bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive versus conventional fixation of tracer in robot-assisted pedicle screw insertion surgery: a randomized control trial
Authors: Yongqi Li , Dehua Zhang , Hongzi Wu , Ke Zhang , Rui Yang , Zhou Fang , Shaobo Wang , Liao yi
Published: March 2020

Background This study evaluated the minimal invasiveness, safety, and accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement procedure using a modified tracer fixation device. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to conventional fixation group (25 patients) and modified fixation group (27 patients). Results No baseline statistical difference was observed between the groups ( P >0.05). The length of unnecessary incision, amount of bleeding, and fixation duration for tracer fixation respectively were 6.08±1.02 mm, 1.46±0.84 ml, and 1.56±0.32 min in the modified fixation group and 40.28±8.52 mm, 12.02±2.24 ml, and 5.08±1.06 min in the conventional group. The difference between both groups was significant ( P <0.05). However, no significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement ( P >0.05). Conclusions The modified minimally invasive procedure for tracer fixation results in minimal trauma and is simple, reliable, and highly safe. Additionally, the procedure does not compromise the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Thus, it has great clinical applicable value.
Detection of genes mutations in cerebrospinal fluid circulating tumor DNA from neoplastic meningitis patients using next generation sequencing
Authors: Zhao Yue , He JunYing , Cui JunZhao , New Zi-Qi Meng , Zou YueLi , Guo XiaoSu , Chen Xin , Wang Xueliang , New Li-Tian Yan , Han WeiXin , Li Chunyan , Guo Li , Bu Hui
Published: March 2020

Background: This study profiled the somatic gene mutations and the copy number variations (CNVs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients with neoplastic meningitis (NM). Methods: A total of 62 CSF ctDNA samples were collected from 58 NM patients for the next generation sequencing. The data were blasted in GenBank and bioinformatically analyzed. Results: Cancer-associated gene mutations occurred in all 62 CSF ctDNA samples in TP53 (54/62; 87.10%), EGFR (44/62; 70.97%), PTEN (39/62; 62.90%), CDKN2A (32/62; 51.61%), APC (27/62: 43.55%), TET2 (27/62; 43.55%), GNAQ (18/62; 29.03%), NOTCH1 (17/62; 27.42%), VHL (17/62; 27.42%), FLT3 (16/62; 25.81%), PTCH1 (15/62; 24.19%), BRCA2 (13/62; 20.97%), KDR (10/62; 16.13%), KIT (9/62; 14.52%), MLH1 (9/62; 14.52%), ATM (8/62; 12.90%), CBL (8/62; 12.90%), and DNMT3A (7/62; 11.29%). The mutated genes enriched by the KEGG pathway analysis were the PI3K-Akt, which included the genes of TP53, EGFR, PTEN, KIT and KDR. After receiving intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy, the ERK1/2 signaling pathways of these CSF samples were activated. Furthermore, the CNVs of these genes were also identified in these 62 samples. Conclusions: This study identified gene mutations in all CSF ctDNA samples, indicating that these mutated genes may be acted as a kind of biomarker for diagnosis of NM, and these mutated genes may affect meningeal metastasis through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
The Impact of Supply-side and Demand-side Interventions on Use of Antenatal and Maternal Services in Western Kenya: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hirai Mitsuaki , Morris Jamae , New Jill Luoto , Ouda Rosebel , Atieno Nancy , Quick Robert
Published: March 2020

Background : Antenatal care (ANC) and delivery by skilled providers have been well recognized as effective strategies to prevent maternal and neonatal mortality. ANC and delivery services at health facilities, however, have been underutilized in Kenya. One potential strategy to increase the demand for ANC services is to provide health interventions as incentives for pregnant women. In 2013, an integrated ANC program was implemented in western Kenya to promote ANC visits by addressing both supply- and demand-side factors. Supply-side interventions included nurse training and supplies for obstetric emergencies and neonatal resuscitation. Demand-side interventions included SMS text messages with appointment reminders and educational contents, group education sessions, and vouchers to purchase health products. Methods : To explore pregnant mothers’ experiences with the intervention, ANC visits, and delivery, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) at pre- and post-intervention. A total of 19 FGDs were held with pregnant mothers, nurses, and community health workers (CHWs) during the two assessment periods. We performed thematic analyses to highlight study participants’ perceptions and experiences. Results : FGD data revealed that pregnant women perceived the risks of home-based delivery, recognized the benefits of facility-based delivery, and were motivated by the incentives to seek care despite barriers to care that included poverty, lack of transport, and poor treatment by nurses. Nurses also perceived the value of incentives to attract women to care but described obstacles to providing health care such as overwork, low pay, inadequate supplies and equipment, and insufficient staff. CHWs identified the utility and limitations of text messages for health education. Conclusions : Future interventions should ensure that adequate workforce, training, and supplies are in place to respond to increased demand for maternal and child health services stimulated by incentive programs.
Burden of Fatigue among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreyesus Tsiwaye , Belay Addisalem , Berhe Gebretsadik , Haile Gebremedhin
Published: March 2020

Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and devastating Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) - related symptoms, with a varying prevalence in different study areas. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of information on the magnitude and factors associated with fatigue among HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients. This may lead to under-diagnosis and eventually under-management of the symptom. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with fatigue among adults living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy at health facilities of Mekelle city, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 609 HIV/AIDS patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected by using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Level of fatigue was measured by Fatigue Severity Scale. Results: The prevalence of fatigue was found to be 51.7%. The factors associated with fatigue were: Parity [AOR= 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09-3.71], CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3 [AOR= 2.81; 95% CI: 1.58-4.99], anemia [AOR= 4.90 95% CI: 2.40-9.97], co-morbidities [AOR= 3.65; 95% CI: 1.71-7.78], depression [AOR= 3.68 95% CI: 1.99-6.79], not being physically active [AOR= 3.20 95% CI: 1.50-6.81], clinical stage II or IV HIV [AOR= 3.11; 95% CI: 1.51-6.40] and [AOR= 4.08; 95% CI: 1.37-12.14], respectively. Conclusion: The finding of this study revealed that fatigue is a common health problem among adult People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Factors associated with fatigue included: Parity, CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3, Clinical Stage II or IV HIV, anemia, co-morbidities, depression, and not being physically active. The health care service needs to address the predisposing factors by provision integrated care including timely detection and treatment of comorbidities, mental health problems, and promote physical activity to slow down disease progression and then reduce exposure to fatigue. Keywords: Fatigue, HIV/AIDS, Associated factors, Prevalence, Ethiopia
The independent indicators for differentiating renal cell carcinoma from renal angiomyolipoma by contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Cao Hongli , Fang Liang , Chen Lin , Zhan Jia , Diao Xuehong , Liu Yingchun , Lu Chen , Zhang Zhengwang , Chen Yue
Published: March 2020

Background: The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and angiomyolipoma (AML) was analyzed. The purpose of this study was to identify the independent indicators of CEUS for predicting RCC.
Methods: A total of 172 renal tumors (150 RCCs, 22 AMLs) in 165 patients underwent conventional ultrasound (CUS) and CEUS examinations before radical or partial nephrectomy, and the features on CUS and CEUS were analyzed.
Results: There were significant differences in echogenicity, blood flow signals in color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), peak intensity, homogeneity of enhancement, wash in, wash out, and perilesional rim-like enhancement between RCC and AML ( P <0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis indicated that perilesional rim-like enhancement ( P =0.035, odds ratio [OR]=9.907, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.169-83.971) and fast wash out ( P =0.001, OR =9.755, 95%[CI]: 2.497-38.115) were independent indicators for predicting RCC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for perilesional rim-like enhancement was 0.838 (95% CI:0.774-0.890) with 76.7% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity, while the AUC of fast wash out was 0.833 (95% CI:0.768-0.885) with 74.7% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity.
Conclusions: This study indicated that CEUS has value in differentiating RCC and AML. Present perilesional rim-like enhancement and fast wash out may be important indicators for predicting RCC.
Key words: Renal cell carcinoma; angiomyolipoma; contrast-enhanced ultrasound; ultrasonography
Comparative cytological and transcriptome analysis reveals high pollen fertility and upregulation of environmentally sensitive genic male sterility genes in neo-tetraploid rice
Authors: Wu Jinwen , Chen Yuanmou , Lin Hong , Chen Yang , Yu Hang , Lu Zijun , Li Xiang , Zhou Hai , Chen Zhixiong , Liu Xiangdong
Published: March 2020

Background: Autotetraploid rice is a useful germplasm for polyploid rice breeding; however, low seed setting is a major hindrance for the utilization of autotetraploid rice. Our previous study demonstrated that neo-tetraploid rice have great yield potential, which is thought to be one effective way to overcome the low fertility of autotetraploid rice. However, there is little known about the cause of high pollen fertility in neo-tetraploid rice. Here, we employed cytology and RNA-seq to study the molecular genetic mechanism of high pollen fertility in neo-tetraploid rice.
Results: Cytological observations indicate that H1 displayed high pollen fertility (95.62%), lower percentage of pollen mother cells（PMCs）abnormalities, and stable chromosome configurations during the pollen development process compared with its two parents. RNA-seq analysis detected 1479 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in neo-tetraploid rice compared with its two parents. Of these DEGs, 433 were annotated as pollen fertility-related genes, and 240 (~55.4%) exhibited significant upregulation in neo-tetraploid rice compared with its two parents, including nine cloned genes ( TMS5 , CSA etc.) that were validated by qRT-PCR and had been demonstrated to be pollen fertility-related genes. We further selected TMS5 as a candidate gene and analysed its phenotype in neo-tetraploid rice using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Significant variations have been detected in phenotypic charts, pollen development process and expression level in H1 and TMS5 knockout lines.
Conclusion: Our finding provides strong evidence for the regulatory mechanisms of neo-tetraploid rice, and upregulation of pollen fertility-related genes should be associated with high fertility. Moreover, knockout of environmentally sensitive genic male sterility genes in the present study provide the new useful germplasm for polyploidy rice breeding.
Long Acting Reversible Contraception use and associated factors among postpartum women in Hossana Town, Southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study
Authors: Woldu Biruktawit Fekade , Ermolo Tadesse Lelago , Lemu Lidiya Gutema , Gejo Negeso Gebeyehu
Published: March 2020

