bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the growth of children till the age of three years with overweight whose mothers have diabetes mellitus: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Huang Yuan-Der , Luo Yun-Ru , Lee Meng-Chih , Yeh Chih-Jung
Published: July 2021

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy and childhood obesity is increasing worldwide. Factors affecting the growth of children with overweight whose mothers had DM are complicated and inconclusive. Few longitudinal studies have focused on the growth of infants with macrosomia born to mothers with DM and the factors influencing their overweight. This study explored risk factors for childhood overweight/obesity (OWOB) among children of mothers with DM. Perinatal, maternal socio-demographic, infant care, and maternal body weight characteristics as well as child growth until age 3 years were analyzed using a longitudinal design.

Methods

In total, 24,200 pairs of mothers and their children from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study were included. Combined Taiwan Children Growth Curve report classifications were analyzed for infant growth at birth and at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months old (m/o). A multiple logistic regression analysis with different model settings was used to assess factors affecting the growth of high birth weight children of mothers with diabetic mellitus (HODM).

Results

Children in the HODM group had a higher average body weight than did those in the non-DM group at different age stages. Relative to the non-DM group, weight gain in the HODM group was slower before 18 m/o but faster from 18 to 36 m/o, particularly after 24 m/o. Maternal DM was a major risk factor for childhood OWOB (odds ratio [OR]: 3.25–3.95). After adjustment for related confounders, the OR was 2.19–3.17. Maternal overweight or obesity and higher gestational weight gain were greater risk factors for childhood OWOB at 3 years old after adjusted maternal DM and other selected confounders (OR: 1.45 and 1.23, respectively). Breastfeeding until 6 m/o was a protective factor against childhood OWOB (OR: 0.95). The HODM and non-DM groups did not differ significantly in perinatal, maternal socio-demographic, or infant care characteristics.

Conclusions

Maternal DM is a major factor of childhood OWOB. Maternal body weight before and after pregnancy affects childhood OWOB, and this effect increases with the child’s age.
Evaluating the validity and reliability of the Chinese entrapment scale and the relationship to depression among men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China
Authors: Xu Chen , Yu Xiaoyue , Tsamlag Lhakpa , Zhang Shuxian , Chang Ruijie , Wang Huwen , Liu Shangbin , Wang Ying , Cai Yong
Published: July 2021

Background

Perception of entrapment can emerge when someone feels trapped in an aversive situation and incapable of escape. Depression is closely related to the construct of entrapment. In China, men who have sex with men (MSM) have a high prevalence of depression; therefore, a tool to evaluate entrapment in this population is needed. We evaluated the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the entrapment scale (ES) and the relationship to depression among MSM in Shanghai, China.

Methods

We recruited 304 MSM from four districts in Shanghai, China. Participants completed health behavior questionnaires that included baseline information and psychological measurements such as the ES and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The sample was randomly divided into two groups for exploratory factor analysis (n = 143) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 161). Criterion validity was tested to explore the correlation between the ES and PHQ-9 scores. The reliability of the ES was evaluated with internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α coefficient) and split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient). We performed hierarchical regression analysis to determine the variance explained of entrapment to predicting depressive symptoms after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Finally, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was performed to measure the optimal ES cut-off value for predicting depression.

Results

Factor analysis showed the ES had one principal component, and one-dimensional scale had more acceptable model fit indices than two-dimensional model. The correlation coefficient between the ES and PHQ-9 scores was 0.756 (P < 0.01). The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.970 and the Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.976. ES scores significantly predicted an additional 45.1% of depressive symptoms after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics in the MSM population (β = 0.689, P < 0.001). The optimum cut-off value was 23, which had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 85.4%.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the ES has good validity and reliability in the MSM population in Shanghai, and can be used to evaluate perception of entrapment among MSM. The findings confirmed an association between entrapment and depression.
Maternal mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: a preliminary analysis during the first year
Authors: Mendez-Dominguez Nina , Santos-Zaldívar Karen , Gomez-Carro Salvador , Datta-Banik Sudip , Carrillo Genny
Published: July 2021

Background

In Mexico, the COVID-19 pandemic led to preventative measures such as confinement and social interaction limitations that paradoxically may have aggravated healthcare access disparities for pregnant women and accentuated health system weaknesses addressing high-risk patients’ pregnancies. Our objective is to estimate the maternal mortality ratio in 1 year and analyze the clinical course of pregnant women hospitalized due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID-19.

Methods

A retrospective surveillance study of the national maternal mortality was performed from February 2020–February 2021 in Mexico related to COVID-19 cases in pregnant women, including their outcomes. Comparisons were made between patients who died and those who survived to identify prognostic factors and underlying health conditions distribution.

Results

Maternal Mortality Ratio increased by 56.8% in the studied period, confirmed COVID-19 was the cause of 22.93% of cases. Additionally, unconfirmed cases represented 4.5% of all maternal deaths. Among hospitalized pregnant women with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome consistent with COVID-19, smoking and cardiovascular diseases were more common among patients who faced a fatal outcome. They were also more common in the age group of < 19 or > 38. In addition, pneumonia was associated with asthma and immune impairment, while diabetes and increased BMI increased the odds for death (Odds Ratio 2.30 and 1.70, respectively).

