bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay be used as an antimicrobial stewardship tool? A prospective assay validation and descriptive impact assessment study in a South African setting
Authors: Reddy Kessendri , Whitelaw Andrew Christopher
Published: October 2020

Background: Positive blood cultures showing Gram positive cocci in clusters signifies either Staphylococcus aureus or the less-virulent coagulase-negative staphylococci. Rapid identification and methicillin susceptibility determination with the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay can improve management of S. aureus bloodstream infection and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. Methods:We prospectively evaluated the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay in comparison with culture, on samples referred to our laboratory in the Western Cape, South Africa. We interviewed attending clinicians upon culture result availability, to assess antibiotic choices and estimate potential impact of the assay.Results: Of the 231 samples included, there was 100% concordance between the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay and culture (methicillin-resistant S. aureus 15/15, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus 42/42, coagulase-negative staphylococci 170/170). Time to final result could be reduced by approximately 30 hours with the assay. Of the 177 patients with adequate antibiotic history, changes to optimise antistaphylococcal therapy could have occurred more than one day sooner in 68.9% with S. aureus bloodstream infection (31/45, 95% CI 53.2-81.4%). Six of the 11 patients with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bloodstream infection (54.5%) could have received anti-MRSA cover sooner. Fifty-three days of antibiotic therapy could have been spared, equating to 0.3 days (95% CI, 0.2-0.4) saved per patient, driven by broad-spectrum beta-lactams (31 days, in 17.5% of the cohort).Conclusion:This assay has potential as an antimicrobial stewardship tool; costing and impact on clinical outcome in patients with S. aureus bloodstream infection should be assessed.
Why clinicians overtest: development of a thematic framework
Authors: Lam Justin H , Pickles Kristen , Stanaway Fiona , Bell Katy JL
Published: October 2020

Background: Medical tests provide important information to guide clinical management. Overtesting, however, may cause harm to patients and the healthcare system, including through misdiagnosis, false positives, false negatives and overdiagnosis. Clinicians are ultimately responsible for test requests, and are therefore ideally positioned to prevent overtesting and its unintended consequences. Through this narrative literature review and workshop discussion with experts at the Preventing Overdiagnosis Conference (Sydney, 2019), we aimed to identify and establish a thematic framework of factors that influence clinicians to request non-recommended and unnecessary tests. Methods: Articles exploring factors affecting clinician test ordering behaviour were identified through a systematic search of MedLine in April 2019, forward and backward citation searches and content experts. Two authors screened abstract titles and abstracts, and two authors screened full text for inclusion. Identified factors were categorised into a preliminary framework which was subsequently presented at the PODC for iterative development.Results: The MedLine search yielded 542 articles; 55 were included. Another 10 articles identified by forward-backward citation and content experts were included, resulting in 65 articles in total. Following small group discussion with workshop participants, a revised thematic framework of factors was developed: · “Intrapersonal” – fear of malpractice and litigation; clinician knowledge and understanding; intolerance of uncertainty and risk aversion; cognitive biases and experiences; sense of medical obligation· “Interpersonal” – pressure from patients and doctor-patient relationship; pressure from colleagues and medical culture; · “Environment/context” – guidelines, protocols and policies; financial incentives and ownership of tests; time constraints, physical vulnerabilities and language barriers; availability and ease of access to tests; pre-emptive testing to facilitate subsequent care; contemporary medical practice and new technology Conclusion: This thematic framework may raise awareness of overtesting and prompt clinicians to change their test request behaviour. The development of a scale to assess clinician knowledge, attitudes and practices is planned to allow evaluation of clinician-targeted interventions to reduce overtesting.
Guangzhou Tongcao painting in late China Qing Dynasty（1840—1912 AD）: technology revealed by Analytical Approaches
Authors: Zhang Chan , Huang Jianbin , Zhu Tiequan , Zhang Ronglin
Published: October 2020

Guangzhou Tongcao painting in late Qing Dynasty of China witnessed the exchange of economy, culture, art and technology between China and foreign countries, which was an important exported product in historical China. In this paper, by using Optical Stereo Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope attached Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and micro confocal laser Raman Spectroscope, a Qing Dynasty Tongcao painting with the subject of family life of an official's female relative was analyzed. Our study revealed that: 1) the hexagonal cell morphology which was easily observed in the Tongcao pith could contain more pigments and increase the stereo sense of painting, and the cell of historical Tongcao pith had started to degrade, which indicated an urgent requirement on conservation of Tongcaopainting; 2) alum was needed as the fixing agent in the preparation of pigments and the painting process; 3) both the China domestic pigments including red lead, calcite, lead white, carbon black and gamboge, and the synthetic pigments imported from Europe (synthetic ultramarine, prussian blue and emerald green) were applied in this painting, which reflected the bi-directional communication of culture and technology between China and western world.
A GPU based multidimensional amplitude analysis to search for tetraquark candidates
Authors: Sur Nairit , Cristella Leonardo , Florio Adriano Di , Mastrapasqua Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

