bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering and Economic Perspective in The Production of Cu Nano
Authors: Yuliandini Annisa , Nandiyanto Asep Bayu Dani
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the production of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) on an industrial scale in an engineering perspective and economic evaluation perspective. Energy is needed because of various energy related applications. Evaluation of Cu nanoparticle production in an engineering perspective is carried out from the selection of processes that are adapted to industrial scale, calculation of mass balance, to the adjustment of commercially available equipment. Evaluation of production from an economic point of view is done by calculating economic parameters: Gross Profit Margin, Internal Return Rate, Payback Period, Cumulative Net Present Value, Profitability Index, and Break Even Point. Briefly from the production process, we use Copper acetate hydrate (CuAc2.2H2O) (as a source of Cu), Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene-(80)-sorbitan monooleate) and ethylene glycol (as a reducing agent). The engineering viewpoint shows this process is capable of producing Cu nanoparticles which can be used as conductive nanoionic. Economic evaluation determines the process is beneficial, discussing with positive values ​​all economic parameters. However, for some variations this process is not profitable, so economic evaluation is needed.
COVID-19 Treatment: Close to a Cure? – A Rapid Review of Pharmacotherapies for the Novel Coronavirus
Authors: Song Yang , Zhang Min , Yin Ling , Wang Kunkun , Zhou Yiyi , Zhou Mi , Lu Yun
Published: March 2020

Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 proven by clinical trials. WHO and CDC guidelines therefore endorse supportive care only. However, frontline clinicians have been applying several virus-based and host-based therapeutics in order to combat SARS-CoV-2. Medications from COVID-19 case reports, observational studies and the COVID-19 Treatment Guideline issued by the China's National Health Commission (7th edition published March 3rd, 2020. Edited translation attached) are evaluated in this review. Key evidence from relevant in vitro researches, animal models and clinical studies in SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are examined. Antiviral therapies remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir and umifenovir, if considered, could be initiated before the peak of viral replication for optimal outcomes. Ribavirin may be beneficial as an add-on therapy and is ineffective as a monotherapy. Corticosteroids use should be limited without indicating comorbidities. IVIG is not recommended due to lack of data in COVID-19. Xuebijing may benefit patients with complications of bacterial pneumonia or sepsis. The efficacy of interferon is unclear due to conflicting outcomes in SARS and MERS studies. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have shown in vitro inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and may be beneficial as both prophylactic and treatment therapy. For patients who developed cytokine release syndrome, interleukin-6 inhibitors may be beneficial. Given the rapid disease spread and increasing mortality, active treatment with readily available medications may be considered timely prior to disease progression.
The SOS Platform: Designing, Tuning and Statistically Benchmarking Optimisation Algorithms
Authors: Caraffini Fabio
Published: March 2020

The Stochastic Optimisation Software (SOS) is a Java platform facilitating the algorithmic design process and the evaluation of metaheuristic optimisation algorithms. It reduces the burden of coding miscellaneous methods for dealing with several bothersome and time-demanding tasks such as parameter tuning, implementation of comparison algorithms and testbed problems, collecting and processing data to display results, measuring algorithmic overhead, etc. SOS provides numerous off-the-shelf methods including 1) customised implementations of statistical tests, such as the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test and the Holm-Bonferroni procedure, for comparing performances of optimisation algorithms and automatically generate result tables in PDF and LaTeX formats; 2) the implementation of an original advanced statistical routine for accurately comparing couples of stochastic optimisation algorithms; 3) the implementation of a novel testbed suite for continuous optimisation, derived from the IEEE CEC 2014 benchmark, allowing for controlled activation of the rotation operator. each testbed function. Moreover, this article comments on the current state of the literature in stochastic optimisation and highlights similarities shared by modern metaheuristics inspired by nature. It is argued that the vast majority of these algorithms are simply a reformulation of the same methods and that metaheuristics for optimisation should be simply treated as stochastic processes with less emphasis on the inspiring metaphor behind them.
PATRIOTISME DALAM SYAIR BITAQAH HAWIYYAH KARYA MAHMUD DARWISY
Authors: Arwan Muhammad Sayyidul , Ukhrawiyah Faizetul
Published: March 2020

Puisi merupakan media sastra yang sangat padat akan sebuah makna. Puisi juga sebagai media penyampai ide atau gagasan seorang penyair yang ingin disampaikan pada pembaca. Pada tulisan ini penulis akan menyampaikan paparan pemaknaan puisi “Bitaqah Hawiyyah” karya Mahmud Darwisy dengan menggunakan kajian semiotika. Pada tulisan ini pemaparan menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan cara penelitian pustaka dan memakai teori semiotika Riffaterre. Rumusan masalah pada tulisan ini yaitu bagaimana bentuk kesatuan struktur makna pada puisi “Bitaqah Hawiyyah” karya Mahmud Darwisy dengan menggunakan kajian semiotika Riffaterre. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui bentuk kesatuan struktur makna pada puisi “Bitaqah Hawiyyah” karya Mahmud Darwisy dengan menggunakan kajian semiotika Riffaterre. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah bentuk kesatuan struktur makna pada puisi puisi “Bitaqah Hawiyyah” karya Mahmud Darwisy yaitu Nasionalisme dan Patriotisme yang terwujud pada kebanggaan, kecintaan dan pemertahanan pada identitas, tanah air dan kepemilikan.
AN ANALYSIS SLANG LANGUAGE FOUND IN KELUARGA BESAR GROUP WHATSAPP
Authors: D.P.L Benany Yohanes
Published: March 2020

