bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does The Unconditional Cash Transfer Program in South Africa Provide Support for Women After Child Birth? Barriers To Accessing The Child Support Grant Among Women in Informal Work in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Luthuli Silondile , Haskins Lyn , Mapumulo Sphindile , Horwood Christiane
Published: September 2021

Background
The child support grant (CSG) is the largest unconditional cash transfer program in Africa and aims to alleviate poverty and improve child health and nutrition in low-income families in South Africa. Among informal working women, the CSG is an important source of income after childbirth when informal workers are unable to work, but reports suggest that women experience delays in accessing the CSG. We explore experiences and challenges accessing the CSG among informal workers in Durban, South Africa
Methods
We undertook a longitudinal mixed-methods cohort study. Women informal workers were recruited during pregnancy and followed-up for up to one year after the baby was born. Quantitative questionnaires and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data about women’s plans for applying for the CSG, the application process, use of the CSG in the household, and household food insecurity. Interviews were conducted in IsiZulu by experienced researchers. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data used SPSS v26, and framework analysis using NVIVO v12.3 was used for qualitative analysis.
Results
Twenty-four informal working women were enrolled. The CSG received for older children was reported as an important and reliable source of income for mothers after childbirth. However, delays receiving the CSG for the new baby meant this support was unavailable to first-time mothers. The complex application process for the CSG required mothers to go to various government departments to complete the required documentation, often taking the baby with them. This was costly and time-consuming for mothers who were already vulnerable, and led to delays in obtaining CSG funds. Many women experienced moderate or severe food insecurity before and after the baby was born. As a result, some mothers had to return to work earlier than planned, disrupting childcare and breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Cash transfer programmes can effectively support low income households and improve outcomes for mothers and children. In South Africa there is a need for innovative approaches to streamline CSG applications, so women can access the funds immediately post-delivery to fill a resource gap and provide support at a vulnerable time for mothers and their children.
Optimizing the Performance of 68Ga Labeled FSHR Ligand in Prostate Cancer Model by Means of Aprotinin
Authors: Pan Donghui , Wang Lizhen , Wang Xinyu , Yan Junjie , Xu YuPing , Yang Min
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Radiolabeled FSH1 peptides are potential specific probes for FSHR imaging. However, moderate uptakes and fast washout from the tumors may limit its widespread use. In this study, 68Ga labeled modified FSH1 analogs was prepared and the imaging properties were determined in the prostate cancer model with or without aprotinin.Methods: NOTA-MAL-FSH4 was synthesized and labeled with 68Ga. The pharmacokinetic profile of the peptide after co-administration with aprotinin was determined through metabolism analyses and microPET imaging.Results: 68Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH4 was successfully prepared. The IC50 value of displacement 68Ga-NOTA-MAL-FSH4 with FSH1 was 139.4±1.16 nM. The PC-3 prostate tumor was visible after administration of the 68Ga labeled tracer. In vitro RP-HPLC analysis revealed that the average percentage of intact peptide in the plasma, liver and tumor was 8.30, 9.57 and 7.06 % respectively. In presence of aprotinin, the amounts of intact peptide increased to 34.32%, 20.63 % and 15.39 % in the counterparts respectively. MicroPET imaging showed that the uptakes of PC-3 tumors at 60mins after co-administration of 100μg, 200μg or 400μg enzyme inhibitors were 2.91±0.21%ID/g, 3.89±0.16%ID/g and 9.21±0.22%ID/g respectively.Conclusion: With the aid of a serine protease inhibitor, the performance of the 68Ga labeled peptide was optimized, which may benefit further clinical application.
Risk Assessment of Chemical Pollution of Industrial Effluents From A Soap Production Plant Located In Bafoussam (Western Region of Cameroon)
Authors: Mathurin Zoyem Gouafo , Kisito Talla Pierre
Published: September 2021

The MEWOU river, which runs through the town of Bafoussam, is one of the main sources of drinking water and irrigation for the people who live there. It is subject to intense agricultural and industrial activity all along its banks. Soap and refined oil factories generate pollution in the form of liquid effluent which is released without any form of treatment. A total of seven samples were analyzed during the months of March, April and May of the year 2021. The results we obtained were analyzed according to the regulatory requirements recommended by the Guidelines for the quality of drinking water and the Algerian standard relating to the limit values ​​of physicochemical parameters. The results we obtained showed signs of significant pollution in particular: chemical oxygen demand (COD: 125.32-959 mg L-1), 5 days-biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5: 23-99 mg L-1), turbidity (2-520 NTU), TDS (130-13430 mg L-1), Nitrite (4.96-21327.44 mg L-1) and many other parameters greatly exceed those required by the international standard, we have also noted a strong pollution to heavy metals: chromium (35.76- 1381.08 mg L-1), lead (0.21 - 2.49 mg L-1), iron (0.28- 17.82 mg L-1), and cadmium (0 , 03-0.19 mg L-1) which are above the values ​​prescribed by the WHO. These heavily polluted effluents released into the natural environment are harmful to the environment, biodiversity and human health. This state of affairs requires urgent intervention to preserve the ecological balance. Otherwise, it can constitute a risk for public health in the short term by deteriorating the quality of the underground reservoir known as the main source of water supply for the local populations.
Prognostic Effect of Glycemic Management In Acute First-Ever Ischemic Stroke On Stroke Recurrence And Mortality For Patients Without Previous Diabetes: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Hsi- Hsing , Chien Wu-Chien , Liaw Jen-Jiuan , Yang Chia-Chen , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chen Peng-Ciao , Lin Ting-Ti , Chen Yu-Ju
Published: September 2021

