bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Records for Tardigrada Species from the High Mountain Region in Turkey (Mount Verçenik, Rize)
Authors: TEKATLI Çağrı , BERDİ Duygu , FİKİRDEŞİCİ ERGEN Şeyda , GÜRBÜZER Pınar , ALTINDAĞ Ahmet
Published: April 2020

Phylum Tardigrada, which has been quite a little studied both around the world and Turkey, belongs to members of a metazoan. In this study eight moss and lichen samples were collected and investigated from a variety of elevations of the Verçenik Mountain in Rize (Turkey). In total 62 specimens, 11 exivium and 10 eggs of tardigrades were found. Five species were identified, and they belong to genera: Acanthechiniscus, Pseudechiniscus, Macrobiotus, Paramacrobiotus and, Ramazzottius. Three of them are new records for Turkish fauna i.e. Acanthechiniscus victor (Ehrenberg, 1853), Pseudechiniscus ramazzottii ramazzottii Maucci, 1952 and Macrobiotus spectabilis Thulin, 1928. Including these three species, the tardigrade fauna of Turkey increased to 54. In this paper, we present the previous study a full list of the known high mountain and alpine tardigrade species with their localities. All specimens are deposited in the Aquatic Animals Research Laboratory at Ankara University.
Развитие интегрированного планирования цепей поставок на основе цифровых технологий
Authors: Пузанова Ирина Алексеевна , Аникин Олег Борисович , Аникин Борис Александрович
Published: April 2020

Цель : статья посвящена исследованию основных тенденций в области планирования цепей поставок, вводится понятие динамического интегрированного планирования. Обсуждение : быстро развивающаяся среда, индивидуализация потребления и тенденция к формированию особого подхода к каждому клиенту требуют от цепей поставок индивидуальных решений [2, 11, 14]. Колебания в структуре спроса, сокращение жизненного цикла продукции предъявляют жесткие требования к планированию цепей поставок из-за значительного уменьшения времени выполнения заказа. Все это обусловливает необходимость разработки новой концепции планирования цепей поставок на основе требований клиента с использованием динамического подхода на базе современных технологий. Динамическое интегрированное планирование соединяет цепь поставок с клиентами, используя современные технологические решения, чтобы синхронизировать спрос и предложение по каждому партнеру цепи поставок в реальном времени. Входные данные, такие как прогнозы или состояние ресурсов, могут меняться и, следовательно, влиять на реализацию уже согласованных и скоординированных планов операций. Эти изменения требуют не только перепланирования тех планов, на которые непосредственно оказывают влияние, но и корректировку всех планов, которые являются частями одного и того же решения по координации [10]. Результаты : в статье сформулировано определение динамического интегрированного планирования; выделены основные элементы, характеризующие новый принцип планирования; сформулированы задачи, требующие дополнительного исследования и разработки для успешного внедрения динамического интегрированного планирования цепей поставок.
Оценка устойчивости эколого-экономических систем – методологические подходы к исследованию
Authors: Трещевский Юрий Игоревич , Новиков Виталий Александрович
Published: April 2020

Цель : обобщение теоретико-методологических подходов к оценке устойчивости эколого-экономических систем, определение перспектив их использования в планировании направлений и способов их использования и развития. Обсуждение : оценке количественных параметров эколого-экономических систем посвящены многочисленные работы, в которых представлены существенные достижения в этой сфере научных исследований: предложения по набору конкретных показателей указанной устойчивости; выделение их групп, характеризующих социальную, экономическую и экологическую подсистемы; определение векторов влияния факторов на состояние природных систем; предложения по использованию статических и динамических нормативов состояния параметров экосистем. Результаты : в числе проблем, на решение которых необходимо направить дальнейшие исследования: наличие и характер связей между количественными параметрами «устойчивости», «сбалансированности», «гармоничности» и иных связанных между собой характеристик эколого-экономических систем; определение параметров, которые должны быть сохранены в качестве ресурса для текущей деятельности и будущих поколений; оценка возможности реализации общесистемного принципа эквифинальности в развитии эколого-экономических систем, уровней изменений в системах, после которых происходит их необратимая трансформация, установление количественных параметров экологоэкономических систем, находящихся на различных этапах их развития.
Detection of Sars-Cov2 Using Droplet Digital PCR v1
Authors: Patterson Joseph , Cole-Strauss Allyson , Beck John , Sortwell Caryl , Lipton Jack
Published: April 2020