Background: In low and middle-income countries, 95% of postpartum women want to avoid a pregnancy for 2 years, but 70% are not using contraception. Delay in use of contraception by couples during postpartum period can result in many unwanted pregnancies. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is ideal for postpartum women. Therefore this study aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with LARC use among postpartum women. Methods: Facility based cross sectional study was conducted from July 23-Aug 25, 2018. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to recruit a total of 381 women in extended postpartum period visiting Child Immunization service in hosanna health institutions. Pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. The presence and strength of association was determined using AOR with its 95% CI. Variables with P value less than 0.05 were considered as statistical significant. Results: The prevalence of LARC use was 36.5% (95%CI (33.05-39.95)). The main reason for not using LARC was fear of side effect and false information. Previous use of LARC (AOR=3.3, 95%CI (1.7-6.5)) and have ever discussed with health providers on LARC (AOR=2.5, 95%CI (1.1-5.74)) were found to be significantly associated with LARC use. Conclusions: The utilization of LARC among postpartum women was found to be higher than other studies in Ethiopia. Increase women’s access to realistic information on LARC, mainly on IUCD need to be emphasized to enhance its uptake.
“When my mother called to say that the time of cutting had arrived, I escaped to Belgium with my daughter”: Identifying turning points in the change of attitudes towards the practice of Female Genital Mutilation among migrant women in Belgium
Authors: Agboli Afi A. , Richard Fabienne , Aujoulat Isabelle
Published: March 2020

Background: Female Genital Mutilation remains a public health concern with negative consequences on women’s health. It is a harmful practice and recognized in international discourses on public health as a form of gender-based violence of which women are not only victims but also perpetrators. The practice of FGM remains a social norm which is difficult to change because of its deep roots in tradition and how it is embedded in the patriarchal system. However, some women succeeded in changing their attitudes towards it and speak out against it. This study identifies and describes turning points defined as significant and critical events in the lives of the women, that create changes towards the practice of FGM. Methods: We conducted an inductive qualitative study based on the life story approach, where we interviewed 15 women with FGM. During the interviews, the turning points that gave them the courage to change were identified together with the research participants. The analysis drew on lifeline reconstructions and thematic analysis. Results: Six common turning points relating to a change in attitude towards FGM were identified: turning points related to (i) encounters with health professionals, (ii) education, (iii) social interactions with other cultures and their own culture, (iv) experiences of motherhood, (v) repeated pain during sexual or reproductive activity, and (vi) witnessing some harmful consequences of FGM towards loved ones. Conclusion: The turning points identified challenged the understanding of what it means to be a ‘member’ of the community in a patriarchal system, a ‘normal woman’ according to the community and what it means to be a ‘good mother’. Besides, the turning points found were expressed together with some issues related to emotional responses and coming to terms with conflicts of loyalty, which we see as possible common mechanisms to explain the change experienced by the women in our sample.
Genome-wide association studies for methane emission and ruminal volatile fatty acids using Holstein cattle sequence data
Authors: Sarghale Ali Jalil , Shahrebabak Mohammad Moradi , Shahrebabak Hossein Moradi , Javaremi Ardeshir Nejati , Saatchi Mahdi , Khansefid Majid , Miar Younes
Published: March 2020

Background: Methane emission by ruminants has contributed considerably to the global warming and understanding the genomic architecture of methane production may help the livestock producers to reduce the methane emission from the livestock production system. The goal of our study was to identify genomic regions affecting the predicted methane emission (PME) from volatile fatty acids (VFAs) indicators and VFA traits using imputed whole-genome sequence data in Iranian Holstein cattle. Results: Based on the significant-association threshold (p < 5 × 10−8), 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected for PME per kg milk (n=2), PME per kg fat (n=14), and valeric acid (n=17). Besides, 69 genes were identified for valeric acid (n=18), PME per kg milk (n=4) and PME per kg fat (n=47) that were located within 1 Mb of significant SNPs. Based on the gene ontology (GO) term analysis, six promising candidate genes were significantly clustered in organelle organization (GO:0004984, p = 3.9 × 10-2) for valeric acid, and 17 candidate genes significantly clustered in olfactory receptors activity (GO:0004984, p = 4 × 10-10) for PME traits. Annotation results revealed 31 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for milk yield and its components, body weight, and residual feed intake within 1 Mb of significant SNPs. Conclusions: Our results identified 33 SNPs associated with PME and valeric acid traits, as well as 17 olfactory receptors activity genes for PME traits related to food preference and feed intake. Identified SNPs in this study were close to 31 QTLs for milk yield and its components, body weight, and residual feed intake traits. In addition, these traits had high correlations with PME trait. Overall, our findings suggest that marker-assisted and genomic selection could be used to improve the difficult and expensive-to-measure phenotypes such as PME. Moreover, prediction of methane emission by VFA indicators could be useful for increasing the size of the reference population required in genome-wide association studies and genomic selection.
Community health volunteers’ contribution to Tuberculosis patients notified to National Tuberculosis program in Kenya
Authors: Abongo Tabitha , Ulo Benson , Karanja Sarah
Published: March 2020

