bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication a controlled-release pesticide for improving UV-shielding properties and reducing toxicity via coating polydopamine
Authors: Wang Ya , Li Chaonan , Zhang Xing , Chen Wei , Zhang Ying , Li Xiaogang
Published: October 2020

In modern agriculture, controlled-release formulations (CRF) is greatly desirable for achieving valid utilization and loss reduction of pesticides. It can also alleviate the adverse effect on non-target organism. In this study, we used polydopamine (PDA) as a depositing layer, constructed pyraclostrobin@SiO 2 @polydopamine microcapsule (Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC). The resulting microcapsule is a near-rod shape (about 1.152μm), which has a drug-loading efficiency of 55%. FT-IR and TG analysis revealed the successful entrapment of the pesticide. The microencapsulation had important function in the slow-release rate of the pyraclostrobin and superior UV-shielding properties. Moreover, bioactivity of the microcapsule against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.vasinfectum was determined and it exhibited better inhibition activity than pyraclostrobin technical in the later stage. At last, acute toxicity tests demonstrated that Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC on zebrafish with lower toxicity on the first day. These results showed that Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC may process broader application potential in agriculture.In modern agriculture, controlled-release formulations (CRF) is greatly desirable for achieving valid utilization and loss reduction of pesticides. It can also alleviate the adverse effect on non-target organism. In this study, we used polydopamine (PDA) as a depositing layer, constructed pyraclostrobin@SiO 2 @polydopamine microcapsule (Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC). The resulting microcapsule is a near-rod shape (about 1.152μm), which has a drug-loading efficiency of 55%. FT-IR and TG analysis revealed the successful entrapment of the pesticide. The microencapsulation had important function in the slow-release rate of the pyraclostrobin and superior UV-shielding properties. Moreover, bioactivity of the microcapsule against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.vasinfectum was determined and it exhibited better inhibition activity than pyraclostrobin technical in the later stage. At last, acute toxicity tests demonstrated that Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC on zebrafish with lower toxicity on the first day. These results showed that Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC may process broader application potential in agriculture.
Noncontact restoration of missing parts of stone Buddha statue based on three-dimensional virtual modeling and assembly simulation
Authors: Jo Young Hoon , Hong Seonghyuk , Jo Seong Yeon , Kwon Yoon Mi
Published: October 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) digital technology is one of the most essential conservation methods that complements the traditional technique of the restoration of cultural artifacts. In this study, 3D scanning, virtual restoration modeling, and 3D printing were used as a non-contact approach for the restoration of a damaged stone seated Bodhisattva (stone Buddha statue). First, a three-dimensional model with an average point density of 0.2 mm was created by integrating the fixed high-precision scanning of the exterior and the handheld mid-precision scanning of the interior excavated hole. Through a 3D deterioration map of the stone Buddha statue, the area of the missing parts was measured as 400.1 cm 2 (5.5% of the total area). Moreover, 257.1 cm 2 (64.2% of the missing part area) of four parts such as the head, the surrounding area of the Baekho, the right ear, and the right eye, for which symmetry was applicable for modeling or there could be ascertainable historical evidence for the total missing parts, was selected for restoration. The virtual restoration of the missing parts of the stone Buddha statue was performed using a haptic modeling system in the following order. First, the location of the three fragments detached from the head was determined. Next, the reference model was selected, and its symmetrization and modification with respect to the original were conducted. Also, estimation modeling and outer shape description were performed through historical research and consultation with experts. The created virtual-restoration model’s (461 cm 3 ) heuristic-based assembly suitability was verified by design mock-up printing and digital–analog simulation. In particular, to address the assembly interference, the interface surface was modified and reprocessed several times. Accordingly, the final design mock-up’s volume size was decreased by 5.2% (437 cm 3 ). Photopolymerization 3D printing technology was used for the actual restoration of the stone Buddha statue and the layer thickness of the material used was set as 0.10 mm considering the surface roughness. Finally, the surface of the printed output was colored to prevent yellowing and joined to the missing part of the stone Buddha statue. This study presents a great case to shift from the traditional manual-contact method to the contactless digital method for the restoration of artifacts and is expected to largely contribute to increasing the usability of digital technologies in the restoration of cultural artifacts.
Impact on Decision Making Framework for Medicine Purchasing in Chinese Public Hospital Decision-making: Determining the Value of Five Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors
Authors: Bao Yun , Gao Bei , Meng Min , Ge Bin , Yang Yan , Ding Chunchun , Shi Bingyin , Tian Limin
Published: October 2020

