bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autodeterminación y control glucémico en adultos con diabetes tipo 2
Authors: González JR Arturo , Gutiérrez-Valverde Juana Mercedes , Guevara-Valtier Milton Carlos , Pacheco-Pérez Luis Arturo , Mendoza-Catalán Geu Salomé
Published: May 2020

La diabetes mellitus es considerada una amenaza para salud pública a nivel mundial, donde los profesionales de salud comunitaria son claves para lograr la autodeterminación y control glucémico. Objetivo. El propósito del estudio fue conocer la relación entre la autodeterminación y el control glucémico en adultos con diabetes tipo 2. Método. El diseño del estudio es descriptivo correlacional, se calculó la muestra considerando un nivel de significancia de .05 y una potencia del 90%, obteniéndose un total de 204 adultos que acudieron a clínicas universitarias. Resultados. El 51.4% de los participantes presentó descontrol glucémico. No se encontró relación entre la autodeterminación para dieta (rs=.023; p=.745) y ejercicio (rs= -.008; p=.911) con el control glucémico. Se identificó que la edad se relacionó con la motivación externa para ejercicio (rs=.320; p=.001) y para dieta (rs=.225; p=.001) y que los años de diagnóstico se relacionaron con el control glucémico (rs=.264; p=.001). Conclusiones. La autodeterminación (motivación interna) es importante en la vida de las personas con DT2, influyendo en la dieta y el ejercicio físico, pero no directamente en el control glucemico de la las personas con diabetes tipo 2.
Drivers and their influences on variation of aboveground carbon removals in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania
Authors: Manyanda Bernardol John , Nzunda Emmanuel Fred , Mugasha Wilson Ancelm , Malimbwi Rogers Ernest
Published: May 2020

Background

Removals caused by both natural and anthropogenic drivers such as logging and fire causes substantial carbon emissions. Better insights into drivers and their variations of aboveground carbon removals is therefore needed. We assessed the drivers of aboveground carbon (AGC) removals and quantified the dynamics of removals-induced carbon emissions due to drivers using the National Forest Resources Assessment and Monitoring (NAFORMA) data sets in R software. Miombo woodlands which is the largest forest formations covering about 93% of forest land in mainland Tanzania was the case study.
Results

Drivers of AGC removals in miombo woodlands of mainland Tanzania in order of importance were; timber, fire, shifting cultivation, charcoal, natural death, firewood collection, poles, grazing by wildlife animals, carvings, grazing by domestic animals, and mining. The average AGC removals by drivers range from 0.0–1.273tCha− 1year− 1.
Conclusions

Increased mitigation efforts in addressing removals by timber, fires, shifting cultivation, charcoal and natural death would be effective in addressing forest degradation in the REDD + process in Tanzania. Since NAFORMA provides national picture on drivers and their variation on AGC removals, site-specific studies need to be conducted to bring information that would be used for local forest management. This kind of study need to be conducted in other vegetation types like Montane and Mangrove forest in Tanzania.
Gastric and Urinary Bladder Pressures Correlate with Intra-abdominal Pressure in Patients with Morbid Obesity
Authors: Hamoud Shadi , Abdelgani Siham , Mekel Michal , Kinaneh Safa , Mahajna Ahmad
Published: May 2020

Background

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) affects cardio-respiratory and hemodynamic parameters and can be measured directly or indirectly by measuring gastric or urinary bladder pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between IAP, gastric pressure and urinary bladder pressure in patients with morbid obesity, at normal and elevated levels of IAP in two positions. As well, to examine the effects of increasing IAP and patient's position on hemodynamic and respiratory parameters.
Methods

Twelve patients undergoing bariatric surgery were included. IAP, gastric pressure, and urinary bladder pressure were measured while patients were in the supine position and after 45o anti-Trendelenburg tilt. Mean inspiratory pressure, peak inspiratory pressure, and tidal volume were recorded and assessed.
Results

In supine position; directly measured IAP was 9.1 ± 1.8 mmHg, compared to 10 ± 3.6 and 8.9 ± 2.9 mmHg in the stomach and bladder, respectively. Increasing IAP to 15 mmHg resulted in an increased gastric pressure of 17 ± 3.8 mmHg, and urinary bladder pressure of 14.8 ± 3.9 mmHg. Gastric and urinary bladder pressures strongly correlated with IAP (R = 0.875 and 0.847, respectively). With 45o anti-Trendelenburg tilt; directly measured IAP was 9.4 ± 2.2 mmHg, and pressures of 10.8 ± 3.8 mmHg and 9.2 ± 3.8 mmHg were measured in the stomach and the bladder, respectively. Increasing IAP to 15 mmHg resulted in elevating gastric and bladder pressures to 16.6 ± 5.3 and 13.3 ± 4 mmHg, respectively. Gastric and urinary bladder pressures had good correlation with IAP (R = 0.843 and 0.819, respectively). Changing patient position from supine to 45o anti-Trendelenburg position resulted in decreased mean and peak inspiratory pressures, and increased tidal volume.
Conclusions