Objective This study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term prognostic effects of glycemic management on stroke recurrence and mortality in patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke (FIS) without previous diabetes. Methods In total, 484,952 patients aged ≥20 years with FIS and nonprevious diabetes were retrieved from the 2000 to 2015 Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients were categorized into the following cohorts: FIS without hyperglycemia (FISw/oHG), FIS with hyperglycemia without glycemic treatment (FISHGw/oGT), and FIS with hyperglycemia with glycemic treatment (FISHGw/GT). The short-term (within 1 year) and long-term (at the endpoint of 9.3 ± 8.6 years) prognostic effects of glycemic treatment and blood glucose monitoring on stroke recurrence and mortality among the cohorts were tested through Cox regression analysis.Results The mortality risk was lower in the FISHGw/GT cohort than in the FISHGw/oGT cohort at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.68, 0.62, 0.69, respectively, p < 0.001) as well as at the study endpoint, but no difference was observed in stroke recurrence at any time point (p > 0.05). Furthermore, compared with FISHGw/oGT without blood glucose monitoring, FISHGw/GT combined with blood glucose monitoring led to decreased risks of stroke recurrence within 1 year (p < 0.001) and mortality within 1 year and at the study endpoint (p < 0.001). Conclusion For optimal glycemic management in the acute phase and improved prognoses for patients with FIS and nonprevious diabetes with hyperglycemia, intensive blood glucose monitoring combined with glycemic treatment is needed.
Scheduling And Sizing of Campus Microgrid Considering Demand Response And Economic Analysis
Authors: Pansota Muhammad Shahzad , Javed Haseeb , Muqeet Abdul , Irfan Muhammad , Shehzad Moazzam , Liaqat Rehan
Published: September 2021

Background: Current energy systems face multiple problems related to inflation in the energy prices, reduction of fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emissions in disturbing the comfort zone of energy consumers and affordability of power for large commercial customers. This kind of problem can be alleviated with the help of optimal planning of Demand Response policies and with distributed generators in the distribution system. The objective of this article is to give a strategic proposition of an energy management system for a campus microgrid (µG) to minimize the operating costs and to increase the self-consuming energy of green DGs. To this end, a real-time-based campus is considered that is currently providing its loads from the utility grid only. Yet, according to the proposed given scenario, it contains the solar panels and wind turbine as a non-dispatchable DG while a diesel generator is considered as a dispatchable DG. It also incorporates the energy storage system with the optimal sizing of BESS to tackle with multiple disturbances that arise from solar radiations. Results: The resultant problem of linear mathematics has been simulated and plotted in MATLAB with mixed-integer linear programming. Simulation results show that the proposed given model of EMS minimizes the grid electricity costs by 31% in case of summer and 38% in case of winter respectively, while the reduction of GHG emissions per day is 780.68 and 730.46 kg for the corresponding summer and winter seasons. The general effect of a medium-sized solar PV installation on carbon emissions and energy consumption costs is also observed. Conclusion: The substantial environmental and economic benefits compared to the present case prompt campus owners to put investment in the DGs and to install large-scale energy storage.
Identifying miRNA-TF-mRNA Regulatory Network for Aortic Valve Calcification Diseases Through Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhang Mingdong , Lu Zhexin , Fan Yongliang , Gu Hongbing , Shi Sheng , Ye Yizhou
Published: September 2021

Background:Calcareous aortic valve disease(CAVD) is widespread in society, and its incidence seems to increase with the age of the global population. However, the specific pathogenesis of calcareous aortic valve disease remains unclear. The purpose of the research is to construct miRNA-TF-mRNA regulatory networks and find the key genes, microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) to clarify the pathogenesis of CAVD and provide new treatment methods for CAVD.Methods:GSE51472, GSE87885 and GSE12644 datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentailly expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs(DEMs) were identified through integrative analysis by R software. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were performed using the clusterProfiler R package. Then, STRING database, Cytoscape and Cytohubba were applied to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and screen hub genes. Finally, a miRNA-TF-mRNA network was constructed based on bioinformatics data based on the TRRUST, miRWalk and miRtarbase database. And through the verification of dataset GSE12644, we have determined the key regulatory factors.Results:We have established a regulatory network of miRNA-TF-mRNA includes 17 genes,17 miRNAs and 12 TFs. In the miRNA-TF-mRNA network, genes VCAM1, ITGB2, CD86, transcription factors HIF1A, KLF2 are identified as key regulators.Conclusions: Our study has constructed a regulatory network of miRNA-TF-mRNA in CAVD, which may provide new insights about the interaction between genes, miRNAs and TFs in the pathogenesis of CAVD, and identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for CAVD, which may reveal promising approaches for CAVD diagnosis and therapy.
Severe Aplastic Anemia in a Patient with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria Successfully Treated by Avatrombopag
Authors: JIANG ZIMING , Jiang Xianyong , Chen Miao
Published: September 2021