The demand for computational resources is steadily increasing in experimental high energy physics as the current collider experiments continue to accumulate huge amounts of data and physicists indulge in more complex and ambitious analysis strategies. This is especially true in the fields of hadron spectroscopy and flavour physics where the analyses often depend on complex multidimensional unbinned maximum-likelihood fits, with several dozens of free parameters, with the aim to study the internal structure of hadrons.
Graphics processing units (GPUs) represent one of the most sophisticated and versatile parallel computing architectures that are becoming popular toolkits for high energy physicists to meet their computational demands. GooFit is an upcoming open-source tool interfacing ROOT/RooFit to the CUDA platform on NVIDIA GPUs that acts as a bridge between the MINUIT minimization algorithm and a parallel processor, allowing probability density functions to be estimated on multiple cores simultaneously.
In this article, a full-fledged amplitude analysis framework developed using GooFit is tested for its speed and reliability. The four-dimensional fitter framework, one of the firsts of its kind to be built on GooFit, is geared towards the search for exotic tetraquark states in the [[EQUATION]] decays and can also be seamlessly adapted for other similar analyses. The GooFit fitter, running on GPUs, shows a remarkable improvement in the computing speed compared to a ROOT/RooFit implementation of the same analysis running on multi-core CPU clusters. Furthermore, it shows sensitivity to components with small contributions to the overall fit. It has the potential to be a powerful tool for sensitive and computationally intensive physics analyses.
Novel and traditional anthropometric indices for identifying metabolic syndrome in non-overweight/obese adults
Authors: Wu Lihong , Zhu WenHua , Qiao Qiaohua , Huang Lijuan , Li Yiqi , Chen Liying
Published: October 2020

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in non-overweight/obese people is insidiously associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Novel anthropometric indices can reflect central obesity better than the traditional anthropometric indices. Therefore, we hypothesize that these newly developed anthropometric indices can better identify MetS in non-overweight/obese people than conventional indices. Methods: Cross-sectional data of sociodemographic, biochemical and anthropometric indices were collected from 2916 non-overweight/obese Chinese people. A body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) and abdominal volume index (AVI) were calculated. Partial correlation analysis was used to clarify the correlation between anthropometric indices and MetS variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between anthropometric indices and MetS and its components. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the diagnostic ability of anthropometric indices for MetS and its components. The area under curve (AUC) difference between WHtR and each new anthropometric index was compared in pairs.Results: After adjusting for covariates, AVI had the optimal ability of identifying MetS (AUC: 0.743 for male, 0.819 for female) and the strongest correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (coe: -0.227 for male, -0.207 for female) and the highest odds rations (OR) with low HDL-C group (male: OR=1.37, female: OR=1.55). The WHtR was comparable to BRI in assessing MetS (AUC: 0.739 for male, 0.817 for female). WHtR or BRI could also well identify hypertension (AUC: 0.602 for male, 0.688 for female) and dysglycemia (AUC: 0.669 for male, 0.713 for female) and female's high triglyceride level (AUC 0.712). The recognition ability of the two was equivalent. The ability of ABSI and WWI to identify MetS was weak.Conclusions: AVI is the optimal anthropometric indices to identify MetS in non-overweight/obese Chinese adults. BRI and WHtR can also be considered as discriminators, while ABSI and WWI are weak discriminators. WHtR is easy to measure. So, it is recommended as an early preliminary screening method for the MetS in non-overweight/obese people.
“Students in public and private schools—which are at higher risk of drug use?”: A survey from Iran
Authors: Bahramnejad Ali , Iranpour Abedin , Nakhaee Nouzar
Published: October 2020

Background : Recent evidence from Western countries suggests that private school students are more prone to drug use. Such an evidence is lacking in Muslim countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk of drug use is higher in private schools than public schools. Methods : This cross sectional study was conducted on 650 tenth grade students of Kerman city, the center of largest province of Iran using cluster sampling. Well-validated questionnaires regarding current, lifetime substance use, and perceived use by classmates were utilized. Substances included in the questionnaire were waterpipe, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamine, and Naas. Drug Use Tendency Scale was used to measure the attitudes of students towards drug use. Results : The response rate was 93.7%. More than 82% of sample were public school students (n=504). Current use of cigarette and marijuana was higher in private schools (12.2% and 3.0%, respectively) than public schools (4.4% and 0.5%, respectively) (P<0.05). Perceived prevalence of cigarette smoking by classmates was higher among private school students. Conclusion : Despite the popular belief that private schools are better than public schools regarding the risk of substance use, students who attend private schools may be at a higher risk of turning to some drugs comparing to public schools in Iran.
Dutch patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals generate first nationwide research agenda for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Verwoerd Anouk , Armbrust Wineke , Cowan Katherine , Berg Lotte van den , de Boer Joke , Bookelman Sanne , Britstra Marjan , Cappon Jeannette , Certan Maria , Dedding Christine , Haspel Karin van den , Muller Petra Hissink , Jongsma Karin , Lelieveld Otto , Loosdregt Jorg van , Olsder Wendy , Rocha Johanna , Schatorjé Ellen , Schouten Natasja , Swart Joost F. , Vastert Sebastiaan , Walter Margot , Schoemaker Casper G
Published: October 2020