Basal IAP is high in patients with morbid obesity. IAP shows positive correlation to gastric and urinary bladder pressures at both normal and elevated levels of IAP. Anti-Trendelenburg tilt of mechanically ventilated morbidly obese patients resulted in favorable effects on respiratory parameters.
Discrepancy Between Normal Tension Glaucoma and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma with Confocal Microscopy Examination of Corneal Nerves
Authors: Liu Ziyuan , Jing Dalan , Chou Yilin , Wang Haikun , Gao Shuang , Wang Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

To investigate the morphological features of corneal subbasal nerve plexus (CSNP) and Langerhans cells (LCs) in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)
Methods

Ten eyes with NTG (8 untreated), 23 eyes with POAG (9 untreated) and 31 eyes of healthy subjects were recruited. CSNP and LCs were assessed by corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT). CCM parameters including nerve fiber length (FL), branch number (BN), nerve width (NW), nerve reflectivity (NR), total and local nerve tortuosity (NT) as well as type 1 and type 2 LCs were compared across all groups, as well as between the topical medication treated and the nontreated patients.
Results
The NTG had the longest FL(3494.60 ± 523.01), most BN(19.78 ± 5.56), thinnest NW(2.96 ± 1.20), lowest reflectivity (143.03 ± 14.01) and most tortuosity (1.09 ± 0.07) compared with POAG and the normal. The POAG had similar CSNP to the normal. Same results were also found in untreated NTG and untreated POAG. Untreated NTG (3/8), untreated POAG(3/9) and treated POAG (7/14) had significantly more type 2 LCs than the normal (3/31). The treated POAG had longer FL (3240.71 ± 627.81), more BN(19.04 ± 4.58), NW(3.66 ± 0.54), NR(154.65 ± 13.95), more NT(1.07 ± 0.03) than the nontreated but with no significant difference. BN had significant correlations with RNFL thickness in both NTG and POAG groups.
Conclusions

The NTG had characteristic CSNP quite different from that in the POAG and the normal, while the latter two shared more morphological features. The CCM parameters had associations with the RNFL thickness. Untreated glaucoma patients had obvious immature LCs indicating their relationship to ocular surface inflammation.
De novo transcriptome sequencing and gene expression profiling of Pinus sibirica under different cold stresses
Authors: Zhao Xiyang , Wang Fang , Chen Song , Lu Zhimin , Yang Yuchun , Tigabu Mulualem
Published: May 2020

Background: Pinus sibirica is an evergreen conifer tree species with strong cold stress. However, the transcriptional regulation patterns in response to cold stress have not been reported for P. Sibirica. To gain deeper insights into its regulation process of cold tolerance, transcriptome profiling analyses and 12 physiological indices measurement were performed under cold stress (-20 ℃) over time. Results: More than 54.1 million clean reads were produced, which were assembled into 97,376 unigenes. Among them, 56,994 unigenes had homology with known genes, 36,836 were assigned to 51 GO (gene ontology) categories and 46,972 were assigned to 24 COG (clusters of orthologous group) categories. P. sibirica showed the highest similarity with sequences from Picea sitchensis. In total, 871, 1397 and 872 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) were identified upon exposure to cold for 6 h, 24 h and 48 h at -20 ℃, respectively. Nine physiological indices increased significantly (P<0.05) under cold stress, including membrane permeability, relative conductivity, reactive oxygen species, malonaldehyde, peroxidase activity, catalase activity, soluble sugar, soluble protein and proline content. With extension of the cold stress time, 9 physiological indices generally showed a trend toward first an increase and then a decrease. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in P. sibirica dropped sharply (P<0.05) in response to cold stress, and they were also decreased significantly (P<0.05) with extension of the stress time at -20 ℃.Conclusions: There were two cold signal transduction pathways in P. sibirica, the Ca2+ and ABA (abscisic acid) pathways. The AP2 (ethylene-responsive transcription factor) family and some other transcription factors played an important role in transcriptional regulation. P. sibirica underwent antioxidant and osmotic regulation with changes in the expression of genes related to cold resistance. Photosynthesis was inhibited, and more DEGs associated with photosynthesis were downregulated under cold stress. The DEGs identified in cold signal sensing and transduction and transcriptional, antioxidant and osmotic regulation can provide genetic resources for the improvement of cold-tolerant characters in other conifer tree species and facilitate understanding of molecular control mechanism related to cold responses.
Description of a Brain Neuropeptidome of the Malaria Vector Nyssorhynchus Albimanus and Neuropeptide Differential Expression During Infection with Plasmodium Berghei
Authors: Alvarado-Delgado Alejandro , Martínez-Barnetche Jesus , Tellez-Sosa Juan , Rodríguez Mario Henry , Gutiérrez-Millan Everardo , Zumaya-Estrada Federico , Saldaña-Nabor Vianey , Rodríguez Maria del Carmen , Tello-López Angel , Lanz-Mendoza Humberto
Published: May 2020