Background

Contact investigation is important in finding contacts who have Tuberculosis (TB) disease so that they can be given treatment and stop further transmission. The main objective of this study was to assess the contribution of community health volunteers (CHVs) to the number of TB patients notified to the National program in Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the total number of households of TB index cases visited by CHVs for contact screening, identify the total number of household members screened for TB and establish the number of persons referred for further TB investigation and the number identified with TB.

Methods

This was a retrospective desk review of project reports submitted to Amref Health Africa in Kenya by the sub recipients implementing activities in the 33 counties with Case Notification Rate (CNR) of less 175/100,000 and Treatment Success Rate (TRS) of less than 88% as per the National strategic plan 2015-2018. Data for this study covered a time period between January and December 2016. Data on the notified TB patients was obtained from the National Tuberculosis Information Basic Unit (TIBU). The study population included all the TB index cases whose households were visited by CHVs for contact screening. Data was analyzed descriptively.

Results

CHVs visited a total of 26,307 TB patients in their households for contact screening. A total of 44,617 household members were screened for TB with 43,012 (96.40%) coming from households of bacteriologically confirmed TB patients and 1,606 (3.60%) from households of children under 5 years. The proportion of the persons referred in relation to number screened was 19.6% for those over 5 years and 21.9% from under 5 years with almost the same percentages for male and female at 19.2% and 19.7% respectively

Conclusions

This study showed that in the 33 counties of Global Fund TB project implementation the percentage of TB cases identified through tracing of contacts improved from 6% to 10% while the percentage of notified TB cases; all forms contributed through community referrals improved from 4% to 8%. CHVs play an effective role in household contact screening and referrals for identification of TB.
A selective p38α/β MAPKs inhibitor alleviates neuropathology and cognitive impairment, and modulates microglia function in 5XFAD mouse
Authors: Gee Min Sung , Son Seung Hwan , Jeon Seung Ho , Do Jimin , Kim Namkwon , Ju Yeon-Joo , Lee Soo Jin , Chung Eun Kyoung , Inn Kyung-Soo , Kim Nam-Jung , Lee Jong Kil
Published: March 2020

Background: Chronic neuroinflammation, aggressive amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, neuronal cell loss, and cognitive impairment are pathological presentations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, resolution of neuroinflammation and inhibition of Aβ-driven pathology have been suggested to be important strategies for AD therapy. Previous efforts to prevent AD progression have identified p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as a promising target for AD therapy. Recent studies showed pharmacological inhibition of p38α MAPK improved memory impairment in AD mouse models. Methods: In this study, we used an AD mouse model, 5XFAD, to explore the therapeutic potential of NJK14047 which is a novel, selective p38α/β MAPKs inhibitor. The mice were injected with 2.5 mg/kg NJK14047 or vehicle every other day for 3 months. Morris water maze task and histological imaging analysis were performed. Protein and mRNA expression levels were measured using immunoblotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. In vitro studies were conducted to measure the cytotoxicity of microglia- and astrocyte-conditioned medium on primary neurons using the MTT assay and TUNEL assay. Results: NJK14047 treatment downregulated phospho-p38 MAPK levels, decreased the amount of Aβ deposits, and reduced spatial learning memory loss in 9-month-old 5XFAD mice. While the pro-inflammatory conditions were decreased, the expression of alternatively activated microglial markers and microglial phagocytic receptors was increased. Furthermore, NJK14047 treatment reduced the number of degenerating neurons labeled with Fluoro-jade B in the brains of 5XFAD mice. The neuroprotective effect of NJK14047 was further confirmed by in vitro studies. Conclusion: Taken together, a selective p38α/β MAPKs inhibitor NJK14047 successfully showed therapeutic effects for AD in 5XFAD mice. Based on our data, p38 MAPKs inhibition is a potential strategy for AD therapy, suggesting NJK14047 as one of the promising candidates for AD therapeutics targeting p38 MAPKs. Keywords : Alzheimer’s disease, Amyloid-β, P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, Kinase inhibitor, Microglia
Education Level as a Predictor of Survival in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Xu Limei , Wang Xiuju , Pan Xueyi , Wang Xiaotao , Wang Qing , Wu Bingyi , Cai Jiahui , Zhao Ying , Chen Lijuan , Li Wuping , Li Juan
Published: March 2020

