bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrimination of mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes in NSCLC based on radiomic features in different phases of CT imaging
Authors: Sha Xue , Gong Guan Zhong , Qiu Qing Tao , Duan Jing Hao , Li Deng Wang , Yin Yong
Published: January 2020

Background: We aimed to develop radiomic models based on different phases of computed tomography (CT) imaging and to investigate the efficacy of models for diagnosing mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods: Eighty-six NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study, and we selected 231 mediastinal LNs confirmed by pathology results as the subjects which were divided into training (n=163) and validation cohorts (n=68). The regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated on CT scans in the plain phase, arterial phase and venous phase, respectively. Radiomic features were extracted from the CT images in each phase. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select features, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build models. We constructed six models (orders 1-6) based on the radiomic features of the single- and dual-phase CT images. The performance of the radiomic model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).
Results: A total of 846 features were extracted from each ROI, and 10, 9, 5, 2, 2, and 9 features were chosen to develop models 1-6, respectively. All of the models showed excellent discrimination, with AUCs greater than 0.8. The plain CT radiomic model, model 1, yielded the highest AUC, specificity, accuracy and PPV, which were 0.926 and 0.925; 0.860 and 0.769; 0.871 and 0.882; and 0.906 and 0.870 in the training and validation sets, respectively. When the plain and venous phase CT radiomic features were combined with the arterial phase CT images, the sensitivity increased from 0.879 and 0.919 to 0.949 and 0979 and the NPV increased from 0.821 and 0.789 to 0.878 and 0.900 in the training group, respectively.
Conclusions: All of the CT radiomic models based on different phases all showed high accuracy and precision for the diagnosis of LN metastasis (LNM) in NSCLC patients. When combined with arterial phase CT, the sensitivity and NPV of the model was be further improved.
Spatio-temporal variation of malaria hotspots in central Senegal, 2008-2012
Authors: DIENG Sokhna , Ba El Hadj , Cissé Badara , Sallah Kankoe , Guindo Abdoulaye , Ouedraogo Boukary , Piarroux Martine , Rebaudet Stanislas , Piarroux Renaud , Landier Jordi , Sokhna Cheikh , Gaudart Jean
Published: January 2020

Background In malaria endemic areas, identifying spatio-temporal hotspots is becoming an important element of innovative control strategies targeting transmission bottlenecks. The aim of this work was to describe the spatio-temporal variation of malaria hotspots in central Senegal, and to identify the meteorological, environmental, and preventive factors that influence this variation.
Methods The weekly incidence of malaria cases recorded from 2008 to 2012 in 575 villages of central Senegal (total population 523,908) during a trial of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), were analysed. Data on weekly rainfall and annual vegetation types were obtained for each village from remote sensing data. The time series of weekly malaria incidence for the entire study area was divided into periods of high and low transmission using change-point analysis. Malaria hotspots were detected during each transmission period with the SaTScan method. The effects of rainfall, vegetation type, and SMC intervention on the spatio-temporal variation of malaria hotspots were assessed using a General Additive Mixed Model.
Results The malaria incidence rate for the entire area ranged from 0 to 115.34 cases/100,000 person weeks during the study period. During high transmission periods, the cumulative malaria incidence rate varied between 7.53 and 38.1 cases/100,000 person-weeks, and the number of hotspot villages varied between 62 and 147. During low transmission periods, the cumulative malaria incidence rate varied between 0.83 and 2.73 cases/100,000 person-weeks, and the number of hotspot villages varied between 10 and 43. Villages with SMC were less likely to be hotspots (OR=0.48, IC95%: 0.33-0.68). The association between rainfall and hotspot status was non-linear and depended on vegetation type and the amount of rainfall. The association between village location in the study area and the hotspot status was also showed.
Conclusion In our study, malaria hotspots varied over space and time according to a combination of meteorological, environmental, and preventive factors. Knowing the similar environmental and meteorological particularities of hotspots, surveillance on these factors could lead targeted public health interventions in local context. Moreover, the issue of spatial hotspots and foci of malaria persistence during LTPs needs to be further addressed.
A simple strategy based on fibers coated with surfactant-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes to improve the properties of solid-phase microextraction of phenols in aqueous solution
Authors: zhou xueqing , Xie Yanli , Zhao Zhendong , Fu Wenyan
Published: January 2020

Methods and Experiments: In this study, a functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-coated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber was developed for concentrating analytes in aqueous samples. Sodium deoxycholate(NaDC) was used as a dispersing agent for non-covalent modification of MWCNTs. The coating showed porous structure and large adsorption capacity. To investigate the capability of this MWCNTs/NaDC SPME fiber, it was applied to the analysis of phenols in aqueous solution. After extraction, the analytes were desorbed in an acetonitrile–water solution and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The MWCNTs/NaDC fiber exhibited good analytical performance, and fine preparation reproducibility was obtained with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 4.9% to 10.2% (n = 6) in one batch, from 5.7% to 11.9% (n = 3) among different batches. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the detection limits were 0.15–0.30 ng/mL(S/N=3), the linear detection ranges were 1–100 ng/mL (R2≥0.9997) for these analytes, and good recoveries(80.3%–95.4%) were obtained for the spiked samples. Conclusion: This is a simple and accurate pretreatment method for the analysis of phenols in aqueous samples.
Prevalence of and Characteristics Associated with In-Hospital Mortality in a Ugandan Neurology Ward
Authors: Diaz Monica Maria , Hu Xin , Fenton Brenda T , Kimuli Ivan , Lee Allison , Lindsey Hayley , Bigelow Jeffrey K , Maiser Samuel , Altalib Hamada H. , Sico Jason J
Published: January 2020

