bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Entrepreneurial SMEs’ Network Capability and Social Capital to Accomplish Innovativeness: A Dynamic Capability Perspective
Authors: Sarwar Zahid , Khan Muhammad Asif , Yang Zhen , Khan Adnan , Haseeb Muhammad , Sarwar Aaqib
Published: July 2021

The empirical assessment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from different perspectives is an ever-green research agenda because of their enormous contributions to developed and developing economies. However, the size and resource limitations hinder the progress of SMEs. In this regard, business networks and connections have great potential to enable SMEs’ access to scarce and valuable resources. Entrepreneurial SMEs’ healthy relationships and connections with stakeholders can yield dynamism and innovativeness. Despite that, the understanding of these networks and connections over the innovation capability of entrepreneurial SMEs is limited and needs further empirical investigation. Thus, this study is among the preliminary ones which assay the impact of network capability on innovation capability in the entrepreneurial SMEs context. This study also investigates the above relationship through social capital. The study ground its assumptions based on dynamic capability theory and collected feedback via a questionnaire from 199 entrepreneurial SMEs operating in Pakistan. After ensuring the reliability and validity of collected feedback, the study employed the partial least square structural equation modeling technique to analyze it. Results of the study expand the understanding by unveiling that network capability has a substantial positive impact on innovation capability. This implies that by fortifying network capability, entrepreneurial SMEs substantially enhance their capabilities to innovate. Results also affirm that by building strong network capability, entrepreneurial SMEs boost their social capital, which subsequently has a positive and significant impact on innovation capability. Finally, by operationalizing the proposed model in the entrepreneurial SMEs context, this study made novel contributions to the literature of network capability, social capital, innovation capability, and entrepreneurship.
Disagreement Strategies on Chinese Forums: Comparing Data From Hong Kong and Mainland China
Authors: Yang Yike
Published: July 2021

Prior research on disagreement has mainly focused on its negative impact, suggesting that disagreement should be avoided in communication. Consequently, disagreement is rarely studied in computer-mediated communication, particularly in the Chinese context. Adopting the interactional approach, this project pioneers the investigation of disagreement strategies on online forums in Hong Kong and mainland China, in hopes of providing insights into a better understanding of disagreement in the Chinese online context and shedding light on politeness theory in intercultural communication among Chinese people. Two threads on a similar topic were selected, from which 400 comments were collected and annotated for further analysis. Our results showed that, instead of being a face-threatening act, disagreement maintained and enhanced the interlocutors’ face and advanced the communication of information within each thread. Moreover, although the distribution of the five disagreement strategies was similar in the two sites, there were notably more disagreement tokens and negative comments on the Hong Kong forum. The observed divergence has been attributed to the different degrees of collectivism–individualism in the two regions, the internet censorship in mainland China and the nature of the two forums selected, which remain to be confirmed in future studies.
DPP-IV Inhibitor–Associated Angioedema in Patient With Known History of ACE Inhibitor Angioedema
Authors: Ejikeme Chidinma , Nwachukwu Chinedu , Viechweg John Luis , Ejikeme Ifunanya , Brescia Micheal
Published: July 2021

The patient is a 69-year-old male with a past medical history of intellectual disability, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor–associated angioedema who presented to the emergency department with difficulty breathing. On physical examination, the patient had significant facial edema. Nasal fiber-optic visualization revealed extensive airway edema involving the supraglottic region and the arytenoids. The patient was successfully intubated through the collective teamwork of ENT, anesthesia, and critical care teams. He was managed in the intensive care unit until recovery. Workup for markers for allergic causes of angioedema were within normal limits. Further investigation revealed that symptoms developed following the initiation of a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-IV) inhibitor. The angiotensin-converting enzyme and DPP-IV play a significant role in the metabolism of bradykinin and substance P to their inactive metabolites. The complex interplay between the enzymes in the high-molecular-weight kininogen (HWMK) system may increase the risk of angioedema in patients with a known history of ACE inhibitor–associated angioedema when placed on a DPP-IV inhibitor. This case report highlights the pathophysiology involved.
Neutrophilic Dermatosis in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Chronic Active Hepatitis C
Authors: Sharma Rupam , Johnson Royce H. , Heidari Arash , Malerich Matthew , Stull William R. , Cobos Everardo
Published: July 2021

In this article, we describe a case of neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands (NDDH) complicated with myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic active hepatitis C infection. NDDH was first suggested by Galaria et al in 2000. After comparing features of NDDH with Sweet syndrome in terms of encompassing clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics, it can be concluded that “distributional or localized variant” of Sweet syndrome is classified as NDDH. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis. Systemic glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment.
“Human Flourishing with Dignity”: A Meta-Ethnography of the Meaning of Gardens for Elderly in Nursing Homes and Residential Care Settings
Authors: Magnussen Inger-Lise , Alteren Johanne , Bondas Terese
Published: July 2021