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease presented with protoporphyrin deposition, photosensitivity and even liver damage. Avatrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonists, has been applied for immune thrombocytopenia and periprocedural thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Here, we reported the first case of a 19-year-old man with acquired aplastic anemia associated with congenital EPP. EPP has led to a severe cirrhosis and liver dysfunction in this patient, which limited hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy to cure aplastic anemia. We administered Avatrombopag as the first-line therapy. After 8 months, we observed that avatrombopag induced complete response of aplastic anemia safely.
Exosome-Mediated miR-7-5p Delivery Enhances the Anticancer Effect of Everolimus via Blocking MNK/eIF4E Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Sile , Wang Weiyuan , Ning Yue , Zheng Hongmei , Zhan Yuting , Wang Haihua , Yang Yang , Luo Jiadi , Wen Qiuyuan , Zang Hongjing , Peng Jinwu , Ma Jian , Fan Songqing
Published: September 2021

Background
Everolimus is a kind of mTOR inhibitors. Activated mitogen-activated protein kinase interacting kinases/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (MNK/eIF4E) axis plays a crucial role in resistance to Everolimus in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Typically, eIF4E phosphorylation increased by mTOR inhibitors was mainly mediated by MNKs. But the mechanisms are poorly understood. Recently, extensive reprogramming of miRNA profiles has also been found after long-term mTOR inhibitor exposing. Our previous studies have confirmed that tumor suppressor miR-7-5p was decreased in A549 cells after treatment with Everolimus. Exactly, MNK1 is the target of miR-7-5p. Here, we investigated the biological functions and potential molecular mechanisms of miR-7-5p in the NSCLC undergoing treatment with Everolimus.
Methods
miR-7-5p level and expression of main markers of MNK/eIF4E axis were evaluated by qRT-PCR, western blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry on NSCLC cell lines and human NSCLC samples. Proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in culture were explored by Colony formation, CCK-8, Wound healing and Transwell assays. NSCLC cell tumorigenicity was assessed by xenotransplants in nude mice. Targeted binding of miR-7-5p to MNK1 was confirmed by the Dual-luciferase reporter assay. And the isolation and identification of exosomes were investigated by Invitrogen™ Total Exosome RNA Isolation Kit, western blot, transmission electron microscopy and Zetasizer Nano ZS90 instrument.
Results
Everolimus targeted mTORC1 inducing NSCLC cells to secrete miR-7-5p-loaded exosomes in Rab27A and Rab27B dependent manners. Loss of intracellular miR-7-5p induced phosphorylation of MNK/eIF4E axis, but supplement of extra exosomal miR-7-5p could reverse it. Of note, both lower expression of miR-7-5p and elevated MNK1 protein were associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC. Both endogenous miR-7-5p and exo-miR-7-5p enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of Everolimus through inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of NSCLC in vitro and vivo. Combination of miR-7-5p with Everolimus induced apoptosis to exhibit a synergistic anticancer therapeutic efficacy via dual abrogation of MNK/eIF4E and mTOR in NSCLC.
Conclusion
Everolimus decreases the intracellular miR-7-5p levels through release of miR-7-5p loaded exosomes from NSCLC cells in Rab27A and Rab27B dependent manners. Either endogenous miR-7-5p or exo-miR-7-5p combined with Everolimus can enhance the anticancer efficacy via targeting MNK/eIF4E axis and mTOR. Therefore, exosome-mediated miR-7-5p delivery combined with Everolimus may be considered as a promising novel combined therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Relationship Between Salivary Alpha-amylase Enzyme Activity, Anthropometric Indices, Dietary Habits, and Early Childhood Dental Caries
Authors: Parsaie Zahra , Rezaie Peyman , Azimi Niloofar , Mohammadi Najmeh
Published: September 2021

Background: Caries risk assessment is of great importance in young children. Although early childhood dental caries (ECC) have the same general etiology as other types of caries, predisposing factors are not well elucidated. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity, body mass index (BMI), dietary habits and oral hygiene on ECC incidence.Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 38 ECC-affected and 41 caries-free children, aged 36 to 72 months. Upon the parents' consent, 3 mL of non-stimulated saliva was collected from the participants to measure the level of sAA activity through spectrophotometry. Additionally, parents/caretakers completed a structured questionnaire about demographic factors, oral hygiene, and consumption of sugar-containing foods. BMI, BMI z-scores and percentile data were calculated by using an on-line calculator. The independent variables were dichotomized and tested through chi-square test, followed by a backward stepwise regression, by using SPSS software (α=0.05).Results: The sAA activity was significantly higher in caries-free children (P≤0.001). However, the mean BMI was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.49). Brushing and other measured dietary habits were significantly associated with the development of ECC (P≤0.001).Conclusion: Children with inherently lower levels of sAA activity were more susceptible to dental caries. Improper nutritional habits and poor oral health care could exacerbate the risk of ECC.
What patient and health facility attributes predict retention and virologic suppression in private for-profit health centers? A retrospective cohort analysis of data from a large private sector antiretroviral treatment program in Nigeria
Authors: Aina Muyi , Yesufu Zeena , Salisu Abdulateef , Ezeanolue Echezona , Mensah Charles , Dakum Patrick
Published: September 2021

