bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Employment Rate and Mobility of Science and Engineering and Economics and Management Graduates in Northeast China: An Examination
Authors: Qiwang Zhang , Xiaorui Wang
Published: June 2020

In China, the employment problem of higher education, social governance, and economic development is important. Exploring the employment mechanism and distribution of general colleges and universities can provide empirical evidence to the employment generating ability of colleges and universities and also suggestions for the development of regional talent policies. Based on the theories of growth, employment, and structural employment, this study analyzes the influence of macro- and micro-factors on the employment of science and engineering and economics and management graduates, adopting a multiple regression and structural equation model. Although employment of science and engineering and economics and management in general universities is affected by different macro- and micro-factors, the former has both direct and indirect effects on employment, which are stronger than the latter. The employment distribution of science and technology is highly correlated with regional gross domestic product, while the employment distribution of economics and management reflects regional stickiness.
Clinical Outcomes and Complications During and After Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Using a Locking Plate: A 3- to 7-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Yabuuchi Koji , Kondo Eiji , Onodera Jun , Onodera Tomohiro , Yagi Tomonori , Iwasaki Norimasa , Yasuda Kazunori
Published: June 2020

Background:

Outcomes and complications at mid- or long-term follow-up after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) with the TomoFix locking plate have not been fully evaluated.

Purpose:

To evaluate the complications and midterm clinical outcomes after MOWHTO using a TomoFix.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Enrolled in this study were 80 patients (85 knees) who underwent MOWHTO with the TomoFix locking plate between 2009 and 2013. There were 66 women and 14 men, with a mean age of 61.5 years at the time of surgery. The diagnosis was medial osteoarthritis in 76 knees and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee in 9 knees. Metal removal and second-look arthroscopy were performed in all cases. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed at final follow-up after surgery (mean, 4.5 years).

Results:

The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score improved significantly from pre- to postoperatively ( P < .0001). The weightbearing line percentage shifted to pass through a point 67.7% lateral from the medial edge of the tibial plateau. The Caton-Deschamps index changed significantly from 0.88 to 0.66 at final follow-up ( P < .0001). The mean posterior tibial slope changed significantly from 8.9° to 11.9° at final follow-up ( P < .0001). Limb length was significantly increased after MOWHTO (10.3 mm; P < .0001). During plate removal, 14 locking screws were found to be broken in 9 knees (10.6%). The articular cartilage grade of the patellofemoral joint was significantly higher in the second arthroscopy than in the first arthroscopy ( P < .0001). The cumulative rate of all complications was 41.2%, with major complications (ie, those requiring additional or extended treatment) in 24.7%.

Conclusion:

Postoperative outcome scores indicated significant improvement after MOWHTO, although the cumulative rate of all complications was 41.2% and the rate of major complications was 24.7%. These results indicate that MOWHTO with the TomoFix is a technically demanding procedure. Careful preoperative planning and meticulous surgical technique are needed to decrease the incidence of complications associated with MOWHTO.
Epilepsy and EEG Phenotype of SLC13A5 Citrate Transporter Disorder
Authors: Yang Qian-Zhou , Spelbrink Emily M. , Nye Kimberly L. , Hsu Emily R. , Porter Brenda E.
Published: June 2020

Mutations in the SLC13A5 gene, a sodium citrate cotransporter, cause a rare autosomal recessive epilepsy (EIEE25) that begins during the neonatal period and is associated with motor and cognitive impairment. Patient’s seizure burden, semiology, and electroencephalography (EEG) findings have not been well characterized. Data on 23 patients, 3 months to 29 years of age are reported. Seizures began during the neonatal period in 22 patients. Although seizures are quite severe in many patients later in life, seizure freedom was attainable in a minority of patients. Multiple patients’ chronic seizure management included a few common medications, phenobarbital and valproic acid in particular. Patients EEGs had a relatively well-preserved background for age, even in the face of frequent seizures, little slowing and multiple normal EEGs and do not support an epileptic encephalopathy. Other causes for the motor and cognitive delay beyond epilepsy warrant further study.
Embracing A Growth Mindset: An Experiential Exercise to Explore Beliefs About Learning
Authors: Foster Mary K.
Published: June 2020

This exercise is designed to introduce business students to the concept of implicit theories, a foundational concept for individuals and organizations interested in developing more effective learners. This easy-to-implement exercise can be used in any type of management course, with any level of student; it is best positioned at the beginning of the semester. This exercise engages students cognitively and emotionally at the individual, team, and class levels. Personal reflection and storytelling are used to identify mindsets in practice. A brief video introduces content about mindsets via a shared experience. Small-group discussions facilitate peer teaching about mindsets in action. Class discussion is used to showcase meaningful stories, explore connections between student experiences and mindset concepts, and allow students to share how their thinking about learning has evolved. A reflection assignment helps students consolidate their learning.
Mechanical analysis of eccentric defected bilayer graphene sheets considering the van der Waals force
Authors: Dastjerdi Shahriar , Malikan Mohammad
Published: June 2020

