bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resident bacterial populations mediating biogeochemical dynamics in a Uranium roll front deposit
Authors: Jrou Fadwa , Descostes Michael , Povedano-Priego Cristina , Sanchez-Castro Iván , Suvannagan Vitthavat , Grizard Pierre , Merroun Mohamed L.
Published: November 2019

Background Uranium-mineralized sandy aquifer, planned for a mining by in situ recovery (U ISR), harbors a reservoir of bacterial life that may influence the biogeochemical cycles surrounding the Uranium roll front deposits. Since microorganisms are likely to play an important role at all stages of U ISR, a better knowledge of the resident bacteria before any ISR actuations is essential to face environmental quality assessment. The focus here was made on the characterization of the resident microbiome of an aquifer surrounding uranium roll-front deposit that is part of an ISR facility project at Zoovch Ovoo (Mongolia). Water samples were collected following the natural redox zonation inherited in the aquifer, including the native mineralized orebody, and both the upstream and downstream compartments.Results An imposed chemical zonation for all sensitive redox elements through the roll-front system was observed in all water samples. High-throughput sequencing showed that the bacterial community structure was shaped by the redox gradient and the oxygen availability. Several interesting bacteria were observed including sulphate-reducing (e.g. Desulfovibrio, Nitrospira), iron-reducing (e.g. Gallionella, Sideroxydans) iron-oxidizing (e.g. Rhodobacter, Albidiferax, Ferribacterium), and nitrate-reducing bacteria (e.g. Pseudomonas, Aquabacterium), which may be also involved in metal reduction (e.g. Desulfovibrio, Ferribacterium, Pseudomonas, Albidiferax, Caulobacter, Zooglea). The taxa residing in each aquifer compartment followed a strong redox zonation differentiation, although as a whole the population of each water section seems to define an ecologically functional ecosystem containing suitable microorganisms that are probably prone to promote the remediation of the acidified aquifer by natural attenuation. Co-occurrence patterns confirmed a strong correlations among the bacterial genera suggesting either a shared and preferred environmental conditions or the performance of functions similar or complementary to each other.Conclusions Assessing the composition, and structure of the resident bacterial communities is a prerequisite for understanding the natural attenuation and predicting bacterial input in the improvement of ISR efficiency.
Oyster hemolymph is a complex and dynamic ecosystem hosting bacteria, protists and viruses.
Authors: Dupont S. , Lokmer A. , Corre E. , Auguet J.-C. , Petton B. , Toulza E. , Montagnani C. , Tanguy G. , Pecqueur D. , Salmeron C. , Guillou L. , Desnues C. , Scola B. La , Khalil J. Bou , de Lorgeril J. , Mitta G. , Gueguen Y. , Escoubas Jean-Michel
Published: November 2019

Background: The impact of the microbiota on host fitness has so far mainly been demonstrated for the bacterial microbiome. We know much less about host-associated protist and viral communities, largely due to technical issues. However, all microorganisms within a microbiome potentially interact with each other as well as with the host and the environment, therefore likely affecting the host health. Results: We set out to explore how environmental and host factors shape the composition and diversity of bacterial, protist and viral microbial communities in the Pacific oyster hemolymph, both in health and disease . To do so, five oyster families differing in susceptibility to the Pacific oyster mortality syndrome were reared in hatchery and transplanted into a natural environment either before or during a disease outbreak. Using metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics, we demonstrate that hemolymph can be considered as an ecological niche hosting bacterial, protist and viral communities, each of them shaped by different factors and distinct from the corresponding communities in the surrounding seawater. Overall, we found that hemolymph microbiota is more strongly shaped by the environment than by host genetic background. Co-occurrence network analyses suggest a disruption of the microbial network after transplantation into natural environment during both non-infectious and infectious periods. Whereas we could not identify a common microbial community signature for healthy animals, OsHV-1 µVar virus dominated the hemolymph virome during the disease outbreak, without significant modifications of other microbiota components. Conclusion: Our study shows that oyster hemolymph is a complex ecosystem containing diverse bacteria, protists and viruses, whose composition and dynamics are primarily determined by the environment. However, all of these are also shaped by oyster genetic backgrounds, indicating they indeed interact with the oyster host and are therefore not only of transient character. Although it seems that the three microbiome components respond independently to environmental conditions, better characterization of hemolymph-associated viruses could change this picture.
TRA2A-induced upregulation of LINC00662 regulates blood-brain barrier permeability by affecting ELK4 mRNA stability in Alzheimer's microenvironment
Authors: Liu Qianshuo , Zhu Lu , Liu Xiaobai , Zheng Jian , Liu Yunhui , Ruan Xuelei , Cao Shuo , Cai Heng , Li Zhen , Xue Yixue
Published: November 2019

