bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snow-covered obstacles’ effect on vehicle mobility
Authors: Bodie Mark , Parker Michael , Stott Alexander , Elder Bruce
Published: November 2020

The Mobility in Complex Environments project used unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to identify obstacles and to provide path planning in forward operational locations. The UAS were equipped with remote-sensing devices, such as photogrammetry and lidar, to identify obstacles. The path-planning algorithms incorporated the detected obstacles to then identify the fastest and safest vehicle routes. Future algorithms should incorporate vehicle characteristics as each type of vehicle will perform differently over a given obstacle, resulting in distinctive optimal paths. This study explored the effect of snow-covered obstacles on dynamic vehicle response. Vehicle tests used an instrumented HMMWV (high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle) driven over obstacles with and without snow cover. Tests showed a 45% reduction in normal force variation and a 43% reduction in body acceleration associated with a 14.5 cm snow cover. To predict vehicle body acceleration and normal force response, we developed two quarter-car models: rigid terrain and deformable snow terrain quarter-car models. The simple quarter models provided reasonable agreement with the vehicle test data. We also used the models to analyze the effects of vehicle parameters, such as ground pressure, to understand the effect of snow cover on vehicle response.
Uso de herramientas digitales ante la emergencia social. Facultad de Arquitectura, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
Authors: Guzmán-Mora Alejandro , Calderón-Stamatio Sheila Elena
Published: November 2020

El siguiente artículo tiene como objetivo mostrar cómo la innovación tecnológica, las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) y el diseño instruccional son piezas que permiten implementar una plataforma digital de aprendizaje «sin plataforma»; esto mediante un entorno web, basado en un código abierto y gratuito, que haga posible establecer un sistema educativo a distancia para la conversión de asignaturas presenciales a la modalidad no presencial, abriendo un portal a la educación a distancia. Esta solución se planteó como una vía para sobrellevar la imposibilidad de impartir clases presenciales en la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo —México—, que se mantuvo cerrada por un problema de carácter político-social durante 66 días. Se presentan los resultados, así como se destaca que la puesta en red y prestación del servicio de la plataforma se dio en un período muy corto, de escasos cinco días; así mismo, se observó cómo desde la red se generan comunidades que se perfilan para ser un instrumento de cohesión social. De los resultados se destaca la funcionalidad de esta herramienta digital, para regular, mejorar y enriquecer las actividades presenciales, así como su pertinencia y necesidad, pues tiene cada vez más razón de ser, en especial frente una emergencia sanitaria mundial como la que se vive en 2020.
A Multiscale Model of Terrain Dynamics for Real-Time Earthmoving Simulation
Authors: Servin Martin , Berglund Tomas , Nystedt Samuel
Published: November 2020

A multiscale model for real-time simulation of terrain dynamics is explored. To represent the dynamics on different scales the model combines the description of soil as a continuous solid, as distinct particles and as rigid multibodies. The models are dynamically coupled to each other and to the earthmoving equipment. Agitated soil is represented by a hybrid of contacting particles and continuum solid, with the moving equipment and resting soil as geometric boundaries. Each zone of active soil is aggregated into distinct bodies, with the proper mass, momentum and frictional-cohesive properties, which constrain the equipment's multibody dynamics. The particle model parameters are pre-calibrated to the bulk mechanical parameters for a wide range of different soils. The result is a computationally efficient model for earthmoving operations that resolve the motion of the soil, using a fast iterative solver, and provide realistic forces and dynamic for the equipment, using a direct solver for high numerical precision. Numerical simulations of excavation and bulldozing operations are performed to validate model and measure the computational performance. Reference data is produced using coupled discrete element and multibody dynamics simulations at relatively high resolution. The digging resistance and soil displacements with the real-time multiscale model agree with the reference model up to 10-25%, and run more than three orders in magnitude faster.
Correlation of Dermatoglyphics in the Early Diagnosis of Dental Caries in Children in India
Authors: Jain Kritika , Dudhraj Vibhor , Mukhopadhyay Debraj , Boparai Jasdeep , Tathireddy Sandhya
Published: November 2020