Background Disparities in multiple myeloma (MM) prognosis based on sociodemographic factors may exist. We investigated whether education level at diagnosis influenced Chinese MM patient outcomes.Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of data from 773 MM patients across 9 centers in China from 2006 to 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical factors at diagnosis and treatment regimens were recorded, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results Overall, 69.21% of patients had low education levels. Patients with low education levels differed from those with high education levels in that they were more likely to be older, and a higher proportion lived in rural areas, were unemployed, had lower annual incomes and lacked insurance. Additionally, compared to patients with high education levels, patients with low education levels had a higher proportion of international staging system (ISS) stage III classification and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and underwent transplantation less often. Patients with high education levels had better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than did patients with low education levels (67.50±8.10 versus 30.60±1.64 months; 122.27±0 versus 55.83±3.55 months, log-rank test, p<0.001; respectively). In the multivariable analysis, patients with high education levels had lower relapse and mortality rates than did those with low education level in terms of PFS and OS (hazard ratio (HR)=0.50 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-0.72], p<0.001; HR=0.31 [0.18-0.53], p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions Low education levels may independently predict poor survival in MM patients in China. To reduce healthcare disparities for universal healthcare reform, it is critical to improve citizens’ education levels.
Evaluating the gene flow from East to West among various populations of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kumawat R K , Shrivastava Pankaj , Shrivastava Divya , Mathur G K , Dixit Shivani , Chaubey Gyaneshwer
Published: March 2020

Background: The genetic landscape of South Asia is distinctive, where there is a preponderance of social-cultural and genetic variability. Rajasthan is a state located in the north-western part of India and it has been cited as a major route of human migration since ancient times. The present study was conducted to find out the genetic affinity of Rajasthani population with the population living in its east and the west. In particular, we compared them with the population of Pakistan which shares the common geographical boundary with the Rajasthan while also having a look at their inter and intra population affinities with the population belonging to other Indian states. We investigated the genetic structure and population parameters of Rajasthani populations obtained for twenty polymorphic autosomal STR loci from 669 unrelated individuals belonging to its three population groups including Mina, Gujjar and the mixed population of Rajasthan.Results: The studied populations showed a wide range of genetic diversity and besides the genetic structure of the studied populations, it was found that the average heterozygosity value was highest among the populations of Rajasthan, possibly, because of gene flow from different directions.Conclusion: Various statistical analyses suggested that the Rajasthani populations had a higher affinity with the North Indian populations rather than with the Pakistani population.
Plasma amino acid levels in individuals with bacterial pneumonia and healthy controls
Authors: IKEDA HIDEKI
Published: March 2020

Background: Amino acids play an important role in immune responses and as neurotransmitters. During the course of a bacterial pneumonia (BP) episode, from the onset to the recovery phase, immune responses dramatically change, as does the metabolism of amino acids, a concept referred to as immuno-nutrition. We investigated the differences in plasma amino acid levels between the acute and recovery phases in individuals with BP and healthy controls. Methods: Two groups of participants were recruited: Healthy adults aged over 60 years who had undergone a medical health examination and patients, admitted to hospital with BP. Samples were collected on Day 0 (the day of admission for patients with BP) and Day 7. Results: A total of 93 healthy adults and 60 patients with BP participated in the study. Of those with BP, 43 had their amino acids measured on Day 7. Patients with BP had markedly decreased plasma levels of 12 amino acids on Day 0. Histidine and tryptophan remained low, while aspartic acid, asparagine, ornithine, proline, and threonine were higher on Day 7 in both males and females. Phenylalanine increased at Day 0 and Day7, and returned to normal range at the post-recovery period. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the host response against bacterial infection changed the plasma amino acid levels. Amino acid levels on Day 7 (representing convalescence) continued to display an amino acid profile distinct from that observed in healthy individuals. Based on these findings, providing amino acids to patients with BP should be modified depending on stage of BP from the perspective of immuno-nutrition.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a scale on nursing students’ perceptions of hospital caring environment (PHCE) in China
Authors: Cheng Li , Liu Yilan , Wang Wenru
Published: March 2020

