bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and facilitators of facility-based kangaroo mother care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Hiwa Tamanda , Pickerill Kelly , Vidler Marianne , Dube Queen , Goldfarb David , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Kawaza Kondwani
Published: March 2021

Background

Hospital-based kangaroo mother care can help reduce preventable newborn deaths and has been recommended by the World Health Organization in the care of low birthweight babies weighing 2000 g or less. However, implementation has been limited. The objective of this review is to understand the barriers and facilitators of kangaroo mother care implementation in health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa, where there are the highest rates of neonatal mortality in the world.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, African Journals Online, African Index Medicus as well as the references of relevant articles. Inclusion criteria included primary research, facility-based kangaroo mother care in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies were assessed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist and the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tools and underwent narrative synthesis.

Results

Thirty studies were included in the review. This review examined barriers and facilitators to kangaroo mother care practice at health systems level, health worker experiences and perspectives of mothers and their families. Strong local leadership was essential to overcome barriers of inadequate space, limited budget for supplies, inadequate staffing, lack of guidelines and policies and insufficient supportive supervision. Workload burdens, knowledge gaps and staff attitudes were highlighted as challenges at health workers’ level, which could be supported by sharing of best practices and success stories. Support for mothers and their families was also identified as a gap.

Conclusion

Building momentum for kangaroo mother care in health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa continues to be a challenge. Strengthening health systems and communication, prioritizing preterm infant care in public health strategies and supporting health workers and mothers and their families as partners in care are important to scale up. This will support sustainable kangaroo mother care implementation as well as strengthen quality of newborn care overall. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020166742.
The injury mechanisms and injury pyramids among children and adolescents in Zhuhai City, China
Authors: Yin Xiling , Dai Wencan , Du Yukai , Li Deyun
Published: March 2021

Background

The unclear mechanisms and severity of injuries in the injury pyramids for Chinese children and adolescents prevent the prioritization of interventions. This study aimed to describe the injury mechanisms and injury pyramids in this population to provide a priority for injury prevention strategies.

Methods

Death, hospitalization, and outpatient/emergency department visit data from patients aged 0 ~ 17 years with injuries were obtained from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, in Zhuhai City, China. The injury mechanism ratios were calculated, and the injury pyramid ratios were drawn in proportion using injury mortality and the incidence of both injury hospitalizations and outpatient/emergency department injury visits.

Results

The top three mechanisms for injuries in children and adolescents treated in outpatient/emergency departments were falls (52.02%), animal bites (14.57%), and blunt injuries (10.60%). The top three mechanisms for injury hospitalizations were falls (37.33%), road traffic injuries (17.87%), and fire/burns (14.29%), while the top three mechanisms for injury deaths were drowning (32.91%), road traffic injuries (20.25%) and falls (13.92%). The incidence rate of outpatient/emergency department injury visits for children and adolescents was 11,210.87/100,000; the incidence rate of injury hospitalization was 627.09/100,000, and the injury death rate was 10.70/100,000. For each injury death, there were 59 injury hospitalizations and 1048 outpatient/emergency injury visits.

Conclusions

The injury mechanisms were different for injury-related outpatient/emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among children and adolescents. The injury mechanisms by sex at different stages of child development, and interventions should be formulated based on this finding. The ratios of the injury pyramids varied by age, sex, region, and injury mechanisms; minor nonfatal injuries were more common in children and adolescents. The differences in the severity and extent of the injuries suggested that injury interventions in children and adolescents still have a long way to go.
Tobacco use and associated factors among adults reside in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gutema Befikadu Tariku , Chuka Adefris , Ayele Gistane , Estifaons Wubshet , Melketsedik Zeleke Aschalew , Tariku Eshetu Zerihun , Zerdo Zerihun , Baharu Alazar , Megersa Nega Degefa
Published: March 2021

Background

Tobacco use is one of the world-leading preventable killers. There was a varied prevalence of tobacco use and cigarette smoking across different areas. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with current tobacco use among adults residing in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site (HDSS).

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults residing in Arba Minch HDSS in 2017. The estimated sample size was 3368 individuals which were selected by simple random sampling techniques using Arba Minch HDSS dataset. Data collection tools were obtained from the WHO STEPwise. Current use of tobacco, which defined as the current use of smoked and/or smokeless tobacco, was considered as the dependent variable. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify candidate variables for the multivariable logistic regression model. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a p-value of less than 0.05 was used to determine a statistically significant association between independent and dependent variables.

