bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Hepatitis E Virus Prevalence Among Blood Donor in Dali in China
Authors: Fu Ping , Lin Baochai , Wu Bingting , Ke Ling , Yang Tianfu , Du Yue’e , Cheng Lishan , Li Zhou , Li Tiancheng , Liu Yu
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped RNA virus causing Hepatitis E worldwide. An increasing transfusion transmission cases of HEV infections from asymptomatic blood donors which causing serious illnesses in immunosuppressed recipients have been reported in the past few years. China is one of the highly prevalent regions of HEV, it is important to evaluate the risk of HEV transmission from blood transfusion. METHODS: A total of 1864 serum samples from blood donors and demographic characteristics were randomly collected from Feb to Mar 2018 in Dali city. Anti-HEV IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies and HEV antigen were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HEV RNA was detected by real-time PCR. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to examine risk factors associated with HEV prevalence.RESULTS: Overall, the positive rate of anti-HEV IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies was 13.36% (249/1864), 1.13%(21/1864), and 1.82%(34/1864), respectively. However, none of the 1864 serum samples was detected as HEV antigen-positive nor HEV RNA positive. The positive rate of anti-HEV IgG antibody is high as 28.57% (2/7) in the donors with isolated elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Females (16.69%) had a significantly higher HEV seroprevalence than males (13.04%) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34 [95% CI, 1.02-1.75]). Other ethnic minority (24.32%) and Bai (18.85%) donors had a significantly higher HEV seroprevalence when compared to Han (12.21%) blood donors (odds ratio [OR], 2.25 [95% CI, 1.04-4.88] for other ethnic minority, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.24-2.19] for Bai). Conclusions: Dali, Yunnan province, China is an endemic region for HEV and have a relatively low risk of HEV transmission via blood transfusion. Whether to formulate the strategy for HEV screening in blood center needed further researched.
National Burden of Intestinal Parasites and Its Determinants Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Akalu Tadesse Yirga , Aynalem Yared Asmare , Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw , Alamneh Yoseph Merkeb , Getnet Asmamaw , Abebaw Abtie , Atnaf Aytenew , Abate Abebe , Tilahun Melkamu , Kassie Bekalu , Aschale Yibeltal
Published: December 2020

Background: Intestinal parasites are a group of opportunistic gastrointestinal diseases commonly encountered among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Intestinal parasites increased the risk of morbidity and mortality among these vulnerable populations. Therefore, to design appropriate prevention strategies, up-to-date information concerning prevalence of intestinal parasite is crucial. However, studies assessing the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite in Ethiopia are inconsistent and widely varied. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is designed to assess the pooled prevalence and determine risk factors.Methods: International databases; PubMed, Web of Science,Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to determine publication bias. The I2 statistic was used to check heterogeneity between the studies. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled effect size. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted. Sensitivity analysis was done to see the effect of a single study on the overall estimation. STATA version 14 statistical software was used for meta-analysis.Results: A total of 27 studies with 8,946 individuals were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among people living with HIV.The estimated pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 40.24% (95% CI: 33.8–46.6). Subgroup analysis of this study revealed that the highest prevalence was observed in Tigray region 45.7% (95% CI: 7.9­-83.5), followed by Oromia region 42.2% (95% CI: 28.8–55.6). Availability of latrine (OR: 26.6, 95%CI: 2.8-15.8), presence of animal (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-5.8) and source of drinking water (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-7.5) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis.Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasite was high in Ethiopia. There should be a need to work for improving the hygienic standard on quality of drinking water and regular utilization of latrine among people living with HIV/AIDS.
A case report and literature review of a death caused by Aeromonas daca complicated with septic shock
Authors: Zhao Qiquan , Han Xiaoli
Published: December 2020

