bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Heavy Grazing Reduces the Diversity of Soil Microbial Communities in Meadow Grassland Under Long-Term Grazing
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xin Xiaoping , Li Ruiqiang , Xun Weibing , Zhang Ruifu , Li Linghao , Wang Xu , Chen Jinqiang , Yan Ruirui
Published: December 2020

Background: Soil microorganisms are an important part of the grassland ecosystem and promote material transformation and energy flow in the entire ecological environment. Moreover, Hulun Buir grassland is the material basis for the development of animal husbandry. Therefore, it is of great scientific significance to study the changes of soil microbial community caused by grazing in Hulunbuir grassland for the sustainable and stable development of grassland ecosystem. Methods: The present research used high-throughput sequencing of soil microorganism (bacteria and fungi) genes to compare microbial communities in 6 levels of grazing intensity (0.00, 0.23, 0.34, 0.46, 0.69, and 0.92 Au ha-1) under the Hulun Buir structure and the diversity characteristics of Leymus chinensis meadow steppe.Results: The 0-10 cm soil layer of the G0.34 test area had the highest content, and the content of the G0.92 test area was lower than the other grazing treatments. With increasing depth, the carbon and nitrogen contents of microorganisms decreased. The diversity of soil bacteria in the light grazing test area (0.23Au ha-1) was higher than the heavy grazing area, and the diversity of fungi in the non-grazing area was higher than the specific grazing areas. Most bacterial species were enriched in the G0.00 grazing areas, and the other grazing intensities were less abundant. The underground biomass (P = 0.039) significantly influenced the bacterial community structure, and pH (P =0.032), total nitrogen (P =0.011) and litter (P =0.007) significantly influenced the fungal community.Conclusions: In conclusion, the structures of bacterial and fungal communities are very sensitive to grazing and varied with grazing intensity. Our findings demonstrated that a grazing intensity of approximately 0.23 Au ha-1 was the most appropriate for the grassland of the meadow in Hulun Buir.
Niche Differentiation and Co-Occurrence Network of Fungal Communities Associated with Host Affiliations in an Extremely Arid Desert Ecosystem
Authors: Zuo Yiling , Li Xia , Yang Jingya , Liu Jiaqiang , He Xueli , Zhao Lili
Published: December 2020

Background: Desert shrubs represent high productivity and play essential roles in maintaining the biodiversity and stability of ecosystem functioning in arid desert ecosystems. These xerophytic plants provide specific biotic and abiotic conditions for the resident specialist microorganisms. However, a robust understanding of the structural composition of the fungal microbiome associated with desert plants and especially the relationship between above- and belowground communities is currently lacking. In this study, we examined the endophytic fungal communities associated with the root, stem, and leaf tissues of five desert shrubs using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences.Results: A total of 337 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of endophytic fungi were identified at a 97% sequence similarity level. Pleosporales were dominant and played an irreplaceable role as keystone species in maintaining the connectivity and complexity of the fungal networks. Desert shrub identity significantly affected the community composition of the endophytic fungi in different tissues. Compared with the fungi in the aboveground tissues, root-associated fungi represented the most abundant reservoir of biodiversity in the desert habitat and displayed significantly high tissue specificity. Interestingly, the aboveground stems and leaves showed higher taxonomic overlap with underground root tissues than with each other. The root fungal network revealed the highest connectivity, and the interspecies relationships between desert fungal OTUs revealed a high percentage of co-presence rather than mutual exclusion. In addition, members of Hypocreales played a central role in connecting the above- and belowground fungal networks.Conclusions: This study represents the first example of research revealing plant-fungus endophytic associations in an extremely arid desert ecosystem with the simultaneous consideration and comparison of above- and belowground niches. Understanding the complex host-microbe interactions associated with desert plants could provide a basis for the exploitation of plant-fungus associations in the manipulation of the shrub microbiome for ecological restoration purposes.
Disruption of Nasal Bacteria Enhances Protective Immune Responses to Influenza A Virus and SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Nagai Minami , Moriyama Miyu , Ichinohe Takeshi
Published: December 2020