This study aims to identify and synthesize qualitative research regarding residents’ experiences of gardens while living in nursing homes and residential care facilities. To provide an optimal nursing environment inspired by nature, we need to derive knowledge from the residents’ perspective. An interpretive meta-synthesis approach, a meta-ethnography, was chosen for this study. Altogether, six articles representing three continents and comprising 124 participants were included. The six articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were analyzed and synthesized according to Noblit & Hare’s seven phases of meta-ethnography and the recent eMERGe guidelines. Four themes were identified: (1) The garden—a place to feel a connection with life, (2) the garden—a place to sense and find comfort, (3) the garden—a place to feel healthy and alive, and (4) the garden—a place to relate past and present. An overarching metaphor, “human flourishing with dignity,” offers a deeper understanding of the meaning of the garden for older people in nursing homes and residential care. This meta-ethnography provides a reflective, systematic, data-driven synthesis based on literature spanning ten years. Rather than simply relying on retelling, the narration of experiences according to the primary researcher’s descriptions and interpretations results in new knowledge. The significance of gardens for older people’s health and well-being needs to be given greater attention and space in nursing practice, education, and health policies.
Are Surgical Patients Satisfied With Remote Consultations? A Comparison of Remote Versus Conventional Outpatient Clinic Follow-Up for Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Oates Emily V , Lim Grace H C , Nevins Edward J , Kanakala Venkatesh
Published: July 2021

Access to remote appointments (RA) by telephone or video is increasing as technology advances and becomes more available to patients. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to discover whether surgical patients are satisfied with RAs when compared with conventional outpatient clinics (OPC). A literature search of RCTs of surgical patient satisfaction of RAs versus OPC appointments was performed. The PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched to include articles from January 2000 to 2020. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to compare outcomes. All 7 RCTs showed that patients were as satisfied with RAs as OPC appointments (RR = 1.00, [0.98-1.02]; P = .73). Furthermore, both patient cohorts would prefer RAs for future follow-up (RR = 2.29, [1.96-2.97]; P < .00001). One RCT found the cost to institutions was less in the RA group ($19.05 vs $52.76) and another found the patients would save $9.96 on transportation costs. The majority of RCTs suggested cost to patients and or institutions would be less for RA. In conclusion, surgical patients are satisfied with RAs and in fact would prefer them.
COPLA, a taxonomic classifier of plasmids
Authors: Redondo-Salvo Santiago , Bartomeus-Peñalver Roger , Vielva Luis , Tagg Kaitlin A. , Webb Hattie E. , Fernández-López Raúl , de la Cruz Fernando
Published: July 2021

Background

Plasmids are mobile genetic elements, key in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance, virulence determinants and other adaptive traits in bacteria. Obtaining a robust method for plasmid classification is necessary to better understand the genetics and epidemiology of many pathogens. Until now, plasmid classification systems focused on specific traits, which limited their precision and universality. The definition of plasmid taxonomic units (PTUs), based on average nucleotide identity metrics, allows the generation of a universal plasmid classification scheme, applicable to all bacterial taxa. Here we present COPLA, a software able to assign plasmids to known and novel PTUs, based on their genomic sequence.

Results

We implemented an automated pipeline able to assign a given plasmid DNA sequence to its cognate PTU, and assessed its performance using a sample of 1000 unclassified plasmids. Overall, 41% of the samples could be assigned to a previously defined PTU, a number that reached 63% in well-known taxa such as the Enterobacterales order. The remaining plasmids represent novel PTUs, indicating that a large fraction of plasmid backbones is still uncharacterized.

Conclusions

COPLA is a bioinformatic tool for universal, species-independent, plasmid classification. Offered both as an automatable pipeline and an open web service, COPLA will help bacterial geneticists and clinical microbiologists to quickly classify plasmids.
InvertypeR: Bayesian inversion genotyping with Strand-seq data
Authors: Hanlon Vincent C. T. , Mattsson Carl-Adam , Spierings Diana C. J. , Guryev Victor , Lansdorp Peter M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Single cell Strand-seq is a unique tool for the discovery and phasing of genomic inversions. Conventional methods to discover inversions with Strand-seq data are blind to known inversion locations, limiting their statistical power for the detection of inversions smaller than 10 Kb. Moreover, the methods rely on manual inspection to separate false and true positives.