Background Involving the end-users of scientific research (patients, carers and clinicians) in setting research priorities is important to formulate research questions that truly make a difference and are in tune with the needs of patients. We therefore aimed to generate a national research agenda for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) together with patients, their caregivers and healthcare professionals through conducting a nationwide survey among these stakeholders.Methods The James Lind Alliance method was used, tailored with additional focus groups held to involve younger patients. First, research questions were gathered through an online and hardcopy survey. The received questions that were in scope were summarised and a literature search was performed to verify that questions were unanswered. Questions were ranked in the interim survey, and the final top 10 was chosen during a prioritisation workshop. Results Two hundred and seventy-eight respondents submitted 604 questions, of which 519 were in scope. Of these 604 questions, 81 were generated in the focus groups with younger children. The questions were summarised into 53 summary questions. An evidence checking process verified that all questions were unanswered. A total of 303 respondents prioritised the questions in the interim survey. Focus groups with children generated a top 5 of their most important questions. Combining this top 5 with the top 10s of patients, carers, and clinicians led to a top 21. Out of these, the top 10 research priorities were chosen during a final workshop. Research into pain and fatigue, personalised treatment strategies and aetiology were ranked high in the Top 10.Conclusions Through this study, the top 10 research priorities for JIA of patients, their caregivers and clinicians were identified to inform researchers and research funders of the research topics that matter most to them. The top priority involves the treatment and mechanisms behind persisting pain and fatigue when the disease is in remission.
Assessing the reliability and validity of the ICECAP-A instrument in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Xiong Yao , Wu Hongyan , Xu Judy
Published: October 2020

Purpose We aimed to conduct psychometric tests for the Chinese version of ICECAP-A and compare the differences between ICECAP-A and EQ-5D-3L for patients with T2DM, and explore the relationship between clinical conditions and ICECAP-A through diabetes-related clinical indicators.
Methods Data were collected from a sample of 492 Chinese T2DM patients. The reliability and validity of the ICECAP-A were verified. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted for both the ICECAP-A and EQ-5D-3L.
Results Our results show that the Chinese version of ICECAP-A has good internal consistency with an overall Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.721. The mean scores of ICECAP-A and EQ-5D-3L are 0.85 vs. 0.94. A weak correlation (r = 0.116) was found between the ICECAP-A tariff and EQ-5D-3L utility. EFA showed that although the five dimensions of the ICECAP-A and EQ-5D-3L scales were loaded into two different factors respectively. However, the two scales captured different dimensions of quality of life and can complement each other. The ICECAP-A, EQ-5D-3L, and EQ-VAS scores showed differences across different socio-demographic characteristics and clinic conditions groups.
Conclusion The Chinese version of the ICECAP-A capability instrument can be for assessing outcomes in adults with T2DM. It may capture more dimensions of QoL than traditional Health-related QoL (HRQoL) instruments and may be useful for economic evaluations of health care and social care for people with T2DM or other chronic diseases.
Membranous S100A10 Involvement in the Tumor Budding of Colorectal Cancer During Oncogenesis: Report of Two Cases with Immunohistochemical Analysis
Authors: Arai Kazumori , Ishimatsu Hisato , Iwasaki Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Chinatsu , Sonoda Akihiro , Ohata Ko
Published: October 2020

Background: Tumor budding (TB) and poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) are a sequence of histologic findings that predict worse prognosis and node metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). TB and PDC (TB/PDC) are caused by cancer cell detachment and are distinguished by the number of cancer cells that constitute a cell cluster. In short, PDC is regarded as the previous step of TB. TB/PDC and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) are closely linked, but its pathogenic mechanisms are still unclear. S100A10, a member of the S100 protein family, forms a heterocomplex with annexin A2 (ANX A2) and then translocates to cell membrane from the cytoplasm and plays various roles in cell dynamics, including plasminogen activation. S100A10 is the activation modulator of the heterocomplex and promotes cell invasion. S100A10 is involved in the remodeling of both actin and extracellular matrix (ECM), which is also associated with EMT. Case presentation: In two representative cases of conventional advanced CRC, we immunohistochemically examined S100A10 and ANX A2 expressions in which both TB and PDC were prominent. Both CRCs metastasized to multiple regional lymph nodes. In both cases, a membranous positivity for S100A10 was diffusely found in both tumor buds and PDCs and was observed in the tumor cells protruding toward the stroma, giving rise to TB/PDC. However, even in tumor glands with TB/PDC, the tumor cells with a smooth border around the stroma showed either cytoplasmic fine-granular expression or no positivity. The immunoreactivity for ANX A2 was almost the same as that for S100A10. In the main tumor components without TB/PDC, no distinct positivity was detected at their smooth borders. Conclusions: During oncogenesis, membranous S100A10 has the potential to be related to TB of CRC. This may be due to plasminogen activation, actin remodeling, and interaction with an altered ECM. However, further study is required to confirm this hypothesis.
Diagnostic Performance of Intraoperative Assessment in Grade 2 Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Bandala-Jacques Antonio , Cantú-de-León David , Montiel Delia Pérez , Salcedo-Hernández Rosa A. , Prada Diddier , González-Enciso Aarón , González-Valdez Arely , Barquet-Munoz Salim Abraham
Published: October 2020