Background ― While the burden of neurologic illness in developing countries is increasing, less is known about mortality among patients admitted to sub-Saharan African hospitals with neurologic disease. We sought to characterize the rate and patient-level predictors of in-hospital mortality in a Ugandan Neurology ward.ccMethods ― Data was prospectively collected on 335 patients admitted to the Neurology ward of Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate COX proportional hazard modeling were used to assess survival.Results ―Within our sample (n=307), 35.8% received no diagnosis at time of hospital admission. Stroke (27.3%), head trauma (19.6%), and malaria (16.0%) were the most common diagnoses. Among the 56 (18.5%) patients who died during the index hospitalization, the most common diagnosis at admission and at death was stroke. Adjusted regression analysis showed that patients without a diagnosis at time of death (HR=7.01 [2.42-20.35], p<.001) and those with diagnoses of infections (HR=5.21 [2.16-12.58], p=<.001), stroke (HR=2.69 [1.20-6.04], p=.017), or head trauma (HR=3.39, [1.27-9.07], p=0.15) had worse survival. Conclusions ― In-hospital mortality affected nearly 20% of the cohort, with worse survival among those without a diagnosis and with infections, stroke, head trauma. Future work should identify reasons for increased mortality among these high-risk groups and implement targeted interventions.
Are we doing enough? Improved breastfeeding practices at 14weeks but challenges of non-initiation and early cessation of breastfeeding remain: findings of two consecutive cross-sectional surveys in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Horwood Christiane , Haskins Lyn , Engebretsen Ingunn Marie , Connolly Catherine , Coutsoudis Anna , Spies Lenore
Published: January 2020

Background KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Initiative for breastfeeding support (KIBS) was a multipronged intervention to support breastfeeding initiation and sustained breastfeeding implemented between 2014 and 2017. We present results of two surveys conducted before and after KIBS implementation to assess changes in feeding practices in KZN over this time period. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in primary health care clinics. Multistage stratified random sampling was used to select clinics and participants. Sample size was calculated to provide district estimates of 14-week exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at baseline (KIBS1), and provincial estimates at endpoint (KIBS2). At KIBS1 the sample required was nine participating clinics in each of 11 districts (99 clinics) with 369 participants per district (N=4059), and at KIBS2 was 30 clinics in KZN with 30 participants per clinic (N=900). All caregivers aged ≥ 15 years attending the clinic with infants aged 13- <16 weeks were eligible to participate. Data was collected using structured interviews on android devices. Multi-variable logistic regression was used to adjust odds ratios for differences between time points. Results At KIBS1 (May2014- March2015), 4172 interviews were conducted with carers, of whom 3659 (87.6%) were mothers. At KIBS2 (January-August 2017), 929 interviews were conducted which included 788 (84.8%) mothers. Among all carers the proportion of EBF was 44.6% and 50.5% (p= 0.1) at KIBS1 and KIBS2 respectively, but greater improvements in EBF were shown among mothers (49.9 vs 59.1: p=0.02). There were reductions in mixed feeding among all infants (23.2% vs 16.3%; p=0.016). Although there was no change in the proportion of carers reporting not breastfeeding (31.9% vs 32.8%; p= 0.2), the duration of breastfeeding among mothers who had stopped breastfeeding was longer at KIBS2 compared to KIBS1 (p=0.0015). Mothers who had returned to work or school were less likely to be breastfeeding (AOR 3.76; 95% CI 3.1-4.6), this was similar among HIV positive mothers (AOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.7-2.6). Conclusion Despite improvements to exclusive breastfeeding, failure to initiate and sustain breastfeeding is a challenge to achieving optimal breastfeeding practices. Interventions are required to address these challenges and support breastfeeding particularly among working mothers and HIV positive mothers.
Rno-microRNA-30c-5p promotes myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rats through activating NF-κB pathway and targeting SIRT1
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Zhang Mingming , Zhang Shouyan , Wu Junlong , Xue Shufeng
Published: January 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of rno-microRNA-30c-5p (rno-miR-30c-5p) on myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury in rats and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: A rat model of myocardial IR injury was established. The infarct size was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The pathologic changes of myocardial tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptosis of myocardial cells was measured by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of rno-miR-30c-5p and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, p-IκBα, IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, NF-κB p65 and SIRT1 was detected by Western blot. The interaction between rno-miR-30c-5p and SIRT1 was predicted by TargetScan, and further identified by dual luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Results: The myocardial IR injury model was successfully established in rats. IR induced the myocardial injury in rats and increased the expression of rno-miR-30c-5p. Overexpression of rno-miR-30c-5p enhanced the inflammation, promoted the apoptosis, and activated NF-κB pathway in IR myocardial cells. SIRT1 was the target gene of rno-miR-30c-5p. Silencing of SIRT1 reversed the effects of rno-miR-30c-5p inhibitor on the apoptosis and NF-κB pathway in IR myocardial cells. Conclusions: Rno-miR-30c-5p promoted the myocardial IR injury in rats through activating NF-κB pathway and down-regulating SIRT1.
Non breathing-related sleep fragmentation and imaging markers in patients with atherosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD): a cross-sectional case-control study
Authors: wang jihui , Chen Xiaodong , Liao Jinchi , Zhou Li , Han Hongying , Tao Jiong , Lu Zhengqi
Published: January 2020