Conclusions

Maternal Mortality Ratio in Mexico increased over 60% in 1 year during the pandemic; COVID-19 was linked to 25.4% of maternal deaths in the studied period. Lethality among pregnant women with a diagnosis of COVID-19 was 2.8%, and while asthma and immune impairment increased propensity for developing pneumonia, obesity and diabetes increased the odds for in-hospital death. Measures are needed to improve access to coordinated well-organized healthcare to reduce maternal deaths related to COVID-19 and pandemic collateral effects.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD): assessment, prediction and policy implications
Authors: Rehman Shazia , Rehman Erum , Ikram Muhammad , Jianglin Zhang
Published: July 2021

Background

The study aims to predict and assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) patterns in highly affected countries such as Pakistan, India, China, Kenya, the USA, and Sweden. The data for CVD deaths was gathered from 2005 to 2019.

Methods

We utilized non-homogenous discrete grey model (NDGM) to predict growth of cardiovascular deaths in selected countries. We take this process a step further by utilizing novel Synthetic Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Synthetic Doubling Time (Dt) model to assess how many years it takes to reduce the cardiovascular deaths double in numbers.

Results

The results reveal that the USA and China may lead in terms of raising its number of deaths caused by CVDs till 2027. However, doubling time model suggests that USA may require 2.3 years in reducing the cardiovascular deaths.

Conclusions

This study is significant for the policymakers and health practitioners to ensure the execution of CVD prevention measures to overcome the growing burden of CVD deaths.
Predicting the duration of sickness absence due to knee osteoarthritis: a prognostic model developed in a population-based cohort in Sweden
Authors: Holm Johanna , Frumento Paolo , Almondo Gino , Gémes Katalin , Bottai Matteo , Alexanderson Kristina , Friberg Emilie , Farrants Kristin
Published: July 2021

Background

Predicting the duration of sickness absence (SA) among sickness absent patients is a task many sickness certifying physicians as well as social insurance officers struggle with. Our aim was to develop a prediction model for prognosticating the duration of SA due to knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

A population-based prospective study of SA spells was conducted using comprehensive microdata linked from five Swedish nationwide registers. All 12,098 new SA spells > 14 days due to knee osteoarthritis in 1/1 2010 through 30/6 2012 were included for individuals 18–64 years. The data was split into a development dataset (70 %, nspells =8468) and a validation data set (nspells =3690) for internal validation. Piecewise-constant hazards regression was performed to prognosticate the duration of SA (overall duration and duration > 90, >180, or > 365 days). Possible predictors were selected based on the log-likelihood loss when excluding them from the model.

Results

Of all SA spells, 53 % were > 90 days and 3 % >365 days. Factors included in the final model were age, sex, geographical region, extent of sickness absence, previous sickness absence, history of specialized outpatient healthcare and/or inpatient healthcare, employment status, and educational level. The model was well calibrated. Overall, discrimination was poor (c = 0.53, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.52–0.54). For predicting SA > 90 days, discrimination as measured by AUC was 0.63 (95 % CI 0.61–0.65), for > 180 days, 0.69 (95 % CI 0.65–0.71), and for SA > 365 days, AUC was 0.75 (95 % CI 0.72–0.78).

Conclusion

It was possible to predict patients at risk of long-term SA (> 180 days) with acceptable precision. However, the prediction of duration of SA spells due to knee osteoarthritis has room for improvement.
The effect of different calcium silicate-based pulp capping materials on tooth discoloration: an in vitro study
Authors: Al-Hiyasat Ahmad S. , Ahmad Dana M. , Khader Yousef S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Variation in the composition of calcium silicate-based pulp capping materials could influence the discoloration potential of some of these materials, thus affecting the color and aesthetic appearance of the coronal tooth structure. Furthermore, contact with blood if hemostasis is not fully achieved may enhance this discoloration for some materials. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the color change of coronal tooth structure after placing various calcium silicate-based materials in the pulp chamber in the presence or absence of blood.

Mehtods

Maxillary extracted premolars (n = 144) were sectioned and the crowns were separated from the roots. Pulp chambers were prepared to a standard size and then the tested materials (GMTA Angelus, ProRoot WMTA, Biodentine, TheraCal, and TotalFill) were placed with saline or with blood. Color change was assessed by spectrophotometry; prior to and after material placement at different time intervals of 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Color change (ΔE) values were calculated and statistically analyzed.

Results

In the saline groups, Biodentine caused the least color change, while GMTA and WMTA caused the highest color change which were significantly different from the others (p< 0.001), TotalFill and TheraCal caused moderate changes. Adding blood increased the ΔE overall the tested materials to various degrees. Biodentine was the most affected by the blood, while MTA groups were the least affected, followed by TotalFill and then TheraCal. The increase in ΔE was significant over time up to 3 months, after which the increase was not significant.