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in maintenance and regulation of the neural microenvironment. The occurrence of BBB disruption is the pathological change of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). RNA-binding proteins and long non-coding RNAs are involved in the regulation of BBB permeability. Our study was performed to demonstrate TRA2A/LINC00662/ELK4 axis in regulating BBB permeability in AD microenvironment. In Aβ1-42-incubated microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) of BBB model in vitro, TRA2A and LINC00662 were enriched. TRA2A increased the stability of LINC00662 by binding with it. The knockdown of either TRA2A or LINC00662 decreased the BBB permeability via upregulating the expressions of tight junction-related proteins. ELK4 was lower expressed in BBB model in vitro in AD microenvironment. LINC00662 mediated the degradation of ELK4 mRNA by SMD pathway. The downregulated ELK4 increased the permeability of BTB by increasing the tight junction-related proteins expressions. TRA2A/LINC00662/ELK4 axis plays a crucial role in the regulation of BBB permeability in AD microenvironment, which may provide a novel target for the therapy of AD.
Indoor residual spraying for malaria control in Sub-Saharan Africa 1997 to 2017; an adjusted retrospective analysis
Authors: Tangena Julie-Anne , Hendriks Chantal M.J. , Devine Maria , Tammaro Meghan , Trett Anna E. , Williams Ignatius , DePina Adilson José , Sisay Achamylesh , Herizo Ramandimbiarijaona , Kafy Hmooda Toto , Chizema Elizabeth , Were Allan , Rozier Jennifer , Coleman Michael , Moyes Catherine L.
Published: November 2019

Background: Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is a key tool for controlling and eliminating malaria by targeting vectors. To support the development of effective intervention strategies it is important to understand the impact of vector control tools on malaria incidence and on the spread of insecticide resistance. In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that countries should report on coverage and impact of IRS, yet IRS coverage data are still sparse and unspecific. Here we estimated the subnational coverage of IRS across sub-Saharan Africa for the four main insecticide classes from 1997 to 2017. Methods: Data on IRS deployment were collated from a variety of sources, including the President’s Malaria Initiative spray reports and National Malaria Control program reports, for all 46 malaria-endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa from 1997 to 2017. The data were mapped to the applicable administrative divisions and the proportion of households sprayed for each of the four main insecticide classes; carbamates, organochlorines, organophosphates and pyrethroids was calculated. Results: We found that the number of countries implementing IRS increased considerably over time, although the focal nature of deployment means the number of people protected remains low. From 1997 to 2010, DDT and pyrethroids were commonly used, then partly replaced by carbamates from 2011 and by organophosphates from 2013. IRS deployment since the publication of resistance management guidelines has typically avoided overlap between pyrethroid IRS and ITN use. However, annual rotations of insecticide classes with differing modes of action are not routinely used. Conclusion: This study highlights the gaps between policy and practice, emphasizing the continuing potential of IRS to drive resistance. The data presented here can improve studies on the impact of IRS on malaria incidence and help to guide future malaria control efforts.
First evidence of the deletion in the Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 genes in P. falciparum from Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Berzosa Pedro , González V , Taravillo L , Mayor A , Romay-Barja M , Garcia L , Ncogo P , Riloha M , Benito A
Published: November 2019

Background: WHO recommends RDTs as a good alternative malaria-diagnosis method in remote parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of commercial RDTs currently available detect the P. falciparum protein histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2). There have also been recent reports of Pfhrp2 deletions being found in parasites collected from several African countries. WHO has concluded that the lacking the Pfhrp2 gene must be monitored in Africa. The purpose of the study was to analyze why the samples that were positive by PCR were negative by RDTs; and, therefore, to determine whether there have been deletions in the Pfhrp2 and/or Pfhrp3 genes. Methods: Malaria NM-PCR was carried out to all the samples collected in the field. A group of 128 samples was positive by PCR but negatives by RDT, these samples were classified as RDT false-negatives. It was carried out a PCR for exon2 of Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 genes to detect the presence or absence of these two genes. Frequencies with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for categorical variables. Associations were assessed by the chi-square test or Fisher´s exact test. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using the software package SPSSv.15.0. Sensitivity and specificity calculations were performed using Epidat 3.1 software. Results: After the PCR, 81 samples were identified (4.7%, 95%CI: 3.8-5.8) which had deletion in both genes, Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3. Overall, however, 11 samples (0.6%, 95%CI: 0.36-1.14) had deletion only in Pfhrp2 but not in Pfhrp3, and 15 (0.9%, 95%CI: 0.6-1.5) presented with deletion only in Pfhrp3 but not in Pfhrp2. Considering the Pfhrp2 gene separately, within the total of 1,724 samples, 92 (5.3%, 95%CI: 4.37-6.5) had evidence of deletion. Conclusion: The present study provides the first evidence of deletion in the Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 genes in P. falciparum isolates from Equatorial Guinea. However, larger studies across different regions within the country and across different seasonal profiles are needed to determine the full extent of Pfhrp2- and Pfhrp3-deletion. it would be strongly recommendable to implement an active surveillance program in order to detect any increases in Pfhrp2- and Pfhrp3-deletion frequencies.
Construction of High-quality Linkage Maps in Populus with RADseq Data and their Application in QTL Mapping and Genome Assembly
Authors: Tong Chunfa , Yao Dan , Wu Hainan , Chen Yuhua , Yang Wenguo , Zhao Wei , Gao Hua
Published: November 2019