Background Insect neuropeptides, mainly synthesized in the brain, play a central role in the control of many physiological processes. A neuropeptidome of the mosquito Nyssorhynchus albimanus was described based in a comparative analysis of the mosquito genome complemented with high-throughput sequencing of brain transcriptomes. In addition, neuropeptides differentially expressed during Plasmodium infection were identified.Results We identified 3,811 transcripts associated to translation, oxidation-reduction process, protein binding, ATP binding, integral components of membrane and ribosome, among others. We identified 29 neuropeptide transcripts that predicted at least 60 biopeptides, including pyrokinin, glycoprotein hormone alpha (GPA2), prothoracicotropic hormone, neuropeptide-like precursor 1 (NPLP1), allatostatin C, orcokinin, corazonin, adipokinetic hormone I, SIFamide, pyrokinin capa-like, pigment-dispersing factor, adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide (ACP), tachykinin-related peptide, trissin, neuropeptide F, short neuropeptide F (sNPF), diuretic hormone 31, bursicon, crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), allatotropin, allatostatin 1, partner of bursicon (PBURS), ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH), diuretic hormone 44 (Dh44), insulin-like peptides 5, 1, 3, 7, 2 (ILPs) and eclosion hormone (EH) and seven neuropeptide receptors. Transcript mapping to the Ny. albimanus genome provided evidence for the re-annotation of the myosuppressin gene. A quantitative analysis documented increased expression of adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related peptide, pyrokinin and corazonin in the mosquito brain after Plasmodium berghei infection.Conclusion This work represents an initial effort to characterize the neuropeptide repertoire of Ny. albimanus and provides new information for understanding neuroregulation of the mosquito response during Plasmodium infection .
WITHDRAWN: Aggressive Vertebral Hemangiomas Causing Compression Fracture with Neurological Deficits: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rao Hongming , Li Guishuang , Liu Limin , Huang Yuming , Xu Zhengquan , Xu Weihong
Published: May 2020

Background:In rare instances, aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) can cause compression fracture, resulting in severe pain and neurological deficits. But the diagnosis and treatment of these aggressive lesions are challenging because of these lesions are rare and atypical. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical management for aggressive VHs with vertebral compression fracture by a modified multimodality surgery.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 6 cases suffering from aggressive VHs with compression fracture and neurological deficits in our department from July 2011 to April 2016. These patients were treated by the multimodality surgery, includingpreoperative embolization, intraoperative injection of gelfoam mixed with cement, and laminectomy decompression.The follow-up period was at least 3 years. Perioperative parameters, clinical outcomes, and radiographical data were collected and analyzed.Results: The 6 patients involved 1 male and 5 females (mean age, 52.3 years).The levels involved were: in thoracic spine (5 cases) and lumbar spine (1 case).Preoperative CT-guided biopsy was conducted in all patients, with 5 patients had definitive pathologic diagnosis. All patients were treated successfully with the multimodal surgery, with no cement leakage and other severe complications. The mean operation time was 182.2 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 908.3 ml.At an average follow-up of 49.8 months, clinical outcomes assessed by the visual analogue scale and Frankel grade were significantly improved. The vertebral body height and kyphosis angle of the fractured vertebra were also corrected postoperatively. No affected vertebra re-fracture and adjacent vertebral fracture were developed, and none of the patients experienced recurrence of tumor at final follow-up.Conclusions:In cases of aggressive VHs causing compression fracture with neurological deficits, CT-guided biopsy is indicated for the diagnosis. The multimodality surgery (preoperative embolization, intraoperative injection of gelfoam mixed with bone cement combined laminectomy decompression) is effective and safe, and can be considered as an acceptable surgical choice.
Clinical observation of glucocorticoids application in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a descriptive study
Authors: Yue Linli , Wang Xuan , Han Lefei , Yang Lin , Li Xiaolan , Wan Zhenzhen , Li Na , Jiang Hong
Published: May 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused an ongoing pandemic and bring heavy burden globally. We retrospectively investigated the effect of glucocorticoids on clinical symptoms, course of disease, and negative change of nucleic acid detection in patients with severe COVID-19.
Methods

Individual demographics data, CT images, clinical outcomes, laboratory investigations, treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 were collected from electronic medical records of the Central Hospital of Wuhan, from January 28 to February 28, 2020.
Results

Eighteen severe cases of COVID-19 received low-dose of glucocorticoid treatments. They were initially treated with 40 mg methylprednisolone with gradually reduced doses and changed into oral prednisolone. The courses of glucocorticoid treatments ranged from 4 to 30 days. The pulmonary infections were absorbed to different degrees in 16 cases, one case deteriorated in CT imaging and one had no significant change. All cases had fever regression. Fifteen cases could respire without oxygen supply. Two were still inhaled oxygen through nasal catheters and one with high flow oxygen gradually transferred to face mask for oxygen supply. Five cases discharged. Twelve cases who were in stable conditions for treatment remained in hospital. One case was still in critical condition. The results of three re-examinations of SARS-Cov-2 nucleic acids by RT-PCR were negative.
Conclusions

