bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilisation of Growth Monitoring and Promotion is Highest Among Children Aged 0-11 Months: A Survey Among Mother-Child Pairs From Rural Ghana
Authors: Seidu Fusheini , MOGRE VICTOR , Yidana Adadow , Ziem Juventus
Published: January 2021

Background: More than half of all deaths in under 5 children is related to malnutrition. One of the ways to reduce child malnutrition is regular monitoring of the growth and development of children through the utilisation of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) services by mothers/care givers. We evaluated mothers’ knowledge on GMP, utilisation and associated factors among mother-child pairs from a poor socio-economic district in Northern Ghana. Methods: Using an analytical cross-sectional design, participants included mothers with children aged 0-59 months, grouped into 0-11 months, 12-24 months and 24-59 months. A semi-structured questionnaire containing both closed- and open-ended questions was used to collect data. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify determinants of GMP utilisation. Results: Four hundred mother-child pairs were included in the study. Overall, 28.5% (n=114) of the mothers utilized GMP services. Almost 60%(n=237) of the mothers knew the recommended age to seek for GMP service for their children. Only 9% of the mothers could correctly interpret the directions of the growth curves in their children’s Health Record booklet. Mothers with children aged 0-11 years were 3.9 times more likely (p=0.009) to utilize GMP services compared to their counterparts with children aged 12-23 months and 24-59 months. Mothers who had low level of knowledge were 2.19 times (p = 0.003) more likely to utilise GMP services compared to their counterparts with high level of education. Conclusion: Utilisation of GMP services was low and particularly lower in children aged 24-59 months. Mothers’ knowledge in GMP was optimal although there were notable gaps.
Association Between Glucocorticoids Treatment and Viral Clearance Delay in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jianbo , Liao Xuelian , Zhou Yue , Wang Luping , Yang Hang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhongwei , Kang Yan
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEvidence of glucocorticoids on viral clearance delay of COVID-19 patients is not clear. MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched studies on Medline, Embase, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2002 to December 2, 2020. We mainly pooled the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), mean difference (MD) or risk ratios (RRs) of viral clearance delay and did subgroup analyses by doses and the severity of illness.ResultsOne trial and 38 observational studies, with a total of 7119 patients, were identified. Glucocorticoids treatment was associated with delayed viral clearance in COVID-19 (Adjusted HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.51 to 1.94, I2=22%, PI 1.45 to 2.01), based on moderate-quality evidence. In subgroup analyses, risk of viral clearance delay was significantly higher among COVID-19 patients being mild or moderate ill (adjusted HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.70, I2=52%; MD 2.59, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.97, I2=24%), but not in those of being severe or critical ill (adjusted HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.26; MD 0.22, 95% CI -1.85 to 2.29, I2=56%); taking high doses (adjusted HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.15; unadjusted RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.94) rather taking low doses (adjusted HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.08; unadjusted RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.77) or pulse (unadjusted RR 1.85, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.19).ConclusionsGlucocorticoids treatment delayed viral clearance in COVID-19 patients of being mild or moderate ill or taking a high dose, rather in those of being severe or critical ill or taking low dose or pulse.
Quintuplet Pregnancy Following Transfer of Three Embryos. A Case Report.
Authors: Abusheikha Aya Naim , Abusheikha Naim A. , Khatib Aseil E.
Published: January 2021

Background: This is a rare case of a quintuplet pregnancy of two sets of monozygotic twins (MZT) co-existing with a singleton pregnancy resulting from transfer of three cleaved embryos. This has not been reported previously in humans, and should be kept in mind when replacing multiple embryos using in vitro fertilization.Case Presentation: A 27 year old female had a successful twin livebirth after fetal reduction of unexpected quintuplet pregnancy following transfer of three embryos To ameliorate the adverse implications of multiple gestation, fetal reduction to twins by intracardiac puncture and aspiration was carried out at 11 weeks’ gestation. The patient has now delivered two healthy babies (a boy and a girl) at 35 weeks and 6 days by a lower segment caesarean section. Conclusion: Clinicians should keep in mind that patients undergoing assisted conception may develop monozygotic twinning of the embryos, which may negatively impact the pregnancy and raise an ethical and psychological dilemma for the patient.
The Factors Affecting the Baker Cyst Volume, Emphasis on Cartilage Lesion Degree and Effusion in a Young and Middle-Aged Population
Authors: Saylik Murat , Gokkus Kemal , Sahin Mehmet Sukru
Published: January 2021