Background: Gut microbiota and these microbial-derived products play a critical role in the induction of adaptive immune responses to influenza virus infection. However, the role of nasal bacteria in the induction of the virus-specific adaptive immunity is less clear. Here, we examine whether nasal bacteria critically regulates the generation of influenza virus specific adaptive immune response after infection or intranasal vaccination. Results: We demonstrated that disruption of nasal bacteria by topical mucosal application of antibiotic enhances the virus-specific antibody responses to influenza virus infection. Although intranasal administration of hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine alone was insufficient to induce the HA-specific antibody responses, disruption of nasal bacteria by lysozyme or addition of culturable oral bacteria from a healthy human volunteer rescued inability of the nasal bacteria to generate antibody responses to intranasally administered split-virus vaccines. Myd88-depdnent signaling in the hematopoietic compartment was required for adjuvant activity of intranasally administered oral bacteria. In addition, we found that the oral bacteria-combined intranasal vaccine induced protective antibody response to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusion: We show for the first time that disruption of nasal bacteria enhances protective immune responses to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings here have identified a previously unappreciated role for nasal bacteria in the induction of the virus-specific adaptive immune responses.
Reach, Adoption and Sustainability of a Mobile Clinical Decision Support Tool Paired With a National Quality Improvement Project Targeting Emergency Department Febrile Infant Management
Authors: Kerns Ellen K , McCulloh Russell , Dai Hongying
Published: December 2020

Background: Electronic clinical decision support (ECDS) tools are often developed within quality improvement (QI) projects to increase adherence with the latest clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).However, scalability and sustainability of ECDS beyond the time and location of their associated project are very limited. Deploying ECDS using a mobile app (mECDS) has shown the potential to be a viable method of overcoming these limitations. However, it is unclear what pattern the spread of uptake and use of such a tool might follow.Methods: In 2016, our team released a freely available mECDS as part of a national multi-site project entitled Reducing Variation in Infant Sepsis Evaluation (REVISE). For this study, we evaluated trends in weekly mECDS usage measures defined as 1) REVISE metric related screen views (MetricHits), 2) unique designated market areas (DMA) where the mECDS was used (Unique DMAs), 3) density of use or MetricHits/Unique DMAs (HitsPerDMA). Linear regressions were performed to examine the app usage trends measures across three time periods (during REVISE, 1-year post, 2-year post). Separate regression analyses were performed among DMAs that contained a REVISE site and those that did not. The number of REVISE sites in the DMA, the number of children’s hospitals in the DMA, DMA population, and season were also evaluated as confounding factors.Results: Strong growth in the number of unique DMAs and MetricHits occurred during the period of 1-year post the REVISE project. The overall usage continued to be relatively stable during the period of 2-years post. HitsPerDMA had stronger growth in DMAs with a REVISE site than those without. MetricHits were higher in DMAs with a larger population, more REVISE sites, and more children’s hospitals. There were also more MetricHits in the summer than in the winter months. Conclusions: Both temporal and spatial increases in mECDS app usage were found as evidence of a contagion method of spread. Other confounding factors may also play a role in app reach, adoption, and sustainability. Further research is needed to determine the factors driving passive diffusion and its impact on clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Effect of 12 Months of Exercise with Stachys Lavandulifolia Consumption on anxiety, Metabolic Syndrome Profiles and Antioxidant Defense and Lipid Peroxidation in Women with Syndrome Metabolic
Authors: osali Ali , Rostami Alireza
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 months of aerobic exercise combining stachys lavandulifolia (S. lavandulifolia) consumption on anxiety, Metabolic Syndrome profiles and antioxidant defense (Glutathione) and lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) in 50-65 years old women with syndrome metabolic.Methods48 women with syndrome Metabolic were randomly divided into four groups: exercise (n=12), exercise+S. lavandulifolia (n=12), S. lavandulifolia (n=12) and control group (n=12). S. lavandulifolia groups consumed 3 g aerial parts of S. lavandulifolia daily. Training groups performed an exercise protocol of aerobic exercise for 12 months (three sessions per week). Blood samples were obtained before and after training period for antioxidant indicators and lipid degradation measurement. Also, Beck anxiety questionnaire used for evaluating levels of anxiety. T-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for the evaluation of within-group and between-group differences, respectively.ResultsA significant increase was observed in serum levels of Malondialdehyde (P =0.004), Catalase indexes (Pvalue= 0.01), and Glutathione (P=0.001) in the training group and S. lavandulifolia groups after 12 months. Body weight, BMI, and SBP and Anexiety was decreased significantly greater in exercise +S. lavandulifolia group compared to control, exercise and S. lavandulifolia groups (P=0.001)ConclusionAnxiolytic effect and Anti-Oxidative Stress Activity was seen, so taking S. lavandulifolia along with exercises may have beneficial effects on reinforcement the antioxidant system and prevention of anxiety and The negative effects of indicators related to cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome.
Socio-Economic Status and Health Shocks; Analysis of Coping Strategies Among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Households in Abuja Nigeria.
Authors: Samuel Okpan , Ezeah Peter Chukwumma
Published: December 2020