This study was conducted to examine the types of slang words and the meaning of slang language used by members of Keluarga Besar group whatsapp. This research includes morphology and phonology. To find out types of slang in terms of phonology, Chrystal (1992) was employed to analyze the data. The researcher also used theory from Harimurti Kridaksana (1989) to analysis the tetun slang language in terms of morphology. From the analysis 17th September until 17th November 2019 used the theory from crystal (1992), it was found that from four types of slang languages in terms of phonology, there are three kinds of slang languages applied by the members of Keluarga Besar group whatsapp. 115 times of occurrence was found in their conversations, divided into: addition (15), replacement (2), sound transposition divided as: word reversal (80), PVB (14), insert one letter (2), sound change (2). While for morphology process,it was found that from four types of slang words in terms of morphology, there are two kinds of slang language applied by the members of Keluarga Besar group whatsapp. 13 times of occurrence was found in their conversations divided into: prefix (11), infix (1), and reduplication (2).
Optimization of Items Production using Fuzzy Logic Mamdani Methods
Authors: Nasution Vani Maharani , Prakarsa Graha
Published: March 2020

The availability of a production item is still difficult to monitor by the company, because the system used still relies on manual calculations from employees of the company. Assisting the company in predicting the availability of production goods effectively then used the fuzzy logic calculations. During this time the availability of production goods in Salman Collection is seen from customer's request. This makes the company not get the maximum profit because there is no planning the amount of production of goods, if the number of products manufactured by the company is less than the number of requests then the company will lose the opportunity to Gain maximum profit. Conversely, if the number of products produced is much more than the number of requests then the company will suffer losses. Application of goods production optimization using Fuzzy logic Mamdani method is an application intended to solve the problem of goods production in Salman Collection is uncertain. Implementing Fuzzy logic on solving the problem of production goods can help the company to optimize the production of goods. The construction of this application the company can determine the amount of production that corresponds to consumer demand and by applying Fuzzy logic Mamdani methods Most of the demand in Salman Collection is fulfilled and more optimal than With the old system or the amount in production by the company.
A partial mediation effect of father-child attachment and self-esteem between parental marital conflict and subsequent features of internet gaming disorder in children: a 12-month follow-up study
Authors: Jeong Hyunsuk , Yim Hyeon Woo , Lee Seung-Yup , Lee Hae Koo , Potenza Marc N , Jo Sun-jin , Son Hye Jung
Published: March 2020

Background

This study evaluated whether parent-child attachment and self-esteem may mediate the relationship between parental marital conflict and increases in features of internet gaming disorder (IGD) in children at one year.

Methods

The baseline and one-year follow-up data for 268 pre-teens aged between 9 and 10 from the Internet User Cohort for Unbiased Recognition of Gaming Disorder in Early Adolescence (iCURE) study were collected. The students were children at low risk for IGD in the initial self-reported assessment, anyone living with both parents, current game user at baseline, and those who completed a 12-month follow-up assessment. The Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen (IGUESS) was used to identify increases in IGD features at 12 months. To examine a potential mediation effect, structural equation modeling was performed.

Results

The direct effect was statistically significant, and parental marital conflict at baseline significantly predicted the increases in IGD features in children at the 12-month follow-up after adjusting for gender, sex, socioeconomic status, and baseline IGUESS score (ß=0.206, P=0.003). The indirect effect showed that attachment to fathers through self-esteem was a significant mediating effect (ß=0.078, P=0.045). Parental marital conflicts were associated with increases in IGD features in children through poor father-child attachment, and in turn, the lower levels of self-esteem in the children.

Conclusions

Parents, especially fathers, should make an effort to bond with their children to reduce the risk of their children’s developing the IGD features.
Smoking is Associated with a Higher Risk of Unplanned Medical Visits among Adult Patients with Diabetes, using Retrospective Electronic Medical Record Data from 2014-2016
Authors: Selya Arielle , Johnson Eric L , Weber Tess L , Russo Jaymi , Stansbury Cheryl , Anshutz Drake , Griese Emily , Hsu Benson
Published: March 2020

Background

Smoking exacerbates the complications of diabetes, but little is known about whether patients with diabetes who smoke have more unplanned medical visits than those who do not smoke. This study examines the association between smoking status and unplanned medical visits among patients with diabetes.