Background: The principal aim of this study was to investigate the presence of factors affecting the Baker’s cyst volume in a young and middle-aged population.Methods: 85 patients were treated with open cyst excision with valve and capsule repair, with knee arthroscopy. The cases were categorized in terms of age, effusion, chondral lesion degree, meniscal tear degree, and Lindgren scores. The USG device was used to calculate cyst volume. The IBM-SPSS 22 program was used for the statistical analysis and to assess the relationship between variables using the Spearman correlation tests.Results: The degree of the chondral lesion was moderately and positively correlated with cyst volume in the total population. (Correlation coefficient: 0.469, p<0.05).The degree of the chondral lesion was moderately and positively correlated with the effusion degree of effusion (correlation coefficient: 0.492, p <0.005). The cyst volume was weakly and positively correlated with the degree of effusion. (Correlation coefficient: 0.20, the correlation was at the limits of statistical significance p=0,07<0,08).Conclusion: This study revealed that an increase in chondral lesion severity particularly increases the amount of effusion and cyst volume.
Knee Joint Rotation Axis Is More Laterally Rotated and Valgus Than We Previously Thought
Authors: Zheng Liwen , Song Deye , Luo Yongheng , Wang Wanchun , Mao Xinzhan , Wang Lei
Published: January 2021

Background: Currently, the patient satisfaction rate after receiving TKA is around 80% to 90% and there is still room for further improvement. With the aim to provide reference for improving TKA surgery, stereophotogrammetry was used in this study to evaluate knee joint kinematics.Methods: Multiple MRI images of knee joints flexed at 0, 10, 20... to 100 degrees were scanned in bilateral knees of 45 asymptomatic adult volunteers. After three-dimensional alignment of the femur, the displacement and rotation angles of the tibia flexed at different angles were measured. Contributing factors were tested using One-way ANOVA and chi-square test in SPSS 24.Results: 1)No contributing factors was found to influence rotation axis; 2) Within the range of motion at 0-100° of flexion, the rotation axis exhibited no significant displacement relative to the femur. 3) On the horizontal plane, the lateral rotation angle of knee joint axis was 4.91°±1.84°(3°~7°) relative to transepicondylar axis (TEA) and 7.84°±2.09° relative to posterior condylar axis (PCA); on the coronal plane, the valgus angle of knee joint axis was 3.38°±0.82°(2.5°~5°) relative to tibial plateau, and 6.53°±0.91°(5°~8°) relative to the perpendicular line of the lower limb force line. Conclusion: No contributing factors were found, but the rotation axis of the knee joint is more laterally rotated and valgus than previously thought. These findings may explain the research result of some current literatures, and may provide theoretical rationale for further improvement of knee prosthesis design.
Effect of Dietary Amylose/amylopectin Ratio on Antioxidant Ability and Amino Acid Metabolism of Liver in Weaned Pigs Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: yang can , wang min , tang xiaowu , yang huansheng , li fengna , wang yancan , li jianzhong , yin yulong
Published: January 2021

Background: Antioxidant function could be regulated by resistant starch supplementation in rats with kidney disease. It is controversial whether antioxidant ability could be regulated by changing dietary amylose/amylopectin ratio (DAR) when weaned piglets under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress.Methods: Sixty male weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 21 day old, 6.51 ± 0.64 kg) were allotted to 5 dietary treatments with 12 cages per treatment, and fed ad libitum with diets different in DAR (0.00, 0.20, 0.40, 0.60 and 0.80). Feed transformation happened at day 15. On day 29, 12 h before slaughter, pigs were intraperitoneal injected with 100 μg/kg body weight LPS or sterile saline. Results: Results showed that LPS stress caused increase in serum urea nitrogen and glucose concentration (P < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin G concentration increased after LPS stress in diet 0.80 but decreased in other groups (P<0.05). Serum serine concentrations decreased after LPS stress in diets 0.20 and 0.80 but increased in other groups (P<0.05). All tested hepatic amino acids (AA) increased after LPS stress (P<0.05) but hepatic isoleucine, leucine, threonine, aspartate, serine, glutamate, glycine concentrations decreased after LPS stress in diet 0.20 (P<0.05). Piglets supplemented diet with DAR 0.00 had highest superoxide dismutase (SOD1), nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) mRNA expression in liver (P<0.05). Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity of liver increased in diet 0.00 and 0.80 but decreased in diet 0.40 (P<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity of longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) increased in diets 0.20 and 0.80 but decreased in diet 0.40 (P<0.05). Piglets in diet 0.20 had the highest hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity compared with groups 0.40, 0.60,0.80 (P<0.05). Mn concentration of LM and hepatic Cu decreased after LPS stress in diet 0.20 but increased in diet 0.80 (P<0.05). Piglets in diet 0.80 had the highest hepatic Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn concentrations (P<0.05). Cecal indol(e) concentration was higher in diet 0.00 than in diet 0.80 (P<0.05).Conclusions: Antioxidant ability could be improved by feeding diet with low or high amylose/amylopectin ratio when weaned piglets suffered LPS stress.
Bioinformatics-based Screening of Key Genes for Saponin Metabolism in Quinoa
Authors: Guo Chengang , wei Zhimin , Lyu Wei , Geng Yanlou
Published: January 2021