The early use of low-dose glucocorticoid therapy in severe COVID-19 infection may have a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of disease deterioration.
Changes of Deltoid Tissue Properties after Reserve Shoulder Arthroplasty – A Shear Wave Elastography Study
Authors: Fenwick Anabell , Reichel Thomas , Eden Lars , Schmalzl Jonas , Meffert Rainer H , Boehm Dirk , Plumhoff Piet , Gilbert Fabian
Published: May 2020

IntroductionThe deltoid muscle plays an essential role for the postoperative functional outcome after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Ultrasound elastography is areliable method for detecting soft tissueproperties and their changes due to different conditions or pathologies. Tissue stiffness is calculated after application of an acoustic impulse (acoustic radiation force impulse, ARFI), which deforms the underlying tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the deltoid muscle tissue after RSA and reveal a correlation to the functional outcome.Material and methods18 patients treated with reserve shoulder arthroplasty after proximal humeral fracture or cuff arthropathy were included. Shear wave elastography was performed on both sides of three regions of the deltoid muscle. Functional outcome was recorded by VAS, CMS, range of motion and strength (flexibar). Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS.ResultsThe functional outcome was satisfactory (VAS pain: 18 points, VAS function: 64 points, Constant Murley: 66 points). Force was reduced to 48.8N after RTSA in comparison to 58.3 N on the healthy side (p> 0.07). SWE was able to show a higher overall muscle tension of the deltoid in patients after RSA compared to the contralateral non-operated side. The differences were particularly visible in the anterior and middle deltoid region. Under isometric load all deltoid regions showed significantly increased tension, which was particularly eminent in the anterior region of the pars clavicularis.ConclusionShear wave elastography is a reliable method for detecting changes of tension in the deltoid muscle after RTSA and shows a higher tension of all areas of the deltoid, especially prominent in the anterior and middle portion of the deltoid. Future application possibilities are monitoring of deltoid vitality, preoperative assessment and intraoperative management.Level of evidence: diagnostic study, Level III
A Patient-specific Navigational Template for Precise Acetabular Placement in Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: LIANG Jinlong , Gao Xinjian , Fang Xuewei , Zhao Yonghui , Xu Yongqing , Lu Sheng
Published: May 2020

Background Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely performed reconstructive surgical intervention. In this paper, we describe a novel patient-specific navigational template to assist in acetabular component implantation in unilateral THA. Methods The template was produced based on data preoperatively acquired with computed tomography (CT) scan. We used the mirror image of the healthy contralateral acetabular anatomical structure to ensure accurate acetabular component implantation in unilateral THA. The surface of the template was designed to conform to the unique contours of the cadaveric acetabular fossa by reverse engineering technology. The orientation of the navigation channel was defined by the acetabular central axis which was determined by the contralateral acetabular centre of rotation, anteversion angle and abduction angle. Each template was formed from acrylate resin by using rapid prototyping (RP) technique. Finally, the template was tested in 20 cadavers scheduled for unilateral THA and postoperative medical imaging was used to evaluate the accuracy and validity of the template. Results During the operation, the acetabular fossa template was easy to obtain in all cases. The abduction angle ( β ) of the cup was (49.9°±4.1°) versus (49.5°±4.7°) on the contralateral side. The anteversion angle (α) of the cup was (17.7° ± 3.1°) versus (18.3°±3.5°) on the contralateral side. In the operative hip, the height of the prosthesis centre(H)was (21.6 mm±2.8 mm) versus (21.9 mm±3.4 mm) in the contralateral side, and the horizontal location of the prosthesis centre(W) was (29.7 mm±3.1 mm) versus (30.90 mm±3.31 mm) in the contralateral side. There was no significant difference in the cup abduction (β) or anteversion (α) angle between the operative and contralateral sides (P=0.7531>0.05 for β and P=0.5996>0.05 for α); In addition, there was no significant difference in the height(H)or horizontal location(W) of the acetabular centre between the operative and contralateral sides (P=0.6494>0.05 for W and P=0.5143>0.05 for H). Conclusion The navigational template is a promising tool for facilitating preoperative planning and intraoperative techniques. With the aid of the template, an acetabular prosthesis can be precisely implanted to the expected position in unilateral THA.
The surgical treatment of retroperitoneal echinococcosis: the experience of a single center
Authors: He Jingyu , Yang Chuang , Qiu Yiwen , Wang Wentao
Published: May 2020

Background

Echinococcosis refers to a worldwide epidemic of zoonotic parasites that commonly affect the human liver, lungs, and omentum and can be classified as cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE).Retroperitoneal echinococcosis (RE) is a rare condition that is associated with a high mortality and disability rate. Because RE manifests in a concealed and deep location, and can often involve several important organs, it is associated with a high rate of misdiagnosis, a high risk of surgery, and is extremely difficult to manage.
Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the characteristics and surgical management of patients diagnosed with RE in our hospital between 2012 and 2019.
Results

