bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Induced Renal Complications by Leukocyte Activation of Nuclear Factor κ-B and its Regulated Genes Expression
Authors: Darwish Noura , Elnahas Yousif , AlQahtany Fatmah
Published: September 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by inappropriate insulin function. Despite wide progress in genome studies, defects in gene expression for diabetes prognosis still incompletely identified. Prolonged hyperglycemia activates NF-κB, which is a main player in vascular dysfunctions of diabetes. Activated NF-κB, triggers expression of various genes that promote inflammation and cell adhesion process. Alteration of pro-inflammatory and profibrotic gene expression contribute to the irreversible functional and structural changes in the kidney resulting in diabetic nephropathy (DN). To identify the effect of some important NF-κB related genes on mediation of DN progression, we divided our candidate genes on the basis of their function exerted in bloodstream into three categories (Proinflammatory; NF-κB, IL-1B, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF); (Profibrotic; FN, ICAM-1, VCAM-1) and (Proliferative; MAPK-1 and EGF). We analyzed their expression profile in leukocytes of patients and explored their correlation to diabetic kidney injury features. Our data revealed the overexpression of both proinflammatory and profibrotic genes in DN group when compared to T2D group and were associated positively with each other in DN group indicating their possible role in DN progression. In DN patients, increased expression of proinflammatory genes correlated positively with glycemic control and inflammatory markers indicating their role in DN progression. Our data revealed that the persistent activation NF-κB and its related genes observed in hyperglycemia might contribute to DN progression and might be a good diagnostic and therapeutic target for DN progression. Large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the potential of these molecules to serve as disease biomarkers.
Diagnostic Models for Screening of Chronic Periodontitis with Cytokines and Microbiologic Profiles in Saliva
Authors: Lee Jungwon , Lee Jun-Beom , Song Hyun-Young , Son Min Jung , Li Ling , Rhyu In-Chul , Lee Yong-Moo , Koo Ki-Tae , An Jung-Sub , Kim Jin Sup , Kim Eunkyung
Published: September 2020

This study was to investigate and assess salivary biomarkers as a means of diagnosing periodontitis. A total of 121 subjects were included: 28 periodontally healthy subjects, 24 with stage I, 24 with stage II, 23 with stage III, and 22 with stage IV periodontitis. Salivary proteins including active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), pro-MMP-8, total MMP-8, C-reactive protein, secretory immunoglobulin A and planktonic bacteria including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas nigrescens, Parvimonas micra, Campylobacter rectus, Eubacterium nodatum, Eikenella corrodens, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Actinomyces viscosus were measured from salivary samples. The performance of the diagnostic models was assessed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) analysis. The diagnostic models were constructed based on the subjects’ proteins and/or microbial profiles, resulting in two potential diagnosis models, which achieved better diagnostic powers with an AUC value > 0.750 for the diagnosis of stage II, III, and IV periodontitis (Model PC-I; AUC: 0.796, sensitivity: 0.754, specificity: 0.712) and for the diagnosis of stage III and IV periodontitis (Model PC-II; AUC: 0.796, sensitivity: 0.756, specificity: 0.868). This study can contribute to screening for periodontitis based on salivary biomarkers.
An Unconventional Flavivirus and other RNA Viruses in the Sea Cucumber (Holothuroidea; Echinodermata) Virome
Authors: Hewson Ian , Johnson Mitchell R. , Tibbetts Ian R.
Published: September 2020

Sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea; Echinodermata) are ecologically significant constituents of benthic marine habitats. We surveilled RNA viruses inhabiting 8 species (representing 4 families) of holothurian collected from four geographically distinct locations by viral metagenomics, including a single specimen of Apostichopus californicus affected by a hitherto undocumented wasting disease. The RNA virome comprised genome fragments of both single-stranded positive sense and double stranded RNA viruses, including those assigned to the Picornavirales, Ghabrivirales, and Amarillovirales. We discovered an unconventional flavivirus genome fragment which was most similar to a shark virus. Ghabivirales-like genome fragments were most similar to fungal totiviruses in both genome architecture and homology, and likely infected mycobiome constituents. Picornavirales, which are commonly retrieved in host-associated viral metagenomes, were similar to invertebrate transcriptome-derived picorna-like viruses. Sequence reads recruited from the grossly normal A. californicus metavirome to nearly all viral genome fragments recovered from the wasting-affected A. californicus. The greatest number of viral genome fragments was recovered from wasting A. californicus compared to any other surveyed holothurian, including the grossly normal A. californicus, which reflects a pattern observed in viral metagenomics study of sea star wasting. These results expand the known host range of flaviviruses, and suggest that fungi and their viruses may play roles in holothurian ecology.
Crucial Laboratory Parameters in Severe COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Honardoost Maryam , Janani Leila , Emami Zahra , Aghili Rokhsareh , Khamseh Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: September 2020