Quinoa saponins have complex, diverse and evident physiologic activities. However, the key regulatory genes for quinoa saponin metabolism are not yet well studied. The purpose of this study was to explore genes closely related to quinoa saponin metabolism. In this study, the significantly differentially expressed genes in yellow quinoa were firstly screened based on RNA-seq technology. Then, the key genes for saponin metabolism were selected by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and principal component analysis (PCA) statistical methods. Finally, the specificity of the key genes was verified by hierarchical clustering. The results of differential analysis showed that 1654 differentially expressed genes were achieved after pseudogenes deletion. Therein, there were 142 long non-coding genes and 1512 protein-coding genes. Based on GSEA analysis, 116 key candidate genes were found to be significantly correlated with quinoa saponin metabolism. Through PCA dimension reduction analysis, 57 key genes were finally obtained. Hierarchical cluster analysis further demonstrated that these key genes can clearly separate the four groups of samples. The present results could provide references for the breeding of sweet quinoa and would be helpful for the rational utilization of quinoa saponins.
MEOX2 Serves as a Novel Biomarker Associated with Macrophage Infiltration in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: wang zhen , yang han , zhang rusi , luo bin , xu bingchen , zhu zhihua , lin peng
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a kind of digestive system malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. With the rise of immunotherapy applied in cancer treatment, immune-related mechanisms in ESCC and other digestive system carcinomas are in urgent need of being detected.MethodsIn our study, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was performed at first to analyze the expression profile downloaded from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then via a series of bioinformatic analyses, including Mann-Whitney test, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), functional enrichment analysis and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, we identified targeting immunocyte and related genes. Finally, we validated the results in TIMER database.ResultsOur analyses showed that macrophage infiltrating level is obviously higher in advanced stages in ESCC compared with other types of immunocytes. MEOX2 was detected as a biomarker correlated with macrophage infiltration in ESCC and other types of digestive system carcinomas. And MEOX2 expression was strongly associated with mRNA expression of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) and CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) in these kinds of carcinomas. ConclusionWe speculated that MEOX2 could facilitate macrophage infiltration via CSF-1/CSF-1R signaling in ESCC and other kinds of digestive system carcinomas, which might serve as a novel target in prospective tumor immunotherapy.
A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis of RFC1/2/3/4/5 As Significant Clinical Indicators in The Diagnosis and Prognosis of Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: Wang Yuefeng , Huo Liyun , Ke Zunfu
Published: January 2021

Background: Replication factor C (RFC) proteins play a very important role in nuclear DNA replication, mismatch repair and cell cycle checkpoint pathways. However, the relationship between RFCs and brain tumors is still unclear, especially the diagnostic and prognostic significance of RFCs in low-grade glioma. Methods: In our study, we applied the Oncomine, GEPIA, Human Protein Atlas, cBioPortal, STRING, LinkedOmics and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) databases to analyze the transcriptional and survival data of RFCs in brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancer, especially in low-grade glioma.Results: We found that RFCs were highly expressed in brain and CNS cancer, including low-grade glioma. The transcriptional levels of RFCs were also associated with the tumor stages. Moreover, the survival analysis of RFCs in low-grade glioma patients revealed that enhanced expression of RFCs led to poorer prognosis. RFCs and their 50 frequently altered neighbor genes were found enriched in certain pathways. We also discovered the kinase targets, transcription factor targets and miRNA targets of RFCs in low-grade glioma. RFCs also showed positive correlation with certain infiltrated immune cells in low-grade glioma.Conclusions: These implied that RFCs are the possible biomarkers of the diagnosis and prognosis of low-grade glioma.
Multi Omics Profiling and Clustering Low Grade Glioma Based on Integrated Stress Status
Authors: Ren Xiaolin , Chen Xin , Zhu Chen , Wu Anhua
Published: January 2021

Background: Although the prognosis of low-grade glioma (LGG) is better than that of glioblastoma (GBM), there are still some patients who will develop into high-grade glioma. Integrated stress response contributed to the malignant transformation of tumor. As there is few research focus on the integrated stress status in LGG, it is urgent to profile and re-classify LGG based on integrated stress response (ISR). Methods: Glioma patients were obtained from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas ( the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE16011 cohorts. Statistical 8 analyses were conducted by GraphPad Prism and R language. Results: We quantified four types of integrated stress response respectively. The relationship between the four stress states and the clinical characteristics of LGG was analyzed. Then we re-classified the patients based on these four scores, we found that cluster 1 had the worst prognosis, whereby cluster 3 had the best prognosis. We also established an accurate ISR risk signature to predicting cluster 1. We found that immune response and suppressive immune cell components were more enriched in the high-risk group. We also profiled the genomic difference between low and high risk groups, including the non-missense mutation of drivel genes and the condition of copy number variation (CNV). Conclusion: LGG patients could be divided into four clusters based on the integrated stress status, cluster 1 exhibited malignant transformation trends. ISR signature could reflect the traits of cluster 1 well, high ISR score indicated worse prognosis and enriched inhibitory immune microenvironments.
Chinese Herbal Tanshinol Prevents Osteoporosis via Coordinately Promoting Osteogenesis and Inhibiting Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: wu tailin , wang jianchao , luo jianzhou , lin haitao , wang fei , wei yanzhe , duan chunguang , tao huiren
Published: January 2021

