bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Bufei Granule on Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Based on Existing Evidence
Authors: Fan Yihua , Wen Xinyan , Zhang Qiang , Wang Fangyuan , Li Qing , Li Xinju , Guo Yi
Published: February 2020

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed at evaluating the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Bufei granule on stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We retrieved data from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, Wanfang, and WeiPu (VIP) for studies focusing on whether the TCM Bufei granule would be effective in treating stable COPD. No language restriction and blinding were used. All trials involved were examined based on the standards of the Cochrane Handbook, and Review Manager 5.3 software was applied for analyzing data. We included four studies involving 599 patients with stable COPD. When compared to placebo treatment, TCM Bufei granule intervention exhibited improvement in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.70; range, 0.50–0.91; I2 = 0%), forced vital capacity (FVC) (SMD = 0.43; range, 0.23–0.62; I2 = 0%), FEV1 percentage of predicted value (FEV1%) (SMD = 0.57; range, 0.38–0.76; I2 = 4%), and FEV1/FVC (SMD = 0.69; range, 0.50–0.87; I2 = 0%). There was a statistically significant difference in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire scores between the TCM Bufei granule and placebo treatments (SMD = −1.29; range, −2.32 to −0.26, I2 = 97%). None of the studies reported any adverse events. Therefore, TCM Bufei granule intervention could help in improving the lung function and quality of life in patients with stable COPD.
Decoupling Attitude Control of a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Based on a Nonlinear Extended State Observer
Authors: Chen Jian , Du Nannan , Han Yu
Published: February 2020

Aiming at solving the attitude control problem of a hypersonic glide vehicle, this paper proposes a decoupling control method based on a nonlinear extended state observer (NESO). According to the decentralized robust control theory of Tornambè, the coupling terms and the uncertainties are regarded as generalized uncertainties, and the NESO-based estimation and compensation signals are added to the closed-loop control law. The theoretical deduction proves that the proposed method can ensure that the tracking error of the closed-loop system is uniformly bounded. The simulation is carried out on the hypersonic glide vehicle model and compared with the traditional subchannel feedback control method. The simulation results show that the designed decoupling control method has superior control performances, and the influence of channel-coupling and uncertainty is compensated to a great extent.
Dynamic Modeling and Adaptive Robust Synchronous Control of Parallel Robotic Manipulator for Industrial Application
Authors: Zhang Haiqiang , Fang Hairong , Zou Qi , Zhang Dan
Published: February 2020

Control of parallel manipulators is very hard due to their complex dynamic formulations. If part of the complexity is resulting from uncertainties, an effective manner for coping with these problems is adaptive robust control. In this paper, we proposed three types of adaptive robust synchronous controllers to solve the trajectory tracking problem for a redundantly actuated parallel manipulator. The inverse kinematic of the parallel manipulator was firstly developed, and the dynamic formulation was further derived by mean of the principle of virtual work. Furthermore, linear parameterization regression matrix was determined by virtue of command function “equationsToMatrix” in MATLAB. Secondly, the three adaptive robust synchronous controllers (i.e., sliding mode control, high gain control, and high frequency control) are developed, by incorporating the camera sensor technique into adaptive robust synchronous control architecture. The stability of the proposed controllers was proved by utilizing Lyapunov theory. A sequence of simulation tests were implemented to prove the performance of the controllers presented in this paper. The three proposed controllers can theoretically guarantee the errors including trajectory tracking errors, synchronization errors, and cross-coupling errors asymptotically converge to zero for a given trajectory, and the estimated unknown parameters can also approximately converge to their actual values in the presence of unmodeled dynamics and external uncertainties. Moreover, all the simulation comparative results were presented to illustrate that the adaptive robust synchronous high-frequency controller possess a much superior comprehensive performance than two other controllers.
Estimating the Screening-Eligible Population Size, Ages 45–74, at Average Risk to Develop Colorectal Cancer in the United States
Authors: Piscitello Andrew , Edwards David K.
Published: February 2020