Background: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria thrive on the livelihood that is dependent on primary activities, suffer constrained access to healthcare, with poor health outcomes. A situation which stems from income and socioeconomic status of the IDPs. This study investigated the various mechanisms adopted by IDP households in Abuja, Nigeria, in coping with adverse health events (health shocks) that have implications for their livelihood. Methodology: The study used a mixed-method drawing on a quantitative structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews involving IDPs in Abuja Nigeria, to find out these coping mechanisms. The participants were recruited through convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analyzed thematically. Results: The findings show that the significant health shocks experienced by IDPs in Abuja, Nigeria were febrile illnesses such as diarrhoea (29.4%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (18.8%). The study equally observed that the IDPs are coping mainly through general contributions by themselves (48.5%) and through utilization of traditional medicine (22.9%). Another finding was that unclean toilets within the camp affect IDPs—especially women who are forced to adopt open defecation as an alternative toilet. Open defecation might expose them to other dangers such as rape.Conclusion: Empirical sustainable public healthcare intervention focusing on primary and secondary healthcare that addresses the specific healthcare needs of IDPs in Nigeria should be provided to ameliorate their dire situation. Secondly, there is need to focus on sustainable economic empowerment programs such as improved farming mechanism, skill acquisition, education etc for the IDPs as such will consequently guarantee them better health care copping strategies.
Barriers to and facilitators to endorsement for scheduled medicines in podiatry: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: graham kristin , Banwell Helen A , Causby Ryan S , Kumar Saravana , Tian Esther Jie , Nissen Lisa
Published: December 2020

Background
Australian podiatrists and podiatric surgeons who have successfully completed the requirements for endorsement for scheduled medicines, as directed by the Podiatry Board of Australia, are eligible to prescribe a limited amount of schedule 2, 3, 4 or 8 medications. Registration to become endorsed for scheduled medicines has been available to podiatrists for over 10 years, yet the uptake of training has remained low (approximately 2% of registered podiatrists/podiatry surgeons). This study aimed to explore barriers to and facilitators for engagement with endorsement for scheduled medicines by podiatrists.
Methods
Qualitative descriptive methodology informed this research. A purposive maximum variation sampling strategy was used to recruit 13 registered podiatrists and a podiatric surgeon who were either endorsed for scheduled medicines, in training or not endorsed. Semi-structured interviews were employed to collate the data which were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Three overarching super-ordinate themes were identified which encompassed both barriers and facilitators: (1) competence and autonomy, (2) social and workplace influences, and (3) extrinsic motivators. Within these, several prominent sub-themes emerged of importance to the participants including workplace and social networks role in modelling behaviours, identifying mentors, and access to supervised training opportunities. Stage of life and career often influenced engagement. Additionally, a lack of financial incentive, cost and time involved in training, and lack of knowledge of training requirements were influential barriers. Rural podiatrists encountered a considerable number of barriers in most of the identified areas.
Conclusion
A multitude of barriers and facilitators exist for podiatrists as part of the endorsement for scheduled medicines. The findings suggest that a lack of engagement with endorsement for scheduled medicines training may be assisted by a more structured training process and increasing the number of podiatrists who are endorsed to increase the numbers of role models, mentors and supervision opportunities. Recommendations are provided for approaches as means of achieving, and sustaining, these outcomes.
Visit-to-visit Blood Pressure Variability and Regional Cerebral Perfusion Decline in Older Adults
Authors: Sible Isabel , Yew Belinda , Dutt Shubir , Bangen Katherine J. , Li Yanrong , Nation Daniel A.
Published: December 2020

Background: Blood pressure variability has been linked to dementia risk, independent of average blood pressure levels. It has been hypothesized that dysregulated blood pressure may challenge autoregulatory mechanisms and risk cerebral hypoperfusion. The current study examined whether visit-to-visit blood pressure variability over one year is related to concurrent regional cerebral perfusion decline over the same period in older adults.Methods: Sixty-three older adults without history of dementia or stroke underwent repeated blood pressure measurement and arterial spin-labelling magnetic resonance imaging over the same one year period. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography determined cerebral metabolism at baseline. A subset underwent lumbar puncture to detect cerebral spinal fluid amyloid-beta (n=18) and phosphorylated tau (n=21) abnormalities. Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability and change in regional cerebral perfusion were both calculated over 12 months. Multiple linear regression examined relationships between blood pressure variability and change in regional perfusion after controlling for age, sex, average blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use and cerebral metabolism. Exploratory analyses were repeated in participant subsets with abnormal cerebral spinal fluid amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau.Results: Elevated blood pressure variability was related to perfusion decline in medial orbitofrontal cortex (ß = -.36; p = .008), hippocampus (ß = -.37; p = .005), entorhinal cortex (ß = -.48; p < .001), precuneus (ß = -.31; p = .02), inferior parietal cortex (ß = -.44; p < .001) and inferior temporal cortex (ß = -.46; p < .001). Elevated blood pressure variability was similarly related to perfusion decline in some regions among participant subsets showing abnormal cerebral spinal fluid amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau.Conclusions: Older adults with elevated visit-to-visit blood pressure variability exhibit concurrent regional cerebral perfusion decline in areas vulnerable to cerebrovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease, independent of cerebral hypometabolism. Similar findings are observed in exploratory analyses of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease biomarker abnormalities. The study is limited by the small sample size, particularly the subset of participants with Alzheimer’s disease biomarker abnormalities. Findings may have therapeutic implications, given that certain antihypertensive medications have differential effects on variability of blood pressure independent of average levels.
Citizens’ Expectations from Government in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Zarei Leila , Shahabi Saeed , Sadati Ahmad Kalateh , Tabrizi Reza , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: December 2020