Methods

Data were drawn from electronic medical records (EMR’s) from a large healthcare provider in the Northern Plains region of the US, from adult (≥18 years old) patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who received care at least once during 2014-16 ( N =62,149). The association between smoking status (current, former, or never smoker) and having ≥1 unplanned visit (comprised of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, hospital observations, and urgent care) was examined after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). The top ten most common diagnoses for unplanned visits were examined by smoking status.

Results

Both current and former smoking were associated with an approximately 1.2-fold increase in the odds of having at least one unplanned medical visit in the 3-year period (OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.16-129; OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.19-1.28, respectively), relative to never-smokers. Most common diagnoses for all patients were pain-related. However, diagnoses related to musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders were more common among smokers. Smoking is associated with a higher rate of unplanned medical visits among patients with diabetes in this regional healthcare system.

Conclusions

Results from this study reveal higher rates of unplanned visits among smokers and former smokers, as well as increased frequencies of unplanned medical visits among current smokers.
Prevalence and determinants of modern contraceptive utilization among rural lactating mothers: Findings from the primary health care project in two northwest Ethiopian districts
Authors: Derso Terefe , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Yitayal Mezgebu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke , Alemu Kassahun , Demissie Getu Debalkie , Wolde Hailab Fekadu , Dellie Endalkachew , Azale Telake , Misganaw Bisrat , Kebede Adane , Fetene Destaw , Gebremdhin Tsegaye , Atnafu Asmamaw
Published: March 2020

Background : Contraceptive utilization is a guarantee to avert unwanted pregnancies. In Ethiopia however, more than half of the rural women have shorter birth intervals. Consequently, 17% and 8% of the births have been either mistimed (wanted at later date) or unwanted, respectively. Therefore, this study investigated modern contraceptive utilization and its predictors among rural lactating women. Methods : A community based-cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to June 29, 2019, in Dabat and Gondar zuria districts, northwest Ethiopia. Data from 603 lactating mother were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were fitted to identify the independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization. Results : The overall prevalence of modern contraceptive (MC) utilization rate was 45.8% [95% CI: 38.01, 53.59]. The contraceptive method mix was dominated by Depo-Provera (39.8%) followed by implants (4.8%). The odds of utilization of contraceptive were 5.58 times higher among mothers of children with fully immunized [AOR=5.58, 95% CI: 3.45, 9.01] compared to mothers whose children were vaccinated partially or not at all. Mothers who received antenatal [AOR= 1.74, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.43] and postnatal care [AOR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.24, 2.91) were 1.74 and 2.02 folds more likely to utilize modern contraceptives than mothers who did not receive such care, respectively. Conclusion : The prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization in this study area was lower than the planed national target. In the region, child immunization service is one of the promising platforms for reaching lactating mothers with modern contraceptive utilization. Our findings suggest that antenatal and postnatal care visits are the other key determinants of modern contraceptive utilization. Thus, in low-resource settings like ours, the health system approaches to improved antenatal and, postnatal care and child immunization services should be intensified with more effective advice on modern contraceptive utilization to reduce unwanted pregnancies. Key words : Contraceptive utilization, postnatal care, Child immunization
Creatine kinase elevation after robotic surgery for rectal cancer due to a prolonged lithotomy position
Authors: Tsuchiya Yuki , Munakata Shinya , Tsukamoto Ryoichi , Okazawa Yu , Mizukoshi Kosuke , Sugimoto Kiichi , Takahashi Makoto , Kojima Yutaka , Tomiki Yuichi , Sakamoto Kazuhiro
Published: March 2020

Background Robotic surgery for rectal cancer, which is now performed worldwide, can be associated with elevated creatine kina se levels postoperatively. In this study, we compared postoperative complications between patients undergoing robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Methods We identified 66 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for rectal cancer at Juntendo University Hospital between January 2016 and February 2019. Patients were divided into a conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) group (n = 38) and a robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) group (n = 28) before comparing various clinicodemographic factors between the groups. Results Patient age and gender, surgical approach (CLS/RALS), pathological T factor, pathological stage, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were not significantly different between the RALS and CLS groups. However, the operation time was significantly longer in the RALS group (407 min) than in the CLS group ( 295 min; p < 0.001 ). Notably, the serum level of creatine kinase on postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in the CLS group (154 IU/L) than in the RALS group (525 IU/L; p < 0.001), despite there being no significant differences in the incidence of rhabdomyolysis. The multivariate analysis showed that RALS/CLS (HR 6.0 95% CI 1.3–27.5, p = 0.02) and operation time (HR 15.9 95% CI 3.79–67.4, p = 0.001) remained independent factors of CK elevation on postoperative day 1. Conclusions Clinically relevant positioning injuries and rhabdomyolysis may occur in patients who are subjected to a prolonged and extreme Trendelenburg position or who have extra force applied to the abdominal wall because of remote center displacement. The creatine kinase value should therefore be measured after RALS to monitor for the sequelae of these potential positioning injuries.
Quality of Life in chronic musculoskeletal symptomatic Chilean population: Secondary analysis of National Health Survey 2009-2010
Authors: Mena-Iturriaga Maria Jesus , Mauri-Stecca Manuel Vicente , Sizer Phillip S. , Leppe Jaime
Published: March 2020