Colorectal cancer is a growing burden in adults less than 50 years old. In 2018, the American Cancer Society published a guideline update recommending a reduction in the colorectal cancer screening start age for average-risk individuals from 50 to 45. Implementing these recommendations would have important implications for public health. However, the approximate number of people impacted by this change, the average-risk population ages 45–49, is not well-described in the literature. Here, we provide methodology to conservatively estimate the average-risk and screening-eligible population in the United States, including those who would be impacted by a lowered colorectal cancer screening start age. Using multiple data sources, we estimated the current average-risk population by subtracting individuals with symptomatic colorectal cancer, with a family history of colorectal cancer, and with inflammatory bowel disease and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer from the total population. Within this population, we estimated the number of screening-eligible individuals by subtracting those with previous colorectal cancer screening (45- to 49-year-old) or up to date with colorectal cancer screening (50- to 74-year-old). The total average-risk population is estimated between 102.1 and 106.5 million people, of whom 43.4–45.2 million people are eligible for colorectal cancer screening. Lowering the screening age would add roughly 19 million people to the average-risk population and increase the current number of screening-eligible individuals on immediate implementation by over 60% (from 27 to 44 million). Estimating the population size impacted by lowering the recommended colorectal cancer screening start age enables more accurate decision-making for policymakers and epidemiologists focused on cancer prevention.
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy: Evaluation of a Selection Tool for Treatment Modalities for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Vroegop Anneclaire V. , Vanderveken Olivier M. , Verbraecken Johan A.
Published: February 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common disorder with important day and nighttime symptoms and long-term effects on health. Different treatment modalities such as positive airway pressure (PAP), oral appliance therapy using custom-made, titratable mandibular advancement devices (MAD), different types of surgery and positional therapy have been introduced over the years, with patient preference and adherence to therapy being key elements in improving treatment outcomes. Several patient selection tools to improve treatment outcomes have been introduced and evaluated over the years. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is a procedure that provides real-time upper airway evaluation of the sites of flutter and upper airway collapse. This review focuses on the indications and contraindications for DISE, methods of sedation and evaluation, add-on maneuvers, and the results on patient selection and treatment outcomes. A PICO approach was used to clarify the aims of this review. DISE has the advantage of being easily accessible in most ENT practices and being 3-dimensional, dynamic, site specific, safe and it is valuable in selecting patients for upper airway surgery and oral appliance therapy. There is a strong interest for further standardization and exploration of the predictive value of this evolving technique.
Surface-Based Registration of MR Scan versus Refined Anatomy-Based Registration of CT Scan: Effect on the Accuracy of SEEG Electrodes Implantation Performed in Prone Position under Frameless Neuronavigation
Authors: Chen Yan , Huang Tieshuan , Sun Yang , Liao Jianxiang , Cao Dezhi , Li Lin , Xiang Kui , Lin Chun , Li Cong , Chen Qian
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) refers to a commonly used diagnostic procedure to localise and define the epileptogenic zone of refractory focal epilepsies, by means of minimally invasive operation techniques without large craniotomies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of different registration methods on the accuracy of SEEG electrode implantation under neuronavigation for paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy. Methods: The clinical data of 18 paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy were retrospectively analysed. The SEEG electrodes were implanted under optical neuronavigation while the patients were in the prone position. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the surface-based registration of MR scan method and refined anatomy-based registration of CT scan. Registration time, accuracy, and the differences between electrode placement and preoperative planned position were analysed. Results: Thirty-six electrodes in 7 patients were placed under surface-based registration of MR scan, and 45 electrodes in 11 patients were placed under refined anatomy-based registration of CT scan. The registration time of surface-based registration of MR scan and refined anatomy-based registration of CT scan was 45 ± 12 min and 10 ± 4 min. In addition, the mean registration error, the error of insertion point, and target error were 3.6 ± 0.7 mm, 2.7 ± 0.7 mm, and 3.1 ± 0.5 mm in the surface-based registration of MR scan group, and 1.1 ± 0.3 mm, 1.5 ± 0.5 mm, and 2.2 ± 0.6 mm in the refined anatomy-based registration of CT scan group. The differences between the two registration methods were statistically significant. Conclusions: The refined anatomy-based registration of CT scan method can improve the registration efficiency and electrode placement accuracy, and thereby can be considered as the preferred registration method in the application of SEEG electrode implantation under neuronavigation for treatment of paediatric intractable epilepsy.
Mortality After Paclitaxel Coated Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting of Superficial Femoral and Popliteal Artery in the Vascular Quality Initiative
Authors: Bertges Daniel J. , Sedrakyan Art , Sun Tianyi , Eslami Mohammad H. , Schermerhorn Marc , Goodney Philip P. , Beck Adam W. , Cronenwett Jack L. , Eldrup-Jorgensen Jens
Published: February 2020

Background:

To compare mortality after treatment of superficial femoral-popliteal artery disease with paclitaxel and nonpaclitaxel devices using a multicenter vascular registry.

Methods:

Patients (N=8376) undergoing endovascular treatment of superficial femoral-popliteal artery disease in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative were studied from October 2016 to December 2017. One-year mortality was compared between 3 groups; plain balloon angioplasty (N=2104) versus paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty (N=3543), bare-metal stenting (N= 2045) versus paclitaxel-eluting stents (N=684), and combined paclitaxel versus nonpaclitaxel devices. Mortality rates with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI were compared in unadjusted and propensity-matched cohorts and illustrated by Kaplan-Meier analysis with subgroup analysis for intermittent claudication, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and secondary interventions.