Conclusions

Overall, WMTA and GMTA caused the most severe discoloration. In saline, Biodentine caused the least discoloration, but it was the most affected by the presence of blood, although it still caused the least discoloration similar to that observed with TotatFill. TheraCal caused moderate discoloration but more than that caused by Biodentine and TotalFill.
Cost analysis and critical success factors of the use of oxygen concentrators versus cylinders in sub-divisional hospitals in Fiji
Authors: McAllister Susan , Thorn Louise , Boladuadua Sainimere , Gil Mireia , Audas Rick , Edmonds Tim , Rafai Eric , Hill Philip C. , Howie Stephen R. C.
Published: July 2021

Background

Oxygen is vital in the treatment of illnesses in children and adults, yet is lacking in many low and middle-income countries health care settings. Oxygen concentrators (OCs) can increase access to oxygen, compared to conventional oxygen cylinders. We investigated the costs and critical success factors of OCs in three hospitals in Fiji, and extrapolated these to estimate the oxygen delivery cost to all Sub-Divisional hospitals (SDH) nationwide.

Methods

Data sources included key personnel interviews, and data from SDH records, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and a non-governmental organisation. We used Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) to define key issues. An economic case was developed to identify the investment option that optimised value while incorporating critical success factors identified through ILM. A fit-for-purpose analysis was conducted using cost analysis of four short-listed options. Sensitivity analyses were performed by altering variables to show the best or worst case scenario. All costs are presented in Fijian dollars.

Results

Critical success factors identifed included oxygen availability, safety, ease of use, feasibility, and affordability. Compared to the status quo of having only oxygen cylinders, an option of having a minimum number of concentrators with cylinder backup would cost $434,032 (range: $327,940 to $506,920) over 5 years which would be 55% (range: 41 to 64%) of the status quo cost.

Conclusion

Introducing OCs into all SDHs in Fiji would reduce overall costs, while ensuring identified critical success factors are maintained. This study provides evidence for the benefits of OCs in this and similar settings.
Association between antimicrobial usage and resistance in Salmonella from poultry farms in Nigeria
Authors: Jibril Abdurrahman Hassan , Okeke Iruka N. , Dalsgaard Anders , Olsen John Elmerdahl
Published: July 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat affecting treatment outcome in animals and humans. A pre-requisite for development of AMR reduction strategies is knowledge of antimicrobial use patterns, and how these affect resistance development. The aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial usage (AMU) and whether such usage was associated with AMR inSalmonellafrom poultry farms in Northwest Nigeria.

Results

Fifteen (37%) of antimicrobial products observed contained compounds that are of highest priority and critically important for human medicine. Broilers chicken consumed higher (28 ± 14 mg/kg active ingredients) amounts of antimicrobials compared to layers (13 ± 8 mg/kg) per week (p = 0.0009). Surprisingly, chickens raised under backyard system consumed higher amounts of antimicrobials (34 ± 7 mg/kg) than poultry in other systems (p = 0.02). High levels of resistance to tetracycline (58%), sulphonamides (65%), ciprofloxacin (46%) and gentamicin (42%) correlated with high farm level usage of these antimicrobials, and there was a strong correlation (r = 0.9) between farm usage and resistance of isolates to the same antimicrobials (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

High AMU, including use of highest priority critically important antimicrobials was observed at poultry farms in Northwest Nigeria. AMU correlated with high levels of resistance. Communication of prudent use of antimicrobials to farmers and regulation to obtain reduction in AMU should be a priority.
Self-expanding metal stent insertion by colorectal surgeons using a two-person approach colonoscopy without fluoroscopic monitoring in the management of acute colorectal obstruction: a 14-year experience
Authors: Yan Fei-hu , Zhang Yao , Bian Cheng-ling , Liu Xiao-shuang , Chen Bing-chen , Wang Zhen , Wang Hao , Ji-fu E. , Yu En-da
Published: July 2021

Background

Placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) in patients presenting with an acute colorectal obstruction (ACO) may obviate emergency surgery (ES), potentially effectively palliating incurable tumors, acting as a bridge to surgery (BTS) in patients with operable or potentially operable tumors and achieving effective decompression of other ACO. We present our experience with SEMS insertion by colorectal surgeons without fluoroscopic monitoring for ACO especially for acute malignant colorectal obstruction (AMCO) for nearly a 14-year period (2007–2020).

Aim

To explore the safety and effectiveness of SEMS insertion in the management of ACO by colorectal surgeons using a two-person approach colonoscopy without fluoroscopic monitoring.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients retrospectively to identify all patients presenting to our unit with ACO especially with AMCO who had stenting carried out to achieve colonic decompression. All 434 procedures were performed by colorectal surgeons using a two-person approach colonoscopy without fluoroscopic monitoring.

Results

The overall technique success rate and clinic success rate by SEMS insertion were 428/434 (98.6%) and 412/434 (94.9%). The overall incidence of complications by SEMS insertion was 19/434 (4.4%). The complications included clinical perforation (6/434, 1.4%); stent migration (2/434, 0.5%), 1 of which re-stent; stent detachment (fell off) (3/434, 0.7%), none of them with re-stent; stool impaction (6/434, 1.4%), 1 of which re-stent; and abdominal or anal pain (2/434, 0.5%). There was no hemorrhage in any of the 434 patients.

