bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Needs Assessment of Community Health Workers to enhance efficient delivery of their services for Community Case Management of Malaria in Kenya
Authors: Boakye Michelle D. S. , Owek Collins J. , Oluoch Elizabeth , Atakora Sefa Bonsu , Wachira Juddy , Afrane Yaw A.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMalaria continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Community Case Management of malaria (CCMm) through engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) to effectively address management of malaria cases in some endemic communities was explored in this study. We assessed the needs of CHWs that would help sustain and retain their services to enhance the efficient delivery of CCMm. MethodsData on the needs of CHWs was gathered through a qualitative study consisting of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted among study participants in five districts in western Kenya using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study participants comprised of 100 CHWs, 100 mothers of children under five years and 25 key informants made up of public health officers and clinicians involved in the CCMm. The interviews were conducted in English and Swahili or Dholuo, the local language. The recorded audio interviews were transcribed later. The analysis was done using NVivo version 7 software and transcripts were coded after which themes related to the objectives of the study were identified.ResultsAll the study participants recognized the need to train and update CHWs on their work as well as remunerating them for their services to enhance efficient delivery of services. The CHWs on their part perceived the provision of gloves, RDTs, lancets, cotton wool and ethanol, bins (to dispose of RDTs and lancets), together with drugs for treating clients as their essential needs to undertake CCMm in the communities. Other logistical needs and incentives mentioned by CHWs and key informants for the successful delivery of CCMm included: gumboots, raincoats, torch lights, mobile phones, means of transportation (bicycles and motorbikes), uniforms and ID cards for identification. ConclusionCHWs would perform tasks better and their services retained for a sustainable CCMm if properly incentivized, offered refresher trainings (and updates) on malaria and equipped with the requisite tools identified in this study.
Effectiveness of Community-Based Interventions for Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Study Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Soo-Yeon , Kim Ah Rim
Published: January 2021

Background: Schizophrenia requires a community-based intervention approach combined with standard treatment to prevent relapses. A literature review is required to understand the effectiveness of community-based interventions and to enhance quality in countries where they have not been fully established. This is a protocol for a systematic review of the effectiveness of community-based interventions for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: Studies on community-based interventions for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders that were published any time until January 2021 will be searched on six databases, using the primary words: “schizophrenia” and “community mental health services.” The comparison groups will include patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are only receiving the usual care and those who also receive community-based interventions. The schizophrenia spectrum disorders referred to in this study are defined according to the DSM-5; delusional disorders, schizophrenic disorders, and schizoaffective disorder will be included. Relapse/re-hospitalization rates (primary outcome) and quality of life (secondary outcome) will be identified for each group. The study design will consider only randomized controlled trials (RCT). To assess bias, RCT will be analyzed via the Cochrane RoB 2.0. Results will be descriptively synthesized and statistically analyzed, and will be structured according to patients’ characteristics, intervention type and exposure, and outcome type. Discrete variables will be calculated via odds ratio, and continuous variables will be calculated via standardized mean difference using RevMan 5.3 software. Discussion: We will provide a summary of the available evidence on the effectiveness of community-based interventions and specific guidelines to improve their outcomes. Systematic review registration: The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO database; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019145660.
Bilateral Posterior Quadratus Lumborum Block for Pain Relief after Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pangthipampai Pawinee , Dejarkom Sukanya , Poolsuppasit Suppachai , Luansritisakul Choopong Luansritisakul , Tangchittam Suwida
Published: January 2021

