bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disinfectant Efficacy Against Dry Surface Biofilms of Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Is Product, Time Point and Strain Dependent
Authors: Nkemngong Carine A , Chaggar Gurpreet K , Li Xiaobao , Teska Peter J , Oliver Haley F
Published: March 2021

Background: Globally, healthcare associated infections (HAI) are the most frequent adverse outcome in healthcare delivery. Although bacterial biofilms contribute significantly to the incidence of HAI, few studies have investigated the efficacy of common disinfectants against dry surface biofilms (DSB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of seven disinfectants against DSB of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We hypothesized that overall, hydrogen peroxides, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione and quaternary ammonium compounds plus alcohol disinfectants will be more bactericidal against DSB than quaternary ammonium. We also hypothesized that regardless of differences in product chemistries, higher bactericidal efficacies against DSB will be exhibited after 24 h of dehydration compared to 72 h.Methods: Wet surface biofilms of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were grown following EPA-MLB-SOP-MB-19 and dehydrated for 24 h and 72 h to establish DSB. Seven EPA-registered disinfectants were tested against dehydrated DSB following EPA-MLB-SOP-MB-20. Results: Overall, quaternary ammonium plus alcohol, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, and hydrogen peroxide products were more efficacious against DSB than quaternary ammoniums for both tested strains. While there was no significant difference in biofilm killing efficacies between 24 h and 72 h S. aureus biofilms, significantly higher log10 reductions were observed when products were challenged with 24 h P. aeruginosa DSB compared to 72 h P. aeruginosa DSB. Conclusion: Strain type, active ingredient class, and dry time significantly impact disinfectant efficacy against DSB of S. aureus or P. aeruginosa.
Oral iodine supplementation in very low birth weight infants. Thyroid function and Neurodevelopmental follow up at 24 months. A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ares Susana , SAENZ-RICO BELEN , ARNAEZ JUAN , Diez-Sebastian Jesus , Omeñaca Felix , Bernal JUAN
Published: March 2021

The trace element iodine (I) is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Premature babies need >30 µg I / kg /day (ICCIDD recommendations). Neonates and especially preterm infants are a population at risk of suffering the consequences of iodine deficiency, because of the impact of neonatal hypothyroxinemia on brain development. The main aim of this project is to prevent the mental retardation and increased risk of cerebral palsy of premature infants, which is partially caused by neonatal hypothyroxinemia. We gave Oral iodine supplementation in very premature babies during the neonatal period. Population: we included 94 infants born <1500g. Intervention group: we administered 30 µg I / kg /day of iodine in oral drops to 47 infants from first day of life until hospital discharge. Control group: 47 infants without supplements. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Samples of different formulas, maternal milk was kept for the determination of the iodine content. Interventions: Blood, food and urine samples (collected at 1, 7, 15, 21, 30 days after birth and at discharge). Measurements: milk and urine for iodine determination (Benotti method). Blood samples: for thyroid hormones (T4, free T4, T3 and TSH) and tyroglobulin. Their neurological development was assessed at 2 years of age (Bayley Test).Iodine content of mothers´ breast milk: 15 (5.0) µg I /dL (range 1-60); Infants in the supplemented group reached the recommendations from the first days of life. Infants in the control group did not reach the recommended intake of iodine to 60 days of life. We found a positive relation between iodine intake and the concentrations of thyroid hormones until 60 days of life. Conclusions: Thyroid function is related to iodine intake in preterm infants. Breast milk appears to be the best source of iodine for the premature infant. Preterm babies on formula preparations and with exclusive parenteral nutrition are at high risk of iodine deficiency. Therefore, supplements should be added if iodine intake is found to be inadequate.
Optimal Graph Edge Weights Driven NLMs with Multi-layer Residual Compensation
Authors: Yang Fang , Chen Xin , Chai Li
Published: March 2021

Non-Local Means (NLMs) play important roles in image denoising, restoration, inpainting etc. due to its simple theory but effective performance. In this paper, in order to better remove noise without loss of image details, we further develop the NLMs based denoising method. It is realized by introducing a graph Laplacian regularization based weighting model and a multi-layer residual compensation strategy. Unlike the patch similarity based weights in classic NLMs filters, the graph Laplacian regularization defines the weights by considering 1) the distance between target pixel and the candidate pixel, 2) the local gradient and 3) the patch similarity. The proposed NLMs filter performs in a multi-layer framework to better remove the noise and smooth the result. The corresponding residuals at each layer are finally combined with the smooth image with learned weights to recover the image details. Experimental results show that our method is effective and robust, especially for piecewise-smooth images.
Long-term fate of the ascending aortic wall after wrapping with polytetrafluoroethylene felt: A case series
Authors: Tadokoro Yuki , Kitamura Tadashi , Tamura Yoshimi , Miyaji Kagami
Published: March 2021

