bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tussen Kulturele Traditie en Verandering: De Bamileke-Tontine. Traditionele Basis, Actuele Functionering en Sociale Reglementering
Authors: van Dievoet Grietje , Verboven Dirk
Published: February 2021

Between Cultural Tradition and Change: The Bamilike-Tontine. Traditional Basis, Present Functioning and Social Control

The Bamileke of Cameroon are generally considered as one of Africa’s economically well-adapted people. One of the factors in this process is unmistakably the adaptation of traditional savings and credit associations (ROSCA, tontine, Ntshwa) to the needs of the market economy. The basic principle of a tontine is very simple: at set times, every member contributes a fixed sum of money, which is handed over to one of its members, until everyone has received this “tontine”. This enables each member to dispose of a relatively large amount of money, that can be used to various ends: agriculture, education, economic investments, trade or whatever. The Bamileke have, under demographic pressure, massively migrated to urban areas, where they developed the rural ROSCA into an original urban variant, the “bourse d’argent”. This is an intermediate form between traditional tontines and western Exchange-systems, and is extremely well adapted to the new economic demands. However, the complex functioning and the principles underlying both traditional and recent savings and credit associations are well anchored in traditional social structures and cultural norms. And both give the Bamleke a distinctive advantage in endogenous development, industry, and especially trade. The western banking-system on the other hand does not succeed to give confidence, and remain to a large extent to-be-avoided foreign institutions. This situation makes tontines a preferable instrument in development policy ,for they guarantee financial responsibility and personal involvement.
Western and Muslim Perceptions of Universal Human Rights
Authors: Ahmed Ishtiaq
Published: February 2021

In this paper, first the evolution of the Western human rights standpoint and its theoretical underpinnings are traced. Next, the current internationally-approved instruments of human rights are critiqued in terms of their relevance to the needs of individuals and groups in Third World societies. Thirdly, a review of the Islamic view of human rights is attempted. Finally, the human rights situation and Muslim responses to it is examined in the contexts of Africa, Asia and Europe. Studying the human rights situation in regions where Muslims are in a majority and dominate the state, as in some African and Asian societies, and in areas where they are a minority, as in Europe, helps us arrive at a better understanding of the practical implications of the human rights package, approved by the United Nations and other related agencies, for a religious community which faces theological and philosophical difficulties in coming to terms with it.
Strategies Matrimoniales et Appropriation De La Terre Chez Les Yansi.
Authors: Mfukala Moke Key Willy-Roland
Published: February 2021

A weak concentration of landowner system is among the main properties of African people specially those in the South of Sahara. To have acces to land is a question which concerns above all the level of rationalisation than that of true distribution.

This paper deals with the strategies of both landowner system and marriage settlement in the Yansi society. The Yansi people are living in the Kinzwene area specially in the constituency of Bagata in the province of Bandundu of Zaïre country. These people have opted for a marriage settlement based on matriarchy.

With reference to Bohanman’s methodes of conception to write down this paper, we have proceeded by confrontation of these methods to the Yansi social reality. From this we can say: the land appropriation and the one of a woman (as spouse) are from a system of affectation to using things but not from the right to have it used according to the european comman law which is based on the former roman law.

Only one adage rules the both landowner and marriage settlement strategies: “NSO MPE NGUL M’WAG” (if a cassava field is left, it is given to wild boars). This maxim brings a reply to the women moving, the fields and the properties regime inside the same linear system or in the archilinear one.

According to Yansi people, landowner system is a question which concerns at the same time the economic, the social and cultural aspects. What is called “formal marriage” (Ukwel Kituül) is a kind of marriage settlement strategy both social and temporal.

The Yansi landowner system and marriage settlement are to be seen as a way tot remain interdependent from generations to others.
Het Constitutioneel Kader van de Demokratische Arabische Republiek Der Sahra Wi’s
Authors: van Ruysseveldt Peter
Published: February 2021

The Constitutional Framework of the Democratic Arabic Republic of the Sahra Wi’s

Each constitution is a juridical source of standards. Moreover, each constitution is also a political instrument which expresses a certain political philosophy. The analysis of a constitution produces views concerning the real or ideal political regime, the internal relations of power attendant upon it, the way on which the individual participates in the exercise of the political and real power, ...

February 1976, the Democratic Arabic Republic of the Sahrawi's was proclaimed and the first constitution was promulgated. During its congress, August 1976, the Polisario Front voted a second constitution. Responding to the changed -and changing- international context, at which the accession of the Democratic Arabic Republic of the Sahrawi's to the Organisation of African Unity was a matter of great importance, a brand new constitution was promulgated. This constitution has force of law as long as the obtaining of independence for the Sahrawi-people isn’t reached.