Background: The government is the main body in charge of controlling epidemics; hence, expectations from government’s intention and capacity would affect citizens’ behavior and flexibility. Given the severity of COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need for people's cooperation in the prevention and combat processes, understanding the public perspectives would be crucial and instructive. This study aimed to explore such perspectives towards the current pandemic among the Iranian. Indeed, we sought to provide a favorable platform for effective policies in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic by recognizing public expectations.Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey and text data were collected in three areas. We used an open-ended online questionnaire to investigate the common perspectives of the Iranian towards government’s response to COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were selected using snowball and convenient sampling techniques across the country. The collected data were analyzed and described using thematic content analysis. Results: In general, 2547 participants agreed to participate in this study and completed the online questionnaire. According to the findings, the Iranian exhibited several expectations regarding the government's response to COVID-19 pandemic, based on which three main themes were extracted: (1) health-related expectations, (2) policy-related expectations, and (3) mass media-related expectations. In this study, a majority of the participants highlighted the need to consider and follow-up the patients and their families, provide financial and hygiene support during the pandemic, apply strict restrictions, and have close monitoring and controlling procedures. Furthermore, they mentioned that authorities and news agencies should observe honesty and transparency principals.Conclusions: Our findings revealed that people expect the government and other responsible institutions to minimize the burden of this pandemic on them through adopting effective policies. The study findings could help policy-makers become aware of people's expectations and develop better strategies.
The Effectiveness of a Training Programme in Everyday Cognition in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Gómez Celia Sánchez , Rodríguez Eduardo José Fernández
Published: December 2020

Background: Everyday cognition is the application of basic cognitive skills and knowledge of the specific cognitive domain for the resolution of problems that are integrated within the instrumental domains of functioning. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of a Training Programme in Everyday Cognition in order to improve the levels of everyday cognition and global cognitive performance in older adults.Methods: A randomised controlled trial of two groups. The sample was composed of healthy older adults. The intervention of the experimental group consisted of an Everyday Cognition Training Programme, and the intervention of the control group consisted of a Conventional Cognitive Training Programme. The Rapid Assessment of Cognitive Functions test (ERFC) and the Everyday Cognition Battery test (ECB) were used to assess the intervention.Results: Total sample (n=237) composed of 44 men and 223 women, with a mean age of 73.45 years. Statistically significant differences (p <0.001) were evidenced between the control group and the experimental group in both the ECB and ERFC; in the final evaluation of the study and in the follow-up.Conclusion: The use of a Daily Cognition Training Programme presents greater benefits in terms of both global cognitive performance and everyday cognition than the use of a Conventional Cognitive Training Programme in elderly adults.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04041999 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04041999)Retrospectively registered.
Cross-cultural adaptation and exploratory factor analysis of the Person-Centred Practice Inventory-Staff (PCPI-S) Questionnaire among Malaysian primary healthcare providers
Authors: Balqis-Ali Nur Zahirah , Saw Pui San , Jailani Anis Syakira , Fun Weng Hong , Saleh Noridah Mohd , Bahanuddin Tengku Putri Zaharah Tengku , Sararaks Sondi , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: December 2020

Background: The Person-Centred Practice Inventory-Staff (PCPI-S) instrument was developed to measure healthcare providers’ perception towards their person-centred practice. The study aimed to explore the influence of culture, context, language and local practice towards the PCPI-S instrument adaptation process for use among public primary care healthcare providers in Malaysia.Methods: The original PCPI-S was reviewed and adapted for cultural suitability by an expert committee to ensure conceptual and item equivalence. The instrument was subsequently translated into the local Malay language using the forward-backward translation by two independent native speakers, and modified following pre-tests involving cognitive debriefing interviews. The psychometric properties of the corresponding instrument were determined by assessing the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and correlation of the instrument, while the underlying structure was analysed using exploratory factor analysis.Results: Review by expert committee found items applicable to local context. Pre-tests on the translated instrument found multiple domains and questions were misinterpreted. Many translations were heavily influenced by culture, context, and language discrepancies. Results of the subsequent pilot study found mean scores for all items ranged from 2.92 to 4.39. Notable ceiling effects were found. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.9). Exploratory factor analysis found formation of 11 components as opposed to the original 17 constructs. Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence regarding the reliability and underlying structure of the PCPI-S instrument with regard to primary care practice. Culture, context, language and local practice heavily influenced the adaptation as well as interpretation of the underlying structure and should be given emphasis when translating person-centred into practice.
Multi-responses of O-methyltransferase genes to salt stress and fiber development of Gossypium species
Authors: Hafeez Abdul , Gě Qún , Zhāng Qí , Lǐ Jùnwén , Gōng Jǔwǔ , Liú Ruìxián , Shí Yùzhēn , Shāng Hǎihóng , Liú Àiyīng , Iqbal Muhammad S. , Dèng Xiǎoyīng , Razzaq Abdul , Ali Muharam , Yuán Yǒulù , Wankui Gong
Published: December 2020