Background: For decades, Aeromonas daca has often been mistaken for Aeromonas hydrophila by phenotypic identification systems and shows obvious characteristics of virulence. To our knowledge, a total of two English-language studies with relatively complete data were retrieved.Case presentation: The patient, a 26-year-old male with no underlying disease, was admitted to our hospital for 3 days because of cough, expectoration and shortness of breath. According to blood and lavage fluid cultures and next-generation sequencing (NGS), the patient was diagnosed with an A. daca infection. He soon deteriorated to a critical condition complicated with septic shock and died after active rescue treatment. Conclusions: A. daca infection is lethal, and an accurate taxonomy can improve our understanding of the epidemiological distribution and virulence potential of this human pathogen. Third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems should be used cautiously in the treatment of severe A. daca infection, and the best regimen is cefepime or fluoroquinolones.
Association of CSF Proteins With Tau and Amyloid β Levels in Asymptomatic 70-year-olds 
Authors: Remnestål Julia , Bergström Sofia , Olofsson Jennie , Sjöstedt Evelina , Uhlén Mathias , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Zettergren Anna , Kern Silke , Skoog Ingmar , Nilsson Peter , Månberg Anna
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIncreased knowledge of the evolution of molecular changes in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is important for the understanding of disease pathophysiology and also crucial to be able to identify and validate disease biomarkers. While several biological changes that occur early in the disease development have already been recognised, the need for further characterization of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind AD still remains.MethodsIn this study, we investigated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of 104 proteins in 307 asymptomatic 70-year-olds from the H70 Gothenburg Birth Cohort Studies using a multiplexed antibody-based technology. ResultsThe protein levels were first correlated with the core AD CSF biomarker concentrations of total tau, phospho-tau and Aβ42 in all individuals. Sixty-three proteins showed significant correlations with either total tau, phospho-tau or Aβ42. Thereafter, individuals were divided based on CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score to determine if early changes in pathology and cognition had an effect on the correlations. We compared the associations of the analysed proteins to CSF markers between groups and found 33 proteins displaying significantly different associations for amyloid-positive individuals and amyloid negative individuals, as defined by the CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. No differences in the associations could be seen for individuals divided by CDR score.ConclusionsWe identified a series of transmembrane proteins, proteins associated to or anchored to the plasma membrane, and proteins involved in or connected to synaptic vesicle transport that were associated with CSF biomarkers of amyloid and tau pathology in AD. Further studies are needed to explore their role in AD pathophysiology.
Factors Associated with Risk Behaviors Towards Hepatitis B Among Migrant Workers: A Cross-sectional Study Based on Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Xiang Hui , Li Mingjing , Xiao Meng , Liu Min , Su Xiaoshan , Wang Dashu , Li Ke , Chen Rui , Gan Lin , Chu Kun , Tian Yu , Tang Xiaojun , Lei Xun
Published: December 2020

Background: Rural-to-urban migrant workers are susceptible to hepatitis B (HB) because they lack self-protection awareness and social support. The present study aimed to investigate the current status of risk behaviors (RB) regarding HB among migrant workers and the influencing factors defined by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by two-stage cluster sampling from June to December 2018 in Chongqing, China. Logistic regression was adopted to explore factors associated with HB-related RB and behavioral intention (BI). Results: A total of 1299 migrant workers were recruited in the surveys, among whom 29.56% respondents have performed HB-related RB and 85.53% had the BI. 58.19%of respondents having sexual activities never wore a condom. The risk scores of attitudes towards behavior (AB), subjective norms (SN), experience of behavior (EB) and regret feeling (RF) were positively associated with BI, while the sores of AB, EB and BI were positively associated with RB.Conclusions: A considerable proportion of migrant workers have had HB-related risk behaviors or had the behavioral intention. Theory-grounded education, focused on the identified TPB variables, may play a significant role in improving the cognition and behaviors towards HB.
Roadmap for the use of Base Editors to Decipher Drug Mechanism of Action
Authors: Prat Estel Aparicio , Yan Dong , Mariotti Marco , Bassik Michael , Hess Gaelen , Fortin Jean-Philippe , Weston Andrea , Xi Hualin S. , Stanton Robert
Published: December 2020

Background: CRISPR base editors are powerful tools for large-scale mutagenesis studies. This kind of approach can elucidate the mechanism of action of compounds, a key process in drug discovery. Here, we explore the utility of base editors in an early drug discovery context, and we focus on G-protein coupled receptors.Results: We set up a pooled mutagenesis screening framework based on a modified version of the CRISPR-X base editor system. We determine optimized experimental conditions for mutagenesis where sgRNAs are delivered by cell transfection or viral infection over extended time periods (>14 days), resulting in high mutagenesis produced in a short region located at -4/+8 nucleotides with respect to the sgRNA match. We thus target the Beta 2 Adrenergic Receptor (B2AR) and employ a 6xCRE-mCherry reporter system to monitor its activity. The results of our screening indicate that residue 184 of B2AR is crucial for its activation. Based on our experience, we then outline the crucial points to consider when designing and performing CRISPR-based pooled mutagenesis screening, including the typical technical hurdles encountered when studying compound pharmacology. Conclusions: The base editing technology has a great potential to help deciphering the mechanism of action of drugs, and it is a very powerful tool in drug discovery. Here we show an application of pooled mutagenesis screening to study B2AR, and we provide a roadmap for successfully applying this approach to other target proteins.
Diagnostic Model of Covid-19 for Resource-Limited Countries Based on The Combination Of Clinical Symptoms, Chest Radiography and Laboratory Test 
Authors: Herikurniawan Herikurniawan , Rumende Martin C , Setiati Siti , Kumalawati July , Deslanthy Belinda Thania
Published: December 2020