Results

Here we describe “InvertypeR”, a method based on a Bayesian binomial model that genotypes inversions using fixed genomic coordinates. We validated InvertypeR by re-genotyping inversions reported for three trios by the Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium. Although 6.3% of the family inversion genotypes in the original study showed Mendelian discordance, this was reduced to 0.5% using InvertypeR. By applying InvertypeR to published inversion coordinates and predicted inversion hotspots (n = 3701), as well as coordinates from conventional inversion discovery, we furthermore genotyped 66 inversions not previously reported for the three trios.

Conclusions

InvertypeR discovers, genotypes, and phases inversions without relying on manual inspection. For greater accessibility, results are presented as phased chromosome ideograms with inversions linked to Strand-seq data in the genome browser. InvertypeR increases the power of Strand-seq for studies on the role of inversions in phenotypic variation, genome instability, and human disease.
The Framingham risk score is associated with incident frailty, or is it?
Authors: Shi Hui , Ge Mei-Ling , Dong Birong , Xue Qian-Li
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are individually associated with frailty. This study examined whether Framingham CVD risk score (FRS) as an aggregate measure of CVD risk is associated with incident frailty among Chinese older adults.

Methods

This study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A sample of 3,618 participants aged 60 to 95 years and without CVD at baseline were followed for four years. FRS was calculated at baseline. Frailty status was defined as not-frail (0–2 criteria) or frail (3–5 criteria) based on the physical frailty phenotype consisting of five binary criteria (weakness, slowness, exhaustion, low activity level, and weight loss). After excluding subjects who were frail (n = 248) at baseline, discrete-time Cox regression was used to evaluate the relationship between FRS and incident frailty.

Results

During a median follow-up of 4.0 years, 323 (8 %) participants developed CVD and 318 (11 %) subjects had frailty onset. Higher FRS was associated with greater risk of incident frailty (HR: 1.03, 95 % CI: 1.00 to 1.06) after adjusting for education, marital status, obesity, comorbidity burden, and cognitive function. This association however was no longer significant (HR: 1.00, 95 % CI: 0.97 to 1.03) after additionally adjusting for age. These findings remained essentially unchanged after excluding subjects with depression (n = 590) at baseline or incident CVD (n = 323) during the 4-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The FRS was not independently associated with incident frailty after adjusting for chronological age. More research is needed to assess the clinical utility of the FRS in predicting adverse health outcomes other than CVD in older adults.
Risk of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus after fetal blood sampling: a report of six cases
Authors: Han Zhenyan , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Jin , Wang Qingqing , Huang Yonghua , Hou Hongying
Published: July 2021

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global public health problem worldwide; in endemic areas, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV is the most common transmission route. Previous studies have shown that amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis increases the risk of MTCT of HBV among highly viraemic mothers. However, no data is available on MTCT related fetal blood sampling (FBS) because of the paucity of cases or lack of attention. We present a case series of HBV-infected women who underwent FBS with or without antiviral therapy during pregnancy and discuss the risk of MTCT after FBS.

Case presentation

Six hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women who underwent FBS for prenatal diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. Their infants were followed up with HBV serology parameters until at least 12 months of age. Among 6 cases, two hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive mothers had high viral loads > 7.0 log10 IU/mL, and one of them received antiviral therapy at 26+ 3 gestational weeks and achieved an anticipated level of 4.52 log10 IU/mL before FBS, while the other one did not receive any antiviral treatment. The other 4 cases were HBeAg-negative with low viral loads. Only a child born to the HBeAg-positive mother, who had no antiviral therapy with a viral load of 7.48 log10 IU/mL before FBS, was found to have MTCT with HBsAg persistently positive from birth to 12 months of age. The other 5 children were both HBsAg-negative and HBsAb-positive at the end of follow-up.

Conclusions

FBS may increase the risk of MTCT of HBV in women with HBeAg-positive and high viral loads; therefore, FBS should be avoided in this high-risk population. Maternal HBV serologic testing and awareness of the potential risk of MTCT should be recommended before FBS. Antiviral therapy may be effective to decrease the risk of MTCT after FBS in highly viraemic women.
Neurological deterioration in a patient with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis initially improving on antifungal treatment: a case report of coincidental racemose neurocysticercosis
Authors: Kalata Newton , Ellis Jayne , Benjamin Laura , Kampondeni Samuel , Chiodini Peter , Harrison Thomas , Lalloo David G. , Heyderman Robert S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Managing HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) can become challenging in the presence of concurrent unusual central nervous system infections.