Background: Medicine purchasing in Chinese public hospitals is decided by the hospital Pharmacy Management Committee (PMC), that is complex, subjective and requires efficient methods to ensure transparency and consistency for the factors being considered. This study aimed to use the Evidence and Value: Impact on Decision Making (EVIDEM) framework to assess medicine in these hospitals. In this study anti-diabetic drugs DPP-4 inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the activation of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, were appraised.Methods: Following EVIDEM methodology, we convened an appraisal group and asked each individual to express their perspectives by assigning weights to each criterion. A systematic literature search for information of each criterion of five DPP-4 inhibitors was completed. Then the appraisal group scored for each criterion of the five DPP-4 inhibitors. The estimated value of the five DPP-4 inhibitors was obtained by Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) which combined individual weighting of each criterion with individual scoring for each intervention in each criterion.Results: By assigning weights, the most important criterion was the quality of evidence (4.01±0.52), and that the comparative cost consequences-non-medical cost had lowest weight (2.87±1.03). Criteria included disease severity, size of the affected population, comparative effectiveness, type of therapeutic/preventive benefit and cost of intervention, all of which were assigned the same weight of 3.58. After MCDA, the overall value orders for each DPP-4 inhibitor included Sitagliptin (0.45), Linagliptin (0.44), Vildagliptin (0.43), Alogliptin (0.42) and Saxagliptin (0.40).Conclusions: Based on EVIDEM framework and MCDA, we found that overall value of five DPP-4 inhibitors was similar. it is feasible to use the EVIDEM framework and MCDA in purchasing medicine for Chinese public hospitals.
Genetic analysis reveals unique characteristics of Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations in Haiti
Authors: Daniels Rachel , Chenet Stella , Rogier Eric , Lucchi Naomi , Herman Camelia , Pierre Baby , Lemoine Jean Frantz , Boncy Jacques , Wirth Dyann , Chang Michelle , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Volkman Sarah
Published: October 2020

Background With increasing interest in eliminating malaria from the Caribbean region, Haiti is one of the two countries on the island of Hispaniola with continued malaria transmission. While the Haitian population remains at risk for malaria, there are a limited number of cases annually, making conventional epidemiological measures such as case incidence and prevalence of potentially limited value for fine-scale resolution of transmission patterns and trends. In this context, genetic signatures may be useful for the identification and characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite population in order to identify foci of transmission, detect outbreaks, and track parasite movement to potentially inform malaria control and elimination strategies. Methods This study evaluated the genetic signals based on analysis of 21 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 462 monogenomic (single-genome) P. falciparum DNA samples extracted from dried blood spots collected from malaria-positive patients reporting to health facilities in three southwestern Haitian departments (Nippes, Grand’Anse, and Sud) in 2016. Results Assessment of the parasite genetic relatedness revealed evidence of clonal expansion within Nippes and the exchange of parasite lineages between Nippes, Sud, and Grand'Anse. Furthermore, 437 of the 462 samples shared high levels of genetic similarity–at least 20 of 21 SNPS–with at least one other sample in the dataset. Conclusions These results revealed patterns of relatedness suggestive of the repeated recombination of a limited number of founding parasite types without significant outcrossing. These genetic signals offer clues to the underlying relatedness of parasite populations and may be useful for the identification of the foci of transmission and tracking of parasite movement in Haiti for malaria elimination.
Longitudinal change in arterial stiffness after delivery in women with preeclampsia and normotension: a prospective cohort study
Authors: KIM Sehun , LIM Hyun Ja , KIM Jeung-Ran , OH Kyung Joon , HONG Joon-Seok , Suh Jung-Won
Published: October 2020

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with increased arterial stiffness during pregnancy. However, data on the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness after delivery in women with preeclampsia are lacking. In this pilot study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index after delivery in women with preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. Methods: We enrolled pregnant women with preeclampsia (n=37) and normotension (n=36) who gave birth at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2013 and May 2016, and followed-up at day 1, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery. The longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index and other variables (blood pressure, lipid profiles, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes) were compared between the two groups using the mixed-effects model, and interactions among the main predictors were examined. Results: The longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index did not significantly differ between the two groups (β=0.11, 95% CI: -0.31–0.54, p=0.60). Predictors of the longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index included age, time since delivery, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus. Women with preeclampsia showed significantly elevated blood pressure, lipid profiles, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes compared to women with normotension over the course of one year of follow-up. Conclusions: Preeclampsia is associated with unfavorable blood pressure and metabolic indices after delivery. However, we found no difference in the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness between women with preeclampsia and normotension over the course of one year after delivery. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on October 29, 2019 (NCT04142268).
Adjoint-based Direct Data Assimilation of GNSS time series for optimizing frictional parameters and predicting postseismic deformation following the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake
Authors: Kano Masayuki , Miyazaki Shin'ichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Hirahara Kazuro
Published: October 2020