Results:

In propensity-matched analyses, mortality was similar after plain balloon angioplasty (12.6%) and paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty (9.6%; HR=0.84 [95% CI, 0.66–1.06],
P
=0.14). In propensity-matched groups, mortality was similar after bare-metal stenting (9.8%) and paclitaxel-eluting stenting (8.8%; HR=0.93 [95% CI, 0.62–1.41],
P
=0.75). In the combined, matched analysis mortality was significantly lower in the paclitaxel device group (8.5%) compared with the nonpaclitaxel device group (11.5%; HR=0.82 [95% CI, 0.68–0.98],
P
=0.03). Secondary interventions were similar after nonpaclitaxel (N=1113/4149, 26.8%) and paclitaxel device use (N=1113/4227, 26.3%). For intermittent claudication, mortality was lower after paclitaxel device use (1.6%) compared with nonpaclitaxel devices (4.4%; adjusted HR=0.59 [95% CI, 0.39–0.89],
P
=0.01). For chronic limb-threatening ischemia, the mortality difference was not significant; paclitaxel (12.8%) versus nonpaclitaxel devices (15.5%; adjusted HR=0.85 [95% CI, 0.72–1.00],
P
=0.05).

Conclusions:

At 1 year, mortality was similar if not lower after treatment of femoral-popliteal occlusive disease with paclitaxel versus nonpaclitaxel devices. This work highlights the potential use of the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative for surveillance of the safety of new peripheral arterial devices.
Bunia Swahili and Emblematic Language Use
Authors: Nassenstein Nico , Dimmendaal Gerrit J.
Published: February 2020

The present paper provides first insights into emblematic language use in Bunia Swahili, a variety of the Bantu language Swahili as spoken in and around the city of Bunia inIturi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Structural variability in Bunia Swahili shows that this language variety consists of basilectal, mesolectal and acrolectal registers, which are used by speakers to express different social identities. Whereas the basilectal variety shows structural similarities with Central Sudanic languages, the mesolectal and acrolectal registers are closer to East Coast Swahili. We argue that these lectal forms are to be understood as fluid repertoires which are used by speakers as a form of adaption to different conversational settings and as indexical representations of their (ethnic) identity. We go on to describe the historical background to these diverging ways of speaking Bunia Swahili, which are due mainly to the long-lasting conflict between different groups in the area.
Rapid Screening of Thyroid Dysfunction Using Raman Spectroscopy Combined with an Improved Support Vector Machine
Authors: Wang Dingding , Jiang Jing , Mo Jiaqing , Tang Jun , Lv Xiaoyi
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to screen for thyroid dysfunction using Raman spectroscopy combined with an improved support vector machine (SVM). In spectral analysis, in order to further improve the classification accuracy of the SVM algorithm model, a genetic particle swarm optimization algorithm based on partial least squares is proposed to optimize support vector machine (PLS-GAPSO-SVM). In order to evaluate the performance of the algorithm, five optimization algorithms are used: grid search-based SVM (Grid-SVM), particle swarm optimization algorithm-based SVM (PSO-SVM), genetic algorithm-based SVM (GA-SVM), artificial fish coupled uniform design algorithm-based SVM (AFUD-SVM), and simulated annealing particle swarm optimization algorithm-based SVM (SAPSO-SVM). In this experiment, serum samples from 95 patients with confirmed thyroid dysfunction and 90 serum samples from normal thyroid function were used for Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results show that the GAPSO-SVM algorithm has a high average diagnostic accuracy of 95.08% and has high sensitivity and specificity (91.67%, 97.96%). Compared with the traditional optimization algorithm, the algorithm has high diagnostic accuracy, short execution time, and good reliability. It can be seen that Raman spectroscopy combined with GAPSO-SVM diagnostic algorithm has enormous potential in noninvasive screening of thyroid dysfunction.
The Enhancing Versus Backfiring Effects of Positive Emotion in Consumer Reviews
Authors: Rocklage Matthew D. , Fazio Russell H.
Published: February 2020

Researchers, marketers, and consumers often believe that amplifying emotional content is impactful for the spread of information and purchasing decisions. However, there is little systematic investigation of when emotionality backfires. This research demonstrates when and why positive emotion can have enhancing versus backfiring effects. The authors find that reviewers who express greater positive emotion are indeed more positive toward their products, regardless of product type. In addition, expressed emotion for hedonic products has a positive impact when read by others, but this emotion backfires for utilitarian products, leading others to be less positive. The authors construct a conceptual model of these effects and show that violated expectations leading to decreased trust underlie this divergence between reviewers and readers. The effects occur in well-controlled experiments as well as computational linguistic analysis of 100,000 Amazon reviews across 500 products. Indeed, emotional reviews of utilitarian products are less likely to become popular and be displayed on the product’s front page on Amazon. This work also introduces a novel tool for quantifying natural language in marketing: the Evaluative Lexicon.
Improved crack analysis of two-dimensional functionally graded materials by enriched natural element method
Authors: Cho Jin-Rae
Published: February 2020