Background: COVID-19 is an infection caused by SARS-CoV 2. RT-PCR test is the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis, detecting the virus nucleic acid. However, this test is not yet available in every healthcare center, thus making the diagnostic process lengthy. A prompt diagnosis and immediate management are important to decrease mortality and morbidity rate, as well as to prevent transmission. A simple and practical diagnostic model using determinant factors is needed to guide the physician for a quicker decision-making. Method: This study is a cross sectional study using consecutive sampling method. The study was conducted at RSUPN Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta from March to June 2020. History of contact with COVID-19, clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, and chest radiographs data were taken from medical records. The steps of analysis were univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses, followed by ROC curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow calibration. Result: There were 187 patients with the majority of subjects in the age group < 60 years old (65,2%) and male sex (53,47%). The most frequent comorbidities were diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The selected variables in this scoring system were contact history, fever/history of fever, dyspnea with respiratory rate >20 breaths/minute, leucocyte ≤ 10.000 cells/mL and typical chest radiography. The area under the curve for this model was 0,777 (CI 95% (0,706-0,847), P<0,001). The probability was 82% with a cut-off point ≥ 4, PPV: 74%, NPV: 77%. Conclusion: Determinant model based on the combination of contact history, fever/history of fever, dyspnea, leucocyte ≤ 10.000 cells/mL and typical chest radiography provides a good accuracy to establish COVID-19 diagnosis.
Nephrology In-Reach Services Lead to Improvement in Mortality in Acute Kidney Injury – 3 (AKI-3)
Authors: Gkekas E. , Tang TYT. , Brazell M. , Brennan M. , Ayub H. , Chernick J. , Jones P. , Robinson A. , Suthermaraj G , Gaunt P. , Ahmed S. , Clark R. , Srivast Shalabh
Published: December 2020

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden decline in kidney function. Early detection and prompt treatment of AKI is vital in improving the outcome of patients. We introduced in-reach nephrology services at South Tyneside District Hospital (STDH) as part of a reconfiguration of local NHS services. Aims: The principal aim of this study is to analyse patient outcomes relating to service developments and to explore prognostic characteristics among a cohort of AKI-3 patients Design: This was a single centre retrospective impact evaluation study.Methods: We studied all patients (n=246) who either presented with or developed AKI-3 during their admission at South Tyneside District Hospital from 2016 to 2018. The inclusion criteria included age 18-95 years and a diagnosis of AKI-3 as per KDIGO classification. Exclusion include those on established dialysis regime or on palliative care. Results: A total of 246 patients were admitted with AKI-3. There were 64 deaths from AKI-3 over the three-year period. Mortality decreased from 29.5% to 20.7% from 2016 to 2018. In patients with Community Acquired (CA-AKI3) the overall mortality rate was 24.2% (n=182), whereas the overall mortality rate of those with Hospital Acquired (HA-AKI3) was 31.3% (n=64). The pre-AKI use of ACEi, A2RB or diuretics increased from 39.7% in 2016 (n=78), to 59.3% in 2017 (n=86) and 64.6% in 2018 (n=82). Conversely, mortality associated with the use of these medications reduced each consecutive year (32.3%, 25.5%, 18.9%).Conclusion: Development of nephrology in-reach services, staff education measures and a primary care pathway could reduce AKI-3 mortality among patients in inpatient and community settings.
Long-term mental health support systems in the aftermath of disasters in Japan – Statistical data of the Miyagi Disaster Mental Health Care Center
Authors: Fukuchi Naru , Chiba Shusaku
Published: December 2020

Background

A long-term mental health support system for the community is sometimes needed following massive natural disasters. Although the Disaster Mental Health Care Center (DMHCC) was established as a long-term mental health care center in Japan, its exact role and functioning are unclear. The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (GEJE) of 2011 affected thousands of residents. The Miyagi DMHCC was established in Miyagi prefecture in response to the GEJE and supported residents and communities as a long-term mental health care center.
Methods

The main purpose of this study was to clarify which population is psychologically at high risk and which methods are useful for residents’ mental health in each phase. The study used data collected by the Miyagi DMHCC that included personal information of residents who were supported by the center from 2013 to 2018. Chi-square tests of independence were conducted on the annual number of individuals supported by the center, sex, and the number of support methods used by the center according to years. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted on the annual mean age, followed by a post-hoc comparison of the functioning of the center.
Results

The number of residents who needed mental health support dramatically increased in Miyagi prefecture after the 2011 disaster. The Miyagi DMHCC supported 6,850 individuals who sought mental health services, which accounted for 22.9% of all cases reported to the health services between 2012 and 2017. Based on the results, in the first few years, the elderly residents who lived alone were declared as high-risk individuals by the health survey and supported through home visits. Several years later, as younger people started to seek mental health support by themselves, they underwent counseling at the Miyagi DMHCC.
Conclusion