Background: Aortic wrapping aims to prevent aortic enlargement or dissection; it is less invasive than ascending aorta replacement. Several studies have reported low mortality and morbidity rates in patients treated using aortic wrapping. Wrapping is often accompanied by aortic valve replacement, which may require a redo surgery after some years. However, only few reports have focused on the redo surgery after aortic wrapping. We report three such cases of redo surgery in patients who previously underwent aortic wrapping using polytetrafluoroethylene felt.Case presentation: Among the three cases, two were referred with complaints associated with the deterioration of the prosthetic valve, 10 years or longer after the initial surgery. In all the cases, the aortic wall exhibited severe erosion, necessitating replacement of the ascending aorta.Conclusion: The portion of the ascending aortic wall wrapped with polytetrafluoroethylene felt exhibited severe erosion late after surgery. Therefore, ascending aorta graft replacement is highly likely to be necessary in redo surgery performed long after initial ascending aorta wrapping.
Detection of Globodera pallida directly from soil sample using mt-COI region based LAMP assay
Authors: Bairwa Aarti , Dipta Bhawna , Verma Gaurav , Venkatasalam E. P. , Priyank H. M. , Shanthi A. , Jeevalatha A. , Naga Kailash , Sharma Sanjeev
Published: March 2021

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis (Golden/yellow) and G. pallida (White), are economically important and relatively specialized pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Both the species are being identified based on cyst colour after 55-60 days after planting (DAP) however, after 65 DAP, we cannot differentiate based on cyst colour as both species turns brown. Moreover, the molecular techniques available to detect the PCN at species level is laborious, time consuming and costly. Therefore, development of rapid, accurate and economically cheap technique for detection of PCN at species level from the field is important to device effective management strategies for sustainable potato production. Accordingly, in the first instance, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed to detect G. pallida directly from soil by using the mitochondrial (mt-COI) gene specific primer. The LAMP assay was completed within 60 min at 60 °C isothermal conditions and the primer, efficiently detects the G. pallida without any cross reaction with G. rostochiensis, Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, Heterodera avenae, H. carotae, and Cactodera spp. In analytical sensitivity tests, the assay was able to detect G. pallida with 1000 times less DNA concentration (10 fg/µl) as compared to conventional PCR (10 pg/µl) and the LAMP product was visualized by using SYBR Gold nucleic acid dye and the assay can be highly useful in detection of G. pallida.
Alternative splicing of medaka bcl6aa and its repression by Prdm1a and Prdm1b
Authors: Ke Xiaomei , Zhang Runshuai , Yao Qiting , Duan Shi , Hong Wentao , Cao Mengxi , Zhou Qingchun , Zhong Xueping , Zhao Haobin
Published: March 2021

Bcl6 and Prdm1 (Blimp1) are a pair of transcriptional factors that repressing each other in the mammals. Prdm1 represses the expression of bcl6 by binding a cis-element of bcl6 gene in mammals. The homologs of Bcl6 and Prdm1 have been identified in teleost fish. However, whether these two factors regulate each other by the same way in fish as that in the mammals is not clear. In this study, the regulation of bcl6aa by Prdm1 was investigated in medaka. The mRNA of bcl6aa has three variants (bcl6aaX1-X3) at the 5′-end by alternative splicing with different promoters detected by RT-PCR. The three variants can be detected in adult tissues and developing embryos of medaka. The predicted proteins of Bcl6aaX1-X3 may have modification such as acetylation, C-mannosylation, phosphorylation, and sumoylation in the N-terminuses with different half-lives and relative translation efficiencies. Prdm1a and prdm1b are expressed in the tissues and embryos where and when bcl6aa is expressed. The expression of prdm1a was high while the expression of bcl6aa was low, and vice versa, detected in the spleen after stimulation with LPS or polyI:C. In vitro reporter assay indicated that bcl6aa could be directly repressed by both Prdm1a and Prdm1b in a dosage-dependent manner. After mutation of the key base, G, of all predicted binding sites in the core promoter region of bcl6aa, the repression by Prdm1a and/or Prdm1b disappeared. The consensus binding site of Prdm1 in bcl6aa gene is GAAAA(T/G). These results indicate that both Prdm1a and Prdm1b directly repress the expression of bcl6aa by binding the consensus binding site where the 5′-G is critical in medaka fish.
Evaluating the Potential of Liquid Smoke in Protecting Cocoa Beans against Storage Pest
Authors: Krah Courage Yaw , Sutrisno Sutrisno , Harahap Idham Sakti , Samsudin Samsudin
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Association between antenatal care visits and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cross-sectional study among Ghanaian women
Authors: ABUKARI ALHASSAN SIBDOW , Mohammed Shamsudeen , Yakubu Ibrahim , Salisu Waliu Jawula , Yakubu Yakubu H.
Published: March 2021