In 1991 a new constitution was promulgated. This constitution seems to have all the stipulations, needed to be a ‘good’ democratic constitution. Therefore, it's now up to the Sahrawi’s to realise this good intentions and to fill them in correctly.
South Asian Ports and Water Scarcity in the Eyes of Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century European Visitors
Authors: Schunka Alexander
Published: February 2021

This article addresses problems of freshwater scarcity in port cities in the wider Indian Ocean region in the early modern era. It focuses on the historical dimensions of an urgent problem, namely the unequal access to and distribution of water in an increasingly globalized world. Focusing on European travelogues (mainly from Germany, England and France), I argue that these observers discussed structures of conflict and collective action regarding natural resources because they faced similar issues in their home countries. They recorded the particular spatial orders of port cities that were often arranged according to structures of water supply, different relations of power with regard to water management and finally the coping strategies of Europeans and local populations when it came to the uses and distribution practices of fresh water. The observations of European visitors cannot be taken as an accurate picture, since they are shaped by their own experiences and reflect their education and mindsets, their possible access to certain information and their expectations of a possible readership at home. Nonetheless the authors knew that water shortages made a degree of co-operation among seemingly distinct groups necessary.
Synopsis of Nothybidae (Diptera: Brachycera) from China, with redescription of Nothybus absens Lonsdale & Marshall
Authors: ZHOU JIALE , MARSHALL STEPHEN A. , YANG DING
Published: February 2021

The Nothybidae of China are reviewed, including Nothybus absens Lonsdale & Marshall, 2016 which was previously known only from photographs, is here redescribed on the basis of male and female specimens. A key to Chinese species of Nothybidae is provided.
Increased bactericidal activity but dose-limiting intolerability at 50 mg·kg−1rifampicin
Authors: te Brake Lindsey H.M. , de Jager Veronique , Narunsky Kim , Vanker Naadira , Svensson Elin M. , Phillips Patrick P.J. , Gillespie Stephen H. , Heinrich Norbert , Hoelscher Michael , Dawson Rodney , Diacon Andreas H. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Boeree Martin J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Accumulating data indicate that higher rifampicin doses are more effective and shorten tuberculosis (TB) treatment duration. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and 7- and 14-day early bactericidal activity (EBA) of increasing doses of rifampicin. Here we report the results of the final cohorts of PanACEA HIGHRIF1, a dose escalation study in treatment-naive adult smear-positive patients with TB.

Methods

Patients received, in consecutive cohorts, 40 or 50 mg·kg−1rifampicin once daily in monotherapy (day 1–7), supplemented with standard dose isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol between days 8 and 14.

Results

In the 40 mg·kg−1cohort (n=15), 13 patients experienced a total of 36 adverse events during monotherapy, resulting in one treatment discontinuation. In the 50 mg·kg−1cohort (n=17), all patients experienced adverse events during monotherapy, 93 in total; 11 patients withdrew or stopped study medication. Adverse events were mostly mild/moderate and tolerability rather than safety related,i.e.gastrointestinal disorders, pruritis, hyperbilirubinaemia and jaundice. There was a more than proportional increase in the rifampicin geometric mean area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 12 h (AUC0–24 h) for 50 mg·kg−1compared with 40 mg·kg−1; 571 (range 320–995)versus387 (range 201–847) mg·L−1·h, while peak exposures saw proportional increases. Protein-unbound exposure after 50 mg·kg−1(11% (range 8–17%)) was comparable with lower rifampicin doses. Rifampicin exposures and bilirubin concentrations were correlated (Spearman's ρ=0.670 on day 3, p<0.001). EBA increased considerably with dose, with the highest seen after 50 mg·kg−1: 14-day EBA −0.427 (95% CI −0.500– −0.355) log10CFU·mL−1·day−1.

Conclusion

Although associated with an increased bactericidal effect, the 50 mg·kg−1dose was not well tolerated. Rifampicin at 40 mg·kg−1was well tolerated and therefore selected for evaluation in a phase IIc treatment-shortening trial.
Personal exposure to air pollution and respiratory health of COPD patients in London
Authors: Evangelopoulos Dimitris , Chatzidiakou Lia , Walton Heather , Katsouyanni Klea , Kelly Frank J. , Quint Jennifer K. , Jones Roderic L. , Barratt Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have investigated the effects of air pollution on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients using either fixed-site measurements or a limited number of personal measurements, usually for one pollutant and a short time period. These limitations may introduce bias and distort the epidemiological associations as they do not account for all the potential sources or the temporal variability of pollution.

We used detailed information on individuals’ exposure to various pollutants measured at fine spatiotemporal scale to obtain more reliable effect estimates. A panel of 115 patients was followed up for an average continuous period of 128 days carrying a personal monitor specifically designed for this project that measured temperature, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 and <10 μm at 1-min time resolution. Each patient recorded daily information on respiratory symptoms and measured peak expiratory flow (PEF). A pulmonologist combined related data to define a binary variable denoting an “exacerbation”. The exposure–response associations were assessed with mixed effects models.