Postseismic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time series followed by megathrust earthquakes can be interpreted as a result of afterslip on the plate interface, especially in its early phase. Afterslip is a stress release process accumulated by adjacent coseismic slip and can be considered a recovery process for future events during earthquake cycles. Spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip often triggers subsequent earthquakes through stress perturbation. Therefore, it is important to quantitatively capture the spatio-temporal evolution of afterslip and related postseismic crustal deformation and to predict their future evolution with a physics-based simulation. We developed an adjoint data assimilation method, which directly assimilates GNSS time series into a physics-based model to optimize the frictional parameters that control the slip behavior on the fault. The developed method was validated with synthetic data. Through the optimization of frictional parameters, the spatial distributions of afterslip could roughly (but not in detail) be reproduced if the observation noise was included. The optimization of frictional parameters reproduced not only the postseismic displacements used for the assimilation but also improved the prediction skill of the following time series. Then, we applied the developed method to the observed GNSS time series for the first 15 days following the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake. The frictional parameters in the afterslip regions were optimized to A-B ~ O(10 kPa), A ~ O(100 kPa), and L ~ O(10 mm). A large afterslip is inferred on the shallower side of the coseismic slip area. The optimized frictional parameters quantitatively predicted the postseismic GNSS time series for the following 15 days. These characteristics can also be detected if the simulation variables can be simultaneously optimized. The developed data assimilation method, which can be directly applied to GNSS time series following megathrust earthquakes, is an effective quantitative evaluation method for assessing risks of subsequent earthquakes and for monitoring the recovery process of megathrust earthquakes.
Dietary Intake, Intestinal Infection, and Safe Drinking Water Among Children with Anemia in Peru: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Westgard Christopher M , Orrego-Ferreyros Luis A. , Calderón Liz Franco , Rogers Alexandra M.
Published: October 2020

Anemia is a major public health concern that is present in 41.7% of children under 5 worldwide. The prevalence of anemia in Peru was 43.6% in 2017, a decrease by only 6.8% in 8 years. Despite great efforts made by the government to reduce anemia by distributing free multi-micronutrient supplements and promote the consumption of iron rich foods, progress has been slow. The current study sought to better understand the dietary intake, incidence of intestinal infectious disease, and access to safe drinking water by children with anemia in Peru to help explain why the prevalence remains high. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from two national surveys that were combined by child ID. Descriptive statistics was analyzed to understand the experience of children with anemia in comparison to child without anemia. Logistic multivariate regression analyses were conducted to test the associations between anemia and dietary intake, intestinal infection, and access to safe drinking water. RESULTS The sample included 586 children between 6 and 35 months. The prevalence of anemia in this population was 53.2%. The portion of children that consumed sufficient micronutrients to meet the recommendation for their age was 51.9%. Of the children with anemia, 45.1% consumed sufficient micronutrients to meet their recommendation, vs. 54.9% of children without anemia (p<0.001). The children with anemia were more likely to have an intestinal infection in the last year (35% vs. 26%, p=0.057) and less likely to have access to safe drinking water (23% vs. 14%, p=0.02) than those without anemia.. The logistic analysis revealed that having an intestinal infection increased the odds of having anemia (OR=1.59, CI 95% [1.01-2.49]), and having access to safe drinking waters decreased the odds of having anemia (OR=0.56, [0.32-0.96]), while controlling for the consumption of sufficient iron. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of the children with anemia in Peru already consume sufficient micronutrients to meet their daily requirement. However, they continue to have anemia, likely due to intestinal infection, such as diarrhea and parasites, and a lack of access to safe drinking water.
The scope and nature of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Kinitz David J , Salway Travis , Dromer Elisabeth , Giustini Dean , Ashley Florence , Goodyear Trevor , Ferlatte Olivier , Kia Hannah , Abramovich Alex
Published: October 2020