Assay sensitivity is an important part of any lab test, this becomes a more critical issue when dealing with matters involving public health. The potential of pre- or asymptomatic carriers, as well as convalescents which have not completely cleared the virus are a public health risk. PCR based tests, specifically quantitative PCR is the gold standard to test for the novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov2), however, it is limited by its detection capabilities, and the results are based off of an amplification curve, rather than a real number or concentration. The limit of detection with quantitative PCR could easily yield a false negative for contagious individuals. In comparison, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is estimated to be 500 times more sensitive than quantitative PCR, and results are displayed as an absolute number (copies/uL). In this method our group adapted from our usual studies related to Parkinson's disease, we have been able to confirm that ddPCR is more sensitive than quantitative PCR, detect SARS-Cov2 RNA-spiked into human samples, and detect SARS-Cov2 in known positive cases of COVID-19.
Detection of Sars-Cov2 Using qPCR v1
Authors: Patterson Joseph , Cole-Strauss Allyson , Beck John , Sortwell Caryl , Lipton Jack
Published: April 2020

PCR based tests, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) are the gold standard to test for the novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov2). Many labs regularly use qPCR for their own specific projects. The ability to process samples and detect SARS-Cov2 is not very different from the methods these labs are already intimately familiar with. This protocol outlines the methods that our group is using to detect SARS-Cov2 RNA in human samples.
Associations of antithrombotic agent use with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with troponin I elevation in the absence of acute coronary syndrome (Table 6) v1
Authors: Tsai Chuan-Tsai , Lu Ya-Wen , Chou Ruey-Hsing , Tsai Yi-Lin , Kuo Ming-Ren , Guo Jiun-Yu , Lu Chi-Ting , Kuo Chin-Sung , Huang Po-Hsun
Published: April 2020

Introduction: To evaluate efficacy of antithrombotic agents in critically ill patients with elevated troponin I level during intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Methods and results: It was a retrospective observational study which was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. All patients hospitalized in ICU for >3 days and with available serum troponin I data from December 2015 to July 2017 were included. Patients with definite diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were excluded. We divided patients with troponin I elevation into three groups; no prescription, chronic prescription and new prescription of antithrombotic agents during ICU admission. We defined new prescription when patients were on antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agents, direct oral anticoagulants, and warfarin after troponin I was found to be elevated at ICU admission and chronic prescription, if antithrombotic agents were on medication list more than 30 days before ICU admission. Primary outcomes were 30-day and one-year all-cause mortality. Of 597 subjects who met inclusion criteria, 407 (68%) patients had elevated troponin I (>0.1 ng/mL) on ICU admission. These patients had increased 30-day [hazard ratio (HR), 1.679; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.132–2.491; p = 0.009] and one-year (HR, 1.568; 95% CI, 1.180–2.083; p = 0.002) all-cause mortality compared with those without elevated troponin I. In patients with elevated troponin I, there was no significant difference of 30-day all-cause mortality among three groups (p = 0.051) whereas patients on chronic prescription showed significant survival benefit in one-year all-cause mortality when compared to those without or with new prescription (p= 0.008). Conclusions: In critically ill patients, elevated troponin I in the absence of AMI was associated with poor prognosis. Newly prescribed antithrombotic agents in ICU didn’t reveal the difference in short and long-term prognosis while chronic antithrombotic agent use was associated with better one-year survival rate, suggesting that these drugs play a protective role in this high-risk population.
Quant-iT™ RiboGreen™ RNA Quantification v3
Authors: Angel Roey , Petrova Eva , Lara-Rodriguez Ana
Published: April 2020

The following protocol is intended for the quantification of RNA using Quant-iT™ RiboGreen™ RNA Assay Kit (ThermoFisher). This protocol is a simplified and condensed version of the full protocol from the manufacturer. The procedure described here is for 96 reactions. If samples are run in duplicates, then this should allow quantifying 40 samples.
Emotional affection on a sustained attention task v1
Authors: Pinel Luis , A. Perez-Nieto Miguel , Redondo Marta , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Luis , Gordillo Fernando , L. Mateos Leticia
Published: April 2020

This protocol includes the database used in this study. You will find more details about how it was used and the results of the study in the published article.
LAM-HGTGTS (Linear Amplification-mediated high-throughput genome-wide translocation sequencing) Our Working Protocol. v2
Authors: Danner Eric
Published: April 2020

LAM-HTGTS = linear amplification mediated high-throughput genomic translocations sequencing The presented version is our working version of the Frederick Alt and Richard Frock paper "Detecting DNA double-stranded breaks in mammalian genomes by linear amplification–mediated high-throughput genome-wide translocation sequencing" published in Nature Protocols in 2016. The main application of the method is sequencing of the unknown sequences that flank known regions. It can be used in two ways: 1. inside-out (in genomic engineering it can be used to characterize the off-targets, for example). 2. outside-in (in the same setting of genomic engineering it can be used to measure the on-target efficiency and characterize the on-target events). Main advantage of the method is its unbiased nature: the template genomic DNA is sheared by sonication which is presumably sequence-independent. Original protocol is here: Hu, J., Meyers, R. M., Dong, J., Panchakshari, R. A., Alt, F. W., & Frock, R. L. (2016). Detecting DNA double-stranded breaks in mammalian genomes by linear amplification-mediated high-throughput genome-wide translocation sequencing. Nature Protocols, 11(5), 853–871. https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2016.043 These are the changes that made it work in our hands.
On the Application of the Plan Formula to the Study of the Zeta-Function of Zeros of Entire Function
Authors: Kuzovatov Vyacheslav I. , Kytmanov Alexander M. , Sadullaev Azimbai
Published: April 2020