We found that gaseous pollutants were associated with a deterioration in patients’ health. We observed an increase of 16.4% (95% CI 8.6–24.6%), 9.4% (95% CI 5.4–13.6%) and 7.6% (95% CI 3.0–12.4%) in the odds of exacerbation for an interquartile range increase in NO2, NO and CO, respectively. Similar results were obtained for cough and sputum. O3was found to have adverse associations with PEF and breathlessness. No association was observed between particulate matter and any outcome.

Our findings suggest that, when considering total personal exposure to air pollutants, mainly the gaseous pollutants affect COPD patients’ health.
ERS International Congress 2020: highlights from the Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation Assembly
Authors: Esendagli Dorina , Shah Unmil , Batihan Guntug , Magouliotis Dimitrios , Meloni Federica , Vos Robin , Elia Stefano , Hellemons Merel
Published: February 2021

The Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Assembly of the European Respiratory Society is delighted to present the highlights from the 2020 Virtual International Congress. We have selected four sessions that discussed recent advances in a wide range of topics. From the use of robotic surgery in thoracic surgery and extracorporeal life support as a bridge to lung transplantation, to lung transplantation in the era of new drugs. The sessions are summarised by early career members in close collaboration with the assembly leadership. We aim to give the reader an update on the highlights of the conference in the fields of thoracic surgery and lung transplantation.
BronchUK: protocol for an observational cohort study and biobank in bronchiectasis
Authors: De Soyza Anthony , Mawson Philip , Hill Adam T. , Elborn Stuart , Bradley Judy M. , Haworth Charles S. , Floto R. Andres , Wilson Robert , Loebinger Michael R. , Carroll Mary , Crichton Megan , Chalmers James D. , Sullivan Anita , Brown Jeremy , Hurst John R. , Duckers Jamie , Kelly Martin , Steer John , Gatheral Tim , Walker Paul P. , Winstanley Craig , McGuire Alistair , Denning David , McNally Richard
Published: February 2021

Bronchiectasis has been a largely overlooked disease area in respiratory medicine. This is reflected by a shortage of large-scale studies and lack of approved therapies, in turn leading to a variation of treatment across centres. BronchUK (Bronchiectasis Observational Cohort and Biobank UK) is a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study working collaboratively with the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration project. The inclusion criteria for patients entering the study are a clinical history consistent with bronchiectasis and computed tomography demonstrating bronchiectasis. Main exclusion criteria are 1) patients unable to provide informed consent, 2) bronchiectasis due to known cystic fibrosis or where bronchiectasis is not the main or co-dominant respiratory disease, 3) age <18 years, and 4) prior lung transplantation for bronchiectasis. The study is aligned to standard UK National Health Service (NHS) practice with an aim to recruit a minimum of 1500 patients from across at least nine secondary care centres. Patient data collected at baseline includes demographics, aetiology testing, comorbidities, lung function, radiology, treatments, microbiology and quality of life. Patients are followed up annually for a maximum of 5 years and, where able, blood and/or sputa samples are collected and stored in a central biobank. BronchUK aims to collect robust longitudinal data that can be used for analysis into current NHS practice and patient outcomes, and to become an integral resource to better inform future interventional studies in bronchiectasis.
Predicting the purebred-crossbred genetic correlation from the genetic variance components in the parental lines
Authors: Duenk Pascal , Bijma Piter , Wientjes Yvonne C. J. , Calus Mario P. L.
Published: February 2021

Background

The genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance ($${r}_{pc}$$rpc) is an important parameter in pig and poultry breeding, because response to selection in crossbred performance depends on the value of$${r}_{pc}$$rpcwhen selection is based on purebred (PB) performance. The value of$${r}_{pc}$$rpccan be substantially lower than 1, which is partly due to differences in allele frequencies between parental lines when non-additive genetic effects are present. This relationship between$${r}_{pc}$$rpcand parental allele frequencies suggests that$${r}_{pc}$$rpccan be expressed as a function of genetic parameters for the trait in the parental lines. In this study, we derived expressions for$${r}_{pc}$$rpcbased on genetic variances within, and the genetic covariance between parental lines. It is important to note that the variance components used in our expressions are not the components that are typically estimated in empirical data. The expressions were derived for a genetic model with additive and dominance effects (D), and additive and epistatic additive-by-additive effects (EAA). We validated our expressions using simulations of purebred parental lines and their crosses, where the parental lines were either selected or not. Finally, using these simulations, we investigated the value of$${r}_{pc}$$rpcfor genetic models with both dominance and epistasis or with other types of epistasis, for which expressions could not be derived.

Results

Our simulations show that when non-additive effects are present,$${r}_{pc}$$rpcdecreases with increasing differences in allele frequencies between the parental lines. Genetic models that involve dominance result in lower values of$${r}_{pc}$$rpcthan genetic models that involve epistasis only. Using information of parental lines only, our expressions provide exact estimates of$${r}_{pc}$$rpcfor models D and EAA, and accurate upper and lower bounds of$${r}_{pc}$$rpcfor two other genetic models.