Conclusions

SEMS insertion is a relatively safe and effective technique for colonic decompression in dealing with ACO as either a BTS or as a palliative measure. It is also a solution to other causes of ACO such as recurrent tumor, benign diseases, or extra-luminal compression. Therefore, ES was largely avoided.
Abnormally increased DNA methylation in chorionic tissue might play an important role in development of ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Cai Wen , Yang Liu , Zhang Ruiqing , Yang Yixia , Li Shuangdi , Zhang Jiarong
Published: July 2021

Background

Human Ectopic Pregnancy (hEP) is the second most common cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the first trimester. Without timely detection, EPs can lead to an increased rate of infertility and an elevated risk for future tubal EPs. In addition, most studies in the field focus on the effect of the fallopian tube (maternal factors) and ignore epigenetic changes in genes and proteins of the embryo, which may also cause EPs. Therefore, the present study hypothesized that embryos also play an important role in the development of EP. The study also speculated that DNA methylation is associated with ectopic pregnancy. Consequently, the effects of DNA methylation on the occurrence and development of ectopic pregnancy were investigated. Moreover, genome-wide DNA methylation of chorionic tissue from ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies was detected using Illumina HumanMethylation450 arrays.

Results

Forty-three hypermethylated genes involved in the regulation of adhesion as well as gene transcription and translation were identified. Furthermore, the PPI network showed that AMOTL1, SDR42E1, CAMTA1, PIP5K1C, KIAA1614, TSTD1 and DNER may play important roles in the occurrence and development of ectopic pregnancy. In addition, SDR42E1, CAMTA1 and TSTD1 displayed higher levels of methylation in ectopic pregnancy while PIP5K1C and DNER showed low degrees of methylation.

Conclusions

The study reveals that abnormal increase in methylation may be an early indicator or an inducer of ectopic pregnancy. In addition, AMOTL1, SDR42E1, CAMTA1, PIP5K1C, KIAA1614, TSTD1 and DNER might play important roles in the occurrence and development of ectopic pregnancy. However, the specific molecular mechanisms are still unclear and require further studies.
Assessing the performance of health technology assessment (HTA) agencies: developing a multi-country, multi-stakeholder, and multi-dimensional framework to explore mechanisms of impact
Authors: Millar Robyn , Morton Alec , Bufali Maria Vittoria , Engels Sven , Dabak Saudamini Vishwanath , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Chalkidou Kalipso , Teerawattananon Yot
Published: July 2021

Background

Health technology assessment (HTA) agencies have an important role to play in managing the rising demands on health systems. However, creating and running such agencies potentially diverts resources from frontline services. A large number of studies address the question of ‘what is the impact of HTA?’. Several points of heterogeneity in this literature include: purpose of the study, definition of HTA, definition of impact, and scope and rigour of evaluations. Our study seeks to address several limitations in this literature. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of impact of an HTA agency. In doing so, we consider HTA as an institution rather than a knowledge product to build an impact evaluation framework from an international, multi-stakeholder and multi-dimensional perspective.

Methods

We conducted 9 key informant interviews with experts from the international HTA community. We addressed several questions, informed by existing frameworks of impact within the literature, to understand their perspectives on the mechanisms of impact of an HTA agency. We analyse data using logic modelling and impact mapping, as tools to understand and visualise mechanisms of change.

Findings

Our impact mapping highlights several distinct, but not necessarily mutually exclusive, mechanisms through which the overall impact of an HTA agency is achieved. These are: the effective conduct of HTA studies; effective use of HTA in agenda-setting and policy formulation processes; effective engagement and external communications; good institutional reputation and fit within the healthcare and policy-making system; effective use of HTA as a tool for the negotiation of health technology prices; and the effective implementation of policy change regarding health technologies. We also identify indicators of these effects.

Conclusions

Our findings and resulting evaluation framework complement and add to existing literature by offering a new perspective on the mechanisms by which HTA agencies generate impact. This new perspective considers HTA as an institution rather than a knowledge product, is international, multi-dimensional, and includes multi-stakeholder views. We hope the analysis will be useful to countries interested in managing HTA performance.
Identification of key molecular biomarkers involved in reactive and neurodegenerative processes present in inherited congenital hydrocephalus
Authors: Ojeda-Pérez Betsaida , Campos-Sandoval José A. , García-Bonilla María , Cárdenas-García Casimiro , Páez-González Patricia , Jiménez Antonio J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Periventricular extracellular oedema, myelin damage, inflammation, and glial reactions are common neuropathological events that occur in the brain in congenital hydrocephalus. The periventricular white matter is the most affected region. The present study aimed to identify altered molecular and cellular biomarkers in the neocortex that can function as potential therapeutic targets to both treat and evaluate recovery from these neurodegenerative conditions. The hyh mouse model of hereditary hydrocephalus was used for this purpose.

Methods

The hyh mouse model of hereditary hydrocephalus (hydrocephalus with hop gait) and control littermates without hydrocephalus were used in the present work. In tissue sections, the ionic content was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM). For the lipid analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) was performed in frozen sections. The expression of proteins in the cerebral white matter was analysed by mass spectrometry. The oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) were studied with immunofluorescence in cerebral sections and whole-mount preparations of the ventricle walls.