Aim: Abnormal laboratory findings have been shown to be associated with severe COVID-19. However, all aspects of this association have not been reviewed systematically. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to explore crucial laboratory parameters in severe COVID-19 infection. Methods: We performed the literature review of scientific articles indexed in electronic databases. Scientific search engines were used to perform the electronic literature search. After the removal of duplicates and selection of articles of interest, 30 studies were eligible to include. If heterogeneity was high (I2>50%), a random-effects model was applied to combine the data. Otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used.Results: A total of 5586 individuals were assessed (1555 patients with severe COVID-19 infection and 3452 with non-severe infection). Platelets, lymphocytes and serum albumin were significantly lower in severe patients while other biochemical and immunological parameters including prothrombin time, ALT, AST, total bilirubin, LDH, procalcitonin, CRP, IL-6, and IgA were significantly higher in patients with severe infection. Neutrophil and monocyte counts as well as hemoglobin level, D-dimer, hypersensitive troponin I, IL-2R, IgG and IgM levels were different between two groups; however, the difference was not statistically significant (All P-values >0.05). Conclusions: Lymphopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and high levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with severe COVID-19 infection.
Penyuluhan Persiapan Menghadapi Menopause
Authors: Yuneta Agus Eka Nurma , Hardiningsih Hardiningsih , Yunita Fresthy Astrika , Sulaeman Endang Sutisna
Published: August 2020

Latar belakang: Pada era Globalisasi sekarang ini kesehatan menjadi hal yang sangat berharga. Terutama pada kesehatan reproduksi yang sekarang ini menjadi perhatian dunia. WHO menyatakan, di Asia pada tahun 2025 jumlah wanita yang berusia lanjut akan meningkat dari 107 juta jiwa menjadi 373 juta jiwa. 18% di Cina dan 10% perempuan di Jepang dan Indonesia 40% merasa hot flashes saat menghadapi menopause.

Tujuan pengabdian: Memberikan Penyuluhan Persiapan Menghadapi Menopause kepada para ibu ibu tentang bagaimana gejala dan cara menghadapi menopause.

Metode pengabdian : Persiapan Menghadapi Menopause ini dilakukan melalui koordinasi dengan bidan wilayah, masyarakat dan personil yang terlibat dalam kegiatan untuk selanjutnya melakukan penyuluhan persiapan menghadapi menopause ibu-ibu desa Wonorejo kabupaten Karanganyar

Hasil pengabdian: Telah dilakukan penyuluhan persiapan menghadapi menopause.

Kesimpulan dan saran: Kegiatan penyuluhan tentang persiapan menghadapi menopause telah dilakukan.di Gedung pertemuan Wonorejo. Warga sangat antusias mengikutinta dan sebaiknya tenaga kesehatan dapat melakukan penyuluhan rutin pada ibu ibu premenopause, menopause dan di harapkan setelah mendapat penyuluhan dapat memahami persiapan menghadapi menopause.

 

 
Analisis Implementasi Continuity of Care (CoC) di Program Studi D III Kebidanan UNS
Authors: Hardiningsih Hardiningsih , Yunita Fresthy Astrika , Nurma Yuneta Agus Eka
Published: August 2020

Latar Belakang: Continuity of Care (CoC) merupakan layanan kebidanan melalui model pelayanan berkelanjutan pada perempuan sepanjang masa kehamilan, persalinan, nifas dan keluarga berencana. Bidan sebagai subsistem sumber daya manusia menjadi salah satu ujung tombak yang berperan langsung pada percepatan  penurunan angka kematian ibu dan atau angka kematian bayi. Tujuan Penelitian : menganalisis impelementasi metode Continuity of Care (CoC) di Program Studi D III Kebidanan UNS.

Subjek dan Metode : Desain penelitian kualitatif. Lokasi penelitian di Prodi D III Kebidanan UNS mulai bulan April 2019. Informan terdiri dari dosen koordinator CoC, pembimbing institusi, pembimbing lahan dan mahasiswa serta klien. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara, kajian dokumen dan observasi partisipasi.  Analisis data menggunakan model interaktif

Hasil penelitian : Implementasi metode CoC pada LTA ini mahasiswa dapat menunjukkan kompetensinya kepada klien melalui pelaksanaan asuhan kebidanan. Pasien merasa puas dengan pendampingan yang dilakukan oleh mahasiswa. Pelaksanaan LTA dengan metode CoC ini memberikan dampak yang positif bagi institusi pendidikan, klien serta untuk mahasiswa dapat memberikan pengalaman nyata tentang asuhan kebidanan.

Kesimpulan : Implementasi LTA dengan metode CoC di Prodi D III Kebidanan sudah terlaksana denga baik.