Background The study aimed to determine the association between antenatal visits and adverse pregnancy outcomes among Ghanaian women in the North East Region.Methods We analysed data on the birth records of 2907 women who delivered at Baptist Medical Centre between January 2018 to December 2018. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between antenatal visits and four adverse pregnancy outcomes – preterm birth, low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age, and stillbirth. Results Our analysis showed that ANC attendance offered some protection against preterm birth, low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age, and stillbirth in the study sample, albeit with variations in the protective effect depending on the number of visits attended. An increase in the number of ANC visits was associated with a decrease in the occurrence of the adverse pregnancy outcomes, except for low birth weight where the protective effect was observed only after four ANC visits. Adolescent mothers attended the least number of ANC visits during the study period. Our analysis suggests that the effect of ANC attendance on preterm birth and low birth weight differed depending on the age of the mother. Among mothers who never attended any ANC visits, adolescent mothers and older mothers had higher odds of low birth weight compared to mothers aged 20-30years. Surprisingly, the odds of preterm birth among the mothers who never attended any ANC visits was lower in adolescent mothers and older mothers compared to mothers aged 20-30years. For mothers who attended four or more ANC visits, the odds of low birth weight were higher in adolescent mothers and lower in older mothers compared to mothers aged 20-30years. However, the odds of preterm birth among the mothers who attended more than four ANC visits was higher in adolescent mothers and older mothers compared to mothers aged 20-30years. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of ANC in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes and the need for every pregnant woman to initiate and ensure adequate ANC contacts. The results also highlight the need to prioritise adolescents and older pregnant women for ANC.
Prevalence and incidence of dental fluorosis in India: protocol for a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mittal Hitesh Chander , Bajpai Ram , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Mohanty Utkal
Published: March 2021

Background Dental fluorosis has lifelong health impacts which can range from risk of dental caries to loss of teeth as well as aesthetic issues having psychological effects. The dental fluorosis burden in terms of its overall prevalence in India is lacking. Knowledge about the prevalence of dental fluorosis is important for healthcare planning and resource allocation. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of dental fluorosis in India and its associated factors.Methods A systematic search of electronic databases viz. MEDLINE (via PubMed), IndMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and WHOLIS (WHO library database) will be undertaken from inception to 15th February 2021. Two investigators will independently screen the search results followed by full-text screening for inclusion in the review as per predefined criteria. The data will be extracted for included studies using a pre-designed data extraction form and results will be presented in tabulated form. The meta-analysis will be performed for a homogeneous group of studies if found any. Sensitivity analysis will be performed to address the heterogeneity across studies.Discussion This review will describe and summarize the available epidemiological evidence in India in terms of overall prevalence, geographical distribution, and associated factors of dental fluorosis. Further, the finding of this systematic review will be the result of the methodological assessment of the published literature. Understanding the epidemiology of dental fluorosis terms would help in identifying focus areas for intervention as well as better planning and utilization of scarce resources. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42021235670
Emerging Multimorbidity Patterns and Its Linkages With Selected Health Outcomes Among Working-Agegroup Population: Findings From Odisha, India
Authors: Pati Sanghamitra , Puri Parul , Gupta Priti , Panda Meely , Mahapatra Pranab
Published: March 2021

The study utilized data on 2912 individuals in the age-group 15-64 years collected under the burden of diseases study among patients attending public health care settings of Odisha, India. The findings suggested that 2.4% of the individuals in the working age-group were affected with multimorbidity. We utilized a latent class analysis (LCA) to identify commonly occurring disease clusters. Based on the LCA model fits, i.e., lowest AIC and BIC values, two latent disease classes were identified. These classes were named low co-morbidity and Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis; based on the item responseprobabilities. Binary logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, educationlevel, marital status, socio-economic status, residence, and health insurance, highlighted thatage, belonging to a non-aboriginal ethnicity and urban area increased the risk of being in the‘Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis’group compared to ‘low-comorbidity’ group. Furthermore, 50% of the individual in the ‘Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis’ group reportedpoor quality of life, whereas 30% reported poor self-rated health (SRH) compared to only11% reporting poor SRH in the ‘low-comorbidity’ group. Additionally, the mean healthscore reported by the individuals in the ‘Hypertension-Diabetes-Arthritis’ group was 39.9(scale 0-100) compared to 46.9 by their counterparts.
Genomic Analysis of Curtobacterium Flaccumfaciens Reveals the Differences Between Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Strains
Authors: Li Qingde , Sun Lianjun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens is a Gram-positive bacterium which has been isolated from different plants and abiotic environment. Curtobacterium. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff) is a pathogenic bacterium that infects legume, which is causing great economic losses. At the genomic level, the metabolic and phylogenetic characteristics, and differences in pathogenicity between pathogenic and nonpathogenic C. flaccumfaciens strains have not been analyzed in detail.
Methods