Background: Osteoporosis severely affects patients’ life quality due to increased risks of fragility fractures. Tanshinol is a primary water-soluble compound purified from the Chinese herb Salvia Miltiorrhiza, which exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether Tanshinol functions in preventing and protecting osteoporosis remains unknown. Thus, current study proposed to systematically investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of Tanshinol in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and ovariectomized (OVX) mice model. Materials and methods: Different concentrations of Tanshinol were given to induce differentiation of BM-MSCs respectively, and detected the expression of key markers of osteoclast and osteogenesis. The C57BL/6 mice were divided into control group, model group, low (80 mg/kg×day, i.g), medium (160 mg/kg×day, i.g) and high (240 mg/kg×day, i.g) concentrations Tanshinol groups. After 6 weeks treatment of Tanshinol, mice distal femurs were taken to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and three dimension parameters.Results: In the present study, we for the first time showed that Tanshinol could promote osteogenesis in the mouse BM-MSCs, as seen from the increase of the osteogenic markers such as ALP activity and collagen I. Meanwhile, Tanshinol inhibited the RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis in the bone marrow monocytes (BMMs). Animal studies showed that oral delivery of Tanshinol could attenuate in ovariectomy induced osteoporosis. Molecularly, Tanshinol activated Wnt signal pathway in MSCs while inhibited Akt in BMMs, suggesting these pathways might be involved in the osteoporosis protective role of Tanshinol. Conclusions: our study has revealed a potential application of Salvia miltiorrhiza derivative Tanshinol in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Wei Chang an Pill Alleviates TNBS-induced Ulcerative Colitis Through Inhibition of EMTProcess
Authors: Qi Yaxin , Chai Lijuan , Zhang Min , Jia Sitong , Wang Lin , Wang Yujing , Song Jixiang , Sun Yingjie , Wang Yi , Miao Lin , Zhang Han
Published: January 2021

Background: Wei Chang An pill (WCA) is a traditional Chinese pharmaceutical preparation which has been widely used to treat various gastrointestinal diseases including Ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of our study was investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of WCA in the treatment of 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC in rats.Methods: We established the TNBS-induced UC model and then WCA was administrated orally for one week. Body weight, colon lengths, Disease Activity Index (DAI) score and Colon Mucosa Damage Index (CMDI) score were recorded. The expression of cytokines factors in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells was recorded to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of WCA and its herb active ingredients. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process in UC rats and Caco-2 cells which were induced by LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells uponWCA treatment.Results: WCA significantly decreased the body weight loss, higher DAI and CMDI score, colon length shortening and histological damage in UC rats. Furthermore, both of the activities of myeloperoxidase dismutase (MPO) and the mRNA expressions of cytokine in UC tissues were significantly inhibited. In THP-1 cells, the mRNA expressions of IP-10, TNF-α, IL-6 and IkBα were significantly suppressed by WCA or its active ingredients. In UC rats and Caco-2 cells, both of their EMT process were strongly suppressed by WCA.Conclusion: These results show that through improving inflammatory microenvironment to inhibit the EMT process, WCA retarded the development of UC in rats to play its anti-inflammatory effect.
Complications in GNE myopathy patients: A nationwide repository questionnaire survey in Japan
Authors: Yoshioka Wakako , Shimizu Reiko , Takahashi Yuji , Oda Yuriko , Yoshida Sumiko , Ishihara Nahoko , Nishino Ichizo , Nakamura Harumasa , Mori-Yoshimura Madoka
Published: January 2021

Background

GNE myopathy is a rare autosomal recessive adult-onset distal myopathy caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in GNE. Although some complications associated with GNE myopathy have been reported, little is known about whether they are disease-specific and how often they present. This study aimed to characterize complications of GNE myopathy.
Methods

We conducted a questionnaire survey of GNE myopathy patients registered in a national registry in Japan. The questionnaire requested information regarding immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), cardiac involvement, respiratory involvement, sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), and psychiatric diseases.
Results

The response rate was 62.4% (126/198), yielding a total of 51 male and 75 female participants. Of the participants, 4.1% (5/123) had a diagnosis of ITP, and 16.3% (8/49) of males and 6.6% of females (5/76) had a diagnosis of SAS. In total, 0.8% (1/126) of participants had pervasive developmental disorder and 14.7% (16/109) had a psychiatric disease.
Conclusion

The frequencies of ITP and SAS among Japanese GNE myopathy patients were higher than those observed in the general Japanese population. Routine blood tests and evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing should be considered in order to better manage GNE myopathy patients.
The role of amyloid PET in patient selection for extra-ventricular shunt insertion for the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a pooled analysis
Authors: Mallon Dermot Henry , Malhotra Paresh , Naik Mitesh , Carswell Christopher , Win Zarni
Published: January 2021