In this article, we have tried to simulate nonlinear bending analysis of a double-layered graphene sheet which contains a geometrical imperfection based on an eccentric hole. The first-order shear deformation theory is considered to obtain the governing equations. Also, the nonlinear von Kármán strain field has been assumed in order to obtain large deformations. Whereas the double-layered graphene sheet has been considered, the effect of van der Waals forces has been taken into account in the analysis. In order to implement the nanoscale impact, the nonlocal elasticity theory has been employed. The solution methodology, which is here based on the semi-analytical polynomial method solving technique presented previously by the authors, has been applied and again its efficiency has been demonstrated due to its highly accurate results. Due to the fact that this research has been done for the first time and there is no validation available, the results of the local single layer sheet are compared with ABAQUS software. The effects of some other parameters on the results have been studied such as the value of eccentricity, van der Waals interaction, and nonlocal parameter.
Shedding Light on Dysphagia Associated With COVID‐19: The What and Why
Authors: Mohan Ranjini , Mohapatra Bijoyaa
Published: June 2020

The most common symptom of COVID‐19 in critically ill patients is ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), with many patients requiring invasive or noninvasive respiratory support in the intensive care unit. Oropharyngeal dysphagia may be a consequence of the respiratory‐swallowing incoordination common in ARDS or may occur following the respiratory support interventions. In this commentary, we highlight the risk and complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with COVID‐19 and urge medical and rehabilitation professionals to consider dysphagia a prognostic complication, provide appropriate referrals, and initiate early interventions as appropriate.
Anticipated and Perceived Stigma Among Patients With Psoriasis
Authors: Wan Marilyn T. , Pearl Rebecca L. , Fuxench Zelma C. Chiesa , Takeshita Junko , Gelfand Joel M.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Perceived stigma among patients with psoriasis (PWP) is associated with poorer quality of life.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and predictors of stigmatizing attitudes that PWP expect and experience from others.

Methods:

We conducted a survey using validated outcome measures to assess the extent to which PWP anticipate and perceive stigma from others. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from electronic medical records.

Results:

Patients (n = 106) were 48.11% female, 70.75% white, and had a mean age ± SD of 47.90 ± 16.19 years old. Of all, 25.47% self-reported their psoriasis as severe. Mean physician global assessment score ± SD was 2.98 ± 1.81. Two-thirds (66.98%) of patients reported that, in response to seeing their psoriasis-affected skin, they anticipated others to stereotype them as “contagious.” Linear regression analyses demonstrated that patient-reported severe psoriasis, compared to mild psoriasis, was associated with greater anticipation of negative stereotypes, social avoidance, and perceived stigma from others ( P values < .05). Physician-measured body surface area and global assessment scores were not significantly associated with any outcome.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of anticipated and perceived stigma among PWP is high. Our results suggest that objective measures of severity may not identify patients at risk of stigma-related distress. Additional methods, such as directly inquiring about stigmatizing experiences, may be needed.
Agency in human–shark encounter
Authors: Gibbs Leah
Published: June 2020

Shark bite is exceptionally rare. And yet, representations of human–shark interactions are most often framed as inherently dangerous. The ‘shark attack’ trope has been widely critiqued as sensationalist and misleading. This image creates two further limitations: it offers a one-dimensional representation of sharks and overlooks crucial factors shaping human–shark relations. Human–wildlife conflict is focus of extensive research, in conservation biology and, increasingly, the social sciences. Calls have been made for deeper investigation of social and cultural factors in conflict. This paper seeks to present a more nuanced account of human–shark relations, through analysis of events in Western Australia in 2011–12: five fatal shark bites and implementation of a lethal shark management policy. Specifically, the paper reports on empirical research with the people most likely to encounter sharks, that is those who undertake recreational, professional, and/or volunteer activities in or on the sea. The paper deploys the concept of agency as a framework for recognising diverse capacities of sharks and distributed agency in production of events. It finds: (i) ocean-users know sharks to have diverse behaviours and agency to elicit caution, ambivalence, fear, and attraction, and to influence attitudes, actions, and engagement with the sea; (ii) embodied oceanic relations shape people’s everyday lives, attitudes towards the ocean, sharks and the risks they pose, and sense of self; and (iii) representation combines with numerous other factors – including potential danger posed by some sharks, reports of incidents, frenzied response, and personal context – to shape events. These findings offer alternate interpretation of human–shark relations, social-cultural drivers of human–wildlife conflict, and evidence of co-existence.
Predictive equation for optimal continuous positive airway pressure in children with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Chong Joelle , Bajpai Ram , Teoh Oon Hoe , Pugalenthi Arun , Allen John C. , Cheng Zai Ru , Tan Soh Gin , Lim Meilan , Tan Jasmine , Goh Anne , Tan Yi Hua , Thomas Biju
Published: June 2020