Therefore, in order to discuss the differences in genome, phylogeny, gene function and mobile genetic elements between pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains, pangenomics and comparative genomics were used in this study to analyze 12 C. flaccumfaciens strains.
Result

The pangenome of C. flaccumfaciens is open. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there was no correlation between the phylogeny and pathogenicity of C. flaccumfaciens. KAAS annotation of the core genome shows that the citrate cycle was incomplete. In addition, gene islands analysis of the three pathogenicity-related genes encoding for pectate lyase, serine protease and cellulases showed that they only existed in the Cffs and LMG3645 strains. LMG3645 might be a pathogenic strain.
Conclusion

This study clearly and reliably revealed the differences between the pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains of C. flaccumfaciens at the genomic level, and paves the way for further research on its pathogenicity.
Bridging Epidemiology and System Dynamics Modeling to Better Understand HCV Risk Among Young People Who Inject Drugs.
Authors: Mateu-Gelabert Pedro , Sabounchi Nasim , Guarino Honoria , Ciervo Courtney , Joseph Kellie , Eckhardt Benjamin , Fong Chunki , Huang Terry T.K.
Published: March 2021

Background Injection drug use is the leading risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the US. Despite the knowledge of the risk factors for HCV among people who inject drugs (PWID), there is a need to better understand how these multiple factors interact and impact young PWID.MethodsData originated from a study of 539 New York City (NYC) residents ages 18-29 recruited via Respondent-Driven Sampling, who reported past-month nonmedical use of prescription opioids and/or heroin. Analyses are based on a subsample of 337 (62%) who reported injecting any drug 12 months prior to the interview. All variables were assessed via self-report, except HCV status, which was established via rapid antibody testing. Building on the statistical associations found we developed a qualitative system dynamics (SD) model to integrate into a single framework key risk and preventive factors for HCV.ResultsHCV antibody prevalence is 31% with an overall incidence of 10 per 100 person-years. HCV status was independently correlated with sharing cookers with two or more people (AOR=2.17); injecting drugs 4-6 years (AOR=2.49) and 7 or more (AOR=4.95); lifetime homelessness (AOR=2.52); and being incarcerated two or more times (AOR=1.99). The SD model facilitates identifying non-linearities and feedback loop structures not included in the statistical model and high leverage points such as harm reduction and HCV treatment that could ameliorate the spread of HCV.ConclusionThe results may indicate an overall positive impact of harm reduction efforts in reducing HCV prevalence among young PWID in NYC while injection risks and structural factors remain areas of key concern. An SD approach contributes to a better understanding of how these risk factors interact and what policies could be effective in reducing HCV infections.
Assessing Climate Data and Information Needs of Indigenous Communities in the Arid Southwestern United States
Authors: Fillmore Helen , Singletary Loretta
Published: March 2021

Indigenous communities are actively engaged in interdisciplinary climate adaptation initiatives across the United States making them experienced witnesses to community-based adaptation. This study offers the results of a regional survey of climate information and data needed to enhance the climate resiliency of water resources on reservation lands in the arid southwestern United States. Regional studies of this nature are particularly rare—and reasonably so—due to the place-based nature of Indigenous cultures and the diversity of community experiences. Study participants include tribal government employees, agriculturalists, researchers, and outreach professionals actively engaged in climate adaptation and resiliency efforts on reservation lands. Study respondents prioritize climate information and data that serve to assess local climate change impacts, enhance food security, and integrate the traditional knowledge of their communities into reservation-wide climate adaptation initiatives. In this arid and predominantly rural region, respondents prioritize water quality data as their highest need followed by streamflow data and air temperature data. They most frequently access their respective tribal sources of climate information and data. This research utilizes a participatory approach to identify needs unique to reservation lands in the southwestern United States while illuminating the critical role of Indigenous sovereignty in enhancing climate resiliency.
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) contributes to the anti-obesity effects and adipose tissue browning of alpha-lipoic acid in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Shen Hsin-Hsueh , Chung Ming-Ting , Huang Shieh-Yang , Kung Ching-Wen , Chen Shu-Ying , Chen Yi-Wen , Cheng Pao-Yun , Lee Yen-Mei
Published: March 2021

