still remains a major challenge. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors that influence utilization of health services in Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study employed survey design and focused on health beneficiaries, District Health Management Team and other key health stakeholders, and used both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected through household interviews of 384 respondents and qualitative data was generated through Key Informant Interviews of 16 respondents. The study reveals that health financing, service delivery, quality, accessibility and equity influence utilization of health services in Homa Bay County. It is for these reasons that the study recommends that the government should allocate adequate budget towards health services, avail adequate trained health workers, and improve infrastructure in health facilities as well as drugs and other supplies. There is also need for further research on cultural factors influencing utilization of health services.
Effect of Storage Containers on Quality of Household Drinking Water in Urban Communities in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Onigbogi Olanrewaju , Ogunyemi Oluwatoyin
Published: November 2019

The method of storage is essential in maintaining water purity and safety for drinking purposes. This study assessed the effect of various storage containers on household drinking water quality in a resource-limited setting. A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Four communities using protected springs as household drinking water sources were purposively selected. Forty-four households were selected and randomly assigned to four treatment groups; namely Covered Buckets with Taps (CBT), Covered Buckets without Tap (CB), Covered Kegs with Taps (CKT) and Covered Kegs without Tap (CK).  Physicochemical analysis and bacteriological analysis were carried out on the water samples before and after they were put in the containers. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 12. At baseline, mean pH values of water samples from the springs and RSC were 6.4±0.6 and 7.1±0.7 respectively which were above the recommended. Mean chloride concentration of springs (14.3±7.4mg/l) and RSC (19.3±10.0 mg/l) samples were below recommended. Mean Total Coliform Count (TCC) of the springs in the four communities was 18.0±4.0 and mean TCC of RSC was 12.7±4.9. Five percent of water samples from RSC had mean E.coli count of 100/100ml. The mean TCC after introducing CB, CBT, CK and CKT in all the communities were 10.0±4.0, 8.5±4.2, 6.9±2.8 and 7.3±3.7 respectively (p<0.05). The use of covered kegs without tap was best in reducing contaminants in drinking water. Education on appropriate household drinking water storage and handling practices is recommended.
The Efficacy of The Integrated Child Development Services in Perspective to Nutritional Condition and Growth Development
Authors: Joseph Jemy Elizabeth , Mathew Shiju
Published: November 2019

A survey was conducted to assess the nutritional status of children (0-6 years) among 40 Anganwadis in 4 districts of Kerala State registered under the ICDS scheme. A self- prepared structured interview schedule was used. To get the qualitative information of the study anthropometric measures include height and weight were used for assessing nutritional status of the children. The stepwise analysis of two variables height for age and weight for age was applicable on the basis of Waterlow’s and Gomez’ classification. To examine the relationship between nutritional status of the child and selected variable that affects nutritional status of children, Chi-square test was employed. Based on Gomez’ classification, out of 400 children, only 300 (75.0%) of children received supplementary nutrition through ICDS out of which 250 (62.5%) children were normal while 50 (12.5%) were underweight. Based on Waterlow’s classification out of 400 children, only 290 (72.5%) of children received supplementary nutrition through ICDS out of these children 200 (50 %) were normal while 90 (22.5%) were stunted. It can thus be concluded that majority of children were normal who received supplementary nutrition through ICDS.
Retrospective Assessment of Malnutrition among Under-five Children in Ayder Referral Hospital, Tigray Ethiopia
Authors: Gultie Teklemariam , Mebrahtu Desta , Sebsibie Girum
Published: November 2019

Currently worldwide there are about 60 million children with moderate acute and 13 million with severe acute malnutrition. About 9% of sub-Saharan African and 15%of south Asian children have moderate acute malnutrition and about 2% of children in developing countries have severe acute malnutrition. The objective of aim the study was to assess the magnitude of malnutrition in under five children in Ayder referral hospital using a retrospective cross-sectional study design. This study showed that male children, 168(58.1%), were higher than female, 121(41.9%).. Majority, 133(46%), were in the age group b/n 12 to 24 months .More than half, 186(64.4%) were rural dwellers.  The types of malnutrition identified were Marasmus, kwashiorkor, Marasmic kwash and underweight which account for 116(40.1%), 69(23.9%), 54(18.7%) and 50(17.5%) respectively. Marasmus was the predominant type of malnutrition in all age groups of under five malnourished children with prevalence of 40.1% where as underweight was the prevalent type of malnutrition (17.3%). More over the infant feeding practices such as exclusive breast feeding, timely initiation of complementary feeding, and having history of breast feeding once in their life during infancy were relatively higher among the children as compared with other studies.
The Impacts of Biotechnology on Biodiversity in Global Health: A Case Study on Avian Influenza in Bangladesh
Authors: Haider Muhiuddin , Patel Milind , Bhattacharjee Priyanka , Bassa Maariya
Published: November 2019