Conclusion

This work lays the foundation to enable estimation of$${r}_{pc}$$rpcfrom information collected in PB parental lines only.
Phenotype and multi-omics comparison of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus uncovers pathogenic traits and predicts zoonotic potential
Authors: Zondervan Niels A. , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P. , Suarez-Diez Maria , Saccenti Edoardo
Published: February 2021

Background

Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species can cause many different diseases, ranging from mild skin infections to life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis. Both genera consist of commensal species that colonize the skin and nose of humans and animals, and of which some can display a pathogenic phenotype.

Results

We compared 235 Staphylococcus and 315 Streptococcus genomes based on their protein domain content. We show the relationships between protein persistence and essentiality by integrating essentiality predictions from two metabolic models and essentiality measurements from six large-scale transposon mutagenesis experiments. We identified clusters of strains within species based on proteins associated to similar biological processes. We built Random Forest classifiers that predicted the zoonotic potential. Furthermore, we identified shared attributes between of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes that allow them to cause necrotizing fasciitis.

Conclusions

Differences observed in clustering of strains based on functional groups of proteins correlate with phenotypes such as host tropism, capability to infect multiple hosts and drug resistance. Our method provides a solid basis towards large-scale prediction of phenotypes based on genomic information.
Chloroplast genome variation and phylogenetic relationships of Atractylodes species
Authors: Wang Yiheng , Wang Sheng , Liu Yanlei , Yuan Qingjun , Sun Jiahui , Guo Lanping
Published: February 2021

Background

Atractylodes DC is the basic original plant of the widely used herbal medicines “Baizhu” and “Cangzhu” and an endemic genus in East Asia. Species within the genus have minor morphological differences, and the universal DNA barcodes cannot clearly distinguish the systemic relationship or identify the species of the genus. In order to solve these question, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of all species of Atractylodes using high-throughput sequencing.

Results

The results indicate that the chloroplast genome of Atractylodes has a typical quadripartite structure and ranges from 152,294 bp (A. carlinoides) to 153,261 bp (A. macrocephala) in size. The genome of all species contains 113 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and four ribosomal RNA genes. Four hotspots, rpl22-rps19-rpl2, psbM-trnD, trnR-trnT(GGU), and trnT(UGU)-trnL, and a total of 42–47 simple sequence repeats (SSR) were identified as the most promising potentially variable makers for species delimitation and population genetic studies. Phylogenetic analyses of the whole chloroplast genomes indicate that Atractylodes is a clade within the tribe Cynareae; Atractylodes species form a monophyly that clearly reflects the relationship within the genus.

Conclusions

Our study included investigations of the sequences and structural genomic variations, phylogenetics and mutation dynamics of Atractylodes chloroplast genomes and will facilitate future studies in population genetics, taxonomy and species identification.
National surveillance of stroke quality of care and outcomes by applying post-stratification survey weights on the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke patient registry
Authors: Ziaeian Boback , Xu Haolin , Matsouaka Roland A. , Xian Ying , Khan Yosef , Schwamm Lee S. , Smith Eric E. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: February 2021

Background

The U.S. lacks a stroke surveillance system. This study develops a method to transform an existing registry into a nationally representative database to evaluate acute ischemic stroke care quality.

Methods

Two statistical approaches are used to develop post-stratification weights for the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke registry by anchoring population estimates to the National Inpatient Sample. Post-stratification survey weights are estimated using a raking procedure and Bayesian interpolation methods. Weighting methods are adjusted to limit the dispersion of weights and make reasonable epidemiologic estimates of patient characteristics, quality of hospital care, and clinical outcomes. Standardized differences in national estimates are reported between the two post-stratification methods for anchored and non-anchored patient characteristics to evaluate estimation quality. Primary measures evaluated are patient and hospital characteristics, stroke severity, vital and laboratory measures, disposition, and clinical outcomes at discharge.

Results

A total of 1,388,296 acute ischemic strokes occurred between 2012 and 2014. Raking and Bayesian estimates of clinical data not available in administrative data are estimated within 5 to 10% of margin for expected values. Median weight for the raking method is 1.386 and the weights at the 99th percentile is 6.881 with a maximum weight of 30.775. Median Bayesian weight is 1.329 and the 99th percentile weights is 11.201 with a maximum weight of 515.689.

Conclusions

Leveraging existing databases with patient registries to develop post-stratification weights is a reliable approach to estimate acute ischemic stroke epidemiology and monitoring for stroke quality of care nationally. These methods may be applied to other diseases or settings to better monitor population health.
INF2 p.Arg214Cys mutation in a Chinese family with rapidly progressive renal failure and follow-up of renal transplantation: case report and literature review
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Ma Xinxin , Zhang Xiaohao , Luo Dan , Zhang Jun , Li Ming , Ye Zengchun , Peng Hui
Published: February 2021

Background

Heterozygous mutations in the inverted formin 2 (INF2) gene are related to secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare secondary disease associated with rapidly progressive renal failure.