Residents who need mental health support might change depending on recovery phases. Long-term mental health care centers should observe community recovery and provide appropriate support. We discuss the implications of this result and future research directions.
SFRP1 and PTGS2 are potential biomarkers of tumorigenic properties in human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jia Yuanyuan , Ma Xiaona , Yan Xiurui , Xue Jing , Yang Tingting , Liang Xueyun , Liu Xiaoming
Published: December 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display tumour tropism and have been explored as cellular vehicles to deliver anti-cancer agents. As cellular components of the tumour microenvironment, MSCs also influence tumour progression. However, the tumour transformation-related genes of MSCs are not well understood since either oncogenic or tumour suppressor effects within these cells have been reported. Here, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers capable of tumorigenic risk by RNA-seq analysis of human placenta tissue-derived MSCs (hPTMSCs) exposed to the carcinogenic agent 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC).
Results

Twenty-nine tumour transformation-related genes and three pluripotency-related genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hPTMSCs. Importantly, SFRP1 and PTGS2 were further identified as tumour suppressors and oncogenes in hPTMSCs, respectively. The overexpression of SFRP1 and PTGS2 was positively correlated with the expression of the pluripotent markers OCT4, CMYC and NANOG in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549, and the low expression of SFRP1 and PTGS2 was inversely correlated with the expression of the pluripotent markers SOX2, OCT4 and NANOG in hPTMSCs. Interestingly, overexpression of SFRP1 led to reduced cell viability, colony formation and migration of A549 cells. In contrast, the ectopic expression of PTGS2 exerted the opposite effect.
Conclusions

These results indicate that hPTMSCs with high PTGS2 expression but low SFRP1 expression may have more potential tumorigenic capacity. Taken together, this study suggests that PTGS2 and SFRP1 may be valuable biomarkers for quality and safety control of hPTMSC preparations in clinical applications, which warrants further study.
The impact of molded pulp product process on the mechanical properties of molded BCTMP
Authors: Dislaire Claire , Grohens Yves , Seantier Bastien , Muzy Marion
Published: December 2020

This study was carried out using bleached softwood Chemi-Thermo-Mechanical Pulp to evaluate the influence of Molded Pulp Products’ manufacturing process parameters on the finished products’ mechanical and hygroscopic properties. A Taguchi table was done to make 8 tests with specific process parameters such as moulds temperature, pulping time, drying time and pressing time. The results of these tests were used to obtain an optimized manufacturing process with improved mechanical properties and a lower water uptake after sorption analysis and water immersion. The optimized process parameters allowed us to improve the Young’ Modulus after 1h immersion of 58% and a water uptake reduction of 78% with the first 8 tests done.
Cryptosporidiosis modulates gut microbiome metabolism and the immune response in an infected host
Authors: Karpe Avinash V , Hutton Melanie L , Mileto Steven J , James Meagan L , Evans Chris , Shah Rohan M , Ghodke Amol B , Hillyer Katie E , Metcalfe Suzanne S , Liu Jian-Wei , Walsh Tom , Lyras Dena , Palombo Enzo A , Beale David J
Published: December 2020

Background

Cryptosporidiosis is a major global human health concern. Despite well-established methods, misdiagnosis remain common. Resulting incorrect clinical prescription often causes anti-microbial resistance development in the patients. Our understanding of the Cryptosporidium infection mechanism remains limited, compounding the difficulty of clinical diagnosis. Multi-omics approach has shown significant potential for addressing this limitation and, biomarker discovery towards rapid and accurate diagnostics. This study investigated the underlying biochemistry of host-microbiome-parasite relationships during infection.
Methods

C57BL/6J mice were infected with 1 × 105 Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts via oral gavage. Faecal samples were collected daily, while blood, liver tissues and luminal contents of the small and large intestines were collected 10 days post infection. High-resolution liquid chromatography and low-resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry were used to analyse the proteomes and metabolomes of faeces, serum, liver, and luminal contents. Faecal samples were additionally subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to all datasets.
Results

Host and microbial energy pathways altered during infection. Glycolysis/citrate cycle metabolites, such as malate and lactate, were elevated in the large intestine. Short-chain fatty acids, formate and acetate, increased in the small intestine, while butanoate increased in the caecum-colon. This correlated with an increased abundance of bacteria associated with a stressed host environment, including Lactobacillus (small intestine) and Coriobacteriaceae (throughout the intestine, but more prominently in colon). The expression of host electron transfer flavoprotein, phosphoglycerate kinase and acetyl CoA binding proteins, yeast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and Lactobacillus glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase significantly increased in the infected gut. Liver oxalate increase was also seen during infection.
Conclusions

