bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENINGKATAN UNSUR HARA FOSPOR TANAH ULTISOL MELALUI PEMBERIAN PUPUK KANDANG, KOMPOS DAN PELET
Authors: Pasang Yafet Hendri , Jayadi Muh. , Neswati Risma
Published: February 2020

Ultisol soil has high potential for the development of dryland agriculture. However, this soil use faces obstacles because the nutrient content in Ultisol soils is generally low. This study aims to determine the effect of manure and straw compost on increasing nutrient content of phosphorus in ultisol soil. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 9 levels of treatment, namely P0 = control, P1 = manure 10 tons / ha, P2 = manure 5 tons / ha, P3 = compost 5 tons / ha, P4 = compost 10 ton / ha, P5 = manure 5 tons / ha + compost 10 tons / ha, P6 = manure 10 tons / ha + compost 5 tons / ha, P7 = pellet compost 5 tons / ha, P8 = compost pellets of 10 tons / ha. The treatment was repeated 3 times. The results showed that giving 10 tons / ha of manure plus 5 tons / ha of compost had a significant effect on reducing Al-dd content, and increasing P-available, pH, base saturation, cation exchange capacity and C-organicon Ultisol soil. Giving pellet fertilizer 10 tons / ha gives a real influence on the growth of maize plants.
La rima como elemento estructural en «Sátira a la rima» de Gonzalo Rojas
Authors: Lino Salvador Luis Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Este artículo estudia la función estructural de la rima en el poema «Sátira a la rima» de Gonzalo Rojas en los planos rítmico, eufónico y semántico desde la propuesta de la versologíamoderna de Oldrich Belic y Juan Frau. Asimismo, se señala que la rima en este poema realiza una crítica contra el sujeto burgués, así como también una propia crítica contra sí misma al emplear la rima idéntica.
Rito andino y decolonialidad en la poética de Efraín Miranda Luján
Authors: Gonzales Fernández Guissela
Published: February 2020

El objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar uno de los aspectos centrales de la poética de Choza (1978), de EfraínMiranda Luján. El artículo comienza señalando una relación de continuidad existente entre el primer y el segundolibro del poeta para proponer que en este último llega a plasmarse una poética que cuestiona, en cuanto a contenido y forma, las concepciones estéticas occidentales. Nos interesa, por ello, rastrear los dilemas entre oralidad y escritura y cómo estos se resuelven en la mencionada obra al incorporar en su estructura una representación simbólica del rito de paso. Si bien la performance ritual andina se plasma a nivel de la estructura de la obra, también lo hace a nivel del discurso y, con ello, se propone una poética original que recupera principios y categorías propios de la episteme andina.
What will it take? Using an Implementation Research Framework to Identify Facilitators and Barriers in Implementing a School-Based Referral System for Sexual Health Services
Authors: Leung Emily , Wanner Kathryn J. , Senter Lindsay , Brown Amanda , Middleton Dawn
Published: February 2020

Background Across the United States, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy rates are alarmingly high among youth. Schools, due to their proximity and access to youth, can increase student access to sexual health services (SHS) by creating referral systems (RS) to link students to school- and community-based SHS. From 2013-2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Adolescent and School Health funded 17 Local Education Agencies (LEA) to partner with priority schools and stakeholders to develop and implement RS to increase student access to SHS. Cicatelli Associates Inc. (CAI) was funded to provide capacity-building to LEA. In 2016-2017, CAI conducted case studies at two LEA, both large and urban sites, but representing different geographical and political contexts, to elucidate factors that influence RS implementation. Methods Nineteen LEA and community-based healthcare (CBH) staff were interviewed in the Southeastern (n=9) and Western U.S. (n=10). Key constructs (e.g., leadership engagement, resources, state and district policies) across the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework guided the methodology and analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed using the Framework Method and contextual factors and themes that led to RS implementation were identified. Results Interviewees strongly believed that school-based RS can decrease STI, HIV and unintended pregnancy and increase students’ educational attainment. We identified the following contextual key factors that facilitate successful implementation and integration of an RS: enforcing state and district policies, strong LEA and CBH collaboration, positive school culture towards adolescent health, knowledgeable and supportive staff, leveraging of existing resources and staffing structures, and influential district and school building-level leadership and champions. Notably, this case study challenged our initial assumptions that RS are easily implemented in states with comprehensive SHS policies. Rather, our conversations revealed how districts and local-level policies can have significant impact and influence to impede or promote those policies. Conclusions Through the use of the CFIR framework, the interviews identified important contextual factors and themes associated with LEAs’ implementation barriers and facilitators. The study’s results present key recommendations that other LEA can consider to optimize integration of RS-related evidence-based practices, systems, and policies in their districts.
Factors Related to the Burden of Family Caregivers of Elderly Patients with Spinal Tumours in Northwest China
Authors: Luo Jing , Zhou yongchun , Liu Haiping , Hu Jing
Published: February 2020