Background: Sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (SOGIECE) are a set of scientifically discredited practices that aim to deny and suppress the sexual orientations, gender identities, and/or gender expressions of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). SOGIECE are associated with significant adverse health and social outcomes. SOGIECE continue to be practiced around the world, despite denouncements from professional bodies and survivors, as well as calls for legislative advocacy to prohibit SOGIECE and protect SGMs. There are substantial gaps in the availability of consolidated international research to support and refine legislative proposals related to SOGIECE, including those currently underway to enforce bans in Canada and elsewhere. We therefore propose the first systematic review of international data on SOGIECE that will outline the scope and nature of these practices worldwide. Specifically, we aim to estimate how many SGMs have been exposed to SOGIECE, which sub-groups of SGMs experience higher rates of SOGIECE, and how estimates of SOGIECE vary over time and place. In addition, we aim to describe when, where, how, and under what circumstances SGMs are exposed to SOGIECE. Methods: To locate an interdisciplinary swath of papers, nine (9) bibliographic databases will be searched: Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsycInfo and Social Work Abstracts via EBSCO, Web of Science Core Collection, LGBTQ+ Source, Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global and Sociology Collection (ProQuest). A gold standard search will be developed for Medline and adapted to the other databases. Grey literature will be searched at relevant websites, and reference harvesting will be performed in relevant SOGIECE scientific consensus statements. Two authors will independently screen abstracts/titles, screen full texts, abstract data, and apply risk of bias assessments. A narrative synthesis will be implemented to summarize findings. Discussion: This review will address the gap in synthesized data regarding the prevalence of SOGIECE, social correlates of SOGIECE, variations of SOGIECE over time and place, and the circumstances, settings, and time-points of SOGIECE exposure. Findings from this review will directly inform ongoing and new legislative efforts to ban SOGIECE and other interventions that aim to stem SOGIECE practices and support SOGIECE survivors. Systematic Review Registration: Prospective registration with PROSPERO will occur before completion of full-text screening.
Exosomal LncRNA–NEAT1 derived from MIF-treated mesenchymal stem cells protected against doxorubicin-induced cardiac senescence through sponging miR-221-3p
Authors: Zhuang Lei , Xia Wenzheng , Chen Didi , Ye Yijia , Hu Tingting , Li Shiting , Hou Meng
Published: October 2020

Background: The chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used for treating a variety of cancers. However, its high cardiotoxicity hampered its clinical use. Exosomes derived from stem cells showed a therapeutic effect against Dox-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC). Previous studies reported that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) pretreated with macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) (exosome MIF ) showed a cardioprotective effect through modulating long noncoding RNAs/microRNAs (lncRNAs/miRs). This study aimed to investigate the role of exosome MIF in the treatment of DIC. Results: Exosomes were isolated from control MSCs (exosome) and MIF-pretreated MSCs (exosome MIF ). Regulatory lncRNAs activated by MIF pretreatment were explored using genomics approaches. Fluorescence-labeled exosomes were tracked in vitro by fluorescence imaging. In vivo and in vitro, miR-221-3p mimic transfection enforced miR-221-3p overexpression, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase assay was applied to test cellular senescence. Exosomal delivering LncRNA-NEAT1 induced therapeutic effect in vivo was confirmed by echocardiography. It demonstrated that exosomes MIF recovered the cardiac function and exerted the anti-senescent effect through LncRNA–NEAT1 transfer against Dox. TargetScan and luciferase assay showed that miR-221-3p targeted the Sirt2 3'-untranslated region. Silencing LncRNA–NEAT1 in MSCs, miR-221-3p overexpression or Sirt2 silencing in cardiomyocytes decreased the exosome MIF -induced anti-senescent effect against Dox. Conclusions: The results indicated exosome MIF serving as a promising anti-senescent effector against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity through LncRNA–NEAT1 transfer, thus inhibiting miR-221-3p and leading to Sirt2 activation. The study proposed that exosome MIF might have the potential to serve as a cardioprotective therapeutic agent during cancer chemotherapy.
Validity and reliability of the Self-Care Activities Screening Scale (SASS-14) during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Martinez Martín , Luis Elkin , Oliveros Edwin Yair , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo , Sarrionandia Ainize , Vidaurreta Marta , Bermejo-Martins Elena
Published: October 2020

Background. In a context where there is no treatment for the current COVID-19 virus, the combination of self-care behaviours together with confinement, are strategies to decrease the risk of contagion and remain healthy. However, there are no self-care measures to screen self-care activities in general population and which, could be briefly in a lockdown situation. This research aims to build and validate a psychometric tool to screen self-care activities in general population. Methods. Firstly, an exploratory factor analysis was performed in a sample of 226 participants to discover the underlying factorial structure and to reduce the number of items in the original tool into a significant pool of items related to self-care. Later a confirmatory factor analyses were performed in a new sample of 261 participants to test for the fit and goodness of factor solutions. Internal validity, reliability, criterion validity, and convergent validity between its score with perceived stress and psychological well-being measures were examined on this sample. Results. The exploratory analyses suggested a four-factor solution, corresponding to health consciousness, nutrition and physical activity, sleep, and intra-personal and inter-personal coping skills (14 items). Then, the four-factor structure was confirmed as the best model fit for self-care activities. The tool demonstrated good reliability, predictive validity of individuals’ perception of coping with COVID-19 lockdown, and convergent validity with well-being and perceived stress.Conclusions. This screening tool could be helpful to address future evaluations and interventions to promote healthy behaviours. Likewise, this tool can be targeted to specific population self-care’s needs during a scalable situation.
Human levator veli palatini muscle: A novel source of mesenchymal stromal cells for use in the rehabilitation of patients with congenital craniofacial malformations
Authors: Bueno Daniela Franco , Kabayashi Gerson Shigueru , Pinheiro Carla Cristina Gomes , Tanikawa Daniela Y S , Raposo-Amaral Cassio Eduardo , Rocha Diogenes Laercio , Ferreira José Ricardo Muniz , Shibuya Yoichiro , Hokugo Ashigue , Jarrahy Reza , Zuk Patricia A , Bueno Maria Rita Passos
Published: October 2020