Result

The prevalence of tobacco use among adults was 20.2% (95% CI: 18.9–21.6%). The current use of smoked and smokeless tobacco were 17.1% (95%CI: 15.8–18.4%) and 9.7% (95%CI: 8.8–10.8%), respectively. The current use of tobacco was significantly associated with sex (female [AOR 0.54; 95%CI: 0.42–0.68] compared to men), age group (35–44 [AOR 1.57; 95%CI: 1.14–2.17], 45–54 [AOR 1.99; 95%CI: 1.45–2.74], and 55–64 [AOR 3.26; 95%CI: 2.37–4.48] years old compared to 25–35 years old), physical activity (moderate physical activity level [AOR 0.65; 95%CI: 0.44–0.96] compared with low) and residency (highland [AOR 4.39; 95% CI: 3.21–6.01] compared with at lowlander). Also, heavy alcohol consumption (AOR 3.97; 95% CI: 3.07–5.12), and Khat chewing (AOR 3.07(95%CI: 1.64–5.77) were also associated with the use of tobacco among the study participants.

Conclusion

Nearly one in five adults used tobacco currently in the study area, which is more than the national reports. Interventions for the reduction of tobacco use need to give due attention to men, older adults, uneducated, poor, and highlanders.
The association of metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment in Jidong of China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Ji Long , Tang Zhaoyang , Ding Guoyong , Chen Xueyu , Lv Jian , Chen Yanru , Li Dong
Published: March 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome (Mets) is prevalent in the general population and has been reported to be an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the association of Mets with the risk of cognitive impairment.

Methods

We studied 5854 participants from the Jidong community. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State of Examination (MMSE) scale. Mets was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate the association of metabolic syndrome with the risk of cognitive impairment.

Result

Among the 5854 adults included in the study, the age mean (SD) of age was 44 (13.57) years, and 2916 (50.34%) were male. There was a higher (56.03%) cognitive impairment incidence rate among participants with Mets than among those without Mets. In addition, there was a significant association between Mets and cognitive impairment (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 2.00–2.86, P < 0.05) after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, gender, education level, marital status, smoking and alcohol consumption status. Regarding the 5 Mets components, abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure were associated with the risk of Mets (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.09–1.70, P < 0.001; OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07–1.63, P < 0.05). Moreover, the strongest statistical correlation (adjusted OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.22–2.83, P < 0.05) was found when the number of Mets components was three.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that Mets was associated with cognitive impairment and that abdominal obesity and hypertension were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.
Respectful focused antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women who visit Shashemene town public hospitals, Oromia region, Ethiopia: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Adane Daniel , Bante Agegnehu , Wassihun Biresaw
Published: March 2021

Background

Focused antenatal care is the most significant and inclusive care given to pregnant women to promote and maintain the optimal health of the mother and the fetus. Providing respectful care during focused antenatal care is believed to be the most important cost-effective interventions to increase maternity service utilization. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess respectful focused antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women who visit Shashemene town public hospitals, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July-August, 2019. A total of 423 pregnant mothers were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using structured and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were made using Epi Info version™ 7 and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.0 respectively. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors. Statistical significance was declared at a p value of < 0.05 with a 95% confidence level.

Results

A total of 420 women have participated in the study, making a response rate of 99.5%. About 63% of participants received respectful care during focused antenatal care. Having no formal education [AOR = 8.3(95%CI 9.85–17.47)], low average monthly income [AOR = 3.16 (95%CI 1.52–6.57)], having unplanned pregnancy [AOR = 9.90 (95%CI 3.48–8.16)] and being multigravida [AOR = 8.82 (95%CI 2.90–6.80)] were significantly associated with respectful focused antenatal care.

Conclusions

The study findings indicate that respondents’ respectful focused antenatal care is mainly affected by educational level, average family monthly income, having an unplanned pregnancy, and gravidity. Providing acceptable, quality, and honorable care for all women regardless of educational status, family income, and status of pregnancy is very crucial to entice more mothers to the health facility.
Resilience and sense of coherence in first year medical students - a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luibl Lena , Traversari Julia , Paulsen Friedrich , Scholz Michael , Burger Pascal
Published: March 2021

Background

A broad range of studies show that medical students often have a significantly deteriorated mental health status. Although starting medical school with values comparable to the population average, only a few semesters later, medical undergraduates show increased rates of psychological risk states and some manifest mental illnesses, such as burnout and depression. In our survey we intentionally assessed mental health parameters from a salutogenetic, i.e. resource-oriented point of view.