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is defined as the patient's perception of their health status. HRQoL can be modified by illnesses, treatments or social and health policies. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a modifying factor of HRQoL that leads to lower quality of life, elevated suffering and disability. Knowing HRQoL in subjects reporting chronic musculoskeletal symptoms (cMSS), like pain, discomfort or swollenness lasting more than 3 months, will provide information to health teams and organizations engaged in the Chilean health system. This study aim was to determine the relationship between HRQoL and musculoskeletal symptoms measured in three different Chilean groups: (1) without symptoms; (2) with acute symptoms; and (3) with cMSS. Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2009-10 Chilean National Health Survey (NHS) was executed to determine the relationship between HRQoL (measured with SF-12) in three MSS groups. The Chilean NHS considered a national, probabilistic, stratified and multistage sample of 5,293 participants aged 15 and older; it was representative at the national, urban-rural and regional levels. A multivariate logistic regression model studied the relationship between cMSS and HRQoL, adjusted for age, sex, educational level and residence area as control variables (p<0.05). Results: Out of 5,293 participants in the NHS 2009-10, 5,276 subjects were included for analysis. The median age was 46 years (IQR 31-60), 59.4% women, a median of 10 years formal education (IQR 7-12) and an urban residence in 85.2% of the population of the NHS 2009-10. The observed population prevalence of people with cMSS was 42.6% (95% CI 40.4 - 44.9). Presence of cMSS is a risk factor for low HRQoL, exhibited both in the physical (OR 3.1 95% CI 2.7-3.5) and mental (OR 1.9 95% CI 1.6-2,) HRQoL dimensions, independent of control variables. Conclusions: Physical and mental HRQoL are affected in people with cMSS, low educational level and advanced age. This is especially seen in women. This information will facilitate assessment and treatment of cMSS as a prevalent and multidimensional health problem.
How do 66 European Institutional Review Boards approve one protocol for an International Prospective Observational study on traumatic brain injury? Experiences from the CENTER-TBI study.
Authors: Timmers Marjolein , Dijck Jeroen Van , Wijk Roel van , Legrand Valerie , Veen Ernest van , Maas Andrew , Menon David , Citerio Guiseppe , Stocchetti Nino , Kompanje Erwin
Published: March 2020

Background:The European Union (EU) aims to optimize patient protection and efficiency of health-care research by harmonizing procedures across Member States. Nonetheless, further improvements are required to increase multicenter research efficiency. We investigated IRB procedures in a large prospective European multicenter study on traumatic brain injury (TBI), aiming to inform and stimulate initiatives to improve efficiency.
Methods: We reviewed relevant documents regarding IRB submission and IRB approval from European neurotrauma centers participating in the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI). Documents included detailed information on IRB procedures and the duration from IRB submission until approval(s). They were translated and analyzed to determine the level of harmonization of IRB procedures within Europe.
Results:From 18 countries, 66 centers provided the requested documents. The primary IRB review was conducted centrally (N=11, 61%) or locally (N=7, 39%) and primary IRB approval was obtained after one (N=8, 44%), two (N=6, 33%) or three (N=4, 23%) review rounds with a median duration of respectively 50 and 98 days until primary IRB approval. Additional central IRB approval was required in 55% of countries and increased duration to 535 days. Total duration from submission until required IRB approval was obtained was 114 days (IQR 75-224) and appeared to be shorter after submission to local IRBs compared to central IRBs (50 vs. 138 days, p=0.0074).
Conclusion:We found variation in IRB procedures between and within European countries. There were differences in submission and approval requirements, number of review rounds and total duration. Research collaborations could benefit from the implementation of more uniform legislation and regulation while acknowledging local cultural habits and moral values between countries.
Effect of flavophospholipol on fecal microbiota in weaned pigs challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Nair Saranya , Farzan Vahab , Weese J Scott , Poljak Zvonimir , Friendship Robert M
Published: March 2020