Background

In Nigeria, private for-profit health facilities present an opportunity to achieve the 95-95-95 HIV targets because of their reach and patronage. However, little is known about determinants of outcomes in these facilities. This study describes patient outcomes and their determinants in adults receiving HIV treatment in private facilities in 3 states in north-central Nigeria.
Methods

A retrospective longitudinal analysis of program data collected between 2013 and 2019 was done. Patient attributes and outcomes were compared across states. Incidence rates were determined for all outcomes. Cox proportional hazard models and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify associations with and predictors of study outcomes respectively.
Results

42.7%, 22.2% and 35.1% of the 22,010 study subjects were in Benue, FCT and Nasarawa respectively. 31.8% had been on ART for less than a year at censoring. Incidence rates for all-cause exit, mortality and LTFU were 17.2, 2.1 and 11.2 per 100 person years respectively. Males had higher risks of death (HR = 1.47), and LTFU (HR = 1.08). Age at ART start showed a dose-response association with both mortality and LTFU. Care at model facilities (OR = 2.16), AZT-based regimens (OR = 2.00), and low baseline CD4 + count (OR = 2.40) were predictors of regimen switch. 75.6% of subjects were viral suppressed. Male gender (OR = 0.84); AZT- based regimen (OR = 0.72), age in the bottom quartile (OR = 0.71) were predictors of viral suppression.
Conclusion

Private sector patient outcomes are comparable to public sector programs. Appropriate technical support and engagement will facilitate combined efforts to achieve epidemic control of HIV in Nigeria.
NAD(P)H Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Live Intestinal Nematodes Reveals Metabolic Crosstalk Between Parasite and Host
Authors: Liublin Wjatscheslaw , Rausch Sebastian , Leben Ruth , Liebeskind Juliane , Hauser Anja E. , Hartmann Susanne , Niesner Raluca A. , Beckers Ingeborg
Published: September 2021

Infections with intestinal nematodes have an ambivalent impact: they represent a burden for human health and animal husbandry, but, at the same time, may ameliorate auto-immune diseases due to the immunomodulatory effect of the parasites. Thus, it is key to understand how intestinal nematodes arrive and persist in their luminal niche and interact with the host over long periods of time. The basic mechanism ruling over parasite and host cellular and tissue functions, the metabolism, was largely neglected in the study of intestinal nematode infections. Here we use NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) fluorescence lifetime imaging of explanted murine duodenum infected with the natural nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus and define the link between general metabolic and specific enzymatic activity in parasite and host tissue, during acute infection. In both healthy and infected host intestine, energy is effectively produced, mainly via oxidative phosphorylation. In contrast, the nematodes shift their energy production from balanced fast anaerobic glycolysis and effective oxidative phosphorylation, towards mainly anaerobic glycolysis, back to oxidative phosphorylation during the different life cycle phases in the submucosa versus the intestinal lumen. Additionally, we found an increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes-dependent oxidative burst in infected intestinal host tissue as compared to healthy tissue, which was mirrored by a similar defense reaction in the parasites. We expect that, the here presented application of in vivo NAD(P)H-FLIM constitutes a unique tool to study metabolic host-parasite crosstalk, in various parasitic intestinal infections.
Shuntoscope-Guided Versus Free Hand Technique for Ventricular Catheter Placement: A Prospective Comparative Study of Intra-Ventricular Catheter Tip Position and Complication Rate
Authors: Issa Mohammed , Nofal Mohammed , Miotk Nikolai , Seitz Angelika , Unterberg Andreas W. , Damaty Ahmed El
Published: September 2021

Background: The position of the ventricular catheter (VC) is essential for a proper function of cerebrospinal fluid diversion system. A shuntoscope-guided (SG) method might be helpful in reducing complications. Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of catheter placement and the complication and revision rates between SG and free hand (FH) techniques. Methods: A prospective study of patients who underwent VC placement between September 2018 and March 2021. Accuracy of catheter placement was graded on postoperative imaging using three-point Hayhurst grading system. Complication and revision rates were documented and compared between both groups with an average follow up period of 19.56 months. Results: Fifty-five patients were included. SG technique was used in 29 patients (mean age was 6.3 years, 1.4 –27.7 years, 48.1% females), and FH technique was used in 26 patients (mean age was 28.6 years, 1.0 – 79.5 years, 73.1% female). The success rate for the optimal placement of the VC with a grade I on the Hayhurst scale was significantly higher in the SG group (93.1%) than in the FH group (67%), P = 0.031. The revision rate was higher in the FH group with 31.8% vs. 20.7% of in the SG group, P = 0.396. Conclusion: VC placement using the SG technique is a safe and effective procedure, which enabled a significantly higher success rate and lower revision and complication rate. Accordingly, we recommend using the SG technique specially in patients with morbid anatomy.
Individualized Modeling Differential Ratio Method for Judging the Degree of Lower Extremity Long Bone Healing
Authors: Li Ying , Tong Liangcheng , Yang Zhiwei , Sun Zhongyang , Xue Qing , Wen Yaoke
Published: September 2021