Background: Family caregivers of elderly patients with spinal tumours experience considerable pain and burden during the care process. This study aims to investigate the factors associated with caregiver burden in family caregivers of elderly patients with spinal tumours. Methods: A total of 220 elderly patients with spinal tumours (age ≥ 65 years) hospitalized at the spine centre of our hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 and their family caregivers were recruited for this cross-sectional study. All participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. Caregiver burden, social support and self-efficacy were assessed by the Chinese version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), respectively. The factors related to caregiver burden were analysed by multivariate analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 216 elderly patients with spinal tumours were 71.59 ± 8.49 years old, and their caregivers were 70.46 ± 9.13 years old. A total of 170 patients were cared for by their spouses, who accounted for 78.7% of all caregivers. The ZBI score for the family caregivers was 35.5 ± 7.5, and most caregivers (84.5%) reported a moderate or heavy burden. The factors related to caregiver burden included patient paralysis, the primary cancer site, chemotherapy and/or radiation, cognitive dysfunction, functional status, monthly income, pain score, caregivers’ SSRS score, and GSE score. Conclusions: Most family caregivers of elderly patients with spinal tumours have a considerable caregiver burden. Interventions based on social support and self-efficacy can help reduce caregiver burden.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pain Management Services for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of Published Studies
Authors: Almazrou Saja , Elliott Rachel A , Knaggs Roger D , AlAujan Shiekha S
Published: February 2020

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent condition that has substantial impact on patients, the healthcare system and society. Pain management services (PMS), which aim to address the complex nature of back pain, are recommended in clinical practice guidelines to manage CLBP. Although the effectiveness of such services has been widely investigated in relation to CLBP, the quality of evidence underpinning the use of these services remains moderate. Therefore the aim is to summarize and critically appraise the current evidence for the cost effectiveness of pain management services for managing chronic back pain. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO from their inception to February 2019. Full economic evaluations undertaken from any perspective conducted alongside randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or based on decision analysis models were included. Cochrane Back Review Group (CBRG) risk assessment and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist were used to assess the methodological quality of eligible studies. Results: Five studies fulfilled eligibility criteria. The interventions varied significantly between studies in terms of the number and types of treatment modalities, intensity and the duration of the program. Interventions were compared with either standard care, which varied according to the country and the setting; or to surgical interventions. Three studies showed that pain management services are cost effective, while two studies showed that these services are not cost effective. In this review, three out of five studies had a high risk of bias based on the design of the randomised controlled trials (RCTs). In addition, there were limitations in the statistical and sensitivity analyses in the economic evaluations. Therefore, the results from these studies need to be interpreted with caution. Conclusion Pain management services may be cost effective for the management of low back pain. However, this systematic review highlights the variability of evidence supporting pain management services for patients with back pain. This is due to the quality of the published studies and the variability of the setting, interventions, comparators and outcomes.
Where is an emotion? Using targeted visceroception as a method of improving emotion regulation in healthy participants to inform suicide prevention initiatives: a randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Davey Steven , Bell Elliot , Halberstadt Jamin , Collings Sunny
Published: February 2020

Background: William James’ 1884 paper “What is an emotion?” has generated much recent interest in affective science regarding somatic contributions to emotion. Studies of interoception (“sensing the physiological condition of the body”) suggest that sensing specific parts of the body contribute to the production of emotion, namely when sensing the viscera (i.e. ‘visceroception’ of the heart, gut or lungs). Improved visceroception has, for instance, been linked to increased emotional intensity, suggesting a role for interoception in emotion regulation that may pertain specifically to visceral bodily locations. Thus, in addition to asking James’ question, “What is an emotion?”, we ask, “Where is an emotion?”. Further, there is an evidence base pointing to the connections between emotion regulation and suicide, and between interoception and suicide. This is a preliminary trial investigating whether targeted interoception/visceroception improves emotion regulation. Ultimately, the overall project aims to inform suicide prevention efforts.Methods: The trial utilises a pre-test/post-test control group design, with two experimental groups undergoing visceroceptive interventions (gut or heart focus) and a control group. The interventions will run for 8 weeks. A spatial cueing task will measure reaction times to bodily changes pertaining to gut or heart focus. A stop/signal task will measure emotional inhibition, which is hypothesised to obscure awareness of active bodily locations. Visceroceptive ability will be tracked using a heartbeat estimation task, a water load test, and by self-report questionnaire. The sample will consist of healthcare professionals and healthcare students. Despite these being groups that represent a relatively high suicide risk among professional and student groups, all participants will be healthy, given the preliminary nature of this trial. Discussion: To our knowledge, this will be the first project to address whether emotional feeling presents as a localised bodily phenomenon and whether trained awareness of emotional localisation can improve emotion regulation. It will also be the first to investigate relationships between interoception and emotional inhibition (i.e. whether a sustained interoceptive practice leads to the disinhibition of bodily emotional sensations, which can positively contribute to emotion regulation). These empirical findings on emotion regulation from a healthy sample will be used to inform a desk-based enquiry into the role of embodied emotion in suicide prevention, which may make a significant contribution to a growing evidence base on interoception and suicide.Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1221-0201Trial registration number: ACTRN12619000324112Date registered: 4/03/2019
Acute Pesticide Poisoning amongst adolescent girls and women in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Lekei Elikana Eliona , Ngowi Aiwerasia V , Kapeleka Jones , London Leslie
Published: February 2020