 

 
Gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos urbanos no município de Belém, Pará, Brasil: vantagens e desafios da sua implementação
Authors: Lebrego Cardoso Emile , Ferreira Filho Hélio Raymundo , Pereira Santos Vanusa Carla , De Oliveira Ferreira Aline
Published: August 2020

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever a gestão dos resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) na cidade de Belém, Pará, Brasil, explanando as vantagens e os desafios da implementação de uma gestão integrada. Para isso, fez-se um levantamento bibliográfico em periódicos recentes que abordam a temática, além de uma análise documental do Plano Estadual de Gestão Integrada de Resíduos Sólidos do estado do Pará. Em adição, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, entre agosto e novembro de 2018, com representantes da gestão de resíduos nos níveis estadual e municipal, buscando informações sobre a forma de gestão adotada e as dificuldades enfrentadas, coletando, assim, dados primários e secundários. As informações reunidas demonstram que a gestão dos RSU em Belém apresenta falhas, uma vez que o município não conta com um plano de gestão integrada capaz de agregar informações relevantes para a formulação de programas e ações necessárias para minimizar os problemas proporcionados pela alta geração de resíduos e sua disposição final. Os resultados apresentados são de grande importância por proporcionar uma discussão mais detalhada e voltada à gestão dos resíduos em Belém, reforçando as exigências da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos quanto à forma financeira e ambientalmente sustentável de realizar essa gestão.
Análise crítica dos indicadores de desempenho de estações de tratamento de efluentes do órgão ambiental estadual do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Ramos Junior Waldyr , Da Costa Silva Lívia Maria
Published: August 2020

A avaliação de desempenho das estações de tratamento de efluentes (ETE), no geral, se baseia em aferir apenas a qualidade do efluente final, não se levando em consideração outros parâmetros, que também contribuem substancialmente para o desempenho. Nesse sentido, indicadores são ferramentas importantes, por serem capazes de resumir em um único valor o estado do objeto avaliado, considerando seus diversos aspectos e características. Objetiva-se, com esse trabalho, pontuar a importância de indicadores de desempenho para avaliação e licenciamento de ETE, além de avaliar a utilização dos indicadores de qualidade de ETE estabelecidos por meio de duas normas institucionais (NOI-INEA 11 e NOI-INEA 14) elaboradas pelo Instituto Estadual do Ambiente (INEA), órgão ambiental do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica em artigos referentes à temática de indicadores de desempenho de ETE, juntamente com uma pesquisa nos sites de todos os órgãos ambientais estaduais e distrital. Ademais, para análise crítica, adotou-se a metodologia de pesquisa de documentos oficiais no acervo digital do INEA. Com isso, foi possível perceber que, no Brasil, a existência de legislações que utilizem indicadores para avaliação de ETE ainda é restrito ao aludido estado. No entanto, apesar de pouco utilizados, os indicadores apresentam grande potencial para auxiliar no licenciamento ambiental e na fundamentação de pareceres técnicos, contribuindo para uma melhor informação e participação da sociedade.
Crosstalk Between Mucosal Inflammation and Bone Metabolism in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Khalmuratova Roza , Shin Hyun-Woo
Published: September 2020

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial and highly heterogeneous upper airway disease that affects approximately 12% of the general population. There is increasing evidence supporting the impact of osteitis on the pathophysiology of CRS. Osteitis is frequently observed in patients with CRS, and is associated with severe sinonasal inflammation and recalcitrant cases. The overlying inflammatory sinonasal mucosa plays a critical role in the initiation of osteitis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms and functional significance remain unclear. Increasingly many studies have suggested that immune cells play a crucial role in the bone remodeling process in CRS. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the specific role of sinonasal inflammation in bone remodeling in CRS patients.
Climate and population: risk exposure to precipitation concentration in mainland Spain (1950-2010)
Authors: Serrano Notivoli Roberto , Zúñiga-Antón María , Pueyo Ángel , Beguería Santiago , Saz Miguel Ángel , De Luis Martín
Published: September 2020

The term risk exposure combines the notions of natural hazard and the human exposure to that hazard. Spatial and temporal variations in risk exposure, therefore, can be caused by changes in hazard, in exposure, or both. In this work a novel methodology for computing and representing risk exposure and its temporal changes are presented, and applied to the analysis of risk exposure to extreme rainfall in mainland Spain between 1950 and 2010. For that, two complementary high-resolution gridded datasets, one of population potentials and another one of precipitation concentration, are combined. Despite a great spatial variability over time, the highest exposure was consistently found in the surrounding areas of the largest cities and along the Mediterranean coast. The relative influence of population changes and precipitation concentration evolution is analyzed. Results suggest that hazard (precipitation concentration) changes led most of the observed changes in risk exposure, except in those decades where population movements were massive and widespread.
Curso masivo en línea “Salud sexual y reproductiva”: cambios en conocimientos, deserción, reprobación y satisfacción
Authors: De Castro Filipa , Rodríguez-Hernández José Alejandro , Hubert-López Celia , Sánchez-Pájaro Andrés , Rosas-Magallanes Cynthia , Villalobos Aremis , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh
Published: August 2020