Between 2012 and 2019, 1257 cases of echinococcosis and 121 cases of RE were diagnosed in our hospital. Of these, 68 cases involved surgical treatment, 53 involved non-surgical treatment, and 12 cases were lost to follow-up (four cases in the surgical group and eight cases in the non-surgical group). Thus, 109 cases were followed-up. RE cases were divided according to different treatment methods into a radical resection group (Group A, 31 cases), a non-radical resection group (Group B, 37 cases), and a non-surgical group (Group C, 53 cases). We carried out a detailed analysis of the 109 cases experiencing surgical intervention with effective follow-up; there were 31 cases of radical resection (Group A), 33 cases of non-radical resection (Group B).
Conclusions

Our analysis found that RE is rare and can occur at any age; the cystic form is common and often involves multiple organs. The liver is the most commonly affected organ and is associated with serious complications. The rate of radical resection for RE is low, and multiple organ resection is often required; there is a high incidence of postoperative complications. Radical resection is the first line of treatment of RE, although non-radical surgery can benefit most patients. It is important to emphasize the importance of the first round of surgery, particularly in cases involving hepatic echinococcosis. If the lesion can be removed radically during the first round of surgery, then radical surgery should be performed.
The Development and Validation of a Questionnaire in Bahasa Malaysia to Assess Problems of Vision or Feelings About Vision Among Patients with Cataracts.
Authors: Abas Adinegara Lutfi , Thevi Thanigasalam , Chang Stephanie Yen Li
Published: May 2020

Purpose: We conducted the study to compare the validation properties of the English version of the Questionnaire and the Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language) version regarding the Quality of Life of patients with cataracts.Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study collecting data between June 2017 and March 2018 in the pre-operative Eye Clinic of Hospital Melaka.The Malay version was translated by two independent translators who were well versed in both languages. Methods used to validate the standard questionnaire included the use of construct validity via factor analysis and the deployment of reliability test through assessment of internal consistency via Cronbach’s alpha. Results: We observed both English and Bahasa Malaysia versions to have high reliability with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.90 and above in factors on difficulty with activities and responses to vision problems.Exploratory factor analysis performed revealed that the three-factor model fits the data well for the English version of the questionnaire - difficulty with activities (23.81% of variance), responses to vision problem (22.22% of variance) and general health and vision (14.68% of variance). The Bahasa Malaysia version of the questionnaire produced three factors with two of the factors resembling the factors from the original version of the questionnaire - difficulty with activities (24.28% of variance) and responses to vision problem (23.66% of variance). Conclusion: The present study observed that both the English and Bahasa Malaysia versions of the NEI VFQ-25 have comparable construct validity to the original American version. With high validity and reliability, the tool shall be able to provide health care providers the assessment of impact due to cataract and other ophthalmic conditions on the vision-related quality of life of ophthalmic patients.
The Association Between Mental Health, Chronic Disease, and Retired Status Among Korean Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Tae Yoon , Lee Sook-Hyun , Kim Eun-Jung , Kim Jae-Hong , Chung Sun Yong , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: May 2020

Background Retired status has strong associations with mental health factors and involves gender disparities. However, while retirement is known to affect the mental health of the elderly, large-scale studies examining the impact on mental health by gender are scarce.Methods This cross-sectional study examined the data of 1,664 participants aged over 65 years old who completed the economic status and mental health sections of the 6-7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2013–2017). We adjusted for covariates (health behavior, sociodemographic factors) in regression analysis for complex sampling design to calculate regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals of the link between retired status and mental health. We also assessed which covariates of chronic disease, health behavior, and sociodemographic factors weakened the correlation between retired status and mental health.Results Retired status in Korean populations has persisted to negatively impact the incidence of depressive symptoms and thoughts of suicide, even after adjusting for confounding variables. Regarding mental health, women were affected by retired status to a greater extent than men. Among covariates, health behaviors and sociodemographic factors were most affected by retired status. Women were more affected by household income, and men were more affected by drinking behaviors.Conclusions These results imply that chronic diseases and psychological factors should be managed delicately among the retired elderly, and that there may be gender differences in retirement adaptation.
Growth, yield and grain nutrients response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to biochar, lime and farmyard manure amendment of the croplands in southern Ethiopia.
Authors: lulu mekdes , Lemma Bekele , Hidoto Legesse
Published: May 2020

Background: Soil fertility decline in agricultural land is due to intensive cropping system, shortening of the fallow period, reduced manure application, extensive use of crop residues as fuelor fodder and removal of ground cover. This study investigated the effect of biochar (BC), lime and farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yield and grain nutrient of wheat on two cropland sites in southern Ethiopia. Result: The effect of site was significant (P < 0.05) for most parameters investigated, indicating the influence of soil type. The effects of BC, lime, and FYM were significant (p ≤ 0.001) on straw yield, grain yield, and total biomass. However, BC (5 tha -1 ) produced the highest straw yield, grain yield, and total biomass. Similarly, BC and lime significantly (P < 0.001) affected plant height, and tiller numbers and productivity. BC (5 tha -1 ) gave the highest plant height, total tillers, and productive tillers, maximum number of seeds per spike, while FYM (10 tha -1 ) produced the highest spike length. Biochar significantly (P < 0.05) increased the concentrations of P and K in wheat grain. The highest effect on grain Ca concentration was from the application of lime while the highest on grain N concentration was from FYM (10 tha -1 ). Conclusion: The effect from BC was attributed to improvements in soil pH, CEC, nutrient availability and water retention. Thus BC has a good potential as a soil amendment for smallholder farm crop production.
Quality conceptualization in the era of measurement: A qualitative study of primary care physicians in Medicare’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System
Authors: Berdahl Carl Thomas , Easterlin Molly C , Ryan Gery , Needleman Jack , Nuckols Teryl K
Published: May 2020