Background: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries. Grade 2 carcinoma is associated with pelvic lymph-node metastasis, depending on selected risk factors. Intraoperative assessment (IOA) can identifiy patients at risk for lymph node metastasis who should undergo staging surgery. Our objective was to establish the diagnostic precision of IOA in determining the need for surgical staging in grade 2 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. Methods: 222 patients underwent IOA. Results were compared to the final pathology report. The accuracy of the IOA parameters was calculated. Variables were evaluated in patients with positive versus negative IOA. Overall and disease-free survivals were calculated according to IOA, lymphadenectomy, and nodal metastasis.Results: IOA was positive in 80 patients. It showed an accuracy of 76.13% when compared with the postoperative assessment. The best individual parameter was myometrial invasion. Nodal metastasis was observed in 16 patients in the positive IOA group and 7 patients in the negative group. Patients with lymph node metastasis had a 5-year overall survival rate of 80.9%, whereas patients without metastasis had a 5-year overall survival rate of 97.9%. Conclusions: IOA is an adequate tool to identify high-risk patients in grade 2 endometrial carcinoma. Myometrial invasion is the individual parameter that yields the highest diagnostic precision.
Relativity and View Effects
Authors: Fischli Bernard
Published: October 2020

Relativity has been based on the implicit assumption that electromagnetism would exclusively describe interactions. Relativistic view effects are included as well, and they act with no force and no energy exchanges. The Ehrenfest paradox is solved. View effects specific to each point of view are the solution. The calculation of the deflection of light by the sun explains in detail why the deflection angle must be almost double the value obtained with Newton’s laws. The compatibility of General Relativity with the new interpretation is discussed. View effects cannot impact total energy. An object has no speed limit due to relativity but can be limited due to other causes. Inertial behavior is examined. Inertial masses are redundant, but this does not introduce gravitation to General Relativity.
Metallized Carbon Nanotubes for Radiation Therapy Enhancement
Authors: Ashmeg Sarah , Fasullo Michael , Holupka Edward , Eisenbraun Eric
Published: October 2020

Background: Carbon nanotubes have been the focus of many in-vitro and in-vivo studies where they serve as cargo delivery vehicles. In this preliminary work, multi-walled carbon nanotube were impregnated with copper, to study the effect of metallized carbon nanotubes on enhancing radiation dose in external beam radiotherapy.Methods: Using a 6x6x6 cm3 cube, filled with water or with water plus partially filled or unfilled carbon nanotubes, the dose enhancement effects of megavoltage photon beams were determined. Ion chamber readings were collected at 1 cm below the water cube. The beams were delivered from a TrueBeam Linac, at a 100 cm source to surface distance and 20x20cm2 field size. In addition, film measurements were taken just below the water cube (i.e. at 0 cm distance) and compared to the ion chamber dose enhancement at 1 cm below, for 6 MV energy beam.Results: For all studied photon energies, the ion chamber readings showed a dose increase when copper filled carbon nanotubes were added to the water medium. With copper filled CNTs concentration in water of 5 x 10-2 mg/ml, the measured dose enhancement ratios (DER) were 1.025, 1.016, 1.017, 1.011 and 1.013for 2.5MV, 6MV, 6MV FFF, 10MV and 10MV FFF energies, respectively. Furthermore, when copper filled MWCNTs are added to water, the film measurements (at 0 cm distance from the water cube) have also shown a dose enhancement ratio of 1.022 in comparison to 1.012 for ion chamber (1 cm away from the water cube). Conclusion: The results show an increase of the radiation dose enhancement, with a DER up to 1.025 at 1 cm below the studied medium, when metallized carbon nanotubes are added to water versus when the beam is delivered to just water. This increase in DER decreases with the increase of x-ray beam energy. It also decreases with increasing the distance of the point of measurement from the medium where the metalized carbon nanotubes were added.
Transcriptional network involving ERG and AR orchestrates Distal-Less Homeobox 1 mediated prostate cancer progression
Authors: Goel Sakshi , Bhatia Vipul , Carskadon Shannon , Gupta Nilesh , Asim Mohammad , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Ateeq Bushra
Published: October 2020