Background:There are no recognized quantitative diagnostic criteria, which is one of the difficulties faced in trauma orthopedics. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the degree of bone healing after internal fracture fixation with the individualized differential ratio method.Methods:Patients with a lower limb fracture treated at the Orthopedics Department of our hospital were recruited. At the time of follow-up, the degree of bone healing was evaluated by two orthopedic physicians and one imaging physician. Patients were divided into the bone healing group (group A), the poor bone healing group (group B), and the nonunion group (group C). Three-dimensional geometric models of the unaffected limb and the affected limb after simulated removal of the internal fixation were established, corresponding to the basic phase and the simulated phase, respectively, and the average CT gray value (average CT value) was obtained. Wall thickness analysis was performed to obtain the median wall thickness after meshing. R2 (median wall thickness ratio), R4 (CT value ratio), and R5 (healing index ratio) were obtained by calculating the ratio of each value in the simulated phase to that in the basic phase. Results:A total of 79 patients were included in the study, and 112 CT scans were performed. The frequency of categorization in groups A, B, and C was 49, 37 and 26, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the degree of bone healing and R2, R4 and R5 was 0.654, 0.060 and 0.542, respectively. The median R2 in groups A, B, and C was 0.91, 0.80, and 0.67, respectively. On ROC curve analysis, R2 was more effective in evaluating bone healing and nonunion than R5. The best cutoff point for R2 in predicting bone healing was 0.84, and the best cutoff point in predicting bone nonunion was 0.74.The individualized differential ratio method can be used to quantitatively evaluate the fracture healing state, with the median wall thickness ratio as a more intuitive and reliable judgment index.
Structural Quality of Labour and Delivery Care in Government Hospitals of Ethiopia: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Bayou Negalign B , Grant Liz , Riley Simon C , Bradley Elizabeth H
Published: September 2021

Background

Ethiopia has low skilled birth attendance rates coupled with low quality of care within health facilities contributing to one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, at 412 deaths per 100,000 live births. There is lack of evidence on the readiness of health facilities to deliver quality labour and delivery (L&D) care. This paper describes the structural quality of routine L&D care in government hospitals of Ethiopia.
Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design, involving census of all government hospitals in Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) (N = 20) was conducted in November 2016 through facility audit using a structured checklist. Data collectors verified the availability and functioning of the required items through observation and interview with the heads of labour and delivery case team. An overall mean score of structural quality was calculated considering domain scores such as general infrastructure, human resource and essential drugs, supplies, equipment and laboratory services. Summary statistics such as proportion, mean and standard deviation were computed to describe the degree of adherence of the hospitals to the standards related to structural quality of routine labour and delivery care.
Results

One third of hospitals had low readiness to provide quality routine L&D care, with only two approaching near fulfilment of all the standards. Hospitals had fulfilled 68.5% of the standards for the structural aspects of quality of L&D care. Of the facility audit criteria, the availability of essential equipment and supplies for infection prevention scored the highest (88.8%), followed by safety, comfort and woman friendliness of the environment (78.9%). Availability skilled health professionals and quality management practices scored 72.5% each, while availability of the required items of general infrastructure was 64.6%. The two critical domains with the lowest score were availability of essential drugs, supplies and equipment (52.2%); and laboratory services and safe blood supply (50%).
Conclusion

Substantial capacity gaps were observed in the hospitals challenging the provision of quality routine L&D care services, with only two thirds of required resources available. The largest gaps were in laboratory services and safe blood, and essential drugs, supplies and equipment. The results suggest the need to ensure that all public hospitals in SNNPR meet the required structure to enable the provision of quality routine L&D care with emphases on the identified gaps.
Cereal Grain 3D Point Cloud Analysis Method For Shape Extraction And Filled/Unfilled Grain Identification Based On Structured Light Imaging
Authors: Qin Zhijie , Zhang Zhongfu , Hua Xiangdong , Yang Wanneng , Liang Xiuying , Zhai Ruifang , huang Chenglong
Published: September 2021