Background: Achieving optimal analgesia with few side effects is the goal of pain management after cesarean delivery. Intrathecal (IT) morphine is the current standard but ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) may offer superior pain control with fewer side effects. This study compared the pain-free period after cesarean delivery among parturients who received spinal block with IT morphine, with IT morphine and bilateral QLB, or only bilateral QLB.Methods: Parturients having elective cesarean delivery under spinal block were randomized and allocated into IT morphine 0.2 mg with sham QLB (Group IT), IT morphine 0.2 mg and bilateral QLB with 0.25% bupivacaine 25 ml in each side (Group IT+QLB), or bilateral QLB with 0.25% bupivacaine 25 ml in each side (Group QLB). A PCA pump was connected after completion of the QLB or sham block. The first time to PCA morphine requirement was recorded and compared.Results: Eighty parturients were included. Analysis of Group QLB was terminated early because at the second interim analysis, median pain-free period is significantly shorter in Group QLB [hours (95%CI): 2.50 (1.04-3.96) in Group IT vs. 7.75 (5.67-9.83) in IT+QLB vs. 1.75 (0.75-2.75) in QLB (p<0.001)]. The median (min, max) amount of morphine required during 24 hours was 5.5 (0-25) in Group IT vs. 5.0 (0-36) in IT+QLB vs. 17.5 (1-40) mg in Group QLB (p<0.001). In the final analysis the median pain-free period was 2.50 (1.23-3.77) hours (95%CI) in Group IT (n=27) vs. 8.02 (5.96-10.07) in IT+QLB (n=28). (p=0.027).Conclusion: US-QLB used in conjunction with IT morphine yielded a statistically significant longer median pain-free period compared with standard IT morphine alone. However, QLB alone provided inferior pain control compared with standard IT morphine. When combined with IT morphine, QLB can provide additional analgesic benefit as a part of multimodal analgesic regimen, especially during the early postoperative period.
Pharmacy Stakeholder Reports on Ethical and Logistical Considerations in Anti-Opioid Vaccine Development
Authors: Wartenweiler Vincent M , Chung Grace S , Stuart Amy , Wenthur Cody
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: As opioid use disorder (OUD) incidence and its associated deaths continue to persist at elevated rates, the development of novel treatment modalities is warranted. Recent strides in this therapeutic area include novel anti-opioid vaccine approaches. This work compares logistical and ethical considerations surrounding currently available interventions for opioid use disorder with an anti-opioid vaccine approach. METHODS: The opinions of student pharmacists and practicing pharmacists assessing knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward current and future OUD management strategies were characterized using a staged, multi-modal research approach incorporating a focus group, pilot survey development and refinement, and final survey deployment. Survey responses were assessed using one- and two-way parametric and non-parametric analyses where appropriate, and multi-dimensional matrix profiles were compared using z-tests following an exhaustive combinatorial sum of differences calculation between items within each compared matrix.RESULTS: Focus group content analysis revealed a high level of agreeableness among participants regarding anti-opioid vaccine technology and a sense of shared ownership regarding solutions to the opioid epidemic at large. Pilot survey results demonstrated subject ability to consider both pragmatic and ethical considerations related to current therapeutics and novel interventions in a single instrument, with high endurance amongst engaged subjects. Access inequality was the most concerning ethical consideration identified for anti-opioid vaccines. Support for anti-opioid vaccine implementation across various clinical scenarios was strongest for voluntary use amongst individuals in recovery, and lowest for mandatory use in at-risk individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Ethical and logistical concerns surrounding anti-opioid vaccines were largely similar to those for current OUD therapeutics overall. Anti-opioid vaccines were endorsed as helpful potential additions to current OUD therapeutic approaches, particularly for voluntary use in the later stages of clinical progression.
Differentiation in the genetic basis of stem trichome development between cultivated tetraploid cotton species
Authors: Yuan Rong , Cao Yuefen , Li Tengyu , Yang Feng , Yu Li , Qin Yuan , Du Xiongming , Liu Fang , Ding Mingquan , Jiang Yurong , Zhang Hua , Paterson Andrew H. , Rong Junkang
Published: January 2021

Background: Cotton stem trichomes and seed fibers are each single celled structures formed by protrusions of epidermal cells, and were found sharing the overlapping molecular mechanism. Compared with fibers, cotton stem trichomes are more easily observed, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their development are still poorly understood.Results: In this study, Gossypium hirsutum ( Gh ) and G. barbadense ( Gb ) were found to differ greatly in percentages of varieties/accessions with glabrous stems and in trichome density, length, and number per trichopore. Gh varieties normally had long singular and clustered trichomes, while Gb varieties had short clustered trichomes. Genetic mapping using five F2 populations from crosses between glabrous varieties and those with different types of stem trichomes revealed that much variation among stem trichome phenotypes could be accounted for by different combinations of genes/alleles on Chr. 06 and Chr. 24. The twenty six F1 generations from crosses between varieties with different types of trichomes had varied phenotypes, further suggesting that the trichomes of tetraploid cotton were controlled by different genes/alleles. Compared to modern varieties, a greater proportion of Gh wild accessions were glabrous or had shorter and denser trichomes; whereas a smaller proportion of Gb primitive accessions had glabrous stems. A close correlation between fuzz fiber number and stem trichome density was observed in both Gh and Gb primitive accessions and modern varieties. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we hypothesize that stem trichomes evolved in parallel with seed fibers during the domestication of cultivated tetraploid cotton. In addition, the current results illustrated that stem trichome can be used as a morphological index of fiber quality in cotton conventional breeding.
Characteristics and prognostic factors of COVID-19 among infected cases: A nationwide Tunisian analysis
Authors: Harizi Chahida , Cherif Ines , Najar Nourhene , Osman Molka , Mallekh Rym , Ayed Oumaima Ben , Ayedi Yosr , Dhaouadi Sonia , Hchaichi Aicha , Safer Mouna , Letaief Hejer , Bouaziz Ilhem , Derouiche Sondes , Gharbi Donia , Bouabid Leila , Bougatef Souha , Salah Hamida Ben , Fakhfakh Radhouane , Abid Salma , Boubaker Ilhem Boutiba Ben , Chahed Mohamed Kouni , Ben-Alaya Nissaf Bouafif
Published: January 2021