Nearly half of the prostate cancer (PCa) cases show elevated levels of ERG oncoprotein due to TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. Here, we demonstrate ERG mediated upregulation of Distal-less homeobox-1 (DLX1), an established PCa biomarker. Using series of functional assays, we show DLX1 elicits oncogenic properties in prostate epithelial cells, and abrogating its function leads to reduced tumor burden in mouse xenografts. Clinically, ~60% of the PCa patients exhibit high DLX1 levels, while ~50% of these cases also harbor elevated ERG associated with aggressive disease and poor survival probability. Mechanistically, we show that ERG gets recruited onto DLX1 promoter and interacts with its enhancer-bound androgen receptor (AR) and FOXA1 to regulate DLX1 expression in TMPRSS2-ERG positive cases. Alternatively, in ERG-negative cases, DLX1 is regulated by AR/AR-V7 and FOXA1. Importantly, BET bromodomain inhibitors disrupt the transcriptional regulators of DLX1 and its associated oncogenic properties, signifying their efficacy in treatment of DLX1-positive PCa patients.
A Novel Method for Extraction of Lipids From Liquid Microalgae Without Dewatering
Authors: Wang Quan , Oshita Kazuyuki , Takaoka Masaki
Published: October 2020

Background: Recent studies of lipid extraction from microalgae have focused primarily on dewatered or dried samples, and the processes are simple with high lipid yield. Yet, the dewatering with drying step is energy-intensive, which makes the energy output from the extracted lipid is less than the energy needed to produce it. Thus, exploring an extraction technique for just a thickened sample without the dewatering, drying and auxiliary operation (such as cell disruption) is very significant. Whereas lipid extraction from the thickened microalgae is complicated by the high-water content involved, and traditional solvent hence cannot work well. Dimethyl ether (DME), a green solvent, featuring a high affinity for both water and organic compounds with an ability to penetrate the cell walls, has the potential to achieve this goal. Results: This study investigated an energy-saving method for lipid extraction using DME as the solvent with an entrainer solution (ethanol and acetone) for flocculation thickened microalgae. Extraction efficiency was evaluated in terms of extraction time, DME dosage, entrainer dosage, and ethanol:acetone ratio. Optimal extraction occurred after 30 minutes using 4.2 mL DME per 1 mL microalgae, with an entrainer dosage of 8% at 1:2 ethanol:acetone. Raw lipid yields and fatty acid methyl ester contents were compared against those of common extraction methods (Bligh & Dryer and Soxhlet). Thermal gravimetry/differential thermal analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and C/H/N elemental analyses were used to examine differences in lipids extracted using each of the evaluated methods. Considering influence of trace metals on biodiesel utilization, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analyses were used to quantify trace metals in the extracted raw lipids, which revealed relatively high concentrations of Mg, Na, K, and Fe.Conclusions: Our DME-based method recovered 26.4% of total raw lipids and 54.4% of total fatty acid methyl esters at first extraction with remnants being recovered by a 2nd extraction. In additional, the DME-based approach was more economical than other methods, because it enabled simultaneous dewatering with lipid extraction and no cell disruption was required. The trace metals of raw lipids indicated a purification demand in subsequent refining process.
Rhubarb alleviates acute lung injury by modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice
Authors: Tang Tingyu , Wang Fei , Liu Juan , Zhao Tian , Ye Wu , Li Zhijun
Published: October 2020

Purposes: Intestinal microbiota disorders can aggravate pulmonary inflammation during acute lung injury (ALI). Rhubarb, a Chinese herb, can regulated the gut microbiota. Therefore, this study was conducted to test the hypothesis that rhubarb alleviates gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation. Methods: Feces were collected from patients with ALI to detect the gut microbiota using 16S rDNA sequencing. Subsequently, a mouse model of ALI was established using lipopolysaccharide to investigate changes in the gut microbiota, the periperal blood was attained for detecting the Th17/Treg cell ratio, and the effect of rhubarb treatment on the gut microbiota and Th17/Treg ratio were also evaluated. Results: Rhubarb treatment significantly reduced the Firmicutes abundance and markedly increased the Bacteroidetes abundance in ALI patients. The rat models also showed a similar imbalance in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Rhubarb treatment alleviated the damaged lung tissue, accelerated Firmicutes proliferation, increased the HDAC6 in both the mice lung tissue and serum, and markedly reduced the Treg cells and increased the Th17 cells in the spleen tissue. Conclusion: We determined that both patients with ALI and mouse models of ALI presented gut microbiota dysbiosis and Th17/Treg cell imbalances. Rhubarb promoted Firmicutes proliferation, increased the HDAC6 concentration, restored the Th17/Treg cell balance, and protected against ALI.
Inhaled nasopharyngeal nitric oxide concentrations during unilateral nostril breathing – a pilot study
Authors: Stassen Tim , Bartley Jim , Khamooshi Mehrdad , White David
Published: October 2020