Aim

A subgroup of children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) requires treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This study's aims were: 1) to determine if the optimal CPAP for the treatment of OSA in children correlates with body mass index (BMI); 2) to determine the correlation between polysomnographic variables and optimal CPAP in children with OSA; and 3) to develop a CPAP predictive equation for children with OSA.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of children with OSA who underwent CPAP titration studies. Patients with craniofacial abnormalities (except Down syndrome) and neuromuscular diseases were excluded. Polysomnograms were done using Sandman Elite. Correlations between optimal CPAP, clinical and polysomnographic variables were analysed. A multivariable linear regression model for optimal CPAP was developed.

Results

198 children (mean±sdage 13.1±3.6 years) were studied. Optimal CPAP had a significant positive correlation with age (rho=0.216, p=0.002), obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index (rho=0.421, p<0.001), 3% oxygen desaturation index (rho=0.417, p<0.001), rapid eye movement respiratory disturbance index (rho=0.378, p<0.001) and BMI z-score (rho=0.160, p=0.024); and a significant negative correlation with arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry nadir (rho= −0.333, p<0.001). The predictive equation derived was:

Optimal CPAP (cmH2O)=6.486+0.273·age (years)−0.664·adenotonsillectomy

(no=1, yes=0)+2.120·Down syndrome (yes=1, no=0)+0.280·BMI z-score.

Conclusion

The equation developed may help to predict optimal CPAP in children with OSA. Further studies are required to validate this equation and to determine its applicability in different populations.
Human follicular fluid proteome reveals association between overweight status and oocyte maturation abnormality
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Yanhua , Zhu Peng , Wang Jiahui , Liu Juan , Li Ning , Wang Wenting , Zhang Wendi , Zhang Chengli , Wang Yanwei , Shen Xiaofang , Liu Fujun
Published: June 2020

Background

Human follicular fluid (HFF), which is composed by essential proteins required for the follicle development, provides an important microenvironment for oocyte maturation. Recently, overweight status has been considered as a detrimental impact factor on oocyte maturation, but whether HFF proteome could provide protein markers for assessing overweight-based oocyte maturation deficiency is still unknown.

Methods

To reveal the HFF-based molecular characteristics associated with abnormal oocyte maturation, an iTRAQ-based comparative proteomic analysis was performed to investigate different HFF protein expression profiles from normal weight women and overweight status women.

Results

Two hundred HFF proteins were quantified in our data, of which 43% have not been overlapped by two previous publications. Compared with the HFF proteins of normal weight women, 22 up-regulated HFF proteins and 21 down-regulated HFF proteins were found in the overweight status women. PANTHER database showed these altered HFF proteins participated in development, metabolism, immunity, and coagulation, and STRING database demonstrated their complicated interaction networks. The confidence of proteomic outcome was verified by Western blot analysis of WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (WFDC2), lactotransferrin (LTF), prostate-specific antigen (KLK3), fibronectin (FN1), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Further, ELISA assay indicated WFDC2 might be a potentially useful candidate HFF marker for the diagnosis of oocyte maturation arrest caused by overweight status.

Conclusions

Our work provided a new complementary high-confidence HFF dataset involved in oocyte maturation, and these altered HFF proteins might have clinical relevance and diagnostic and prognostic value for abnormal oocyte maturation in overweight status women.
The effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 on the recovery of facial nerve function in a guinea pig model of facial palsy
Authors: Sugiyama Motoyasu , Ito Tsukasa , Furukawa Takatoshi , Hirayama Atsushi , Kakehata Seiji
Published: June 2020

The efficacy of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the treatment of peripheral facial nerve palsy was investigated using an animal model. The facial nerve within the temporal bone was exposed and compressed by clamping. The animals were treated with either IGF-1 or saline which was topically administered by a gelatin-based sustained-release hydrogel via an intratemporal route. The recovery from facial nerve palsy was evaluated at 8 weeks postoperatively based on eyelid closure, complete recovery rate, electroneurography and number of axons found on the facial nerve. IGF-1 treatment resulted in significant improvement in the changes of the degree of eyelid closure over the total time period and complete recovery rate. A separate study showed that IGF-1 receptor mRNA was expressed in facial nerves up to 14 days after the nerve-clamping procedure. IGF-1 was thus found to be effective in the treatment of peripheral facial nerve palsy when topically applied using a sustained-release gelatin-based hydrogel via an intratemporal route.
PVAmpliconFinder: a workflow for the identification of human papillomaviruses from high-throughput amplicon sequencing
Authors: Robitaille Alexis , Brancaccio Rosario N. , Dutta Sankhadeep , Rollison Dana E. , Leja Marcis , Fischer Nicole , Grundhoff Adam , Gheit Tarik , Tommasino Massimo , Olivier Magali
Published: June 2020

Background

The detection of known human papillomaviruses (PVs) from targeted wet-lab approaches has traditionally used PCR-based methods coupled with Sanger sequencing. With the introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS), these approaches can be revisited to integrate the sequencing power of NGS. Although computational tools have been developed for metagenomic approaches to search for known or novel viruses in NGS data, no appropriate tool is available for the classification and identification of novel viral sequences from data produced by amplicon-based methods.