Background
The heightened prevalence of Salmonella Typhimurium remains a public health and food safety concern. Studies have reported antibiotic, flavophospholipol, may have the ability to reduce Salmonella in swine, as well as alter the gut microbiota in favour of beneficial bacteria by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the fecal microbiota of weaned pigs receiving in-feed flavophospholipol and challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium.
Results
Twenty-one weaned pigs were fed either a diet containing 4 ppm of flavophospholipol (treatment group) or a non-medicated feed (control group) for 36 days post-weaning (Day 1 to Day 36). The pigs were orally challenged with a 2 mL dose of 10 8 CFU/mL of S. Typhimurium at Day 7 and Day 8. Community bacterial DNA extracted from fecal samples collected at Day 6 (before challenge) and Day 36 (28 days after challenge) were used to assess the fecal microbiota using the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene with Illumina MiSeq next-generation sequencing. Sequencing data were visualized using mothur and analyzed in JMP and R software. The fecal microbiota of pigs in the treatment group had differences in abundance of phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria) and genera ( Lactobacillus, Roseburia , Treponema, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Blautia , Streptococcus , Megasphaera , Dorea , Sporobacter , Peptococcus , unclassified Firmicutes, Clostridium IV and Campylobacter) when compared to pigs that were controls, 28 days after challenge with Salmonella ( P <0.05). Specifically, results demonstrated a significant increase in phylum Proteobacteria ( P= 0.001) and decrease in Firmicutes ( P =0.012) and genus Roseburia ( P =0.003) in the treated pigs suggestive of possible microbial dysbiosis. An increased abundance of genera Lactobacillus ( P =0.012) was also noted in the treated group in comparison to the control.
Conclusion
Based on these findings, it is difficult to conclude whether treatment with 4 ppm of flavophospholipol is promoting favorable indigenous bacteria in the pig microbiota as previous literature has suggested.
A study on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in the chloroformic and methanolic extracts of 6 important medicinal plants collected from North of Iran
Authors: Ghahari Somayeh , Hadadi Zahra , Nematzadeh Ghorban Ali
Published: March 2020

Background: as possible sources of natural bioactive molecules, the plant essential oils and extracts have been used globally in new antimicrobial compounds, food preservatives, and alternatives to treat infectious disease.Methods: In this research, the antimicrobial activities of chloroformic and methanolic extracts of Sophora flavescens, Rhaponticum repens, Alhagi maurorum, Melia azedarach, Peganum harmala, and Juncus conglomeratus were evaluated against 8 bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, R. toxicus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, P. syringae, X. campestris, P. viridiflava) and 3 fungi (Pyricularia oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea), through disc diffusion method. Furthermore, the essential oils of plants with the highest antibacterial activity were analyzed utilizing GC/MS. Moreover, the tested plants were exposed to screening for possible antioxidant effect utilizing DPPH test, guaiacol peroxidas, and catalase enzymes. Besides, the amount of total phenol and flavonoid of these plants was measured. Results: Among the tested plants, methanolic and chloroformic extracts of P. harmala fruits showed the highest antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. Besides, the investigation of free radical scavenging effects of the tested plants indicated the highest DPPH, protein, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase in P. harmala, M. azedarach, J. conglomeratus fruits, and J. conglomeratus fruits, respectively. In addition, the phytochemical analysis demonstrated the greatest amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid compositions in J. conglomeratus and P. harmala, respectively.Conclusion: The results indicated that these plants could act as a promising antimicrobial agent, due to their short killing time.
The prevalence of domestic violence and its association with family factors: A cross-sectional study among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, China
Authors: Zheng Baohua , Zhu Xidi , Hu Zhao , Zhou Wensu , Yu Yunhan , Yin Shilin , Xu Huilan
Published: March 2020

Background

With the increased vulnerability during pregnancy, domestic violence (DV) is a serious threat to the physical and mental health of pregnant women, making it a significant issue in public health initiatives. In China, family is of great significance to pregnant women, but few scholars have focused specifically on the relationship between the family factors of pregnant women and DV. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and association between family factors and DV among women in late pregnancy, to provide evidence for the prevention of domestic violence during pregnancy.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July-October, 2019 among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. A total of 813 participants were included by a multi-staged cluster random sampling method. DV was assessed by the Abuse Assessment Screen Questionnaire (AAS). A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between family factors and DV.

Results

Ultimately, 127 (15.62%) participants were identified as victims of DV. After adjustment, the potential risk factors of DV were tensions between their mother-in-law and other family members (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.29 to 6.30 and OR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.57 to 6.93), medium household debt (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18 to 4.00), middle and low family APGARI (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.13 and OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 2.09 to 7.69).

Conclusions

In summary, women in late pregnancy were at higher risk of DV in the family with tensions, medium household debt and family dysfunction, which may help medical personnel intervene in cases of domestic violence against pregnant women in a reasonable and timely manner.
General practice patients starting treatment for substance use problems: observations from two data sources across levels of care
Authors: Boffin Nicole , Antoine Jerome , Baelen Luk Van , Moreels Sarah , Doggen Kris
Published: March 2020