The numerical calculation of stress intensity factors of two-dimensional functionally graded materials is introduced by an enriched Petrov–Galerkin natural element method (enriched PG-NEM). The overall trial displacement field is basically approximated in terms of Laplace interpolation functions and it is enriched by the near-tip asymptotic displacement field. The overall strain and stress fields which were approximated by PG-NEM were smoothened and enhanced by the patch recovery. The modified interaction integral [Formula: see text] is used to evaluate the stress intensity factors of functionally graded materials with the spatially varying elastic modulus. The validity of present method is justified through the evaluation of crack-tip stress distributions and the stress intensity factors of four numerical examples. It has been found that the proposed method effectively and successfully captures the near-tip stress singularity with a remarkably improved accuracy, even with the remarkably coarse grid, when compared with an extremely fine grid and the analytical and numerical reference solutions.
Micro Fragmented Adipose Tissue Promotes the Matrix Synthesis Function of Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Regenerates Degenerated Intervertebral Disc in a Pig Model
Authors: Zhou Xiaopeng , Zhang Feng , Wang Dawei , Wang Jingkai , Wang Chenggui , Xia Kaishun , Ying Liwei , Huang Xianpeng , Tao Yiqing , Chen Shouyong , Xue Deting , Hua Jianming , Liang Chengzhen , Chen Qixin , Li Fangcai
Published: February 2020

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and consequent lower back pain is a common disease. Micro fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) is promising for a wide range of applications in regenerative medicine. In this study, MFAT was isolated by a nonenzymatic method and co-cultured with nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) using an indirect co-culture system in vitro. A pig disc degeneration model was used to investigate the regenerative effect of MFAT on degenerated IVDs in vivo. The mRNA expression of Sox9, Acan, and Col2 in NPCs was significantly increased, while no significant increase was observed in the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes after the NPCs were co-cultured with MFAT. Nucleus pulposus (NP)-specific markers were increased in MFAT cells after co-culture with NPCs. After injection of MFAT, the disc height, water content, extracellular matrix, and structure of the degenerated NP were significantly improved. MFAT promoted the matrix synthesis function of NPCs, and NPCs stimulated the NP-like differentiation of MFAT cells. In addition, MFAT also partly regenerated degenerated IVDs in the pig model.
Developing an integrated emergency medical services in a low-income country like Nepal: a concept paper
Authors: Bhandari Deepak , Yadav Nabin Krishna
Published: February 2020

Background

The main aim of emergency medical services (EMS) should be to provide universal emergency medical care which is EMS system available to all those who need it. Most of the developed countries have an integrated EMS system that is accessible by a single dial number in the whole country. Nepal does not have a proper EMS system. We conducted a literature review regarding methods of developing an integrated EMS system in Nepal.

Result

The fragmented system, high demand–low supply, inequity with the service, and inadequately trained responders are major problems associated with EMS in Nepal. Nepal too should develop an integrated single dial number EMS system to meet the current demand of EMS. Having a paramedic in ambulances as the first responders will prevent chaos and save critical time. Funding models have to be considered while developing an EMS considering the capital as well as operational cost.

Conclusion

Nepal can develop a public private partnership model of EMS where capital cost is provided by the government and operational cost by other methods. Community-based insurance system looks more feasible in a country like Nepal for generating operational cost.
Incorporation of a truncated form of flagellin (TFlg) into porcine circovirus type 2 virus-like particles enhances immune responses in mice
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Liu Yangkun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Fan , Du Enqi
Published: February 2020

Background

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an economically important pathogen in the swine industry worldwide. Vaccination remains the principal tool to control PCV2-associated diseases (PCVADs). Current vaccines do not eliminate viral shedding in the environment. To enhance the efficacy of PCV2 vaccines, recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) of PCV2 were generated by fusing a truncated form of flagellin FliC (TFlg: 85-111aa) with the PCV2 capsid protein (Cap).

Results

The recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and detected using Western blotting. The abilities of the recombinant proteins to assemble into VLPs were observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The protective immune responses of recombinant VLPs were further evaluated by immunization of mice. The results showed that insertion of TFlg into C terminal of the Cap protein did not affect the formation of VLPs and boosted both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. After a challenge with PCV2, in the Cap-TFlg vaccinated group, viremia was milder and viral loads were lower as compared with those in the Cap vaccinated group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that recombinant VLPs of PCV2 containing a TFlg adjuvant can be used as a promising PCV2 vaccine candidate.
The hypoxic microenvironment: a driving force for heterotopic ossification progression
Authors: Huang Yifei , Wang Xinyi , Lin Hui
Published: February 2020

Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to the formation of bone tissue outside the normal skeletal system. According to its pathogenesis, HO is divided into hereditary HO and acquired HO. There currently lack effective approaches for HO prevention or treatment. A deep understanding of its pathogenesis will provide promising strategies to prevent and treat HO. Studies have shown that the hypoxia-adaptive microenvironment generated after trauma is a potent stimulus of HO. The hypoxic microenvironment enhances the stability of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which regulates a complex network including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), which are implicated in the formation of ectopic bone. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the triggering role and underlying molecular mechanisms of the hypoxic microenvironment in the initiation and progression of HO, focusing mainly on HIF-1 and it's influenced genes  BMP, VEGF, and NRP-1. A better understanding of the role of hypoxia in HO unveils novel therapeutic targets for HO that reduce the local hypoxic microenvironment and inhibit HIF-1α activity.
Children’s fear of needle injections: a qualitative study of training sessions for children with rheumatic diseases before home administration
Authors: Sørensen Kari , Skirbekk Helge , Kvarstein Gunnvald , Wøien Hilde
Published: February 2020

Background

Treatment of rheumatic diseases in children often includes long-term needle injections, which represent a risk for refusing medication based on potential needle-fear. How nurses manage children’s fear and pain during the initial educational training session of subcutaneous injections, may affect the management of the subsequent injections in the home settings. The aim of this study was to explore how children expressed fear and pain during these training sessions, and how adults’ communication affected children’s expressed emotions.

Methods

This qualitative explorative study used video observations and short interviews during training sessions in a rheumatic hospital ward. Participants were children between five and fifteen years (n = 8), their parents (n = 11) and nurses (n = 7) in nine training sessions in total. The analysis followed descriptions of thematic analysis and interaction analysis.

Results

The children expressed fears indirectly as cues and nonverbal signs more often than direct statements. Three children stated explicit being afraid or wanting to stop. The children worried about needle-pain, but experienced the stinging pain after the injection more bothersome. The technical instructions were detailed and comprehensive and each nurse shaped the structure of the sessions. Both nurses and parents frequently offered coping strategies unclearly without sufficient time for children to understand. We identified three main adult communication approaches (acknowledging, ambiguous and disregarding) that influenced children’s expressed emotions during the training session.

Conclusions

Children’s expression of fear was likely to be indirectly, and pain was mostly related to the injection rather than the needle stick. When adults used an acknowledging communication and offered sufficient coping strategies, children seemed to become involved in the procedure and acted with confidence. The initial educational training session may have a great impact on long-term repeated injections in a home setting by providing children with confidence at the onset.
Pharmacological conditioning for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a potential solution to reduce methotrexate intolerance
Authors: Smits Rosanne M. , Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , van Middendorp Henriet , Hissink Muller Petra C. E. , Armbrust Wineke , Legger Elizabeth , Wulffraat Nico M. , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) therapy has proven to be a successful and safe treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Despite the high efficacy rates of MTX, treatment outcomes are often complicated by burdensome gastro-intestinal side effects. Intolerance rates for MTX in children are high (approximately 50%) and thus far no conclusive effective treatment strategies to control for side effects have been found. To address this need, this article proposes an innovative research approach based on pharmacological conditioning, to reduce MTX intolerance.

Presentation of the hypothesis

A collaboration between medical psychologists, pediatric rheumatologists, pharmacologists and patient groups was set up to develop an innovative research design that may be implemented to study potential improved control of side effects in JIA, by making use of the psychobiological principles of pharmacological conditioning. In pharmacological conditioning designs, learned positive associations from drug therapies (conditioning effects) are integrated in regular treatment regimens to maximize treatment outcomes. Medication regimens with immunosuppressant drugs that made use of pharmacological conditioning principles have been shown to lead to optimized therapeutic effects with reduced drug dosing, which might ultimately cause a reduction in side effects.

Testing the hypothesis

This research design is tailored to serve the needs of the JIA patient group. We developed a research design in collaboration with an interdisciplinary research group consisting of patient representatives, pediatric rheumatologists, pharmacologists, and medical psychologists.

Implications of the hypothesis

Based on previous experimental and clinical findings of pharmacological conditioning with immune responses, we propose that the JIA patient group is particularly suited to benefit from a pharmacological conditioning design. Moreover, findings from this study may potentially also be promising for other patient groups that endure long-lasting drug therapies.
Migrant female sex workers working at the Sino-Vietnamese border for a short time have a higher risk of HIV transmission: a consecutive cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liang Bingyu , Liu Deping , Wei Guangwu , Mo Shide , Nong Aidan , Ning Chuanyi , Liao Yanyan , Jiang Junjun , Pan PeiJiang , Yang Yuan , Zang Ning , Vanphu Dinh , Van Nguyen , Ye Li , Liang Hao , Huang Jiegang
Published: February 2020

Objectives

For migrant female sex workers (FSWs) at the Sino-Vietnamese border, the impact of work time in their current location on the spread of HIV/AIDS is not clear.