Background. Bone reconstruction in congenital craniofacial differences, which affect about 2-3% of newborns, has long been the focus of intensive research in the field of bone tissue engineering. The possibility of using mesenchymal stromal cells in regenerative medicine protocols has opened a new field of investigation aimed at finding optimal sources of multipotent cells that can be isolated via non-invasive procedures. In this study we analysed whether levator veli palatini muscle fragments, which can be readily obtained in non-invasive manner during palatoplasty in cleft palate p­­atients, represent a novel source of MSCs with osteogenic potential. Methods . We obtained levator veli palatini muscle fragments (3-5 mm 3 ), during surgical repair of cleft palate in 5 unrelated patients. Mesenchymal stromal cells were isolated from the muscle using a pre-plating technique and other standard practices. The multipotent nature of the isolated stromal cells was demonstrated via flow cytometry analysis and by induction along osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation pathways. To demonstrate the osteogenic potential of these cells in vivo, they were used to reconstruct a critical-sized full-thickness calvarial defect model was in immunocompentent rats. Results. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the isolated stromal cells were positive for mesenchymal stem cell antigens (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90 and CD105) and negative for hematopoietic (CD34 and CD45) or endothelial cell markers (CD31). The cells successfully underwent osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic cell differentiation under appropriate cell culture conditions. Calvarial defects treated with CellCeram TM scaffolds seeded with the isolated levator veli palatini muscle cells showed greater bone healing compared to defects treated with acellular scaffolds. Conclusion. Cells derived from levator veli palatini muscle have phenotypic characteristics similar to other mesenchymal stromal cells, both in vitro and in vivo . Our ﬁndings suggest that these cells may have clinical relevance in the surgical rehabilitation of patients with cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies characterized by significant bone deficit.
Developing a specialist children’s nursing workforce in sub-Saharan Africa: a descriptive programme evaluation.
Authors: Ruthe Jennifer , North Natasha Lee
Published: October 2020

Background: Achieving Universal Health Coverage in low and lower-middle income countries requires an estimated additional five and a quarter million nurses. Despite an increasing focus on specialist nursing workforce development, specialist children’s workforce in most African countries falls well below recommended densities. The Child Nursing Practice Development Initiative was established with the aim of building the children’s nursing workforce in Southern and Eastern Africa, and Ghana. The purpose of this evaluation was to enable scrutiny of programme activities conducted between 2008 and 2018 to inform programme review and where possible to identify wider lessons of potential interest in relation to specialist nursing workforce strengthening initiatives. Methods: The study took the form of a descriptive programme evaluation. Data analysed included quantitative programme data and contextual information from documentary sources. Anonymised programme data covering student enrolments between January 2008 and December 2018 were analysed. Findings were member-checked for accuracy.Results: The programme recorded 348 enrolments in 11 years, with 75% of students coming from South Africa and 25% from other sub-Saharan African countries. With a course completion rate of 94%, 99% of known alumni were still working in Africa at the end of 2018. Most graduates were located at top-tier (specialist) public hospital facilities. Nine percent of known alumni were found to be working in education, with 54% of graduates at centres that offer or plan to offer children’s nursing education. Conclusion: The programme has made a quantifiable, positive and sustained contribution to the capacity of the specialist clinical and educational children’s nursing workforce in nine African countries. Data suggest there may be promising approaches within programme design and delivery in relation to very high course completion rates and the retention of graduates in service which merit further consideration. Outputs from this single programme are however modest when compared to the scale of need. Greater clarity around the vision and role of specialist children’s nurses and costed plans for workforce development are needed for investment in specialist children’s nursing education to realise its potential in relation to achievement of Universal Health Coverage.
Expectations and Experiences with Physician Care among Patients Receiving Post-Acute Care in US Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Ryskina Kira L , Foley Kierra A. , Karlawish Jason H. , Uy Joshua D. , Lott Briana , Goldberg Erica , Hodgson Nancy A.
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives: In the US, post-acute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is common and outcomes vary greatly across facilities. Little is known about the expectations of patients and their caregivers about physician care during the hospital to SNF transition. Our objectives were to (1) describe the experiences and expectations of patients and their caregivers with SNF physicians (or advanced practitioners such as nurse practitioners) in SNFs, and (2) identify patterns that differed between patients with vs. without cognitive impairment.Research Design and Methods: This qualitative study used grounded theory approach to analyze data collected from semi-structured interviews at five SNFs in January-August 2018. Patients admitted for short-term SNF care 5-10 days prior were eligible to participate. Thematic analysis was performed to detect recurrent themes with a focus on modifiable aspects of physician care. Analysis was stratified by patient cognitive impairment (measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment at the time of the interview). Results: Fifty patients and six caregivers were interviewed. Major themes were: (1) patients had poor awareness of the physician in charge of their care; (2) they were dissatisfied with the frequency of interaction with the physician; and (3) participants valued the perception of receiving individualized care from the physician. Less cognitively impaired patients were more concerned about limited interactions with the clinicians and were more likely to report attempts to seek out the physician. Discussion and Implications: Patient and caregiver expectations of SNF physicians were not well aligned with their experiences. SNFs aiming to improve satisfaction with care may focus efforts in this area, such as facilitating frequent communication between physicians, patients and caregivers.
Elasticity Spectra as a Tool to Investigate Actin Cortex Mechanics
Authors: Lüchtefeld Ines , Bartolozzi Alice , Morales Julian Mejia , Dobre Oana , Basso Michele , Zambelli Tomaso , Vassalli Massimo
Published: October 2020