Background In Belgium, the incidence of treatment episodes for substance use problems is monitored by the Network of Sentinel General Practices (SGP) and by the Treatment Demand Indicator (TDI) surveillance at higher, specialist care levels. Using both data sources, we examine 1) how patients starting specialist treatment for substance use problems on referral by their GP compare to those that were referred by non-GP caregivers; 2) how patients starting GP treatment for substance use problems without receiving specialist treatment concurrently compare to those who do. Methods Both surveillances are based on the TDI protocol for reporting data to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) on persons starting treatment as a result of their substance use. Data from 2016 and 2017 were examined using 95% confidence intervals and multivariate logistic regression. Results According to TDI-data (n=16,543), determinants of being referred by a GP (versus by a non-GP caregiver) for specialist treatment were age ≥ median (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.13-1.38), education ≥ secondary level (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.15-1.41), recent employment (OR 1.71; 1.56-1.88), stable housing (3.62; 95% CI 3.08-4.26), first treatment episode (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.57-1.87), recent daily primary substance use (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.33-1.59) and mono substance use (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.04-1.48). Type of substance use was a significant determinant with higher odds of using pharmaceuticals (and alcohol) (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.04-1.48), and lower odds of using cannabis only/primarily (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.62-0.86), with reference to street drugs minus cannabis only/primarily. According to SGP data (n=314), determinants of starting GP treatment without concurrent specialist treatment were recent employment (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.36-4.91), first treatment episode (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.39-5.55) and living in the Brussels or Walloon region (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.06-3.66). Conclusions This study adds knowledge about the general practice population treated for substance use problems. It shows that both surveillances consistently found a relatively favourable profile of general practice patients with substance use problems.
Two-stage total hip arthroplasty for primary advanced septic arthritis of the hip in adults: comparison of debridement versus femoral head resection with spacer implantation
Authors: Li Zhenzhong , Wei Congcong , Li Xiangke , Yao Mengxuan , Li Huijie
Published: March 2020

Background: To compare the outcomes of debridement and total hip arthroplasty (THA) with antibiotic-loaded spacer implantation and subsequent THA for the treatment of patients affected by primary advanced septic arthritis (SA) of the hip in adults. Methods: All of the 20 patients (20 hips) underwent two-stage surgery. Nine patients were submitted to surgical debridement first, and then THA (group 1), while 11 patients were treated with antibiotic-loaded spacer and subsequent THA (group 2). Patients were evaluated based on the recurrence of infection, Harris hip score, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and leg-length discrepancy. Results: No cases of infection, deep vein thrombosis, death, and loosening of hip prosthesis were observed during follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 29.09 ± 10.80 months in group 1, and 28.22 ± 14.80 months in group 2. Before the THA surgery, the mean leg-length discrepancy was 2.80 ± 2.03 cm in group 1, and 0.50 ± 0.23 cm in group 2 (P < 0.05). In the latest follow-up, The Harris hip scores of patients was 90.33 ± 4.85 in group 1 and 94.36 ± 2.34 in group 2 (P < 0.05), respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in VAS pain score of the hip between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Antibiotic-loaded spacer and subsequent THA is an effective method for the treatment of advanced SA of the hip in adults due to it can control infection and significantly improve functional hip.
The association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease in a population-based cross-sectional case-control study
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Berglund Johan Sanmartin , Persson Rutger Gösta , Söderlin Maria K.
Published: March 2020

Objectives The association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis remains unclear. We studied oral health and periodontitis in a population-based case-control study of individuals with ≥ 10 remaining teeth ≥61 years of age and either with, or without a diagnosis of RA. Methods 126 dentate individuals with RA were recruited together with age-matched control individuals without RA. The control individuals were recruited from the general population from the same city (n=249). A dental examination including a panoramic radiograph was performed on all participants. All individuals with RA were examined and medical records were reviewed by a rheumatologist. In the control group, none of the participants presented with symptoms of RA and their medical records were also negative. Results The RA group included more women (66.7% vs. 55.8%) (p<0.01). Individuals in the RA group had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001). A diagnosis of periodontitis was more common in the RA group (61.1%) than in the control group (33.7%) (p=0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis identified that a BMI > 25 (OR 6.2, 95% CI 3.6, 10.5, p= 0.000), periodontitis (OR 2.5 95% CI 1.5, 4.2 p=0.000), and female gender (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.0, p=0.003) were associated with RA. Conclusion RA was associated with higher BMI, female gender, and more common diagnosis of periodontitis.
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase localised in the endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in scavenging H2O2 to enhance rice chilling tolerance
Authors: Fang Changxun , Zhang Pengli , Li Lanlan , Yang Luke , Mu Dan , Yan Xue , Li Zhong , Lin Wenxiong
Published: March 2020