Results

We have developed PVAmpliconFinder, a data analysis workflow designed to rapidly identify and classify known and potentially new Papillomaviridae sequences from NGS amplicon sequencing with degenerate PV primers. Here, we describe the features of PVAmpliconFinder and its implementation using biological data obtained from amplicon sequencing of human skin swab specimens and oral rinses from healthy individuals.

Conclusions

PVAmpliconFinder identified putative new HPV sequences, including one that was validated by wet-lab experiments. PVAmpliconFinder can be easily modified and applied to other viral families. PVAmpliconFinder addresses a gap by providing a solution for the analysis of NGS amplicon sequencing, increasingly used in clinical research. The PVAmpliconFinder workflow, along with its source code, is freely available on the GitHub platform: https://github.com/IARCbioinfo/PVAmpliconFinder.
Whole genome sequencing identifies an allele responsible for clear vs. turbid plaque morphology in a Mycobacteriophage
Authors: Gudlavalleti Bhavani S. , Phung Trong , Barton Charles L. , Becker Allysson , Graul Brittany L. , Griffin Jarod T. , Hays Connor J. , Horn Bailey , Liang David R. , Rutledge Lauren M. , Szalanczy Alexandria M. , Gaffney Bobby L. , King Rodney A. , Rinehart Claire A. , Staples Amanda K. , Stewart Alexander A. , Nydam Marie L. , O’Quin Kelly E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Whole genome sequencing promises to revolutionize our ability to link genotypic and phenotypic variation in a wide range of model and non-model species.

Results

Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel mycobacteriophage named BGlluviae that grows on Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155. BGlluviae normally produces turbid plaques but a spontaneous clear plaque was also recovered. The genomic DNA from pure populations of the BGlluviae phage and the clear plaque mutant were sequenced. A single substitution, at amino acid 54 (I to T), in the immunity repressor protein resulted in a clear plaque phenotype.

Conclusions

This substitution is predicted to be located at the subunit interaction interface of the repressor protein, and thus prevents the establishment of lysogeny.
SH1-dependent maize seed development and starch synthesis via modulating carbohydrate flow and osmotic potential balance
Authors: Zhang Ke , Guo Li , Cheng Wen , Liu Baiyu , Li Wendi , Wang Fei , Xu Changzheng , Zhao Xiangyu , Ding Zhaohua , Zhang Kewei , Li Kunpeng
Published: June 2020

Background

As the main form of photoassimilates transported from vegetative tissues to the reproductive organs, sucrose and its degradation products are crucial for cell fate determination and development of maize kernels. Despite the relevance of sucrose synthase SH1 (shrunken 1)-mediated release of hexoses for kernel development, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms are not yet well understood in maize (Zea mays).

Results

Here, we identified a new allelic mutant of SH1 generated by EMS mutagenesis, designated as sh1*. The mutation of SH1 caused more than 90% loss of sucrose synthase activity in sh1* endosperm, which resulted in a significant reduction in starch contents while a dramatic increase in soluble sugars. As a result, an extremely high osmolality in endosperm cells of sh1* was generated, which caused kernel swelling and affected the seed development. Quantitative measurement of phosphorylated sugars showed that Glc-1-P in endosperm of sh1* (17 μg g− 1 FW) was only 5.2% of that of wild-type (326 μg g− 1 FW). As a direct source of starch synthesis, the decrease of Glc-1-P may cause a significant reduction in carbohydrates that flow to starch synthesis, ultimately contributing to the defects in starch granule development and reduction of starch content.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that SH1-mediated sucrose degradation is critical for maize kernel development and starch synthesis by regulating the flow of carbohydrates and maintaining the balance of osmotic potential.
Prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and assessment of the social and structural determinants of sexual risk behaviour and health service utilisation among MSM and transgender women in Terai highway districts of Nepal: findings based on an integrated biological and behavioural surveillance survey using respondent driven sampling
Authors: Storm Margrethe , Deuba Keshab , Damas Jose , Shrestha Upendra , Rawal Bir , Bhattarai Rajan , Marrone Gaetano
Published: June 2020

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people are disproportionately affected by HIV and sexually transmitted infections. MSM and transgender people in Nepal experience considerable discrimination and marginalisation, they are subject to abuse from legal authorities and suffer from mental health issues. These social and structural factors can lead to increased sexual risk behaviour, barriers to accessing health care and result in adverse health outcomes. This study aims to assess the prevalence of HIV and syphilis, and how individual and socio-structural factors influence sexual risk behaviour and health care service uptake, among MSM and transgender women in the Terai highway districts of Nepal.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2016 in eight Terai highway districts of Nepal, recruiting 340 MSM and transgender women through respondent driven sampling. The primary outcome variables were HIV and syphilis prevalence. The secondary outcome variables were sexual risk behaviour and health care service uptake. Logistic regression models were used to assess the individual and socio-structural determinants of sexual risk behaviour and health care service uptake.