Background: Dermatoglyphics defined as the study of the complex skin dermal structures covering hand and foot palmar and plantar surfaces. Upon the whole development of the structures, they are unaffected by the environment. That’s why they are considered ideal for individual identification, and to detect congenital defects. Nevertheless, the co-relation of dental caries to dermatoglyphics is still at infancy. Hence, the present research proposal will review the work conducted by various authors on application of dermatoglyphics in dentistry along with the advantages and patterns of dermatoglyphics. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence of the relationship between the dermatoglyphics and dental caries. Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be done in the ProQuest, SCIENCE DIRECT, Google Scholar, PubMed. All papers published from 1 st January 2010 to 31 st December 2019 on this topic will be searched. PRISMA guidelines will be followed. Eligibility criteria will be informed using the PICOS guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used for search and analyzed for heterogeneity. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using Newcastle-Ottawa adapted for cross-sectional studies and case control studies. Systematic Review Registration: This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020191996). Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics is a future aspect of medicine and forensic. The link between fingerprints and dental caries is still in its infancy, but in the upcoming time dermatoglyphic can be considered as the predictor of congenital abnormalities. Dermatoglyphics has shifted from darkness to diagnostic device acceptance. This can be important resource in the future that can forecast person’s oral health. Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, Dental Caries, India, Children
Genome-wide Association Study Reveals the IBSP Locus Affect Ear Size in Cattle
Authors: Shen Jiafei , Xia Xiaoting , Chen Qiuming , Zhang Fengwei , Huang Bizhi , Hanif Quratulain , Li Fangyu , Chen Ningbo , Qu Kaixing , Liu Jianyong , Zhang Jicai , Huang Yongzhen , Dang Ruihua , Lan Xianyong , Chen Hong , Jiang Yu , Lei Chuzhao
Published: November 2020

BackgroundEar size is a classical model for hot climate adaptation following evolution, however, the genetic basis of the traits associated with the ear size remains to be elucidated.ResultsIn the current study, we performed GWAS on 158 cattle individuals to to explain the genetic mechanism of ear size. The results suggested significant association of IBSP locus with ear size. A missense mutation (Threonine-250→Isoleucine) on the seventh exon of IBSP was observed, which occurred at a quite conserved site and changed the three-dimensional (3D) structure simulations. In addition to GWAS, 14 cattle breeds were screened for the selection signals associating with the ear size using Fst and SweepD. The selective sweep analysis also suggested that IBSP was under positive selection amongst 4 breeds with relatively large ear size. The allele distribution of this mutation was validated among 394 samples from 21 worldwide cattle breeds, which strongly implied the origin of the A allele mutation to be from the Bos taurus.ConclusionsThese findings not only have important theoretical significance for the exploration of major genes associated with the ear size but also provide important molecular markers for the identification of cattle germplasm resources.
Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Domestic Violence in Iranian and Afghan Pregnant Women: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Dehghan Mahlagha , Ferdosi Hakimeh , Abazari Faroukh , Farokhzadian Jamileh
Published: November 2020

Background: Domestic violence against pregnant women is becoming more frequent and intense. Studies have shown that women who were under more physical and psychological violence experienced a lot of stress and depression and had less ability to communicate with their fetuses. International statistics show a high prevalence of violence against Afghan women and the communities migrated to Afghanistan. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the maternal-fetal attachment and domestic violence between Iranian and Afghan pregnant women.Methods: This study has a descriptive-comparative cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of Iranian and Afghan pregnant women referred to Kerman Health Centers in 2018-2019. One hundred-forty-six Iranian pregnant women and 142 Afghan pregnant women were enrolled in the study by the quota sampling. Data collection tools were demographic and clinical information questionnaire, questionnaires of domestic violence against women, and maternal-fetal attachment scale. Results: The mean score of maternal-fetal attachment in Iranian and Afghan pregnant women was higher than the average. Also, scores of maternal-fetal attachment and its dimensions in Afghan pregnant women were significantly higher than that of Iranian pregnant women (P < 0.001). The mean score of domestic violence was low in Iranian and Afghan pregnant women. There was no significant difference between Iranian and Afghan pregnant women in the total score of domestic violence (P > 0.05). There was a significant inverse correlation between maternal-fetal attachment and domestic violence in Iranian pregnant women (P < 0.05). In Afghan pregnant women, there was a positive and significant correlation between maternal-fetal attachment and sexual violence in while there was a significant and reverse relationship between other dimensions of attachment and violence (P < 0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that the rate of violence in the studied populations was low, and maternal-fetal attachment rate is appropriate. The relationship between violence and mother-fetal attachment had a different pattern in Iranian and Afghan women. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate the factors affecting maternal-fetal attachment, especially in Afghan women.
Restoration Method of Sootiness Mural Images Based on Dark Channel Prior and Retinex by Bilateral Filter
Authors: Cao Ning , Lyu Shuqiang , Hou Miaole , Wang Wanfu , Gao Zhenhua , Shaker Ahmed , Dong Youqiang
Published: November 2020