Background: Rice is a chilling-sensitive crop that would suffer serious damage from low temperatures. Overexpression of the Lsi1 gene (Lsi1-OX) in rice enhances its chilling tolerance. This study revealed that a serine hydroxymethyltransferase (OsSHMT) mainly localised in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in increasing tolerance to chilling. Results: A higher transcription level of OsSHMT was detected in Lsi1-OX rice than in the wild type. Histone H1 and nucleic acid binding protein were found to bind to the promoter region of OsSHMT and regulate its expression, and the transcription levels of these proteins were also up-regulated in the Lsi1-OX rice. Moreover, OsSHMT interacts with ATP synthase subunit α, heat shock protein Hsp70, mitochondrial substrate carrier family protein, ascorbate peroxidase 1 and ATP synthase subunit β. Lsi1-encoded protein OsNIP2;1 also interacts with ATP synthase subunit β, and the coordination of these proteins appears to function in reducing reactive oxygen species, as the H2O2 content of transgenic OsSHMT Arabidopsis thaliana was lower than that of the non-transgenic line under chilling treatment. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ER-localised OsSHMT plays a role in scavenging H2O2 to enhance the chilling tolerance of Lsi1-OX rice and that ATP synthase subunit β is an intermediate junction between OsNIP2;1 and OsSHMT.
In vitro cell culture of patient derived malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions for personalised drug screening
Authors: Wu Cheng-Guang , Chiovaro Francesca , Curioni Alessandra , Casanova Ruben , Soltermann Alex
Published: March 2020

Background Malignant serous effusion (MSE) denotes a manifestation of metastatic disease with typical high concentrations of both cancer and immune cells, making them an ideal resource for in vitro cytologic studies. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the features of 2D and 3D MSE culture systems as well as their feasibilities for in vitro drug screening. Methods Pleural and peritoneal effusions from 8 patients were collected and processed for 2D monolayer and 3D hanging drop cell culture into GravityPLUS™ plates. Representative markers for cell components, proliferation rate and tumour classification were investigated by immunohistochemistry, followed by absolute quantification using a digitalised image analysis approach. Further, we implemented another 3D cell culture model based on a low attachment method for in vitro drug sensitivity testing of carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab for 5 patients. Results Monolayer cell culture was favourable for the growth of mesothelial cells, while hanging drop culture in GravityPLUS™ plates showed better ability for preserving cancer cells, inducing positive diagnostic markers expression and restraining the growth of mesothelial cells. For in vitro drug testing, MSE from five patients presented various drug sensitivities, and one case showed strong response to PD-1 checkpoint inhibition (pembrolizumab). For some patients, the application of combinatorial drugs had better therapeutic responses compared to monotherapy. Conclusions Digitalised quantification of data offers a better understanding of different MSE culture models. More importantly, the proposed platforms are practical and amenable for performing in vitro chemo-/immunotherapeutic drug testing by using routine cytologic MSE in a personalised manner. Next to cell blocks, our work demonstrates the prognostic and predictive value of cytologic effusion samples.
PCV Cap proteins fused with calreticulin expressed into polymers in Escherichia coli with high immunogenicity in mice
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Yunchao , Feng Hua , Zhao Baolei , Chen Yumei , Huang Huimin , Wang Pan , Deng Ruiguang , Zhang Gaiping
Published: March 2020

Background：Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is considered as one of the critical viral pathogens of porcine circovirus diseases (PCVDs), which results in economic losses in the pig breeding industry. Capsid protein (Cap) of PCV2 acts as the most protective antigen in the course of immune response. Therefore, developing a novel and safe subunit vaccine against PCV2 infection is needed.Results: In this study, the Cap gene was bound to the truncated calreticulin (CRT) (120-250 aa/120-308 aa) at the N/C terminal, and then the CRT-Cap fusion genes were expressed in Escherichia coli (E.coli). The size-exclusion chromatography and dynamic light scattering (DLS) data showed that the purified recombinant CRT-Cap fusion protein (rP5F) existed in the form of polymers. The results of ELISA and NA indicated that humoral immune responses induced by rP5F in mice were almost identical to those by the commercial subunit and inactivated vaccines. The lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine secretion were also detected in rP5F immunized mice. According to the results of PCV2-challenge experiment, the virus loads significantly decreased in mice immunized with rP5F. The data obtained in the current study revealed that rP5F had the potential to be a subunit vaccine candidate against PCV2 in the future.Conclusions: We have successfully expressed Cap-CRT fusion proteins in E.coli and optimized rP5F could form into immunogenic polymers. Mice immunized with rP5F efficiently induced humoral and part of cellular immune responses and decreased the virus content against PCV2-challenge, which suggested that rF5P could be a potential subunit vaccine candidate.
Meningitis caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum mimicking tuberculous meningitis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and literature review.
Authors: Lin Siran , Yang Qingluan , Wang Ting , Jia Wen , Chen Shu , Zhang Wenhong , Shao Lingyun
Published: March 2020