Results

The prevalence of HIV among MSM was 5%, whereas it was 13% in transgender women. The prevalence of active syphilis was 4% in MSM and 11% among transgender women. Among transgender women, 76% were involved in sex work, and 51% had experienced discrimination in one or more settings. In multivariable analysis, having visited an outreach centre was positively associated with condom use in the last sexual encounter among both MSM (AOR: 5.37, 95% CI: 2.42–11.94, p < 0.001) and transgender women (AOR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.12–5.02, p = 0.025). Moreover, transgender women who reported being open towards family about sexual identity/behaviour were 2.4 more likely to have visited an outreach centre (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.04–5.57, p = 0.041).

Conclusions

The high prevalence of HIV and syphilis, as well as indicators of marginalisation and discrimination among transgender women, highlights the increased burden transgender women in Nepal are facing and the need for tailored interventions. Moreover, since health care service uptake is an important factor in determining sexual risk behaviour among MSM and transgender women in Nepal, outreach services should be scaled up.
The application of prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery for the treatment of placenta accreta spectrum with placenta previa: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Peng Ying , Jiang Lai , Peng Cheng , Wu Dabao , Chen Ling
Published: June 2020

Background

Severe obstetric haemorrhage caused by placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) results in significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The effectiveness of prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery in PAS patients remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective case-control study to investigate the clinical effectiveness of this treatment.

Methods

The clinical data of 104 patients with PAS complicated with placenta previa who delivered by caesarean section between January 2016 and January 2019 were collected, and the patients were divided into two groups. The study group (48 cases) underwent internal iliac artery preset balloon occlusion before caesarean section and uterine artery embolisation according to the bleeding status after surgery, while the control group (56 cases) did not undergo internal iliac artery preset balloon occlusion before caesarean section.

Results

The operation and hospitalisation times in the study group were longer than those in the control group. Additionally, the hysterectomy rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group. No significant differences in blood loss, blood transfusion volume, urinary system injury, postoperative ICU transfer rate, or neonatal scores were identified between the groups. Among the patients without invasive placenta (placenta increta and percreta), blood loss was lower in the study group, and the caesarean hysterectomy rate did not significantly differ between the groups. Among the patients with invasive placenta, blood loss and the caesarean hysterectomy rate did not significantly differ between the groups. The risk of hysterectomy in the study group was related to invasive placenta penetration, a large area of placental invasion, or abnormal vascular filling. One patient in the study group had a thrombus in the left lower extremity artery.

Conclusions

Balloon occlusion of the internal iliac artery is effective for haemostasis of placenta previa in the absence of invasive placenta. For patients with invasive placenta, especially placenta percreta, a large area of placental invasion or abnormal vascular filling suggests the need for hysterectomy. The risks of the prophylactic use of internal iliac artery balloon occlusion include vascular injury and thrombus formation.
A novel nomogram to predict the reliability of estimated glomerular filtration rate formulae in oncology patients
Authors: Cheng Yichun , Huang Liu , Han Yunfeng , Vanisha Chummun , Ge Shuwang , Xu Gang
Published: June 2020

Background

Formulae of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine (Scr) are routinely used in oncology patients, however, they are inaccurate in some populations. Our aim was to assess the agreement of eGFR formulae and thereby build a nomogram to predict the reliability of estimates.

Methods

Measured GFR (mGFR) using isotope from 445 oncology patients were compared with eGFR from six formulae (Cockcroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), modified MDRD formulae for Chinese (C-MDRD), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) Collaboration, Wright and full age spectrum (FAS)). Bias, precision and accuracy of eGFR formulae were examined. We also evaluated statistics of agreement: the total deviation index (TDI), the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the coverage probability (CP). Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify characteristics associated with inaccurate eGFR and construct a predictive nomogram.