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to constitute an international public health concern. Few data are available on the duration and prognostic factors of the disease. We aimed to study the recovery time among a Tunisian cohort of COVID-19 confirmed patients and identify the prognostic factors.Methods: A retrospective, nationwide study was conducted from March 2 to May 8, 2020, recruiting all patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19, by RT-PCR methods, in Tunisia. Data were collected via phone call interview. Kaplan-Meir Methods and Cox proportional hazards regression models were, respectively, used to study the recovery time and estimate its prognostic factors.Results: One thousand and thirty patients with COVID-19 (aged 43.2 ± 18.2 years, 526 female (51.1%)) were enrolled. Among them 141 (14.8%) were healthcare professionals. Out of 173 patients (17.8%) admitted to the hospital, 47 were admitted in an intensive care unit. Among 827 patients who didn’t require specialized care, 55.5% were self-isolated at home, while the rest were in specialized centers. Six hundred and two patients were symptomatic. A total of 634 (61.6 %) patients have recovered and 45 (4.4 %) patients died. The median duration of illness was estimated to be 31 days (95% CI: [29 - 32]). Older age (HR=0.66, CI:[ 0.46-0.96], P=0.031) and symptoms (HR=0.61, CI:[ 0.43-0.81], P=0.021) were independently associated with a delay in recovery time. Being a healthcare professional (HR=1.52, CI :[1.10-2.08], P=0.011) and patients in home isolation compared to isolation centers (HR=2.99, CI :[1.85-4.83], P<10¯³) were independently associated with faster recovery time. Conclusion: The duration of illness was estimated to be one month. However, this long estimated duration of illness may not equate to infectiousness. A particular attention must to be paid to elderly and symptomatic patients with closer monitoring.
Prognostic role of preoperative D-dimer, fibrinogen and platelet levels in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liang Yu-jie , Mei Xue-ying , Zeng Bin , Zhang Si-en , Yang Le , Lao Xiaomei , Liao Gui-qing
Published: January 2021

Background: The relationship between cancer and coagulation has been intensively studied in recent years; however, the effects of coagulation factors on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative D-dimer (DD), fibrinogen (FIB), platelets (PLT) and OSCC, as well as the prognostic value of DD, FIB and PLT in OSCC. Methods: We retrospectively investigated a total of 202 patients with OSCC treated at Guanghua Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Baseline demographic and clinicopathological information as well as both preoperative and postoperative DD, FIB and PLT results were collected from each patient, and patients with primary OSCC were followed up for disease progression, death or the end of the study. The correlations between preoperative DD, FIB, PLT and other clinical features, as well as the therapeutic effect and PFS were analysed statistically, and postoperative DD and surgical parameters were also analysed. Results: Preoperative DD was significantly correlated with T stage, N stage, clinical stage and relapse of OSCC ( P =0.000, 0.001, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively). Univariate Cox regression analyses showed that high preoperative DD predicted poor prognosis in patients with OSCC (HR=2.1, P =0.033), while FIB and PLT showed no prognostic values. Postoperative DD was significantly correlated with preoperative DD and surgical type but not the duration of surgery ( P =0.005, 0.001 and 0.244, respectively). Conclusion: In this study, we suggested that high preoperative DD level may serve as an indicator for synchronous neck dissection in patients with T 1, 2 OSCC, and the elevated DD level might be the marker of disease progression in patient follow up.
The effects of BMMSC treatment on Lung tissue degeneration in elderly macaques
Authors: Yang Yukun , Li Ye , Wang Yanying , Ruan Guangping , Tian Chuan , Wang Qiang , He Huanyu , Zhu Gaohong , Fang Dong , Wang Mao , Zhu Xiangqing , Pan Xinghua
Published: January 2021

Background: Age-associated lung tissue degeneration is a risk factor for lung injury and exacerbated lung disease. It is also the main risk factor for chronic lung diseases (such as COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cancer, among others).So, it is particularly important to find new anti-aging treatments.Methods: We systematically screened and evaluated elderly senile multiple organ dysfunction macaque models to determine whether BMMSCs inhibited lung tissue degeneration.Results: The average alveolar area, Mean linear intercept（MLI）and fibrosis area in the elderly macaque models were significantly larger than in young rhesus monkeys (p <0.05), while the capillary density around the alveoli was significantly low than in young macaque models (p<0.05). Intravenous infusion of BMMSCs reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, increased the density of capillaries around the alveoli (p <0.05), and the number of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelium in elderly macaques (p <0.05). In addition, the infusion reduced lung tissue ROS levels, systemic and lung tissue inflammatory levels and Treg cell ratio in elderly macaque models（p<0.05）. Indirect co-cultivation revealed that BMMSCs suppressed the expression of senescence-associated genes, ROS levels, apoptosis rate of aging type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells (A549 cells) and enhanced their proliferation (p<0.05).Conclusions: BMMSC treatment inhibited age-associated lung tissue degeneration.
Characteristics of hepatic solitary necrotic nodules on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Lu Chunyu , Tang Shaoshan , Zhang Xiaoyue , Wang Yang , Wang Kaiming , Shen Peng
Published: January 2021