Background: Sleep fragmentation was shown to be positively associated with cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD); however, the underlying mechanisms are not well characterized. In this study, we sought to clarify this issue by investigating the relationship between non breathing-related sleep fragmentation and brain imaging markers in patients with CSVD.Methods: Eighty-four CSVD patients and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively recruited. All subjects underwent 3.0 T superconducting magnetic resonance imaging and overnight polysomnography. Polysomnography parameters including sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST); sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO), percentage of each sleep stage (N1, N2, N3 and rapid eye movement [REM]), arousal index (ArI), periodic limb movement in sleep index (PLSMI), and periodic limb movement related arousal index (PLMAI) were compared between CSVD patients and healthy controls. The relationship between arousal index and CSVD markers was explored in the CSVD group.Results: On polysomnography, CSVD patients showed significantly higher ArI, WASO, PLSMI, and PLMAI, and lower sleep efficiency and N-3 ratio compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). On ordinal logistic regression, higher ArI showed a positive association with the severity of periventricular white matter hyperintensity (odds ratio [OR] 1.121, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.138–2.185) and perivascular space (OR 2.108, 95% CI 1.032–4.017) in CSVD patients, after adjusting for potential confounding variables.Conclusions: These preliminary results indicate that non breathing-related sleep fragmentation is common and related to the pathological markers of CSVD patients. Future prospective research is required to determine the causal relationship between sleep parameters and CSVD pathology.
Disentangling the Genetics of Sarcopenia: prioritization of NUDT3 and KLF5 as genes for lean mass and HLA-DQB1-AS1 for hand grip strength based on associated SNPs
Authors: Singh Abhishek N. , Gasman Bili
Published: January 2020

Background: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disease of clinical importance that occurs commonly in old age and in various disease sub-categories. Widening the scope of knowledge of the genetics of muscle mass and strength is important because it may allow to identify patients with an increased risk to develop a specific musculoskeletal disease or condition such as sarcopenia based on genetic markers. We used bioinformatics tools to identify gene loci responsible for regulating muscle strength and lean mass, which can then be a target for downstream lab experimentation validation. Single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with various disease traits of muscles and specific genes were chosen according to their muscle phenotype association p-value, as traditionally done in Genome Wide Association Studies, GWAS. We've developed and applied a combination of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and GWAS summary information, to prioritize causative SNP and point out the unique genes associated in the tissues of interest (muscle). Results: We found NUDT3 and KLF5 for lean mass and HLA-DQB1-AS1 for hand grip strength as candidate genes to target for these phenotypes. The associated regulatory SNPs are rs464553, rs1028883 and rs3129753 respectively. Conclusion: Transcriptome Wide Association Studies, TWAS, approaches of combining GWAS and eQTL summary statistics proved helpful in statistically prioritizing genes and their associated SNPs for the disease phenotype of study, in this case, Sarcopenia. Potentially regulatory SNPs associated with these genes can be then wet-lab verified, depending on the phenotype it is hypothesized to affect.
Pulmonary microbiome patterns correlate with the course of the disease in patients with sepsis-induced ARDS
Authors: Schmitt Felix Carl Fabian , Lipinski Anna , Hofer Stefan , Uhle Florian , Nusshag Christian , Hackert Thilo , Dalpke Alexander H. , Weigand Markus A. , Brenner Thorsten , Boutin Sébastien
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Modified-ramped position: a new position for intubation of obese females. A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: hasanin ahmed , Tarek Hager , Mostafa Maha MA , Arafa Amany , Safina Ahmed G , Elsherbiny Mona H , Hosny Osama , Gado Ahmed A , Almenesey Tarek , Hamden Ghada Adel , Mahmoud Mohamed , Amin Sarah
Published: January 2020