Case presentation

A 58-year old HIV infected woman new ART starter, who was being treated effectively for cryptococcal meningitis, represented with worsening of neurological symptoms. Brain MRI revealed a multicystic lesion in the left temporal lobe. Anti-fungal treatment was escalated for a suspected cryptococcoma, but post-mortem CSF serological test confirmed racemose neurocysticercosis.

Conclusion

Patients with HIV-associated CM are highly immunocompromised and may have multiple pathologies simultaneously. In endemic countries, neurocysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis where there is central nervous system deterioration despite effective therapy for CM.
SARS-CoV-2/DENV co-infection: a series of cases from the Federal District, Midwestern Brazil
Authors: Schulte Heidi Luise , Brito-Sousa José Diego , Lacerda Marcus Vinicius Guimarães , Naves Luciana Ansaneli , de Gois Eliana Teles , Fernandes Mariana Sirimarco , Lima Valéria Paes , Rassi Carlos Henrique Reis Esselin , de Siracusa Clara Correia , Sasaki Lizandra Moura Paravidine , Cerqueira Selma Regina Penha Silva , de Albuquerque Cleandro Pires , Reis Ana Paula Monteiro Gomides , Gomes Ciro Martins , Kurizky Patricia Shu , da Mota Licia Maria Henrique , Espindola Laila Salmen
Published: July 2021

Background

Since the novel coronavirus disease outbreak, over 179.7 million people have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, including the population living in dengue-endemic regions, particularly Latin America and Southeast Asia, raising concern about the impact of possible co-infections.

Methods

Thirteen SARS-CoV-2/DENV co-infection cases reported in Midwestern Brazil between April and September of 2020 are described. Information was gathered from hospital medical records regarding the most relevant clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic process, therapeutic interventions, together with clinician-assessed outcomes and follow-up.

Results

Of the 13 cases, seven patients presented Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Syndrome and six had pre-existing co-morbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension and hypopituitarism. Two patients were pregnant. The most common symptoms and clinical signs reported at first evaluation were myalgia, fever and dyspnea. In six cases, the initial diagnosis was dengue fever, which delayed the diagnosis of concomitant infections. The most frequently applied therapeutic interventions were antibiotics and analgesics. In total, four patients were hospitalized. None of them were transferred to the intensive care unit or died. Clinical improvement was verified in all patients after a maximum of 21 days.

Conclusions

The cases reported here highlight the challenges in differential diagnosis and the importance of considering concomitant infections, especially to improve clinical management and possible prevention measures. Failure to consider a SARS-CoV-2/DENV co-infection may impact both individual and community levels, especially in endemic areas.
Characterisation of tuberculosis mortality in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya: analysis of data between 2002 and 2016
Authors: Gichuki Judy , Mategula Donnie
Published: July 2021

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the key public health problems in Africa. Due to multifaceted challenges, its burden is poorly described in informal settlements. We describe tuberculosis mortality in two informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of 2002–2016 verbal autopsy data from informal settlements in the Nairobi Urban Health Demographic Surveillance System (NUHDSS). A descriptive analysis of deaths assigned as caused by TB was done. Pearson chi-square tests were used to determine differences between socio-demographic factors. Logistic regression was carried out to examine the risk of death from TB within the characteristics.

Results

There were 6218 deaths in the NUHDSS within the period of analysis, of which 930 (14.96%) were deaths from TB. The average number of TB deaths per year was 62(SD 23.9). There was a reduction in TB deaths from 21.2% in 2005 to 1.7% in 2016. Males had 1.39 higher odds of dying from TB than females (AOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.18–1.64; p-value < 0.001). Compared to those aged 30–39 years, the ≥50-year-olds had a 42% lower chance of dying from TB (AOR 0.57; 95% CI 0.47–0.73; p-value < 0.001). Those dying at home had 1.39 odds of dying from TB as compared to those who died in a health facility(AOR 1.93; 95% CI 1.17–1.64; p value< 0.001).

Conclusion

There was a reduction in TB deaths over the study period. Males had the highest risk of death. There is a need to strengthen TB surveillance and access to TB diagnosis and treatment within informal settlements to enhance early diagnosis and treatment.
Prognostic significance of occult lymph node metastases in breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Guixin , Zhang Shuhao , Wang Meiling , Liu Lin , Liu Yaqian , Tang Lianjun , Bai He , Zhao Haidong
Published: July 2021

Background

Occult metastases in axillary lymph nodes have been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. However, studies on the prognostic value of occult metastases have shown controversial results. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of occult lymph node metastases in breast cancer.

Methods

Studies published until May, 2020, which retrospectively examined negative lymph nodes by stepsectioning and/or immunohistochemistry, were retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, and Cochrane Library databases. The pooled Relative Risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated to examine the associations between occult metastases and prognosis.