BackgroundBilateral ovariectomy is an experimental model used to analyze the conditions of menopause and develop strategies for alleviation of the deleterious effects during estrogen deficiency. Brown and beige adipocytes exert thermogenesis capacities and are promising therapeutic strategy for obesity. This study aims to investigate the adipose tissue browning potentials of antioxidant α-lipoic acid (ALA) and underlying mechanisms involved in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats.Methods:Eight weeks old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into Sham or Ovx groups. The Ovx rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy and administered with ALA 200 or ALA 300 mg/kg/day (gavage) for 8 weeks. Results:Ovx group significantly increased boy weight (BW) and fat pad mass as compared to Sham group, while ALA supplementation reversed these changes. Lipid profiles including serum triglycerides (TG), total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly elevated in the Ovx group, whereas the ALA treatment showed a significant decrease in these levels. Furthermore, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and myokine irisin secretion were increased by ALA as well. Morphology results showed ALA treatment reduced Ovx-induced adipocyte hypertrophy and enhanced UCP1 expression by immunohistochemical staining in inguinal WAT. Protein expression of brown fat-specific markers UCP1, PRDM16 and CIDEA was markedly reduced in Ovx rats, whereas ALA treatment reversed these changes. ALA significantly increased liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the downstream acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) that were decreased by Ovx, suggesting the browning effects were mediated by AMPK signaling. Conclusions:ALA ameliorates obesity caused by hormone deprivation in menopause via conversion of white to beige adipocytes concomitant with the activation of AMPK signaling.
Contrasting lightning projection using the lightning potential index adapted in a convection-permitting regional climate model
Authors: Brisson Erwan , Blahak Ulrich , Lucas-Picher Philippe , Purr Christopher , Ahrens Bodo
Published: March 2021

Lightning climate change projections show large uncertainties caused by limited empirical knowledge and strong assumptions inherent to coarse-grid climate modeling. This study addresses the latter issue by implementing and applying the lightning potential index parameterization (LPI) into a fine-grid convection-permitting regional climate model (CPM). This setup takes advantage of the explicit representation of deep convection in CPMs and allows for process-oriented LPI inputs such as vertical velocity within convective cells and coexistence of microphysical hydrometeor types, which are known to contribute to charge separation mechanisms. The LPI output is compared to output from a simpler flash rate parameterization, namely the CAPE x PREC parameterization, applied in a non-CPM on a coarser grid. The LPI's implementation into the regional climate model COSMO-CLM successfully reproduces the observed lightning climatology, including its latitudinal gradient, its daily and hourly probability distributions, and its diurnal and annual cycles. Besides, the simulated temperature dependence of lightning reflects the observed dependency. The LPI outperforms the CAPE x PREC parameterization in all applied diagnostics. Based on this satisfactory evaluation, we used the LPI to a climate change projection under the RCP8.5 scenario. For the domain under investigation centered over Germany, the LPI projects a decrease of 4.8% in flash rate by the end of the century, in opposition to a projected increase of 17.4% as projected using the CAPE x PREC parameterization. The future decrease of LPI occurs mostly during the summer afternoons and is related to (i) a change in convection occurrence and (ii) changes in the microphysical mixing. The two parameterizations differ because of different convection occurrences in the CPM and non-CPM and because of changes in the microphysical mixing, which is only represented in the LPI lightning parameterization.
Spexin is associated with Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Zhu Lu , Zheng Ping hang , Jiang jing yao , Zhang Qi , Lu Bin , Li Ming Yi , liu rui
Published: March 2021

Background: Spexin exerts multiple functions in the regulation of energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes and almost one-third of patients with DPN suffer from neuropathic pain. Recent studies have shown that Spexin has antinociceptive effect. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between circulating Spexin level with the painful DPN. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 20 patients with diabetes but without DPN (non-DPN) as the control group, 24 patients with painless DPN and 16 patients with painful DPN. A questionnaire and laboratory investigation were carried out to obtain information on demographic and clinical data. The existence and severity of DPN was assessed by electromyography (EMG) examination. Serum Spexin level was measured by ELISA. Results: The serum Spexin level of patients with painful DPN was significantly lower than that of non-DPN patients (p<0.001) and painless DPN patients (p=0.035). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that lower serum level of Spexin was independently associated with the presence of painful DPN after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, 2hPBG, hypertension and status of smoking or drinking. Compared to individuals with higher level of Spexin, the prevalence rate of painful DPN in those with lower level of Spexin was signiﬁcantly higher. Conclusion: Circulating Spexin level decreased in painful DPN, suggesting a possible role of this peptide in pain-related pathogenesis.
Psychological interventions for posttraumatic stress injuries among public safety personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bahji Anees , Nota Paula M Di , Groll Dianne , Carleton R. Nicholas , Anderson Gregory S
Published: March 2021