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) can be effectively treated through shunt insertion. However, most shunted patients experience little or no clinical benefit, which suggests suboptimal patient selection. While contentious, multiple studies have reported poorer shunt outcomes associated with concomitant Alzheimer’s disease. Prompted by this observation, multiple studies have assessed the role of amyloid PET, a specific test for Alzheimer’s disease, in patient selection for shunting. Across three relevant studies, a total of 38 patients with suspected iNPH underwent amyloid PET imaging and shunt insertion. Twenty-one patients had a positive clinical response to shunting. 18/28 (64.3%) of patients with a negative amyloid PET and 5/10 (50%) with a positive amyloid PET had a positive response to shunting. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was 33.3%, 76.2% and 58.3%. None of these statistics reached statistical significance. The results of this pooled analysis do not support the selection of patients with suspected iNPH for shunting on the basis of amyloid PET alone. However, due to small cohort sizes and weakness in study design, further high-quality studies are required to properly determine the role of amyloid PET in assessing this complex patient group.
Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic During the First Wave (Feb-May 2020): a Web Based Survey Among Italian Healthcare Workers
Authors: Rizzo Caterina , Campagna Ilaria , Pandolfi Elisabetta , Croci Ileana , Russo Luisa , Ciampini Sara , Gesualdo Francesco , Tozzi Alberto Eugenio , Ricotta Lara , Raponi Massimiliano , Atti Marta Luisa Ciofi Degli
Published: January 2021

Background Italy was the first country in Europe to face the coronavirus pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, because of their closer contact with patients. The present study aimed to analyze HCWs’ knowledge, practices, and attitude towards COVID-19.MethodsWe set up a cross-sectional survey through SurveyMonkey® and circulated the link in Facebook and Whatsapp closed groups. It was conducted in Italy from the end of February to the first week of May 2020. The study participants were general practitioners, pediatricians and other health professionals. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire including demographic, scope of knowledge, awareness and practice assessment section.ResultsA total of 958 participants were included. Of these, 320 (33.4%) were general practitioners, 248 (25.9%) were pediatricians and 390 (40.7%) were other health professionals. The highest response rate was from Northern Italy (48.1%), followed by the Center (29.9%) and Southern Italy (22.0%). The reported risk of having contact with a patient affected by Covid-19 was higher in the lockdown period than the pre-lockdown period (19.4% vs 10.2%, p=0.002). Respondents reported to have changed their clinical practice, more during lockdown period (81.1%) than in the pre-lockdown (46.3%). Particularly, they increased the use of masks (87.1%, p<0.001), disinfection and sanitization of doctors’ offices (75.8%, p<0.001), the use of protective glasses (71.2%, p<0.001), alcoholic hand solution (71.2%, p<0.001), and hand washing (31.8%, p=0.028).ConclusionsThe majority of HCWs felt prepared to face the pandemic, and increased significantly their knowledge on infection prevention and control measures less known in the routine clinical practice (such as use of protective glasses and alcoholic hand solution), compared to other well-known measures (such as hand washing). HCWs are at high risk of infection and need extensive knowledge and awareness of the disease to take adequate precautionary measures and they are crucial to disseminate good practices.
Population-based implementation of behavioral health detection and treatment into primary care: Early data from New York State
Authors: Bowen Deborah J. , Heald Ashley , LePoire Erin , Jones Amy , Gadbois Danielle , Russo Joan , Carruthers Jay
Published: January 2021

Background The Collaborative Care Model is a well-established, evidence-based approach to treating depression and other common behavioral health conditions in primary care settings. Despite a robust evidence base, real world implementation of Collaborative Care has been limited and very slow. The goal of this analysis is to better understand the relationship between training, technical assistance, and implementation in the largest state-led Collaborative Care program in the nation—the New York State Collaborative Care Medicaid Program.Data are presented using the RE-AIM model, examining the proportion of clinics in each of the model’s five stages from 2014 to 2019.MethodsWe used the RE-AIM model to shape our data presentation, focusing on the proportion of clinics moving into each of the five stages of this model over the years of implementation. Data sources included: a New York State Office of Mental Health clinic tracking database, billing applications, quarterly reports, and Medicaid claims.ResultsA total lf 84% of clinics with which OMH had an initial contact [n = 611clinics (377 FQHCs and 234 non-FQHCs)] received some form of training and technical assistance. 51% went on to complete a billing application, 41% reported quarterly data at least once, and 20% were able to successfully bill Medicaid. 79% of clinics that reported data maintained Collaborative Care for one year or more. The receipt of any training and technical assistance was significantly associated with our implementation indices: (completed billing application, data reporting, billing Medicaid, and maintaining Collaborative Care). The average percent of patient improvement for depression and anxiety across 155 clinics that had at least one quarter of data was 44.81%. Training and technical assistance source (Office of Mental Health, another source, or both) and intensity (high/low) were significantly related to implementation indices and were observed in FQHC versus non-FQHC samples.ConclusionsOffering Collaborative Care training and technical assistance, particularly high intensity training and technical assistance, increases the likelihood of implementation. Other state-wide organizations might consider the provision of training and technical assistance when assisting clinics to implement Collaborative Care.
Contraceptive use among sexually active female adolescent in Ethiopia:Trends and determinants insight from national demographic and health survey
Authors: Olika Alemi Kebede , Kitila Sena Belina , Terfa Yonas Biratu , Olika Ayantu Kebede
Published: January 2021