Background: Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is reported to affect community health worldwide but its burden in Tanzania is unknown particularly in women. This study examines APP involving adult females and adolescent girls 10 to 19 years in 3 regions of Tanzania which are famous for coffee and vegetable productionMethods. Over the period of 12 months, health facility-based surveillance for cases of APP was implemented in 10 Tanzanian healthcare facilities in 2006. Results. The study identified 108 APP cases of whom 31 (28.7%) occurred amongst adolescent girls. Suicide was the leading poisoning circumstances (60.2%) and the most vulnerable women were 20-29 years old who comprised 38.4% of all cases with suicide as circumstance.Organophosphates (OPs), zinc phosphide, paraquat and endosulfan were common amongst known reported poisoning agents. The annual APP incidence, mortality and Case Fatality Rate for women were 5.1/100,000, 0.2/100,000 and 3.7/100, respectivelyConclusion. APP amongst women in Tanzania is common and this call for diverse preventive interventions to reduce poisoning incidents.
The association between symptoms of depression during pregnancy and low birth weight:a prospective study
Authors: Li Xiu xiu , Gao Rui , Dai Xiaowei , Liu Hong , Zhang Jinxin , Liu Xuemei , Si Dongmei , Deng Te , Xia Wei
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Most studies have showed that maternal depression is associated with pregnancy complications. However, there were limited evidences in Chinese population. We examined the associations of antenatal depression symptoms with pregnancy outcomes, especially for low birth weight.

Methods

A total of 1377 singleton pregnant women were recruited from Nanshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen in this prospective cohort study. Depression symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) questionnaire in the second trimester of gestation; cut-points for the indication of antenatal depression were ≧12 scores in this study. Socio-demographic data, life-style and pregnancy outcomes were collected through Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare database. The risks of adverse outcomes in pregnant women with antenatal depression were determined by multivariate logistic regression and represented as odds ratio(OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of the 1377 subjects, the prevalence of antenatal depression was 19.1%. The EPDS scores were 13.8±2.0 and 6.5±2.9 (P<0.001) in subjects with and without antenatal depression, respectively. After adjustment for maternal age, education, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), residential area, fetal gender, an EPDS score≥12 (versus. <12) was associated with an increased risk for low birth weight(odds ratio: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.12-4.64), but not for preterm birth, large for gestational age, small for gestational age or macrosomia.

Conclusion

Pregnant women presenting antenatal depressive symptoms are at elevated risk of low birth weight. Mental health problems of pregnancy should be addressed for the prevention of low birth weight.
A model to predict unstable carotid plaques in population with high risk of stroke
Authors: Yin Junxiong , Yu Chuanyong , Liu Hongxing , Du Mingyang , Sun Feng , Yu Cheng , Wei Lixia , Wang Chongjun , Wang Xiaoshan
Published: February 2020

Background : Several models have been developed to predict asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS), however these models did not pay much attention to people with lower level of stenosis (＜50% or carotid plaques, especially instable carotid plaques) who might benefit from early interventions. Here, we developed a new model to predict unstable carotid plaques through systematic screening in population with high risk of stroke.
Methods : Community residents who participated the China National Stroke Screening and Prevention Project (CNSSPP) were screened for their stroke risks. A total of 2841 individuals with high risk of stroke were enrolled in this study, 266 (9.4%) of them were found unstable carotid plaques. A total of 19 risk factors were included in this study. Subjects were randomly distributed into Derivation Set group or Validation Set group. According to their carotid ultrasonography records, subjects in derivation set group were further categorized into unstable plaque group or stable plaque group.
Results : 174 cases and 1720 cases from Derivation Set group were categorized into unstable plaque group and stable plaque group respectively. The independent risk factors for carotid unstable plaque were: male (OR 1.966, 95%CI 1.406-2.749)，older age (50-59, OR 6.012, 95%CI 1.410-25.629; 60-69, OR 13.915, 95%CI 3.381-57.267;≥70, OR 31.267, 95%CI 7.472-130.83) , married(OR 1.780, 95%CI 1.186-2.672)，LDL-C(OR 2.015, 95%CI 1.443-2.814), and HDL-C(OR 2.130, 95%CI 1.360-3.338). A predictive scoring system was generated, ranging from 0-10. The cut-off value of this predictive scoring system is 6.5. The AUC value for derivation and validation set group were 0.738 and 0.737 respectively.
Conclusions ：For those individuals with high risk of stroke, we developed a new model which could identify those who have a higher chance to have unstable carotid plaques. When an individual’s predictive model score exceeds 6.5, the probability of having carotid unstable plaques is high, and carotid ultrasonography should be conducted accordingly. This model could be helpful in the primary prevention of stroke.
Nutritional status among primary school students and its association on academic performance in north-central Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study design
Authors: Eniyew Tigist , Abebe Fikirtemariam , Gela Debela , Asegid Agezegn , Tiruneh Dawit
Published: February 2020