Environmental changes and human activities can cause serious degradation of murals, where sootiness is one of the most common problems of ancient Chinese indoor murals. In order to improve the visual quality of the murals, a restoration method is proposed for sootiness murals based on dark channel prior and Retinex by bilateral filter using hyperspectral imaging technology. First, radiometric correction and denoising through band clipping and minimum noise fraction rotation forward and inverse transform were applied to the hyperspectral data of the sootiness mural to produce its denoised reflectance image. Second, a near-infrared band was selected from the reflectance image and combined with the green and blue visible bands to synthesize a pseudo color image for the subsequent sootiness removal processing. The near-infrared band is selected because it is better penetrating the sootiness layer to a certain extent comparing to other bands. Third, the sootiness covered on the pseudo color image was preliminarily removed by using the method of dark channel prior and by adjusting the brightness of the image. Finally, the Retinex by bilateral filter was performed on the image to get the final restored image, where the sootiness was removed. The results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the influence of sootiness on the mural image and improve its visual quality. It can also be used to reveal the original appearance of the mural to reasonable extent.
Validation of Passive Samplers for Monitoring of Acetic and Formic Acid in Museum Environments
Authors: Kraševec Ida , Menart Eva , Strlič Matija , Cigić Irena Kralj
Published: November 2020

Acetic acid and formic acid are volatile pollutants leading to degradation of some heritage materials. They are usually determined in museum environments with various types of passive samplers. In this work, SKC UMEx 200 passive samplers, originally intended for sampling of NO2 and SO2, have been validated for sampling of these organic acids. The sampling rates, extraction efficiency, loss through reverse diffusion or during storage, capacity, and detection limits were determined for both acids. For laboratory exposure, a known concentration of both acids was prepared in a flow-through reactor system at controlled temperature and humidity, the samplers were extracted, followed by analysis using ion chromatography. The sampling rates were determined to be 16.7 ml/min for acetic and 17.7 ml/min for formic acid and the detection limits for 7-day exposure were determined to be 2.1 µg/m3 for acetic and 1.9 µg/m3 for formic acid. The validated method was finally used for sampling of air in two case studies at the National Museum of Slovenia, where the concentrations in the range of 2-54 µg/m3 were determined.
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma with Abrupt Transition of Low-Grade and High-Grade Dedifferentiated Components ：A Case Report
Authors: WEN YANG , HE XIANGLEI , ZHAO MING
Published: November 2020

Background: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a unique subtype ofliposarcoma, which has obvious histological heterogeneity. In affected patients, the condition typically manifests as the dedifferentiation of high-grade histological morphology, but it may also manifest as the dedifferentiation of low-grade histological morphology. In some cases, unique histological or immunophenotypic characteristics are observed. We describe, herein, a rare case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma, in which the high-grade and low-grade dedifferentiated components coexisted with a relatively sharp transition in pathology.Case presentation: A 69-year-old woman with severe abdominal pain lasting for 1 hour presented to our hospital. Physical examination revealed a mobile large left abdominal mass, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a huge mass with typical fat components and the non-fatty nodule in the left retroperitoneal cavity. After laparotomy, histologic analysis of the specimens could find the ALT/WDLPS and DDLPS components. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis suggested the presence of MDM2 gene amplification. These findings supported a diagnosis of DDLPS.Conclusion: In our case, the high-grade and low-grade dedifferentiated components coexisted with a relatively sharp transition in pathology. We hypothesize that low-grade dedifferentiation may be a precursor to high-grade dedifferentiation. MRI images cannot distinguish the two components.
Clinicopathological and Genomic Analysis of a Chinese ccRCC Patient with Multiple Morphologies and Rapid Progression : A Case Report
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Junyun , Liang Yunshi , Wang Jianfei , Xv Jin , Liu Guorong , Tang Xiubo , Tang Zhaoliang , Zhang Jinxiang , Huang Yunhai , Yuan Hong , Chen Yehui
Published: November 2020

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with sarcomatoid differentiation and multiple metastases is highly aggressive RCC with poor prognosis. However, there are not sufficient report on the genetic alterations and tumor immune microenviroment (TIME) of RCC with complex pathological morphology and aggressive behavior.Case presentation: A rare Chinese RCC case with complex pathological morphology and multiple subcutaneous and soft tissue metastases was reported. The clinical manifestations, histomorphology, immunophenotype and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. We performed target region sequencing and immunohistochemistry staining in different morphological regions of the primary tumor and the peritoneal metastasis. Microscopically, this primary tumor was composed of three different histological variations, including ccRCC like region, eosinophilic papillary structure and sarcomatoid differentiation. The peritoneal metastasis partially showed rhabdoid differentiation. IHC staining didn’t display positivity for characteristic markers. IHC for inflammatory cells showed that CD8+T cells and tumor associated neutrophils (TANs) were significantly increased in the sarcomatous areas and peritoneal metastatic tumor. Genomic analysis indicated that VHL mutations were present in all types of pathological regions and peritoneal metastatic tumor. Therefore, the pathological diagnosis of high-grade ccRCC with sarcomatoid differentiation was established. Additionally, we also found SETD2, TP53 and PDGFRA mutations were observed in sarcomatoid tumor area, whereas BRCA2, ATR, CYLD, YAP1 and COL5A3 mutations were specifically detected in peritoneal metastases. These findings are rather striking because some genes e.g., ATR serine/threonine kinase (ATR) and Hippo signaling (YAP1), PI3K-Akt signaling (PDGFRA) and T cell receptor signaling (COL5A3) were previously reported to be very rare in ccRCC patients.Conclusions: Using next-generation sequencing and TIME analysis, multiple low-frequency mutant genes including PDGFRA, ATR, YAP1 and COL5A3 and increased CD8+ T cells and neutrophils were detected in this rare Chinese ccRCC. These findings potentially provide new evidence and molecular markers for accurately assessing the biological behavior of ccRCC.
Trigger Team Activation for Acute Patients. A Cohort Study at a Level 1 University Hospital in Denmark
Authors: Posth Stefan , Froberg Lonnie , Bak Søren , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Brabrand Mikkel , Lassen Annmarie
Published: November 2020