Background: Sexual and reproductive health and right of young people is a global priority as the reproductive choices made by them have a massive impact on their health and wellbeing, education and economy. Teenage pregnancy is a public health issue and a demographic challenge in Ethiopia. The use of contraceptive method is a most effective way for sexually active adolescent to prevent pregnancy and its related complication. However, little is known about the trends in contraceptive use and its determinant among adolescent girls in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the trends and correlates of contraceptive use among sexually active girls aged 15-19 years in Ethiopia by using Ethiopian demographic and health survey data. Methods: Four Ethiopian demographic and health survey data were used to examine trends of contraceptive methods use. To identify factors associated with contraceptive use, the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data were used. The data was accessed from the demographic and health survey program database and data for sexually active adolescent girls were extracted. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Data were weighted for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to describe independent variables of the study. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with contraceptive use.Results: Contraceptive method use was increased significantly from 6.9% in 2000 to 39.6% in 2016 among sexually active adolescent girls in Ethiopia. The odds of contraceptive use were lower among female adolescent who had no formal education (AOR= 0.044; 95% CI= 0.008–0.231) and attended primary education (AOR= 0.101; 95% CI= 0.024–0.414). But the odds of contraceptive methods use were higher among adolescents in rich wealth status (AOR= 3.662; 95% CI =1.353–9.913) and those who were told about family planning during their health facility visits (AOR= 3.115; 95% CI= 1.385–7.007).Conclusion: Contraceptive method use was increased significantly among sexually active adolescent girls in Ethiopia in the year 2000 to 2016. Wealth status, educational status and information about family planning during their health facility visits were factors associated with contraceptive use. Improving economic and educational status of young women may help in improving contraceptive use in Ethiopia.
Digital learning designs in physiotherapy education: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Ødegaard Nina Bjerketveit , Myrhaug Hilde Tinderholt , Dahl-Michelsen Tone , Røe Yngve
Published: January 2021

Background: Digital learning designs have the potential to support teaching and learning within higher education. However, the research on digital learning designs within physiotherapy education is limited. This study aims to identify and investigate the effectiveness of digital learning designs in physiotherapy education.Methods: The study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials. A search of eight databases on digital learning designs and technology was conducted. Study selection, methodology and quality assessment were performed independently by three reviewers. The included studies were mapped according to the types of digital interventions and studies. For similar interventions, the learning effects were calculated using meta-analyses. Results: Altogether, 22 studies were included in the review (17 randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies). A blended learning design was used in 21 studies, a flipped classroom model in five and a distance learning design in one. Altogether, 10 of the 22 articles were included in meta-analyses, which showed statistically significant effects for flipped classrooms on knowledge acquisition (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20, 0.62), for interactive websites or applications (apps) on practical skills (SMD: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.71,1.43) and for students self-produced videos on a practical skill in a cervical spine scenario (SMD: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.93). Overall, the effects indicated that blended learning designs are equally as or more effective than traditional classroom teaching to achieve learning outcomes. Distance learning showed no significant differences compared to traditional classroom teaching.Conclusions: The current findings from physiotherapy education indicate that digital learning designs in the form of blended learning and distance learning were equally or more effective compared to traditional teaching. The meta-analysis revealed a significant effect on student learning in favour of flipped classrooms and interactive websites/apps. However, these results must be confirmed in larger controlled trials. Further, research should investigate how digital learning designs can facilitate students’ learning of practical skills and behaviour, learning retention and approaches to studying as well as references for teaching and learning in digital learning environments.
Medication Adherence Support of an In-home Electronic Medication Dispensing System for Individuals living with Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Arain Mubashir , Ahmad Armghan , Chiu Venus , Kembel Lorena
Published: January 2021