Results

High sodium and chloride concentrations were found indicating oedema conditions in both the periventricular white matter and extending towards the grey matter. Lipid analysis revealed lower levels of two phosphatidylinositol molecular species in the grey matter, indicating that neural functions were altered in the hydrocephalic mice. In addition, the expression of proteins in the cerebral white matter revealed evident deregulation of the processes of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Because of the changes in oligodendrocyte differentiation in the white matter, OPCs were also studied. In hydrocephalic mice, OPCs were found to be reactive, overexpressing the NG2 antigen but not giving rise to an increase in mature oligodendrocytes. The higher levels of the NG2 antigen, diacylglycerophosphoserine and possibly transthyretin in the cerebrum of hydrocephalic hyh mice could indicate cell reactions that may have been triggered by inflammation, neurocytotoxic conditions, and ischaemia.

Conclusion

Our results identify possible biomarkers of hydrocephalus in the cerebral grey and white matter. In the white matter, OPCs could be reacting to acquire a neuroprotective role or as a delay in the oligodendrocyte maturation.
The combination of UHPLC-HRMS and molecular networking improving discovery efficiency of chemical components in Chinese Classical Formula
Authors: Xue Xiaoxia , Jiao Qishu , Jin Runa , Wang Xueyuan , Li Pengyue , Shi Shougang , Huang Zhengjun , Dai Yuntao , Chen Shilin
Published: July 2021

Background

It is essential to identify the chemical components for the quality control methods establishment of Chinese Classical Formula (CCF). However, CCF are complex mixture of several herbal medicines with huge number of different compounds and they are not equal to the combination of chemical components from each herb due to particular formula ratio and preparation techniques. Therefore, it is time-consuming to identify compounds in a CCF by analyzing the LC–MS/MS data one by one, especially for unknown components.

Methods

An ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS) approach was developed to comprehensively profile and characterize multi-components in CCF with Erdong decoction composed of eight herbal medicines as an example. Then the MS data of Erdong decoction was analyzed by MS/MS-based molecular networking and these compounds with similar structures were connected to each other into a cluster in the network map. Then the unknown compounds connected to known compounds in a cluster of the network map were identified due to their similar structures.

Results

Based on the clusters of the molecular networking, 113 compounds were rapidly tentative identification from Erdong decoction for the first time in the negative mode, which including steroidal saponins, triterpenoid saponins, flavonoid O-glycosides and flavonoid C-glycosides. In addition, 10 alkaloids were tentatively identified in the positive mode from Nelumbinis folium by comparison with literatures.

Conclusion

MS/MS-based molecular networking technique is very useful for the rapid identification of components in CCF. In Erdong decoction, this method was very suitable for the identification of major steroidal saponins, triterpenoid saponins, and flavonoid C-glycosides.
Bio-inspired silver selenide nano-chalcogens using aqueous extract of Melilotus officinalis with biological activities
Authors: Mirzaei Seyedeh Zahra , Lashgarian Hamed Esmaeil , Karkhane Maryam , Shahzamani Kiana , Alhameedawi Alaa Kamil , Marzban Abdolrazagh
Published: July 2021

For the first time, an aqueous extract of Melilotus officinalis was used to synthesize bimetallic silver selenide chalcogenide nanostructures (Ag2Se-NCs). The formation of NCs was confirmed and characterized by UV–visible and FTIR spectroscopy, SEM and TEM imaging, XRD and EDX crystallography, zeta potential (ZP) and size distribution (DLS). The bioactivities of biosynthesized Ag2Se-NCs, such as antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant and cytotoxicity potentials, were then examined. Bio-based Ag2Se-NCs were successfully synthesized with mostly spherical shape in the size range of 20–40 nm. Additionally, the MIC and MBC values of Ag2Se-NCs against β-lactam-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) were 3.12 and 50 µg/ml, respectively. The DPPH scavenging potential of Ag2Se-NCs in terms of IC50 was estimated to be 58.52. Green-synthesized Ag2Se-NCs have been shown to have promising benefits and could be used for biomedical applications. Although the findings indicate promising bioactivity of Ag2Se-NCs synthesized by M. officinalis extract (MO), more studies are required to clarify the comprehensive mechanistic biological activities.
C:N:P stoichiometry as an indicator of Histosol drainage in lowland and mountain forest ecosystems
Authors: Lasota Jarosław , Błońska Ewa
Published: July 2021

Background

Peatlands form one of the largest carbon pools in the terrestrial ecosystems, representing approximately one-third of the world’s soil carbon. The aim of this study was to evaluate C:N:P stoichiometry as an indicator of changes initialized by dehydration in Histosols of varied origins. Four types of Histosols from lowland and mountain areas were investigated: fibric Histosols, hemic Histosols, sapric Histosols and Histosols drainic.

Results

We established the concentration and stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous in the Histosols, and found marked differences in C:N:P stoichiometry between the different types – especially the dehydrated samples. The mean C:N:P ratio of dehydrated soil was narrower than the C:N:P ratio of soil under the influence of water, which demonstrates that dehydrating Histosols leads to a narrower C:N:P stoichiometry. This is directly related to the intensification of the organic matter mineralisation process and the resulting loss of organic carbon. We recorded a 50 % lower carbon stock in the case of Histosols drainic compared to the other types of Histosols.