Background: Although great efforts have been made to construct genetic linkage maps in Populus using traditional molecular markers, these maps are typically sparse, and the number of linkage groups does not match the karyotype of Populus . With the advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies and new software packages available for extracting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across a mapping population, it is possible to construct high-quality, high-density genetic linkage maps with thousands of SNPs in such outbred species. Results: Two parent-specific linkage maps were constructed with restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) data from an F 1 hybrid population from Populus de l toides and Populus simonii and were applied to identify growth trait loci and facilitate genome assembly. The female Populus deltoides map contained 4,018 SNPs, which were divided into 19 linkage groups under a wide range of LOD thresholds from 7 to 55, perfectly matching the karyotype of Populus . The male Populus simonii map showed similar characteristics, consisting of 2,097 SNPs, which also belonged to 19 linkage groups under LOD thresholds of 7 to 29. The SNP genotype data for linkage analysis were confirmed to be of high quality. The SNP order of each linkage group was optimal among different ordering results from several available software platforms. Moreover, the linkage maps allowed the detection of 39 QTLs underlying tree height and 47 for diameter at breast height, some of which were strongly associated with QTLs identified in previous studies. In addition, the linkage maps enabled the anchoring of 671 contigs of a draft genome assembly of Populus simonii to chromosomes, corresponding to approximately 83.6% of the genome and showing a high level of collinearity with the genetic maps. Conclusions: The two parental genetic maps of Populus are of high quality, especially in terms of SNP data quality, the SNP order within linkage groups, and the perfect match between the number of linkage groups and the karyotype of Populus as well as performance in QTL mapping and genome assembly. The adopted approaches for both extracting and ordering SNPs could be applied to other species to construct high-density, high-quality genetic maps.
How and why do medical students choose the specialty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases? A national cross-sectional study
Authors: Peiffer-Smadja Nathan , Ardellier François-Daniel , Thill Pauline , Beaumont Anne-Lise , Catho Gaud , Osei Lindsay , Dubée Vincent , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Lemaignen Adrien , Thy Michaël
Published: November 2019

Background Infectious diseases (ID) physicians are more needed than ever to tackle existing and emerging global threats. However, in the US approximately one quarter of the ID fellowship programs are unfilled every year. The creation of the ID residency in 2017 in France offers the opportunity to know how and why the specialty is chosen by medical students. Methods We first analyzed the choice of specialty of all French medical students in 2017 and 2018 according to their rank at the national exam that ends medical studies. A web questionnaire was then sent on January 2019 to all ID residents in France (n=100) to assess their professional project and the factors influencing their choice of specialty. Results We analyzed the choice of 17,087 medical students. ID was the first-chosen specialty with a median national rank of 526/8539, followed by plastic surgery and ophthalmology. The questionnaire was completed by 90% of the French ID residents. The most encouraging factors to choose ID were the multi-system approach of the specialty, the importance of diagnostic medicine and having done an internship in ID during medical school. The most dissuading factors were the work-life balance, the workload and the salary. Conclusions The recent recognition of ID as a qualifying specialty in France can be considered a success insofar as the specialty is the most popular among all medical and surgical specialties. Individuals who choose ID are attracted by the intellectual simulation of the specialty but express concerns about the working conditions and salaries.
Differential blood miRNA expression in brain amyloid imaging defined Alzheimer's disease and controls.
Authors: Wu Helen Zong Ying , Thalamuthu Anbupalam , Cheng Lesley , Fowler Christopher , Masters Colin L , Sachdev Perminder , Mather Karen A.
Published: November 2019