Background: O-methyltransferases (OMTs) are an important group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to their acceptor substrates. OMTs are divided into several groups according to their structural features. In Gossypium species, they are involved in phenolics and flavonoid pathways. Phenolics defend the cellulose fiber from dreadful external conditions of biotic and abiotic stresses, promoting strength and growth of plant cell wall. Results: An OMT gene family, containing a total of 192 members, has been identified and characterized in three main Gossypium species, G. hirsutum, G. arboreum and G. raimondii. Cis-regulatory elements analysis suggested important roles of OMT genes in growth, development, and defense against stresses. Transcriptome data of different fiber developmental stages in Chromosome Substitution Segment Lines (CSSLs), Recombination Inbred Lines (RILs) with excellent fiber quality, and standard genetic cotton cultivar TM-1 demonstrate that up-regulation of OMT genes at different fiber developmental stages, and abiotic stress treatments have some significant correlations with fiber quality formation, and with salt stress response. Quantitative RT-PCR results revealed that GhOMT10_Dt and GhOMT70_At genes had a specific expression in response to salt stress while GhOMT49_At, GhOMT49_Dt, and GhOMT48_At in fiber elongation and secondary cell wall stages. Conclusions: Our results indicate that O-methyltransferase genes have multi-responses to salt stress and fiber development in Gossypium species and that they may contribute to salt tolerance or fiber quality formation in Gossypium.
Epidemiologic characteristics of orthopedic surgical site infections and under-reporting estimation of registries using capture-recapture analysis
Authors: Taherpour Niloufar , Mehrabi Yadollah , Seifi Arash , Eshrati Babak , Nazari Seyed Saeed Hashemi
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSurgical Site Infections (SSIs) are among the leading causes of the postoperative complications. This study aimed at investigating the epidemiologic characteristics of orthopedic SSIs and estimating the under-reporting of registries using the capture-recapture method.MethodsThis study, which was a registry-based, cross-sectional one, was conducted in six educational hospitals in Tehran during a one-year period, from March, 2017 to March, 2018. The data were collected from two hospital registries (National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (NNIS) and Health Information Management database (HIM)). First, all orthopedic SSIs registered in these sources were used to perform capture-recapture (N=503). Second, 202 samples were randomly selected to assess patients` characteristics. ResultsTotally, 76.24% of SSIs were detected post-discharge. Staphylococcus aureus (11.38%) was the most frequently detected bacterium in orthopedic SSIs. The median time between the detection of a SSI and the discharge was 17 days. The results of a study done on 503 SSIs showed that the coverage of NNIS and HIM was 59.95 % and 65.17%, respectively. After capture-recapture estimation, it was found that about 221 of orthopedic SSIs were not detected by two sources among six hospitals and the real number of SSIs were estimated to be 623 ± 36.58 (95% CI, 552-695) and under-reporting percentage was 63.32%.ConclusionTo recognize the trends of SSIs mortality and morbidity in national level, it is significant to have access to a registry with minimum underestimated data. Therefore, according to the weak coverage of NNIS and HIM among Iranian hospitals, a plan for promoting the national Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs and providing updated protocols is recommended.
Short communication: Expression of IL-23 in gilt endometrium and oviduct after insemination with seminal plasma, spermatozoa or semen extender
Authors: Svensson Anna , Jiwakanon Jatesada , Fossum Caroline , Dalin Anne-Marie
Published: December 2020