Objetivo. Presentar resultados globales de la deserción, re­probación y satisfacción de los usuarios del Curso Masivo en Línea Abierto (MOOC, por sus siglas en inglés), así como los cambios en conocimientos y prácticas del personal de salud inscrito al MOOC “Salud sexual y reproductiva y prevención del embarazo en adolescentes”. Material y métodos. Se analizaron 45 549 registros y se ajustaron modelos de regresión logística para la deserción y reprobación del curso. Resultados. Finalizó el curso 57.8% de los usuarios, mien­tras que 15.1% reprobó. Los modelos logísticos muestran que la edad y el cargo ocupado se asocian tanto con la deserción como con la reprobación. Conclusiones. El MOOC es una herramienta útil para generar mejoras en conocimientos y competencias. Es necesario ampliar la cobertura a profesiona­les que tienen trato con población adolescente, con el fin de mejorar la salud sexual y reproductiva y prevenir embarazos en la adolescencia.
Submuestra para el análisis de enfermedades crónicas con biomarcadores, Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2016
Authors: Hernández-Alcaraz Cesar , Shamah-Levy Teresa , Romero-Martínez Martín , Sepúlveda-Amor Jaime , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A. , Rivera-Dommarco Juan A. , Kershenobich-Stalnikowitz David , Hernández-Ávila Mauricio , Barquera Simón
Published: August 2020

Objetivo. Describir la submuestra de adultos para el análisis de biomarcadores de enfermedades crónicas, así como los tamaños de muestra (n) y la representatividad de las mismas en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2016. Material y métodos. Se calculó una submuestra con representati­vidad nacional para la obtención de sangre, suero y orina en adultos. Se comparó la prevalencia de variables de interés para las submuestras. Resultados. Las n obtenidas de suero y orina fueron de 4 000 y 3 782 adultos con al menos un valor en algún marcador bioquímico sérico y marcadores de orina, respectivamente. Esta n varió con el agrupamiento de marcadores y selección por horas de ayuno. No se observa­ron diferencias en la distribución de las variables de interés entre las muestras de hogar, sangre y orina. Conclusión. Los datos ponderados de las submuestras de marcadores en orina, suero y sangre son comparables con la muestra total de adultos de la encuesta. Los datos de las submuestras permiti­rán monitorear la distribución de enfermedades crónicas en México, incluidas las alteraciones en función hepática, renal, y consumo de sodio.
Cambios epidemiológicos del cáncer pulmonar en el Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, en relación con una serie histórica
Authors: Hernández-Solís Alejandro , Navarro-Reynoso Francisco , Cruz-Muñoz Kevin
Published: August 2020

No disponible
Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives on Family Presence During Resuscitation in the Emergency Departments of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Abuzeyad Feras , Elhobi Ahmed , Kamkoum Wael , Bashmi Luma , Qasim Ghada Al , Alqasem Leena , Mansoor Naser Mohamed Ali , Hsu Stephanie , Das Priya
Published: September 2020

Background: Worldwide, policies exist on family presence during resuscitation (FPDR), however, this is still lacking in the Gulf Corporation Countries (GCC) in general and in the Kingdom of Bahrain in particular. The aim of this study is to assess the perspectives of healthcare providers (HP) on FPDR among those working in the emergency departments (EDs) in the Kingdom. Methods: A self-administered anonymous electronic survey was collected from 146 HPs (emergency physicians and nurses) working in the three major EDs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Besides demographic data, 18 items measuring HPs’ perceptions of FPDR were generated using the 5-point Likert scale.Results: Surveys (n= 146) from physicians and nurses were analysed (45.9% vs. 54.1%, respectively). There were significant differences between physicians and nurses in terms of personal beliefs, FPDR enhancing professional satisfaction and behaviour, and the importance of a support person and saying goodbye (p< 0.001). However, general responses demonstrated that the majority of HPs encouraged and supported FPDR, but with greater support from physicians than nurses. Conclusion: The study reflects that many HPs in EDs participated in and are familiar with FPDR, with the majority of ED physicians supporting it. Further studies should investigate the reasons for the lack of support from nurses. Results may contribute to the development of hospital ED policies that allow FPDR in the region.
SoCCer: A pipeline to identify classes of soluble proteins in chemical communication in insect genomes
Authors: Mam Bhavika , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: September 2020

Insects require olfactory cues to perform a number of processes. With an increasing number of insect genomes that are getting realized, there is a need for an automatic method to classify proteins involved in olfaction into various types so that their cognate odorant assignment becomes possible and to eliminate errors due to misclassification into protein families with related functions and/ biochemical or structural properties. We propose a near-automatic computational protocol to identify and classify protein sequences of a given genome into odorant binding protein subfamilies and other major soluble protein families involved in insect chemical communication. Such a protocol can be used to identify and classify odorant binding proteins (OBPs) in large genomes but could also be applied to large number of other globular proteins as well.
Effects on applying Micro-Film Case-Based Learning model in pediatrics education
Authors: Pan Yuan , Chen Xiuqi , Wei Qiuwen , Zhao Jinmin , Chen Xun
Published: September 2020