The microbiome-parasite relationship is more influential than the previously thought host-parasite relationship, in mediating major biochemical changes in the mouse gut during cryptosporidiosis. Defining this parasite-microbiome interaction is the first step towards building a comprehensive cryptosporidiosis model.
Normal body weight with central obesity increases newly onset cardiovascular disease in adults from rural Northeast China
Authors: Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Li GuangXiao , Yang Hongmei , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: December 2020

Background

Cumulative evidence indicates that normal weight with central obesity (NWCO) is associated with cardiovascular diseases risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia. However, the possible predictive effect of NWCO on newly onset cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke has not been studied in detail.
Methods

Participants underwent physical examination at 2012–2013 and followed-up at 2015–2017 who previously diagnosed CVD were excluded. Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 defined obesity, waist-to-height ratio ≥ 0.5 defined central obesity. Four groups: Normal weight without (NW) or NWCO, obesity without (OB) or with central obesity (OBCO).
Results

In total, 9439 participants (5006 men and 4433 women). The prevalence of different types of obesity were 39.6% for NW, 16.1% for NWCO, 4.1% for OB and 40.2% for OBCO. NWCO [HR = 1.565, 95%CI = 1.195, 2.051] and OBCO [HR = 1.845, 95%CI = 1.480, 2.300] were significantly associated with increasing risk of newly onset CVD. Besides, NWCO [HR = 2.337, 95%CI = 1.257, 4.344], OB [HR = 3.22, 95%CI = 1.166, 8.905] and OBCO [HR = 2.449, 95%CI = 1.386, 4.326] were all correlated with newly onset CHD but none of them had relationship with newly onset stroke.
Conclusions

We found that NWCO and OBCO were associated with newly onset CVD in rural Northeast Chinese adults. This underscored the effect of central obesity on CVD and suggested that even in individual with normal BMI, it is still necessary to prevent, monitor and control of central obesity.
Problems in measuring the JTC-bias in patients with psychotic disorders with the fish task: A secondary analysis of a baseline assessment of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pytlik Nico , Soll Daniel , Hesse Klaus , Moritz Steffen , Bechdolf Andreas , Herrlich Jutta , Kircher Tilo , Klingberg Stefan , Landsberg Martin W. , Müller Bernhard W. , Wiedemann Georg , Wittorf Andreas , Wölwer Wolfgang , Wagner Michael , Mehl Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Background: The jumping to conclusions bias (JTC) is considered to be an important causal factor in theoretical models for the formation and maintenance of delusions. However, recent meta-analytic findings show a rather equivocal pattern of results regarding associations between JTC and delusions. Thus, the present study aims to investigate in a large sample whether the JTC-bias is more pronounced in patients with psychotic disorders in comparison to controls and whether the JTC bias is associated with a more severe delusional conviction, persecutory delusions, and positive symptoms in general.Methods: Patients with psychotic disorders (n = 300) enrolled in a therapy trial and healthy controls (n = 51) conducted a variant of the beads task (fish task) as a measure for the JTC-bias at the start of the trial. Further, clinical interviews were used to assess patients’ delusional severity and delusional conviction. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between patients with psychotic disorders (with 53% displaying the JTC-bias) and controls (41%). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant correlations between JTC measures and persecutory delusions, delusional conviction, and positive symptoms.Conclusions: We found no differences in JTC between patients with psychotic disorders and healthy controls, which is in part in line with meta-analytic findings using a wide range of JTC task variants. Interestingly, patients with psychotic disorders displayed JTC rates commonly found in the literature, while healthy control subjects showed an unexpectedly high level of JTC. The task variant we used in the present study (fish task) is discussed as a potential reason for our results, as it may induce a more deliberative reasoning style in controls as compared to the traditional beads task. Furthermore, possible implications for the measurement of the JTC-bias, in general, are discussed.Trial Registration: ISRCTN29242879 (isrctn.com), date of registration: April 12th 2006, retrospectively registered
How do private practitioners in Pakistan manage children suspected having tuberculosis? A cross sectional study
Authors: Yaqoob Aashifa , Hinderaker Sven , Fatima Razia , Najmi Hina , Haq Anwar
Published: December 2020