Background: Caring is a basic tenet of nursing and an essential trait a competent nurse. In China, nursing students spend 8-12 months on clinical rotation in hospitals after the completion of theoretical component of the program in their fourth year. The hospital then becomes the focus of nursing clinical education. However, there is no culturally-specific tool to assess nursing students’ perceptions of hospital caring environment (PHCE). The aim of this study was to develop a valid assessment tool to measure nursing students’ perceptions of hospital caring environment. Methods: A two-phase study was conducted to develop a PHCE scale and to test its psychometric properties. In phase one, the items of the PHCE scale were developed from a qualitative study, a literature review and expert validation. The second phase tested the factor structure, construct validity and reliability through a convenience sample of 383 final year nursing students recruited from two teaching hospitals in China (response rate 95.75%). Results: The final PHCE scale consists of 41 items, was internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = 0.98) and had satisfactory test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.87). The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the scale contained four subscales, accounting for 63.69% variance. Conclusions: The 41-item NSPHCE is a reliable tool to assess the Chinese nursing students’ perceptions of the hospital caring environment in China.
Improving the quality of dementia care through establishing a quality improvement collaborative of Agents of Change: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Laver Kate , Cations Monica , Radisic Gorjana , Perrelle Lenore de la , Woodman Richard , Fitzgerald Janna Anneke , Kurrle Susan , Cameron Ian D , Whitehead Craig , Thompson Jane , Kaambwa Billingsley , Hayes Kate , Crotty Maria
Published: March 2020

Background: Non-pharmacological interventions including physical activity programs, occupational therapy and caregiver education programs have been shown to lead to better outcomes for people with dementia and their care partners. Yet, there are gaps between what is recommended in guidelines and what happens in practice. The aim of this study was to bring together clinicians working in dementia care and establish a quality improvement collaborative. The aim of the quality improvement collaborative was to increase guideline adherence to three guideline recommendations. Methods: We recruited health professionals from community, hospital and aged care settings across Australia to join the collaborative. Members of the collaborative participated in a start-up meeting, completed an online learning course with clinical and quality improvement content, formed a quality improvement plan which was reviewed by a team of experts, received feedback following an audit of their current practice and were able to share experiences with their peers. The primary outcome was adherence to their guideline recommendation of interest which was measured using checklists. Data were collected monthly over a period of 18 months and the study used an interrupted time series design to evaluate changes in adherence. Results: A total of 45 health professionals (78% therapists) from different sites joined the collaborative and 28 completed all requirements. Data from 1717 checklists were included in the analyses. Over the duration of the project there was a significant increase in clinician adherence to guideline recommendations with a 42.1% immediate increase in adherence (Incidence Rate Ratio =1.42; 95% Confidence Interval =1.08-1.87; p=0.012). Conclusion: Health professionals working with people with dementia are interested and willing in joining a quality improvement collaborative with the goal of improving non-pharmacological aspects of care. Participation in the collaborative improved the quality of care for people with dementia as measured through adherence to guideline recommendations. Although there are challenges in implementation of guideline recommendations within dementia care the quality improvement collaborative method was well suited as it equipped and empowered clinicians to lead improvement activities and allowed for heterogeneity in terms of service and setting.
A Spasticity Assessment Method for Voluntary Movement using Data Fusion and Machine Learning
Authors: chen yan , Yu Song , Cai Qing , Huang Shuangyuan , Ma Ke , Zheng Haiqing , Xie Longhan
Published: March 2020

Background: Spasticity is a common complication of stroke. Effective spasticity management can improve patients' recovery efficiency and reduce patients' pain. The present clinical spasticity rating scale exhibits subjectivity and a ceiling effect, which makes it difficult to evaluate spasm objectively and to clinically analyze the pathological mechanism of spasticity. The sensor-based quantitative evaluation method is an effective substitute for the clinical spasm rating scale, but currently, it mainly focuses on the spasm evaluation of passive motion. The study of spasmodic state under active exercise can provide a basis for treatment and rehabilitation training, but the evaluation method of spasmodic state under active exercise has not yet been established. Therefore, we combine inertial measurement unit (IMU) and surface electromyography (sEMG) to test the feasibility of assessing spasticity patterns in stroke patients during voluntary movement. Methods: Nine stroke patients with varying degrees of spasticity and four healthy subjects performed isometric elbow exercises. sEMG and kinematics signals were recorded for all participants. The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) algorithm and double threshold algorithms were used to separate sEMG of involuntary muscle activation from voluntary activation. Then, feature extraction and feature fusion were performed. Four common machine learning algorithms are used to monitor and evaluate spasticity patterns. The validity of the proposed method is verified by comparing the classification accuracy of four machine learning models. Results: Cross-validation yielded high classification accuracies (F1-score>0.88) for all four machine learning classifiers in assessing spasticity patterns. The highest detection performance was obtained using the Random Forest algorithm (average accuracy = 0.979; macro-F1 = 0.976). Conclusions: We present a novel method for assessing post-stroke spasticity based on voluntary movement and machine learning. Good classification performance verifies the feasibility of evaluating spasticity patterns by our method. Reliable classification accuracy achieved by the machine learning algorithms indicated the potential to evaluate spasticity patterns using IMU and sEMG when stroke survivors perform voluntary movements.
Provision of Adaptive Guard Band in Elastic Optical Networks
Authors: Monteiro Neclyeux Sousa , Fontinele Alexandre Cardoso , Campelo Divanilson Rodrigo de Sousa , Soares André Castelo Branco
Published: March 2020