Results

Patients with occult metastases in axillary lymph nodes had poorer five-year DFS (RR = 0.930; 95% CI = 0.907–0.954) and OS (RR = 0.972; 95% CI = 0.954–0.990). Furthermore, the DFS (RR = 0.887; 95% CI = 0.810–0.972) and OS (RR = 0.896; 95% CI = 0.856–0.939) of patients with occult metastases were significantly lower after a ten-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Occult metastases in the axillary lymph nodes are associated with poorer DFS andOS of patients with breast cancer. Occult metastases might serve as a predictive factor of survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer.
Comparison of the optical quality after SMILE and FS-LASIK for high myopia by OQAS and iTrace analyzer: a one-year retrospective study
Authors: Yin Yewei , Lu Ying , Xiang Aiqun , Fu Yanyan , Zhao Yang , Li Yuanjun , Hu Tu , Du Kaixuan , Hu Shengfa , Fu Qiuman , Wu Xiaoying , Wen Dan
Published: August 2021

Background

To compare the correction effect and optical quality after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for high myopia.

Methods

51 high myopia eyes after SMILE and 49 high myopia eyes after FS-LASIK were enrolled and divided into two groups retrospectively. The OQAS and iTrace analyzer were used for optical quality inspection. Between the two groups the spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism, uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA), strehl ratio (SR), modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTF cutoff), objective scatter index (OSI) and wavefront aberrations were analyzed and compared before surgery and at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

After the operation: (1) SE and astigmatism declined and UDVA increased significantly in both groups, and UDVA was better after SMILE than FS-LASIK. (2) SR and MTF cutoff reduced and OSI increased significantly after SMILE and FS-LASIK. SR and MTF cutoff were significantly higher after SMILE than FS-LASIK. OSI was significantly lower after SMILE than FS-LASIK. (3) The total wavefront aberration, total low-order wavefront aberration, defocus and astigmatism aberration as well as trefoil aberration reduced significantly in both groups. The total high-order wavefront aberration increased significantly after FS-LASIK. The spherical and coma aberration increased significantly in both groups. The total high-order wavefront aberration and coma aberration at 1 month were higher after FS-LASIK than SMILE.

Conclusion

The optical quality descended after SMILE and FS-LASIK. SMILE was superior to FS-LASIK at the correction effect and optical quality for high myopia. The combination of OQAS and iTrace analyzer is a valuable complementary measurement in evaluating the optical quality after the refractive surgery.

Trial registration

This is a retrospective study. This research was approved by the ethics committee of Xiangya Hospital and the IRB approval number is 201612074.
Emodin inhibits viability, proliferation and promotes apoptosis of hypoxic human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells via targeting miR-244-5p/DEGS1 axis
Authors: Yi Li , Liu JunFang , Deng Ming , Zuo Huihua , Li Mingyan
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effects of emodin on the viability, proliferation and apoptosis of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) under hypoxia and to explore the underling molecular mechanisms.

Methods

PASMCs were cultured in a hypoxic environment (1% oxygen) and then treated with emodin. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK-8 assay, EdU staining assay, western blot and Mito-tracker red CMXRos and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection assay. The microRNA (miRNA)/mRNA and protein expression levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Based on transcriptomics and proteomics were used to identify potential signaling pathways. Luciferase reporter assay was utilized to examine the interaction between miR-244-5p and DEGS1.

Results

Emodin at 40 and 160 µM concentration-dependently suppressed cell viability, proliferation and migration, but enhanced cell apoptosis of PASMCs under hypoxia. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis revealed that emodin could attenuate the activity of PI3K/Akt signaling in PASMCs under hypoxia. In addition, delta 4-desaturase, sphingolipid 1 (DEGS1) was found to be a direct target of miR-244-5p. Emodin could significantly up-regulated miR-244-5p expression and down-regulated DEGS1 expression in PASMCs under hypoxia. Furthermore, emodin-mediated effects on cell viability, migration, apoptosis and PI3K/Akt signaling activity of PASMCs under hypoxia were significantly attenuated by miR-244-5p knockdown.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that emodin suppressed cell viability, proliferation and migration, promoted cell apoptosis of PASMCs under hypoxia via modulating miR-244-5p-mediated DEGS1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. MiR-244-5p/DEGS1 axis was initially investigated in this current study, which is expected to further the understanding of the etiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Time to first birth and its determinants among married female youths in Ethiopia, 2020: survival analysis based on EDHS 2016
Authors: Bitew Desalegn Anmut , Habitu Yohannes Ayanaw , Gelagay Abebaw Addis
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The first birth is the most significant events in a woman's life that indicates the beginning of undertaking the intensive responsibilities of motherhood and childcare. Age at first birth has health, economic and social consequences and implications. But little has been known on the time to first birth and its determinants in Ethiopia. Therefore, this research is planned to address this issue.