Background
Endotracheal intubation requires optimum positioning of the head and neck. In obese females, the usual ramped position might not provide adequate intubating conditions. We hypothesized that a new position, termed modified-ramped position, during induction of anesthesia would facilitate endotracheal intubation through shifting the breasts away from the laryngoscope and also improve the laryngeal visualization.
Methods
Sixty obese female patients scheduled for general anesthesia were randomly assigned into either ramped or modified-ramped position during induction of anesthesia. In the ramped position (n=30), the patient’s head and shoulders were elevated to achieve alignment of the sternal notch and the external auditory meatus; while in the modified-ramped position (n=30), the patient’s shoulders were elevated using a special pillow, and the head was extended to the widest possible range. Our primary outcome was the incidence of failed laryngoscopic insertion in the oral cavity (the need for patient repositioning). Other outcomes included time till vocal cord visualization, time till successful endotracheal intubation, difficulty of the mask ventilation, and Cormack-Lehane grade for laryngeal view.
Results
Fourteen patients (47%) in the ramped group required repositioning to facilitate introduction of the laryngoscope in the oral cavity, in comparison to one patient (3%) in the modified-ramped position (p<0.001). Modified-ramped position showed a lower incidence of difficult mask ventilation, shorter time for glottic visualization, and shorter time for endotracheal tube insertion compared to the ramped position. The Cormack-Lehane grade was better in the modified-ramped position.
Conclusion
Modified-ramped position provided better intubating conditions, improved the laryngeal view, and eliminated the need for repositioning of obese female patients during insertion of the laryngoscope compared to the ramped position.
ADL Recovery Trajectory after Discharge and its Predictors among Baseline-Independent Older Inpatients
Authors: Li Xiuyue , Zheng Tingting , Guan Yaqi , Li Hui , Zhu Kexin , Shen Lu , Yin Zhiqin
Published: January 2020

Background Among the previous studies about the ADL recovery and its predictors, the researches and resources used to study and protect the baseline-independent older patients from being permanently ADL-dependent was few. We aimed to describe the level of activities of daily living (ADL) at discharge and ADL change within 6 months after discharge in older patients who were ADL-independent before admission but became dependent because of acute illness, and to identify the predictors of early rehabilitation,so as to provide the basis to early intervention. Methods Stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit 520 hospitalised older patients who were ADL-independent from departments of internal medicine at two tertiary hospitals from August 2017 to May 2018. Demographics, clinical data, and ADL status at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge were collected. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, Pearson’s chi-square test,Spearman’s correlation analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results There were 403 out of 520 patients completing the 6-month follow-up, and 229 (56.8%) regained independence at 6 months after discharge. There was an overall increasing trend in ADL with time. The recovery rate was the highest within the first month after discharge, gradually declined after 1 month, and changed less obviously from 3 to 6 months after discharge (p<0.001). ADL score at discharge (OR=1.034, p<0.001), age (OR=0.269, p=0.001), post-discharge residence (OR=0.390, p<0.05), and cognition status at discharge (OR=1.685, p<0.05) were predictors of ADL recovery. The area under the curve of the four predictors combined was 0.763 (p<0.001). Conclusion Studying ADL recovery rate and its predicting indicators of the baseline independent inpatients at different time points provide a theoretical reference for the formulation of nursing plans and allocation of care resources.
Performance, metabolic and hormonal responses of grazing Nellore cows to an energy-protein supplementation during the pre-partum phase
Authors: Ferreira Matheus Fellipe de Lana , Rennó Luciana Navajas , Detmann Edenio , Paulino Mário Fonseca , Filho Sebastião de Campos Valadares , Moreira Samira Silveira , Martins Hudson Caio , de Oliveira Bruno Inácio Correa , Marquez Julia Avansi , Cidrine Isabela de Paula
Published: January 2020

Background: Supplementation programs for prepartum beef cows are usually adopted because the nutritional status of the cows upon calving is a main factor impacting reproductive performance of the next production cycle. Metabolic parameters that relate nutritional status to physiological processes can be used to better understand the effects of supplementation. This study evaluated the effects of 60-d pre-partum energy-protein supplementation on performance, metabolic and hormonal responses during the peripartum phase of grazing beef cows. Thirty-eight pregnant multiparous Nellore cows were assigned to a completely randomized design with two treatments: control (no supplement) and supplementation (1.5 kg of energy-protein per d) during the last 60 d of gestation. Results: The supplemented cows had higher ADG pre-partum (P<0.10), but postpartum ADG did not differ between treatments. Nonsupplemented cows’ ADG did not change during these periods (P>0.10). Supplementation did not affect BCS and calf BW upon calving on days 45 and 90, milk yield and composition (P>0.10). No differences were found for forage intake and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P>0.10). The intake and digestibility of CP and OM increased with supplementation (P<0.10). An interaction occurred (P>0.10) between supplementation and peripartum days for BUN, βHB, T3 and T4. Concentration of others blood parameters significantly changed (P<0.10) along peripartum days. There was no difference in pregnancy rates and days from calving to conception among treatments (P>0.10). Conclusions: Providing an energy and protein supplement to grazing Nellore cows over the last 60 d of gestation improved their pre-partum energy balance. However, no post-partum carryover effects were detected. Keywords: nutrition, metabolism, parturition, Zebu
Access to and Use of Health and Social Services among People who Inject Drugs in two urban areas of Mozambique, 2014: Qualitative Results from a Formative Assessment
Authors: Dengo-Baloi Liliana Candida , Boothe Makini Aida , Semá-Baltazar Cynthia Amino , Sathane Isabel , Langa Denise Chitsondzo , Condula Manuel , Ricardo Helena , Inguane Celso , Teodoro Eugénia , Gouveia Lídia , Raymond Henry F. , Horth Roberta
Published: January 2020