Background: Under-nutrition is a fundamental factor which resulted in delayed cognitive development and underachievement of academic performance later in children’s life at school. The extent of under-nutrition in Ethiopia has been established well but there are insufficient evidences about its relationship with the educational achievement of school-age children.Objective: To assess the correlation of nutritional status with academic performance among public primary school children Method: - An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 399 primary school children in Debre-Tabor Town, Amhara Regional State North-Central Ethiopia, 2018 after selecting them with simple random sampling. The nutritional status was assessed using the anthropometric measurement of WHO 2007 reference as Height for Age Z-score (HAZ), Weight for Age Z-score (WAZ) and Body Mass Index for Age Z-score (BAZ). Academic performance was assessed by calculating two semesters of overall subjects’ average score. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation test, and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and nutritional status was analyzed using WHO AnthroPlus version 1.0.4 (5-19 years).Result: - Almost half of study participants were male 209(52%), 291(73%) from married family, and 177(44%) were comes from family having more than five members. The mean age of the study participants were 11.85. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight was 22%, 32.4%, 24.3%, and 1.3% respectively. The prevalence of any form of malnutrition was 56.14% and the mean academic performance for study participants was 71.65(±12.63 SD). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between academic achievement and HAZ. Age of child and absenteeism were associated negatively while attending preschool, the type of head of the house, and having breakfast habits associated positively with the educational achievement of the study participants.Conclusion:-The prevalence of under-nutrition among study participants was high. Considering the correlation of absenteeism, skipping breakfast, having preschool education and HAZ, nutritional interventions should be considered at prenatal, infancy and preschool period to sustain positive impact and reducing negative factors.
Characterization of bacterial communities associated with the pinewood nematode insect vector Monochamus alternatus Hope and the host tree Pinus massoniana
Authors: Guo Yajie , Lin Qiannan , Chen lvyi , Rebeca Carballar-Lejarazú , Zhang Aishan , Shao Ensi , Liang Guanghong , Hu Xia , Wang Rong , Xu Lei , Zhang Feiping , Wu Songqing
Published: February 2020

Background Monochamus alternatus Hope is one of the insect vectors of pinewood nematode ( Bursaphelenchus xylophilus ), which causes the destructive pine wilt disease. The microorganisms within the ecosystem, comprising plants, their environment, and insect vectors, form complex networks. This study presents a systematic analysis of the bacterial microbiota in the M. alternatus midgut and its habitat niche. Methods Total DNA was extracted from 20 types of samples (with three replicates each) from M. alternatus and various tissues of healthy and infected P. massoniana (pines). 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was conducted to determine the composition and diversity of the bacterial microbiota in each sample. Moreover, the relative abundances of bacteria in the midgut of M. alternatus larvae were verified by counting the colony-forming units. Results Pinewood nematode infection increased the microbial diversity in pines. Bradyrhizobium , Burkholderia , Dyella , Mycobacterium , and Mucilaginibacter were the dominant bacterial genera in the soil and infected pines. These results indicate that the bacterial community in infected pines may be associated with the soil microbiota. Interestingly, the abundance of the genus Gryllotalpicola was highest in the bark of infected pines. The genus Cellulomonas was not found in the midgut of M. alternatus , but it peaked in the phloem of infected pines, followed by the phloem of heathy pines. Moreover, the genus Serratia was not only present in the habitat niche, but it was also enriched in the M. alternatus midgut. The colony-forming unit assays showed that the relative abundance of Serratia sp. peaked in the midgut of instar II larvae (81%). Conclusions Overall, the results indicate that the bacterial microbiota in the soil and in infected pines are correlated. The Gryllotalpicola sp. and Cellulomonas sp. are potential microbial markers of pine wilt disease. Additionally, Serratia sp. could be an ideal agent for expressing insecticidal protein in the insect midgut by genetic engineering, which represents a new use of microbes to control M. alternatus .
Association of CYP2A6 gene deletion with cancers in Japanese elderly: an autopsy study
Authors: Abudushataer Maidina , Sato Noriko , Mieno Makiko , Sawabe Motoji , Muramatsu Masaaki , Arai Tomio
Published: February 2020

Background

CYP2A6 is an enzyme involved in oxidation of a number of environmental chemicals, including nicotine, pro-carcinogenic nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The whole gene deletion of CYP2A6 (CYP2A6*4) is prevalent in East Asian population. Whether or not CYP2A6*4 associates with cancer is still controversial.