Cereals are the main food for mankind. The grain shape extraction and filled/unfilled grain recognition are meaningful for crop breeding and genetic analysis. The conventional measuring method is mainly manual, which is inefficient, labor-intensive and subjective. Therefore, a novel method was proposed to extract the phenotypic traits of cereal grains based on point clouds. First, a structured light scanner was used to obtain the grains point cloud data. Then, the single grain segmentation was accomplished by image preprocessing, plane fitting, region growth clustering. The length, width, thickness, surface area and volume was calculated by the specified analysis algorithms for grain point cloud. To demonstrate this method, experimental materials included rice, wheat and corn were tested. Compared with manual measurement results, the average measurement error of grain length, width and thickness was 2.07%, 0.97%, 1.13%, and the average measurement efficiency was about 9.6 seconds per grain. In addition, the grain identification model was conducted with 25 grain phenotypic traits, using 6 machine learning methods. The results showed that the best accuracy for filled/unfilled grain classification was 90.184%.The accuracy for indica and japonica identification was about 99.785%,while for different varieties identification was only 47.252%. Therefore, this method was proved to be an efficient and effective way for crop research.
Modeling Energy Depletion in Rat Livers Using Nash Equilibrium Metabolic Pathway Analysis
Authors: Lucia Angelo , Ferrarese Emily , Uygun Korkut
Published: September 2021

The current gold standard of Static Cold Storage (SCS), which is static cold storage on ice (about +4°C) in a specialized media such as the University of Wisconsin solution (UW), limits storage to few hours for vascular and metabolically active tissues such as the liver and the heart. The liver is arguably the pinnacle of metabolism in human body and therefore metabolic pathway analysis immediately becomes very relevant. In this article, a Nash Equilibrium (NE) approach, which is a first principles approach, is used to model and simulate the static cold storage of a proposed model of liver cells. Simulations of energy depletion in the liver in static cold storage measured by ATP content and energy charge are presented along with comparisons to experimental data. In addition, conversion of Nash Equilibrium iterations to time are described along with an uncertainty analysis for the parameters in the model. Results in this work show that the Nash Equilibrium approach provides a good match to experimental data for energy depletion and that the uncertainty in model parameters is very small with percent variances less than 0.1%.
Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity Is Correlated With Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Yagi Chisako , Kusunoki Yoshiki , Tsunoda Taku , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Osugi Keiko , Ohigashi Mana , Morimoto Akiko , Miyoshi Akio , Kakutani-Hatayama Miki , Kosaka-Hamamoto Kae , Kadoya Manabu , Konishi Kosuke , Shoji Takuhito , Koyama Hidenori
Published: September 2021

The enzyme xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) catalyzes the formation of uric acid (UA) from hypoxanthine and xanthine, which in turn are products of purine metabolism starting from ribose-5-phosphate. Several studies suggested a relationship between hyperuricemia and hepatic steatosis; however, few previous studies have directly examined the relationship between XOR and hepatic steatosis. A total of 223 subjects with one or more cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled. Hepatic steatosis was calculated according to the liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio on computed tomography and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI). We measured a plasma XOR activity assay using a newly established highly sensitive assay based on [13C2, 15N2] xanthine and liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. XOR activity and the UA level were increased in subjects with L/S ratio <1.1 and HSI <36. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that plasma XOR activity was associated with the risk of hepatic steatosis as assessed by the L/S ratio and HSI independently of insulin resistance, whereas UA levels were not associated with risk of hepatic steatosis. The results of this study indicated that plasma XOR activity is associated with hepatic steatosis independently of insulin resistance and serum UA levels.
Non-linear Relationships Between Density and Demographic Traits of Aedes
Authors: Sauers Logan A. , Hawes Kelsey E. , Juliano Steven A.
Published: September 2021

Understanding the relationship of population dynamics to density is central to many ecological investigations. Despite the importance of density-dependence in determining population growth, the empirical relationship between density and per capita growth remains understudied in most systems and is often assumed to be linear. In experimental studies of interspecific competition, investigators often evaluate the predicted outcomes by assuming such linear relationships, fitting linear functions, and estimating parameters of competition models. In this paper, we tested experimentally the shape of the relationship between estimated population rate of change and initial density using laboratory-reared populations of three mosquito species. We estimated per capita growth rate for these experimental populations over a thirty-fold range of larval densities at a standard resource abundance. We then compared fits of linear models and several different nonlinear models for the relationship of estimated rate of change and density. We find that that the relationship between density and per capita growth is strongly non-linear in all three mosquitoes. Components of population growth (survivorship, development time, adult size) are also nonlinearly related to initial density. The causes and consequences of this nonlinearity are likely to be important issues for population and community ecology.
Evaluation of the Meibomian Glands Using the Tear Interferometer Wearing Orthokeratology Lenses
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Hwang Gyudeok , Ha Minji , Kim Hyun-Seung , Han Kyungdo , Na Kyung-Sun
Published: September 2021