Case presentation

We report a patient with familial autosomal INF2 mutation manifesting nephritic syndromes and elevated serum creatinine levels. Mutational analysis revealed an autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance pattern and a mutation in exon 4 (p.Arg214Cys) of INF2 as the likely cause, which has not been previously described in an Asian family. The patient progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and received hemodialysis. His mother had undergone renal transplant 3 years earlier, and his grandmother had carried the p.Arg214Cys mutation for more than 80 years without any sign of renal dysfunction.

Conclusions

This is the first report to identify an association between a familial autosomal dominant INF2 p.Arg214Cys mutation and rapidly progressive renal disease in an Asian family. INF2 mutation analysis should not be restricted to individuals without family history of FSGS, rather it should also be performed on individuals for whom drug-based therapies are not effective. In this case, kidney transplant is an effective alternative.
A 10-year bibliometric analysis of osteosarcoma and cure from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Da Wacili , Tao Zhengbo , Meng Yan , Wen Kaicheng , Zhou Siming , Yang Keda , Tao Lin
Published: February 2021

Background

In recent decades, the 5-year survival rate of osteosarcoma remains poor, despite the variety of operations, and exploration of drug therapy has become the key to improvement. This study investigates the contribution of different aspects in osteosarcoma and cure, and predicts research hotspots to benefit future clinical outcomes.

Methods

The Web of Science and PubMed databases were queried to collect all relevant publications related to osteosarcoma and cure from 2009 to 2019. These data were imported into CiteSpace and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology for bibliometric analysis. Bi-clustering was performed on Bibliographic Item co-occurrence Matrix Builder (BICOMB) and gCLUTO to identify hotspots. Additionally, completed clinical trials on osteosarcoma with results past phase II were collated.

Results

A total of 2258 publications were identified in osteosarcoma and cure from 2009 to 2019. China has the largest number of publications (38.49%), followed by the United States (23.03%) with the greatest impact (centrality = 0.44). The centrality of most institutions is < 0.1, and Central South University and Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center possess the highest average citation rates of 3.25 and 2.87. BMC cancer has the highest average citation rate of 3.26 in 772 journals. Four authors (Picci P, Gorlick R, Bielack SS and Bacci G) made the best contributions. We also identified eight hotspots and collected 41 clinical trials related to drug research on osteosarcoma.

Conclusions

The urgent need exists to strengthen global academic exchanges. Overcoming multidrug resistance in osteosarcoma is the focus of past, present and future investigations. Transformation of the metastasis pattern, microenvironment genetics mechanism, alternative methods of systemic chemotherapy and exploration of traditional Chinese medicine is expected to contribute to a new upsurge of research.
Comparison of irinotecan and oxaliplatin as the first-line therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kawai Sadayuki , Takeshima Nozomi , Hayasaka Yu , Notsu Akifumi , Yamazaki Mutsumi , Kawabata Takanori , Yamazaki Kentaro , Mori Keita , Yasui Hirofumi
Published: February 2021

Background

Irinotecan (IRI) and oxaliplatin (Ox) are standard therapeutic agents of the first-line treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that treatment with Ox-based compared with IRI-based regimens was associated with better overall survival (OS). However, these reports did not include trials of molecular targeting agents and did not take methods for the administration of concomitant drugs, such as bolus or continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil, into account. A systematic literature review was performed to compare the efficacy and toxicity profiles between IRI- and Ox-based regimens as the first-line treatments for mCRC.

Methods

This meta-analysis used data from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and SCOPUS. The primary endpoint was OS, and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Nineteen trials involving 4571 patients were included in the analysis. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of OS, PFS, and ORR. There was no significant heterogeneity. Regarding ≥ grade 3 AEs, IRI-based regimens were associated with a high incidence of leukopenia, febrile neutropenia, and diarrhea. Moreover, there was a high incidence of thrombocytopenia and peripheral sensory neuropathy in patients who received Ox-based regimens. In a subgroup analysis, IRI combined with bevacizumab was correlated with a better PFS (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82–0.98,P = 0.02), but not with OS (pooled HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.80–1.03,P = 0.15).

Conclusion

Although the safety profiles of IRI- and Ox-based regimens varied, their efficacy did not significantly differ. The combination of anti-VEGF antibody and IRI was associated with better PFS compared with anti-VEGF antibody and Ox. Both regimens could be used as the first-line treatments for mCRC with consideration of the patients’ condition or toxicity profiles.
Predicting visual acuity in Bietti crystalline dystrophy: evaluation of image parameters
Authors: Huang Chu-Yen , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Yeh Lung-Kun , Wu An-Lun , Liu Pei-Kang , Huang I-Wen , Ryu Joseph , Liu Laura , Wu Wei-Chi , Lai Chi-Chun , Chen Kuan-Jen , Wang Nan-Kai
Published: February 2021

Background

To analyze multiple imaging modalities in patients with Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) and to investigate which factors from these modalities are associated with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 40 eyes from 22 patients with BCD were included and were separated into group 1 (BCVA ≤20/200) and group 2 (BCVA > 20/200). Data including BCVA and characteristic findings from near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and spectral domain-optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were analyzed and compared. The outcome measures of multimodal imaging were evaluated for correlation with BCVA.