Background: In view of the harsh reality Chinese paediatricians face, the challenge of paediatric education is about instilling not only knowledge and clinical skills but also resilience and beliefs. The aim of the study is to explore a more effective method than the traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) model for optimizing educational outcomes by establishing an innovative, comprehensive, case-based learning (CBL) model combined with the micro-film technique (MF+CBL). This approach has four important components: interests (attraction), knowledge application, competency, and scenario coping skills. Methods: Experimental research was conducted via a controlled parallel group study. The total sample of 104 senior-year students (Chinese) majoring in clinical medicine was randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group was exposed to the MF+CBL model and the control group to the LBL model. Overall, the results were assessed after an 8-week course via a student self-assessment questionnaire, a satisfaction survey and the final examination.Results: The experimental group generally performed better than the control group on the student self-assessment (P＜0.05), satisfaction survey (P＜0.05), and final examination (80.02±3.77 vs 73.65±3.69, P = 0.000). The open question at the end of the questionnaire revealed that a small number of students did not favour the MF+CBL model due to its time- and energy-consuming features.Conclusions: Compared with LBL, the MF+CBL model was an innovative teaching method that promoted more comprehensive quality development. It represents an alternative model for optimizing the capacity of future paediatric doctors.
A mixed-method comparison of physician-reported beliefs about and barriers to treatment with medications for opioid use disorder 
Authors: Haffajee Rebecca L. , Andraka-Christou Barbara , Attermann Jeremy , Cupito Anna , Buche Jessica , Beck Angela J.
Published: September 2020

Background: Evidence demonstrates that medications for treating opioid use disorder (MOUD) —namely buprenorphine, methadone, and extended-release naltrexone—are effective at treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and reducing associated harms. However, MOUDs are heavily underutilized, largely due to the under-supply of providers trained and willing to prescribe the medications. Methods: To understand comparative beliefs about MOUD and barriers to MOUD, we conducted a mixed-methods study that involved focus group interviews and an online survey disseminated to a random group of licensed U.S. physicians, which oversampled physicians with a preexisting waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. Focus group results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Survey results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Study findings suggest that physicians have higher perceptions of efficacy for methadone and buprenorphine than for extended-release naltrexone, including for patients with co-occurring mental health disorders. Insurance obstacles, such as prior authorization requirements, were the most commonly cited barrier to prescribing buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone. Regulatory barriers, such as the training required to obtain a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine, were not considered significant barriers by many physicians to prescribing buprenorphine and naltrexone in office-based settings. Nor did physicians perceive diversion to be a prominent barrier to prescribing buprenorphine. In focus groups, physicians identified financial, logistical, and workforce barriers—such as a lack of addiction treatment specialists—as additional barriers to prescribing medications to treat OUD. Conclusions: Additional education is needed for physicians regarding the comparative efficacy of different OUD medications. Governmental policies should mandate full insurance coverage of and prohibit prior authorization requirements for OUD medications.
Lipids monitoring in Scenedesmus obliquus based on Terahertz Technology
Authors: Shao Yongni , Gu Weimin , Qiu Yating , Wang Shengfeng , Peng Yan , Zhu YiMing , Zhuang Songlin
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMicroalgae are considered as a source of low pollution and renewable fuel due to their ability to synthesize an abundance of lipids. Conventional methods for lipid quantification are time consuming and chemically contaminated, while spectroscopic method combined with mathematical model is much more attractive due to its ability of qualitative and quantitative analysis of material composition, in this sense, terahertz technology provides not only timely and nondestructive testing without chemical pollution, but also provides information on the functional group vibration mode and structure of the measured components. Therefore，terahertz technology is utilized in our investigation and proposed for microalgae metabolism detection.ResultsThe aim of this study was to use Terahertz spectroscopy to observe lipid content in Scenedesmus obliquus (S. obliquus). We collected the THz spectra of S. obliquus which were cultivated under nitrogen stress and terahertz spectroscopy was used to analyze changes in substance components (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and β-carotene). The PLS algorithm was used to model the terahertz data to distinguish the different lipid content of S. obliquus under nitrogen stress. The correlation coefficient of the prediction results of the lipid characteristic band modeling was above 0.991, and the root mean square error was less than 0.132. It indicated that terahertz technology can be used to discriminate S. obliquus cells under different nitrogen stress effectively. The correlation between the terahertz characteristic peak (9.3 THz) and the total lipid content determined by gravimetry reaches 0.960. The final results were compared with the commonly used spectroscopic methods for lipid observation (Raman spectroscopy). ConclusionsIn this article, we demonstrated the effectiveness of terahertz spectroscopy to monitor changes in microalgae lipid content under nitrogen stress. Terahertz spectroscopy is more suitable for industrial production or ordinary laboratories which require intermediate result with low frequency screening. When quantifying microalgae lipids, the constraint of terahertz spectroscopy is far less than that of Raman spectroscopy, and it is easier for operator to accurately quantify microalgae lipid. In addition, it is still in early stage for the study of microalgae using terahertz spectroscopy technology, there is still much potential for us to explore.
Patients’ perceptions of frequent hospital admissions: A qualitative study with older people above 65 years of age.
Authors: Huang Miaolin , Borght Carolien Van der , Leithaus Merel , Flamaing Johan , Goderis Geert
Published: September 2020