Background: While patients with major trauma, suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or stroke have implemented pathways for quick access to specialized trigger teams, other patients with time dependent diseases present with less obvious aetiology and have less documented pathways at arrival to the hospital. Aim: To describe the number, diagnosis and prognosis of patients arriving to the trigger teams for trauma, suspected STEMI, suspected stroke, and Medical emergency patients (MEP) Method: Retrospective cohort study of all patients who between November 2012 and September 2015 had either a trauma, STEMI, stroke or MEP trigger team activation at arrival to Odense University Hospital – a level 1 trauma centre, a direct referral centre for patients with suspected STEMI to the catheterization laboratory or stroke, and with a trigger team at emergency department arrival of MEP patients from the local area. Results: There were 8,075 activations of a trigger team at hospital arrival, median 7.6 calls per day (range 1-18); 16.7% trauma, 28.3% STEMI, 19.7% stroke and 35.3% MEP calls. This corresponds to 161/100,000 person years (py) with trauma calls, 64/100,000 py STEMI calls, 72/100,000 py stroke calls and 340/100,000 py MEP calls. Patients from the different calls had a 30-day mortality of 12% (trauma), 8% (STEMI), 5% (stroke), and 25% (MEP). Whereas patients from trauma, STEMI and stroke calls were mainly discharged within a few ICD10 (International classification of diseases, version 10) main coding areas, patients from MEP calls had discharge diagnosis within many different ICD10 main coding areas. Conclusion: Trauma, STEMI and stroke trigger teams are used at a daily base, treat a prehospitally well-defined patient population and have a relatively low 7-day mortality. Patients with MEP calls are more frequent, have a diverse aetiology and a higher mortality than patients in the other trigger teams.
Effect of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Pediatric Patients’ Admissions to the Emergency Department in an Italian Orthopedic Trauma Hub
Authors: Verdoni Fabio , Ricci Martina , grigoli Cristina Di , Rossi Nicolò , Curci Domenico , Lombardo Michele Davide Maria , Viganò Marco , Accetta Riccardo , Mangiavini Laura , Peretti Giuseppe Maria
Published: November 2020

Background: The rapid diffusion of Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Northern Italy led Italian government to dictate national lockdown since March 12th 2020 to May 5th 2020. Aim of the study is to analyze the differences in the number of pediatric patients’ admission to the Emergency Room (ER) and in the type and causes of injury. Methods: The pediatric population was divided in a Pandemic group (PG) and Non-Pandemic group (NP). Sex, age, triage color-code at admission, declared cause of trauma and presence of symptoms related to COVID-19 infection, discharge diagnosis and discharge modes were investigated. Results: The Lockdown period led to a reduction of 87.0% in the ER admissions with a particular decrease in patients older than 12 years old from 41.8% in NG to 22.3% in PG. Moreover, a trend towards more severe codes was observed in the PG and the diagnosis of fracture was less frequent in NG (p<0,0001) and injuries at home were more frequent (34.8% compared to 6.8% in NG).Conclusions: A significant decrease in the ER attendances in our Trauma Hub center was reported after the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a shift in the cause and type of injury undoubtedly was observed and only the most serious traumas sought the medical care with an higher percentage of severe triage codes and fractures.Level of evidence: III
Two Hyperparasitaemic Plasmodium Falciparum Cases Successfully Treated with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy
Authors: Mukhi Benudhar , Anvikar Anupkumar R. , Srivast Bina , Gupta Himanshu , Ghosh Susanta Kumar
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHyperparasitaemia is an important event in a cascade of Plasmodium falciparum severe malaria (SM) but requires host responses to cause cerebral malaria (CM) leading to death, if left untreated. Here, we report two hyperparasitaemic patients with no CM.MethodsMalaria diagnosis was performed based on thick and thin smears examination, and immunochromatographic-based rapid diagnostic test assay. Parasitaemia was calculated following World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. Haematological and biochemical investigations were also performed. ResultsThe first patient had 42% parasitaemia (100% asexual parasites). The second one had 9.5% parasitaemia comprising 46% asexual, and 54% sexual stages with 1:1 male to female ratio. On the day of admission, both had presented abnormal haematological and biochemical parameters compared to the reference ranges. Remarkably, both the patients recovered successfully with oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and a single dose of primaquine.ConclusionThe presence of hypergametocytaemia may hinder the elimination efforts, if not treated immediately. This report also signifies the need of accurately estimating the parasitaemia in malaria patients and their timely management to prevent complications and mortality.
Correlation Between Small and Dense Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Events in Beijing Community Population
Authors: Wang Xiaona , wang Liang , Cao Ruihua , Yang Xu , Xiao Wenkai , Zhang Yun , Ye Ping
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe relationship between small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) and different cardiovascular events has been observed in several large community studies, and the results have been controversial. However, there is currently no cross-sectional or longitudinal follow-up study on sdLDL-C in the Chinese hypertension population.MethodsWe analyzed the association of plasma sdLDL-C levels with major adverse cardiovascular events in 1325 subjects from a longitudinal follow-up community-based population in Beijing, China.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, a total of 191 subjects had MACEs. Cox regression analysis showed that sdLDL-C is a major risk factor for MACEs independent of sex, age, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, SBP, DBP, FBG, eGFR in the general community population (1.013 (1.001 -1.025, P <0.05)), but the correlation disappeared after adjusting for TC and HDL-C in Model 3. Cox analysis showed that hypertension combined with high level of sdLDL-C was still the risk factor for MACEs ((2.079 (1.039-4.148)).ConclusionsOur findings in the Chinese cohort support that sdLDL-C is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events in hypertension subjects.
The Effects of Sub-Faults Strike Direction and Landslide Energy on the Propagation of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Setyonegoro Wiko , Febriani Febty , Muzli Muzli , Supendi Pepen , Yuliatmoko Rahmat Setyo , Rohadi Supriyanto , Riama Nelly Florida , Karnawati Dwikorita
Published: November 2020