Background: Prior to 2014, data about health seeking behaviors or service uptake for People who inject drugs (PWID) in Mozambique did not exist. We present the results from the formative assessment component of the Biological and Behavioral Survey (BBS). Methods: Standardized interview guides were used during key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) in Maputo and Nampula/Nacala to discuss issues related to risk behaviors and access to and utilization of health and social services by PWID. The target sample size was not defined a priori, but instead KII and FGD were conducted until responses reached saturation. Data analysis was based on the principles of grounded theory related to qualitative research. Results: Eighty-eight respondents, ages 15 to 60, participated in KIIs and FGDs. Participants were majority male from diverse income and education levels and included current and former PWID, non-injection drug users, health and social service providers, peer educators, and community health workers. Respondents reported that PWID engage in high-risk behaviors such as needle and syringe sharing, exchange of sex for drugs or money, and low condom use. According to participants, PWID would rather rent, share or borrow injection equipment at shooting galleries than purchase them due to stigma, fear of criminalization, transportation and purchase costs, restricted pharmacy hours, personal preference for needle sharing, and immediacy of drug need. Barriers to access and utilization of health and social services include distance, requirements to represent identification documents and fear of criminalization, the limited availability of programs for PWID, lack of knowledge of the few programs that exist, concerns about the quality of care provided by health providers, lack of readiness as a result of addiction and perceived stigma related to the use of mental health services offering treatment to PWID. Conclusions: Mozambique urgently needs to establish specialized harm reduction programs for PWID and improve awareness of available resources. Services should be located in hot spot areas to address issues related to distance, transportation and the planning required for safe injection. Specific attention should go to the creation of PWID-focused health and social services outside of state-sponsored psychiatric treatment centers.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in multi ethnics adults and the association with cognitive impairment: findings from West-China Health and Aging Trend Study
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Hou Lisha , Xia Xin , Liu Yang , Zuo Zhiliang , Zhang Yan , Zhao Wanyu , Hao Qiukui , Yue Jirong , Dong Birong
Published: January 2020

Background Sarcopenia is a condition that is characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle functional impairment with ageing. It is associated with poor health outcomes, premature death and a significant burden on the global health economy. The prevalence of sarcopenia in China is unknown since most of the studies are lack of uniform standard. The study was undertaken to study the prevalence of sarcopenia and the association with cognitive impairment among multi-ethnic adults aged 50 years old or older in western China. Methods We measured gait speed, handgrip strength and muscle mass by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for all eligible participants and 4500 participants were eligible for the analysis. We defined sarcopenia using the diagnostic algorithm recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) . We assessed the participants' cognitive functions using the 10-item Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) . Relationships between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Of 4500 participants (mean age 62.4 ± 8.3 years), 869 (19.31%) adults were sarcopenia. 446 (9.9%) participants were identified as having mild cognitive impairment, 144 (3.2%) adults were identified as having moderate/severe cognitive impairment. After adjusting for age, gender, ethnics and other potential cofounders, cognitive impairment was found to be independently associated with sarcopenia with a dosage effect (mild cognitive impairment: odds ratio [OR] : 1.52, 95% CI 1.18–1.95; moderate/severe cognitive impairment: OR: 3.26, 95% CI 2.23–4.76). After gender stratification, the association between mild cognitive impairment with sarcopenia in male is not significant, while is still significant in female. While the association between moderate/severe cognitive impairment is independently associated with sarcopenia in both male and female. Conclusions The prevalence rates of sarcopenia, mild cognitive impairment, moderate/severe cognitive impairment among the communities aged 50 or older in western China were 19.31%, 9.9% and 3.2%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with sarcopenia with a dosage effect, especially in female.
Correlation between detergent activity and anti-herpes simplex virus-2 activity of commercially available vaginal gels
Authors: Szöllősi Andrea , Raffai Tímea , Bogdanov Anita , Endrész Valéria , Párducz László , Somogyvári Ferenc , Janovák László , Burián Katalin , Virok Dezső Peter
Published: January 2020

Objective Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infections are almost exclusively sexually transmitted. The presence of vaginal gels during the sexual activity may have a significant positive or negative impact on the viral transmission. Therefore we investigated three off-the-shelf vaginal lubricants and one pH restoring gel to evaluate their impact on HSV-2 replication.