Background Public safety personnel (PSP) are exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTE) far more often than the general public, which increases the risk for various posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs). There are many evidence-based psychological interventions for PTSI, but whether the interventions benefit PSP despite the repeated PPTE exposures remains unclear.Objectives The current study assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of psychological interventions of PTSI among PSP.Methods A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis were performed on the effectiveness and acceptability of psychotherapies for PTSIs (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder) among PSP. The review adhered to the PRISMA reporting guidelines and used standardized mean differences (Cohen’s d) and rate ratios (RR) to measure pooled effect sizes across studies. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s test.Results The analyses included data from eight randomized controlled trials representing 402 PSP (79.4% male, 35.3 years). Psychological interventions included narrative exposure therapy (n = 1), cognitive behavioural therapy (n = 2), eclectic psychotherapy (n = 2), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (n = 1), supportive counselling (n = 2), and group critical incident stress debriefing (n = 1). The interventions were associated with statistically significant reductions in symptoms associated with PTSD (d=-1.23), anxiety (d=-0.76), and depression (d=-1.10). There were smaller but statistically significant improvements at follow-up for symptoms of PTSD (d=-1.29), anxiety (d=-0.82), and depression (d=-0.46). There were no statistically significant differences in dropout rates (RR = 1.00), suggesting high acceptability across interventions.Conclusions There is preliminary evidence that psychotherapies help treat PTSIs in PSP; however, the shortage of high-quality studies with PSP indicates a need for additional research into treating PTSI among PSP.PROSPERO: CRD42019133534.
Striving for sufficient milk to have a healthy late preterm baby: a grounded theory study
Authors: Choijorhor Rungtawan , Kantaruksa Kannika , Chotibang Jutamas , Chaloumsuk Nonglak
Published: March 2021

Background
Late preterm infants are at risk for more health problems than full-term infants. They require good nutrition for growth, and breast milk contains valuable nutrients as the valuable golden standard for them. Currently, the population of late preterm infants is increasing as exclusive breastfeeding rates decrease. Hence, this study explored exclusive breastfeeding experiences among Thai first-time mothers of late preterm infants.
Methods
Participants were recruited from the family planning unit of a university hospital in Northern Thailand. A grounded theory study design was used, drawing upon an interview guideline with seventeen first-time mothers who exclusively breastfed their late preterm infants for the first six weeks of life.
Results
“Striving for sufficient milk to have a healthy baby” emerged as the core category. It was defined as a process in which mothers of late preterm infants had to exert great effort toward achieving sufficient milk for their infants. The following three phases supported the core category: preparing for breastfeeding, overcoming the problem of insufficient milk supply, and managing to continue breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Perceived insufficient milk supply in first-time mothers is a threat to achieving exclusive breastfeeding for their late preterm infants, but the will to have a healthy baby makes it happen. Nurse-midwives could apply the management process of exclusive breastfeeding as a guideline in providing support for these mothers throughout the chain of antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care.
Trial registration:
Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board Committee, Faculty of Nursing and the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, # No. 2561-EXP065 and No. 2561–05865.
Treatment of Alectinib in NSCLC With Brain Metastasis Patient Refractory to Radiotherapy After Resistance to Crizotinib: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: ZHOU YUAN , Zeng Xianliang , Sun Songwei , Chen Xiuli , Huang Shuang , Zhang Chunzhi
Published: March 2021

Background: Brain metastasis is the common place of tumor recurrence after resistance to crizotinib. The therapeutic modes on brain metastasis of ALK-positive NSCLC require multidisciplinary approach, including target therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Until to nowadays, there isn`t optimal therapeutic recommendations for these patients. Radiotherapy is the vital treatment for brain metastasis.Case presentation: We reported one ALK-positive NSCLC patient with brain metastasis after crizotinib. ALK rearrangement wasn`t found in blood sample of the patient by NGS. According to NCCN guideline, we gave the patient whole brain radiotherapy. It was unexpected that the number of brain metastasis increased after whole brain radiotherapy. After that, the patient was empirically used alectinib after radiotherapy failure. It achieved unexpected success in our patient. Conclusions: We got some enlightenment form the patient. Firstly, liquid biopsy is complementary to tissue biopsy in NSCLC, mainly in EGFR mutation. However, ALK detection should use tissue biopsy as much as possible. Secondly, we suggest the brain metastasis patient of NSCLC use the second generation TKI, such as alectinib, ceritinib, after resistance to crizotinib whether ALKr is positive or negative in liquid biopsy. Lastly, we believe that combined radiotherapy with TKIs is an optimal mode in the BM patient of NSCLC after resistance to crizotinib.
Quantifying the impact of vaccine hesitancy in prolonging the need for Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions to control the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mesa Daniela Olivera , Hogan Alexandra , Watson Oliver , Charles Giovanni , Hauck Katharina , Ghani Azra C , Winskill Peter
Published: March 2021