Background: Insemination with spermatozoa, seminal plasma and extender, cause a rapid inflammatory response in the pig endometrium, which is characterized by an influx of neutrophils into the uterus. The transient inflammatory response to semen involves induction of cytokines. In this study, potential functions for Interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the inflammatory response to different insemination treatments were examined by studying mRNA expression and immunostaining in gilt oviduct and endometrium 35-40 h after insemination. Insemination was performed with either seminal plasma (SP, n = 4), spermatozoa in the extender Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) (SPZ, n = 4), or BTS alone (n = 4). In control gilts (n = 4) an insemination catheter was inserted without anything being inseminated. Results: Results showed that IL-23 mRNA was expressed in the oviduct and in the endometrium. There was an approximate 2-4-fold increase in expression of IL-23 mRNA in catheter-only control compared with SPZ, SP and BTS treatment groups. IL-23 immunolabelling was detected in a small number of separate cells as well as in the sub-epithelial connective tissue of the endometrium, the endosalpinx of the isthmus and infundibulum. Conclusions: All fluids used for insemination decreased the expression of IL-23 mRNA in the endometrium compared to catheter-insertion alone, indicating a possible role for IL-23 in the inflammatory response after insemination in gilts.
Quality of life during the epidemic of COVID-19 and its associated factors among enterprise workers in East China
Authors: Chen Xiaoxiao , Xu Qian , Lin Haijiang , Zhu Jianfu , Chen Yue , Zhao QI , Fu Chaowei , Wang Na
Published: December 2020

Background: The COVID-19 related lockdown and home confinement might have an important impact on the quality of life in enterprise workers. We investigated the quality of life during the epidemic in enterprise workers who just returned to work, and assessed its potential influencing factors to have a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 epidemic lockdown and home confinement. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of enterprise workers conducted in Deqing and Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China. The Chinese version of EQ5D was used to assess life quality, and information about general characteristics and COVID-19 related factors was collected by a structured questionnaire, which was distributed through the social application “WeChat”. Results: A total of 2,435 participants were enrolled, 59.5% of which worked in Deqing. About 50% of the participants reported worries about the COVID-2019 epidemic and 40.1% had a centralized or home quarantine during the epidemic. The mean EQ-5D score and VAS were 0.990 and 93.5. Multiple logistic regression showed that the quality of life measures was related to physical activities (ORad=0.46) and keeping home ventilation (ORad=0.04) in Deqing, and were related to wearing a mask when going out (ORad=0.35), keeping home ventilation (ORad=0.16), unmarried status (ORad=2.38) and having a centralized or home quarantine (ORad=1.64) in Taizhou,Conclusions: The quality of life for returning enterprise workers in areas with different risks of COVID-19 was affected by different factors. Associated factors identified from this study would help develop proper intervention measures for enterprise workers to reduce the impact of large-scale public health events like the COVID-19 on their quality of life.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality and related risk factors in China between 2010 and 2015: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Wang Baohua , Li Peiyao , He Fengdie , Sha Yuting , Wan Xia , Wang Lijun
Published: December 2020

Background: To explore the relationship between geographical differences of mortality and related risk factors in ischemic heart disease (IHD) in China.Methods: Data were collected from the nationally representative China Mortality Surveillance System to calculate annual IHD mortality counts (2010-2015). Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the IHD mortality among Chinese population from 2010 to 2015. Negative binomial regression was used to investigate potential spatiotemporal variation and correlations with age, gender, urbanization, and region. Results: The overall IHD mortality was 221.17/100,000, accounting for 1.51 million deaths in 2015. The standardized IHD mortality rate increased by 5.51% from 2010 to 2015 among people aged 40 years and older. Multilevel analysis indicated significant differences in gender, regional effects, and age. High urbanization rate (risk ratio [RR] = 0.728, 95% confidence interval [CI] = (0.631, 0.840)) and average high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (RR=0.741, 95%CI: 0.616,0.891) were negatively associated with IHD mortality. IHD mortality was significantly higher in populations with a low rate of medical insurance coverage (RR= 1.218, 95%CI: 1.007, 1.473), as well as the average body mass index (BMI) (RR= 1.436, 95%CI: 1.135, 1.817) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (RR= 1.310, 95%CI: 1.019, 1.684). While the relationship with current smoking rate, excessive intake of red meat, insufficient vegetable or fruits intake didn’t show the statistical significance. The negative correlation between the average sedentary time and IHD mortality was not conclusive due to the possible deviation of the data. Conclusions: The mortality of IHD showed an upward trend for people aged 40 years and older in China during 2010-2015, which should be paid attention to. Therefore, some risk factors should be controlled, such as SBP, overweight/obesity. HDL is a protective factor, as well as higher urbanization rate, family income level, and medical insurance coverage.
Racial Differences in Lifestyle, Demographic, and Health Factors Associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in Midlife Women
Authors: Smith Brandi Patrice , Cardoso-Mendoza Esmeralda , Flaws Jodi A. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Smith Rebecca Lee
Published: December 2020