Objectives of the study

To assess the time to first birth and its determinants among married female youths in Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

The data was accessed freely through (https://www.dhsprogram.com). Survival analysis of time to first birth was done based on EDHS 2016 data among 2597 weighted study subjects. The data was extracted using STATA version 14.0. Kaplan Meier’s survival and Log rank test were used to compare survival experiences of respondents using categorical variables. Proportional hazard assumption was checked and was not violated. Cox proportional hazard model was applied, hazard ratio with 95% CI was computed and variables withpvalue < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were taken as significant determinants.

Results

Overall median survival time was 18 years (IQR = 17–20). The significant determinants of time to first birth are place of residence (being rural (AHR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.13, 1.97),Religion (being Muslim [AHR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.22, 2.02),being protestant (AHR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.34, 2.24)], age at first sex [first sex < 15 years (AHR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.23, 2.29)] and first sex between 15 and 17 years (AHR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.29, 1.85), age at first marriage (marriage < 15 years (AHR = 6.52, 95% CI 4.91, 8.64), marriage between 15 and 17 (AHR = 2.63, 95% CI 2.20, 3.14), unmet need for family planning (AHR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.00, 1.52)

Conclusion

In this study, the median age at first birth was 18 years. This show, about 50% of study participants give birth for the first time before their 18th birth day. This age is the ideal age for schooling and to do other personal development activities. Therefore giving birth before 18 year will limit female youths from attending school and performing personal development activities in addition to health and demographic consequences of early child bearing.
Prevalence and factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in rural northern Ghana
Authors: Kumbeni Maxwell Tii , Ziba Florence Assibi , Apenkwa Joana , Otupiri Easmon
Published: August 2021

Background

Although menstruation is a normal physiological process that begins in girls during adolescence, it has the potential to negatively impact on the self-esteem and education of girls particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in the Talensi district of rural northern Ghana.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 705 adolescent girls aged 12–19 years who had attained menarche. The sample size was estimated using Epi Info version 6 at 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to determine factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism which was defined as “being absent from school due to menstruation-related issues during the last menstruation.”

Results

The prevalence of menstruation-related school absenteeism was 27.5%. School absenteeism ranged from one to seven days during the menstrual period. Older adolescent girls, (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.29–4.40), use of cloth as a sanitary material at the last menstruation, (aOR = 3.21, 95% CI 2.22–4.63), and cultural restriction, (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.76–3.67) were associated with higher odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Meanwhile, girls from moderate income parent(s), [aOR = 0.57 95% CI 0.34–0.94] had lower odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Mother’s education and privacy in school were only significant at the univariate level.

Conclusions

The prevalence of menstruation-related school absenteeism highlights the need for interventions aimed at improving the availability of sanitary pads for girls, eliminating cultural restrictions associated with menstruation, and also improving parent(s) income level.
Review on bovine respiratory syncytial virus and bovine parainfluenza – usual suspects in bovine respiratory disease – a narrative review
Authors: Makoschey Birgit , Berge Anna Catharina
Published: July 2021

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (BRSV) and Bovine Parainfluenza 3 virus (BPIV3) are closely related viruses involved in and both important pathogens within bovine respiratory disease (BRD), a major cause of morbidity with economic losses in cattle populations around the world. The two viruses share characteristics such as morphology and replication strategy with each other and with their counterparts in humans, HRSV and HPIV3. Therefore, BRSV and BPIV3 infections in cattle are considered useful animal models for HRSV and HPIV3 infections in humans.

The interaction between the viruses and the different branches of the host’s immune system is rather complex. Neutralizing antibodies seem to be a correlate of protection against severe disease, and cell-mediated immunity is thought to be essential for virus clearance following acute infection. On the other hand, the host’s immune response considerably contributes to the tissue damage in the upper respiratory tract.