Methods

Data were collected from the Sino-Vietnamese border cities of Guangxi, China. Migrant FSWs working in these cities were studied. FSWs who worked less than 6 months in their current location were assigned to the short-term work group (ST FSWs), and FSWs who worked equal to or longer than 6 months in their current location were assigned to the long-term work group (LT FSWs). Logistic regression was performed to examine the impact of work time in the current location and factors associated with HIV infection.

Results

Among the 1667 migrant FSWs, 586 (35.2%) and 1081 (64.9%) were assigned to the ST FSW and LT FSW groups, respectively. Compared to LT FSWs, ST FSWs were more likely to be of Vietnamese nationality, be less than 18 years old when they first engaged in commercial sex work, and have a low-level of HIV-related knowledge and had higher odds of using condoms inconsistently, having more male clients, having no regular male clients, and having a history of male clients who used aphrodisiacs but lower odds of receiving free condoms distribution and education/HIV counselling and testing programme. The analysis of factors associated with HIV infection revealed that Vietnamese FSWs, less than 18 years old when they first engaged in commercial sex work, having no regular male clients, and having lower average charge per sex transaction were correlated with HIV infection.

Conclusion

FSWs with short-term work at the Sino-Vietnamese border had a higher risk of risky sex and were correlated with HIV risk factors. Vietnamese FSWs were at higher risk of HIV infection, and they were more likely to have short-term work. More targeted HIV prevention should be designed for new FSWs who recently began working in a locality to further control the spread of HIV, particularly cross-border FSWs.
Effectiveness of Checklist-Based Box System Interventions (CBBSI) versus routine care on improving utilization of maternal health services in Northwest Ethiopia: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Andargie Netsanet Belete , Jebena Mulusew Gerbaba , Debelew Gurmesa Tura
Published: February 2020

Background

Maternal mortality is still high in Ethiopia. Antenatal care, the use of skilled delivery and postnatal care are key maternal health care services that can significantly reduce maternal mortality. However, in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, utilization of these key services is limited, and preventive, promotive and curative services are not provided as per the recommendations. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of checklist-based box system interventions on improving maternal health service utilization.

Methods

A community-level, cluster-randomized controlled trial will be conducted to compare the effectiveness of checklist-based box system interventions over the routine standard of care as a control arm. The intervention will use a health-extension program provided by health extension workers and midwives using a special type of health education scheduling box placed at health posts and a service utilization monitoring box placed at health centers. For this, 1200 pregnant mothers at below 16 weeks of gestation will be recruited from 30 clusters. Suspected pregnant mothers will be identified through a community survey and linked to the nearby health center. With effective communication between health centers and health posts, dropout-tracing mechanisms are implemented to help mothers resume service utilization. Data will be collected using an open data kit and analyzed using STATA version 13.0. Data will be analyzed by the intention-to-treat analysis. Risk ratios will be computed at the cluster level and the summary will be compared using t tests. Outcomes between intervention and control groups will be compared with random effects logistic regression models. Achieving four antenatal care visits, health facility delivery, and postnatal care visits at 6 weeks after delivery were treated as primary outcomes for this study.

Discussion

We expect that the study will generate evidence on the effectiveness of checklist-based box system interventions on improving utilization of maternal health care service that will produce inputs for related policies in Ethiopia.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03891030. Retrospectively registered on 26 March 2019.
The effects of protective lung ventilation on regional cerebral oxygen saturation in intracranial tumor operation during dura opening: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Jinlu , Wu Xuemei , Liu Hairui , Huang Ying , Liu Yueqin , Xie Hong , Dong Jun
Published: February 2020

Objective

The objective of this trial is to investigate the effects of protective lung ventilation on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) during dura opening, that is from Ta (after dura opening) to Tb (before dura closing), in patients undergoing intracranial tumor surgery.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled trial which will be carried out at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Fifty-four patients undergoing intracranial tumor surgery will be randomly allocated to the control group (C group) or the protective lung ventilation group (P group). In the C group, the tidal volume (VT) will be set at 8 ml/kg of predicted body weight, but positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment maneuvers will not be used. In the P group, VT will be set at 6 ml/kg of predicted body weight combined with individualized PEEP during dura opening, while in other periods of general anesthesia, VT will be set at 8 ml/kg of predicted body weight. The level of rSO2, partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, oxygenation index, lactic acid level in arterial blood, and mean arterial pressure will be compared before anesthesia (T0), before dura opening (T1), after dura closing (T2), and 24 h after surgery (T3). Lung ultrasound scores will be measured at T0 and T3. The degree of brain relaxation at T1 and T2 will be evaluated by the surgeon using the brain relaxation scale. The amount of vasoactive drugs used and blood loss will be recorded during surgery. The duration of operation and reoperation rate will be recorded. The primary outcome of this study is the changes in rSO2 within 24 h postoperatively.