Background: Peripheral blood microRNAs (miRNA) have been identified as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Study results have generally been inconsistent and limited by sample heterogeneity. The aim of this study is to establish candidate blood miRNA biomarkers for AD by comparing differences in miRNA expression between participants with brain amyloid imaging defined AD and normal cognition. Methods: Blood RNA was extracted from a subset of participants from the Australian Imaging Biomarkers Lifestyle Study of Ageing cohort (AIBL) with brain amyloid imaging results. MiRNA profiling was performed using small RNA sequencing on 71 participants, comprising 40 AD with high brain amyloid burden on imaging (amyloid positive) and 31 cognitively normal controls with low brain amyloid burden (amyloid negative). Cross-sectional comparisons were made between groups to examine differential miRNA expression levels using Fisher’s exact tests. Replication of results was undertaken using a publicly available dataset of blood miRNA data of AD and controls. In silico analysis of downstream messenger RNA targets of candidate miRNAs was performed to elucidate potential biological function. Results: After quality control, 816 miRNAs were available for analysis. There were 71 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs between the AD and control groups (p<0.05). Two of these miRNAs, miR-146b-5p and miR-15b-5p, were also significant in the replication cohort. Pathways analysis showed these miRNAs to be involved in innate immune system and regulation of the cell cycle respectively, both of which have relevance to AD pathogenesis. Conclusion: Blood miR-146b-5p and miR15b-5p showed consistent differential expression in AD compared to controls. Further replication and translational studies in strictly phenotyped cohorts are needed to establish their role as biomarkers for AD to have clinical utility.
Developmental loss of oligodendrocytes exacerbates adult CNS demyelination
Authors: Pajoohesh-Ganji Ahdeah , Karl Molly , Garrison Eric , Clarkson-Paredes Cheryl , Ahn Julie , Miller Robert H.
Published: November 2019

Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurodegenerative autoimmune disease characterized by loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the brain and spinal cord, results in localized functional deficits. Several risk factors have been associated with MS, however none can fully explain an enhanced susceptibility. Epidemiological data, based on geographical prevalence studies suggest susceptibility is established early in life and frequently long before disease diagnosis implicating developmental events influence adult disease progression. Here we test the hypothesis that loss of mature oligodendrocytes during postnatal development results in enhanced susceptibility to an adult demyelinating insult.
Methods
A transgenic mouse model was utilized to specifically induce apoptosis in a subset of mature oligodendrocytes (MBP-iCP9) during the first 2 postnatal weeks followed by either a local LPC spinal cord injection or the induction of EAE in the adult. Immunostaining, immunoblotting, behavioral testing, and electron microscopy were utilized to examine the differences between groups.
Results
We show that during development, oligodendrocyte apoptosis results in transient reductions in myelination and functional deficits that recover after 10-14 days. Compared to animals in which oligodendrocyte development was unperturbed, animals subjected to postnatal oligodendrocyte ablation showed delayed recovery from an LPC lesion. Unexpectedly, the induction and severity of EAE was not significantly altered in animals following oligodendrocyte ablation even though there was a substantial increase in spinal cord tissue damage and CNS inflammation. It is currently unclear why these changes are not reflected in enhanced functional deficits.
Conclusions
These observations suggest that developmental loss of oligodendrocytes results in long lasting tissue changes that alter its capacity for repair in the adult.
Low ambulance availability at health facilities and disparity across regions in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional health facility level assessment
Authors: Defar Atkure , Getachew Theodros , Gonfa Geremew , Bekele Abebe , Molla Million , Alemu Kassahun
Published: November 2019

Background: Lack of well-functioning referral and quality of the service are challenges for many of the developing countries health care system. This study evaluated the referral transport services for maternal and newborn care in Ethiopian health facilities. Methods: The study used 2016 Ethiopian Emergency Obstetric and Newborn care assessment data. All public and private health facilities that provided maternal and newborn health services were included in the study. The data analysis was done on a total of 3,804 facilities. Results: Overall, in this study only 17% (95% CI: 16-18) of health facilities had their dedicated functioning ambulance (motor vehicle, motorcycle, or tricycle ambulance). Among these, reports of using the ambulance for non-emergency transport were common. Use of the ambulance for transporting client’s home was reported by 48% (95% CI: 44-52) of facilities. A total of 62% health facilities provided by district health offices. Hospitals/MCH centres had almost 5 times (95% CI: 3.16, 7.12) more likely to have ambulance on-site compared with health centres/speciality clinics. The urban-based health facilities were three times (aOR =2.86, 95% CI: 2.29, 3.58) more likely to have ambulance onsite than their counter. Availability of ambulance on-site in public facilities was found to be 80% and 63% less to that of private owned and private-for-profit health facilities. Facilities that didn’t provide onsite obstetric surgery were also less likely to have an ambulance on-site. There was no significant difference in ambulance availability for the facilities that have referred in/out and in the provision of 24/7 service for emergency obstetric and newborn care. There is no relation between institutional delivery and availability of ambulance on-site (ρ=0.14). Conclusions: In this study, low ambulance availability for emergency referral for maternal and newborn cases in Ethiopian facilitates was observed. There is a disparity in the availability of Ambulance onsite by regions facility location and type of health facility. No effect of referral transport service on-site availability on institutional deliveries was noted. An ambulance is mandatory for interconnected health centers to hospital referrals. However, this needs to be backed up with an adequate supply of basic and emergency obstetric care at all facilities.
Access to internet, smartphone usage, and acceptability of mobile health technology among cancer patients
Authors: Potdar Rashmika , Thomas Arun , DiMeglio Matthew , Mohiuddin Kamran , Djibo Djeneba Audrey , Laudanski Krzysztof , Dourado Claudia M. , Leighton John Charles , Ford Jean
Published: November 2019