Biodiversity is the variability of between genetics, species, or ecosystems of living organisms within a specific region. Biodiversity is essential for sustaining healthy living networks and systems because it allows for a variety of food sources, medicine, and biological control, while also playing a significant role in atmospheric regulation, nutrient cycling, and pollination. Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem change increases the risk of the emergence or spreading of infectious diseases and global pandemics such as the Avian Influenza (AI H5N1). Biotechnology is one solution for reducing, and ultimately eliminating, the transmission of avian influenza. Traditional methods of treating infected animals, such as common vaccines, are temporary solutions that have no effect on the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Methods in animal biotechnology such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and in vitro fertilization have led to developments of cheaper, safer, and more effective vaccines. Livestock that have been treated for H5N1, as well as those that are healthy and have never been infected have proven to increase the diversity, leading to the elimination of specific issues. Similar effects are attainable if these animal biotechnology methods were to be used on poultry infected with the avian influenza virus.
Risk Factors of Low Vision in Children
Authors: Dianawati Tiur , Sofiana Liena
Published: November 2019

Low vision and blindness is a vision disorder that becomes an important issue with regard to a person's independence. According to data owned by the World Health Organization in 2011, the number of blind people in the world reached 39 million, 246 million for low vision and 285 million for blindness. The purpose of this study was to know the incidence of risk factors in children with low vision in Low Vision Service Center Pertuni Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study was an observational analytic study employed cross sectional design. The subject participated in this study was 139 children. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis. The instrument used was check list. There were relationships between the sex with low vision (p = 0.028, RR = 1.308), there was no relationship between regular eye checkup with low vision incidence (p = 0.801, RR = 1.054). There was relationship between the use of vision aids with low vision (p = 0.000, RR = 0.640), there was a relationship between the cataract with low vision (p = 0.000, RR = 1.472), there was a correlation between the refractive disorderwith low vision (p = 0.000, RR = 0.625).There should be an awareness of health behaviours in the use of vision aids as needed and balanced diet with sufficient physical activity and regular.
Negative Impact of Abattoir Activities and Management in Residential Neighbourhoods in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: Abdullahi Auwalu , Kadarman Norizhar , Hassan Azmi , Madobi Ibrahim Sulaiman
Published: November 2019

Poor management of abattoirs results in air and water pollution especially resident’s in their close proximity. The objevtive of the study was to investigate the effect of poor management of abattoirs on the quality of life and health of residents in their vicinity. A cross sectional survey was conducted within two month period. Fifty six residents of buildings located approximately five kilometers radius to the abattoir were randomly selected for interview using questionnaire. Among the 56 residents interviewed, 20 (35.7%) were sicked. Almost half (33.9%) of the residents suspected the sickness to be related to abattoir hazards. The prevalence of diseases and symptoms experianced by the residents were typhoid fever (14.4%), Diarhoea (12.5%), Coughing (10.7%), Asthma (8.9%), Foot and Mouth Disease (7.1%) and Dengue (3.6%). The main associated factors of abattoir activities on residents ‘s health were contamination of air with pollutants (odds ratio,15.52; 95% confidence interval, 3.62-10.52), water contamination (11.44; 3.17, 12.28), gutters and drainages blockage (6.35; 1.26, 9.99) and prevention of children from outdoor activities (4.65; 1.33, 16.31). There was also reported case of food poisoning among the residents. Abattoir activities has direct and indirect negative effect on residents health who are in close proximity.
Patient Safety Applications for Improving Health Care Quality
Authors: Rosyidah Rosyidah , Jatmika Septian Emma Dwi
Published: November 2019

Patient safety is the fundamental thing that needs to be taken care of by medical staff when giving healthcare to patient  especially in the Emergency Installation. PKU Muhammadiyah Public Hospital at Bantul has implemented Patient safety well in providing services for patients. Expected to be a reference for other hospitals to implement Patient safety as well as efforts to improve the quality of health services, but do not close the possibility there were still some deficiencies that could be made a suggestion for the PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul Hospital. There for researchers interested to review more detail how application of Patient safetyin Emergency Installation PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul Public Hospital in 2014. This research was qualitative observational study, using research subjects: The Head of the medical service, 1 Officer of Emergency Installation, the head of disaster management, 1 medical doctor, 1 nurse, and 4 patients that were taken with inclusion criteria: getting inpatient class III Hospitals in Yogyakarta, have inpatient  more than 1 day. All the input items on the application of patient safety which include facilities, equipment, drugs, procedures, and activities of officers at Emergency Installation at PKU Muhammadiyah Bantul Hospital, as well as the application process is in compliance with the Guidelines of Observation Guidelines Patient Safety 2008 Survey and Guidelines for Accreditation of Hospital Emergency Services Specific Guidelines (revised edition 2007), ACT No. 44 Hospital in 2009, and patient safety procedures 2008. Patient perceived output includes five dimensions of quality (Tangible, Reliable, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy) all have the same perception of good and satisfying. Application on standard input, process and output is suit with Observation Guidelines for Patient Safety 2008 Survey and Guidelines for Accreditation of Hospital Emergency Services Specific Guidelines (revised edition 2007), ACT No. 44 Hospital in 2009, and patient safety procedures 2008.
Quality of Root Canal Obturation Performed by Senior Undergraduate Dental Students
Authors: Nagaraja Sundahnath
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of canal obturation performed by undergraduate denal students at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. Records of 200 endodontically treated teeth from patients who were visited by undergraduate students between month of November 2014 to May 2015. Periapical radiographs of all treated teeth were assessed in terms of canal obturation quality (adequate density and length). Forty-five percent of teeth fulfilled the criteria of an acceptable root canal obturation. Adequate length and density of root filling was found in 89% and 34% of teeth, respectively. There was a significant difference between maxillary and mandibular teeth regarding the length of root canal obturation. A significant difference was observed between molars and other tooth types. The frequency of root canals with an acceptable filling was significantly greater in the anterior teeth compared to premolars or molars. The technical quality of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students was found to be less than ideal.
Perceived Parental Monitoring on Adolescence Premarital Sexual Behavior in Pontianak City, Indonesia
Authors: Suwarni Linda , Ismail Djauhar , Prabandari Yayi Suryo , Adiyanti MG
Published: November 2019