Background: While governmental programs seeking to improve the quality and value of healthcare through pay-for-performance initiatives have good intentions, participating physicians may be reluctant to participate for various reasons, including poor program alignment with considerations relevant to daily clinical practice. In this study, we sought to characterize how primary care physicians (PCPs) participating in Medicare’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) conceptualize the quality of healthcare to help inform future measurement strategies that physicians would understand and appreciate.Methods: We performed semi-structured qualitative interviews with a nationwide sample of 20 PCPs participating in MIPS who were trained in internal medicine or family medicine. We asked PCPs how they would characterize quality in healthcare and what distinguished exceptional, good, and poor quality from one another. Interviews were transcribed and two coders independently read transcripts, allowing data to emerge from the interviews and developing theories about the data. The coders met intermittently to discuss findings, harmonize the coding scheme, develop a final list of themes and sub-themes, and aggregate a list of representative quotations.Results: Participants described quality in healthcare as consisting of two components: (1) evidence-based care that is safe, which included appropriate health maintenance and chronic disease control, accurate diagnoses, and adherence to guidelines and (2) patient-centered care, which included spending enough time with patients, responding to patient concerns, and establishing long-term patient-physician relationships that were founded upon trust. Conclusions: PCPs consider patient-centered care to be necessary for the provision of exceptional quality in healthcare. Program administrators for quality measurement and pay-for-performance programs should explore new ways to reward PCPs for providing outstanding patient-centered care. Future research should be undertaken to determine whether patient-centered activities such as forging long-term, favorable patient-physician relationships, are associated with improved health outcomes.
Surgical Treatment for Avulsion Fractures of the Anterolateral Ligament Associated with Periarticular Fractures of the Knee
Authors: Wei Xuelei , Wang Zengliang , Lu Yandong , Sun Jie , Riehl John
Published: May 2020

Background: To confirm the existence of the ALL and evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical management for avulsion fractures involving its insertion when associated with periarticular knee fractures.Methods: Twenty-three patients (16 males and 7 females) with avulsion fractures of the ALL associated with periarticular knee fractures were fixed with a spider plate, cannulated screw, or suture anchor. Eight patients were diagnosed with distal femoral fracture, 10 with tibial plateau fracture, and 5 with tibial eminence avulsion fracture. All patients underwent X-rays at follow-up. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed with the pivot-shift test, objective and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scale.Results: The ALL was found and identified as a distinct ligamentous structure in all patients. Pre-Segond repair, patients had significantly more instability as determined by pivot-shift test than seen postoperatively (P < .0001). At final follow-up, the mean subjective IKDC score was 83.2±10.3. Fourteen patients were graded A, 6 were graded B, and 3 was graded C on the IKDC objective score. The mean Lysholm score was 85.4 ± 12.2. The mean Tegner score was 7.5 ± 1.2.Conclusion: This study confirmed that the ALL is a distinct structure in the anterolateral portion of the knee. The fixation for the avulsion fracture of the ALL associated with periarticular knee fractures can be an effective procedure without specific complications. Longer term and comparative follow-up studies are necessary to confirm the effects.
Exploring Effects in Tippers at Island Magnetic Observatories due to Realistic Depth- and Time-Varying Oceanic Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Rigaud Rafael , Kruglyakov Mikhail , Kuvshinov Alexey , Pinheiro Katia , Petereit Johannes , Matzka Juergen , Marshalko Elena
Published: May 2020