We consider an application of the Plan formula to the study of the properties of the zeta- function of zeros of entire function. Based on this formula, we obtained an explicit expression for the kernel of the integral representation of the zeta-function in this case
E-closed Sets of Hyperfunctions on Two-Element Se
Authors: Panteleyev Vladimir I. , Riabets Leonid V.
Published: April 2020

Hyperfunctions are functions that are defined on a finite set and return all non-empty subsets of the considered set as their values. This paper deals with the classification of hyperfunctions on a two-element set. We consider the composition and the closure operator with the equality predicate branching (E-operator). E-closed sets of hyperfunctions are sets that are obtained using the operations of adding dummy variables, identifying variables, composition, and E-operator. It is shown that the considered classification leads to a finite set of closed classes. The paper presents all 78 E-closed classes of hyperfunctions, among which there are 28 pairs of dual classes and 22 self-dual classes. The inclusion diagram of the E-closed classes is constructed, and for each class, its generating system is obtained
Sözcük Türlerinin Öğretiminde Beyin Temelli Öğrenmeye Yönelik Uygulamaların Kalıcı Öğrenme Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: Eyüp Bircan , Kırbaşoğlu Kılıç Latife
Published: April 2020

Bu
çalışmanın amacı, sözcük türlerinin öğretiminde beyin temelli öğrenmeye dayalı
uygulamaların öğrencilerin öğrendiklerinin kalıcı olmasında etkili olup
olmadığını incelemektir. Çalışmada ön test son test kontrol gruplu araştırma
deseni kullanılmıştır. Çalışma grubunu Trabzon il merkezinde bulunan Millî
Eğitim Bakanlığına bağlı Mehmet Akif Ersoy Ortaokulunun 6. sınıflarında öğrenim
gören 66 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Yansız örneklem atama
yöntemiyle gruplardan biri deney (34), biri kontrol (32) grubu olarak atanmıştır.
Deney grubunda sözcük türleri beyin temelli öğrenme uygulamalarına yönelik
işlenirken, kontrol grubunda geleneksel yöntemle işlenmiştir. Uygulamalar sekiz
hafta sürmüştür. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak ‘Kişisel Bilgi Formu’
(KBF) ve ‘Sözcük Türleri Başarı Testi’ (STBT) 
kullanılmıştır. KBF uygulamaların başında öğrencilere ait demografik
bilgileri belirlemek amacıyla kullanılmıştır. STBT uygulamanın başında, sonunda
ve öğrencilerin öğrendiklerinin ne kadar kalıcı olup olmadığını belirlemek
amacıyla uygulama bittikten dört ay sonra tekrar uygulanmıştır. Verilerin
analizinde betimsel istatistiksel yöntemler, karışık ölçümler için ANOVA ve tek
faktörlü ANOVA teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda beyin temelli
öğrenmeye dayalı uygulamaların yapıldığı deney grubu öğrencileri lehine anlamlı
bir fark bulunmuştur. Ancak grupların kendi içerisinde son test ve kalıcılık
testi puanlarına bakıldığında kontrol grubunda unutma oranının deney grubuna
oranla daha az olduğu görülmüştür.
Minimal residual disease in plasma cell (multiple) myeloma: flow cytometric approaches
Authors: Grivtsova L. Yu. , Lunin V. V. , Semenova A. A. , Larionova V. B. , Tumyan G. S.
Published: April 2020

The minimum residual disease (MRD) for hematopoietic and lymphoid systems tumors is an important component of patient examination during therapy. The MRD detection is performed to evaluate the effect of therapy and risk stratification during chemotherapy (acute leukemia) or at the end of it (peripheral B-cell lymphomas). The main laboratory methods for MRD assessing are molecular (polymerase chain reaction) and immunological (multi-parameter flow cytometry (FC)) methods. Immunological evaluation of MRD is the standard of clinical protocols for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia during induction therapy. In the case of acute leukemia in adults, MRD assessment is usually performed at the end of the consolidation course. Clinically significant and practically standardized is the immunological assessment of MRD in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

In multiple myeloma (in World Health Organization (2016) classification – plasma cell myeloma (PCM)), work is also underway to standardize protocols and unify approaches to MRD detection. With the introduction of new drugs and treatment regimens, as well as transplantation clinical outcome of patients significantly improved and MRD value is considered as a prognostic factor. To date, the use of the MRD value as a biomarker of treatment response in PCM has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

With the accumulation of our knowledge regarding the MRD and to establish the clinical significance of the FC in PCM, International Multiple Myeloma Study Group (IMWG) in 2011 was added the following definition to the traditional criteria of PCM complete remission: “Immunophenotypic complete remission” – the immunophenotypically absence of aberrant clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow when analyzing at least 1 million myelocaryocytes using a multiparameter FC (4 or more parameters).