Inadaquate parental monitoring is widely recognized as a risk factor for the development of child and adolescent conduct problems, including early premarital sexual behavior. Previous studies examining parental monitoring have largely effect to adolescents premarital sexual behavior. Parental monitoring is the most important and effective factor to prevent early adolescents sexual activity. This paper examines the role of perceived parental monitoring in adolescent’s premarital sexual behavior (study on Adolescent’s Junior High School in Pontianak). A cross-sectional study and proportionated random sampling was conducted among 402 adolescents of junior high school at six subdistricts in Pontianak. SEM analyses was conducted using SMART-PLS. Result of path analysis revealed that parental knowledge (r = 0.389) and parental-adolescence relationship (r = 0.334) had a strong influence on parental monitoring. Then, parental monitoring had a significant indirect relationship with adolescent premarital sexual behavior through attitudes about premarital sexual (path coefficient = 0.063), and attitudes about premarital sexual and intention to sexual behaviour (path coefficient = 0.03). Parental monitoring can act as protective factor in early adolescent premarital sexual behavior. Therefore, risk reduction interventions with adolescents should include their parents to learn about monitoring skill and develop skill that will allow them to buffer negative influences.
Benefit of Brown Rice Feeding on Elderly Insomnia
Authors: Hidayati Titiek , Seftaviani Nevi , Munifah T.F.F.S. Hastin , A.H.P. Ardhitapramesti , Fikriyani L. Nurisa
Published: November 2019

Difficulty falling asleep or insomnia is one of health problems in elderly. Age is one of the risk factor of insomnia. Tryptophan in brown rice can stimulate the formation of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that causes someone sleeps easily. This research used quasi-experimental design with pretest posttest without control group. Population in this research is 20 elderly persons in Budi Luhur Nursing House unit of Kasihan, Bantul. Result experiment shows that 7 elderly persons have improvement in difficulty falling asleep or insomnia. Improvement of insomnia degree in elderly may be caused by the tryptophan in brown rice. Elderly persons can consume brown rice as alternative food for improving insomnia.
The Comparison of Gabapentin and Amitriptilin Effectivity as Pain Therapy in Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
Authors: Cahyaningsih Indriastuti , Handayani Rina , Setyaningsih Setyaningsih
Published: November 2019

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is one of peripheral neuropathic pain. Although concensus guidelines for the treatment of neuropathic pain are based on the results of the RCT studies, there are still gaps in the literatures. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and quality of life of gabapentin and amitriptyline for the treatment of pain in HNP. The method used a quasi experimental with consequtive sampling. This study included 30 patients in the gabapentin group and 26 patients in the amitriptyline group, and each group was evaluated for 1 month. Effectiveness was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) every 2 weeks then analized by independent and paired sample t test. The results showed that the use of gabapentin and amitriptilin in 4 weeks showed the decrease of pain score measured by visual analog scale 3.70 ± 0.349 and 3.500 ± 0.34 although there was no statistical difference (p value = 0.704). To sum up, effectiveness of gabapentin and amitriptyline in the treatment of neuropathic pain did not have statistical difference.
Maternal Mortality in Ghana: Impact of the Fee-Free Delivery Policy and the National Health Insurance Scheme
Authors: Sofo Seidu , Thompson Emmanuel
Published: November 2019

Maternal mortality (MMR) is the second largest cause of female deaths in Ghana. Yet, many households cannot afford the cost of skilled delivery The study utilized the Panel Data Model to examine the impact of the fee-free delivery (FDP) and the National Health Insurance Policy (NIP) exemptions on MMR in Ghana. The Demographic and Health Survey reports on Ghana from 2002 to 2009 served as the main data source. Data were analyzed using Panel data model with within group fixed effects estimator. MMR declined significantly over the period studied. Both FDP and NIP positively impacted MMR at a 5% level of significance. In addition, skilled delivery was a significant predictor of MMR. Stakeholders would do well to ensure NIP is adequately funded in order to sustain the decline in MMR.

 