We carried out a tsunami simulation of the 2011 (Mw 9.0) Tohoku earthquake. We analyze the tsunami run-up modeling by applying additional variables to seismic moment and moment magnitude equation to find out what extent it affects of sub-faults strike direction and landslide energy to tsunami propagation. To investigate the accuracy of run-up and inundation of the tsunami, we processed and analyzed the mainshock and aftershocks by applying scaling law method and inundation equation. We applied the aftershocks data to determine the wide area of the fault. The fault is divided into several sub-faults to make simulation design and scaling formulation adjustment. Each of sub-faults strike direction on simulation design has a different energy one another, which is determined by the strike direction of each fault position. Furthermore, we calculated the affects of submarine landslides on tsunami propagation. To obtain the variable of resultant energy of earthquake and landslide it performed by using the law of mechanical energy conservation. We applied both L-2008 and ComMIT tools for processing tsunami simulation modeling. The result presents that the sub-fault strike direction and landslide energy can increase the propagation energy of the tsunami waves.
Supporting the Classification of Patients in Public Hospitals in Chile by Designing, Deploying and Validating a System Based on Natural Language Processing
Authors: Villena Fabián , Perez Jorge , Lagos René , Dunstan Jocelyn
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIn Chile, a patient needing a specialty consultation or surgery has to first be referred by a general practitioner, then placed on a waiting list. The Explicit Health Guarantees (GES in Spanish) ensure, by law, the maximum time to solve an important set of health problems. Usually, a health professional manually verifies if each referral, written in natural language, corresponds or not to a GES-covered disease. An error in this classification is catastrophic for patients, as it puts them on a non-prioritized waiting list, characterized by prolonged waiting times. MethodsTo support the manual process, we developed and deployed a system that automatically classifies referrals as GES-covered or not using historical data. Our system is based on word embeddings specially trained for clinical text produced in Chile. We used a vector representation of the reason for referral and patient's age as features for training machine learning models using human-labeled historical data. We constructed a ground truth dataset combining classifications made by three healthcare experts, which was used to validate our results.ResultsThe best performing model over ground truth reached an AUC score of 0.94. During seven months of continuous and voluntary use, the system has amended 87 patient misclassifications.ConclusionThis system is a result of a collaboration between technical and clinical experts, and the design of the classifier was custom-tailored for a hospital's clinical workflow, which encouraged the voluntary use of the platform. Our solution can be easily expanded across other hospitals since the registry is uniform in Chile.
Passive Biaxial Ankle Movement Training with Electrical Stimulation for Ankle Sensorimotor Function in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Cho Ji-Eun , Shin Joon-Ho , Kim Hogene
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPost stroke had both ankle sensory and motor impairments that affect ankle motor control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of passive biaxial ankle movement training coupled with electrical stimulation (AMT-EST) on ankle proprioception, ankle strength, balance, and gait in chronic stroke. MethodsThirty-five stroke subjects were randomized to an experimental or control group, and 30 subjects completed the trials. The experimental group received AMT-EST on the affected ankle for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks, for a total of 20 sessions. The control group received electrical stimulation therapy on the affected ankle. The primary outcome measures were ankle proprioception, passive range of motion, and strength. The secondary outcome measures were balance and gait-related functional abilities. ResultsThe experimental group showed significant post-training improvement in ankle proprioception of eversion, the ankle passive range of motion (inversion and eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion) Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FM-A), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test, Fall Efficacy Scale, and walking speed (p < 0.05). Significant group×time interactions were observed in ankle passive range of motion (inversion and eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion), and FM-A (p < 0.05). All ankle proprioception moderately correlated with ankle passive range of motion (eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion and eversion), the BBS, and FM-A (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe findings suggest that AMT-EST can be proposed as an ankle rehabilitation program for people with chronic stroke with ankle sensorimotor impairment.Trial Registration﻿KCT0004688. Registered 01 Jan 2020
Use of long-lasting insecticidal nets among women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Bayelsa State, Nigeria 2019
Authors: Ibegu Maria Imaobong , Hamza Khadeejah Liman , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Numbere Tamuno-Wari , Ndoreraho Adolphe , Dahiru Tukur
Published: November 2020