Background:To summarize the characteristics of solitary necrotic nodules (SNN) in the liver observed under contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS).Methods:Conventional ultrasonography (US) and CEUS were performed in 24 patients who were confirmed to have SNN by pathological assessment. The US data and dynamic enhancement patterns of CEUS were recorded and retrospectively analyzed.Results:Ten of 24 patients underwent surgical resection, while the other 14 patients underwent a puncture biopsy to be confirmed as SNN. Among the 24 patients, 13 patients had a single lesion and 11 patients had multiple lesions. The largest lesion was selected for CEUS examination for patients with multiple lesions. Eleven patients presented no enhancement in all three phases, while the other 13 patients presented with a peripheral thin rim-like enhancement in the arterial phase, an iso-enhancement in the portal phase and delayed phase. However, no enhancement in the interior of the lesions was detected during three phases of CEUS.Conclusions:SNN has characteristic findings on the CEUS, which play an important role in the differential diagnoses of liver focal lesions.
Transformer-based deep neural network language models for Alzheimer's disease risk assessment from targeted speech
Authors: Roshanzamir Alireza , Aghajan Hamid , Baghshah Mahdieh Soleymani
Published: January 2021

Background: We developed transformer-based deep learning models based on natural language processing for early risk assessment of Alzheimer’s disease from the picture description test.Methods: The lack of large datasets poses the most important limitation for using complex models that do not require feature engineering. Transformer-based pre-trained deep language models have recently made a large leap in NLP research and application. These models are pre-trained on available large datasets to understand natural language texts appropriately, and are shown to subsequently perform well on classiﬁcation tasks with small training sets. The overall classiﬁcation model is a simple classiﬁer on top of the pre-trained deep language model.Results: The models are evaluated on picture description test transcripts of the Pitt corpus, which contains data of 170 AD patients with 257 interviews and 99 healthy controls with 243 interviews. The large bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERTLarge) embedding with logistic regression classiﬁer achieves classiﬁcation accuracy of 88.08%, which improves the state-of-the-art by 2.48%.Conclusions: Using pre-trained language models can improve AD prediction. This not only solves the problem of lack of suﬃciently large datasets, but also reduces the need for expert-deﬁned features.
KK-LC-1 may be an effective prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Ji Jun , Chen Jiahui , Wang Anqiang , Zhang Wei , Ju Hongge , Liu Yang , Li Leping
Published: January 2021

Background: To detect the expression of Kita-Kyushu lung cancer antigen-1 (KK-LC-1) in gastric cancer (GC) specimens and analyze the associations between KK-LC-1 expression and clinicopathological parameters and clinical prognosis. Methods : A total of 94 patients with GC who underwent surgical resection were enrolled in this study. The expression of KK-LC-1 in GC tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The assessment of KK-LC-1 expression was conducted using the H-scoring system. H-score was calculated by the multiplication of the overall staining intensity with the percentage of positive cells. The expression of KK-LC-1 in the cytoplasm and was scored to achieve respective H-score values. The correlations between KK-LC-1 expression and clinicopathological parameters and clinical prognosis were analyzed using Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. Results: In the cytoplasm, the expression of KK-LC-1 in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P < 0.001, respectively). Using the median H-score as the cutoff value, it was discovered that, GC patients with higher levels of KK-LC-1expression in the cytoplasm, had favorable overall survival (P =0.016), and it was still statistically meaningful in Cox regression analysis. At the same time, the study found that there was a negative correlation between KK-LC-1’s protein expression and the pathological grade of the tumor (P = 0.036); KK-LC-1 protein is more highly expressed in the intestinal type than the diffuse type, and it is statistically significant. The high expression of KK-LC-1 protein in the intestinal type is more than that in the diffuse type (P =0.008). Conclusions: Our research data shows that KK-LC-1’s expression in GC is higher than that of normal tissues, which is associated with a longer overall survival in GC. KK-LC-1 can be used as a biomarker for GC patients with good prognosis.
Management of anticoagulated patients in dentoalveolar surgery: a retrospective study comparing Bridging with heparin versus unpaused vitamin K antagonist medication.
Authors: Buchbender Mayte , Rößler F , Kesting Marco , Frohwitter Gesche , Adler Werner , Rau Andrea
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of postoperative bleeding following dentoalveolar surgery in patients with either continued vitamin K antagonist medication or perioperative bridging using heparin. Methods: A retrospective study was performed analyzing patients who underwent tooth extraction between 2012 and 2017. Patients were retrospectively allocated into two comparative groups: un-paused vitamin K antagonist medication versus bridging using heparin. A healthy, non-anticoagulated cohort with equivalent surgery served as a control group. Main outcome measures were: the occurrence and frequency of postoperative bleeding, the number of removed teeth, the surgical technique of tooth removal (extraction/ osteotomy/ combined extraction and osteotomy) and the prothrombin time. Results: In total, 475 patients were included in the study with 170 patients in the group of un-paused vitamin K antagonist medication VG, 135 patients in the Bridging group BG and 170 patients in the control group CG. Postoperative bleeding was significant: CG vs.VG p=0.004; CG vs. BG p<0.001, BG vs.VG p<0.001. A significant correlation of number of the extracted teeth in the BG (p=0.014) and no significance in VG (p=0.298) and CG (p=0.210) and in the BG vs. VG and CG with p<0.001 in terms of surgical intervention extraction. No difference observed in terms of prothrombin time. Conclusion: Bridging with heparin increases the risk for bleeding compared to un-paused vitamin K antagonist medication. The perioperative management of anticoagulated patients requires a well- coordinated interdisciplinary teamwork to minimize or at best avoid both: postoperative bleeding and thromboembolic incidences. Key words:
CooC11 and CooC7: The development and validation of age appropriate children’s perceived Cooking Competence measures
Authors: Dean Moira , Issartel Johann , Benson Tony , McCloat Amanda , Mooney Elaine , McKernan Claire , Dunne Laura , Brennan Sarah F , Moore Sarah E , McCarthy Danielle , Woodside Jayne V , Lavelle Fiona
Published: January 2021