Methods

We examined first-year medical students in a cross-sectional study and assessed sense of coherence (SOC) and resilience as parameters from the salutogenesis model by Antonovsky in a structured way using validated, self-administered questionnaires. In total, we examined 236 students of human medicine, dentistry and molecular medicine at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

Results

Our analyses showed significantly higher values of resilience among male students compared to female students (p < 0.01). In contrast, even though a significant correlation between resilience and SOC was observed, only a non-significantly lower value of SOC was found in female students. Compared to the reference sample our medical students in their first year of study showed significantly lower values for resilience (p < 0.01) and SOC (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Resilience and SOC are known to correlate with psychological stress (burnout parameters) and depression. In order to keep protective factors like SOC and resilience in medical students at a good and healthy level we see the necessity to address that problem proactively and educationally. Integrating training focused on the preservation of the students´ own mental health into the medical curriculum from the beginning of university courses, and throughout the whole medical study course, is essential and should be an obligatory training goal. Based on our study results, we also deem it necessary to think about ways to adapt the measures for the gender-specific needs of our students, e.g. dependent on their biological gender.
Neural classification of Norwegian radiology reports: using NLP to detect findings in CT-scans of children
Authors: Dahl Fredrik A. , Rama Taraka , Hurlen Petter , Brekke Pål H. , Husby Haldor , Gundersen Tore , Nytrø Øystein , Øvrelid Lilja
Published: March 2021

Background

With a motivation of quality assurance, machine learning techniques were trained to classify Norwegian radiology reports of paediatric CT examinations according to their description of abnormal findings.

Methods

13.506 reports from CT-scans of children, 1000 reports from CT scan of adults and 1000 reports from X-ray examination of adults were classified as positive or negative by a radiologist, according to the presence of abnormal findings. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by comparison with a clinician’s classifications of 500 reports. Test–retest reliability of the radiologist was performed on the same 500 reports. A convolutional neural network model (CNN), a bidirectional recurrent neural network model (bi-LSTM) and a support vector machine model (SVM) were trained on a random selection of the children’s data set. Models were evaluated on the remaining CT-children reports and the adult data sets.

Results

Test–retest reliability: Cohen’s Kappa = 0.86 and F1 = 0.919. Inter-rater reliability: Kappa = 0.80 and F1 = 0.885. Model performances on the Children-CT data were as follows. CNN: (AUC = 0.981, F1 = 0.930), bi-LSTM: (AUC = 0.978, F1 = 0.927), SVM: (AUC = 0.975, F1 = 0.912). On the adult data sets, the models had AUC around 0.95 and F1 around 0.91.

Conclusions

The models performed close to perfectly on its defined domain, and also performed convincingly on reports pertaining to a different patient group and a different modality. The models were deemed suitable for classifying radiology reports for future quality assurance purposes, where the fraction of the examinations with abnormal findings for different sub-groups of patients is a parameter of interest.
Long non-coding RNA LINC00470 in serum derived exosome: a critical regulator for proliferation and autophagy in glioma cells
Authors: Ma Wenjia , Zhou Yu , Liu Min , Qin Qilin , Cui Yan
Published: March 2021

Background

To explore the mechanism of LINC00470 in serum exosomes from glioma patients regulating the autophagy and proliferation of glioma cells.

Methods

Exosomes were extracted from glioma patients (GBM-exo). Expression of LINC00470 in exosomes was analyzed with the clinicopathological characteristics of glioma patients. Glioma mouse model was established. The effects of LINC00470, miR-580-3p and WEE1 on cell autophagy and proliferation, as well as the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were measured. Dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were conducted to validate the binding of LINC00470 and miR-580-3p and of miR-580-3p and WEE1.

Results

LINC00470 overexpressed in GBM-exo and associated with disease severity and postoperative survival time of glioma patients. GBM-exo deteriorated tumor progression in nude mice. Cells incubated with GBM-exo or transfected with pcDNA3.1-LINC00470/miR-580-3p inhibitor/pcDNA3.1-WEE1 had less autophagosome, downregulated LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin1 expression levels and increased expression of p62 as well as strengthened proliferation ability. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was activated. LINC00470 competitively bound to miR-580-3p with WEE1.

Conclusion

LINC00470 in GBM-exo can bind to miR-580-3p in glioma cells to regulate WEE1 expression and activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thereby inhibiting autophagy and enhancing the proliferation of glioma cells.
Prognostic value of a novel glycolysis-related gene expression signature for gastrointestinal cancer in the Asian population
Authors: Xia Rong , Tang Hua , Shen Jiemiao , Xu Shuyu , Liang Yinyin , Zhang Yuxin , Gong Xing , Min Yue , Zhang Di , Tao Chenzhe , Wang Shoulin , Zhang Yi , Yang Jinyou , Wang Chao
Published: March 2021

Background

Globally, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors. However, studies have not established glycolysis-related gene signatures that can be used to construct accurate prognostic models for GI cancers in the Asian population. Herein, we aimed at establishing a novel glycolysis-related gene expression signature to predict the prognosis of GI cancers.