Background:In Pakistan, private providers provide a large portion of health care, including for tuberculosis (TB). All TB patients are supposed to be reported to the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), which provides drugs free of charge in addition to monitoring, supervision, and support. However, diagnosis of TB in children is difficult. We aimed to assess the private health care providers’ investigation practices and management of childhood TB. Methods:We used a cross-sectional study, which was based on a national survey measuring under-reporting of children with TB in 12 selected districts in Pakistan from April-June, 2016. We explored the practices of the private health care providers, including the health care workers i.e. general practitioners, pediatricians, pulmonologists and chest specialists, who were involved in the diagnosis of TB in children under 15 years for investigating and managing children suspected having TB.Results:Among 6519 presumptive child TB cases, a total of 5193(79.7%) children under 15 years were diagnosed as TB by private health care providers during second quarter, 2016. Only 187(2.9%) were notified to NTP. The majority of presumptive child TB cases reported cough, fever, and failure to thrive; few had TB contacts with pulmonary TB patients. Failure to thrive, loss of body weight and absence of BCG scar was more common in female children. Private providers relied on chest X-ray in 46.1%, while tuberculin skin test and Gene-Xpert MTB/RIF testing was little utilized. Bacteriological confirmation was present in 7.6%, and clinical assessment was the only basis for diagnosis in 39.3%. Of children with presumptive TB, only 955(14.6%) children were treated by private provider, while 3121(47.9%) cases were referred for diagnosis and 2443(37.5%) were referred after diagnosis for treatment; among all the referred, 3812(68.5%) were sent for investigations to District TB Centre (NTP).Conclusion:This study showed that many private providers referred children suspected having TB to laboratories for further diagnosis, but the cases identified in these investigations were often not notified to the NTP. This problem could be resolved by strengthening the referral linkages between private health providers, NTP laboratories and treatment centres through capacity building and training of their staff.
Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Fall Prevention Practices at South Korean Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Cho Mi-young , Jang Sun Joo
Published: December 2020

Background: Fall-prevention activities are nursing interventions which are designed to improve patient safety. The introduction of evaluations of medical institutions and an increase in medical litigation has led institutions to emphasize the importance of fall-prevention activities. The current situation regarding falls among patients in small and medium-sized hospitals is poorly understood. This study assessed knowledge and attitudes regarding falls, and fall-prevention activities of nurses working in small- and medium-sized hospitals. Methods: Nurses (N= 162) from seven small- and medium-sized hospitals participated in the study. Data on participants’ characteristics, education regarding patient falls, knowledge of stretcher cart use, attitudes regarding patient falls, and fall-prevention activities were collected from August 1 to September 1, 2016. Results: Nurses’ knowledge of patient falls was positively correlated with their experience with inpatient falls. Furthermore, nurses’ attitudes regarding falls were influenced by their nursing experience and fall prevention education. Attitudes positively correlated with fall-prevention activities, but knowledge did not. Nurses’ attitudes regarding patient falls were correlated with fall-prevention activities. Conclusion: Hospitals should develop incentive programs to improve nurses’ attitudes which are based on their subjective norms and tailored to each hospital’s specific circumstances to ensure engagement in fall prevention activities. In short, we recommend that consistent, repeated, and custom fall-prevention education should be implemented in small- and medium-sized hospitals to promote engagement in fall-prevention activities. Patient safety activities in small- and medium-sized hospitals can be enhanced by creating an environment that encourages active and self-directed participation in developing fall-prevention strategies using motivation and rewards.
Prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among women in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liang Peiqin , Wang Yiding , Shi Si , Liu Yan , Xiong Ribo
Published: December 2020

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern. To date, there are limited studies that have investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among female population. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and it’s related factors among women in Guangzhou, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from 30th March 2020 to 13th April 2020 using anonymous online questionnaire among 864 women at 6-12 weeks postpartum. The Chinese version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a questionnaire regarding associated factors were administered to all participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors that were significantly associated with PPD.Results: The prevalence of PPD among women at 6-12 weeks postpartum was 30.0%. A multivariate logistic regression model identified significant factors as: immigrant women, persistent fever, poor social support, concerns about contracting COVID-19 and certain precautionary measures.Conclusions: The findings suggest the need for policies and interventions to not only mitigate the psychological impacts but also target disadvantaged sub-groups of women following childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors affecting patient safety culture in terms of compliance with preventing bloodborne pathogens among general hospital nurses
Authors: Kim Na Young , Moon Kyoung Ja
Published: December 2020

Background: The present study aims to investigate the relationship between patient safety culture and prevention of transmitting bloodborne pathogens among nurses at a general hospital. Methods: The participants were 284 nurses working at a general hospital located in P city, and the data were collected between April 26 and May 15, 2019. Questionnaires on patient safety culture and prevention of bloodborne pathogens were used, and the data were examined on SPSS version 22.0 using for descriptive and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The results showed that the following factors affected the prevention of bloodborne pathogens: experience of needle stick and sharp injuries (β = -0.94), teamwork (β = 0.41), knowledge and attitude toward patient safety (β = 0.34), leadership (β = 0.15), and priority of patient safety (β = 0.14). The model's explanatory power was 53 % (F = 32.26, p =< 0.001).Conclusions: To increase the compliance of general hospital nurses with practices that promote the prevention of bloodborne pathogens, it is necessary to actively prevent needle stick and sharp injuries. It is also necessary to prioritize patient safety and to develop and verify the effects of various programs that emphasize factors of patient safety culture, such as leadership, teamwork, knowledge, and attitude.
Knowledge and Myths about Preeclampsia and Eclampsia and its influence on Antenatal Service Utilization among pregnant women and their male partners in Mtwara Region-Tanzania: A Cross Sectional Analytical Study.
Authors: Machenje Aziza Shaibu , Kibusi Stephen M. , Gibore Nyasiro , Lilungulu Athanase , Moshi Fabiola V.
Published: December 2020