Background Although ‘frequent flyer’ hospital admissions represent barely 3 to 8% of the total patient population in a hospital, they are responsible for a disproportionately high percentage (12 to 28%) of all admissions. Moreover, hospital admissions are an important contributor to health care costs and overpopulation in various hospitals. The aim of this research is to obtain a deeper insight into the phenomenon of frequent flyer hospital admissions. Our objectives were to understand the patients’ perspectives on the cause of their frequent hospital admissions and to identify the perceived consequences of the frequent flyer status.Methods This qualitative study took place at the University Hospital of Leuven. The COREQ guidelines were followed to provide rigor to the study. Patients were included when they had at least four overnight admissions in the past 12 months, an age above 65 years and hospital admission at the time of the study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and encoded in NVivo.Results Thirteen interviews were collected. A total of 17 perceived causes for frequent hospital admission were identified, which could be divided into the following six themes: patient, drugs, primary care, secondary care, home and family. Most of the causes were preventable or modifiable. The perceived consequences of being a frequent flyer were divided into the following six themes: body, daily life functioning, social participation, mental status and spiritual dimension. Negative experiences were linked to frequent flying and could be situated mainly in the categories of social participation, mental status and spiritual dimensions.Conclusions Frequent hospital admissions may be conceived as an indicator, i.e., a ‘red flag’, of patients’ situations characterized by physical, mental, spiritual and social deprivation in their home situation.
Rural context, single institution prospective outcomes after Enhanced Recovery colorectal surgery protocol implementation
Authors: Smucker Levi , Victory Jennifer , Scribani Melissa , Oceguera Luis , Monzon Raul
Published: September 2020

Background: Rural hospitals face unique challenges to adopting Enhanced Recovery protocols after colorectal surgical procedures. There are few examples of successful implementation in the United States, and fewer yet of prospective, outcomes-based trials. Methods: This study drew data from elective bowel resection prospectively collected, retrospectively analyzed cases 2 years prior (n=214) and 3 years after (n=224) implementing an ERAS protocol at a small, rural health network in upstate New York. Primary outcomes were cost, length-of-stay, readmission rate, and complications. Results: The implementation required changes and buy-in at multiple levels of the institution. There was a statistically significant reduction in mean length of stay (6.9 versus 5.1 days) and per-patient savings to hospital ($3000) after implementation of ERAS protocol. There was no significant change in rate of 30-day readmissions or complications. Conclusions: The authors conclude that for rural-specific barriers to implementation of Enhanced Recovery protocols, there are also specific organizational strategies that can ultimately yield sustainable endpoints.
Plasma level of mCRP is linked to cardiovascular disease in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Wu Kaili , Liang Qinghui , Huang Bin-Tao , Ding Na , Li Bowei , Hao Jian
Published: September 2020

[Background] C-reactive protein (CRP) has two natural isomers: C-reactive protein pentamer (pCRP) and C-reactive protein monomer (mCRP). The levels of CRP are significantly elevated in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). mCRP not only activates the endothelial cells, platelets, leukocytes, and complements, but also has a proinflammatory structural subtype that can localize and deposit in inflammatory tissues. Thus, it regulates a variety of clinical diseases, such as ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration, and cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that plasma mCRP levels are related to cardiovascular disease in AAV. [Methods] In this cross-sectional study, 37 patients with AAV were assessed. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and mCRP in plasma were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was diagnosed by coronary angiography, and the Gensini score calculated. Echocardiography evaluated the ejection fraction (EF%), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on serum creatinine, age, and gender. [Results] The plasma level of mCRP in AAV was significantly higher than that in healthy volunteers (P<0.001). Then, mCRP and CRP levels were compared with and without STEMI complications in AAV. The plasma level of mCRP was higher, but that of CRP was lower in STEMI. The plasma level of mCRP was correlated with Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), eGFR, BNP, EF%, LVEDV, LVESV, LVMI, and STEMI complications’ Gensini score in AAV; however, CRP did not correlate with BNP, EF%, LVEDV, LVESV, LVMI, and Gensini score.[Conclusions] The plasma level of mCRP was related to cardiovascular diseases in AAV patients.
Development of a Multivariable Prediction Model to Identify Patients Unlikely to Complete a Colonoscopy Following an Abnormal FIT Test in Community Clinics
Authors: Petrik Amanda , Keast Erin , Johnson Eric , Smith David H. , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: September 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd leading cancer killer in the US. The Strategies and Opportunities to STOP Colon Cancer in Priority Populations (STOP CRC) project aimed to increase CRC screening among patients in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) through a mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach program. However, rates of completion of the follow-up colonoscopy following an abnormal FIT remain low. We developed a multivariable prediction model using data available in the electronic health record to assess the probability of patients obtaining a colonoscopy following an abnormal FIT test. Methods: To assess the probability of obtaining a colonoscopy, we used Cox regression to develop a risk prediction model among a retrospective cohort of patients with an abnormal FIT result. Results: Of 1596 patients with an abnormal FIT result, 556 (34.8%) had a recorded colonoscopy within 6 months. The model shows adequate separation of patients across risk levels for non-adherence to follow-up colonoscopy (bootstrap-corrected C-statistic > 0.63). The refined model included 8 variables: age, race, insurance, GINI income inequality, long term anticoagulant use, receipt of a flu vaccine in the past year, frequency of missed clinic appointments, and clinic site. Probability of obtaining a follow-up colonoscopy within 6 months varied across quintiles; patients in the lowest quintile had an estimated 18% chance, whereas patients in the top quintile had a greater than 55% chance of obtaining a follow-up colonoscopy. Conclusions: Knowing who is unlikely to follow-up on an abnormal FIT test could help identify patients who need an early intervention aimed at completing a follow-up colonoscopy. Trial registry: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01742065) on December 5, 2012. The protocol is available.
Promoting healthy weight for all young children: a mixed methods study of child and family health nurses’ perceptions of barriers and how to overcome them.
Authors: Cheng Heilok , Eames-Brown Rosslyn , Tutt Alison , Laws Rachel , Blight Victoria , McKenzie Anne , Rossiter Chris , Campbell Karen , Sim Kyra , Fowler Cathrine , Seabury Rochelle , Denney-Wilson Elizabeth
Published: September 2020