Methods

First, we evaluated the mRNA expression profiles and the corresponding clinical data of 296 Asian GI cancer patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (TCGA-LIHC, TCGA-STAD, TCGA-ESCA, TCGA-PAAD, TCGA-COAD, TCGA-CHOL and TCGA-READ). Differentially expressed mRNAs between GI tumors and normal tissues were investigated. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify glycolysis-related genes. Then, univariate, LASSO regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to establish a key prognostic glycolysis-related gene expression signature. The Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of survival prediction. Finally, a risk score to predict the prognosis of GI cancers was calculated and validated using the TCGA data sets. Furthermore, this risk score was verified in two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets (GSE116174 and GSE84433) and in 28 pairs of tissue samples.

Results

Prognosis-related genes (NUP85, HAX1, GNPDA1, HDLBP and GPD1) among the differentially expressed glycolysis-related genes were screened and identified. The five-gene expression signature was used to assign patients into high- and low-risk groups (p < 0.05) and it showed a satisfactory prognostic value for overall survival (OS, p = 6.383 × 10–6). The ROC curve analysis revealed that this model has a high sensitivity and specificity (0.757 at 5 years). Besides, stratification analysis showed that the prognostic value of the five-gene signature was independent of other clinical characteristics, and it could markedly discriminate between GI tumor tissues and normal tissues. Finally, the expression levels of the five prognosis-related genes in the clinical tissue samples were consistent with the results from the TCGA data sets.

Conclusions

Based on the five glycolysis-related genes (NUP85, HAX1, GNPDA1, HDLBP and GPD1), and in combination with clinical characteristics, this model can independently predict the OS of GI cancers in Asian patients.
Vulnerability of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to COVID-19: quantitative insights
Authors: Fouad Fouad M. , McCall Stephen J. , Ayoub Houssein , Abu-Raddad Laith J. , Mumtaz Ghina R.
Published: March 2021

Lebanon, a middle-income country with ongoing political turmoil, unstable economic situation, and a fragmented and under-resourced health system, hosts about one million Syrian refugees since 2011. While the country is currently experiencing substantial COVID-19 epidemic spread, no outbreaks have been reported yet among Syrian refugees. However, testing of this population remains limited and exposure levels are high given dire living conditions and close interaction with the host community. Here, we use quantitative insights of transmission dynamics to outline risk and contextual factors that may modulate vulnerability of Syrian refugees in Lebanon to potentially large COVID-19 epidemics.

Syrian refugees live in close contact with the host community, and their living conditions are favorable for epidemic spread. We found that the high levels of crowding within Syrian refugee households and among those in informal tented settlements, the inadequate water supply and sanitation, limited use of masks, inadequate access to health care, and inadequate community awareness levels are vulnerability factors that directly impact important parameters of transmission dynamics, leading to larger epidemic scale. Poverty, stigma, and fear of legal consequences are contextual factors that further exacerbate this vulnerability. The relatively high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in this population could also affect the severity of the disease among those infected. Mathematical modeling simulations we conducted illustrated that even modest increases in transmission among Syrian refugees could result in a large increase in the incidence and cumulative total number of infections in the absence of interventions.

In conclusion, while the young age structure of the Syrian refugee population might play a protective role against the scale and disease-burden severity of a potential COVID-19 epidemic, the epidemic potential due to several vulnerability factors warrants an immediate response in this population group. Local and international actors are required to mobilize and coordinate efforts to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and to mitigate its impact amongst the vulnerable refugee populations globally.
seqQscorer: automated quality control of next-generation sequencing data using machine learning
Authors: Albrecht Steffen , Sprang Maximilian , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A. , Fontaine Jean-Fred
Published: March 2021

Controlling quality of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data files is a necessary but complex task. To address this problem, we statistically characterize common NGS quality features and develop a novel quality control procedure involving tree-based and deep learning classification algorithms. Predictive models, validated on internal and external functional genomics datasets, are to some extent generalizable to data from unseen species. The derived statistical guidelines and predictive models represent a valuable resource for users of NGS data to better understand quality issues and perform automatic quality control. Our guidelines and software are available at https://github.com/salbrec/seqQscorer.
Capillarity and active cell movement at mesendoderm translocation in the Xenopus gastrula
Authors: Nagel Martina , Barua Debanjan , Damm Erich W. , Kashef Jubin , Hofmann Ralf , Ershov Alexey , Cecilia Angelica , Moosmann Julian , Baumbach Tilo , Winklbauer Rudolf
Published: March 2021