Results

All eGFR formulae tended to overestimate the eGFR. The percentage of patients with eGFR within 30% the mGFR ranged from 38.0 to 62.8%. Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD showed low bias and high precision. The MDRD formula exhibited lowest TDI, meaning that 90% of estimations ranged from − 36 to 36% of mGFR. Multivariate logistic regression showed that inaccuracy of MDRD was found in elderly patients or in patients with eGFR greater than 120 ml/min. A nomogram was constructed to help oncologists to predict the risk of inaccuracy of eGFR. The calibration curve showed good agreement.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the error of eGFR by any formulae was common and wide in Chinese oncology patients. Our nomogram may assist oncologists in decision-making when mGFR is needed.
The relationship of central corneal thickness with the status of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Canan Handan , Sahinoglu-Keskek Nedime , Altan-Yaycioglu Rana
Published: June 2020

Background

To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values measured by three different devices: slit-scanning topography (SST), ultrasonic pachymetry (UP), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diabetic eyes and compare the CCT values in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

Ninety-six patients with diabetes mellitus were included in this prospective study and divided into two groups according to the presence of diabetic retinopathy, as Group I with retinopathy and Group II without. The CCT of 96 eyes was measured by three different devices; SST (Orbscan II), UP and OCT. The results of CCT measurements with three different devices were compared. Also, the intergroup differences in CCT measurements were evaluated.

Results

The CCT was statistically insignificantly different between the two groups. Although the three methods of CCT measurements correlated well with each other, SST showed significantly (p < 0,0001) higher CCT results compared to both UP and OCT.

Conclusions

According to our results, neither the duration of DM nor the presence of diabetic retinopathy did have a significant effect on the CCT. The CCT values obtained with three devices were all in correlation. However, the results of SST were significantly higher compared to the other two. Our findings emphasize the value anterior segment OCT in CCT measurements, since it is a non-contact method and correlate very well with UP.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of bipolar disorder among homeless people
Authors: Ayano Getinet , Shumet Shegaye , Tesfaw Getachew , Tsegay Light
Published: June 2020

Background

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common severe mental disorder among homeless people and is associated with an increased risk of disability and mortality from suicide, medical causes (including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis infection, hypertension, and tuberculosis), as well as substance use disorders. However, a systematic synthesis of the existing evidence on the subject is lacking. To fill this gap in the literature, this study aimed to carry out systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the consolidated prevalence of BD among homeless people.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Embase, PubMed, and Scopus to identify pertinent studies that reported the prevalence of BD among homeless people in March 2019. Random effect meta-analysis was employed to pool data from the eligible studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis was conducted and Cochran’s Q- and the I2 test were utilized to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by using Egger’s test and visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots.

Results

Of 3236 studies identified, 10 studies with 4300 homeless individuals were included in the final analysis. Among the 10 studies, five studies used the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM), three studies used Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), one study used Schedule for Clinical Assessment of Neuropsychiatry (SCAN), and one study used Composite International Neuropsychiatric Interview (CIDI) to assess BD among homeless individuals. Based on the results of the random effect model, the prevalence of BD among homeless people was 11.4% (95% CI; 7.5–16.9). The prevalence of BD was 10.0% (95% CI; 3.1–27.9) in Europe and it was 13.2% (95% CI; 8.9–19.3) in other countries. Moreover, the prevalence of BD was 11.5% (95% CI; 5.5–22.3) for studies that used DSM to assess BD and it was 11.0% (95% CI; 6.1–19.2) for studies that used other instruments (MINI, SCAN, and CIDI).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that BD is highly prevalent among homeless individuals, underlying the importance of early screening and targeted interventions for BD among homeless individuals.
Stigma for common mental disorders in racial minorities and majorities a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eylem Ozlem , de Wit Leonore , van Straten Annemieke , Steubl Lena , Melissourgaki Zaneta , Danışman Gözde Topgüloğlu , de Vries Ralph , Kerkhof Ad J. F. M. , Bhui Kamaldeep , Cuijpers Pim
Published: June 2020

Background

There is a strong stigma attached to mental disorders preventing those affected from getting psychological help. The consequences of stigma are worse for racial and/or ethnic minorities compared to racial and/or ethnic majorities since the former often experience other social adversities such as poverty and discrimination within policies and institutions. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis summarizing the evidence on the impact of differences in mental illness stigma between racial minorities and majorities.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis included cross-sectional studies comparing mental illness stigma between racial minorities and majorities. Systematic searches were conducted in the bibliographic databases of PubMed, PsycINFO and EMBASE until 20th December 2018. Outcomes were extracted from published reports, and meta-analyses, and meta-regression analyses were conducted in CMA software.

Results

After screening 2787 abstracts, 29 studies with 193,418 participants (N = 35,836 in racial minorities) were eligible for analyses. Racial minorities showed more stigma than racial majorities (g = 0.20 (95% CI: 0.12 ~ 0.27) for common mental disorders. Sensitivity analyses showed robustness of these results. Multivariate meta-regression analyses pointed to the possible moderating role of the number of studies with high risk of bias on the effect size. Racial minorities have more stigma for common mental disorders when compared with majorities. Limitations included moderate to high risk of bias, high heterogeneity, few studies in most comparisons, and the use of non-standardized outcome measures.