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Early intervention to help parents adopt best practice for infant feeding and physical activity is critical for maintaining healthy weight. Australian governments provide universal free primary healthcare from child and family health nurses (CFHNs) to support families with children aged up to five years and to provide evidence-based advice to parents. This paper aims to examine factors influencing the child obesity prevention practices of CFHNs and to identify opportunities to support them in promoting healthy infant growth. Methods: This mixed methods study used a survey (n=90) and semi-structured interviews (n=20) with CFHNs working in two local health districts in Sydney, Australia. Survey data were analysed descriptively; interview transcripts were coded and analysed iteratively. Survey and interview questions examined how CFHNs addressed healthy infant feeding practices, healthy eating, active play and limiting sedentary behaviour during routine consultations; factors influencing such practices; and how CFHNs could be best supported. Results: CFHNs frequently advised parents on breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, and techniques for settling infants. They spent less time providing advice on evidence-based formula feeding practices or encouraging physical activity in young children. Although nurses frequently weighed and measured children, they did not always use growth charts to identify those at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Nurses identified several barriers to promoting healthy weight gain in infants and young children, including limited parental recognition of overweight in their children or motivation to change diet or lifestyle; socioeconomic factors (such as the cost of healthy food); and beliefs and attitudes about infant weight and the importance of breastfeeding and physical activity amongst parents and family members. Conclusions: CFHNs require further education and support for their role in promoting optimal child growth and development, especially training in behaviour change techniques to increase parents’ understanding of healthy infant weight gain. Parent information resources should be accessible and address cultural diversity. Resources should highlight the health effects of childhood overweight and obesity and emphasise the benefits of breastfeeding, appropriate formula feeding, suitable first foods, responsiveness to infant feeding cues, active play and limiting screen time.
Assessing comfort level of organ donation competencies among pediatric intensivists in Saudi Arabia: A national survey
Authors: Kazzaz Yasser , Da'ar Omar
Published: September 2020

Background: As increasing the number of organ donations presents a global challenge, Saudi Arabia is no different. Intensivists can play a major role in maximizing the organ donation process and minimize the challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate Saudi pediatric intensivists’ comfort and importance levels of organ donation competencies.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey whose sampling frame included 100 pediatric intensivists. The pediatrician intensivists were identified through an updated list provided by the Saudi Critical Care Society. We assessed 14 competencies categorized into four domains: the general donation, donation after brain death (DBD), neurological determination of death, and medicolegal, religious, and ethical domains. Then we investigated the association between these competencies and physicians’ characteristics.Results: With a response rate of 76%, we found that 40%–60% of the surveyed pediatric intensivists rated their comfort in 6 out of 14 competencies as high or very high. There was a statistically significant gap in the intensivists’ rating of 10 competencies (i.e., high importance but low comfort levels). Ordinal regression showed that comfort levels with the general donation, neurological determination of death, and medicolegal, religious, and ethical domains were higher in intensivists who were frequently involved with DBD than those who had never been exposed.Conclusions: Pediatric intensivists expressed low comfort levels to organ donation competencies that are essential for maximizing donation rates. Adapting mandatory comprehensive donation education programs and dedicated physician specialists may be beneficial in critical care units aiming to increase donation rates.
Retrospective analysis for the LNM risk factors and effect of chemotherapy for the early colorectal cancer: A Chinese multicenter study
Authors: Zeng Chunyan , Xiong Dandan , Cheng Fei , Luo Qingtian , Wang Qiang , Huang Jun , Lan Guilian , Zhong Huan , Chen Youxiang
Published: September 2020