Objective: To assess the influence unilateral nostril breathing has on mean inhaled nasopharyngeal nitric oxide (NO) concentrations compared with unobstructed bilateral nostril breathing in individuals demonstrating a nasal cycle.Methods: After determining the patent and congested nasal sides in healthy adult volunteers (N=10), and sampling air at both nostrils, a small diameter gas sampling tube was passed along the floor of the nose into the volunteer's patent nostril, until it was stationed in the nasopharynx. Nasopharyngeal NO concentrations were then assessed during normal nasal at-rest tidal breathing during three different nasal breathing states: first both nostrils, then allocated in randomised order, patent side only, and congested side only.Results: Nasopharyngeal NO concentrations were consistently higher on both exhalation and inhalation during unilateral congested side nostril breathing, when compared with unilateral patent side nostril breathing, and breathing through both nostrils.Conclusions: During unilateral nostril breathing, inhaled nasopharyngeal NO concentrations are consistently higher on the congested side of the nose.
The collapse and recovery potential of carbon sequestration by baleen whales in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Durfort Anaelle , Mariani Gael , Troussellier Marc , Tulloch Vivitskaia , Mouillot David
Published: October 2020

Limiting climate warming below 2°C requires both reducing anthropic greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering more atmospheric carbon. Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) rely on the ability of ecosystems to capture and store carbon. Despite the important role of marine megafauna on the ocean carbon cycle, its potential as a NCS has not yet been explored. Here, we quantify the amount of carbon potentially sequestered by five baleen whale species across the Southern Hemisphere between 1890 and 2100 through both the sinking of carcasses after natural death and the fertilisation of phytoplankton by nutrients in faeces. At their pre-exploitation abundances, the five whales could sequester 10.6 106 tonnes of carbon per year (tC.yr-1) but this natural carbon sink was reduced at 2 106 tC.yr-1 in 1965 due to commercial whaling. However, the restoration of whale populations could sequester 8.7 106 tC.yr-1 at the end of the 21st century suggesting an efficient but neglected NCS that remains to be estimated globally including all marine vertebrates.
Spatial Distribution and Predictors of Domestic Violence Among Women Aged 15-49 in Ethiopia: Analysis of EDHS 2016 Dataset.
Authors: Seid Elias Ali , Melese Tesfahun , Alemu Kassahun
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Violence against women particularly that is commited by an intimate partner is becoming a social and public health problem across the world. Studies from different countries shows that the spatial variation in distribution of domestic violence was commonly attributed by neighborhood level predictors. Despite the importance of spatial techniques, studies that employ it in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the spatial distribution and predictors of domestic violence among women aged 15-49 in Ethiopia by using EDHS 2016 dataset. Methods: Secondary data from EDHS 2016 was used to determine the spatial distribution of domestic violence in Ethiopia. Spatial auto-correlation statistics (both Global and Local Moran’s I) was used to assess the spatial distribution of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia. Spatial locations of significant clusters were identified by using Kuldorff’s Sat Scan version 9.4 software. Finally, binary logistic regression and generalized linear mixed model were fitted to identify predictors of domestic violence. Result: The study found that spatial clustering of domestic violence cases in Ethiopia with Moran’s I value of 0.26, Z score of 8.26, and P-value < 0.01. The Sat Scan analysis find out 24 significant locations of domestic violence clusters. Among this, 10 are primary clusters with RR 2.18, LLR of 39.55, and P-value < 0.01. The output from regression analysis identifies low economic status, husband/partner alcohol use, witnessing family violence as a child, marital controlling behaviors, and community acceptance of wife-beating as significant predictors of domestic violence.Conclusion and Recommendation: There is spatial clustering of d domestic violence cases in Ethiopia. Areas with a high burden of the problem should get priority for intervention. Comprehensive and collaborative action should be taken by involving stakeholders at different levels. Specific activities may include Organizing media on awareness creation and continuous education on how to maintain a stable relationship between couples and employing long term and intensive effort for transforming culture and social norms that encourage violence against woman are among the major ones.
A Cost Utility Analysis Alongside a Cluster Randomised Trial Evaluating a Minor Ailment Service Compared to Usual Care in Community Pharmacy
Authors: Amador-Fernández Noelia , Benrimoj Shalom I. , García-Mochón Leticia , García-Cárdenas Victoria , Dineen-Griffin Sarah , Gastelurrutia-Garralda Miguel Ángel , Gómez-Martínez Jesús C. , Colomer-Molina Vicente , Martínez-Martínez Fernando
Published: October 2020