Background: Medication adherence is challenging for older adults due to factors such as the number of medications, dosing schedule, and the duration of drug therapy. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an in-home electronic medication dispensing system (MDS) on improving medication adherence and health perception in older adults with chronic conditions. Methods: A pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted using a two-arm parallel assignment model. The intervention group used an MDS as their medication management method. The control group continued to use their current methods of medication management. Block randomization was used to assign participants into the intervention or control group. The inclusion criteria included 1) English speaking 2) age 50 and over 3) diagnosed with one or more chronic condition(s) 4) currently taking five or more oral medications 5) City of Calgary resident. Participants were recruited from a primary care clinic in Alberta, Canada. The study was open label where knowledge about group assigned to participants after randomization was not withheld. Medication adherence was captured over a continuous, six-month period and analyzed using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analysis. Results: A total of 91 participants were assessed for eligibility and 50 were randomized into the two groups. The number of participants analyzed for ITT was 23 and 25 in the intervention and control group, respectively. Most of the demographic characteristics were comparable in the two groups except mean age of the intervention group, which was higher compared to the control group (63.96±7.86 versus 59.52±5.93, p-value=0.03). The average recorded adherence over 26 weeks was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (98.35%±2.15% versus 91.17%±9.76%, p<0.01). The self-rated medication adherence in the intervention group also showed a significant increase from baseline to 6-month (7.63±1.63 versus 9.13±0.81, p<0.01). The control group showed a non-significant increase (7.20±1.74 versus 8.27±2.09, p=0.07). Conclusion: MDS can be an effective, long-term solution to medication non-adherence in older adults experiencing chronic conditions and taking multiple medications. The technology induces better consistency and improvement in medication taking behaviour than simple, non-technological intervention. Trial Registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on April 09, 2020 with identifier NCT04339296.
Heritage Management at the Local Level: Heritage Communities and Role of Local Authorities
Authors: Pirkovič Jelka
Published: January 2021

Heritage management at the local level benefits heritage properties and serves the public interest. By using comparative and interpretative analyses, we argue for the use of the “heritage community” term in current heritage management, and analyse what this expression brings for the role of local authorities. We upgrade this definition with attributes that characterize heritage communities. The paper presents the evolution of the concept of participatory heritage management in the context of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. It tests the relevance of the participatory approach in the heritage field against the theory of social systems. Conclusions comprise principles defining the role of local authorities in facilitating direct participation of heritage communities in heritage management.
Index “Corona”: Symbolic Employment of COVID-19 in the Public Discourse in Serbia
Authors: Pišev Marko , Žikić Bojan , Stajić Mladen
Published: January 2021

In this paper we analyze the different ways in which COVID-19 is used as a carrier of cultural communication, whereupon it appears as a signifier of other socio-cultural phenomena and as a conveyer of messages of such communication. Accordingly, this paper will not observe health plan of COVID-19, nor the accompanying sociological phenomena of the epidemic in the strict sense of the word, but will focus instead on the cultural dimension of the infection. As a cultural phenomenon, the process of the planetary spread of COVID-19 infection – and hence the virus itself – can be viewed as an ambiguous symbol through which the collective experience of reality is constructed and communicated, perceived and interpreted. By relying on the decades-long tradition of Serbian ethnology and anthropology in the modified application of structural-semantic analysis, we define the use of COVID-19 as a symbolic means of cultural communication, here seen as indexical. This means that the said communication is organized on the principle that “A indicates B”, where the signifying A refers to the metaphorical and metonymic use of the disease, and B refers to various social phenomena related to it. As a metonymy, the considered phenomenon can be seen in the light of the classical binary division of purity and danger, whereupon the virus, in the cultural sense, divides the whole social reality into pure (still unpolluted) and impure aspects, one corresponding to the “normal” condition of things, and the other indicating a sense of explicit danger – not only from infection, but from the collapse of the social system and the disintegration of public health and community as well. As a metaphor, we observe the virus in relation to the official political instrumentalization of the discourse of warfare, which – depending on who employs it, and why – generates different notions on the “invisible enemy”, war victims (deceased as a consequence of infection) and “(super) heroes” (primarily, health workers, but also state officials and other public figures). COVID-19 is, however, peculiar because it can also play the role of an inverse sign, by which common cultural concepts and representations are perverted, destabilizing the shared sense of “real” and “normal”.
El eterno desafío de potenciar lo propio… Gentrificación y turismo de masas en la ciudad histórica. A propósito de Córdoba (Andalucía, España)
Authors: Vaquerizo Gil Desiderio
Published: January 2021

Breve reflexión a partir del origen histórico-arqueológico del patio urbano, en sus diversas modalidades, con perspectiva diacrónica y particular atención a la ciudad de Córdoba. Se analizan los patios como legado patrimonial y fenómeno turístico, incidiendo en sus valores y también en las amenazas que cuestionan gravemente la fiesta homónima y los hace peligrar como valor material e inmaterial, íntimamente ligados a determinadas expresiones arquitectónicas y, más en concreto, a un concepto y una forma específicos de vida, en el marco de la ciudad histórica en abstracto. Finalmente, se incide en el papel que desempeñan como seña de identidad, factor idiosincrásico y recurso propio, invocando la responsabilidad colectiva a la hora de propiciar con urgencia el consenso entre todos los agentes implicados, a fin de buscar para ellos nuevos modelos que huyan de la instrumentalización.
Lipid Metabolism and Relevant Disorders to Female Reproductive Health
Authors: Ferrer María José , Silva Aimé Florencia , Abruzzese Giselle Adriana , Velázquez Mariela Edith , Motta Alicia Beatriz
Published: January 2021

Background:

Lipids are essential components of cells that participate in
metabolic and endocrine regulation and reproductive functions. The main organs where
lipid regulation takes place are the liver and adipose tissue. Besides, when each tissue-
specific action cannot be exerted, it could lead to several endocrine-metabolic disorders
closely related to PCOS, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity.