Methods

We undertook an association study to determine whether deletion of CYP2A6 gene associates with total cancer and major cancer types employing data of consecutive autopsy cases registered in the Japanese single-nucleotide polymorphisms for geriatric research (JG-SNP) database. The presence of cancer were inspected at the time of autopsy and pathologically confirmed. Genotyping for CYP2A6 wild type (W) and deletion (D) was done by allele specific RT-PCR method.

Results

Among 1373 subjects, 826 subjects (60.2%) were cancer positive and 547 subjects (39.8%) were cancer negative. The genotype frequency in the whole study group for WW, WD and DD were 65.0%, 30.6% and 4.4%, respectively, which obeyed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p=0.20). Total cancer presence, as well as major cancers including gastric, lung, colorectal, and blood cancers did not show any positive association with CYP2A6 deletion. When male and female were separately analyzed, CYP2A6 deletion associated with decreased gastric cancer risk in female (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.25-0.95, p=0.021, after adjustment for age, smoking and drinking). When smoker and non-smoker were separately analyzed, CYP2A6 deletion associated with decreased total cancer in female nonsmokers (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.45-0.99, p=0.041 after adjustment). On the other hand, CYP2A6 deletion associated increase blood cancers in smokers (OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.19-3.53, p=0.01 after adjustment).

Conclusion

The CYP2A6 deletion may not grossly affect total cancer. It may associate with individual cancers in sex and smoking dependent manner. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted to confirm our results.
Efficacy and tolerability of DAAs in HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected patients with psychiatric disorders
Authors: de Gennaro Nicolò , Diella Lucia , Monno Laura , Angarano Gioacchino , Milella Michele , Saracino Annalisa
Published: February 2020

Background few data are available regarding use of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C in psychiatric patients. The aim of the study is to assess safety and outcome of DAAs in patients with psychiatric comorbidities. Methods this retrospective, observational, single-centre study enrolled patients treated with psychiatric drugs who initiated DAAs between 2015-2018. Patients were classified into two groups: A (on anxiolitycs/antidepressant) and B (on antipsychotics). Week-12 sustained virological response (SVR-12) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Results 144 patients were included (A:101; B:43). Patients were 49.3% males, mean age 60 years (SD±13.5); 31.9% cirrhotic; 125 (86.8%) HCV-monoinfected and 19 (13.2%) HIV/HCV-coinfected. Twenty patients (13.8%) required a change of psychiatric therapy before DAAs-initiation. Overall, SVR-12 was achieved in 88.2% of subjects in intention-to-treat(ITT)-analysis. Lower SVR rates were observed in group B vs A (79% vs 92%, p=0.045) and in those changing psychiatric drugs vs others (30% vs 8%, p=0.015). At least one AE occurred in 60 patients (41.6%), including 10 SAEs, leading to 3 discontinuations. AEs were more frequently reported in group A (p=0.015). Conclusions the study confirms effectiveness and safety of DAA-based treatment also in this special population, even if a careful evaluation of history and drug-drug interactions is warranted.
Identification of Significant Climatic Risk Factors and Machine Learning Models in Dengue Outbreak Prediction
Authors: Nejad Felestin Yavari , Varathan Kasturi Dewi
Published: February 2020

Dengue fever is a widespread viral disease and one of the world’s major pandemic vector-borne infections, causing serious hazard to humanity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the incidence of dengue fever has increased dramatically across the world in recent decades. WHO currently estimates an annual incidence of 50–100 million dengue infections worldwide. To date, no tested vaccine or treatment is available to stop or prevent dengue fever. Thus, the importance of predicting dengue outbreaks is significant. The current issue that should be addressed in dengue outbreak prediction is accuracy. A limited number of studies have conducted an in-depth analysis of climate factors in dengue outbreak prediction.
Sensor-based Characterization of Daily Walking: A New Paradigm in Pre-frailty/Frailty Assessment
Authors: Kumar Danya Pradeep , Toosizadeh Nima , Mohler Jane , Ehsani Hossein , Mannier Cassidy , Laksari Kaveh
Published: February 2020

Background: Frailty is a highly recognized geriatric syndrome resulting in decline in reserve across multiple physiological systems. Impaired physical function is one of the major indicators of frailty. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate an algorithm that discriminates between frailty groups (non-frail and pre-frail/frail) based on gait performance parameters derived from unsupervised daily physical activity (DPA). Methods: DPA was acquired for 48 hours from older adults (≥65 years) using a tri-axial accelerometer motion-sensor. Continuous bouts of walking for 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s without pauses were identified from acceleration data. These were then used to extract qualitative measures (gait variability, gait asymmetry, and gait irregularity) and quantitative measures (total continuous walking duration and maximum number of continuous steps) to characterize gait performance. Association between frailty and gait performance parameters was assessed using multinomial logistic models with frailty as the dependent variable, and gait performance parameters along with demographic parameters as independent variables. Results: 126 older adults (44 non-frail, 60 pre-frail, and 22 frail, based on the Fried index) were recruited. Step- and stride-times, frequency domain gait variability, and continuous walking quantitative measures were significantly different between non-frail and pre-frail/frail groups (p<0.05). Among the five different durations (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s), gait performance parameters extracted from 60s continuous walks provided the best frailty assessment results. Using the 60s gait performance parameters in the logistic model, pre-frail/frail group (vs. non-frail) was identified with 76.8% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Discussion: Everyday walking characteristics were found to be associated with frailty. Along with quantitative measures of physical activity, qualitative measures are critical elements representing the early stages of frailty. In-home gait assessment offers an opportunity to screen for and monitor frailty.
Geographic Availability To Optometry Services Across Canada: Mapping Distribution, Need And Self-Reported Use
Authors: Shah Tayyab , Milosavljevic Stephan , Bath Brenna
Published: February 2020