Results HeLa cells were infected with untreated virions and virions incubated with the particular gels. The accumulation of viral genomes was monitored by quantitative PCR (qPCR) method at 24 hours post infection. Two of the tested gels had no significant effect on HSV-2 replication at the maximum applied concentration, while two had a strong inhibitory effect (~ 98% reduction of replication). The replication inhibitory effect was observed at various multiplicity of infection (MOI 0.4-6.4) and the two inhibitory gels were also capable of inhibiting the HSV-2 induced cytopathic effect on HeLa cells. The surface tension decreasing activity - a sign of detergent activity - was strongly correlated with the anti-HSV-2 activity of the gels (R 2 : 0.88). Our results indicate that off-the-shelf vaginal gels have a markedly different anti-HSV-2 activity that may influence HSV-2 transmission.
Efficacy and safety of lanreotide autogel compared with lanreotide 40 mg prolonged release in Chinese patients with active acromegaly: Results from a phase 3, prospective, randomized, and open-label study (LANTERN)
Authors: An Zhenmei , Lei Ting , Duan Lian , Hu Pei , Gou Zhongping , Zhang Lihui , Durand-Gasselin Lucie , Wang Nan , Wang Yan , Gu Feng
Published: January 2020

Background: Lanreotide autogel is a somatostatin analog (SSA) approved for the treatment of acromegaly in 73 countries worldwide; however, it is not yet approved in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lanreotide autogel compared with lanreotide 40 mg prolonged release (PR) in Chinese patients with active acromegaly. Methods: LANTERN was a Phase 3, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority study. Patients with active acromegaly who had undergone surgery ≥3 months prior, or were unlikely or unable to undergo surgery, were treated with lanreotide autogel 60/90/120 mg (monthly deep subcutaneous injection) or lanreotide 40 mg PR (intramuscular injection every 7, 10, or 14 days) for 32 weeks. Primary endpoint was mean change-from-baseline in age-adjusted insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) standard deviations scores (SDS) at the end-of-study. Secondary endpoints included: growth hormone (GH) levels ≤2.5 µg/L or ≤1.0 µg/L, ≥20% reduction in tumor volume (TV) and safety. Results: In total, 128 patients were randomized and received study treatment. Lanreotide autogel was non-inferior to lanreotide 40 mg PR: treatment difference (95% CI) for IGF-1 SDS between groups was −0.32 (−0.74, 0.11; per protocol population) and −0.27 (−0.63, 0.09; intention-to-treat [ITT] population), respectively. Reductions in IGF-1 (−6.453 vs −7.003) and GH levels (−9.548 µg/L vs −13.182 µg/L), and the proportion of patients with ≥1 acromegaly symptom (−20.3% vs −32.5%) were observed from baseline to end-of-study in lanreotide autogel and lanreotide 40 mg PR groups, respectively. In the lanreotide autogel group, 45.5% (25/55) patients achieved ≥20% reduction in TV compared with 50.9% (25/53) in lanreotide 40 mg PR group (ITT). Safety profiles were similar in both treatment groups. Conclusions: Lanreotide autogel was non-inferior to lanreotide 40 mg PR in Chinese patients with active acromegaly after 32 weeks of treatment.
The paradox on declining job satisfaction trend with the intention to remain employed in the nursing profession in the Ethiopian nursing workforce. Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: kassahun Chanyalew Worku , Ewunitie Amare Wondim
Published: January 2020

Background: High attrition rates, low job satisfaction and motivation are great concern that pose major challenges for nurses in Ethiopia where it has unfavorable influences on the nursing system and the quality of nursing care. But, different authors reported inconsistent findings about the proportion of job satisfaction and intention to remain employed. In addition; the trends and national pooled estimate of proportion of job satisfaction and intention to remain employed in nursing profession is no assessed. Therefore; the aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis is to show the trends, and estimate the national pooled proportion of job satisfaction and intention to remain employed in nursing profession in Ethiopia. Methods: Major databases; PubMed, Medline and African Journals Online were included in the review. Grey literatures like Web of Science, Google scholar and repository online library in universities in Ethiopian were searched. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used for critical appraisal. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA-11. Descriptive information of studies was presented in narrative form and quantitative results were presented in forest plots. The Cochran Q test and I 2 test statistics were used to survey heterogeneity among studies. The pooled estimate prevalence with 95% confidence intervals were computed. Results: A total seven and five studies were included to estimate job satisfaction and intention to be employed respectively. The proportion of job satisfaction is declining from 2014 (59.6%) to 2019 (48%) while the proportion of intention to remain employed in nursing profession is increasing from 2014 (39%) to 2017 (86.7%). The overall national pooled proportion of job satisfaction among nurses was 54.96 % (95% CI: 48.83%, 61%) while the intention to remain employed in nursing profession was 54.94 % (95% CI: 36.44%, 73.45%). Conclusions: There is declining of job satisfaction and increasing of intention to remain employed trends across publication years. But, the national pooled proportion of job satisfaction and intention to remain employed are low. Interventions aiming to increases the job satisfaction and intention to remain employed is important. Keywords: Job satisfaction, Intention to remain employed, Nurses, Ethiopia.
Integrated omics approach to understand Pistacia - aphid gall development
Authors: Narendran Pavithra , Begum Noorunnisa , Bhatt Amit , Kukkupuni Subrahmanya Kumar , Venkatasubramanian Padma , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava , Najar Mohd Altaf , Arunkumar Kallare P , JLN Sastry , S Badrinarayan , Gowda Malali
Published: January 2020