Background: Malaria in pregnancy remains a major contributor to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality despite scale up in interventions. Its prevention is one of the major interventions in reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. We assessed the ownership, utilization and predictors of use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) for malaria prevention among women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at a tertiary hospital in Bayelsa State Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 297 women recruited through systematic sampling. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, ownership, source and utilization of LLINs, were collected with a pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. We examined the relationship between use of LLIN and sociodemographic characteristics using chi square and logistic regression at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of respondents was 28.8 ± 2.6 years. Most (59.2%) had tertiary education and were mainly (88.2%) urban dwellers. Two hundred and fifty (84.2%) owned LLINs, and 196 (78%) used LLIN the night prior to the interview. Almost half of the respondents purchased their LLINs. Those who purchased LLINs were 3 times more likely to have used it (OR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.62-6.04) compared to those that got it free. Those who were gainfully employed (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.59-6.29) and those who earned above the minimum wage (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.45-5.72) were 3 times more likely to have used LLIN in their index pregnancy. Conclusion: The use of LLIN as a preventive measure against malaria was relatively high among the participants in this study, though still below national target. The major factors determining the use of LLIN among these women were purchase of LLINs and being gainfully employed. We recommend that efforts should be made to enforce the policy of free LLINs at ANC registration at the tertiary hospitals, as this would further drive up ownership and utilization rates.
Gender differences in the efficacy of pioglitazone treatment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients with abnormal glucose metabolism
Authors: Yan Hongmei , Wu Weiyun , Chang Xinxia , Xia Mingfeng , Ma Sicheng , Wang Liu , Gao Jian
Published: November 2020

Background: Pioglitazone is a promising therapeutic method for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with or without type 2 diabetes. However, there is remarkable variability in treatment response. We analyzed our previous randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of gender and other factors on the efficacy of pioglitazone in treating Chinese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of a previous randomized, parallel controlled, open-label clinical trial (RCT)* with an original purpose of evaluating the efficacy of berberine and pioglitazone on NAFLD. The total population (n= 185) was randomly divided into three groups: lifestyle intervention (LSI), LSI + pioglitazone (PGZ) 15 mg qd, and LSI + berberine (BBR) 0.5 g tid, respectively, for 16 weeks. The study used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H- MRS) to assess liver fat content. Results: As compared with LSI, PGZ + LSI treatment further decreased liver fat content in women (-15.24% ± 14.54% vs. -8.76% ± 13.49%, p = 0.025), but less decreased liver fat content in men (-9.95% ± 15.18% vs. -12.64% ± 17.78%, p = 0.046). There was a significant interaction between gender and efficacy of pioglitazone before and after adjustment for age, smoking, drinking, baseline BMI, BMI change, treatment adherence, baseline liver fat content, and glucose metabolism.Conclusion: The study recommends pioglitazone plus lifestyle intervention for Chinese NAFLD female patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.* Trial registration: Role of Pioglitazone and Berberine in Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, NCT00633282. Registered 3 March 2008, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov.
Low Arterial Oxygen Partial Pressure Induces Pulmonary Thrombocytopenia in Patients and a Mouse Model.
Authors: Wu Limeng , Guo Ninghong , Xu Zhenyan , Wang Wei , Xiong Qinmei , Hu Jinzhu , Wan Rong , Hong Kui
Published: November 2020