Discussion

This study aims to determine whether protective lung ventilation during dura opening can improve rSO2 and the state of pulmonary ventilation in patients undergoing intracranial tumor surgery, and to investigate whether this strategy affects the degree of brain tissue swelling and the reoperation rate after operation. If our results are positive, this study will show that protective lung ventilation during dura opening can be used effectively and safely in neurosurgical patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor resection.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900025632. Registered on 3 September 2019. chictr.org.cn.
Magnitude and associated factors of undernutrition (underweight and stunting) among school adolescent girls in Hawzen Woreda (District), Tigray regional state, Northern Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Berhe Kidanemaryam , Gebremariam Gebrehiwot
Published: February 2020

Objective

There is a lack of evidence concerning undernutrition (underweight and stunting) among adolescent girls in the study area, therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent girls in Hawzen woreda, Northern Ethiopia.

Results

This study found that 32.2% and 33.2% of school adolescent girls were underweight and stunted respectively. Illiterate fathers were higher among underweight adolescent girls as compared to those normal-weight adolescent girls (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI; 1.1, 1.7). Underweight adolescents were higher among low-grade level adolescents (grade 4–8) as compared to grade 9–12 adolescents (AOR = 2, 95% CI; 1.4, 2.6). Unemployed mothers were higher among stunted adolescent girls as compared to the counterpart (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI; 1.1, 3.3). It would be good to consider the above-mentioned factors during the nutritional intervention of adolescents.
Staphylococcus aureus pigmentation is not controlled by Hfq
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Boudry Pierre , Bohn Chantal , Bouloc Philippe
Published: February 2020

Objective

The golden color of Staphylococcus aureus is due to the synthesis of carotenoid pigments. In Gram-negative bacteria, Hfq is a global posttranscriptional regulator, but its function in S. aureus remains obscure. The absence of Hfq in S. aureus was reported to correlate with production of carotenoid pigment leading to the conclusion that Hfq was a negative regulator of the yellow color. However, we reported the construction of hfq mutants in several S. aureus strains and never noticed any color change; we therefore revisited the question of Hfq implication in S. aureus pigmentation.

Results

The absence or accumulation of Hfq does not affect S. aureus pigmentation.
On the existence of solutions of a set-valued functional integral equation of Volterra–Stieltjes type and some applications
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed Mohamed , Al-Issa Shorouk Mahmoud
Published: February 2020

This paper is concerned with the existence of continuous solutions of a set-valued functional integral equation of Volterra–Stieltjes type. The continuous dependence of the solution on the set of selections of the set-valued function will be proven. As an application, we study the existence of solutions to an initial-value problem of arbitrary fractional-order differential inclusion.
A reduced order extrapolating technique of solution coefficient vectors to collocation spectral method for telegraph equation
Authors: Wang Hui , He Qingfang , Luo Zhendong
Published: February 2020

In this article, we mainly develop a reduced order extrapolating model for the solution coefficient vectors of the classical collocation spectral (CCS) scheme to the two-dimensional (2D) telegraph equation by means of a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Therefore, we first present the CCS scheme, offer the existence, stability, and error estimates to the SC solutions, and rewrite the CCS scheme into a matrix-form. We then build a reduced order extrapolating collocation spectral (ROECS) model and analyze the existence and stability as well as errors of the ROECS solutions by some matrix tools. We finally verify the reliability and validity of the ROECS model by means of two sets of numerical simulations for the magnetic field produced by two parallel wires with the same voltage.
Reducing the burden of iron deficiency anemia in Cote D’Ivoire through fortification
Authors: Prieto-Patron Alberto , V. Hutton Zsuzsa , Fattore Giovanni , Sabatier Magalie , Detzel Patrick
Published: February 2020

Background

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is highly prevalent in the Cote d’Ivoire and has severe health and economic consequences. In this paper, we apply a health economic model to quantify the burden of IDA, and the contribution of nationwide mandatory iron fortification of wheat flour and voluntary iron fortification of condiments to the reduction of this burden.

Methods

The analysis for the population from 6 months to 64 years builds on published reviews and publicly available datasets and is stratified by age-groups and socioeconomic strata using comparative risk assessment model.

Results

Without the impact of these fortification strategies, the annual burden of IDA is estimated at 242,100 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and 978.1 million USD. Wheat flour and condiment fortification contributed to a reduction of the IDA burden by approximately 5% each.