This article discusses the evolution of immunological approaches using a multi-parameter FC to detect MRD in patients with PCM in accordance with various existing protocols, features of the preanalytical stage and general rules for FC detection of MRD in PCM.
Evaluation of the possibilities of shear wave elastography for differentiation of lymphomatous and reactive changes of superficial lymph nodes
Authors: Kovaleva E. V. , Danzanova T. Yu. , Sinyukova G. T. , Gudilina E. A. , Lepedatu P. I. , Allahverdieva G. F. , Zeynalova P. A. , Larionova V. B. , Semenova A. A.
Published: April 2020

Objective: to evaluate the possibilities of ultrasound elastography for differentiation of reactive and lymphomatous superficial lymph nodes (LN).

Materials and methods. The prospective study included 138 patients with enlarged superficial LN. Based on a previous histological examination, patients were divided into two groups: 1st group (n = 108) – patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and Hodgkin’s lymphoma; 2nd (n = 30) – patients with reactive (inflammatory) changes in superficial LN. All patients underwent ultrasound elastography of the enlarged LN using ARFI technology.

Results. According to the results of ultrasound elastography, the average, minimum, and maximum shear wave velocities for enlarged LN in lymphoma (1st group) were 2.616 ± 0.684; 1.980 ± 0.557 and 3.351 ± 0.987 m / s, respectively; for LN with reactive changes (2nd group) – 1.704 ± 0.223; 1.414 ± 0.209 and 2.027 ± 0.261 m / s, respectively. Thus, the average, minimum, and maximum values of shear wave velocities significantly different between the groups (p ˂0.001). The cut off values of the average shear wave velocity in the differential diagnosis of lymphoma and hyperplasia are determined at the level of 2.05 m / s, with a sensitivity of 88.5 %, specificity of 100 %, and AUC of 0.942 (p ˂0.001).

Conclusion. Ultrasound elastography demonstrated statistically significant differences in shear wave velocity in the enlarged superficial LN in lymphoma and in inflammatory processes that can be used as a preliminary non-invasive differential diagnosis of enlarged superficial LN in these conditions.
Hormonal and metabolic features of the androgenic phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome and non-classic adrenal hyperplasia with various polymorphic variants in the CYP17A1 gene
Authors: Komarov Evgeny K. , Mikhnina Elena A. , Osinovskaya Natalia S.
Published: April 2020

The CYP17A1 gene encodes the most important stages of sex steroid biosynthesis by the adrenal glands and ovaries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hormonal and metabolic status of patients with hyperandrogenia and the CYP17A1 rs743572 gene polymorphism. We examined 106 women with polycystic ovary syndrome androgen phenotypes A, B, and C and 28 women with latent non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It was found that there were no significant differences in the frequency of CYP17A1 alleles and genotypes between the three phenotype groups of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Body mass index and insulin resistance after glucose loading were comparable in individuals with these phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome. The CYP17A1 gene polymorphism in patients with different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes and in individuals with latent non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia did not associate with the concentration of estradiol and androgens in the blood. Neither did LH / FSH ratio differ between groups with different allelic variants of the CYP17A1 gene. These results show that patients with different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes do not require differentiated therapy. Serum levels of DHEA-S and cortisol were elevated in 38.7% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome without non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which indicates an adrenal cause of hyperandrogenia. We suppose that in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, it is necessary to define not only phenotypes, but also a suprarenal source of androgens. The therapy of these patients may require application of corticosteroids besides the usual methods in planning of pregnancy.
Tinea Pseudoimbricata caused by Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Kwon Hyeong Mok , Kim Hye Ri , Shin Dong Hoon , Choi Jong Soo
Published: April 2020

Tinea pseudoimbricata, a special subset of tinea incognito, is a cutaneous fungal infection with unusual tinea imbricata-like lesions caused by dermatophytes other than Trichophyton concentricum. Here we present a case of tinea pseudoimbricata. An 80-year-old woman presented with mildly pruritic, scaly, annular, erythematous plaques with inner small, annular, polycyclic, or arcuate plaques on the left abdomen and back for 1 month. The lesions enlarged after the application of topical corticosteroids about 2 months previously. A potassium hydroxide test performed on her lesions was positive. Fungal culture, light microscopic findings, and T. rubrum-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of T. rubrum. Thus, we diagnosed tinea pseudoimbricata caused by T. rubrum and treated successfully with oral and topical terbinafine.
An Impact of Socio-Cultural Practices on Maternal Mortality in Masasi District, Tanzania
Authors: Shole Robert Ngelela
Published: April 2020