Background: Recent basic studies demonstrate that the lung is a primary organ of platelet biogenesis. However, whether the pathophysiological state of the lung affect the platelets is little known. We aim to investigate the incidence of thrombocytopenia in patients with pulmonary infection (PIN) and risk factors associated with pulmonary thrombocytopenia. Methods: In total, 11941 patients with pulmonary infection (PIN) were enrolled, and patients with other three infectious diseases were collected as controls. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was compared, and the risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia in PIN patients were investigated by multivariate analysis. To explore the mechanism of thrombocytopenia, hypoxic model was constructed. Blood platelet counts from the angular vein (PLTs), left ventricle (PLTpost) and right ventricle (PLTpre) were determined. Megakaryocytes identified by anti-CD41 antibody were detected through flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Results: The incidence of thrombocytopenia in PIN was higher than that in other three infectious diseases (9.8% vs 6.4%~5.0%, P<0.001). Low arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) was an important risk factor for thrombocytopenia (OR=0.88; P<0.001). In a hypoxic mouse model, PLTs were decreased (518.38±127.92 vs 840.75±77.30, P<0.05), which showed that low PaO2 induce thrombocytopenia. The difference between the PLTpost and PLTpre (△PLTpost-pre), represent the production of platelets in the lungs, was significantly attenuated in hypoxic mice when compared with normoxic mice (F=25.47, P<0.05). Additionally, proportions of CD41-positive megakaryocytes in the lungs, marrow, spleen were all decreased in hypoxic mice. Conclusion: There is a high incidence for thrombocytopenia in PIN patients. Low PaO2-induced thrombocytopenia is associated with impaired generation of platelet in the lungs.
Astragaloside IV suppressed hippocampal GABAergic synaptic transmission and enhanced memory through EGR-1 mediated BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in mice
Authors: Huang Fei , Xue Weixuan , Lan Yunyi , Tao Yanlin , Zhou Jin , Yang Liu , Guan Hao , Shi Hailian , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wu Xiaojun , Hu Zhibi
Published: November 2020

Background: Astragaloside IV (ASIV) is one of the saponins isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine and a health product sold all over the world. However, so far, the effect of ASIV on GABAergic synaptic transmission has not been elucidated yet. In the present study, the effect of ASIV on memory and hippocampal GABAergic synaptic transmission was investigated in wild type and early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1) knockout mice. Methods: Behavioral tests including radial-arm maze test and shuttle-box test, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, western blotting analysis, quantitative PCR, electrophysiological recording, and electron microscopy were used in this study. Results: ASIV was shown to enhance the learning and memory of mice in behavioral tests, such as radial-arm maze test and shuttle-box test. It significantly reduced the concentration of GABA, the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 2 (GAD65) as well as the ratio of inhibitory synapses in mouse hippocampus, which was accompanied with a suppression of hippocampal spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents. ASIV administration decreased the expression of EGR-1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampus. Furthermore, blockage of BDNF/TrkB signaling with K-252a abrogated the effect of ASIV on GAD65 expression. When EGR-1 was knocked out, the promotive effects of ASIV on learning and memory, as well as the inhibitory effects on GABAergic synaptic transmission and GAD65, BDNF and TrkB expression, were abolished. In addition, ASIV was found to down-regulate the pre-existing EGR-1 baseline to better adapt to the learning stimuli. Conclusions: Together, these results demonstrated a novel role of ASIV in enhancing memory and reducing hippocampal GABAergic synaptic transmission through EGR-1 mediated BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in mice.
Is It Still Possible to Reduce Population Salt Intake in Absence of Adequate National Policies and Regulations? A Randomized Field Trial, Social Marketing Intervention
Authors: Nejad Marzeyeh Soleymani , Keshavarz-Mohamadi Nastaran , Ramezankhani Ali , Omidvar Nasrin , Zayeri Farid
Published: November 2020

Background: High salt intake is one of the most important causes of some serious health problems. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a salt intake reduction intervention based on social marketing model in Ahwaz city, Iran.Methods: In this field trial experimental study, two similar residential complexes were selected using purposive sampling technique, and randomly assigned into intervention or control groups. In each residential complex, 130 women were selected using systematic random sampling. SMART model was applied as the social marketing planning tool. A formative research including audience, market, and channel analysis were conducted through two focus group discussions, a survey to identify cognitive and behavioral determinants of salt intake, and a salt intake assessment using 24-hour urine test for both groups. Based on the results of the formative research phase, an intervention plan was developed and implemented for 1 month in the intervention group. Post intervention assessment was conducted 1 month after the intervention by repeating the survey and the urine test. Statistical tests including independent T-Test and paired T-Test were used to compare the experimental and control groups. Results: Mean salt intake level before the intervention was 8574.41 mg/d in the intervention group and 8282.23 mg/d in the control group. Mean total scores of cognitive and behavioral factors was 25.32 and 26.41 out of 59 for the intervention and the control group respectively. After the intervention, daily salt intake decreased significantly by 1558.83 mg/d (16%) (P<0.001) and mean total scores of cognitive and behavioral factors increased significantly by 10.73 (p<0.001) in the intervention group.Conclusions: Despite the lack of public policies to decrease population salt intake, interventions based on social marketing can significantly reduce salt intake. However, long-term effect of such interventions will require further investigation.
Testicular Cancer Awareness among Men Residing in the Maltese Islands
Authors: Marmarà Vincent , Aquilina Reginald , Formosa Elyse , Hubbard Gill , Marmarà Danika
Published: November 2020