During Xenopus gastrulation, leading edge mesendoderm (LEM) advances animally as a wedge-shaped cell mass over the vegetally moving blastocoel roof (BCR). We show that close contact across the BCR-LEM interface correlates with attenuated net advance of the LEM, which is pulled forward by tip cells while the remaining LEM frequently separates from the BCR. Nevertheless, lamellipodia persist on the detached LEM surface. They attach to adjacent LEM cells and depend on PDGF-A, cell-surface fibronectin and cadherin. We argue that active cell motility on the LEM surface prevents adverse capillary effects in the liquid LEM tissue as it moves by being pulled. It counters tissue surface-tension effects with oriented cell movement and bulges the LEM surface out to keep it close to the curved BCR without attaching to it. Proximity to the BCR is necessary, in turn, for the maintenance and orientation of lamellipodia that permit mass cell movement with minimal substratum contact. Together with a similar process in epithelial invagination, vertical telescoping, the cell movement at the LEM surface defines a novel type of cell rearrangement: vertical shearing.
Orbit/CLASP determines centriole length by antagonising Klp10A in Drosophila spermatocytes
Authors: Shoda Tsuyoshi , Yamazoe Kanta , Tanaka Yuri , Asano Yuki , Inoue Yoshihiro H.
Published: March 2021

After centrosome duplication, centrioles elongate before M phase. To identify genes required for this process and to understand the regulatory mechanism, we investigated the centrioles in Drosophila premeiotic spermatocytes expressing fluorescently tagged centriolar proteins. We demonstrated that an essential microtubule polymerisation factor, Orbit (the Drosophila CLASP orthologue, encoded by chb), accumulated at the distal end of centrioles and was required for the elongation. Conversely, a microtubule-severing factor, Klp10A, shortened the centrioles. Genetic analyses revealed that these two proteins functioned antagonistically to determine centriole length. Furthermore, Cp110 in the distal tip complex was closely associated with the factors involved in centriolar dynamics at the distal end. We observed loss of centriole integrity, including fragmentation of centrioles and earlier separation of the centriole pairs, in Cp110-null mutant cells either overexpressing Orbit or depleted of Klp10A. Excess centriole elongation in the absence of the distal tip complex resulted in the loss of centriole integrity, leading to the formation of multipolar spindle microtubules emanating from centriole fragments, even when they were unpaired. Our findings contribute to understanding the mechanism of centriole integrity, disruption of which leads to chromosome instability in cancer cells.
Nest substrate and tool shape significantly affect the mechanics and energy requirements of avian eggshell puncture
Authors: Clark Daniel L. , Hauber Mark E. , Anderson Philip S. L.
Published: March 2021

Some host species of avian obligate brood parasites reject parasitic eggs from their nest whereas others accept them, even though they recognize them as foreign. One hypothesis to explain this seemingly maladaptive behavior is that acceptors are unable to pierce and remove the parasitic eggshell. Previous studies reporting on the force and energy required to break brood parasites' eggshells were typically static tests performed against hard substrate surfaces. Here, we considered host nest as a substrate to simulate this potentially critical aspect of the natural context for egg puncture while testing the energy required to break avian eggshells. Specifically, as a proof of concept, we punctured domestic chicken eggs under a series of conditions: varying tool shape (sharp versus blunt), tool dynamics (static versus dynamic) and the presence of natural bird nests (of three host species). The results show a complex set of statistically significant interactions between tool shapes, puncture dynamics and nest substrates. Specifically, the energy required to break eggs was greater for the static tests than for the dynamic tests, but only when using a nest substrate and a blunt tool. In turn, in the static tests, the addition of a nest significantly increased energy requirements for both tool types, whereas during dynamic tests, the increase in energy associated with the nest presence was significant only when using the sharp tool. Characterizing the process of eggshell puncture in increasingly naturalistic contexts will help in understanding whether and how hosts of brood parasites evolve to reject foreign eggs.
Treating PPH: A novel vacuum-induced hemorrhage control device
Authors: Gibson Kelly S. , Kominiarek Michelle A.
Published: March 2021

A new FDA-cleared device is an option for PPH management, but further
studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness compared with other
devices for PPH. These experts, with experience in its use, explain how it
works and discuss treatment success rates reported in a prospective study
Combined Use of Aspirin and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Is Associated With Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhang Naiqi , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Ji Jianguang
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Chemoprevention against colorectal cancer (CRC) is greatly needed. As the development of CRC involves multiple dysfunctional pathways, it is thus reasonable to combine some agents that address several pathways to achieve better chemoprotection. We aimed to explore whether the use of aspirin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—either as monotherapy or combined—can have a clinical benefit against CRC.