Background: Learning cooking skills during childhood and adolescence is associated with positive dietary outcomes in adulthood as well as being tracked from adolescence to adulthood. In addition studies have found that perceived competence to be a greater motivator to perform a behaviour than actual competence. However, a lack of validated tools that effectively measure behavioural and dietary changes including cooking confidence in children is a limitation. Therefore, this research aimed to develop and validate age-appropriate perceived cooking competence measures for younger and older primary school aged children.Methods: Two measures of perceived Cooking Competence (CooC11 and CooC7) for older (8-12 years) and younger (6-7 years) children were developed from a critical evaluation of publically available recommendations and expert consultation. The cooking skills within the measures were illustrated by a graphic designer in consultation with a chef and reviewed in an iterative manner by the research team. The measures were piloted for clarity, ease of use and initial face validity. Multiple studies were used for both CooC11 and CooC7 to establish psychometric properties of the measures, temporal stability, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, as well as responsiveness to change for CooC11. Analysis included Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients, Pearson’s Correlations, ANOVAs and Cronbach’s Alphas.Results: Both measures had high levels of face validity and received positive user feedback. Two factors were shown in both measures with the measures showing excellent temporal stability (ICC >0.9) and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alphas >0.7). Both measures showed initial discriminant validity, with significant differences (P<0.001) between those who reported assisting their parents with dinner preparation and those who did not. Additionally, CooC11 was significantly correlated with an adult cooking measure and had a significant responsiveness to change (P<0.01).Conclusions: The CooC11 and CooC7 are the first validated age-appropriate measures for assessing children’s perceived Cooking Competence for ages 8-12 and 6-7 years respectively. They can be used to evaluate the efficacy of children’s cooking intervention studies or school nutrition education programmes.
Executive dysfunctions mediate between altered sensory processing and daily activity performance in older adults
Authors: Yeger Batya Engel , Rosenblum Sara
Published: January 2021