Results

NIR is a good diagnostic tool for detecting either crystalline or sclerotic vessels in BCD. Patients in group 1 tended to have a thinner choroid (P = 0.047) with ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption (P = 0.011). Calculation of the area under the curve indicated that EZ disruption detected on SD-OCT could be a good predictor of legal blindness in BCD.

Conclusion

For the diagnosis of BCD, NIR could be a good diagnostic tool. Of the studied imaging modalities, we found that EZ disruption at the fovea were strongly associated with legal blindness, which could be easily assessed by SD-OCT.
Factors affecting final functional outcomes in open‐globe injuries and use of ocular trauma score as a predictive tool in Nepalese population
Authors: Shrestha Saurav M. , Anthony Casey L. , Justin Grant A. , Thapa Madhu , Shrestha Jyoti B. , Khatri Anadi , Hoskin Annette K , Agrawal Rupesh
Published: February 2021

Background

Open globe injury (OGI) is one of the most devastating form of ocular trauma. The aim of the study is to identify the epidemiology and predict visual outcomes in traumatic open globe injuries using ocular trauma score (OTS) and correlate with final visual acuity (VA) at 3 months.

Methods

Patients older than 5 years, presenting to B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies (BPKLCOS) from March 2016- March 2017 with OGI that met inclusion criteria were evaluated. Patient profile, nature and cause of injury, and time to presentation were recorded. Patients were managed accordingly and followed up to 3 months. An OTS score for each patient was calculated and raw scores were categorized accordingly. The VA after 3 months were compared to the predicted OTS values.

Results

Seventy-three eyes of 72 patients were examined. 76 % were male, and the mean age was 26.17 years (median, 23.5 years). The mean time from injury to presentation was < 6 hours (30 patients, 41 %). Thirty-seven eyes (51 %) had zone I trauma, followed by twenty eyes (27 %) with zone II, and sixteen eyes (22 %) with zone III trauma. Sixty-five patients (90 %) were managed surgically, and fifty (68 %) received intravitreal antibiotics with steroid. When compared, the projected VA as per OTS were able to predict actual final visual outcomes in 60 % of the eyes with OGI of various zones.

Conclusions

OTS can be an accurate predictive tool for final visual acuity even with a short follow up period of 3 months; with poor presenting visual acuity, delayed presentation, posterior zones of injury, need for intravitreal injections, endophthalmitis, and globe rupture associated with poorer prognosis.
A 15 month experience with a primary care-based telemedicine screening program for diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Benjamin James E. , Sun Justin , Cohen Devin , Matz Joseph , Barbera Angela , Henderer Jeffrey , Cheng Lorrie , Grachevskaya Julia , Shah Rajnikant , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2021

Background

Using telemedicine for diabetic retinal screening is becoming popular especially amongst at-risk urban communities with poor access to care. The goal of the diabetic telemedicine project at Temple University Hospital is to improve cost-effective access to appropriate retinal care to those in need of close monitoring and/or treatment.

Methods

This will be a retrospective review of 15 months of data from March 2016 to May 2017. We will investigate how many patients were screened, how interpretable the photographs were, how often the photographs generated a diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) based on the screening photo, and how many patients followed-up for an exam in the office, if indicated.

Results

Six-hundred eighty-nine (689) digital retinal screening exams on 1377 eyes of diabetic patients were conducted in Temple’s primary care clinic. The majority of the photographs were read to have no retinopathy (755, 54.8%). Among all of the screening exams, 357 (51.8%) triggered a request for a referral to ophthalmology. Four-hundred forty-nine (449, 32.6%) of the photos were felt to be uninterpretable by the clinician. Referrals were meant to be requested for DR found in one or both eyes, inability to assess presence of retinopathy in one or both eyes, or for suspicion of a different ophthalmic diagnosis. Sixty-seven patients (9.7%) were suspected to have another ophthalmic condition based on other findings in the retinal photographs. Among the 34 patients that were successfully completed a referral visit to Temple ophthalmology, there was good concordance between the level of DR detected by their screening fundus photographs and visit diagnosis.