BRSV and BPIV3 also have similar pathobiological and epidemiological features. Therefore, combination vaccines against both viruses are very common and a variety of traditional live attenuated and inactivated BRSV and BPIV3 vaccines are commercially available.
Re-analysis of whole-exome sequencing data reveals a novel splicing variant in the SLC2A1 in a patient with GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome 1 accompanied by hemangioma: a case report
Authors: Bozkurt Tugce , Alanay Yasemin , Isik Ugur , Sezerman Ugur
Published: July 2021

Background

GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome 1 (GLUT1DS1) is a neurological disorder caused by either heterozygous or homozygous mutations in the Solute Carrier Family 2, Member 1 (SLC2A1) gene. SLC2A1 encodes Glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) protein, which is the primary glucose transporter at the blood–brain barrier. A ketogenic diet (KD) provides an alternative fuel for brain metabolism to treat impaired glucose transport. By reanalyzing exome data, we identified a de novo heterozygous SLC2A1 variant in a girl with epilepsy. After reversed phenotyping with neurometabolic tests, she was diagnosed with GLUT1DS1 and started on a KD. The patient's symptoms responded to the diet. Here, we report a patient with GLUT1DS1 with a novel SLC2A1 mutation. She also has a hemangioma which has not been reported in association with this syndrome before.

Case presentation

A 5-year 8-month girl with global developmental delay, spasticity, intellectual disability, dysarthric speech, abnormal eye movements, and hemangioma. The electroencephalography (EEG) result revealed that she had epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that non-specific white matter abnormalities. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was previously performed, but the case remained unsolved. The re-analysis of WES data revealed a heterozygous splicing variant in the SLC2A1 gene. Segregation analysis with parental DNA samples indicated that the variant occurred de novo. Lumbar puncture (LP) confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient started on a KD. Her seizures responded to the KD. She has been seizure-free since shortly after the initiation of the diet. She also had decreased involuntary movements, her speech became more understandable, and her vocabulary increased after the diet.

Conclusions

We identified a novel de novo variant in the SLC2A1 gene in a patient who previously had a negative WES result. The patient has been diagnosed with GLUT1DS1. The syndrome is a treatable condition, but the differential diagnosis is not an easy process due to showing a wide range of phenotypic spectrum and the overlapping symptoms with other neurological diseases. The diagnosis necessitates a genomic testing approach. Our findings also highlight the importance of re-analysis to undiagnosed cases after initial WES to reveal disease-causing variants.
A review on the advances and challenges of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Cheng Gang , Dong Hui , Yang Chen , Liu Yang , Wu Yi , Zhu Lifen , Tong Xiangmin , Wang Shibing
Published: July 2021

Head and neck cancer (HNC), which includes lip and oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx malignancies, is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Due to the interaction of tumor cells with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy of HNCs, along with traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, has attracted much attention. Four main immunotherapy strategies in HNCs have been developed, including oncolytic viruses, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), and therapeutic vaccines. Oncorine (H101), an approved oncolytic adenovirus in China, is the pioneer of immunotherapy for the treatment of HNCs. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are mAbs against PD-L1 that have been approved for recurrent and metastatic HNC patients. To date, several clinical trials using immunotherapy agents and their combination are under investigation. In this review, we summarize current the interaction of tumor cells with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of HNCs, the main strategies that have been applied for immunotherapy of HNCs, obstacles that hinder the success of immunotherapies in patients with HNCs, as well as solutions for overcoming the challenges to enhance the response of HNCs to immunotherapies.
Association between inflammatory markers and serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in the general population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Meisinger Christa , Freuer Dennis , Bub Achim , Linseisen Jakob
Published: July 2021

Background

Recent studies focused on modulating factors of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity. In some studies the association between pro-inflammatory markers and PON1 activity was examined, but so far no population-based investigations on this issue have been conducted. The present study investigated the relationships between the pro-inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leptin, interleukin (IL)-6, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and paraoxonase and arylesterase, two hydrolytic activities of PON1, in the population-based Bavarian Food Consumption Survey II.

Methods

Based on 504 participants (217 men, 287 women), the relationship between the pro-inflammatory markers and the outcomes paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were investigated using multivariable linear models.

Results

Circulating plasma levels of leptin (P-value < 0.0001), hs-CRP (P-value = 0.031) and IL-6 (P-value = 0.045) were significantly non-linearly associated with arylesterase activity. Leptin levels were also significantly associated with paraoxonase activity (P-value = 0.024) independently from confounding factors, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. With increasing levels of these inflammatory parameters, arylesterase and paraoxonase activities increased; however, at higher levels (> 75th percentile) the activities reached a plateau or even decreased somewhat. After Bonferroni-Holm correction, only leptin remained non-linearly but significantly associated with arylesterase activity (adjusted overall P-value < 0.0001). Neither age nor sex nor obesity modified the associations. No association was found between TNF-α and paraoxonase or arylesterase activity.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that in persons with very high levels of inflammation, PON1 activity may be impaired, a fact that might subsequently be accompanied by a higher risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Whether or not the measurement of PON1 activity in combination with a lipid profile and certain inflammatory markers could improve the prediction of cardiometabolic diseases in middle-aged individuals from the general population should be evaluated in clinical studies.
Psychometric properties of the short form of the Stroke Impact Scale in German-speaking stroke survivors
Authors: Coppers Anna , Möller Jens Carsten , Marks Detlef
Published: July 2021

Background

The short form of the Stroke Impact Scale (SF-SIS) consists of eight questions and provides an overall index of health-related quality of life after stroke. The goal of the study was the evaluation of construct validity, reliability and responsiveness of the SF-SIS for the use in German-speaking stroke patients in rehabilitation.