This study was about to find out the impact of socio-cultural practices on maternal mortality rate in Tanzania by using Masasi District as the case study. The study involved 3 sample hospital namely Mkomaindo, Maendeleo, and Mkapa Road. The data obtained from 30 total respondents namely clinical officers, maternal mothers, and midwives. The study used mixed research approach under Explanatory Design in which data collection were done by questionnaire and interview. Data was processed by a computer to obtain tabulation, simple figures, Percentages and content analysis. Findings showed that the impact of socio-cultural practices on maternal mortality rate was loss of blood, miscarriage, difficulties during the time of giving birth, lack of good health to the maternal mother and child. Researcher recommended some ways on how to reduce the problem of socio-culture practices on maternal mortality rate include the provision of education to maternal mother. Also, the government should enact strict law against those who still practice bad traditional to maternal mother also the government should ensure services to maternal mother are cheap so that they can be able to go to the hospital.
Development of MEMS Tactile Sensation Device for Haptic Robot
Authors: Sone Junji , Matsumoto Yasuyoshi , Yasuda Yoji , Hasegawa Shoichi , Yamada Katsumi ,   Tokyo Polytechnic University 1583 Iiyama, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0297, Japan,   Precision and Intelligence Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
Published: April 2020

A tactile sensation device using micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) has been developed. This device is integrated with a haptic sensation robot for use as fingers. The tactile device must be miniaturized to enable attachment of the actuator mechanism to the fingers. Therefore, we used MEMS technology for this device. The device is composed of an interface part fabricated by 3D printing, pins, and MEMS cantilever-type actuators. It has the ability to stimulate the mechanoreceptors of the fingertips. The device and robot can display not only high-resolution images of the fingertips but also the repulsion force during finger operations such as tool holding and rotation. We have not yet achieved the final device because of fabrication problems. In this paper, we explain the details, progress of development, and results of trials on the prototype device.
Severe acute malnutrition and its associated factors among under-five children in two districts of Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Umesh , Aryal Binod Kumar , Gupta Ankush Kumar , Sapkota Suman Sapkota
Published: April 2020

Background: Despite consistent efforts to enhance nutritional child nutrition, poor nutritional status of children continues to be a major public health problem in Nepal. This study identified the predictors of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children aged 6-59 months in the two districts of Nepal. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted among mothers of 6 to 59 months children admitted to the Outpatient Therapeutic Centres (OTCs). The nutritional status of 398 children was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement. To evaluate associated factors with SAM, adjusted odds ratio was computed using multivariate logistic regression and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among 398 children, 5.8 percent were found to be severely malnourished including under-two years and female children. Family size (five or more members) (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.96; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.23 - 12.71) was positively associated with SAM. Children from severely food insecure households (AOR: 4.04; 95% CI: 1.88-10.53) were four times more likely to be severely malnourished. Younger age-group (AOR: 12.10; 95% CI: 2.06 - 71.09) children (0 - 12 vs. 24 - 59 months) were significantly associated with childhood undernutrition. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that household size, household food access, and child’s age were the major predictors of severe acute malnutrition. Hence, nutrition health programs should be targeted to improve the nutritional status of children by ensuring household food access by focusing poor families engaging them in kitchen gardening to promote nutritious diet to the children.
Prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults at Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Assefa Natnael Lakachew , Admas Addisu , Adimasu Nebiyat
Published: April 2020

Background: Visual impairment refers to presenting distance visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the worst eye. It remains a global challenge that greatly affects the mobility, social participation and the quality of life of the people. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults aged 18 years. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Berhan town. Systematic random sampling method was employed to select the study participants from adult’s aged ≥ 18 years. Data were collected by interview with a pre-tested semi structured questionnaire. Both anterior and posterior segment ocular examinations were done by Optometrists and Ophthalmologist. After all ocular examinations adult’s aged ≥ 18 years with presenting Visual acuity of < 6/18 in the worst eye were considered as visually impaired. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors and p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 416 participants were enrolled in the study with a 98.6% response rate. The prevalence of visual impairment among adults aged 18 years was 16.8% (95% CI: 13.5%-20.2%). Aged > 64 years (AOR=12.18, 95%CI: 4.47-33.20), illiterates AOR=3.02, 95% CI: 1.36-6.72), previous eye trauma (AOR=4.44, 95% CI: 1.64-12.04), family size > 5 (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.43-13.75) and family history of eye problem (AOR=7.02, 95% CI: 1.95-25.22) had statistically significant association with visual impairment.Conclusions: Prevalence of visual impairment among adults was found to be a significant public health problem. Older age, illiterates, previous eye trauma, large family size and family history eye problem were positively associated with visual impairment.
The distribution of refraction by age and gender in a non-myopic Chinese children population aged 6-12 years
Authors: Zhang Xiyan , Zhou Yonglin , Yang Jie , Wang Yan , Yang Wenyi , Gao Liuwei , Xiang Yao , Zhang Fengyun
Published: April 2020