Objective:

This work aims to discuss the impact of lipid alterations on metabolic and reproductive
health. Therefore, this review focus on the importance of carrying out an integrated
study of the molecular pathways affected in PCOS for developing target therapies.

Results:

Lipids play a major role in PCOS pathogenesis. In this regard, failures in lipid
regulation, synthesis, and/or homeostasis contribute to metabolic and reproductive abnormalities,
such as those seen in PCOS. Several lipid pathways and regulators are altered in
this pathology, leading to dysfunctions that worsen reproductive functions. Therefore,
there are several treatments to manage dyslipidemias. Non-pharmacological therapies are
considered a first-line treatment being the pharmacological treatments a second-line option.

Conclusion:

The best treatment to improve the lipid profile is a lifestyle intervention, a combination of hypocaloric diet and
exercise. Regarding pharmacological therapies, a combination of fibrate and statins would be the most recommended drugs.
Still, in PCOS women, treatment with metformin or TZDs not only modulates the lipid metabolism, but also improves the
ovulation. Also, metformin with lifestyle interventions has positive effects on the metabolic and reproductive features of
PCOS patients.
LncRNAs as Architects in Cancer Biomarkers with Interface of Epitranscriptomics- Incipient Targets in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ray Suman Kumar , Mukherjee Sukhes
Published: January 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) epitomize a class of non-coding regulatory RNAs
with more than 200 nucleotides, which are long and situated in the nucleus or cytoplasm and rarely
encode proteins. Accruing evidence signposts that lncRNAs act as molecular switches in different
cellular activities like differentiation, apoptosis, as well as reprogramming of cellular states by modifying
gene expression patterns. The revelation of immense numbers of lncRNA with their wide variety
of expression patterns in different kinds of malignancy, tumor explicitness, and their steadiness
in circulating body fluids deliver an innovative groundwork for emerging diagnosis and treatments
for cancer. Mechanisms associating lncRNAs in carcinogenesis are conquered by deregulation
of cellular signaling pathways and altered epitranscriptome along with their expression. Specified
these attributes, it becomes clear that the improvement of new tools to identify lncRNAs with
higher affectability will be fundamental to allow the identification of the expression pattern of lncRNAs
in various kinds of malignant growth and may likewise be utilized to envisage cancer prognosis
in addition to the patients' outcome. Improvement of RNA targeting-based therapeutics is delivering
incredible prospects to modulate lncRNAs for anti-cancer initiatives. Henceforth, lncRNAs
can be used exclusively as possible cancer biomarkers for early diagnosis and anticipation of malignancy,
as well as metastasis. In addition to the basic curative targets and along these, lncRNAs
hold resilient assurance towards the revelation of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics for malignant
growth with the interface of epitranscriptomics information. This review aims to briefly discuss
the latest findings regarding the roles and mechanisms of some important lncRNAs in the
pathogenesis, regulation, and lncRNA-associated epigenetics of cancer along with targeting lncRNAs
with potential approaches for impending diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in malignancies.
Role of Phytochemicals in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Natural Swords Battling Cancer Cells
Authors: Sawanny Rajni , Pramanik Sheersha , Agarwal Unnati
Published: January 2021

Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy among ladies (around 30% of
newly diagnosed patients every year). To date, various modern treatment modalities for breast cancer,
such as radiotherapy, surgical method, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapeutic drug utilisation,
are available. However, adverse drug reactions, therapeutic resistance, metastasis, or cancer reoccurrence
chances remain the primary causes of mortality for breast cancer patients. To overcome
all the potential drawbacks, we need to investigate novel techniques and strategies that are not considered
previously to treat breast cancer effectively with safety and efficacy. For centuries, we
utilise phytochemicals to treat various diseases because of their safety, low-cost, and least or no
side effects. Recently, naturally produced phytochemicals gain immense attention as potential
breast cancer therapeutics because of their ideal characteristics; for instance, they operate via modulating
molecular pathways associated with cancer growth and progression. The primary mechanism
involves inhibition of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, increasing anti-oxidant
status, initiation of the arrest of the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Remedial viability gets effectively enhanced
when phytochemicals work as adjuvants with chemotherapeutic drugs. This comprehensive
review revolves around the latest chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, and chemoprotective treatments
with their molecular mechanisms to treat breast cancer by utilising phytochemicals such as
vinca alkaloids, resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel, silibinin, quercetin, genistein, and epigallocatechin
gallate. The authors wish to extend the field of phytochemical study for its scientific validity
and its druggability.