Purpose: The use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies to augment patient care, enables providers to communicate remotely with patients enhancing the quality of care and patient engagement. Few studies addressed barriers to its implementation, especially in medically underserved populations. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 151 cancer patients was conducted at an academic medical center in the United States. A trained interviewer performed structured interviews regarding the barriers and facilitators of patients’ current and desired utilization of technology for healthcare services. Results: Of the 151 participants, 35.8% were male and ages ranged from 21-104 years. Only 73.5% of participants currently have daily access to internet, and 68.2% currently own a smartphone capable of displaying mobile applications. Among all participants, utilization of a daily mHealth application was significantly higher in patients with a college-level degree (OR; 2.78, p<0.01) and lower in older patients (OR; 0.05, p<0.01). Differences in utilization when adjusted for current smartphone use and daily access to internet were nonsignificant. Among smartphone users, the desire to increase cancer knowledge was associated with a higher likelihood of utilizing a mHealth application (OR; 261.53, p<0.01). Conclusion: The study suggests the access to mobile technology is the predominant determinant of utilization. Healthcare organizations should consider these factors when launching patient engagement platforms.
Factors associated with work-private life conflict and leadership qualities among line managers of health professionals in Swiss acute and rehabilitation hospitals – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Peter Karin Anne , Halfens Ruud JG , Hahn Sabine , Schols Jos MGA
Published: November 2019

Background: The workforce shortage of health professionals is a current concern, with a high level of work-related stress being an important reason why health professionals leave their career prematurely. In particular, incompatibility between work and private life and a lack of leadership qualities among line managers are important factors in health professionals’ satisfaction and health at work. This study therefore aimed to identify key associated factors of work-private life conflicts and of poor managerial leadership quality among health professionals. Methods: This study is based on a cross-sectional survey in 26 Swiss acute and rehabilitation hospitals, consisting of 3398 health professionals from various disciplines. For data analysis, multilevel models (with hospitals as the second level variable) were performed for ‘work-private life conflict’ and ‘quality of leadership’, considering significant main effects (using AIC) and significant interactions (using BIC) of potential explanatory variables. Results: The main findings of this study reveal that the compatibility of health professionals’ work and private life is associated with topics of shift planning, specifically regarding their influence on shift planning (possibility of exchanging shifts, β=-2.87, p=0.000), the extent to which their individual preferences are considered (e.g. working in one specific shift only, β=6.31, p=0.000), the number of shifts per weekend (β=1.38, p=0.002) and the number of hours per week (β=0.13, p=0.000) they had to work. In addition, high quantitative demands (β=0.25, p=0.000) as well as being required to hide their emotions (β=0.16, p=0.000) and poor social community at work (β=-0.12, p=0.000) were also related to a severe work-private life conflict. Regarding managerial leadership, health professionals perceived the leadership qualities of their direct line manager as better if they received more social support (β=0.61, p=0.000) and rewards (β=0.41, p=0.000) at work. Conclusions: These study results show key components of improving the compatibility of work and private life as well as managerial leadership qualities among health professionals and can help top executives working in acute or rehabilitation hospitals to develop appropriate interventions.
The excessive use of cesarean section and its contribution factors in Shanghai, China
Authors: Xiao Yuyin , Shi Chenshu , Zeng Wu , Dong Minye , Lu Chunling , Liu Yiting , Zhang Jun , Li Guohong
Published: November 2019