Background: This study aimed to explore the distribution of spherical equivalent (SE) and its association with age, BMI, sex in a non-myopic Chinese children population aged 6 to 12 years. Alarming threshold values were proposed to predict the future onset of myopia, and relationship between alert values and myopia related factors was explored.Methods: Demographic information was gathered from an ophthalmic examination taken by a total of 6362 students. SE value was obtained by the application of autorefractors. Some of the parents filled in a questionnaire of factors related to myopia among children.Results: Among 6362 students, 3900 (61.3%) were non-myopic. The prevalence of myopia is 38.0% for boys and 39.5% for girls. The average SE values were 0.50±0.70 D for boys and 0.60±0.80 D for girls. The mean SE values decreased with age, and the value of height and BMI took on a stable trend. Alarming threshold values for myopia were set as follows: for children aged 6 years, 0.40-0.60 D for boys and 0.80-1.00 D for girls; for children aged 7 years, 0.40-0.60 D for boys and 0.30-0.50 D for girls; for children aged 8 years, 0.20-0.40 D for boys and 0.30-0.50D for girls; for children aged 9 years, 0.20-0.40 D for boys and 0.30-0.40D for girls; for children aged 10 years, 0.10-0.30 D for boys and 0.30D for girls; for children aged 11 years, 0.10-0.30 D for boys and -0.30-0.30 D for girls; for children aged 12, -0.10-0.10 D for boys and -0.30-0.10 D for girls. Paternal myopia (OR: 1.22, 95%CI: 1.01-1.48), near work on weekends (OR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.17-5.61), and outdoor activities (OR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.54-0.86) had an impact on non-myopic students with myopic alarming threshold.Conclusion: This study described a distribution of refraction for non-myopic students in Jiangsu Province, China. A series of alert values were proposed to provide early warning reference for Chinese children aged 6 to 12 years. Paternal myopia, near work, and outdoor activities had an impact on non-myopic students with myopic alert threshold, and sensitive continuous data concerning risk factors mentioned above should be explored to be used as an early alert value in the future.
Early discontinuation of empirical antibiotic treatment in neutropenic patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Niessen Floor Annabel , Mourik Maaike S. M. van , Bruns Anke H. W. , Raijmakers Reinier A. P. , de Groot Mark C.H. , Bruggen Tjomme van der
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Current guidelines advocate empirical antibiotic treatment (EAT) in haematological patients with febrile neutropenia. However, the optimal duration of EAT is unknown. In 2011, we have introduced a protocol, promoting discontinuation of carbapenems as EAT after three days in most patients and discouraging the standard use of vancomycin. This study assesses the effect of introducing this protocol on carbapenem and vancomycin use in high-risk haematological patients and its safety. Methods: A retrospective before-after study was performed comparing a cohort from 2007 to 2011 (period I, before restrictive EAT use) with a cohort from 2011-2014 (period II, restrictive EAT use). Neutropenic episodes related to chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation (SCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were analysed. The primary outcome was the use of carbapenems and vancomycin as EAT during neutropenia, expressed as days of therapy (DOT)/100 neutropenic days and analysed with interrupted time series (ITS). Also the use of other antibiotics was analysed. Safety measurements included 30-day mortality, ICU admittance within 30 days after start of EAT and positive blood cultures with carbapenem-susceptible microorganisms. Results : 362 neutropenic episodes with a median duration of 18 days were analysed, involving 201 patients. ITS analysis showed decreased carbapenem use with a step change of -16.1 DOT/100 neutropenic days (95% CI -26.77 to -1.39) and an overall reduction of 21.6% (8.7 DOT/100 neutropenic days). Vancomycin use decreased with a step change of -13.7 DOT/100 neutropenic days (95% CI -23.75 to -3.0) and an overall reduction of 54.7% (14.6 DOT/100 neutropenic days). The use of all antibiotics combined decreased from 155.6 to 138 DOT/100 neutropenic days, a reduction of 11.3%. No deaths directly related to early discontinuation of EAT were identified, also no notable difference in ICU-admission (9/116 in period I, 9/152 in period II) and positive blood cultures (4/116 in period I, 2/152 in period II) was detected. Conclusion : The introduction of a protocol promoting restrictive use of EAT resulted in reduction of carbapenem and vancomycin use and appears to be safe in AML or high-risk MDS patients with febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy or SCT.
The Characteristics and Social Functioning of Pathological Social Withdrawal, “Hikikomori,” in a Secondary Care Setting: A One-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Imai Hissei , Takamatsu Toko , Mitsuya Hideaki , Yoshizawa Hajime , Mitsuya Hidehiko , Furukawa Toshi A
Published: April 2020