Conclusions

The narrower C:N:P stoichiometry in Histosols drainic is the result of an decrease in the ratio of N and P to the C content. Thus, this study demonstrates that C:N:P stoichiometry is a useful indicator of the changes that occur in Histosols as a result of dehydration.
A 3D forward-modeling approach for airborne electromagnetic data using a modified spectral-element method
Authors: Huang Xin , Farquharson Colin G. , Yin Changchun , Yan Liangjun , Cao Xiaoyue , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2021

The spectral-element (SE) method, which is based on the Galerkin technique, has been gradually implemented in geophysical electromagnetic (EM) 3D simulation. The accuracy and efficiency of this approach, implemented for deformed hexahedral and regular meshes, has been verified for airborne EM forward modeling. One advantage of the SE method over the conventional finite-element method is that it provides accurate results for earth models that can be adequately parameterized using a coarse mesh. However, realistic models can contain important small-scale conductivity variations or larger features with complicated boundaries. To overcome the limitations imposed by using the same mesh to parameterize the model and for implementing the forward-modeling approach, we have developed an adaptation of the conventional SE method. This is inspired by the ideas behind the element-free Galerkin (EFG) method, in which the conductivity is no longer assumed to be constant within a cell; instead, it is handled via the same kind of numerical integration as in the EFG method. This allows a coarse, regular hexahedral mesh to be used for the forward modeling for complex earth models. After presenting the theory for this new SE approach, we test it for airborne EM modeling of 1D and 3D models to verify its flexibility and accuracy. Finally, we model the Ovoid Zone massive sulfide ore body located at Voisey’s Bay, Labrador, Canada, to illustrate the flexibility and practicality of our approach.
Fluid discrimination using detrended seismic impedance
Authors: Refunjol Xavier E. , Wallet Bradley C. , Castagna John P.
Published: July 2021

Compaction effects can obscure the impedance separation between hydrocarbon-bearing and fully brine-saturated sandstones. We have improved their discrimination by removing depth-related trends from inverted seismic impedance. Although the ratio of compressional- to shear-wave velocity versus seismic compressional-wave impedance crossplots shows differences among pay, brine sand, and shale trends, using absolute inverted impedances only imperfectly distinguishes hydrocarbon sands from brine sands due to outliers. In a given locality, statistical comparison of well log and seismic-derived impedances enables us to obtain a shale impedance model for a lithology baseline to detrend the impedance from the effects of burial and overburden. This has the effect of unmasking anomalies associated with hydrocarbon-bearing sands and serves as a reliable fluid discriminator. For an offshore Gulf of Mexico data set on the flank of a salt dome, with pay occurring over a wide range of depths, we identify hydrocarbon-bearing sands with a greater success rate after detrending the absolute seismic impedance.
Development and validation of the Maudsley Modified Patient Health Questionnaire (MM-PHQ-9)
Authors: Harrison Phillippa , Walton Syndi , Fennema Diede , Duan Suqian , Jaeckle Tanja , Goldsmith Kimberley , Carr Ewan , Ashworth Mark , Young Allan. H. , Zahn Roland
Published: July 2021

Background

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used measure of depression in primary care. It was, however, originally designed as a diagnostic screening tool, and not for measuring change in response to antidepressant treatment. Although the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology (QIDS-SR-16) has been extensively validated for outcome measurement, it is poorly adopted in UK primary care, and, although free for clinicians, has licensing restrictions for healthcare organisation use.

Aims

We aimed to develop a modified version of the PHQ-9, the Maudsley Modified PHQ-9 (MM-PHQ-9), for tracking symptom changes in primary care. We tested the measure's validity, reliability and factor structure.

Method

A sample of 121 participants was recruited across three studies, and comprised 78 participants with major depressive disorder and 43 controls. MM-PHQ-9 scores were compared with the QIDS-SR-16 and Clinical Global Impressions improvement scale, for concurrent validity. Internal consistency of the scale was assessed, and principal component analysis was conducted to determine the items’ factor structure.

Results

The MM-PHQ-9 demonstrated good concurrent validity with the QIDS-SR-16, and excellent internal consistency. Sensitivity to change over a 14-week period was d = 0.41 compared with d = 0.61 on the QIDS-SR-16. Concurrent validity between the paper and mobile app versions of the MM-PHQ-9 was r = 0.67.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the MM-PHQ-9 is a valid and reliable measure of depressive symptoms in paper and mobile app format, although further validation is required. The measure was sensitive to change, demonstrating suitability for use in routine outcome assessment.
Can we find the missing men in clinics? Clinic attendance by sex and HIV status in rural South Africa
Authors: Randera-Rees Safiyya , Clarence Safari Wende , Gareta Dickman , Herbst Kobus , Baisley Kathy , Grant Alison D.
Published: July 2021

Background: HIV-negative men are over-represented in tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys including the first South African national TB prevalence survey in 2018. Traditionally, TB screening is focused in clinics. We aimed to determine the frequency of primary healthcare clinic (PHC) attendance among HIV-negative men in a TB-prevalent setting.