Previously, quality of life (Qol) has been defined as an individual’s evaluation of a satisfactory life as a whole (i.e. physically, mentally, psychologically, and socially). Only a few studies have examined the racial differences between QoL, and risk factors associated with health, demographics, and lifestyle in midlife women. Thus, the purpose of our study is to determine racial differences in QoL in menopausal women due to lifestyle, demographic, and health related risk factors. A stratified ordinal logistic regression model was applied to self-reported questionnaire data from the Midlife Women's Health Study (MWHS) to determine risk factors associated with QoL differences between White and Black women during the menopausal transition. In multivariate models, our results showed Black women who had 3 or 4 comorbidities (moderate) were about 4 times as likely to have higher QoL compared to women who had 0 to 2 comorbidities (95% CI: 1.65,10.78). However, the number of comorbidities was not significantly associated with QoL in White women in univariate or multivariate analysis. Further, BMI and income were not significant factors in QoL in Black women but were in White women. Overall, our results illustrate that differences in health, demographic, and lifestyle factors are associated with QoL during menopause. Also, we suggest that future studies evaluate stratified models between racial groups to determine race-specific risk factors related to quality of life.
Effectiveness of an integrated multidisciplinary geriatric rehabilitation programme for older persons with stroke: a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vluggen Tom , Haastregt Jolanda van , Tan Frans , Verbunt Jeanine , Heugten Caroline van , Schols Jos
Published: December 2020

Background: Almost half of the stroke patients admitted to geriatric rehabilitation has persisting problems after discharge. Currently, there is no evidence based geriatric rehabilitation programme available for older stroke patients, combining inpatient rehabilitation with adequate ambulatory aftercare in the community. Therefore, we developed an integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme that includes aftercare for older persons with stroke. We evaluated the effectiveness of this newly developed rehabilitation programme in comparison to usual care. Methods: A multicentre randomised controlled trial was conducted in eight geriatric rehabilitation stroke units and their collaborating partners in primary care. The study population involved stroke patients and their informal caregivers who were aged 65 or over, living in the community before admission to geriatric rehabilitation, and expected to be able to return home after discharge. The programme consisted of three modules: inpatient neurorehabilitation, home-based self-management training, and stroke education. For patients, daily activity (FAI) was assessed as primary outcome and functional dependence (Katz-15), perceived quality of life (SSQoL) and social participation (IPA) as secondary outcomes. Additionally, among informal caregivers perceived care burden (self-rated burden VAS), objective care burden (Erasmus iBMG), and quality of life (CarerQol), were assessed as secondary outcomes.Results: In total 190 patients and 172 informal caregivers were included. Mean age of the patients in the intervention group was 78.9 years (SD= 7.0) and in the usual care group 79.0 years (SD=6.5). Significant favourable effects for the programme were observed for the subscale autonomy outdoors of the IPA (-2.15, P=.047, and for the informal caregivers perceived care burden (1.23, P=.048. For the primary outcome daily activity and the other secondary outcomes, no significant effects were observed.Conclusion: The integrated multidisciplinary programme had no effect on daily activity of older stroke patients. However, patients participating in the programme had a higher level of perceived autonomy of outdoor activities and their informal caregivers perceived a lower care burden. The programme might be promising in providing adequate (after)care, although adaptation of the programme is recommended to increase its feasibility and improve its effects.
An examination of skeletal muscle and hepatic tissue transcriptomes from beef cattle divergent for residual feed intake 
Authors: McKenna Clare , Keogh Kate , Porter Richard , Waters Sinead , Cormican Paul , Kenny David
Published: December 2020