BackgroundTesticular cancer (TC) accounts for around one percent of all cancers in men. Early detection is of utmost importance for recovery and survivorship. Testicular self-examination (TSE) has been shown to be effective in preventing late-stage TC diagnosis. However, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of both TC and TSE in men. Increasing such awareness may contribute towards earlier TC detection and positive outcomes. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of a representative sample of the Maltese male population on TC and TSE. It also explores men’s willingness to learn about and perform TSE as well as their suggested approaches for TC and TSE information provision.MethodsA telephone interview approach was chosen using an interview schedule, developed based on established literature. Data were collected from a random sample of 400 male respondents aged 16 years or over and stratified according to all ages and districts of Malta. ResultsThe findings of this study indicate that Maltese males lack knowledge on TC and how to carry out TSE. Only 36.9% respondents had knowledge on how to perform TSE and 33.9% had practised TSE at least once in their lives. Higher educated, higher income and younger respondents scored better. This study also found that only 9.6% of respondents were informed by a doctor about TSE, indicating a notable gap in information provision. However, 87.3% of respondents knew that TC can be treated if identified at an early stage and 90.2% of males were ready to perform TSE on a regular basis if informed how to perform it. The majority of participants believed that increasing awareness of TC and TSE is important. ConclusionsKnowledge on TC and TSE is low in Malta. Health education campaigns are needed to inform the general population about the risks of TC and how to perform TSE. Such campaigns could improve early detection and hence a decrease in the number of advanced TC cases. The findings of this study are being used by the Ministry for Health and the Marigold Foundation to launch campaigns to raise awareness about TC and TSE.
Network Analysis, and Experimental Validation to Uncover the Mechanism of the Four Compounds in Artemisia annua (Qing Hao) Antimalarial
Authors: zhao yuping , Zhang Xiao-bo , Xu Hai-yu , Wang Ling , Huang Lu-qi
Published: November 2020

Background: Artemisinin is widely used to treat malaria, but the antimalarial mechanism and coordinative interactions governing the actions of artemisinin, scopoletin, arteannuin B and artemisinic acid have not been elucidated. Methods: Based on the existence of antimalarial drugs, the antimalaria targets of artemisinin, scopoletin, arteannuin B and artemisinic acid were investigated by molecular docking using the similarity theory of chemical structure, and the antimalaria mechanism of scopoletin and its coordinative antimalaria interactions with the other three ingredients of the mixture were subsequently examined. Results: Using the text information excavation method, the relevant proteins involved in the antimalarial effect of artemisinin were IL-6, ACHE, PC3, IPOB, CYC, TNF-α, UGT1A9, CASP3, XDH, IL-1β, VEGF, CAT, CREB, AMPK, UGT1A6, ADR, MAPK, COX2, LB24AB and CYP450. The relevant proteins involved in the antimalarial effect of scopoletin were TNF-α, PI3K, IL-8, IL- 6, VEGF, IL-1β, MAPK, CD4, SP2, CTNNB, CASP3, PRO1400, IgE, IL-4, ICAM1, p38, STAT3, TLR4 and API4. However, arteannuin B and artemisinic acid had little relevance to the abovementioned proteins. The interaction property between TNF-α and Artemisia annua was that the effect of the mixture of artemisinin, scopoletin, arteannuin B and artemisinic acid was greater than that of artemisinin alone, and the synergistic effect of the four elements was considered beneficial to the progress of antimalarial treatment. Conclusion: The antimalarial targets of Artemisia annua ingredients were examined using data mining methods, and the antimalarial effect of scopoletin may be related to TNF. The combined application of the four elements achieved the same antimalarial effect and reduced the clinical use of artemisinin and scopoletin.
Challenges and Opportunities for School-based Sexual and Reproductive Health Education: A Qualitative Study with Bangladeshi Islamic Leaders
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Arousell Jonna , Essén Birgitta , Ugarte William
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIt has been argued that Islamic leaders’ views are of utmost importance to designing a comprehensive sexual education (CSE) curriculum. Therefore, this study explored how Islamic leaders in Bangladesh present, argue for and against, and negotiate views on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education for adolescents. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Imams using thematic analysis. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas, specifically the capital, Dhaka, as well as several rural villages in the Cumilla district.ResultsWe found three main themes 1) appropriate topics for SRH education, 2) appropriate methods for SRH education, and 3) conservative versus progressive views. ConclusionWe conclude that Islamic leaders seemed willing to try finding ways to support more comprehensive and liberal SRH education if they would be encouraged by reflective and inclusive dialogue. This study presents an empirically grounded opportunity for policy makers to consider the future role for religious leaders in the provision of SRH in Bangladesh.