Methods: Since January 2017, PHC attendees in a rural South African demographic surveillance area (DSA) were asked their reason for attendance. HIV status was defined as positive if tested positive in a DSA sero-survey or attended clinic for HIV care; negative if tested negative between January 2014—December 2017 and no HIV-related visits; and HIV-unknown otherwise.

Results: Among 67124 DSA residents (≥15 years), 27038 (40.3%) were men; 14196 (21.2%) were classified HIV-positive, 18892 (28.1%) HIV-negative and 34036 (50.7%) HIV-unknown. Between April 2017 and March 2018, 24382/67124 (36.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 36.0–36.7) adults made ≥1 PHC visit, comprising 9805/40086 (24.5%, 95%CI 23.6–25.3) of HIV-negative or unknown women and 3440/27038 (12.7%, 95%CI 11.6–13.8) of HIV-negative or unknown men. Overall, HIV care accounted for 37556/88109 (42.6%) of adult PHC visits.

Conclusion: In this rural population, HIV-negative and -unknown men rarely attend PHCs. Improving TB screening in clinics may not reach a key population with respect to undiagnosed TB. Additional strategies are needed to diagnose and treat TB earlier.
Facilitators and	barriers to competence development among students and newly qualified nurses, midwives and medical doctors: a global perspective
Authors: Goshomi Unice , Bedwell Carol , Mudokwenyu-Rawdon Christina , Campbell Malcolm , Lavender Dame Tina
Published: July 2021

Background

The availability of a skilled health professional (nurse, midwife or doctor) who has been trained and is fit for practice to provide maternity care is fundamental in scaling down and ending preventable maternal and child deaths. Knowing the determinants of the development of ideal skills for effective practice ensures that women and their babies receive quality maternity care services from skilled birth attendants who are fit for practice. This study aimed to find and build on the existing evidence addressing aspects linked to competence and confidence development during training among students, newly qualified nurses, doctors and midwives from a global perspective.

Methods

A literature review was undertaken, using the ‘SPIDER’ search strategy to identify relevant papers from multiple databases. Studies were included if they were written in English and related to midwives, nurses and medical doctors when they were students, newly qualified professionals or after they had been working for 3-4 months. Opinion or non-empirical papers, editorials, conference papers and empirical articles with abstracts were excluded. Search words were used to identify papers that examined competence and confidence development while training these health professionals. A total of 2281 papers were identified, from countries in Europe, Australia, Asia, America and Africa. Overall, 62 papers were analysed.

Results

One core category, ‘learning environment’, emerged, with two overarching subcategories, ‘internal environment’ and ‘external environment’ when examining facilitators and barriers to competence and confidence development.

Conclusions

Facilitators and barriers to competence and confidence development are centred on the learning and practice environment. These are difficult to separate, as they are driven by either the student's or the newly qualified professional's experience with the learning and practice environment. This highlights the need for diversity and open mindedness among mentors and administrators in manipulating the environment to the benefit of either the student or the newly qualified professional so that mothers and their babies receive quality care.
Adherence to antenatal care among rural pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Abazie Ogechi Helen , Okanlawon Funmilayo A , Ndikom Chizoma M
Published: July 2021

Background

The benefits of early and frequent antenatal care visits include early prevention, detection, treatment of potential pregnancy complications and the reduction of maternal mortality related to these complications. Despite these benefits being explained to them, the majority of pregnant women in developing countries, including Nigeria, do not adhere to antenatal care, as they do not attend the recommended number of antenatal care appointments. Previous research has shown that urban women (84%) are more likely than rural women (56%) to receive antenatal care from a skilled provider. This study examined adherence to antenatal care among rural pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using multistage sampling to select 600 pregnant women from rural areas of Lagos. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect participants' sociodemographic data, knowledge of antenatal care, and adherence to antenatal care. Data were analysed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square tests were used to assess the association between adherence to antenatal care and knowledge about antenatal care, and logistic regression was used to test the association between participants' characteristics and adherence to antenatal care, with P<0.05 being considered significant.

Results

Participants were between 15 and 49 years old and 96.2% were married. The majority of participants had poor knowledge of antenatal care (57.1%), and low adherence to antenatal care (71.7%). However, 73.9% had the overall perception that there were benefits to attending antenatal care. No significant relationship was found between participants' knowledge of and adherence to antenatal care (P=0.32). Occupation was significantly associated with adherence to antenatal care (P=0.03). The majority (54.4%) indicated that perceived barriers are the major cause of non-adherence to antenatal care.