Objectives: This study proposes a mathematical analysis framework to estimate the proportion of cesarean section (CS) with non-medical indications and of CS cases correctly diagnosed, examine the excessive use of CS, and investigate its contributing factors in Shanghai. Design and Settings A mathematical model (C-model), developed by the World Health Organization, was employed to estimate the expected proportion of women having CS based on clinical indicators. Cases in which CS occurred but vaginal delivery (VD) was recommended instead by the C-model were regarded as "Suspicious CS". Cases that are “CS of suspected non-medical indications” were identified and used for categorical principal component analysis to explore causes of "Suspicious CS". A Bayesian model was used to calculate the proportion of correctly diagnosed CS. The use of CS and medical conditions were collected from 5,686 pregnant women delivered in twenty public hospitals with obstetrics departments in 2016, which were randomly selected in Shanghai. The excessive use of CS in Shanghai and the cost of "CS suspected non-medical indications" were estimated. Results 43.96% of pregnant women performed CS in Shanghai in 2016, much higher than the expected CS rate of 30.13% according to the C-model. A total of 1271 CS cases were classified as “Suspicious CS”, representing 22.35% of the sample. There were 784 cases classified as “CS of suspected non-medical indications”, including CS caused by fetal heart rate abnormality/fetal distress and cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR), accounting for 13.79% of the sample. Based on Bayes estimation, only 42.5% of pregnant women who had CS were medically necessary. If the CS with non-medical indications were appropriately controlled, the hospitalization costs in the whole year in Shanghai would drop by about US$ 60 million (408 million RMB). Conclusion The study provides empirical evidence on non-medical indications of CS in Shanghai, and uses a mathematical model to estimate the excessive use of CS. The high rate of CS in Shanghai was associated with non-medical indications. Establishing clinical standards of CS, especially in relations to abnormal fetal heart rate/fetal distress, would help reduce CS without medical indications, which would significantly lower medical expenses of hospitalization.
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: November 2019

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.
Rapid direct identification of positive paediatric blood cultures by MALDI-TOF MS technology and its clinical impact in the paediatric hospital setting.
Authors: Samaranayake Waniganeththi Arachchige Manori Piyumal , Dempsey Suzanne , Howard-Jones Annaleise R , Outhred Alexander Conrad , Kesson Alison Margaret
Published: November 2019

Objective: Rapid diagnostic tools are imperative for timely clinical decision making, particularly in bacteraemic patients. This study evaluated the performance of a fast, inexpensive novel in house method for processing positive blood cultures for immediate identification of microorganisms by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (Vitek MS bioMérieux). We prospectively analyzed the clinical impact of such method on the management of pediatric patients.Result: In total, 360 positive blood cultures were included in this study. Among 318 mono-microbial cultures, in-house method achieved correct identification in 270 (85%) cultures to the species level, whilst 43 (13.5%) gave no identification, and 7 (2.2%) gave discordant identifications. Identification of Gram-negative organisms was accurate to both species and genus level in 99% of isolates, and for Gram positives accuracy was 84% to genus and 81% to species level overall, with accuracy of 100% for Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus to the species level. Assessment of the potential impact of direct MALDI-TOF identification in sixty sequential cases revealed a clear clinical benefit in 35.5% of cases. Benefits included timely antibiotic rationalization, change of medical intervention, and early confirmation of contamination. This study demonstrates a highly accurate in-house method with considerable potential clinical benefits for paediatric care.
Anxiety related disorders in adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: a population based cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Yateem Nabeel , Issa Wegdan Bani , Rossiter Rachel C , Al-Shujairi Arwa , Radwan Hadia , Awad Manal , Fakhry Randa , Altayeb Ibrahim
Published: November 2019

Background Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents. However, there is a paucity of up-to-date data on the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-related disorders among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of specific anxiety-related disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, social anxiety) in the UAE, and identify correlations between these disorders and adolescents’ demographic variables. Participants were 968 adolescents aged 13–18 years attending secondary schools across the UAE. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. We collected demographic information and data about participants’ anxiety levels. Anxiety was assessed using the Arabic and English versions of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders scale. Univariate analyses (independent sample t -tests and analysis of variance) were performed to evaluate factors affecting participants’ anxiety scores. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions of anxiety disorders between boys and girls.Results Participants’ mean age was 16±1.8 years, and 65.8% were female. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders was 28%, with this being significantly higher in girls (33.6%) than boys (17.2%) (p<.0001). Participants aged <16 years had higher generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and social anxiety scores compared with those aged ≥16 years (p≤.05). Those from households with a maid had significantly higher generalized anxiety, panic disorder, separation anxiety, and significant school avoidance scores than those without a maid (p≤.05). In addition, participants from middle and low economic backgrounds had higher separation anxiety scores compared with children from high economic backgrounds (p≤.05). The multivariate analysis showed the main risk factors for anxiety were gender and caregiver.Conclusions We found a high incidence of anxiety-related disorders among school-aged adolescents in the UAE, with girls being more affected than boys. This suggests that age-appropriate initiatives are urgently needed to reduce the high rate of anxiety-related disorders. It may also be necessary to further investigate the two main risk factors for anxiety identified in this study (being female and non-parental caregivers).
Let us say what we need ourselves: report of the interview of mental health service users with schizophrenia in South-West Nigeria.
Authors: Oyelade Oyeyemi Olajumoke , Nkosi Nokuthula Gloria
Published: November 2019