Elastic optical networks are a network infrastructure capable of withstanding the high demand for data traffic from high-speed networks. One of the problems that must be solved to ensure the smooth functioning of the network is called Routing, Modulation Level and Spectrum Assignment (RMLSA). This work aims to propose a new approach to this problem with an algorithm to select the guard band in a adaptive way. Two algorithms for the adaptive selection of the guard band, called Guard Band according to Use of the Network (GBUN) and Guard Band by OSNR Margin (GBOM), are presented. The GBUN algorithm performs the guard band selection based on the usage level of network. On the other hand the GBOM algorithm uses an Optical Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR) margin for the selection of the guard band. The performances of the proposed algorithms are compared with algorithms that use fixed guard band values and the adaptive proposal AGBA. The results showed that the GBOM algorithm presented a better performance in terms of bandwidth blocking probability for the studied scenarios.
The prognosis of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach: a propensity score-based analysis
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Anqiang , Ao Sheng , Chen Jiahui , Ji Ke , He Qifei , Ji Xin , Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Ji , Li Zhongwu , Bu Zhaode , Ji Jiafu
Published: March 2020

Background To investigate whether there is a distinct difference in prognosis between hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) and non-hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (non-HAS) and whether HAS can benefit from radical surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 722 patients with non-HAS and 75 patients with HAS who underwent radical gastrectomy between 3 November 2009 and 17 December 2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to eliminate the bias among the patients in our study. First, univariate analysis, including the chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, was used to investigate the relationship between all included clinical indicators and dependent variables, and some clinical indicators that might be meaningless were excluded. Then, clinical indicators with statistical and clinical significance were included in the logistic regression analysis to obtain more reliable results. The relationships between gastric cancer types and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. Results Our data demonstrate that there is no statistically significant difference in the OS between HAS and non-HAS {K-M, P=log rank (Mantel-Cox), (before PSM P=0.490); (1:1 PSM P=0.345); (1:2 PSM P=0.195)}. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the 1-, 2-, or 3-year survival rates between patients with non-HAS and patients with HAS (before propensity matching, after 1:1 propensity matching, and after 1:2 propensity matching). Conclusion HAS is generally considered to be an aggressive gastric neoplasm, but its prognosis may not be as unsatisfactory as previously believed.
Cerebral palsy treatment with autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate challenges for the future
Authors: Maric Dusan Milenko , Radomir Mihajlo , Milankov Zoran , Papic Vladimir , Vojvodic Danilo , Stanojevic Ivan , Sokolovac Ivana , Milosavljevic Kristina , Maric Dusica Lazar , Abazovic Dzihan
Published: March 2020

Background Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous group of conditions that results in permanent motor disability. Recent studies have suggested that cellular transplantation may have functional efficacy in the treatment of CP. We conducted a pilot study of the intrathecal transplantation of autologous bone marrow aspirate (BMAC) concentrate in children with CP to assess the safety of the procedure as well as its potential efficacy in motor and cognitive functions. Materials and methods Twenty-four patients with CP received BMAC and were evaluated 12 months. The treatment procedure involves three intrathecal BMAC applications along with neurorehabilitation. We assessed potential efficacy by using Gross motor functional classification system, Ashworth scale, Learning accomplishment profile-diagnostic scale, brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalogram. Results The study enrolled 24 CP patients with chronological age from 1-12 years but the current developmental age was from 6 -10 months. After BMAC therapy, immediate improvements were noted within first 7 days, decreased muscle tone, and decreased involuntary limb movements, better head control and decreased salivation. After treatment, 83% patients developed relaxation of the extremities. The cognitive function assessment also revealed significant improvement in 40% patients. The average developmental age of the CP patients after the intervention was 22 months in the field of cognition and, 20 months in the field of locomotor skills, 21 months in the field of speech skills. Conclusion Autologous BMAC transplantation seems to be safe and feasible, and can help reduce the degree of impairment of CP patients and, improve the quality of life. The combination of cell therapy and neurorehabilitation can lead to functional restoration that reduces disability in CP.
Bioeffectors as biotechnological tools of the innate immunity: signal transduction pathways involved
Authors: Martin-Rivilla Helena , Garcia-Villaraco Ana , Ramos-Solano Beatriz , Gutierrez-Mañero Francisco Javier , Lucas Jose Antonio
Published: March 2020