Background:
This research investigates the distribution of optometrists in Canada relative to population health needs and self-reported use of vision care services.
Methods:
Optometrist locations were gathered from provincial regulatory bodies. A geocoding approach converted descriptive data into geographic coordinates. Utilizationof vision care services was extracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2013-2014 question regarding self-reported contacts with optometrists or ophthalmologistsproviders. Data from the 2016 Statistics Canada census were used to create three population ‘need’ subgroups (65 years and over; low-income; and people aged 15 and over with less than a high school diploma). Optometrist-to-population ratios, expressed as number of providers per 10,000 people at the health region level, were then calculated.Three classes: low (< -1.5 standard deviation (SD); -1.5 to -0.50 SD), moderate (-0.5 to 0.5 SD), and high (0.50 to 1.5 SD, > 1.5 SD) were used as a cut-off for demonstrating distributionof optometrists across health regions). Cross-classification mapping compared optometrist distribution to self-reported use of vision care services in relation to need.
Results:
A total of 5,959 optometrists working across ten Canadian provinces were included in this analysis. The nationwide distribution of optometrists is variable across Canada and they are predominantly concentrated in urban areas. The mean ratio of optometrists across Canada was 1.70 optometrists per 10,000 people (range = 0.13 to 2.92). Out of 109 health regions (HRs), 26 were classified as low ratios, 51 HRs were classified as moderate ratios, and 32 HRs were high ratios. Thirty-five HRs were classified as low utilization, 39 HRs were classified as moderate, and 32 HRs as high utilization. HRs with a low optometrist ratio relative to eye care utilization and a high proportion of key sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. older age, low income) are located throughout Canada and identified with maps indicating areas of likely greater need for optometry services.
Conclusion:
This research provides a nationwide overview of vision care provided by optometrists identifying gaps in geographic availabilityrelative to “supply” and “need” factors. This examination of variation in accessibility to optometric services will be useful to inform workforce planning and policies.
Prognostic value of pretreatment platelet count in lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhong Hai , Ye Liang , Li Qian , Fang rong su , Gu Wei , Qian Ying Ying
Published: February 2020

Background : The prognostic value of pretreatment elevated platelet count remains controversial in lung cancer patients. We performed the present meta-analysis to determine the precise role of it in these patients. Methods: We performed a multiple search strategy in PubMed database, EMBASE and Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies. Disease-free survival (DFS) /Progress-free survival (PFS)/Time to progress (TTP) and Overall survival (OS) were used as outcomes with hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were also evaluated. Results : A total of 40 studies including 16696 lung cancer patients were eligible in the analysis. Overall, the pooled analysis showed that pretreatment elevated platelet count was associated with poorer OS (HR= 1.54, 95%CI:1.37-1.72, P<0.001) and poorer DFS/PFS/TTP (HR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.33-1.98, P<0.001) in patients with lung cancer compared with normal platelet count. In subgroup analyses, pretreatment elevated platelet count was also associated with poorer OS and DFS/PFS/TTP in most subgroups. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions : This meta-analysis revealed that pretreatment elevated platelet count was an independent predictor of OS and DFS/PFS/TTP in lung cancer patients. Large scale prospective studies and a validation study are warranted.
Economic burden and mental health of primary caregivers of perinatally HIV infected adolescents from Kilifi, Kenya
Authors: Katana Patrick V , Abubakar Amina , Nyongesa Moses K. , Ssewanyana Derrick , Mwangi Paul , Newton Charles R , Jemutai Julie
Published: February 2020