Conclusions

Addressing perceived barriers to antenatal care attendance should increase adherence to antenatal care, especially in rural areas of Lagos.
Getting regulation right
Authors: Heeley Laura
Published: July 2021

In a constantly evolving health and social care setting, can the Care Quality Commission—which has been accused of being overly bureaucratic and unresponsive—keep up? Laura Heeley explores this question.
FTIR Spectroscopic Studies on the Binary Solutions of 1 – Propanol with Xylene Isomers
Authors: Naganandhini S.P. , Sangeetha T. , Arivazhagan G.
Published: July 2021

FTIR spectroscopic study is performed in 4000 – 400cm−1wavenumber rangeon pure Propanol(PRO), pure o-xylene (OXY), pure m-xylene(MXY), pure p-xylene(PXY) and their binary solutions (SS1 = 0.2 PRO + 0.8 OXY/MXY/PXY, SS2 =0.4+0.6 , SS3 = 0.6 + 0.4 and SS4 = 0.8 + 0.2)at various mole fractions. It was observed that neat propanol liquid appearsto be multimer especially as cyclic tetramer and involve in classical and non-classical hydrogen bond interactions with the three xylene isomers in all the binary solutions.
Thermo Acoustic Parameters of Tetrabutylammonium Borate and Perchlorate in Non-Aqueous Solvents
Authors: Kaur Manpreet
Published: July 2021

Interactions of electrolytes in a binary mixture can be determined by various techniques. Ultrasonic velocity measurements prove to be one of the important tools for measuring various acoustic properties at variable temperature. Thermo acoustic parameters like Isentropic compressibility (κs),Acoustic impedance (Z), Free volume (Vf), Absorption coefficient (Abscoeff), Intermolecular free length (Lf), Gibb’s free energy (ΔG), Relaxation time (τ), Rao’s constant (Rm), Internal pressure (πi), Wada’s constant (w), and Entropy (H) for Tetrabutylammonium tetraphenylborate (Bu4NBPh4) and Tetrabuty lammonium perchlorate (Bu4NClO4) was calculated using experimental ultrasonic velocities, viscosities and densities at three different temperatures (298K, 308 K and 318K) and 1 atmospheric pressure in non-aqueous solvents like Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), Pyridine (Py) and their binary mixtures at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mol% of Py at variable temperatures ranging from 298K to 318K. Both Bu4NBPh4, Bu4NClO4, showed an increase in the ultrasonic velocity values at all the temperatures. This shows that molecular interactions are taking place in both the electrolytes. These increases in the molecular interactions with increase in the concentration of electrolytes in the solvent mixture were discussed in terms of solvent structural effects. And results showed the greater molecular interaction in DMSO rich regions.
Antibacterial Activity of Environmentally Sustainable Polyurethane Based Composites from Castor Oil
Authors: Jeba D. , Sheeja K. R.
Published: July 2021

In this present work, soft and hard antibacterial polyurethane sheets of different composition have been synthesized from castor oil based polyurethane and which was reinforced with natural and synthetic fibres such as jute, sisal, hemp and glass. The activity of polyurethane sheets and selected antibiotics was evaluated against four bacterial pathogens including Staphylococcusaureus, Streptococcus mutans, E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosausing modified disc diffusion method. Among the ten samples, hard polyurethanes displayed potential activity against bacterial pathogens E.coli and Streptococcus mutans. Polyurethane sheets showed the highest activity against E.coli which is comparable with zone of inhibition exhibited by streptomycin. Further studies are needed to improve the polyurethane sheets for medical applications.
Composite achromatic quartz wave plate with adjustable retardation and temperature insensitivity
Authors: Ou Mingyu , Liu Yan , Tang Jiale , Deng Rui , Guo Pan , Lan Lanling
Published: July 2021

In order to obtain a composite achromatic wave plate with adjustable retardation, temperature insensitivity, and achromatic bandwidth of 500 nm, a five-element composite achromatic quartz wave plate is designed based on particle swarm optimization. The total phase retardation can be adjusted by rotating the azimuth angle of the central wave plate. The results show that the total phase retardation is adjustable with the range of 90°–180° when the range of temperature and the achromatic wavelength is

−

20
−
80

∘

C

and 750–1250 nm, respectively. The absolute value of the relative deviation of the maximum phase retardation is less than 3.6%, which meets the design requirements of the wave plate. The temperature insensitivity of the five-element wave plate is better than the three- and four-element wave plates. This method is of great reference value for designing this kind of composite achromatic wave plate.
Highly sensitive surface-plasmon-resonance- based fiber optic breast cancer detection by shining a Bessel–Gauss beam: a wave-theory-based approach
Authors: Saha Bijaya , Goswami Nabamita , Saha Ardhendu
Published: July 2021

With experimental validation, an analytical exploration of a surface-plasmon-resonance- and evanescent-wave-based fiber optic biosensor, using Bessel–Gauss beams for early detection of breast cancer, is proposed and designed here. The observed sensitivity is 0.58 nm/ng/mL and 11,928.25 dB/RIU with a resolution of

8.38

×

10

−
7

, which is 10 times better than the reported ray-theory-based articles reported to date using a Gaussian beam. To analyze more effectively the higher-order modes and to achieve more similarity between the analytical and experimental solutions, the wave-theory-based approach is adopted here. With this approach, for the first time to our knowledge using a Bessel–Gauss beam, higher sensitivity is achieved for fiber optic breast cancer detection. The enhanced sensitivity at lower concentrations of the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 biomarker has conceptualized the idea of early detection of breast cancer by optically quantifying the earlier stage of cancer.