Background Minor ailments are “self-limiting conditions which may be diagnosed and managed without a medical intervention”. A cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) was designed to evaluate the clinical, humanistic and economic outcomes of a Minor Ailment Service (MAS) in community pharmacy (CP) compared with usual care (UC). Methods The cRCT was conducted for six months from December 2017. The pharmacist-patient intervention consisted of a standardised face-to-face consultation on a web-based program using co-developed protocols, pharmacists’ training, practice change facilitators and patients’ educational material. Patients requesting a non-prescription medication (direct product request) or presenting minor ailments received MAS or UC and were followed-up by telephone 10-days after the consultation. The primary economic outcomes were incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the service and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Total costs included health system, CPs and patient direct costs: health professionals’ consultation time, medication costs, pharmacists’ training costs, investment of the pharmacy and consultation costs within the ten days following the initial consultation. The HRQoL was obtained using the EuroQoL 5D-5L at the time of the consultation and at 10-days follow up. A sensitivity analysis was carried out using bootstrapping. There were two sub-group analyses undertaken, for symptom presentation and direct product requests, to evaluate possible differences.Results A total of 808 patients (323 MAS and 485 UC) were recruited in 27 CPs with 42 pharmacists (20 MAS and 22 UC). 64.7% (n=523) of patients responded to follow-up after their consultation in CP. MAS patients gained an additional 0.0003 QALYs (p=0.053). When considering only MAS patients presenting with symptoms, the ICER was 24,733€/QALY with a 47.4% probability of cost-effectiveness (willingness to pay of 25,000€/QALY). Although when considering patients presenting for a direct product request, MAS was the dominant strategy with a 93.69% probability of cost-effectiveness.Conclusions Expanding community pharmacists’ scope through MAS may benefit health systems. To be fully cost effective, MAS should not only include consultations arising from symptom presentation but also include an oversight of self-selected products by patients. MAS increase patient safety through the appropriate use of non-prescription medication and through the direct referral of patients to GP.Trial registrationThe study was not registered but it was approved by the University of Granada Ethics Committee (approval number 331/CEIH/2017) and Xátiva-Ontinyent Ethics Committee “Lluís Alcanyís”.
Controlling Molecular Assembly and Charge Transport of N-Type Organic Semiconductors with Sterically Demanding Substituents
Authors: Yu Craig , Kojima Naoya , Kumagai Shohei , Kurosawa Tadanori , Ishii Hiroyuki , Watanabe Go , Takeya Jun , Okamoto Toshihiro
Published: October 2020

Benzo[de]isoquinolino[1,8-gh]quinolinetetracarboxylic diimide (BQQDI) n-type organic semiconductors demonstrate unique multi-fold intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions that lead to excellent aggregated structures, charge transports, and electron mobility. However, the robust intermolecular anchoring of BQQDI presents challenges for further fine-tuning molecular assemblies and organic semiconductor properties. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of two BQQDI derivatives with sterically demanding phenyl- and cyclohexyl-substituted BQQDI (Ph–BQQDI and Cy6–BQQDI), where the two organic semiconductors show distinct molecular assemblies and degrees of intermolecular orbital overlaps. In addition, the difference in their packing motifs led to strikingly different band structures that give rise to contrasting charge-transport capabilities. As a result, Cy6–BQQDI shows excellent transistor performances in both single-crystalline and polycrystalline thin-film organic field-effect transistors.
Influences of Land Use/ Cover Changes on Soil Properties in Rib Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Buruso Fentanesh Haile , Teferi Zenebe Admasu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe decrease in the area under natural vegetation and its conversion into other types of use has resulted in resource degradation including soil quality loss. Soil properties response to changes in land use/ cover has shown spatial and temporal variations. Hence this study was carried out to examine the influence of land use/ cover changes on physical and chemical properties of the soils in Rib watershed. Soil samples were taken over three selected land use/ covers (natural forest, grazing and cultivated lands) in two agro- ecological zones (Dega and High Dega). Multivariate analysis of variance (MNOVA) and Pearson’s correlation was computed. ResultsThe study revealed that land use/ cover and altitude have influenced physical and chemical properties of the soil in the study watershed. Significant difference in distribution of soil texture, BD, OC, TN and pH among land use/ covers have been observed. Natural forest had higher OC, OC stock and TN than grazing and cultivated lands. The mean OC stock ranged from 188.32 t/ha in natural forest to 72.75t/ha in cultivated lands. Soil pH was slightly higher for natural forests and lower in the soils of grazing and cultivated lands. Significant difference (P<0.05) among the two agro ecologies were also observed in OC, Ca2+, clay, and silt.. ConclusionTherefore, land use/ cover changes have affected the concentration of TN, OC, increase soil acidity and compaction that can affect productive of soils and production of crops.
Health Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Epileptic Patients at Dessie Referral Hospital, Amhara Regional State, North East Ethiopia, 2020, A Cross Sectional Study. ​
Authors: Stotaw Alebachew Sisay , prem prem kumar , Beyene Dessale Abate , Hasen Seid Legesse , Ali Yimer Seid
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Quality of life is individuals' perceptions of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and about their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. In the world, 70 million people suffer from epilepsy and 80% of epilepsy case was in the developing countries like Ethiopia. From a recent literature the prevalence quality of life in Ethiopia was 56.43. Due to different factor to contribute for the development of poor health-related quality of life that leads to the negative consequence on many patients with epilepsy; particularly in this study area, there were no studies done on the quality of life of epilepsy patients. Objective: To assess health related quality of life among epileptic patients and associated factors at Dessie referral Hospital, Amhara regional state, North East Ethiopia, 2020.Method: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April – June 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to recruit a total of 415 study participants. Informed consent was taken for each participant and data was collected using the interviewer- administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data while multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to explore factors affecting the quality of life, p≤0.05was considered as statistically significant. Result: The response rate of this study was 92.5%. Among the total study participant, 56% of them were male and their mean age of participant was 35.5 (SD±14.4) years. Regarding occupation 33.3% of the participant was unemployed. Majority 95.8% of study participants had generalized seizure and 64.3% were taken two anti-epileptic drugs. From the total study participant, 12.2% and 37% were developing depression and anxiety respectively. The mean overall health related quality of life score of this study was 51.98 (95% CI: 41.9 – 62.06) out of 100. Age, educational status, marital status, occupation, residence, history of co-morbidity, family support and recreational activity was associated with health related quality of life (p≤0.05)Conclusion: The mean overall quality of life for epileptic patients at Dessie referral hospital was low. Hence, a concerted effort must be done to improve patient quality of life towards the provided healthcare services.
The Comparison of STA-MCA Bypass and BMT for Symptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Disease A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Long-term Outcome
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Cai Shifei , Fan Hao , Peng Chao , Wu Yuzhang
Published: October 2020