Conclusions

Although a little more than half of the patients did not have diabetic eye disease, about half needed a referral to ophthalmology. However, only 9.5% of the referral-warranted exams actually received an eye exam. Mere identification of referral-warranted diabetic retinopathy and other ophthalmic conditions is not enough. A successful telemedicine screening program must close the communication gap between screening and diagnosis by reviewer to provide timely follow-up by eye care specialists.
Leaving no one behind? An equity analysis of the HIV care cascade among a cohort of people living with HIV in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: McClarty Leigh M. , Blanchard James F. , Becker Marissa L.
Published: February 2021

Background

Manitoba is a central Canadian province with annual rates of new HIV infections consistently higher than the Canadian average. National surveillance statistics and data from the provincial HIV care program suggest that epidemiological heterogeneity exists across Manitoba. New HIV cases are disproportionately reported among females, Indigenous-identifying individuals, and those with a history of injection drug use. Given the heterogeneity in acquisition, it is of interest to understand whether this translates into inequalities in HIV care across Manitoba.

Methods

A sample of 703 participants from a clinical cohort of people living with HIV in Manitoba, with data current to the end of 2017, was used to conduct cross-sectional, disaggregated analyses of the HIV care cascade to identify heterogeneity in service coverage and clinical outcomes among different groups receiving HIV care in Manitoba. Equiplots are used to identify and visualize inequalities across the cascade. Exploratory multivariable logistic regression models quantify associations between equity variables (age, sex, geography, ethnicity, immigration status, exposure category) and progression along the cascade. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) are reported.

Results

Equity analyses highlight inequalities in engagement in and coverage of HIV-related health services among cohort participants. Equiplots illustrate that the proportion of participants in each cascade step is greater for those who are older, white, non-immigrants, and report no history of injection drug use. Compared to those living in Winnipeg, participants in eastern Manitoba have greater odds of achieving virologic suppression (AOR[95%CI] = 3.8[1.3–11.2]). The odds of Indigenous participants being virologically suppressed is half that of white participants (AOR[95%CI] = 0.5[0.3–0.7]), whereas African/Caribbean/Black participants are significantly less likely than white participants to be in care and retained in care (AOR[95%CI] = 0.3[0.2–0.7] and 0.4[0.2–0.9], respectively).

Conclusions

Inequalities exist across the cascade for different groups of Manitobans living with HIV; equiplots are an innovative method for visualizing these inequalities. Alongside future research aiming to understand why inequalities exist across the cascade in Manitoba, our equity analyses can generate hypotheses and provide evidence to inform patient-centred care plans that meet the needs of diverse client subgroups and advocate for policy changes that facilitate more equitable HIV care across the province.
The process of culturally adapting the Healthy Beginnings early obesity prevention program for Arabic and Chinese mothers in Australia
Authors: Marshall Sarah , Taki Sarah , Love Penny , Laird Yvonne , Kearney Marianne , Tam Nancy , Baur Louise A. , Rissel Chris , Wen Li Ming
Published: February 2021

Background

Behavioural interventions for the early prevention of childhood obesity mostly focus on English-speaking populations in high-income countries. Cultural adaptation is an emerging strategy for implementing evidence-based interventions among different populations and regions. This paper describes the initial process of culturally adapting Healthy Beginnings, an evidence-based early childhood obesity prevention program, for Arabic and Chinese speaking migrant mothers and infants in Sydney, Australia.

Methods

The cultural adaptation process followed the Stages of Cultural Adaptation theoretical model and is reported using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced. We first established the adaptation rationale, then considered program underpinnings and the core components for effectiveness. To inform adaptations, we reviewed the scientific literature and engaged stakeholders. Consultations included focus groups with 24 Arabic and 22 Chinese speaking migrant mothers and interviews with 20 health professionals. With input from project partners, bi-cultural staff and community organisations, findings informed cultural adaptations to the content and delivery features of the Healthy Beginnings program.

Results

Program structure and delivery mode were retained to preserve fidelity (i.e. staged nurse calls with key program messages addressing modifiable obesity-related behaviours: infant feeding, active play, sedentary behaviours and sleep). Qualitative analysis of focus group and interview data resulted in descriptive themes concerning cultural practices and beliefs related to infant obesity-related behaviours and perceptions of child weight among Arabic and Chinese speaking mothers. Based on the literature and local study findings, cultural adaptations were made to recruitment approaches, staffing (bi-cultural nurses and project staff) and program content (modified call scripts and culturally adapted written health promotion materials).

Conclusions

This cultural adaptation of Healthy Beginnings followed an established process model and resulted in a program with enhanced relevance and accessibility among Arabic and Chinese speaking migrant mothers. This work will inform the future cultural adaptation stages: testing, refining, and trialling the culturally adapted Healthy Beginnings program to assess acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness.
Empowering traditional birth attendants as agents of maternal and neonatal immunization uptake in Nigeria: a repeated measures design
Authors: Iwu Chinedu Anthony , Uwakwe Kenechi , Oluoha Uche , Duru Chukwuma , Nwaigbo Ernest
Published: February 2021

Background

Adequate immunization coverage in rural communities remain a challenge in Nigeria. Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) form an integral part of the social, cultural and religious fabric in most rural communities in Nigeria. Despite their limitations in handling the complications of childbirth, TBAs are widely accepted and patronized, especially in rural areas. The objectives of the project were to empower TBAs and assess the use of a culturally adapted audio-visual workshop intervention to change their knowledge, attitude and willingness to promote immunization uptake.