METHODS:

We performed a nested case-control study using nationwide Swedish registers. We recruited 24,786 CRC cases and randomly matched to 74,358 controls conditional on birth year and sex using incidence-density sampling. The conditional logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additive interaction was calculated as the relative excess risk for interaction, and multiplicative interaction was calculated by including a product term in the regression model.

RESULTS:

Both aspirin and SSRIs monotherapy were negatively associated with CRC risk, but the combined use of aspirin and SSRIs was associated with an even lower CRC risk (adjusted OR, 0.77, 95% CI, 0.67–0.89) than aspirin monotherapy (adjusted OR, 0.91, 95% CI, 0.87–0.97) or SSRI monotherapy (adjusted OR, 0.93, 95% CI, 0.86–1.00). A significant interaction was observed at the additive scale with a relative excess risk for interaction of −0.07 (P < 0.001), whereas no interaction was noted on the interactive scale. The inverse associations of CRC with aspirin and SSRIs showed a dose-dependent pattern.

DISCUSSION:

This study suggests that the use of aspirin and SSRIs—either as monotherapy or combined—was associated with a reduced risk of CRC. The stronger chemoprevention of combined use of aspirin and SSRIs is innovative and calls for further studies to confirm the underlying mechanisms and the plausibility of clinical recommendation.
“PhDs among the Possums”: Paul Rudolph's Burroughs Wellcome Headquarters and the Transformation of Laboratory Architecture
Authors: Pivo Vyta
Published: March 2021

In 1971, the British pharmaceuticals corporation Burroughs Wellcome held an elaborate celebration on both sides of the Atlantic to mark the upcoming opening of its new headquarters in Research Triangle Park near Durham,North Carolina (the building opened officially in April 1972).Designed by architect Paul Rudolph, the new headquarters aimed to invoke southern cultural and architectural traditions while also conveying the energy and excitement ofmodern science. As Vyta Pivo demonstrates in “PhDs Among the Possums”: Paul Rudolph’s Burroughs Wellcome Headquarters and the Transformation of Laboratory Architecture, while Rudolph’s use of the structural A-frame as an organizing matrix created spaces that inspired awe and mystery, his design also generated practical challenges in terms of both use and maintenance. Although Rudolph’s adoption of industrial construction techniques and unproven experimental materials was intended to expedite the building process and lower costs, it nearly jeopardized the entire project. By reconstructing the historical context of the BurroughsWellcome Headquarters, Pivo advances our understanding of the fundamental goals and challenges involved in the development of new suburban corporate headquarters and laboratory building typologies.
Erasmus Skills
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Madrid,   Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Published: March 2021

Students participating in mobility experiences need to constantly adapt to new circumstances, not only during the experience itself, but also before leaving and after returning to their home country. They change their lifestyle, get acquainted with other cultural forms and, in some cases, they even change habits and attitudes to adapt to the new host culture. In this scenario, the different sources of support for students are of great added-value, e.g. family, friends, classmates, as well as the receiving institution – higher education institutions (HEIs) in our case. The supporting role of HEIs in the process of sending students abroad could go beyond the administrative dimension of it. A way of doing that is by offering a provision of support services on the acknowledgment and maximisation of their learning process and acquired competences (understood as a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes – see Boyatzis, 1982; or Council of Europe, 2018) gained during their adaptation to a new international context. In this way, HEIs could increase the impact of such mobility experiences on students’ professional and personal development.
Use of mifepristone for preoperative preparation of reproductive age women with uterine leiomyoma
Authors:   SI Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Kornatska А. , Chubei G. ,   SI Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Flaksemberg M. ,   SI Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv
Published: March 2021

The objective: was to evaluate the possibility of using mifepristone (Gynestril) as a hormonal preparation for conservative myomectomy. Patients and methods. The effect of a three-month course of mifepristone (Gynestril) at a dose of 50 mg per day on the dynamics of clinical indicators, ultrasound, the results of surgical treatment in 30 women of reproductive age with uterine leiomyoma was studied. Results. The use of an antigestagenic drug for preoperative preparation led to a decrease in the incidence of pain syndrome, dysfunction of the pelvic organs in most patients. The presence of amenorrhea in 90% of women contributed to the normalization of hemoglobin. The positive dynamics of the mioma nodes sizes and the uterus made it possible to reduce the time of operative intervention and the volume of intraoperative blood loss. Conclusion. The use of antigestagen preparations, in particular mifepristone (Gynestril), for the purpose of preoperative preparation, allows obtaining the most positive result of organ-preserving treatment of uterine myoma in reproductive age women. Key words: leiomyoma of the uterus, reproductive age, preoperative preparation, mifepristone, Gynestril.
Menstrual function in women with adenomiosis in combination with the hyperplastic processes of endometry on the background of hormonotherapy
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Benyuk V.A. , Kurochka V.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Benyuk S.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Altibaeva D.M. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