Background: Eighty per cent of perinatally HIV infected (PHI) adolescents live in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), a setting also characterized by huge economic disparities. Caregiving is crucial to the management of chronic illness such as HIV/AIDS, but the economic costs and mental disorders borne by caregivers of PHI adolescents often go unnoticed. In this study, we evaluated economic costs, coping strategies and association between economic cost and mental health functioning of caregivers of perinatally HIV infected adolescents in Kilifi, Kenya. Methods: We used a cost of illness descriptive analysis approach to determine the economic burden and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess the caregivers’ mental health. Cross-sectional data were collected from 121 primary caregivers of PHI adolescents in Kilifi using a structured cost questionnaire. Economic costs (direct and indirect costs) were measured from primary caregivers’ perspective. We used descriptive statistics in reporting the results of this study. Results: Average monthly direct and indirect costs per primary caregiver was Ksh 2,784.51 (USD 27.85). Key drivers of direct costs were transportation (66.5%) and medications (13.8%). Total monthly costs represented 28.8% of the reported caregiver monthly earnings. Majority of the caregivers borrowed resources to cope with high economic burden. About 10.7% of primary caregivers reported depressive symptoms. Caregivers with positive depression screen (PHQ-9 score ≥10) had high average monthly direct and indirect costs. However, this was not statistically different compared to costs incurred by caregivers who screened negative for depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Our study indicates that HIV/AIDS is associated with a significant economic burden for caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. Results underscore the need for developing economic empowerment and social support programmes that reduce the economic burden of caring for perinatally infected adolescent. These efforts may improve the mental health and quality of life of caregivers of adolescents living with HIV.
The Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium sseK3 induce cell apoptosis and enhance glycolysis in macrophages
Authors: Yu Chuan , Du Fuyu , Zhang Chunjie , Li Yinju , Liao Chengshui , He Lei , Cheng Xiangchao , Zhang Xiaojie
Published: February 2020

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is an important infectious disease pathogen. Recently, there are increasing researches about the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis of cells. Previous studies have identified that S. Typhimurium secreted effector K3 (SseK3) is a novel translated and secreted protein. However, there is no study about the role of sseK3 in the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis of cells infected with S. Typhimurium. It is unclear whether this protein exerts a significant role in the progress of apoptosis and glycolysis in macrophages. Results: The S. Typhimurium SL1344 wild-type (WT) group, ΔsseK3 mutant group and sseK3-complemented group were used to infect macrophages and the effects of sseK3 on apoptosis and glycolysis of macrophages were investigated. The adherence and invasion of ΔsseK3 mutant group for macrophages were similar to WT group and sseK3-complemented group, indicating that SseK3 did not play an important role in the adherence and invasion of S. Typhimurium for macrophages. However, the apoptosis percentage of the ΔsseK3 mutant group was much lower than WT group and sseK3-complemented group using flow cytometry. The caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 enzyme activity of the ΔsseK3 mutant group were decreased significantly compared with WT group and sseK3-complemented group, which suggested that sseK3 could improve the activities of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 enzyme. We also found that the pyruvic acid level did not significantly change among ΔsseK3 mutant group, WT group and sseK3-complemented group, but the lactic acid level of ΔsseK3 mutant group was much lower than WT group and sseK3-complemented group. The ATP level of ΔsseK3 mutant group was remarkably higher than WT group and sseK3-complemented group. These indicated that the sseK3 enhanced the level of glycolysis of macrophages infected by S. Typhimurium. Conclusions: Our data showed that the sseK3 of S. Typhimurium involved in promoting macrophages apoptosis and influencing glycolysis levels of macrophages. These results may give a better clue about the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis in macrophages induced by S. Typhimurium sseK3.
The Contribution of Stem Cell Factor and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Reducing Neurodegeneration and Promoting Neural Network Reorganization after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: He Junchi , Russell Thomas , Qiu Xuecheng , Hao Fei , Kyle Michele , Chin Lawrence , Zhao Li-Ru
Published: February 2020