Background Unravel the complex functioning of plant immune system is essential and something in which great effort is being made since its performance is not entirely clear yet. Knowing plant immune system allows strengthening it and therefore developing a more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture, avoiding the massive use of agrochemicals and making plants the main protagonist in the defense against pathogens.The use of beneficial rhizobacteria (bioeffectors) and its derived metabolic elicitors are biotechnological alternatives in plant immune system elicitation. The present work aimed to check the ability of 25 bacterial strains selected from a group of 175, isolated from the rhizosphere of Nicotiana glauca, to trigger the innate immune system of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings against the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae DC3000. A study of the signal transduction pathways involved in plant response was made.Results The selected 25 strains were chosen because of their biochemical traits and avoiding phylogenetic redundancy. The 5 strains, of the previous 25, more effective in the prevention of pathogen infection were used to elucidate signal transduction pathways involved in the plant immune response, studying the differential expression of Salicylic acid and Jasmonic acid/Ethylene pathway marker genes. Some strains stimulated the two pathways with no inhibitory effects between them, while others stimulated either one or the other. Metabolic elicitors of two strains, chosen for their taxonomic affiliation and for the results obtained in the differential expression of the genes studied, were extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, and their capacity to mimic bacterial effect to trigger the immune system of the plant was studied. N-hexane and ethyl acetate were the most effective fractions against the pathogen in both strains, achieving similar protection rates although gene expression responses were different from that obtained by the bacteria. Conclusions Beneficial rhizobacteria and its metabolic elicitors have great potential as biotechnological tools since they are able to improve plant immune system through the triggering of either Salicylic acid or Jasmonic acid/Ethylene pathway or both pathways simultaneously. These results open a huge amount of biotechnological possibilities to develop biological products for agriculture in different situations and plant species.
Impact of nephron sparing surgery on survival in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients stratified by tumor characteristics
Authors: Jin Liang , Zhai Ting-shuai , Zhou Zhen , Liu Xiang , Zhang Jia-xin , Nie Xiao-cui , Liu Hui-qing , Yao Xu-dong , Yue Feng , Ye Lin
Published: March 2020

Background : We aimed to evaluate the impact of nephron sparing surgery (NSS) on survival in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients stratified by tumor grade and stage compared to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) or no surgery. Methods : Overall, 10319 UTUC patients between 2004 and 2015 were extracted from the SEER database. Patients were divided into no surgery group, NSS group and RNU group. Kaplan-Meier plots illustrated survival rates according to surgical method. Multivariable Cox regression analyses assessed the effect of different surgical methods on survival rates. Result : Among the 10319 UTUC patients. Kaplan-Meier plots showed that NSS was associated with a higher overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ and AJCC stage Ⅳ patients (all p <0.05). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, NSS was prone to a higher OS or CSS in grade Ⅲ ( p > 0.05). Moreover, NSS predisposed to a higher OS only in AJCC stage Ⅳ ( p <0.05). Conclusion : The beneficial effect of NSS was evident in grade Ⅲ or AJCC stage Ⅳ. NSS can be considered in grade Ⅲ or stage Ⅳ, for other grades or stages remains to be seen, both of which will be verified by further prospective research.
Tipologías de uso educativo de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación: una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Authors: Tapia Cortes Carolina
Published: March 2020

La diversidad de formas de uso de las tecnologías en la educación, abre posibilidades para el logro de aprendizajes significativos. No obstante, los avances en la identificación y análisis de los modos de uso de las TIC en el contexto educativo han sido poco explorados. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar los modos de uso académico de las TIC, a partir de una revisión sistemática de literatura. El análisis arrojó once estudios que se focalizan principalmente en el uso de las TIC en el contexto educativo. El procesamiento de análisis de cada estudio se realizó a través del software MAXQDA. Los resultados permitieron el planteamiento de dos tipologías: uso de las TIC en el contexto educativo y uso académico de las TIC, a partir de su utilización, función e integración en el contexto educativo.
Preferences of People of Advanced and Gerontic Age in Diet Formation
Authors: Ruban Natalya , Reznichenko Irina
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Currently, the food market is replenished with new types of specialized food products intended for nutrition of certain population categories. Gerodietetic products are important in forming the diet for senior citizens. Therefore, gerodietetic foods are a factor of healthy lifestyle and active longevity. Functional food products should be based on age-related issues and consumer preferences. Aging weakens assimilative processes in organs and tissues, slows down the rate of redox reactions, and restructures the system of metabolism and body functions. Thus, people of advanced and gerontic age need to consume appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals, as their deficiency plays a decisive role in the development of age-related diseases. As a result, scientific justification and development of functional food products for this category is extremely important. The research objective was to study consumer preferences in relation to gerodietetic food products by collecting, processing, and analyzing marketing data.

Study objects and methods. The research featured statistical data, as well as information obtained from consumers aged 60–77, residents of the Kemerovo region. The study involved methods of analysis, systematization of statistical and scientific information, comparison and generalization, as well as a marketing survey method.

Results and discussion. The research started with an analysis of the structure and dynamics of the age-sex composition of the population in 2017–2019. The number of the elderly increased by 5% compared to 2017. The analysis also showed a stable quantitative prevalence of female population, i.e. 64.9% in 2017 and 64.8% in 2019. The daily diet of most survey participants included cereals, dairy products, and vegetables. The survey helped to identify the purchase factors. Price proved to be the main factor when choosing dairy products (72%). Most respondents (47%) consume dairy products daily.

Conclusion. The marketing research defined the purchase factors for people of advanced and gerontic age in choosing food products. The obtained data can help to improve the gerodietetic products on the consumer market of Kemerovo.