Background: Sensory processing is essential for the interaction with the environment and for adequate daily function. Sensory processing may deteriorate with aging and restrict daily activity performance. Aging may also affect Executive functions (EFs) which are critical for daily activity performance. Yet, most studies refer separately to the impacts of sensory processing or EFs and use clinical evaluations that do not necessarily reflect functional restrictions in real life. This study aims to describe the prevalence of altered sensory processing in the elderly as expressed in daily life scenarios and explore whether EFs mediate between altered sensory processing and daily activity performance in older adults. Methods : This cross-sectional study included 167 healthy independently functioning people aged 65 and above who were living in the community, had sufficient cognitive status and no symptoms of depression (based on the GDS and the MMSE). All participants completed a socio-demographic-health questionnaire, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version and the Daily Living Questionnaire. Results: Altered sensory processing, and mainly by the reduced ability to register and modulate sensory input from daily environment, were prevalent in older adults. Their impacts on daily activity performance were mediated by executive dysfunctions. Conclusions: Executive dysfunctions may worsen the negative effects of altered sensory processing on daily activity performance in older adults. The interaction between EFs and sensory processing should receive growing attention in intervention and prevention programs for older adults, with the emphasis on their expressions and implications on peoples’ function in real life context.
Hidden Pulmonary Arteries in Tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary artery pressure in patients Operated with a Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Edraki Mohammadreza , Ghasemzadeh Bahram , Keshavarz Kambiz , Amirghofran Ahmadali , Mohammadi Hamid , Kheirandish Zahra , Amoozgar Hamid , Nirooei Elahe , Ajami Gholamhossein , Mehdizadegan Nima , Naghshzan Amir , Peiravian Farah , Cheriki Sirous , Nobahkti Mohammadjavad
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The absence of a pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs isolated or with other congenital cardiac disorders, particularly tetralogy of Fallot (TOF); meanwhile, a hidden pulmonary artery might exist and originate from a closed ductus arteriosus (DA), which can be stented to reach the artery.Material and methods: This prospective study describes cardiac catheterization of nine TOF patients diagnosed with the absence of the left pulmonary artery before the operation. The patients were stratified into three groups: group one, whose closed DA was found and connected to the hidden pulmonary artery with a stent; group two, whose hidden pulmonary arteries were found via the pulmonary vein angiography; and group three, for whom we could not find the remnant of the DA, or our attempt to stent the DA to the hidden pulmonary artery was not successful.We also evaluated outcomes of six other surgically-corrected TOF patients who were operated with the absent left pulmonary artery.Results: The first group included the patients aged 1, 24, and 30 months, whose CT angiography 6-9 months after stenting showed acceptable left pulmonary artery diameter for surgical correction, and the pulmonary vein angiography of the second group showed a hidden left pulmonary artery with a suitable diameter for surgical correction.However, we were unable to find or stent the DA of group three patients, aged 12, 38, 60, and 63 months. Earlier Angiography might have increased the chance of access to the hidden vessel. Apart from these three groups, follow-ups of six other patients previously corrected with only the right pulmonary artery revealed pulmonary artery hypertension in all patients.Conclusion: The concealed pulmonary artery might be found, and stenting of the closed DA to it might be performed to improve the diameter of the diminutive pulmonary artery. This procedure may allow TOF total surgical correction with two pulmonary arteries. Besides, pulmonary vein angiography can reveal the hidden pulmonary artery.
What do service providers in Southern Ethiopia say about barriers to using youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents?: Qualitative study
Authors: Habtu Yitagesu , Kaba Mirgissa , Mekonnen Hussen
Published: January 2021

Background: In Ethiopia, the utilization coverage of adolescent-friendly health services (AFSRHs) ranged only from 9% to 55% and it was the lowest of all Sub-Saharan African countries in 2016. Little is known why adolescents were not accessing the existing services to the side of healthcare providers. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore contextual perceived and actual barriers to accessing AFSRHs by adolescents in Southern Ethiopia.Methods: Phenomenological study design supplemented with observation was used to explore perceived and actual barriers to accessing AFSRHs in 2020. Criterion sampling was used to select study participants. In-depth interviews with healthcare providers and non-specialist sexual and reproductive healthcare providers were conducted. Transcribed interviews and observations were imported to Open Code 4.02 for coding, categorizing, and creating themes. Finally, barriers to accessing existing services were explained using thematic analysis. Results: The study explores contextual barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services in five emergent themes. According to providers’ points of view, the barriers include ranging from providers (e.g poor providers’ competency), health facilities (e.g. supply constraints and unsupportive environment), adolescents (e.g perceived lack of information and attitude towards SRHs), community (e.g. lack of parental and social support), and broader health system (e.g. poor implementation and multi-sectorial engagement). Conclusion: As to providers, adolescents face multiple barriers to accessing youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Healthcare facilities and all levels of the healthcare system should implement varieties of approaches to increase access to the services for adolescents. Given the lack of progress in utilization of adolescents- youth friendly sexual and reproductive services, the existing strategy should be re-evaluated and new interventions at all levels of the healthcare system are needed. Moreover, implementation research is required at system level factors.
Evaluation of malaria preventive measures among adult patients attending the Bamendjou and Foumbot District hospitals of the West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Nlinwe Nfor Omarine , Singong Yengong Clinton , Florentine Tenkam Makamdoum Ruth
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAlthough a significant decrease in entomological and epidemiological indicators was reported in Cameroon since the introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets, malaria prevalence remains high also in some parts of the West Region of Cameroon. This study was designed to evaluate malaria preventive measures among patients attending the Bamendjou and Foumbot District hospitals of the West Region of Cameroon. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study carried out within a period of three months, from January to March 2020. Data was obtained using a structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis. The CareStart™ Pf Malaria HRP2 qualitative rapid diagnostic test was used for malaria diagnosis. The questionnaire was designed to collect information on respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics, and the use of malaria preventive measures. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Chi-square (and Fisher’s exact) test. ResultsA total of 170 study participants were recruited in Foumbot and 197 in Bamendjou. Malaria was significantly (P < 0.0001) more prevalent in Foumbot (47.06%) than in Bamendjou (19.8%). In Foumbot, non-use of insect repellent spray (P = 0.0214), insect repellent body cream (P = 0.0009), mosquito spray (P = 0.0001) and not draining stagnant water (P = 0.0004) predisposed to higher risk of malaria. In Bamendjou, non-use of insect repellent spray (P = 0.0012), long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (P = 0.0001), window and door nets (P = 0.0286), predisposed to a higher risk of malaria. ConclusionsMalaria prevalence was high among the study participants especially in Foumbot. An adequate follow-up to ensure effective execution of the recently launched third phase of LLINs distribution campaign in Cameroon is recommended. Additionally, integrated vector management is required to ensure effective control of malaria transmission in Foumbot and Bamendjou.
Relationship between Admission Criteria and Academic Performance in Basic Science Courses in Health Science Colleges in KAU
Authors: Alamoudi Aliaa Amr , Falattah Hind Ibrahim , Eldakhakhny Basmah Medhat , kamel Fatemah Omar , AlSawwa Lana Adey , Elsamanoudy Ayman Zaky
Published: January 2021