Background : To investigate the impact of orthokeratology wear on meibomian glands in Korean pediatric population using the tear interferometer. Methods : Fifty-three orthokeratology wearers and 79 non-lens wearers were evaluated using the LipiView® II ocular surface interferometer which shows incomplete blink rate, average lipid layer thickness, and meiboscores.Results : No significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores for upper eyelids, but the lipid layer thickness and meiboscores for lower eyelids were significantly higher in the Ortho-K group than in the control group (p = 0.024 and 0.007, respectively). Correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between the duration of orthokeratology wear and the parameters measured by LipiView® (p > 0.05 for all). Among subgroups based on average duration of lens wear, the longer duration (≥24 months) subgroup showed higher meiboscores of lower eyelids (p = 0.011), but no other significant differences. Conclusions : Ortho-K wearers showed no significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores of upper eyelids, but they were associated with increased LLT and higher meiboscores of lower eyelids. Thorough examination and close monitoring of orthokeratology wearers is necessary. Prospective and observational studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between Orthokeratology and meibomian glands.
Differential Bone Metabolism and Protein Expression in Mice Fed a High-Fat diet Versus Pre-Hibernation Fattening in Daurian Ground Squirrels: A Comparison Between Pathological and Healthy Obesity
Authors: Gao Xuli , Shen Shenyang , Niu Qiaohua , Miao Weilan , Han Yuting , Hao Ziwei , An Ning , Yang Yingyu , Zhang Yu , Zhang Han , Storey Kenneth B , Chang Hui
Published: September 2021

Background

This study compared effects on bone metabolism and morphology of pathological obesity induced by excessive fat intake in a non-hibernator (mice) versus healthy obesity due to pre-hibernation fattening in a hibernator (ground squirrels).
Methods

Kunming mice were fed a high-fat diet for 3 months to provide a model of pathological obesity (OB group). Daurian ground squirrels fattened naturally in their pre-hibernation season (PRE group) were used as a healthy obesity model. Body weight and adipose tissue wet weight were measured. Micro-computed tomography and three-point bending tests were used to determine the microstructure and mechanical properties of bone. Western blots were used to analyze protein expression levels related to bone formation (RunX2, OCN, ALP), bone resorption (RANKL, Cathepsin K, MMP9) and Wnt signaling (P-β-catenin, GSK-3β).
Results

Micro-CT showed that there was no obvious bone loss in the OB group, compared with controls, whereas bone formation in the PRE group was enhanced, compared to summer-active squirrels. Results of three-point bending tests showed that stiffness of the femur in OB mice was significantly enhanced, whereas the mechanical properties of bone in the PRE group did not change. Analysis of bone protein expression showed significantly increased expression levels of ALP, OCN, RANKL, MMP9, Cathepsin K, GSK-3β and P-β-catenin in OB mice, but RunX2 expression did not change. By contrast, PRE ground squirrels, showed significantly increased expression of most proteins except for OCN that decreased significantly, and P-β-catenin that did not change.
Conclusion

For non-hibernating mice, moderate obesity had a certain protective effect on bones, demonstrating two-way regulation, enhancing both bone loss and bone formation, so that bone metabolism was at a higher level of metabolic balance. For pre-hibernating ground squirrels, the healthy obesity acquired before hibernation had a positive effect on the microstructure of bones and also enhanced the expression levels of proteins related to bone formation, bone resorption and Wnt signaling.
Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Undernutrition Among Married Nepalese Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Chaudhary Arun , Nakarmi Janet , Goodman Annekathryn
Published: September 2021

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is well recognized as a human rights violation and a serious global health issue that has affected about a third of worldwide women at any given time. It is defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a spouse or an intimate partner. Its short and long-term detrimental effects on women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health are well-documented. However, its effect on nutritional status is not well-studied, and previous studies have led to contradictory findings. This study aimed to explore the association between intimate partner violence and undernutrition among married Nepalese women of reproductive age.MethodThe 2016 Nepal Demographic Health Survey data was used in this study. This study used a modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale to determine women’s exposure to IPV, and anemia and low body mass index as the proxies of undernutrition. Prevalence of IPV, anemia, and underweight were calculated across sociodemographic characteristics, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between IPV and undernutrition.ResultsAmong 3476 women included in this study, the prevalence of physical, sexual, and emotional IPVs were 21.75%, 7.42%, and 12.31% respectively. 13.78% of women were underweight and 38.95% were anemic. The adjusted odds ratio of physical, sexual, and emotional IPV survivors of being underweight were 1.06 (95% CI: 0.95–1.17), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.73–1.25), and 1.14 (95% CI: 0.89–1.43) respectively. The adjusted odds ratio of being anemic for physical, sexual, and emotional IPV survivors was 1.01 (95% CI: 0.93–1.09), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.02–1.52), and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.76–1.11) respectively.ConclusionNone of the three IPV types was significantly associated with being underweight. Among the three IPV types, only sexual IPV (SIPV) was significantly associated with anemia, meaning the increase in SIPV score by 1, which is experiencing an additional form of SIPV, increased SIPV survivors' odds of being anemic by 24%. Therefore, IPV screening should be a part of regular healthcare assessment for undernourished married women, especially for those who are anemic, and appropriate support should be offered to IPV survivors.
Health-related quality of life in multiple system atrophy using EQ-5D-5L: a large cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Xiao Yi , Zhang Lingyu , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Yang Tianmi , Shang HuiFang
Published: September 2021