Background : Pregnancy induced hypertension, including preeclampsia and eclampsia are the major health problem and the main cause of the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and myths about preeclampsia and eclampsia and its influence in Antenatal Clinics (ANC) utilization among pregnant women and their male partiners in Mtwara region. Method : A community based cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Mtwara Region, a random sampling procedure was employed to obtain a sample size of 384 pregnant women and their male partners a total of 768 participants (male=384 and female =384). Interviewer structured questionnaire was used for data collection and Statistical package for social science (SPSS v.20) software was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics, cross tabulation, Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted and inferential statistics were used to test association between variables obtained. Results: Among 768 participants, male partners 167(43.5%) and pregnant women 171 (44.5%) had adequate knowledge about preeclampsia and eclampsia. More than a half 396(51.6%) of study respondents had weak myths while 372(48.4%) had strong myths on pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Furthermore, pregnant women 244 (64%) had adequate antenatal care utilization. Study participants who had adequate knowledge on pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were almost 3 times more likely to utilize antenatal care services (AOR = 2.827; CI = 1.719 – 4.651; p<0.001). Study participants who had weak myth on pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were less likely to have adequate antenatal care attendance (AOR= 0.370; CI= 0.229; p< 0.001) Conclusion : The overall knowledge of preeclampsia and eclampsia was low. Majority of the female had adequate antenatal service utilization. Majority of respondents had weak myths. Government and stakeholders should ensure that community is equipped with knowledge about preeclampsia and eclampsia and the available Myths should be dispelled.
Higher aggrecan 1-F21 epitope concentration in synovial fluid early after anterior cruciate ligament injury is associated with worse knee cartilage quality assessed by gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging 20 years later
Authors: Neuman Paul , Larsson Staffan , Lohmander L Stefan , Struglics André
Published: December 2020

Background. To investigate if cartilage related biomarkers in synovial fluid are associated with knee cartilage status 20 years after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.Methods. We studied 25 patients with a complete ACL rupture without subsequent ACL reconstruction or radiographic knee OA. All had a delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) 20 years after the ACL injury, using the T1 transverse relaxation time in the presence of gadolinium (T1Gd) which estimates the concentration of glycosaminoglycans in hyaline cartilage. Synovial fluid samples were aspirated acutely (between 0 and 18 days) and during 1 to 5 follow up visits between 0.5 and 7.5 years after injury. We quantified synovial fluid concentrations of aggrecan (epitopes 1-F21 and ARGS), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 by immunoassays, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans by Alcian blue precipitation. Western blot was used for qualitative analyses of aggrecan fragments in synovial fluid and cartilage samples.Results. Western blot indicated that the 1-F21 epitope was located within the chondroitin sulfate 2 region of aggrecan. Linear regression analyses (adjusted for age, sex, body mass index and time between injury and sampling) showed that acute higher synovial fluid 1-F21-aggrecan concentrations were associated with shorter T1Gd values 20 years after injury, i.e. inferior cartilage quality (standardized effects between -0.67 and -1.0). No other statistically significant association was found between molecular biomarkers and T1Gd values. Conclusion. Higher acute synovial fluid 1-F21-aggrecan concentrations in ACL injured patients, who managed to cope without ACL reconstruction and were without radiographic knee OA, were associated with inferior knee cartilage quality assessed by dGEMRIC 20 years after injury.
Ocular and Corneal Aberrations changes in controlled randomized clinical trial MiSight® Assessment Study Spain (MASS)
Authors: Lopes-Ferreira Daniela , Ruiz-Pomeda Alicia , Peréz-Sanchéz Belén , Queirós António , Villa-Collar César
Published: December 2020