Background
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in young adults worldwide. TBI-induced long-term cognitive deficits represent a growing clinical problem. Stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) are involved in neuroprotection and neuronal plasticity. However, the knowledge concerning reparative efficacy of SCF+G-CSF treatment in post-acute TBI recovery remains incomplete. This study aims to determine the efficacy of SCF+G-CSF on post-acute TBI recovery in young adult mice. The controlled cortical impact model of TBI was used for inducing a severe damage in the motor cortex of the right hemisphere in 8-week-old male C57BL mice. SCF+G-CSF treatment was initiated 3 weeks after induction of TBI.
Results
Severe TBI led to persistent motor functional deficits (Rota-Rod test) and impaired spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze test). SCF+G-CSF treatment significantly improved the severe TBI-impaired spatial learning and memory 6 weeks after treatment. TBI also caused significant increases of Fluoro-Jade C positive degenerating neurons in bilateral frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus, and significant reductions in MAP2 + apical dendrites and overgrowth of SMI312 + axons in peri-TBI cavity frontal cortex and in the ipsilateral hippocampal CA1 at 24 weeks post-TBI. SCF+G-CSF treatment significantly reduced TBI-induced neurodegeneration in the contralateral frontal cortex and hippocampal CA1, increased MAP2 + apical dendrites in the peri-TBI cavity frontal cortex, and prevented TBI-induced axonal overgrowth in both the peri-TBI cavity frontal cortex and ipsilateral hippocampal CA1.
Conclusions
These findings reveal a novel pathology of axonal overgrowth after TBI and demonstrate a therapeutic potential of SCF+G-CSF in ameliorating TBI-induced long-term neuronal pathology, neural network malformation, and impairments in spatial learning and memory.
Neck Lymph Node Metastasis Detection in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (DTC) in Long-Term Follow-up: a ¹³¹I-SPECT/CT Study
Authors: Spanu Angela , Nuvoli Susanna , Marongiu Andrea , Gelo Ilaria , Mele Luciana , Piras Bastiana , Madeddu Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Background: The prognostic importance of neck lymph node (LN) metastases in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is controversial even if their presence at surgery often correlates with tumor recurrences that it is mandatory to identify. To this purpose, in the present study, we used 131I-SPECT/CT as a diagnostic imaging procedure.
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 224 consecutive DTC patients already submitted to total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy, all of them with ascertained neck radioiodine-avid foci at ¹³¹I-SPECT/CT during long-term follow-up; at surgery, 62 patients were classified at high risk (H), 64 at low risk (L) and 98 at very low risk (VL). All patients underwent ¹³¹I-Whole body scan (WBS) followed by SPECT/CT.
Results: In the 224 patients, 449 neck iodine avid foci were ascertained at SPECT/CT, while 322 were evidenced at WBS in 165/224 patients. WBS classified as residues 263/322 foci and as unclear 59/322 foci; among the former foci SPECT/CT correctly characterized 8 LN metastases and 3 physiologic uptakes and among the latter, it pinpointed 26 LN metastases, 18 residues, and 15 physiologic uptakes. SPECT/CT also classified 127 foci occult at WBS as 59 LN metastases and 68 residues. Globally, SPECT/CT identified 93 LN metastases in 59 patients (26 H, 20 L, 13 VL), while WBS evidenced 34 in 25 cases. All 13 VL patients, T1aN0M0, 5 of whom with LN near sub-mandibular glands, had thyroglobulin undetectable or <2.5 ng/ml. Globally, SPECT/CT obtained an incremental value than WBS in 45.5 % of patients, a more correct patient classification changing therapeutic approach in 30.3 % of cases and identified WBS false-positive findings in 8% of cases.
Conclusions: ¹³¹I-SPECT/CT proved to correctly detect and characterize neck LN metastases in DTC patients in long-term follow-up, improving WBS performance. SPECT/CT routine use is suggested; its role is particularly significant in patients with WBS inconclusive, VL, T1aN0M0 and with undetectable or very low thyroglobulin levels.
Keywords: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), Neck lymph node metastases, Long-term follow-up, 131I-Whole body scan (WBS), 131I-SPECT/CT
Optimization of parasite DNA enrichment approaches to generate whole genome sequencing data for Plasmodium falciparum from low-parasitemia samples
Authors: Shah Zalak , Adams Matthew , Moser Kara A , Shrestha Biraj , Stucke Emily M , Laufer Miriam K , Serre David , Silva Joana C , Takala-Harrison Shannon
Published: February 2020

Background: Owing to the large amount of host DNA in clinical samples, generation of high-quality Plasmodium falciparum whole genome sequencing (WGS) data requires enrichment for parasite DNA. Enrichment is often achieved by leukocyte depletion of infected blood prior to storage. However, leukocyte depletion is difficult in low-resource settings and limits analysis to prospectively-collected samples. As a result, approaches such as selective whole genome amplification (sWGA) are being used to enrich for parasite DNA. However, sWGA has had limited success in generating reliable sequencing data from low parasitemia samples. In this study, we evaluated whether enzymatic digestion with MspJI prior to sWGA improved genome coverage compared to sWGA alone. We also examined the potential of sWGA to cause amplification bias in polyclonal infections.

Methods: DNA extracted from lab-created dried blood spots was treated with a modification-dependent restriction endonuclease, MspJI, and filtered via vacuum filtration. Samples were then selectively amplified using a previously reported sWGA protocol and subjected to WGS. Genome coverage statistics were compared between the optimized sWGA approach and the previously reported sWGA approach performed in parallel. Differential amplification by sWGA was assessed by comparing WGS data generated from lab-created mixtures of parasite isolates, from the same geographical region, generated with or without sWGA.

Results: MspJI digestion did not enrich for parasite DNA. Samples that underwent vacuum filtration (without MspJI digestion) prior to sWGA had the highest parasite DNA concentration and displayed greater genome coverage compared to MspJI+sWGA and sWGA alone, particularly for low parasitemia samples. The optimized sWGA (filtration + sWGA) approach was successfully used to generate WGS data from 218 non-leukocyte depleted field samples from Malawi. Sequences from lab-created mixtures of parasites did not show evidence of differential amplification of parasite strains compared to directly sequenced samples.

Conclusion: This optimized sWGA approach is a reliable method to obtain WGS data from non-leukocyte depleted, low parasitemia samples. The absence of amplification bias in data generated from mixtures of isolates from the same geographic region suggests that this approach can be appropriately used for molecular epidemiological studies.