Conclusions

Mental illness stigma is higher among ethnic minorities than majorities. An important clinical implication of these findings would be to tailor anti-stigma strategies related with mental illnesses according to specific racial and/or ethnic backgrounds with the intention to improve mental health outreach.
Is the modified household food security survey (HFSS) questionnaire a practical tool for screening food insecurity? Evidence from northwest of Iran
Authors: Tutunchi Helda , Ebrahimi-Mameghani Mehrangiz , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Farrin Nazila , Tabrizi Sirous , Vaghef-Mehrabany Elnaz , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: June 2020

Background

Adequate supplies of food and food security (FS) are the fundamental aspects of human societies, and considered one of the pivotal factors of individual and social health. The aim of the present study was to assess the applicability of the short questionnaire for screening food insecurity (FI) and to evaluate the prevalence of FI in northwest of Iran.

Methods

In this study, 550 subjects aged ≥16 years were studied. Three-day dietary records and a short questionnaire were applied to estimate the prevalence of FI in terms of hunger and hidden hunger. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the short questionnaire were assessed. Moreover, the association between the results of the short questionnaire and the criteria that were theoretically related to FI were examined. Data were presented as mean (SD), median (min-max) for the numeric normal and non-normal variables, respectively, and frequency (percent) for categorical variables. The between-group comparisons of variables were done using independent samples t test. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of hunger and hidden hunger was 30.8 and 46.0%, respectively. Overall, 23.2% of the subjects were classified as “food secure”. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the short questionnaire in determining hunger were 92.8% (95% CI: 87.3–95.9), 84.2% (95% CI: 79.3–89.3), and 87% (95% CI: 84–90.2), respectively. These values for hidden hunger were 21.6% (95% CI: 15.7–29.9), 92.3% (95% CI: 88.7–99.4), and 53.4% (95% CI: 47.9–59.8), respectively. Our study showed a statistically significant association between FI and socio-economic status. FI significantly enhanced the risk of underweight, while it markedly reduced the risk of overweight and obesity. The average frequency of monthly consumption of meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and rice was significantly lower in food insecure group, while the median frequency of bread consumption was markedly higher in food insecure group. The participants of insecure group were less likely to consume fruits, vegetables, dairy products, rice and meat.

Conclusions

FI was frequent in North-west of Iran. The findings indicated that the short questionnaire was a simple, low-cost and practical tool for screening FI in terms of hunger.

Trial registration

IR.TBZMED.REC.1397.400.
“Knowledge and practices of HIV infected patients regarding medicine disposal among patients attending public ARV clinics in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa”
Authors: Maharaj Pooja , Baijnath Sooraj , Naidoo Panjasaram
Published: June 2020

Background

Recent analysis of drinking water in South Africa found the presence of ARVs, other pharmaceutical and personal care products. The environmental and human health risk that this presents is daunting. The increased use of ARVs with poor disposal practices could be the reason for these substances being present in drinking water. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the knowledge and practices of HIV infected patients, regarding medicine disposal.

Method

A descriptive, cross sectional, quantitative study that utilised a structured, self-administered, questionnaire was undertaken at 3 different public ARV clinics in the eThekwini Metro of KwaZulu Natal, SA. The variables included questions on demographics, knowledge and practices of medicine disposal of ARV and other medications. Data was captured using excel spreadsheets and analysed using SPSS version 25. Chi square tests were used to compare factors between correct and incorrect knowledge and practice groups.

Results

Four hundred and eighty four participants agreed to participate in this study, of which the majority (71.1%) were females. Over 87% of the participants knew that improper disposal of medicines were harmful to the environment with only 28.3% knowing that there were laws governing the way medicines should be disposed. Majority of participants that had unused and expired ARVs at home disposed of these medicines. The most common route of medicine disposal for ARVs was by throwing these medicines into the bin (56.4%). Only 24.2% of participants were informed by healthcare professionals about the proper method of medicine disposal. Participants who had secondary and tertiary level of education (p = 0.043) and the ability to speak English (p = 0.001) had appropriate knowledge on medicine disposal.

Conclusion

This study identified that poor medicine disposal practices and lack of adequate information about the proper methods of medicine disposal were evident among the participant population. There is a need for patient education and healthcare professional intervention to ensure patients are aware of standard proper medicine disposal practices.
The current status of pharmaceutical care provision in tertiary hospitals: results of a cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Yao Dongning , Liu Jie , Huang Yuankai , Wang Yitao , Yao Wenbing
Published: June 2020

Background

Pharmaceutical care is attached with increasing importance around the world due to its clinical and economical effects. Tertiary hospitals are equipped with the richest healthcare resources and pioneer in the implementation of pharmaceutical care. Understanding current status of pharmaceutical care provision in tertiary hospitals not only helps to improve the practice in tertiary hospitals but also guide the development of pharmaceutical care in secondary and primary health institutions.