Background Estimating the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is crucial for determining subsequent treatments following curative resection of early colorectal cancer (ECC). This multicenter study analyzed the risk factors of LNM and the effectiveness of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with ECC.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 473 patients with ECC who underwent general surgery in five hospitals between January 2007 and October 2018. The correlations between LNM and sex, age, tumor size, tumor location, endoscopic morphology, pathology, depth of invasion and tumor budding (TB) were directly estimated based on postoperative pathological analysis. We also observed the overall survival (OS) and recurrence in ECC patients with and without LNM after matching according to baseline measures. Results In total, 473 ECC patients were observed, 288 patients were enrolled, and 17 patients had LNM (5.90%). The univariate analysis revealed that tumor size, pathology, and lymphovascular invasion were associated with LNM in ECC (P=0.026, 0.000, and 0.000, respectively), and the multivariate logistic regression confirmed that tumor size, pathology, and lymphovascular invasion were risk factors for LNM (P=0.021, 0.023, and 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in OS and recurrence between the ECC patients with and without LNM after matching based on baseline measures (P=0.158 and 0.346, respectively), and no significant difference was observed between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy in ECC patients without LNM after surgery (P=0.729 and 0.052).Conclusion Tumor size, pathology, and lymphovascular invasion are risk factors for predicting LNM in ECC patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy could improve OS and recurrence in patients with LNM but not always in ECC patients without LNM.
Biological evaluation of [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU as a PET tracer for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Liping , Xiang Xianhong , Su Shu , Liu Shaoyu , Xiong Ying , Ma Hui , Yuan Gongjun , Nie Dahong , Tang Ganghua
Published: September 2020

Purpose 18F-labeled amino acids (AAs) as tumor-specific imaging agents play a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) imaging. In this work, we evaluated the synthesis and biological properties of a simple 18F-labeled glutamate analogue, [18F]AlF-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic-acid-2-S-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl))-l-glutamate ([18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU) for HCC imaging via one-step reaction sequence. Methods [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU was synthesized via the one-step reaction sequence from NOTA-NSC-GLU. In order to investigate the imaging value of [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU in HCC, we conducted PET/CT imaging and competitive binding of [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU in human Hep3B tumor-bearing mice. The transport mechanism of [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU was determined by competitive inhibition and protein incorporation experiments in vitro. Results [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU was prepared without decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 29.3 ± 5.6% (n=10) within 20 min. In vitro competitive inhibition experiments demonstrated that Na+-dependent Systems XAG-, B0+, ASC and minor XC- were involved in the uptake of [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU, with Na+-dependent System XAG- possibly playing a more dominant role. Protein incorporation studies of the Hep3B human hepatoma cell line found almost no protein incorporation. Micro-PET/CT imaging with [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU showed good tumor-to-background contrast in Hep3B human hepatoma-bearing mouse models. After [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU injection, the tumor-to-liver uptake ratio of [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU was 2.06 ± 0.17 at 30 min post-injection. In vivo competitive binding experiments exhibited that the tumor-to-liver uptake ratio decreased by the addition of the inhibitors to block the system XAG-. Conclusion We have successfully synthesized [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU as a novel PET tracer with good radiochemical yield and high radiochemical purity. Our findings indicate that [18F]AlF-NOTA-NSC-GLU might have good clinical potential as a PET tumor-detecting agent for HCC imaging.
Primary and secondary aortopathy associated with adult congenital heart disease - retrospective study 
Authors: Schusterova Ingrid , Banovcinova Alzbeta , Vachalcova Marianna , Jakubova Marta , Artemiou Panagiotis
Published: September 2020

Background: Primary and secondary aortopathy are frequently encountered in patients with congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to present our experience and the incidence of primary and secondary adult CHD-associated aortopathy.Methods. The cohort is comprised of adult patients with congenital heart disease from the registry of the Eastern Slovakia Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Data from the last follow-up examinations are included in this study. In the primary and secondary aortopathy groups were 35 and 12 patients respectively. As a control group were selected 64 patients with non aortopathy associated congenital heart disease (atrial and ventricular septal defect).Results: Patients with primary and secondary aortopathy had larger ascending aorta/aortic root diameters than the control group (36.28 (26-49) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm p=0.000113, 33.82 27-49) mm vs 29.03 (19-38)mm p=0.000366 and 42.1 (30-50) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm, p=0.000106, 35.67 (27-48) mm vs 29.03 (19-38) mm, p=0.000119 respectively). Moreover, patients with secondary aortopathy had statistically significant larger ascending aorta diameter compared to the patients with primary aortopathy ( 42.1 (30-50) mm vs 36.28 ( 26-49) mm p=0.030). During the follow-up period, were performed only in 2 patients (one from each group) operations on the aortic root and the ascending aorta due to aortic root or ascending aorta dilatation.Conclusion: More patients with secondary aortopathy had dilated ascending aorta/ aortic root, as well as larger aortic diameters compare to the patients with primary aortopathy. Routine follow-up of these patients with attention to aortic diameter is necessary.