The objective: to study the effect of hormone therapy on menstrual function of women with adenomyosis in combination with endometrial hyperplasia. Patients and methods. We evaluated the effects of hormone therapy in 160 women of reproductive age with adenomyosis in combination with endometrial hyperplasia: I group – 60 women used the progestogen (6 months); II – 60 women, took an agonist of gonadotropin-releasing-hormone – а-GnRH) (6 months), III – 40 women who received the complex therapy including а-GnRH during the first 6 months and immunomodulator intramuscularly every other day No. 20, with subsequent use of tablets of 0.15 g of 1 times a week (course - 6 months), then for the next 6 months was used progestogen in the second phase of the menstrual cycle from 16 to 25 day. Evaluation of indicators of health status were performed after 3, 6 and 12 months of therapy. Assessment of volume of menstrual blood loss was performed using maps of menstrual blood loss and were assessed on a special scale. The total rating for the month, which exceeded 100 points, consistent with menstrual blood loss greater than 80 ml. Results. The influence of hormonal monotherapy progestogen and а-GnRH on menstrual function of women with adenomyosis in combination with endometrial hyperplasia during the follow-up throughout the year. The assessment of indicators of volume of blood loss with the help of monitoring charts. Developed a comprehensive hormone therapy for women of reproductive age with combined benign uterus pathology and the evaluation of its impact on indicators of volume of blood loss and menstrual function of women. Conclusions. Monoterapia by the progestogen and а-GnRH for 6 months of treatment normalizes the indicators of volume of blood loss and menstrual function of women, and the 12-month follow-up in women of these groups also increased the volume of blood loss and each 3 women is marked polimenorea. Developed a comprehensive phased hormone therapy for women with adenomyosis in combination with endometrial hyperplasia normalizes on the 3rd month of treatment indicators of blood loss and has a tendency to decrease during the 12 months of observation (the volume of menstrual blood loss has decreased in 4 times from initial). Key words: complex therapy, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, gestagene, а-GnRH, menstrual function, volume of blood loss.
Markers of endothelium dysfunction in pregnant women with varicose veins of the lower extremities
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine, Benyuk V.O. , Koval S.D. ,   SI Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Kurochka V.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine, Kovalyuk T.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine
Published: March 2021

The objective: evaluation of the impact of the complex therapy on indexes of dysfunction of endothelium homocysteine and fibronectin in pregnant women with varicose veins of lower extremities. Patients and methods. 80 pregnant women with varicose veins of the lower extremities before and after treatment underwent the determination of the indexes of homocysteine and fibronectin. The main group – 42 pregnant women with varicose veins of the lower extremities received complex therapy within 30-36 weeks (medication with angioprotective effect, direct anticoagulant; graduated elastic compression; flavonoid with immunotropic effect); comparison group – 38 women with varicose veins of the lower extremities, received local heparin-contenting medication. The control group included 50 pregnant women without VVLE. Results. In analysis of the concentration of the homocysteine in blood plasma in pregnant women with varicose veins of the lower extremities the increase of the level was detected in 38% and 28.9% of the patients of the main group and comparison group accordingly; in control group – only in 2%. In main group the content of fibronectin was elevated in 69%; in comparison group in 71% of the patients, in control group – only in 6%. After treatment, the assessment of the markers of the endothelium dysfunction in examined groups was performed. The content of homocysteine decreased in 1.7 times in main group and only in 0.8% times in comparison group. The average level of fibronectin in main group decreased on 31.2% in comparison with benchmark; in comparison group its level decreased only on 12.2%. Conclusions. Thereby, we detected in third trimester in pregnant women with varicose veins of the lower extremities statistically credibly high indexes of homocysteine and fibronectin compared to the control group. Decrease of the level of homocysteine in 1.7 times and content of fibronectin in blood plasma in 1.5 times can be a sign of positive stabilizing effect on endothelium of blood vessels in suggested therapy. Key words: varicose veins of lower extremities, homocysteine, fibronectin, complex therapy.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR SUMMING ROTARY MOTIONS
Authors:   Kurgan State University, Popov Igor'
Published: March 2021