Background: Pathological social withdrawal, named “Hikikomori,” is a Japanese culture-bound syndrome and a serious social problem in Japan. The number of Hikikomori cases in Japan was estimated at about 563,000 in 2016 according to governmental surveys. However, no studies have reported how many Hikikomori have access to community-based psychiatry clinics, and how different they are from non-Hikikomori patients regarding their baseline characteristics and outcomes.　The aim of the present study is to evaluate the baseline characteristics, clinical attendance, and social functioning of community psychiatric clinic patients treated for social withdrawal at one-year follow-ups.Method: Participants (n = 304) were all patients (aged under 65) of a psychiatric clinic in a one-year period. Baseline patient characteristics were compared among “current” Hikikomori patients, “past” Hikikomori,” and “other” patients. Logistic regression analysis of “clinic attendance status” and “social functioning” at one-year follow-ups was used to assess patient outcomes. Independent variables were age, gender, Hikikomori status, and support from clinical staff.Results: Numbers of “current”, “past” Hikikomori, and “other” patients were 60 (19.7%), 81 (26.6%), and 163 (53.6%), respectively. The percentage of “current” Hikikomori who attended in person (56.7%) was significantly smaller than for “past” (92.6%) and “other” (92.6) (p < .001). The age distribution of “current” Hikikomori patients was bimodal, peaking at 20 and 40–45 years. The “current” state predicted significantly fewer regular visits (OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.22–0.83; p = .012); support from psychiatric social workers increased visits (OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.14–4.86; p = .021). Among the “current” Hikikomori patients, first visit attendance in-person predicted regular attendance; no factor consistently predicted working/schooling status.Conclusion: A sizable percentage of community clinic patients experienced Hikikomori. The “current” Hikikomori state corresponded with low clinic attendance and social function; “support from clinical staff” may increase visit regularity; no factors consistently improved social functioning. Further multi-site study is warranted to examine the generalizability of the findings from the current single-center study.
Stigma and utilization of treatment for adolescent perinatal depression in Ibadan Nigeria
Authors: Kola Lola , Bennett Ian M , Bhat Amritha , Ayinde Olatunde O. , Oladeji Bibilola D. , Abiona Dolapo , Abdulmalik Jibril , Faregh Neda , Collins Pamela Y. , Gureje Oye
Published: April 2020

Background. Depression is a common and severe disorder among low-income adolescent mothers in low-and middle-income countries where resources for treatment are limited. We wished to identify factors influencing health service utilization for adolescent perinatal depression, in Nigeria to inform new strategies of care delivery.Methods. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among purposively selected low-income young mothers (with medical histories of adolescent perinatal depression), and separately with primary care clinicians treating this condition in Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants from this community-based study were from the database of respondents who participated in a previous randomized control trial (RCT) conducted between 2014 and 2016 in 28 primary health care facilities in the 11 Local government areas in Ibadan. Semi-structured interview guides, framed by themes of the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, was developed to obtain views of participants on the factors that promote or hinder help-seeking and engagement (see additional files 1 & 2). FGDs were conducted, and saturation of themes was achieved after discussions with six groups. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis.Results. A total of 42 participants, 17 mothers (who were adolescents at the time of the RCT), and 25 care providers participated in 6 FGDs. The availability of care for perinatal depression at the primary care level was an important enabling factor in healthcare utilization for the adolescents. Perceived health benefits of treatment received for perinatal depression were strong motivation for service use. Significant stigma and negative stereotypes expressed by care providers towards adolescent pregnancy and perinatal depression were obstacles to care. However, individual patient resilience was a major enabling factor, facilitating service engagement. Providers trained in the management of perinatal depression were perceived to deliver more tolerant and supportive care that adolescent mothers valued. Conclusions. Participants identified unsupportive and stigmatizing clinic environments towards pregnant and parenting adolescents as significant barriers to accessing available care. Interventions to reduce stigma among healthcare providers may improve services for this vulnerable population.
Explore the recycling of bioleaching functional bacteria and sulfur substrate using the sulfur-covered biochar particles
Authors: Wu Chuncheng , Jiang Mengying , Ye Zhe , Cai Yuchen , Shen Yutao , Wang Haizhen , Lin Qi , Shen Chaofeng , Hu Baolan , Lou Liping
Published: April 2020

Background

Bioleaching has been attracting attention recent years as an emerging sediment heavy metal pollution remediation technology. However, the use of sulfur powder as sulfur substrate causes the problem of “post-acidification”, and the free bioleaching functional bacteria which are susceptible to environmental impact during reactor operation cannot be used efficiently for multiple rounds. These problems can be solved if the sulfur substrate and the bioleaching functional bacteria can be recycled simultaneously after bioleaching. A new kind of sulfur substrate, the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles, were used in the bioleaching experiment, compared with sulfur powder and sulfur powder mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid.

Results

The sulfur-covered biochar particles exhibited superior bioleaching performance, including faster acidification rate, SO 4 2- production rate and heavy metal bioleaching rate, and higher heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni 33.76%; Cu 66.16%; Zn 65.494%), which was resulted from the acceleration of bioleaching reaction by the bioleaching functional bacteria immobilized on the biochar surface. Otherwise, the sulfur-covered biochar particles could be reused in the second round, and the heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni32.84%, Cu69.93%, Zn67.17%) was comparable with that of the first round. Nevertheless, the sulfur content became the main limiting factor causing poor bioleaching performance during the third round. The sulfur mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid did not show significant effect in promoting acidification and heavy metal solubilization due to high levels of organic matter and the impact of the low pH value.