Schizophrenia is one of the, most chronic mental illnesses that subjects’ individuals who are suffering from dictatorship and control by close associates/friends, family and health professionals. The productivity of individuals who have schizophrenia is also reduced, due to the debilitating effect of the illness. In some countries, the right of such individuals is protected by laws guiding their treatment, however in the majority of the low-middle income countries (64%), Nigeria included, there are no Mental Health Acts that protect the rights of individuals in such categories. Without law or guidance, individual health professionals engage in trial and error, subjective ideas, or dictatorship. However, in a situation where recovery has been achieved, which is a function of remission of symptoms, there is a need for mental health service users to take part in their care. When a mental health service users’ voice is heard and appreciated, there is a high tendency for quick improvement, and this makes rehabilitation goals achievable. This study, therefore, describes the rehabilitation activities for individuals with schizophrenia in South-West Nigeria.
A descriptive qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from mental health service users at the eight clinics of the two tertiary psychiatric institutions in South-West Nigeria. Twenty-nine mental health service users were interviewed. The results of the interview were analysed independently by both researchers through a content analysis approach, using NVIVO version 11. The results of the analysis were compared, and an agreement reached on the conclusion.
This study revealed that there was no uniform approach to rehabilitation of individuals with schizophrenia in South-West Nigeria, and instances of dictatorship and dependence by professional on the choice of activities were eminent. For the few who were able to make an informed decision, the mental health service users did better on what they chose to do themselves than what the family and health professionals suggested. However, when the mental health service users, did what they felt was best for them; this indicated a certain level of rehabilitation. This study, therefore, encourages the development of practice guidelines for the rehabilitation of individuals with schizophrenia in Nigeria.
Study investigating executive function in schizophrenia patients and their unaffected siblings
Authors: Xu Feifei , He Kongliang , Bai Xiaomeng , Wang Lu , Xiao Guixian , Yu Fengqiong , Chen Xingui , Hu Panpan , Zhu Chunyan , Wang Kai
Published: November 2019

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a serious genetic mental illness. Most research indicates that executive impairment has a certain genetic predisposition. The shared neuropathological characteristics of patients with schizophrenia and their siblings might reveal intermediate phenotypes in behavior that could be used to further characterize the illness. Methods: Our study involved 32 schizophrenia patients, 32 unaffected siblings,and 33 healthy controls. The three groups underwent a computerized version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and a battery of cognitive neuropsychological assessments. These tests evaluated executive function and several cognitive domains. Results: In this study, the WCST results demonstrate that the total correct (TC), total error (TE), perseverative response (PR) and perseverative error (PE) scores in the SZ group were significantly lower than those in the HC group (TC (p=0.011), TE (p<0.001), PR (p=0.007) and PE (p=0.002)), and compared to the unaffected siblings, we found significant differences in TE (p=0.003). Moreover, significant differences were observed between the unaffected siblings and healthy controls as follows: TC (p=0.034), TE (p=0.008), PR (p=0.016) and PE (p=0.013). Conclusion: The schizophrenia patients and their siblings performed worse in the WCST test than the healthy controls. This result supports the claim that the development of functional impairment is not unique to schizophrenia patients and that unaffected siblings may have a certain level of abnormal brain function.Neurological abnormalities lead to abnormal functioning in siblings and patients,suggesting that genetics plays a considerable role in such results.
Long Term Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Severe and End Stage Glaucoma with Controlled IOP: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fu Lin , Chan Yau Kei , Li Junhua , Nie Li , Li Na , Pan Weihua
Published: November 2019

Background: To investigate the long term surgical outcomes of cataract surgery in severe and end glaucoma patients with preoperative intraocular pressure less than 21mmHg, and to detect the associated factors. Methods: A retrospective study of severe and end stage glaucoma patients who underwent cataract surgery or combined with goniosynechialysis from March 2015 to April 2018. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications and complications. Results: Twenty patients (24 eyes) were included. The mean age was 64.6 ± 11.0 years and the mean followed up duration was 21.4 ± 7.3 months. The final visual acuity was significantly improved from 0.93±0.72 to 0.70±0.74, within 14 (58.3%) eyes improved, 5 (20.8%) eyes kept unchanged, and 5 (20.8%) eyes reduced. Linear regression analysis indicated that higher mean deviation, higher visual field index and lower glaucoma stage associated with greater final visual acuity improvement (r = -0.545, r = -0.501, r = 0.521 respectively). Moreover, the final number of medications were reduced from 1.1 ± 0.9 to 0.2 ± 0.5 (p < 0.01). The mean intraocular pressure was not significantly reduced with the final IOP of 13.2 ± 3.9 (6.8-25.9) mmHg (p = 0.97). While the eyes with intraocular pressure above 15 mmHg was reduced to 7 (29.2%) eyes compared to 11 (45.8%) eyes at baseline. Moreover, the number of eyes without the use of medications was increased from 6 (25%) preoperatively to 20 (83.3%) eyes postoperatively. Conclusions: Final visual acuity was significantly improved in the severe and end stage glaucoma patients and the number of eyes came off medications increased by 58.3% after cataract surgery. Preoperatively, the glaucoma stage, mean deviation and visual field index are important parameters to predict the visual acuity changes after cataract surgery.
Serum levels of cytokines in infants treated with Conbercept for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Cheng Yong , Zhu Xuemei , Linghu Dandan , Jia Zhongxu , Xu Yongsheng , Liang Jianhong
Published: November 2019