Background: To compare ocular and corneal inherent aberrations in the naked eyes of randomly selected children fitted with MiSight contact lenses (CL) for myopia control, versus children corrected with single-vision spectacles (control), over a 24-months period. Methods: Children aged 8 to 12 years, with myopia (-0.75 to -4.00 D sphere) and astigmatism (< -1.00 D cylinder), were assigned to the lens study group (MiSight) or the control group (single-vision spectacles). Axial length (AL) was measured by biometry, the root mean square aberration (RMS) was determined as corneal (RMS_C), corneal high order RMS (HO_RMS_C), corneal low order RMS (LO_RMS_C), ocular total RMS (RMS_T), ocular total high order RMS (HO_RMS_T), ocular total low order RMS (LO_RMS_T), corneal spherical aberration (SA_C) and ocular total SA (SA_T) were calculated by aberrometric measures at the baseline, and on 12- and 24-months visits. A 5 mm diameter was defined for the analysis in all visits for all subjects. Only the dominant eye was analyzed. Results: Seventy-four subjects completed the clinical trial: 41 subjects from the MiSight group (age: 11.01 ± 1.23 years) and 33 from the single-vision group (age: 10.12 ± 1.38 years). In the control group, RMS_T (0.57 ± 0.20 µm, p = 0.029) and LO_RMS_T (0.46 ± 0.18 µm, p = 0.047) registered significant changes after 24-months in the control group. In the MiSight group no significant changes were registered. The SA_C and SA_T did not reveal significant changes between visits or between groups. Conclusions: The wear of MiSight CL did not induce significant changes in aberrations in anterior cornea and contrary of control group the total ocular RMS and low order RMS did not significantly caused by significantly lower eye growth and myopia progression. The naked eye results obtained in present study allow to predict that children do not develop basal corneal or total aberration changes in response of wearing MiSight lens along the time.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01917110.
Clinical Impact of Estradiol/Testosterone Ratio in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Choi Jung-Won , Ryoo In Woo , Hong Jun Yeong , Lee Kyung-Yul , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Won Chan , Oh Seung-Hun , Kang Jaeku , Lee Hoi Young , Na Sang-Jun , Heo Ji Hoe , Lee Kee Ook
Published: December 2020

Background: Sex hormones may be associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke or stroke-related events. In observational studies, lower testosterone concentrations are associated with infirmity, vascular disease, and adverse cardiovascular risk factors. Currently, female sexual hormones are considered neuroprotective agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of sex hormones and the ratio of estradiol/testosterone (E/T) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2016, 146 male patients with AIS and 152 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in this study. Sex hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, were evaluated in the AIS patient and control groups. We analyzed the clinical and physiological levels of sex hormones and hormone ratios in these patients.Results: The E/T ratio was significantly elevated among patients in the stroke group compared to those in the control group (P = 0.001). Categorization of data into tertiles revealed that patients with the highest E/T ratio were more likely to have AIS [odds ratio (OR) 3.084; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.616-5.886; P < 0.001) compared with those in the first tertile. The E/T ratio was also an independent unfavorable outcome predictor with an adjusted OR of 1.167 (95% CI: 1.053-1.294; P = 0.003).Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that increased estradiol and reduced testosterone levels are associated with AIS in men.
Mental health planning at a very early stage of the COVID-19 crisis: A systematic review of online international strategies and recommendations
Authors: Almeda Nerea , Garcia-Alonso Carlos R. , Salvador-Carulla Luis
Published: December 2020

Background: Mental health care systems have been dramatically affected by COVID-19. Containment measures have been imposed, with negative consequences on population mental health. Therefore, an increase in both symptomatology and mental disorder incidence is expected. This research aims to identify, describe and assess the empirical background on online strategies and recommendations developed by international organizations and governments to cope with the psychological impact of COVID-19 at a very early stage of the pandemic.Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were adapted to review online documents. A new questionnaire was developed to identify the existence of common patterns in the selected documents. Questions were classified into three domains: COVID-19 information, mental health strategies and mental health recommendations. A two-step cluster analysis was carried out to highlight underlying behaviours in the data (patterns). The results are shown as spider graphs (pattern profiles) and conceptual maps (multidimensional links between questions).Results: Twenty-six documents were included in the review. The questionnaire analysed document complexity and identified their common key mental health characteristics (i.e., does the respondent have the tools for dealing with stress, depression and anxiety?). Cluster analysis highlighted patterns from the questionnaire domains. Strong relationships between questions were identified, such as psychological tips for maintaining good mental health and coping with COVID-19 (question nº 4), describing some psychological skills to help people cope with anxiety and worry about COVID-19 (question nº 6) and promoting social connection at home (question nº 8).Conclusions: When fast results are needed to develop health strategies and policies, rapid reviews associated with statistical and graphical methods are essential. The results obtained from the proposed analytical procedure can be relevant to a) classify documents according to their complexity in structuring the information provided on how to cope with the psychological impact of COVID-19, b) develop new documents according to specific objectives matching population needs, c) improve document design to face unforeseen events, and d) adapt new documents to local situations. In this framework, the relevance of adapting e-mental health procedures to community mental health care model principles was highlighted, although some problems related to the digital gap must be considered.