Vaccine hesitancy – a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability – has the potential to threaten the successful roll-out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines globally. Here, we evaluate the potential impact of vaccine hesitancy on the control of the pandemic and the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) by combining an epidemiological model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission with data on vaccine hesitancy from population surveys. Our findings suggest that the mortality over a 2-year period could be up to 8 times higher in countries with high vaccine hesitancy compared to an ideal vaccination uptake if NPIs are relaxed. Alternatively, high vaccine hesitancy could prolong the need for NPIs to remain in place. Addressing vaccine hesitancy with behavioural interventions is therefore an important priority in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prediction of the Risk of Developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Health Screening Examinees: a Korean Cohort Study
Authors: An Chansik , Choi Jong Won , Lee Hyung Soon , Lim Hyunsun , Ryu Seok Jong , Chang Jung Hyun , Oh Hyun Cheol
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAlmost all Koreans are covered by mandatory national health insurance and are required to undergo health screening at least once every 2 years. We aimed to develop a machine learning model to predict the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the screening results and insurance claim data.MethodsThe National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening database was used for this study (NHIS-2020-2-146). Our study cohort consisted of health screening examinees in 2004 or 2005 without cancer history, which was randomly split into training and test cohorts. Robust predictors were selected using Cox proportional hazard regression with 1,000 different bootstrapped datasets. Random forest and extreme gradient boosting algorithms were used to develop a prediction model for the 12-year risk of HCC development after screening. After optimizing a prediction model via cross validation in the training cohort, the model was validated in the test cohort.ResultsOf 331,694 examinees, 0.8% were diagnosed with HCC during the follow-up period (median, 11.2 years), respectively. Of the selected predictors, older age, male sex, abnormal liver function tests, the family history of chronic liver disease, and underlying chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis virus or human immunodeficiency virus infection, and diabetes mellitus were associated with increased risk, whereas elevated total cholesterol and underlying dyslipidemia or schizophrenic/delusional disorders were associated with decreased risk of HCC development (p<0.001). In the test, our model showed good discrimination and calibration. The C-index, AUC, and Brier skill score were 0.868, 0.872, and 0.08, respectively. ConclusionsMachine learning-based model could be used to predict the risk of HCC development based on the health screening examination results and claim data.
Niche differentiation of microbes and their functional signatures in Assam type tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica)
Authors: Bora Sudipta Sankar , Dey Kuntal Kumar , Borah Madhusmita , Rahman Mominur , Gogoi Manuranjan , Modi Mahendra Kumar , Barooah Madhumita
Published: March 2021

We employed an Illumina-based high throughput metagenomics sequencing approach to unveil the overall rhizospheric as well as endophytic microbial community associated with an organically grown Camellia population located at the Experimental Tea Garden, Assam Agricultural University, Assam (India). Quality control (i.e. adapter trimming and duplicate removal) followed by de novo assembly revealed the tea endophytic metagenome to contain 24,231 contigs (total 7,771,089 base pairs with an average length of 321 bps) while tea rhizospheric soil metagenome contained 261,965 sequences (total 230537174 base pairs, average length 846). The most prominent rhizobacteria belonged to the genus viz., Bacillus (10.34%), Candidatus Koribacter (8.0%), Candidatus Solibacter (6.35%), Burkholderia (5.18%), Acidobacterium (4.08%), Pseudomonas (3.9%), Streptomyces (3.52%), Bradyrhizobium (2.76%) and Enterobacter (2.56%); while the endosphere was dominated by bacterial genus viz., Serratia (42.3%), Methylobacterium (7.6%), Yersinia (5.4%), Burkholderia (2.2%) etc. The presence of few agronomically important bacterial genuses such as Bradyrhizobium (1.18%), Rhizobium (0.8%), Sinorhizobium (0.34%), Azorhizobium and Flavobacterium (0.17% each) were also detected in the endosphere. KEGG pathway mapping highlighted the presence of microbial metabolite pathway genes related to tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and amino sugar metabolism which play important roles in endophytic activities including survival, growth promotion and host adaptation.
Bortezomib potentiates antitumor activity of Mitoxantrone through dampening Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in prostate cancel cells
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Qiuzi , Wei Wei , Zhang Guoan , Yan Siyuan , Dai Rongrong , Sun Ying , Su Dubo , Lv Shun , Xia Yong , Li Cing , Li Changlin
Published: March 2021

Background Bortezomib (BZM), alone or in combination with other chemotherapies, has displayed strong anticancer effects in several cancers. The efficacy of the combination of BZM and mitoxantrone (MTX) in treating prostate cancer remains unknown.Methods Anticancer effects of combination of BZM and MTX were determined by apoptosis and proliferation assay in vivo and in vitro. Expression of β-catenin and its target genes were characterized by western blot and Real-time PCR.Results BZM significantly enhanced MTX-induced antiproliferation in vivo and in vitro. Mice administered a combination of BZM and MTX displayed attenuated tumor growth and prolonged survival. BZM significantly attenuated MTX-induced apoptosis. Moreover, the combination of BZM and MTX contributed to inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway compared to monotherapy.Conclusions This study demonstrates that BZM enhances MTX-induced anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells.
What Impact Have SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of Bihar in India over the 3 months after nationwide Lock down announcement in March 2020 -A brief analysis.
Authors: Kumar Piyush
Published: March 2021