Background: Superficial temporal artery (STA) - middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery now being widely used in moyamoya disease, and its therapeutic value in SICAO remains divergent. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases in Feb.2020, and updated in Jun.2019. We have strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane Bias Risk Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality of included RCTs. Review Manager 5.3 was used for analysis results in terms of comparing the STA-MCA bypass and BMT. For dichotomous variable outcomes, Risk Ratio (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated for the assessment.Results: The total patient cohort consisted of 2419 patients, of whom 1188(49.1%) patients had been grouped in STA-MCA bypass, 1231(50.9%) patients had divided into BMT group. Mean follow-up of including patients was 29 months. The RRs of the seven studies was 1.01, and the 95% confidence interval was .89-1.15, with statistical significance, Z=.13, P=.89, sustaining that STA-MCA bypass was not superior to BMT in symptomatic carotid artery occlusion disease.Conclusion: STA-MCA bypass and BMT were associated with similar rates of a composite of long-term stroke. And the risk of long-term overall stroke was mildly higher with BMT. At present, each patient should receive more precise treatment, by reasonably assess the individual differences of each patient to reduce the recurrence rate of stroke.
Investigation of Cotton Germplasm for Genetic Divergence Regarding Yield Related Trait Using Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Ullah Qudrat , Ahmad Muhammad Zulfiqar , Ullah Kalim , Sayal Obaidullah , Jamil Arshad , Mohibullah Mohammad , Ahmad Bushra
Published: October 2020

Background: Cotton is a vital fiber and cash crop in Pakistan. Genetic diversity of a germplasm play an important role for cotton breeding. One hundred and two germplasm of upland cotton were investigated for genetic divergence regarding yield related attributes using principal component analysis. The research was carried out in RCB design with 2 replications. Experiment data was recorded on various qualitative and quantitative parameters and were subjected to principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis.Results: PCA result showed that only four components were considered on account of their eigenvalue greater than 1 which contributed 65% to the total variability. Score plot showed that the suncrop-6, tipu-9, TJ-max, Deebal, CRIS-543, TH-20, Tahafuz-7, Eagle, BS-80, IUB-69, BH-221, NIAB-1048, and NIAB BT-2 showed the vertex of polygon and resulted as most divergent germplasm. Similarly cluster analysis also categorized the yield related traits into 5 main cluster. Cluster-1 contain 20 germplasm, cluster-II contain 16, and cluster-III, cluster-IV, and cluster-V comprise 13, 16, and 37 germplasm, respectively.Conclusion: Based on results, it was recommended that these genetically diverse germplasm might be used as parents that could be utilized in upcoming breeding programs.
Evaluation of biochemical defense response to Spodoptera litura infestation in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes
Authors: Hafeez Arslan , Ahmad Samina Jam Nazeer , Ahmad Jam Nazeer , Tipu Muhammad Imran , Malik Tanwir Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Background: The cotton armyworm (Spodoptera litura) is one of the most devastating pests of many economically important crops including cotton which cause substantial yield losses due to its feeding pattern on leaves and other plant parts. Plants respond to herbivore damage through an array of defense responses to ensure their survival. This study was aimed to appraise biochemical defense responses of cotton genotypes to S. litura infestation.Methods: Two Bt cotton cultivars namely Bt-886 and CIM-622 and one non-Bt PB-896 cultivar were used in the study. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions. Leaf samples for biochemical analysis were collected after 24 hrs of infestation by third instar larvae.Results: Data revealed that infestation caused significant reduction in chlorophyll pigments of all cultivars. Infestation caused a marked increase in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde concentrations as well as activities of various antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase. The levels of other secondary metabolites such as phenolics, proline and glycine betaine were also found to be higher after infestation.Conclusion: Among the cotton cultivars, cv. PB-896 was found to be considerably resistant to pest attack due to an efficient antioxidant system, lower chlorophyll degradation, and lesser accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde that manifested minimal oxidative injury.