Geomagnetic observatories around the world continuously measure time variations of the geomagnetic field. Long-period (> 3 hours) variations are traditionally used to constrain the electrical conductivity of the Earth’s mantle either in terms of one-dimensional (1-D) or three-dimensional (3-D) conductivity distributions. Recent studies have also shown that vertical transfer functions (tippers) estimated from short-period (< 3 hours) variations at island observatories can constrain the 1-D conductivity distribution of the oceanic lithosphere and upper mantle. This is feasible due to the bathymetry-dependent ocean induction effect (OIE), which originates from lateral conductivity contrasts between ocean and land and leads to non-zero tippers even for 1-D conductivity distributions below the ocean. Thus, proper analysis of island tippers requires accurate 3-D modeling of the OIE, for which so far was performed assuming constant sea water electric conductivity with depth. However, significant changes of electric conductivity with depth in the top hundreds of meters of the water column do occur. In this study we explore – using rigorous 3-D electromagnetic (EM) modeling – to what extent realistic, depth-dependent, oceanic conductivity affects island tippers. The modeling is performed for 10 island observatories around the world in the period range 10 −1 to 10 4 seconds, for which a perceptible OIE on tippers is expected. We then compare the predicted tippers with tippers estimated from the observatory data. We also investigate, again using 3-D EM modeling, the effect of seasonal variations of the oceanic conductivity and to which extent this could explain the observed systematic seasonal variation of tippers. We find good agreement between predicted and estimated tippers for all 10 island observatories. This confirms that tippers at island observatories are mainly influenced by the bathymetry-dependent OIE. Our model studies suggest that for most of the considered island observatories, the effect from depth-varying oceanic conductivity is tangible and exceeds the error floor of 0.025, which usually is assigned to tippers during their inversion. Contrarily, the effects from seasonally varying oceanic conductivity were found to be too small to be worth consideration.
CT Grading in Upper Urinary Tract Calculi with Kidney Infection
Authors: Zhang Jianping , Lin Rongkai , Deng Chaoxiong , Wu Xiaoxia , Yang Chaoyu
Published: May 2020

Background This study is to establish a CT imaging grading system and to explore its value in evaluating upper urinary tract calculi with kidney infection. Methods CT images of 126 patients with kidney infection caused by upper urinary tract calculi were retrospectively analyzed. CT grading system was developed based on CT images. General information, clinical symptoms and examination data of patients in different CT grades were analyzed. With the occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) as the end point, univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to analyze the risk factors of SIRS. Results CT images were classified into 4 grades. For patients with different CT grades, the factors of fever, diabetes, blood white blood cell counts, urine leucocytes, CT1 (ratios of renal cortex CT values on the affected side and those on the healthy side), CT2 (ratios of renal pelvis CT values on the affected side and those on the healthy side), maximum body temperature, disease time, proportion of blood neutrophils, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and the size of stones had statistical significance (P<0.05). Only CT grading was statistically significant by multivariate analysis. The higher the CT grading, the greater the risk of SIRS, with 4.472 times higher of SIRS risk for each increasement of the CT grade. Conclusions CT images may reflect the involvement extent and scope of upper urinary tract calculi with kidney infection. The higher the CT grade is, the more severe the clinical symptoms are and the greater the risk of SIRS is.
Prevalence of prediabetes and related cardiovascular risk factors among Employees of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Bezaw Gebrekidan Gidey , Gessesse Mulugeta Hiruy , Haile Desalegn Teklu , Ramanathan Kumaresan Ramanathan , Gebreyesus Hagos Amare
Published: May 2020

Background: Pre-diabetes, also known as intermediate hyperglycaemia; is defined as a glycemic state which is higher than normal, but lower than the threshold for full blown diabetes. It is considered as an important risk factor for diabetes and its associated complications. However evidences show that these consequences can be averted or delay through lifestyle modifications. Therefore determining its magnitude is a critical step to plan for such mitigation measures. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on employees of a tertiary care hospital from March - June/2019 . Socio-demographic data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed following WHO guideline. Biochemical parameters were assayed following standard operating procedures. SPSS version 20 was used for data entry and analysis. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Normality test was performed in advance of describing the numeric data and log transformations were carried out when appropriate. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria were used to classify the glycemic status. Likewise IDF and revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult treatment panel III (NCEP ATP III) were employed for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Result: we engaged a total of 265 employees in this study. About 35.1% were males and 64.9% were females. Median age was 29 (9) years. Prediabetes was diagnosed in 5.7 % and 18.1% of the participants based on IDF and ADA criteria respectively. While equally 3.4% of them had FBS levels that satisfy the criteria for diagnosis with frank diabetes. In addition 55.1% had a metabolic risk as implied by their waist to height ratio (WHtR), 24.2% had hypertriglyceridemia, 27.9% had above optimal LDL and 57% had decreased HDL. Taken together 17.9% and 21.9% of the participants had metabolic syndrome according to IDF and revised NCEP ATP III criteria respectively. Magnitude of dysglycemia and metabolic syndrome found to increase with age of employees. Conclusion: the prediabetes and metabolic syndrome prevalence observed in the hospital employees was comparable with the general population. Key words: Prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, hospital employees
Modelling and forecasting the spread tendency of the COVID-19 in China
Authors: Sun Deshun , Duan Li , Xiong Jianyi , Wang Daping
Published: May 2020