The selection of cattle with enhanced feed efficiency is of paramount importance with regard to reducing feed costs in the beef industry. Global transcriptome profiling was undertaken on liver and skeletal muscle biopsies from Simmental heifers and bulls divergent in residual feed intake (RFI) feed efficiency phenotype, in order to identify genes that may be associated with this trait. We identified 5 genes (adj.p<0.1) to be differentially expressed in skeletal muscle between high and low RFI heifers with all transcripts involved in oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial homeostasis. A total of 11 genes (adj.p<0. 1) were differentially expressed in liver tissue between high and low RFI bulls with differentially expressed genes related to amino and nucleotide metabolism as well as endoplasmic reticulum protein processing. No genes were identified as differentially expressed in either heifer liver or bull muscle analyses. Results from this study show a clear effect of gender to the underlying molecular control of RFI in cattle, which may be attributable to differences in the physiological age between heifers and bulls. Despite this we have highlighted a number of genes that may hold potential as molecular biomarkers for RFI cattle.
Midwives’ Integration of Post Abortion Manual Vacuum Aspiration in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Mixed Methods Case Study & Positive Deviance Assessment
Authors: Bourret Kirsty Marie , Larocque Sylvie , Hien Amélie , Hogue Carol , Muray Kalum , Lukusa Aurélie Thethe , Ngabo Abel Minani
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite a recognized need for midwives to provide post abortion care, there exist barriers preventing them from integrating lifesaving skills such as manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) into practice. This collaborative research with the Professional Association of Congolese Midwives (SCOSAF), sought to understand how certain midwives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have overcome barriers to successfully integrate MVA for post abortion care. Specifically, in order to provide locally-driven solutions to the problem of inadequate post abortion care in the DRC, this study aimed to identify examples of positive deviance, or midwives who had successfully integrated MVA in complex working environments following an in-service training facilitated by their midwifery association, SCOSAF.Methods: Creswell’s mixed method comparative case study design was used to identify positive deviant midwives who had practiced MVA one or more times post training and to explore their strategies and enabling factors. Other midwives who had not practiced MVA post training permitted for a comparison group and further interpretations. Sources of data included a sequential survey and semi-structured interviews. Results: All 102 midwives invited to be surveyed were recruited and 34% reported practicing MVA post training (positive deviant midwives). No statistical significance was found between the two groups’ demographics and practice facility type. Overall, both groups had positive attitudes regarding midwifery-led MVA and legalization of abortion. Positive deviant midwives demonstrated and described more confidence and competence to practice and teach MVA. They were more likely to identify as teachers and overcome interprofessional barriers by teaching MVA to physicians, medical students and other midwives and position themselves as experts during post abortion emergencies.Conclusion: Results provided important insight to midwives’ integration of post abortion care in Kinshasa. Strategies used by positive deviant midwives in emergencies allowed them to navigate challenging contexts in order to practice MVA, while simultaneously increasing the credibility of their profession and the dissemination of evidenced-based MVA practice. Programs designed to work with and promote positive deviant midwives as knowledge brokers could be tested for their overall impact on the diffusion of midwifery-led MVA to improve access to safe, respectful reproductive care.
Freeze-drying and hot-pressing strategy to embed two-dimensional Ti0.87O2 monolayers in commercial polypropylene films with enhanced dielectric properties 
Authors: Tian Wenchao , Cai Cailing , Wu Zeyi , Zhang Chenchen , Yin Ting , Lao Sijia , Yan Fei , linfeng Hu
Published: December 2020

The dielectric capacitor has been widely used in advanced electronic and electrical power systems due to their capability of ultrafast charging-discharging and ultrahigh power density. Nevertheless, their energy density is still limited by the low dielectric constant (≈ 2.2) of the commercial dielectric polypropylene (PP). The conventional enhancement strategy by embedding inorganic fillers in PP matrix is still difficult and challenging due to that PP hardly dissolves in any inorganic/organic solvent. In this work, we develop a new strategy including freeze-drying, surface functionalization and hot-pressing to incorporate Ti0.87O2 monolayers in PP film. A series of uniform composited Ti0.87O2@PP film has been successfully fabricated with Ti0.87O2 content range of 0-15 wt%. The maximum dielectric constant of the as-prepared Ti0.87O2@PP film is 3.27 when the Ti0.87O2 content is 9 wt%, which is about 1.5 times higher than that of pure PP. Our study provides a feasible strategy to embed two-dimensional material into commercial PP thin-film with superior dielectric performance for practical application.
Validity and Reliability of the Portuguese-Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (P-Pass) for Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Ferreira Pedro L , Simões Ana Lúcia , Dourado Marília , Holm Margo B. , Rogers Joan C.
Published: December 2020

Background: Due to the increasing need to measure health outcomes and to ensure a more independent life, it is essential to validate instruments capable of assessing the functionality of activities of daily living. The Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS), based on three occupational performance constructs (independence, safety and adequacy), allows health professionals to delineate their interventions more effectively according to the needs of each patient. The purpose of this study was to create a Portuguese version of the PASS (P-PASS) and to measure the performance of people with disabilities. Methods. Linguistic validation was performed through the translation/back-translation procedure. Next, the scale to be completed by health professionals was submitted to a clinical review by a panel of experts. Subsequently, it was applied to 98 people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The data collected were then analyzed and the results evaluated in accordance with the three PASS constructs. The results were also analyzed in terms of age and gender. Results. To create the Portuguese version, one task was removed from the original PASS and seven tasks were combined or adapted. Task independence had the highest scores and adequacy the lowest. In terms of reliability, the P-PASS revealed almost perfect levels of agreement between observers, except for the adequacy construct of the ‘bed mobility’ task that showed moderate agreement. In general, the original structure of the PASS was replicated in the Portuguese version. Men presented greater independence than women in the tasks of ‘bill paying by ATM’ and ‘changing TV command batteries.’ Participants under 60 years of age had the highest scores overall. Conclusions. The combination or adaptation of some items to be more culturally relevant is a valid procedure that has been used by other authors during the validation of PASS items. The results obtained by P-PASS showed comparable scores with the original PASS and with other translated/adapted versions. The P-PASS is a valid and reliable scale for the Portuguese population, enabling more effective measurement of health outcomes.