Background: To determine the serum concentrations of cytokines in infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and to evaluate the changes of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration who received intravitreal Conbercept (IVC). Methods: Case series study. Forty infants with ROP treated with IVC 0.25 mg and ten full-term infants with congenital cataract were included. Blood samples were collected before and 1 week, and 4 weeks after IVC. Serum levels of 45 types of cytokines were measured by multiplex bead assay. Results: In the ROP group, significantly higher concentrations of VEGF-A, VEGF-D, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta (MIP-1β), interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), regulated on activation, normal T Cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), eotaxin, TNF-α, IL-18, EGF, SCF, PIGF-1, and β-NGF were measured, while lower concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were observed; when compared with the control group. No significant differences were detected in serum concentrations of VEGF-A and VEGF-D in ROP patients between baseline and 1 week, and 4 weeks after IVC treatment.Conclusion: Besides angiogenic factors, several inflammatory cytokines were associated with ROP. IVC 0.25 mg in ROP patients did not induce circulatory VEGF suppression at 1 week after injection.
Pterygium: Glutathione, Nitric Oxide Production and N-Acetylcysteine Treatment
Authors: Parra Fidelina , Kormanovski Alexandre , Guevara-Balcazar Gustavo , Castillo-Hernández Maria del Carmen , Franco-Vadillo Antonio , Toledo-Blas Mireille , Jarillo-Luna Adriana , Lara-Padilla Eleazar
Published: November 2019

Background There was not investigated the participation of glutathione (GSH), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) in pterygium pathogenesis and the effects of the precursor of GSH synthesis N-acetylcysteine in treatment prior to surgery.Methods The levels of eNOS, NO, 3-nitrotyrosine, reduced and oxidized GSH (GSSG) and catalase were measured in tissue homogenates of 120 patients with primary or recurrent pterygium, and systemic or topical pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, compared to control group.Results A decrease in eNOS, NO, 3-nitrotyrosine, and GSH oxidation degree (GSSG%) was observed in primary pterygium, which remained decreased in other pathological groups in case of GSSG% and 3-nitrotyrosine. The levels of GSH and catalase increased in recurrent pterygium, even more, they increased in the group with systemic treatment, while topical treatment did not affect them, compared with control or primary pterygium groups. High positive correlation in groups of the study was observed between behavior of eNOS with NO or GSSG%, while GSH showed it with GSSG or catalase. Women showed a higher level of GSH and catalase in primary pterygium group, lower its level and a higher level of NO in recurrent pterygium. It was observed in women positive correlation in groups of study of GSSG% with 3-nitrotyrosine alone, while in men with NO.Conclusions Study data do not contradict the assumption about the following possible sequence of events in pathogenesis of the primary pterygium: decrease in the activity of eNOS and consequently of NO, decrease in S-nitrosation of GSH, possible modulation of the intracellular level of GSH through synthesis and/or mobilization from other tissues.
Linear Transects of Imagery Increase Crop Monitoring Efficiency Using Fixed‐Wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Authors: Hunt E. Raymond , Daughtry Craig S. T. , Stern Alan J. , Russ Andrew L.
Published: November 2019

Core Ideas

Monitoring crops over time requires methods that are very low cost.

Currently, unmanned aircraft system images have large overlap to create ortho‐rectified mosaics.

Instead, each image may be used as a sample point along a flight transect.

Crop monitoring with unmanned aircraft must be timely to prevent yield losses and have low cost to be profitable. However, the expenses of acquiring large numbers of images with large overlap and creation of ortho‐rectified mosaics may make unmanned aircraft system (UAS) monitoring slow and cost prohibitive. A fixed‐wing UAS was flown over six center‐pivot irrigated fields and untilled sagebrush steppe over the 2014 growing season. A 90‐m by 90‐m area centered at the image nadir point was analyzed as a single point along a linear transect. When aggregated by field, UAS normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) agreed with NDVI from a corresponding Landsat image, with an R2 of 0.958 and an RMSE of 0.058. Since each image retained its high spatial resolution, the proposed transect method could be used along with computer vision and artificial intelligence to detect plant stress, weeds, pests, and diseases.