Background At King Abdulaziz University, medical and health science schools depend on admission exams (aptitude and achievement) and preparatory year scores in their students’ selection. However, with the growing number of applicants and the drastic changes in teaching and assessment in these colleges, continuous assessment and development of admission criteria are needed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of admission exam scores, in addition to the preparatory year Grade Point Average (GPA), with academic performance in the basic science subjects such as Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology in health science colleges.Methods The study was conducted on four cohort studies, two faculty of nursing cohorts; nursing students (2017-2018,n=146) nursing students (2018-2019,n=81), and two faculty of applied medical sciences cohorts, clinical nutrition students (2017-2018,n=33), and clinical nutrition students (2018-2019,n=28). The students’ scores of General Aptitude Test (GAT), Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (SAAT), and preparatory year GPA were all recorded at the beginning of each semester before the beginning of courses. Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology exam results were recorded at the end of the semester. Correlation was done for each cohort and all cohorts pooled. Results Results showed only a weak correlation detected between SAAT and the overall achievement in Clinical Biochemistry ( r= 0.192, P= 0.042) in nursing students (2017-2018), but no correlation was seen with SAAT or preparatory year scores. There was also no significant correlation between admission exams scores and the students’ academic achievement in Clinical Biochemistry or Clinical Pharmacology. On the other hand Clinical Pharmacology exam results showed a significant positive correlation with Clinical Biochemistry results (r=0.688, P=0.000). ConclusionOur results could indicate the need to revisit the admission criteria for these colleges. Furthermore, specific preparatory year tracks for health science colleges can ensure that students improve the specific skills and knowledge required for their future college years.
Resistance of strongylid nematodes to anthelmintic drugs and driving factors at Czech goat farms
Authors: Vadlejch Jaroslav , Kyriánová Iveta Angela , Várady Marián , Charlier Johannes
Published: January 2021

Background: Strongylid nematode infections may negatively affect both animal health and welfare, with deleterious consequences for livestock productivity. Many farmers in recent decades have relied on anthelmintics as the sole strategy of control, but the intensive use of these chemotherapeutics has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). Knowledge of both the efficacy of anthelmintics and factors promoting AR are essential to effectively control nematode infections, but no information on these topics for goats in the Czech Republic (CR) is available. This survey aimed to determine the occurrence of AR at Czech goat farms and to identify risk factors for the development of AR. A total of 24 herds of dairy goats across the CR were evaluated using in vitro tests for detecting AR, and a questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate factors associated with AR.Results: Resistance against benzimidazoles was confirmed at 18 (75%) farms, and the level of resistance was high in four (22%) of the affected herds based on the egg hatch test. Ivermectin-resistant nematodes were detected in 13 (54%) herds using the larval development test; Teladorsagia/Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus were the predominant types of resistant larvae. Eight (62%) of the affected herds were evaluated as highly resistant to ivermectin. Eleven (46%) of the herds were resistant to both benzimidazoles and ivermectin. This report is the first on dual AR in the CR. A univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a high stocking rate and farmer inexperience were significantly associated with ivermectin and benzimidazole resistance, respectively.Conclusions: The results of our survey suggest that AR is widespread amongst herds of dairy goats in the CR, likely due to inappropriate practices of pasture and health management. AR may be an issue for expanding dairy-goat production in the CR in the near future unless both veterinary practitioners and farmers widely adopt strategies to prevent the development of AR.
Evidence on Respectful Maternity Care For Adolescents: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Habib Helen H , Mwaisaka Jefferson , Torpey Kwasi , Maya Ernest Tei , Ankomah Augustine
Published: January 2021