Background: Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J. L. Stewart ex Brandis) Rech. f. belongs to family Anacardiaceae, is well known for usage of galls in traditional medicine. The galls in the apical meristem of plants are induced by aphid Baizongia pistaciae L infestation. The Pistacia galls are used in Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of cough and respiratory diseases, loss of appetite, dyspeptic vomiting and dysentery. The drastic decrease in the gall formation in recent decades is possibly due to climate change or human interventions, making it an important species from conservation point of view. There is not much work carried out at molecular level to understand the gall development. In this study, we obtained molecular insight on insect and plant through genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Results: We sequenced the whole genome of Pistacia genome using Illumina sequencing platform. The assembly genome size of Pistacia was 549 Mb with 80688 scaffolds at N50 = 12607 nts. A total of 51290 genes were from Pistacia genome annotation. The transcriptome analysis revealed of 76186 and 46327 transcripts from gall and leaf, respectively. The ethylene responsive transcription factor families were induced abundantly in galls including GATA, bHLH, MYB, BZIP, Trihelix, MADS, B3 domain. In addition, we have also obtained highly expressed genes in gall for biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant-aphid interactions, stress responses, phytohormone signal transduction and terpene biosynthesis. We have identified 21 proteins against Cajanus cajan , 10 proteins against Arabidopsis thaliana and 14 proteins against Drosophila melanogaster . We also identified abundant peptides for actin and tubulin of aphid in the gall tissue. Conclusion: This study provides a basis for the understanding of the genes expressed in gall when compared to leaf and also genes required for gall induction and development. We hypothesed that actin and microtubule proteins are from aphids origin as we found that transcript TRINITY_DN180182_c0_g1_i1 mapped to Acyrthosiphon pisum tubulin beta-1 (Tub1), mRNA with 75 % homology.
Phenotypic characteristics distinguishing bloodstream form and central nervous form of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
Authors: Ndung'u Kariuki , Murilla Grace Adira , Thuita John Kibuthu , Kagira John Maina , Mireji Paul O. , Ngae Geoffry Njuguna , Gitonga Purity Kaari , Guya Samuel Onyoyo , Auma Joanna Eseri , Okumu Paul Onyango , Mda Raymond Ellie
Published: January 2020

Background: Phenotypic and morphological characteristics distinguishing from bloodstream form (BSF) and central nervous system (CNS) of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr) are poorly understood. Method: To identify these distinguishing characteristics, we separately infected four donor mice with each of five Tbr isolates (KETRI 2537/3537/2656/3459 and EATRO 2291). At 21 days post infection (DPI), donor mice were euthanized, BSF or CNS derived trypanosomes recovered and used for the following studies: 1) determination of morphological characteristics 2) pathogenicity studies using groups of 10 mice per isolate form. We then assessed differences in their lengths and morphology) and other characteristics including pre-patent period (PP), parasitaemia progression, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, survival times, gross pathology, and histopathology. All analyses of data were conducted using GenStat, UK where p ⩽ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Differences between and within the means were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. General Linear Model was used to analyze data on the length of the trypanosome. Survival data analysis was carried out employing the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Morphologically, the CNS forms were predominantly long slender (LS) while BSF forms consisted of a mixture of short stumpy and intermediate forms. The mean length of CNS trypanosomes was 0.6 micrometer longer than their counterpart BSF derived trypanosomes. The PP was significantly (p<0.05) shorter and progression to peak parasitaemia faster (7 vs 9 days) in CNS than BSF derived trypanosomes. PCV declined by 21.6% and 26.9% in BSF and CNS infected mice respectively whereas non-infected control increased by 3.8% at 14 DPI. Body weight changes in BSF and CNS infected mice were (12.7% and 9.2% respectively) and significantly (p <0.05) lower than in non-infected control (27.6%) at 14 DPI. Gross pathology changes (splenomegaly and hepatomegaly) and histopathology changes were pronounced in mice infected with CNS relative to BSF trypanosome forms. Changes in histopathology included congestion, infiltration with inflammatory cells, hemolysis and necrosis, all indicators of differential virulence of the forms. Conclusion: Our study identified higher pathogenicity in CNS relative to BFS derived trypanosome forms in the mouse model. We also identified KETRI 2656 as a suitable isolate for acute menigo- encephalitic studies.
Association between algal productivity and phycosphere composition in an outdoor Chlorella sorokiniana reactor based on multiple longitudinal analyses
Authors: Steichen Seth , Gao Song , Waller Peter , Brown Judith
Published: January 2020