Method

Data of a cross-sectional survey were used. The cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016, involving 520 hospital directors, 740 clinical pharmacists, 1298 physicians, 778 dispensing pharmacists and 3096 patients from 292 hospitals of 23 provinces, 4 municipalities in mainland China. The survey aimed to comprehensively investigate the current status of pharmaceutical care and health care professional’s understanding of clinical pharmacist system in tertiary hospitals. This study reports results pertaining to current status of pharmaceutical care, including pharmacy department practice rules, guidelines and records, application of rational drug use software, staffing and working arrangement of clinical pharmacists and physicians, patients’ satisfaction toward pharmaceutical care.

Results

A majority of the tertiary hospitals established clinical pharmacist system (84.2%), clinical pharmacist management rules (89%), clinical pharmacists’ working ethics (89%) and applied clinical rational drug use software (93.8%). However, a number of hospitals did not establish a performance evaluation system (37%) and payment rules for pharmaceutical care (81.9%). Most of the clinical pharmacists met the educational background set by the government. Averagely there were 8.3 clinical pharmacists per hospital and 90.7% of the tertiary hospitals had at least five full-time clinical pharmacists. Pharmaceutical care services provided include checking prescriptions, making treatment plans and joining clinical rounds and etc. Both physicians and patients were generally satisfied with pharmaceutical care services provided.

Conclusion

China has made progress in pharmaceutical care provision, but problems such as lack of rules for pharmaceutical care payment and a performance evaluation system, a monotonous variety of pharmaceutical care activities remain unsolved. Policy makers and hospitals directors are suggested to pay more attention to these problems.
The influence of mobile phone-based health reminders on patient adherence to medications and healthy lifestyle recommendations for effective management of diabetes type 2: a randomized control trial in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Yasmin Farzana , Nahar Nazmun , Banu Bilkis , Ali Liaquat , Sauerborn Rainer , Souares Aurélia
Published: June 2020

Background

In 2017, 80% of 425 million adults with diabetes worldwide were living in low and middle-income countries. Diabetes affected 6.9 million adults in Bangladesh and accounted for 3% of the country’s total mortality. Proper management of diabetes is the key to positive health outcomes. This study investigated how mobile phone-based health intervention could increase patient adherence and thereby improve the disease outcomes for diabetes type 2 in Bangladesh.

Methods

A mobile phone-based health project (including mobile phone reminders and 24/7 call center) was implemented in Dhaka District, Bangladesh from January to December 2014. A randomized control trial was carried out, recruiting randomly in intervention and control groups among the patients receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes at the Bangladesh Institute of Health Sciences Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 320 patients from both groups at baseline and 273 at endline were interviewed.

Results

A significant improvement in patient adherence to diet, physical exercise, the cessation of use of tobacco and betel nut, and blood glycaemic control was found in the intervention group, whereas no such significant improvement was found in the control group. Cost and other co-morbidities were found to be the main reasons for non-adherence.

Conclusion

A mobile-health intervention should be considered as an additional option for non-communicable disease programs.
Current practice in analysing and reporting binary outcome data—a review of randomised controlled trial reports
Authors: Rombach Ines , Knight Ruth , Peckham Nicholas , Stokes Jamie R. , Cook Jonathan A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) need to be reported so that their results can be unambiguously and robustly interpreted. Binary outcomes yield unique challenges, as different analytical approaches may produce relative, absolute, or no treatment effects, and results may be particularly sensitive to the assumptions made about missing data. This review of recently published RCTs aimed to identify the methods used to analyse binary primary outcomes, how missing data were handled, and how the results were reported.

Methods

Systematic review of reports of RCTs published in January 2019 that included a binary primary outcome measure. We identified potentially eligible English language papers on PubMed, without restricting by journal or medical research area. Papers reporting the results from individually randomised, parallel-group RCTs were included.

Results

Two hundred reports of RCTs were included in this review. We found that 64% of the 200 reports used a chi-squared-style test as their primary analytical method. Fifty-five per cent (95% confidence interval 48% to 62%) reported at least one treatment effect measure, and 38% presented only a p value without any treatment effect measure. Missing data were not always adequately described and were most commonly handled using available case analysis (69%) in the 140 studies that reported missing data. Imputation and best/worst-case scenarios were used in 21% of studies. Twelve per cent of articles reported an appropriate sensitivity analysis for missing data.

Conclusions

The statistical analysis and reporting of treatment effects in reports of randomised trials with a binary primary endpoint requires substantial improvement. Only around half of the studied reports presented a treatment effect measure, hindering the understanding and dissemination of the findings. We also found that published trials often did not clearly describe missing data or sensitivity analyses for these missing data. Practice for secondary endpoints or observational studies may differ.