In this work, using the means of applied mathematics, problems are solved related to the field of automation and control of technological processes, namely, the analytical description of superpositions of rotations that occur during the operation of numerous mechanisms. The practical aspect of the topic is determined by the fact that in mechanisms such as planetary gears, cutter drives in machines for cleaning pipes of large diameters, etc. summation of rotational motions is realized, and the shape of the hodograph is useful information in the design of such devices. The prerequisite for consideration is the principle of summation of rectilinear uniform movements. The aim of the work is to determine how things are in a similar situation when adding rotational synchronous movements. It was found that just as the result of the addition of two uniform rectilinear mechanical movements is also a uniform rectilinear movement, the result of the addition of two uniform unidirectional circular movements is also a uniform circular movement. The hodograph when two uniform oppositely directed circular motions are added is an ellipse. In a particular case, the ellipse can degenerate into a straight line segment. When two asynchronous rotations are added, hodographs in the form of a cochlea are possible, which is similar to Pascal's cochlea.
METHODOLOGY OF DISCRETE SPATIAL-PARAMETRIC REAL ESTATE MARKET MODELLING
Authors:   Institute of Economic Forecasting of Russian Academy of Sciences, Sternik Sergey ,   Financial University under Government of Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

This paper gives a formalized description of the procedure for constructing widely used discrete spatial-parametric models of the real estate market in terms of set theory – an apparatus specially created for describing discrete spaces. The presentation is carried out in comparison with the approaches and concepts of a related methodology – regression models of mass appraisal of real estate objects. The methodology of discrete spatial-parametric modeling of the real estate market is used for market monitoring, for building dynamic market indices and for mass appraisal of real estate objects. The methodology is based on statistical cluster analysis and also allows for static interpolation spatial-parametric forecasting of the values of market indicators in small clusters with insufficient sample size and in narrow markets with little or no supply. The application of the methodology of discrete spatial-parametric modeling of the real estate market is demonstrated on the example of the residential real estate market in Moscow.
Reflections on patient safety incident reporting systems
Authors: Harada Maria de Jesus Castro Sousa , Silva Ana Elisa Bauer de Camargo , Feldman Liliane Bauer , Tavares Sheilla Siedler , Gerhardt Luiza Maria , Lima Júnior Antônio José de , Kolankiewicz Adriane Cristina Bernat
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: To reflect on the main characteristics and recommendations of Incident Reporting Systems, discuss the population’s participation in reporting, and point out challenges in the Brazilian system. Method: Reflection study, based on Ordinance No. 529/13, which instituted the National Patient Safety Program, under Collegiate Board Resolution (CBR) No. 36/13; reflections by experts were added. Results: Reporting systems are a source for learning and monitoring, allow early detection of incidents, investigations and, mainly, the generation of recommendations prior to recurrences, in addition to raising information for patients and relatives. There is little participation of the population in the reporting, regardless of the type of system and characteristics such as confidentiality, anonymity, and mandatory nature. Final Considerations: In Brazil, although reporting is mandatory, there is an urgency to advance the involvement and participation of the population, professionals, and institutions. To simplify data entry by improving the interface and importing data from the reporting system is an objective to be achieved.
The nurse’s work in the context of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Silva Valéria Gomes Fernandes da , Silva Bruno Neves da , Pinto Érika Simone Galvão , Menezes Rejane Maria Paiva de
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: Reflect on the work experienced by the nurse in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in a public hospital of the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Methods: Reflective essay based in the professional experience in a public reference hospital for the care of patients affected by COVID-19 in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Results were organized in two empirical categories, which emphasize potentialities and barriers in the nurse’s work in the face of the COVID-19, presented by means of Ishikawa diagram. Results: Two categories emerged from the experiences: Nursing leadership in organizing health services to face COVID-19; and the performance of nursing care management in the COVID-19 pandemic. Final considerations: It is necessary to value the nurse’s work in all its attributes, as well as strengthen the interdisciplinary work processes, which collaborate to overcome the crisis caused by the pandemic.
Clinical evolution of cases of COVID-19 infection in neopediatrics: a scoping review
Authors: Costa Thatiane Monick de Souza , Santos Kauanny Vitoria Gurgel do , Rocha Rodrigo Rhuan Andrade , Oliveira Eloysa dos Santos , Dantas Rodrigo Assis Neves , Dantas Daniele Vieira
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT Objective to map the knowledge about the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of newborns and children infected with COVID-19. Methods a scoping review with search of eight databases and electronic search engine in April 2020. Results the 12 studies analyzed showed that the main clinical findings in this population were nasal congestion, fever, respiratory distress, diarrhea, fatigue, dry cough, increased C-reactive protein, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated procalcitonin, bilateral ground-glass opacity, pulmonary consolidation, and pneumonia. Antivirals, respiratory support, immunomodulatory therapy, glucocorticoids, antibiotics and alpha interferon were used as treatment. The presence of a cure with hospital discharge is present in most cases. Final considerations most patients required hospitalization, but it evolved to cure. This study provided a greater scientific basis by showing clinical findings, treatment, and outcomes in neopediatric patients with COVID-19.