To forecast the spread tendency of the COVID-19 in China and provide effective strategies to prevent the disease, an improved SEIR model was established. Parameters of our model were estimated based on collected data that issued by the National Health Commission of China (NHCC) from January 10 to March 3. The model was used to forecast the spread tendency of the disease. The key factors influencing the epidemic were explored through modulation of parameters, including the removal rate, the average number of the infected contacting the susceptible per day and the average number of the exposed contacting the susceptible per day. The correlation of the infected is 99.9% between established model data in this study and issued data by NHCC from January 10 to February 15. The correlation of the removed is 99.8%. The average forecasting error rates of the infected and the removed are 0.78% and 0.75%, respectively, from February 16 to March 3. The peak time of the epidemic forecast by our established model coincided with the issued data by NHCC. Therefore, our study established a mathematical model with high accuracy. The aforementioned parameters significantly affected the trend of epidemic, suggesting that the exposed and the infected population should be strictly isolated. If the removal rate increases to 0.12, the epidemic will come to an end on May 25. In conclusion, the proposed mathematical model accurately forecast the spread tendency of COVID-19 in China and the model can be applied for other countries with appropriate modifications.
Lycopene alleviates AFB1-induced liver damage possibly through inhibiting cytochrome 450 isozymes and improving Nrf2-miediated detoxification and antioxidant systems in broiler chickens
Authors: Wan Xiaoli , Ji Haoran , Yang Zhengfeng , Chen Xiaoshuai , Chen Yuanjing , Wang Zhiyue , Yang Haiming
Published: May 2020

Background Dietary constituents in certain bioactive substances may alleviate the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Lycopene is a natural bioactive substance with powerful antioxidant, this study investigated whether dietary lycopene supplementation could alleviate AFB1-induced liver damage through inhibiting cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isozymes and improving detoxification and antioxidation with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in broiler chickens. 320 healthy one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allotted into five groups and fed basal diet (Control), basal diet with AFB1 and 0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg lycopene, respectively. At 42 days of age, 8 broiler chickens per group were sampled.Results Compared to the control group, AFB1-exposed birds had depressed growth performance, hepatotoxicity and oxidative damage. The various lycopene levels prevented AFB1-induced growth depression, decreased activities and mRNA expressions of hepatic CYP450 isozymes, reduced reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage products, improved reduced glutathione (GSH)-dependent detoxification system and antioxidant system. Moreover, lycopene elevated the mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and its target genes, containing glutathione-s-transferase isozymes, GSH synthesis-related enzymes and antioxidases in AFB1-exposed broiler chickens.Conclusions As an effective anti-stress and hepatoprotective antioxidant, lycopene alleviated AFB1-induced liver damage possibly through inhibiting CYP450 isozymes and improving Nrf2-mediated detoxification and antioxidant systems in broiler chickens. Therefore, Lycopene and lycopene-enriched materials could be taken into consideration as effective hepatoprotective and anti-stress additives in poultry, and benefit the resulting food safety.
Intervention to reduce unnecessary urinary catheter use in a large academic health science centre: A theory-based process evaluation
Authors: Backman Chantal , Wooller Krista R , Hasimja-Saraqini Delvina , Varin Melissa Demery , Crick Michelle , Cho-Young Danielle , Freeman Lisa , Delaney Lori , Squires Janet E
Published: May 2020

Background: Inappropriate use of urinary catheters can increase the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) leading to increased morbidity and increased costs. The overall purpose of this study was to evaluate an intervention to reduce unnecessary urinary catheter use and prevent CAUTI in hospitalized patients across a large academic health science centre. Methods: This was a two-phase study, which took place between 2017 and 2019. Phase 1 was a pre- and post-intervention design to test the impact of a CAUTI protocol across the organization. Audits on 4 units pre and post were conducted, and data were analyzed descriptively. Phase 2 was a theory-based process evaluation to understand the barriers and enablers to the implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and then analyzed using a systematic approach. Results: Phase 1: All inpatients with urinary catheters admitted on the four selected units during the study period (n=99, pre) and (n=99, post) were included. CAUTI prevalence rate was 18.2% pre vs 14.1% post (p=.563). Phase 2: participants (n=18) who worked during the study period on the four audit units were interviewed, and a total of 13 barriers and 19 enablers were found across the participant groups. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference in CAUTI prevalence rates were noted. The theory-based process evaluation provided insights into barriers and enablers to the implementation which may help reformulate the intervention in the future.
Association of Family Type with Happiness Attributes Among Older Adults
Authors: Hwang Eun-Jeong , Sim In Ok
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background: This study used secondary data from the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey to compare the associations between depressive symptoms, present health status, socio-physical environment, social support networks, and social activities with happiness among older adults from three different family types.

Method: The study employed a non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and Logistic regression.

Results: Findings revealed a significant difference in the happiness index among older adults living alone (6.22±2.11), older adults living with their spouse (6.76±1.99), and older adults living with their family (6.46±1.94) (F = 88.69, p < .001). As the result of logistic regression, older adults living alone (odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57–0.99) and those living with their family (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65–0.99) demonstrated greater happiness as the frequency of contact with their family increased. Older adults living with their spouse indicated an increase in happiness when their contact with friends was higher (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56–0.84).

Conclusion: It was confirmed that factors influencing happiness differed according to older adults’ family type, thus suggesting that older adults’ happiness could be facilitated through interventions that consider their circumstances, including family type.

Keywords: family type; happiness; older adult; social activities; socio-physical environment