Conclusion

The research indicated the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles could realize the dual immobilization of the bioleaching functional bacteria and the sulfur substrate to support their recycling and reuse in the second bioleaching round. In the future research, the way to maintain the reuse of the sulfur-covered biochar particle for more rounds will be explored.
Mitochondrial tRNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Silzer Talisa K. , Pathak Gita A. , Phillips Nicole
Published: April 2020

Background. Methylation of mitochondrial tRNAs (mt-tRNA) at the 9th position (“p9 site”) is known to impact translational efficiency and downstream mitochondrial function; however, direct assessment of mt-RNA methylation is challenging. Recent RNA sequence-based methods have been developed to reliably identify post-transcriptional methylation. Though p9 methylation has been studied in healthy human populations and in the context of cancer, it has not yet been analyzed in neurodegenerative disease, where mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent and early hallmark of disease progression. Results. Here we show variable methylation at 11 p9 sites in post-mortem cerebellar tissue of elderly subjects who were either healthy or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or pathological aging (PA). Similarities in degree of methylation were observed between AD and PSP. Expression of 5300 genes was significantly correlated with p9 methylation, with AD and PSP subjects exhibiting similar expression profiles. Overrepresentation and enrichment testing using the top transcripts revealed enrichment for a number of molecular processes, terms and pathways including many of which were mitochondrial-related. Conclusion. With mitochondrial dysfunction being an established hallmark of neurodegenerative disease pathophysiology, this work sheds light on the potential molecular underpinnings of this dysfunction. Here we show overlap in cerebellar pathophysiology between common tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Whether p9 hypermethylation is a cause or consequence of pathology remains an area of focus.
Enteroviral and Herpes Simplex Virus Central Nervous System Infections in Infants <90 Days Old: A Paediatric Investigators’ Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) Study
Authors: Petel Dara , Barton Michelle , Renaud Christian , Ouchenir Lynda , Brophy Jason , Bowes Jennifer , Khan Sarah , Bitnun Ari , McDonald Jane , Boisvert Andrée-Anne , Ting Joseph , Roberts Ashley , Robinson Joan
Published: April 2020

Background The relative contribution of viruses to central nervous system (CNS) infections in young infants is not clear. For viral CNS infections, there are limited data on features that suggest HSV etiology or on predictors of unfavorable outcome. Methods In this cross-sectional retrospective study, seven centers from the Pediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada identified infants <90 days of age with CNS infection proven to be due to enterovirus (EV) or herpes simplex virus (HSV) January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014. Results Of 174 CNS infections with a proven etiology, EV accounted for 103 (59%) and HSV for 7 (4%). All HSV cases and 41 (40%) EV cases presented before 21 days of age. Four HSV cases (57%) and 5 EV cases (5%) had seizures. Three (43%) HSV and 23 (23 %) EV cases lacked cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis. HSV cases were more likely to require ICU admission (p=0.010), present with seizures (p=0.031) and have extra-CNS disease (p<0.001). Poor long-term outcomes were more common in infants who had seizures. Conclusions Viruses accounted for approximately two-thirds of proven CNS infections in the first 90 days of life. Empiric therapy for HSV should be considered in suspected CNS infections in the first 21 days even in the absence of CSF pleocytosis unless CSF parameters are suggestive of bacterial meningitis.
Still careless: Findings from a cross-sectional study of young pedestrians’ risky road crossing behaviors
Authors: Hashemiparast Mina , Sharma Manoj , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Hosseini Zahra
Published: April 2020

Background: Pedestrian-vehicle collision is one of the most common traffic injuries worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of pedestrians' road crossing beliefs and behaviors in potentially risky situations using the Theory of Planned Behavior among Iranian young adults.Methods: This was a population-based study on a sample of 562 young adults aged 18 to 25 years living in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected by using a self-administered validated questionnaire including constructs of the theory of planned behavior and items of perceived risk and severity. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of variance.Results: From all the respondents, 17.8% reported that they had previous experience of vehicle-collision. Among the participants, those who had previous experience of vehicle-collision reported less safety behaviors in crossing the road than those who had not experience an accident. It was found significant differences between participants with and without a history of vehicle-collision for perceived risk (mean difference, adjusted multivariate P-value: -5.77, 0.027) and perceived severity (-6.08, 0.003), attitude toward traffic regulations (-6.34, 0.006), attitude toward behavior (-7.56, 0.005), perceived behavioral control (-5.20, 0.018), behavioral intention (-5.35, 0.046) and road crossing behavior in potentially risky situations (-5.37, 0.004). Conclusions: Previous unpleasant experience of vehicle-collision is not the only determinant of self-protective behaviors in road- crossing which indicate the role of cognitive and motivational factors such as, subjective norms, attitudes towards risk, feelings of invulnerability in case of facing with vehicle collision.