Background: The delivery of reproductive and child health services is of utmost importance and prime concern in India particularly populous states like Bihar with limited resources, poor infrastructure and huge demand on healthcare system. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had presented a challenge even for developed healthcare systems around the world. Objectives: The main aim of this research is to find out Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of Bihar in India over the 3 months after Lock down imposition countrywide in March 2020. Settings & Design: Different indicators group of RCH programme (immunisation, maternal & child health, family planning) for state of Bihar were collected and compared from previous year. Materials & Methodology: Secondary data from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India for 2019 & 2020 were taken for analysing and understanding of impact of pandemic on RCH programme over 3 months after lock down viz. April/May/June 2020. The data obtained is analysed by using Microsoft Office software.Result: The analysis of secondary data obtained from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website for RCH programme of the state of Bihar shows that the lock down period & initial early phase of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have a negative impact over the delivery of health services as well as the indicators are also affected negatively. Besides the pandemic the state is also having lack of resources, manpower poor infrastructure as well as positive deviance at community level. These are the barriers in fact beside the epidemic. It seems that there is lack of proper plan to deal with such pandemic situation. Conclusion: The State of Bihar has enforced the epidemic disease act but it seems to be insufficient to give the desired results. The barriers of healthcare system and delivery of services should be rectified added with a proper dynamic plan to carry on usual health delivery services even in pandemics. The state of Bihar needs to develop an exclusive plan such as separate RCH cadre to tackle such situations.
Suggestion For a New Classification of Postoperative Neurological Complications (CPNC) in Neurosurgery
Authors: Shalamberidze David , Awad Yasar Al , Höpfner Jürgen , Kluge Guido , Benes Ludwig
Published: March 2021

To design a classification concentrating on the art and severity of functional restriction that could include all possible postoperative neurological disturbances and prove its validity to be comparable and easily used in neurosurgery. A seven grade classification was proposed commencing from grade "0" for no neurological disturbances to grade "6" for coma/vegetative state/demise: grade “1”, any remittent neurological disturbances with full improvement spontaneously or as a result of any temporary drug therapy or re-surgery, a single epileptic seizure without the need for anticonvulsant therapy; grade “2”, lasting neurological disturbances resulting in no functional restrictions, no epileptic seizures needing for long-term anticonvulsant therapy; grade “3”, lasting neurological disturbances resulting in slight functional restrictions, rare epileptic seizures despite of anticonvulsant therapy, slight aphasia; grade “4”, lasting neurological disturbances resulting in moderate functional restrictions and partial need of outside help, average frequency of epileptic seizures despite anticonvulsant therapy, moderate aphasia; and grade “5”, lasting neurological disturbances resulting in severe functional restriction and complete need of outside help, high frequency of epileptic seizures despite of anticonvulsant therapy, severe aphasia. The study included a total of 1681 operations at 1530 patients. The postoperative neurological disturbances occurred in 7.7% (n=119) of patients. All postoperative neurological disturbances could be easily classified according to the CPNC. The ranking system was proportional to the length of hospital stay. The CPNC is useful and easily applicable to assess the rates of postoperative neurological disturbances. It can be a comparable instrument in the quality management of neurosurgery.
Mycoremediation of Textile Effluent: A Toxicological Evaluation and its Possible Correlation with COD
Authors: Rajhans Geetanjali , Barik Adyasa , Sen Sudip , Masanta Amrita , Sahoo Naresh , Raut Sangeeta
Published: March 2021

Globally, textile industries are one of the major sectors releasing dye pollutants. This is the first report on the positive correlation between toxicity and COD of textile effluent along with the proposed pathway for enzymatic degradation of acid orange 10 using Geotrichum candidum within a very short stretch of time (18h). Removal efficiency of this mycoremedial approach after 18 h in terms of color, dye concentration as well as reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) in the treated effluent reached to 89%, 87%, 98.5% and 96.3% respectively. FT-IR analysis of the treated effluent confirmed biodegradation. The LC-MS analysis showed the degradation of acid orange 10, which was confirmed by the formation of two biodegradation products, 7-oxo-8-iminonapthalene-1,3-disulfonate and nitrosobenzene, which subsequently undergoes stepwise hydrogenation and dehydration to form aniline via phenyl hydroxyl amine as intermediate. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that heavy metals content in the treated effluent has reduced along with decrease in % crystallinity, indicating biodegradation. The connection between toxicity and COD was also inveterated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Further the toxicological studies indicated the toxicity of raw textile effluent and relatively lower toxic nature of metabolites generated after biodegradation by G. candidum.