Conclusion

In places with high prevalence of malaria and other infectious diseases, such as the Côte D’Ivoire, food fortification as a nutritional intervention should be accompanied with infectious disease prevention and control. The findings of this study provide additional input for policy makers about the magnitude of the impact and can support the conception of future fortification strategies.
Reported measles cases, measles-related deaths and measles vaccination coverage in Myanmar from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Thar Aye Mya Chan , Wai Khin Thet , Harries Anthony D. , Show Kyaw Lwin , Mon Lei Lei , Lin Htar Htar
Published: February 2020

Background

There is a global resurgence of measles, consequent upon worldwide stagnating measles vaccination coverage. The study aim was to document trends and characteristics of reported cases of measles, measles-related deaths, and measles vaccination coverage (MCV1—first dose of measles-containing vaccine and MCV2—second dose of measles-containing vaccine) at national and sub-national level in Myanmar over a five year period between 2014 and 2018.

Methods

This was a descriptive study using routine data collected and submitted to the Expanded Programme on Immunization.

Results

Between 2014 and 2018, there were 2673 measles cases of which 2272 (85%) occurred in 2017 and 2018. Five adjacent regions in lower Myanmar were the most affected: in 2017 and 2018, these regions reported 1647 (73%) of the 2272 measles cases in the country. Overall, 73% of measles cases were laboratory confirmed, 21% were epidemiologically linked, and 6% were clinically compatible (clinical diagnosis only), with more laboratory confirmed cases in recent years. Annual measles-related deaths were either zero or one except in 2016 when there were 21 deaths, all occurring in one remote village. In the recent years, the most commonly affected age groups were 0–8 months, 9 months to 4 years, and ≥ 15 years. Among 1907 measles cases with known vaccination status, only 22% had been vaccinated and 70% of those had only received one dose of vaccine. Annual MCV1 coverage nationally varied from 83 to 93% while annual MCV2 coverage nationally varied from 78 to 87%, with no clear trends over the years. Between 2014 and 2018, a high proportion of the 330 townships had MCV coverage < 95%. Over 80% of measles cases were reported from townships that had MCV coverage < 95%.

Conclusion

There have been a large number of measles cases in recent years associated with sub-optimal measles vaccine coverage. Myanmar has already conducted supplemental immunization activities in October and November, 2019. Myanmar also needs to improve routine immunization services and targeted responses to measles outbreaks.
RANKL biology: bone metabolism, the immune system, and beyond
Authors: Ono Takehito , Hayashi Mikihito , Sasaki Fumiyuki , Nakashima Tomoki
Published: February 2020

Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) induces the differentiation of monocyte/macrophage–lineage cells into the bone–resorbing cells called osteoclasts. Because abnormalities in RANKL, its signaling receptor RANK, or decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) lead to bone diseases such as osteopetrosis, the RANKL/RANK/OPG system is essential for bone resorption. RANKL was first discovered as a T cell-derived activator of dendritic cells (DCs) and has many functions in the immune system, including organogenesis, cellular development. The essentiality of RANKL in the bone and the immune systems lies at the root of the field of “osteoimmunology.” Furthermore, this cytokine functions beyond the domains of bone metabolism and the immune system, e.g., mammary gland and hair follicle formation, body temperature regulation, muscle metabolism, and tumor development. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the functions of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in biological processes.
Two cases of perforated corneal ulcers complicating rheumatoid arthritis treated successfully by biological therapy
Authors: Benchérifa Sara , Amine Bouchra , El Binoune Imane , Rostom Samira , Bahiri Rachid
Published: February 2020

Background

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a severe inflammatory ocular disease that can affect patients with a long history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The use of biotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of the RA and has provided encouraging outcomes especially in the treatment of PUK reported in few cases. In this article, we describe the case of two patients with the history of perforated corneal ulcer complicating RA treated successfully by biologic agents.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 45-year-old woman was diagnosed for over 17 years with sero-positive RA refractory to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). She had received one cycle of Rituximab with clinical and biological failure. In July 2017, she presented an active RA flare with a painful left eye and a decreased visual acuity. Ocular examination revealed a corneal perforation in the left eye and a pre-perforation in the right eye. She received an emergency bolus of methylprednisolone 1 g/day during three consecutive days and was followed by Infliximab. After thirteen months, Infliximab was effective on the rheumatic disease and on the corneal involvement as it stopped its gradual perforation in the right eye, and stabilized corneal ulcer in the left eye.

Case 2: A 68-year-old man had been diagnosed since 2010 with sero-positive RA refractory to csDMARDs complicated in July 2017 by corneal perforation in the right eye. He was hospitalized for his ocular involvement and his active RA. He received an emergency bolus of methylprednisolone 500 mg/day during three consecutive days and was followed by Rituximab. After six months, we observed the stabilization of the right eye corneal damage and the resolution of articular symptoms.

Conclusions

Our cases suggest the efficacy of Infliximab (case 1) and Rituximab (case 2) as a treatment of this severe and destructive keratolysis of the cornea complicating an active RA allowing to plan corneal graft. This positive therapeutic response will contribute to increase literature reports of this therapy success.