Methods

A repeated-measures design that used a convenience sampling technique to select 90 TBAs from the three geopolitical zones of Imo State, Nigeria. The TBAs were engaged through a culturally adapted audio-visual workshop. Data were collected before and immediately after intervention using a pretested questionnaire. Chi square test was done to determine any significant association with the zone of practice and paired sample t-test analysis to determine any significant pre and post intervention change. Level of significance was set at p ≤ ·05.

Results

More than half of the TBAs had at most, a secondary level of education (54·4%). The average length of time they practiced as TBAs was 16 years with an average of ten birth deliveries per month. After the intervention, all the respondents (100%) reported a willingness to always promote immunization uptake and also, there was a statistically significant increase in Knowledge (p < ·000). Similarly, the level of knowledge in the post intervention period appeared to be significantly associated with the zone of practice (p = ·027).

Conclusion

The workshop intervention empowered the TBAs irrespective of their zones of residence by successfully improving their knowledge, though at varying levels; and consequently, their willingness to always promote immunization uptake.
Factors associated with participation in an ongoing national catch-up campaign against rubella: a cross-sectional internet survey among 1680 adult men in Japan
Authors: Hori Ai , Yoshii Shiho , Isaka Yukari , Wada Koji
Published: February 2021

Background

Since 2019, aiming to eliminate periodic rubella outbreaks, the Japanese government has provided a rubella immunization program targeting men born in fiscal years 1972 to 1978, who lacked the opportunity to be vaccinated against rubella in childhood. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with participation in the rubella vaccination program among the first-year target population in 2019.

Methods

A total of 11,754 adult men in Japan born in fiscal years 1972 to1978 living in seven rubella epidemic areas (Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka) were selected from a list of a survey agency and invited to complete an Internet questionnaire in March 2020. Recruitment ended when the participants reached 1680 individuals. Multivariable log binomial regression analyses were performed to explore the association between awareness of rubella prevention and rubella antibody testing in fiscal year 2019, adjusting for social characteristics.

Results

Of the 1680 men aged 41–47 years who completed the survey, approximately half (51.3%) said that they had received a voucher for the rubella antibody testing and vaccination program. One-quarter (25.9%) of the respondents had used the voucher for rubella antibody testing in 2019, and 6.0% had used the voucher for rubella vaccination in fiscal year 2019. Respondents who understood the government recommendation for rubella antibody testing and vaccination for men of their generation (odds ratio [OR]: 5.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.01–7.53), those with acquaintances who had undergone rubella testing (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.22–1.59), and those who knew that about their lack of opportunity for rubella vaccination (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.11–1.60) tended to undergo rubella antibody testing. Receiving the most recent seasonal influenza vaccination (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10–1.43) and being able to confirm a rubella vaccination history (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.13–1.46) were also associated with rubella antibody testing.

Conclusions

The ongoing Japanese test-and-vaccinate rubella program has yet to achieve its participation rate goal for 2019. Further dissemination of the government recommendation to the population is necessary, along with improvements in the accessibility of the rubella vaccination program.
Rhamnolipid coating reduces microbial biofilm formation on titanium implants: an in vitro study
Authors: Tambone Erica , Bonomi Emiliana , Ghensi Paolo , Maniglio Devid , Ceresa Chiara , Agostinacchio Francesca , Caciagli Patrizio , Nollo Giandomenico , Piccoli Federico , Caola Iole , Fracchia Letizia , Tessarolo Francesco
Published: February 2021

Background

Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are biofilm-related diseases causing major concern in oral implantology, requiring complex anti-infective procedures or implant removal. Microbial biosurfactants emerged as new anti-biofilm agents for coating implantable devices preserving biocompatibility. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of rhamnolipid biosurfactant R89 (R89BS) to reduce Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation on titanium.

Methods

R89BS was physically adsorbed on titanium discs (TDs). Cytotoxicity of coated TDs was evaluated on normal lung fibroblasts (MRC5) using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. The ability of coated TDs to inhibit biofilm formation was evaluated by quantifying biofilm biomass and cell metabolic activity, at different time-points, with respect to uncoated controls. A qualitative analysis of sessile bacteria was also performed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

R89BS-coated discs showed no cytotoxic effects. TDs coated with 4 mg/mL R89BS inhibited the biofilm biomass of S. aureus by 99%, 47% and 7% and of S. epidermidis by 54%, 29%, and 10% at 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. A significant reduction of the biofilm metabolic activity was also documented. The same coating applied on three commercial implant surfaces resulted in a biomass inhibition higher than 90% for S. aureus, and up to 78% for S. epidermidis at 24 h.

Conclusions

R89BS-coating was effective in reducing Staphylococcus biofilm formation at the titanium implant surface. The anti-biofilm action can be obtained on several different commercially available implant surfaces, independently of their surface morphology.