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a large group of microorganisms that mainly affect persons who have immune deficiency. Mycobacterium fortuitum is one of them, which usually cause soft tissue or pulmonary disease. Meningitis caused by M. fortuitum is extremely rare and is often confused with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) due to its low prevalence. Case presentation: A 35-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a history of headache, followed by fever, chills, cough, and vomiting. The results of mycobacterial culture and TSPOT. TB of her cerebrospinal fluid were positive. Therefore, she was diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis and was given anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. During the observation, the CSF results were not significantly improved. Finally, hsp65 gene PCR revealed that the real pathogen was M. fortuitum . The treatment therapy was changed and the patient recovered after one-year combined chemotherapy. Conclusions: In this case we described a patient with M. fortuitum meningitis who was immunocompetent with no trauma or surgical history. The wrong diagnosis with TBM was made due to positive results of both blood and CSF TSPOT. TB . The pathological evidence and microbiological analysis of hsp65 gene PCR suggested the real pathogen to be M. fortuitum . The diagnostic accuracy of blood and CSF TSPOT. TB in case of TBM is moderate. Infections of NTM cannot be excluded when the patient does not respond to anti-tuberculous therapy and it is of great significance to do molecular identification for clinical isolates of mycobacterium.
Contact tracing of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis-infection among their male partners in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yan Rui-lin , Deng Bao-qing , Wen Gui-chun , Huang Li-cheng , Li Li-mei , Huang Zhi-ming
Published: March 2020

Background Untreated male partners are a critical source of maternal re-infection. Contact tracing is a good way to identify infection among partners and reduce risk of mother-to-child transmission related to maternal re-infection. This study aimed to analyze the current situation and related factors of contact tracing of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis-infection among their male partners. Method Data of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and their male partners attending clinic for syphilis-screening were obtained from the Shenzhen Program for Prevention of Congenital Syphilis. Contact tracing rate of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis prevalence among male partners were counted, and related factors were also analyzed using a random-effects logistic regression model. Result Of the 1299 syphilis-seropositive pregnant women, 74.1% (963/1299) had their male partners receiving syphilis-screening and 19.1% (184/963) of male partners were syphilis-infected. For pregnant women, being divorced (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.39; 95%CI: 0.17-0.87), seeking for emergency services at their first antenatal clinics visits (AOR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.44-0.77), reporting willingness to notify partner(AOR=7.65; 95%CI: 4.69-12.49), multi-partners (AOR= 1.38; 95%CI:1.03-1.86) and having a history of drug abuse (AOR=0.37; 95%CI: 0.14-1.00)were independently associated with successful contact tracing. For male partners, of minority ethnicity (AOR=4.15; 95%CI: 1.66-10.34), age of first sex>20(AOR=0.57; 95%CI: 0.37-0.87), reporting multi-partners (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.04-2.46), having a history of drug abuse (AOR=4.07; 95%CI: 1.31-12.64) were independently associated with syphilis-infection. In addition, pregnant women with TRUST titer ≥1:8 (AOR=2.81; 95%CI: 1.87-4.21), having a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (AOR=1.70; 95%CI: 1.14-2.53), reporting multi-partners (AOR=0.43; 95%CI: 0.29-0.64) and reporting the current partner as the source of syphilis (AOR=5.05; 95%CI: 2.82-9.03) were independently associated with partners' syphilis-infection. Conclusion Contact tracing is feasible and effective in identifying syphilis-infected partners among syphilis-seropositive pregnant women. Contact tracing is associated with many factors such as women's marital status, services at their first antenatal clinics visit and willingness of partner notification. Partners' ethnicity, age of first sex, multi-partners and history of drug abuse as well as women's levels of TRUST titer were associated with partners' syphilis-infection.
Hidden blood loss and its possible risk factors in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Zhou Yuanxing , Deng Jianlong , Fu Xin , Yang Ming , Zhang Yu , Chang Yvang , Xu Gang , Wang Bo , Li Zhonghai
Published: March 2020

Background Hidden blood loss (HBL) is still not well known or used in the setting of spine surgery. Elucidating absolute and relative amount of HBL is of great importance in order to avoid potential complications. Therefore, we evaluated HBL and its possible risk factors among patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods Between June 2018 and March 2019, 137 consecutive patients with lumbar degenerative disease, who underwent operation with MIS-TLIF technique were enrolled in this study. The patient’s demographic characteristics and blood loss related parameters were collected respectively. Pearson or Spearman correlations analysis were used to investigate an association between patient’s characteristics and HBL. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to confirmed independent risk factors of HBL. Results A total of 137 patients (86 males and 51 females, age range 19-78 years) were reviewed in our hospital. A substantial amount of HBL (488.4±294.0 ml, 52.5% of TBL) occurred after MIS-TLIF. Multivariate linear regression showed that the age, muscle thickness, The Patients’ Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, patient’s blood volume (PBV), total blood loss (TBL), postoperative(i.e., day 2 or 3) hematocrit (Hct), Hct loss, and fibrinogen level were independent risk factors for HBL (P1=0.000, P2=0.002, P3=0.006, P4=0.002, P5=0.003, P6=0.048, P7=0.004, P8=0.070). Conclusion A large amount of HBL was incurred in patients undergoing MIS-TLIF. More importantly, the age, muscle thickness, ASA classification, PBV, TBL, postoperative Hct, Hct loss, and fibrinogen level were independent risk factors for HBL in MIS-TLIF. HBL and its risk factors should be paid more attention to during perioperative period.