Background: Intrapartum mistreatment of women is a globally rising public health and human rights phenomenon. The issue reportedly has severe maternal and neonatal outcomes including mortality, and generally leads to a decreased satisfaction with maternity care. Intrapartum mistreatment, despite being ubiquitous, indicates higher incidence among adolescent parturients who are simultaneously at a higher risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies have suggested that Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) interventions reduce intrapartum mistreatment and improve clinical outcomes for women and neonates in general. However, evidence on the effect of RMC on adolescents is unclear. Hence the specific aim of this study is to synthesise the available evidence relating to the provision of RMC for adolescents during childbirth.Methods: The methodology of the proposed systematic review follows the procedural guideline depicted in the preferred reporting items for systematic review protocol. The review will include all observational and intervention studies conducted between January 1, 1990 and April 30, 2020. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science will be searched to retrieve available studies using the appropriate search strings. The search results will be appraised with Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool. The selection of relevant studies, data extraction, and quality assessment of individual studies will be carried out by two independent authors. Results: A systematic narrative synthesis of the resultant studies will be done, and the relevant themes extracted. Findings will also be summarised in tables.Discussion: Respectful Maternity Care for adolescents holds great promise for improved maternal and neonatal care. However, there is a gap in knowledge on the interventions that work and the extent of their effectiveness. Findings from this study will be beneficial in improving Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) and reducing maternal mortality, especially for adolescents.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (Submitted 21 August 2020)
DEFINITION OF THE PURPOSE, TASKS, AND PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE FUNCTIONS
Authors: Lapkin A.V.
Published: January 2021

In the article, the problem of the definition of a designated and functional purpose of the prosecutor’s office at the present stage of development of the Ukrainian state is considered. The purpose of the article is the definition of the purposes and tasks of the prosecutor’s office of Ukraine, and also the development of the system of its functions.
The ratio of concepts «the prosecutor’s office purpose», «prosecutor’s office tasks» and «prosecutor’s office functions» is investigated. The conclusion is drawn that these categories are in indissoluble unity and interrelation: the purpose defines social appointment of prosecutor’s office, to its achievement the general tasks of this body which realization is carried out in the course of performance of the functions
assigned to prosecutor’s office are directed. The prosecutor’s office definite purpose as socially significant ideal for which achievement it is created and operates prosecutor’s office which defines its tasks and function at a concrete stage of historical development. It is given reason that at the present stage formation and ensuring the realization of a state policy in the sphere of counteraction of crime in this connection its purpose is the protection of the rights and freedoms of the person, interests of society and the state against criminal offenses should become appointment of prosecutor’s office of Ukraine. Definition of tasks of prosecutor’s office as caused by the purpose of prosecutor’s office and the general tasks subordinated to it reflecting socially significant result which the prosecutor’s office aspires to reach the realization of the functions assigned to it is formulated. The list of tasks of the prosecutor’s office directed on the achievement of the planned purpose of its activity is provided. Prosecutor’s office functions as directed on achievement of the purposes and prosecutor’s office tasks main types of its activity which is directly expressing its essence and appointment which are limited to a certain subject domain are defined and provide special forms, methods, and implementation tactics. The system of functions of the prosecutor’s office urged to provide achievement of the purposes and problems of public prosecutor’s activity is formulated.
Keywords: prosecutor’s office, the purpose of prosecutor’s office, the task of prosecutor’s office, prosecutor’s office function, criminal proceedings.
ON THE POSSIBLITY OF CLASSIFYING WORKS CREATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OBJECTS
Authors: Utkina M.S.
Published: January 2021

The rapid information system development leads to the emergence of completely new technologies. For solutions to issues related to artificial intelligence, experts in various
fields of research are making great efforts. This is due to the fact that in the next 50 years, according to scientists, the achievements in the field of artificial intelligence will almost completely replace people and will perform most of the work that they are currently doing. At the same time, according to the fact of the rapid development of innovation and intellectual spheres, it should be noted that artificial intelligence could fundamentally affect the fundamental concepts of their development. At present, we observe that artificial intelligence can be used not only for scientific purposes but also
directly for the creation of new objects, works. However, there is no unanimity as to whether or not such work will belong to intellectual property. In the article, it was identified that there is an urgent need for the active development of information technology, regulatory support, and legal regulation of issues related to artificial intelligence. It also was analyzed the provisions for quality new digital authorship, according to which artificial intelligence will independently create works that will be identical and will not be different from the works of the author. It is suggested to consider two key approaches to the works and to divide them into two categories:
works created directly by artificial intelligence and work created using (using) artificial intelligence and having fundamentally different provisions. In the article, it was also discussed the term “electronic person”. It will have a legal personality which will give an opportunity to determine it as an individual subject of legal relation – in the given case – author.
Keywords: author, intellectual property, scientific progress, intellectual property object, artificial intelligence.