Background: The mechanical properties of single living cells have proven to be a powerful marker of the cell physiological state. The use of nanoindentation-based single cell force spectroscopy provided a wealth of information on the elasticity of cells, which is still largely to be exploited. The simplest model to describe cell mechanics is to treat them as a homogeneous elastic material and describe it in terms of the Young's modulus. Beside its simplicity, this approach proved to be extremely informative, allowing to assess the potential of this physical indicator towards high throughput phenotyping in diagnostic and prognostic applications. Results: Here we propose an extension of this analysis to explicitly account for the properties of the actin cortex. We present a method, the Elasticity Spectra, to calculate the apparent stiffness of the cell as a function of the indentation depth and we suggest a simple phenomenological approach to measure the thickness and stiffness of the actin cortex, in addition to the standard Young's modulus. Conclusions: The Elasticity Spectra approach is tested and validated on a set of cells treated with cytoskeleton-affecting drugs, showing the potential to extend the current representation of cell mechanics, without introducing a detailed and complex description of the intracellular structure.
Molecular characterization of G6PD mutations reveals the high frequency of G6PD Aures in the Lao Theung population
Authors: Sanephonasa Amkha , Cheepsunthorn Chalisa Louicharoen , Khaminsou Naly , Savongsy Onekham , Nuchprayoon Issarang , Leecharoenkiat Kamonlak
Published: October 2020

Background: The prevalence and genotypes of G6PD deficiency vary worldwide, with higher prevalence in malaria endemic areas. The first time assessment of G6PD deficiency prevalence and molecular characterization of G6PD mutations in the Lao Theung population were performed in this study.Methods: A total of 252 unrelated Lao Theung participants residing in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) were recruited. All participant samples were tested for G6PD enzyme activity and G6PD gene mutations. The amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR for detecting G6PD Aures was developed.Results: The G6PD mutations were detected in 11.51% (29/252) of the participants. Eight G6PD mutations were detected. The G6PD Aures was the most common mutation identified in this cohort, which represented 58.62 % (17/29) of all mutation. The mutation pattern was homogenous, predominantly involving the G6PD Aures mutation (6.75%), followed by 1.19% G6PD Union and 0.79% each G6PD Jammu, G6PD Mahidol and G6PD Kaiping. One subject (0.4%) each carried G6PD Viangchan and G6PD Canton. Interestingly, one case of coinheritance of G6PD Aures and Quing Yan was detected in this cohort. Based on levels of G6PD enzyme activity, the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in the Lao Theung population was 9.52 % (24/252).Conclusion: The G6PD Aures mutation is highly prevalent in the Lao Theung ethnic group. The common G6PD variants in continental Southeast Asian populations, G6PD Viangchan, Canton, Kaiping, Union and Mahidol, were not prevalent in this ethnic group. The technical simplicity of the developed ARMS-PCR will facilitate the final diagnosis of the G6PD Aures.
CT- 3-DimenSional airway evaluation-guided intraluminal placement of endobronchial blocker in pediatric patients: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Xu Yingyi , Zhang Na , Wei Wei , Tan Yonghong , Zeng Minting , Hou Jianning , Liu Wei
Published: October 2020