Methods

The SF-SIS, the Stroke Impact Scale 2.0 (SIS 2.0), EQ-5D-5L, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and de Morton Mobility Index were assessed in 150 inpatients after stroke, with a second measurement two weeks later for the analyses of responsiveness. In 55 participants, the test–retest-reliability was assessed one week after the first measurement. The study was designed following the recommendations of the COSMIN initiative.

Results

The correlations of the SF-SIS with the SIS 2.0 (ρ = 0.90), as well as the EQ-5D-5L (ρ = 0.79) were high, as expected. There was adequate discriminatory ability of the SF-SIS index between patients who were less and more severely affected by stroke, as assessed by the NIHSS. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor structure of the SF-SIS explaining 59.9% of the total variance, providing better model fit in the confirmatory factor analysis than the one-factorial structure. Analyses of test–retest-reliability showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88 (95% CI 0.75–0.94). Hypotheses concerning responsiveness were not confirmed due to lower correlations between the assessments change scores.

Conclusion

Results of this analysis of the SF-SIS’s psychometric properties are matching with the validity analysis of the English original version, confirming the high correlations with the Stroke Impact Scale and the EQ-5D-5L. Examination of structural validity did not confirm the presumed unidimensionality of the scale and found evidence of an underlying two-factor solution with a physical and cognitive domain. Sufficient test–retest reliability and internal consistency were found. In addition, this study provides first results for the responsiveness of the German version.

Trial registration The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register. Trial registration number: DRKS00011933, date of registration: 07.04.2017
Situating agent-based modelling in population health research
Authors: Silverman Eric , Gostoli Umberto , Picascia Stefano , Almagor Jonatan , McCann Mark , Shaw Richard , Angione Claudio
Published: July 2021

Today’s most troublesome population health challenges are often driven by social and environmental determinants, which are difficult to model using traditional epidemiological methods. We agree with those who have argued for the wider adoption of agent-based modelling (ABM) in taking on these challenges. However, while ABM has been used occasionally in population health, we argue that for ABM to be most effective in the field it should be used as a means for answering questions normally inaccessible to the traditional epidemiological toolkit. In an effort to clearly illustrate the utility of ABM for population health research, and to clear up persistent misunderstandings regarding the method’s conceptual underpinnings, we offer a detailed presentation of the core concepts of complex systems theory, and summarise why simulations are essential to the study of complex systems. We then examine the current state of the art in ABM for population health, and propose they are well-suited for the study of the ‘wicked’ problems in population health, and could make significant contributions to theory and intervention development in these areas.
The nordic maintenance care program: patient experience of maintenance care—a qualitative study
Authors: Hjertstrand Jesper , Palmgren Per J. , Axén Iben , Eklund Andreas
Published: August 2021

Background

Low back pain is one of the major causes of disability world-wide. Most back pain sufferers experience pain that is recurrent or persistent, making management of this condition a priority. In a series of previous studies, chiropractic maintenance care has been found to be an effective way of reducing the number of days with pain, particularly for patients with a certain psychological profile. However, little is known about patients’ experience of this kind of management plan. This study aimed to explore patient experiences and preferences by looking at barriers to and facilitators of engaging in and maintaining a care plan, and to contrast the data using psychological sub-groups.

Methods

In this qualitative study we performed semi-structured interviews with 24 patients who had previously participated in a Swedish trial evaluating maintenance care. They were purposefully selected to obtain richness, variation and breadth of data. The data were analyzed using inductive qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. We used the theory of planned behavior to deepen our understanding of the constructed themes.

Results

The analysis resulted in two overarching dimensions: “when maintenance care is of high value” and “when maintenance care is of low value”. Four factors were jointly identified as obstacles to maintenance care by patients in all the psychological subgroups. These factors were: Cost demanding, A sense of low value, Perceived as unavailable and Fear of treatment. The one factor seen as facilitating maintenance care by patients in all the subgroups was Care that is patient-centered.

Conclusions

The findings reveal a variance of both positive and negative experiences of MC in the psychological subgroups. These findings can deepen our understanding of how patients experience MC and can help clinicians to understand when patients might regard maintenance care as being of high value.