BackgroundMicroalgae as a biofuel source are of great interest. The outdoor Regional Algal Feedstock Testbed (RAFT) was established to optimize algal biomass production in the U.S. sunbelt states. The phycosphere inhabitants, consisting in part of the bacterial community within algal cultures, are hypothesized to contribute to algal productivity. However, little is known about their identity or specific contributions. In this study the bacterial composition of the Chlorella sorokiniana phycosphere was determined over several production cycles in different growing seasons by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identification using the SILVA database. ResultsThe C. sorokiniana bacterial phycosphere was sampled during 41 RAFT testbed cycles in two consecutive growing seasons. Eight reactors were sampled twice daily to establish baseline community composition, determined by high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA amplicons. The baseline diversity of the phycosphere increased overall with time during each individual reactor run, based on an increase in Faith’s phylogenetic diversity metric versus days post-inoculation (R = 0.66, p < 0.001). Bacterial assemblages were identified in samples during the stationary, growth, and death stages. During summer months, Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus, an obligate predatory bacterium, was prevalent. The possibility that a sequence correlated with biomass productivity, days post-inoculation, dissolved oxygen, and weather measurements was assessed using a rank-based multinomial regression model. Bacterial sequences assigned to the Rhizobiales, Betaproteobacteriales, and Chitinophagales were positively associated with algal biomass productivity, the industry gold standard for establishing ‘efficiency’. Applications of the general biocide, benzalkonium chloride, to a subset of RAFT experiments intended to abate V. chlorellavorus appeared to temporarily suppress phycosphere bacterial growth, however, there was no relationship between those bacterial taxa suppressed by benzalkonium chloride and their association with algal productivity, based on multinomial model correlations. Algal health was approximated using a model-based metric, or the ‘Health Index’ that indicated a robust, positive relationship between C. sorokiniana fitness and presence of members belonging to the Burholderiaceae and Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium clade.ConclusionBacterial community composition was linked to the efficiency of microalgal biomass production and algal health. Thus, bacteria associated positively with algal growth represent potential indicators of culture health and/or as augmentative candidates for enhancing productivity.
Effectiveness and Feasibility of Using Local Medical University for Capacity Building to Improve Immunization Program in Ethiopia. Implementation Science Study
Authors: Amare Ashenafi T. , Toni Alemayehu T. , Mekonnen Zeleke A. , Endehabtu Berhanu F. , Tilahun Binyam C.
Published: January 2020

Background: Supportive supervision is one of five essential components of the WHO’s Reaching Every District strategy, an operational approach to reach 90%, immunization coverage. However, it is not mostly practiced based on the standard schedule because of capacity and low number of staffs in the health system. When it is practiced after long interval, it focuses more on inspection and finding lacunas. Taking into account the 54 universities in Ethiopia, the fundamental idea in this implementation science research is to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a Capacity Building and Mentorship Program in Immunization (CBMPI) by medical and health science colleges aimed at supplementing the current approach. Methods: This study applied a pre-post quasi experimental research design. The study included health workers of 30 health facilities (15 intervention and 15 control) followed for six months. To assess effectiveness on immunization coverage and a change in reaching every district strategy implementation difference in difference analysis was used to estimate the effect of the intervention implementation over time. Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate the implementation process. Results: The findings of the study indicated that the intervention package has a statistically significant effect (P=0.0001) in the overall implementation of Reaching Every District (RED) outcomes. The difference in difference analysis also indicated that health facilities in the intervention district have shown a higher Penta III coverage (17.4%) and complete vaccination coverage (16.6%) that is attributable to the intervention package. Similarly, knowledge and skills of health workers improved significantly (P<0.05) after the intervention in most of the performance measures. During the qualitative evaluation, the key informants mentioned that the CBMPI program was effective and the new approach was acceptable by health workers for integration in the routine EPI program. Conclusions: In conclusion, capacity building and mentorship by well-trained personnel with the appropriate knowledge and skills have positive effects on immunization program indicators. Thus, it is recommended to do implementation study within the framework of national immunization program to facilitate policy adoption and readiness for routine use in large scale. This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number OPP1191298
Dynamic monitoring of a migrating and penetrating intracardiac foreign body by echocardiography perioperatively
Authors: Huang HJ , Zhang S , Wang P , Ji XF , Wang ZN , zhao jiaqi
Published: January 2020

Backgroud: Cardiac penetrating injuries caused by migrating foreign bodies are rare. The preoperative and intraoperative locating of these foreign bodies is challenging since their location may change with the continuous beat of the heart. Case presentation: We reported a case of cardiac penetrating injury caused by a self-inflicted needle that migrated from the neck to the heart. The needle was dynamically monitored by both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) perioperatively, which showed a significant location change of the needle in the ventricular wall. The migrating distance of the needle moving into the right ventricle was about 2.0cm. The dynamic monitoring of the needle’s location using echocardiography helped clinical decisions and benefited the patient. Conclusions: Foreign bodies with sharp nature have a tendency to migrate though tissues and lead to serious complications. Echocardiography with a combination of both TTE and TEE has a unique advantage in providing real-time, continuous and accurate monitoring of cardiac foreign bodies. It helps to determine optimal surgical method without radiation hazards, which is worth popularizing in clinical practice.