Background
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, featuring autonomic failure plus parkinsonism and/or cerebellar ataxia. These symptoms impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of MSA.
Objective
We aimed to evaluate the HRQoL of MSA with a preference-based instrument, the five-level EuroQol five-dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), for the first time.
Methods
EQ-5D-5L was used to evaluate the HRQoL. The result of HRQoL was displayed as heath utility index and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) score. Specific scales were used to measure the disease severity, cognition, frontal lobe function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disorders. The forward logistic model was used to explore the determinants of HRQoL in MSA.
Results
A total of 205 patients with cerebellar variant (MSA-C, 53.9%) and 175 patients with parkinsonian variant (MSA-P, 46.1%) patients were included in the study. The mean scores of the health utility index and EQ-VAS were 0.558 and 59.5, respectively. Mobility was reported by the largest proportion (92.1%) of MSA patients, followed by usual activities (88.7%), self-care (81.3%), anxiety/depression (72.1%), and pain/discomfort (53.9%). The determinants of the lower health utility index in MSA were female sex, greater total Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) scores, fatigue, and Parkinson's disease-related sleep problems (PD-SP). Lower EQ-VAS score was associated with greater total UMSARS scores, fatigue, PD-SP, and anxiety symptom. MSA-P patients reported more frequent problems in pain/discomfort than MSA-C patients, while MSA-C patients reported more problems in mobility than MSA-P patients.
Conclusion
Patients with MSA had poor HRQoL evaluated by EQ-5D-5L. The most frequent affected problem is mobility in the Chinese MSA population. Besides the severity of MSA, fatigue, PD-SP and anxiety were determinants for poor HRQoL. Our research provides important information to improve the health status of patients with MSA.
Microencapsulated essential oils combined with organic acids improves immune antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function as well as modulates the hindgut microbial community in piglets
Authors: Ma Jiayu , Long Shenfei , Wang Jian , Gao Jie , Piao Xiangshu
Published: September 2021

Background
The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a combination of microencapsulated essential oils and organic acids (MOA) on growth performance, immuno-antioxidant status, intestinal barrier function and microbial structure of the hindgut in piglets. A total of 120 piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]; weighted 7.66 ± 1.79 kg, weaned at d 28) were randomly selected and allocated to 3 treatments with 4 replicates per group and 10 piglets per replicate according to the initial body weight and gender. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) basal diet (Ctrl); 2) Ctrl + chlortetracycline (75 mg/kg) (AGP); 3) Ctrl + MOA (1,500 mg/kg). The experiment period was lasted for 21 d.
Results
Compared to the Ctrl group, dietary supplemented MOA alleviated (P < 0.05) the diarrhea rate from d 12 to 21, enhanced (P < 0.05) the concentration of serum interlukin-10 and glutathione peroxidase in piglets on d 11 after weaning and serum superoxide dismutase in 21d-piglets. The MOA group also improved (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and gross energy (GE), up-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression level of occludin, claudin-1 and mucin-2 in ileum and increased (P < 0.05) the contents of propionic and butyric acids in the cecum of piglets. The MOA group modulated the cecal and colonic microbial community structure and increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Muribaculaceae in cecum and Streptococcus and Weissella in colon. Additionally, AGP group decreased (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility of DM, OM and GE as well as down-regulated (P < 0.05) relative gene expression level of claudin-1 in duodenum and jejunum, ZO-1 and mucin-1 in jejunum of piglets.
Conclusion
In brief, dietary supplemented MOA alleviated diarrhea and improved nutrient apparent digestibility in piglets via enhancing immuno-antioxidant properties, increasing digestive enzyme activity, up-regulating the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes, and modifying the microbial community structure of the cecum and colon. Therefore, dietary supplementation with MOA as an alternative to antibiotics was feasible to improve intestinal health of piglets in practical production.
Association between exercise self-efficacy and health-related quality of life among dialysis patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liao Jing , Zhang Weihong , Wang Hui , Huang Liuyan , Zhang Huachun
Published: September 2021

Background

Given the importance of exercise self-efficacy in the process of quality of life change, this study aimed to describe the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in dialysis patients.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai, China. Structured questionnaires applied to the patients collected basic information about gender, age, marital status, education, and income for socio-demographic and body mass index, causes for end-stage renal disease, dialysis modality, and dialysis vintage for the disease-related factors. Physical activity was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Exercise self-efficacy was measured through the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Health-related quality of life was evaluated by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form version 1.3 (KDQOL-SF™ v1.3). Data were analyzed using a univariate generalized linear model, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression.
Results

A positive association was observed between exercise self-efficacy and HRQOL (r = 0.310, P < 0.001). Physical activity as predictor variables explained 9.8% of the variance in overall HRQOL (P < 0.001). Exercise self-efficacy explained an additional 7.1% of the HRQOL variance. In total, 24.6% of the variation in the HRQOL is explained by the socio-demographic variables, disease-related factors, physical activity, and exercise self-efficacy.
Conclusion

Overall, only 16.9% of the change in HRQOL was explained by physical activity and exercise self-efficacy. Future research is still needed to explore further the factors influencing the quality of life in dialysis patients. However, this finding suggests the need to consider the importance of HRQOL and physical activity as well as exercise self-efficacy when developing intervention programs.