Background: One-lung ventilation (OLV) with endobronchial blocking is commonly used in anesthesia for pediatric thoracic surgery. Bronchoscopy is commonly used to guide the endobronchial blocker placement. However, when bronchoscopy is not applicable, the proper placement of endobronchial blocker is challenging. Computed tomography (CT)-3-DimenSional evaluation may be used to accurately measure the airway of pediatric patients. The present study was aimed to propose a new approach of CT-3-DimenSional airway evaluation-guided endobronchial blocker placement in pediatric patients and to determine its efficiency in clinical application. Methods: A total of 127 pediatric patients of 0.5-3 years old scheduled for elective thoracic surgery under OLV were randomized into the bronchoscopy group and the CT group. The degree of lung collapse, postoperative airway mucosal injury, pulmonary infection within 72 hour after surgery, hoarseness after tracheal extubation, Durations of postoperative mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospitalization, the successful rate of the first blocker positioning, and the required time and repositionings for successful blocker placement were compared between the two groups. Results: The degree of lung collapse, postoperative airway mucosal injury, pulmonary infection within 72 hour after surgery, hoarseness after tracheal extubation, durations of postoperative mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and hospitalization were similar between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: For pediatric patients who would undergo surgery with OLV, preoperative CT 3-DimenSional airway evaluation could be used to guide endobronchial blocker placement, with a blocking efficiency similar to that of bronchoscopy-guided blocker placement.
The torsional alignment changed significantly of hindlimb in growing rabbits after patellar dislocation
Authors: Niu Jinghui , Qi Qi , Piao Kang , Hao Kuo , Sharif Iftekhar , Wang Fei
Published: October 2020

Background

Torsional malalignment has been considered as a risk factor for patellar dislocation. But the influence of patellar dislocation for torsional alignment development remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate whether the torsion alteration of the hindlimb occur after patellar dislocation in growing rabbits.

Methods

In the present study, 30 one-month old rabbits were included. The experimental group consists of 30 left knees of rabbits and were underwent patellar lateral dislocation. And the control group consists of 30 right knees and no surgical procedure was performed. The Computed Tomography (CT) scan was performed on each knee when the surgery was finished and at the time the rabbits were skeletal mature (5 months post-surgery). The angles of femoral version and tibial torsion were measured using a three-dimensional method and analyzed between the experimental group and control group.

Results

The femoral version and tibia torsion in the experimental and control group immediately after surgery were not significantly different. However, 5 months after surgery, the femoral version angle of the experimental group (-5.50±6.13°) was significantly different with that of the experimental group (-10.90±4.74°)( P < 0.05). But the tibia torsion angle in the experimental group (7.17±7.25°) and control group (4.47±6.34°) were not significantly different ( P = 0.144).

Conclusion

From this study, patellar dislocation can lead to alteration of femoral version in growing rabbits. This may indicate the early treatment for patellar dislocation in children is particularly important to avoid torsional malalignment in the future. These findings may develop pathology and etiology of patellar dislocation.
Revealing the organic dye and mordant composition of Paracas textiles by a combined analytical approach
Authors: Sabatini Francesca , Bacigalupo Martina , Degano Ilaria , Javér Anna , Hacke Marei
Published: October 2020

The object of this study is a wide selection of dyed cotton and camelid samples from an important collection of 2000-year-old Paracas textiles, now at the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (MNAAHP; Lima; Peru) and at the National Museum of World Culture (NMWC; Gothenburg; Sweden). The threads, chosen as representative of the whole palette, were selected from eighteen different textiles. A combined spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical approach was selected to characterize the organic and inorganic composition of this wide set of samples. In particular, technical photography was used to gain a general overview of the samples, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was employed for identifying the mordants and mapping the elemental distribution in the threads, while liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD, HPLC-HRMS) were used for characterizing organic dye composition.
This study provides fundamental information on the mordants or other inorganic auxiliaries used in the dyeing processes, rarely investigated up to now, and to the varieties of vegetal sources employed in Paracas textiles. The widening of the Andean dyestuff database is highly important not only to acquire knowledge on Paracas culture, but also to ease the dye characterization of archaeological textiles from Peruvian region and South American area in general.
Recognition and management of agitation in acute mental health services: A qualitative evaluation of staff perceptions
Authors: Tucker Joshua , Whitehead Lisa , Palamara Peter , Rosman Josephine , Seaman Karla
Published: October 2020

Background: Agitation among patients is a common and distressing behaviour across a variety of health care settings, particularly inpatient mental health. Unless recognised early and effectively managed it can lead to aggression and personal injury. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of mental health nurses in recognising and managing agitation in an inpatient mental health setting and the alignment of these experiences with best practice and person-centred care.

Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative methodology. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with twenty nurses working in a mental health unit in 2018. Nursing staff described their experiences of assessing and managing agitation. Descriptive and Thematic Analysis were undertaken of the transcribed focus group dialogue.

Results: Nurses combined their clinical knowledge, assessment protocols and training with information from patients to make an individualised assessment of agitation. Nurses also adopted an individualised approach to management by engaging patients in decisions about their care. In keeping with best practice recommendations, de-escalation strategies were the first choice option for management, though nurses also described using both coercive restraint and medication under certain circumstances. From the perspective of patient-centred care, the care provided aligned with elements of person-centred care nursing care.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that clinical mental health nurses assess and manage agitation, with certain exceptions, in line with best practice and a person-centred care nursing framework.

Keywords: Agitation; assessment; management; mental health; nurses, person-centred care; qualitative research
Ambient air pollutants and hospital visits for pneumonia: A case-crossover study in Qingdao, China.
Authors: Zhang Jianzhong , Ren Dunqiang , Cao Xue , Wang Tao , Geng Xue , Li Xin , Tang Jinglong , Leng Shuguang , Wang Hongmei , Zheng Yuxin
Published: October 2020

Background: Pneumonia is one of the principal reasons for incidence and death in the world. The former research mainly concentrated on specific sources of patients. Besides, due to the heterogeneity among regions, there are inconsistencies in the outcome of these surveys. To explore the significance of the relationship between atmospheric pollution and hospital visits for pneumonia under the climate and pollution conditions in Qingdao, we carried out this study.Methods: The medical records of pneumonia patients were gathered from the affiliated hospital of Qingdao University during Jan 1st, 2014, and Dec 31st,2018. Daily concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, as well as CO, were collected from the national air quality monitoring stations in Qingdao. A case-crossover study design and conditional logistic regression model were used to estimate the associations. Daily temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure were adjusted as the covariates in all models. A principal component analysis was used to solve the multicollinearity between atmospheric pollutants and investigate the relationship between various air pollutants and pneumonia occurs.Results: In the single pollutant model, with interquartile range increment of the density of PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 at the lag2 days, the odds ratio of hospital visits for pneumonia patients increased by 6.4% (95%CI, 2.3-10.7%), 7.7% (95%CI, 3.2-12.4%), 6.7% (95%CI, 1.0-12.7%), and 7.2% (95%CI, 1.1-13.5%). Stratified analysis showed that pollutants were more significant in the cold period. Besides, the impact of atmospheric particulates on different ages mainly occurs in the young child (0 to 3-year-old). The odds ratio was 1.042 (95%CI, 1.2-7.2%) when the principal components of atmospheric pollutants were included in the conditional logistic model.Conclusion: Our study found a significant relationship between short-term uncovering to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and hospital visits for pneumonia in Qingdao. The effect of atmospheric pollutants mainly arose in a cold period. The particulate matter might be the principal reason in inducing hospital visits for pneumonia.
Genetic Disorders With Symptoms Mimicking Rheumatologic Diseases: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Akca Ummusen Kaya , Kiper Pelin Ozlem Simsek , Demir Gizem Urel , Sag Erdal , Atalay Erdal , Utine Gulen Eda , Alikasifoglu Mehmet , Boduroglu Koray , Bilginer Yelda , Özen Seza
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMusculoskeletal symptoms may be due to noninflammatory causes, including genetic disorders. We aimed to examine the final genetic diagnosis in patients who presented with musculoskeletal complaints to the rheumatology department.MethodsPatients who presented to the Department of Pediatric Rheumatology and were referred to the pediatric genetic department between January 2015 and May 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. ResultsA total of 60 patients, 19 boys (31.66%), with a mean age of 12.46 ± 1.41 years were included in the study. The total consanguinity rate was 25%. The most common (29.5%) cause of referral to the pediatric genetic department was the presence of skeletal anomalies (such as camptodactyly, clinodactyly, and short stature) with accompanying joint findings. Approximately one-third of the patients (n: 19) were diagnosed and followed up by the pediatric genetics department. The diagnoses of patients were as follows: camptodactyly, arthropathy, coxa vara, and pericarditis (CACP) syndrome (n: 3); trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (n: 1); progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (n: 2); LIG4 syndrome (n: 1); H syndrome (n: 1); spondyloenchondrodysplasia (SPENCD) (n: 3); and nonspecific connective tissue disorders (n: 8).ConclusionsIn the differential diagnosis of patients who are referred to the Department of Pediatric Rheumatology with complaints of the musculoskeletal system, genetic disorders should also be considered.