bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaccination Coverage with the Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccine Among Persons with Chronic Diseases in Shanghai, China, 2017
Authors: Wang Yuheng , Cheng Minna , Wang Siyuan , Wu Fei , Yan Qinghua , Yang Qinping , Li Yanyun , Guo Xiang , Fu Chen , Shi Yan , Wagner Abram L. , Boulton Matthew L.
Published: November 2019

Background Adults with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease are more likely to develop complications from a number of vaccine-preventable diseases, including influenza and pneumonia. In this study, we use the data from a chronic disease management information system in Shanghai to estimate vaccination coverage and characterize predictors of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination among people with chronic disease in Shanghai. Methods The Shanghai Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have information systems related to chronic disease management, hospital records, and immunizations. Data from individuals with chronic disease were abstracted during July 2017. The main outcome was coverage of pneumococcal and influenza vaccination. Vaccination coverage was calculated across demographic groups. Significance in bivariate associations was assessed through Pearson’s chi-square tests, and in multivariable models through logistic regression models with a forward stepwise method to select variables. Results In the sample of 2,531,227 individuals ≥15 years, 22.8% were vaccinated for pneumonia from January 2013 to July 2017, and the vaccination coverage of influenza in the 2016/17 influenza season was 0.4%. Vaccination coverage was highest in those 70-79 and lowest in those younger than 60. Compared to urban areas, uptake in rural areas was higher for pneumonia vaccination (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 2.41, 2.45), but lower for influenza vaccination (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.59). Having a greater number of chronic diseases was associated with higher likelihood of pneumonia vaccination (3 vs 1: OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.64, 1.71), but this relationship was not statistically significant for influenza vaccination. Conclusions We found low levels with of pneumococcal vaccination, and extremely low uptake of influenza vaccination among individuals with high risk conditions in Shanghai who should be priority groups targeted for vaccination. Interventions could be designed to target groups with low uptake – like younger adults, and individuals who have not yet retired.
Determinants of effective organisational capacity training: lessons from a training programme on health workforce development with participants from three African Countries
Authors: Amde Woldekidan Kifle , Marchal Bruno , Sanders David , Lehmann Uta
Published: November 2019

Background Health systems in sub-Saharan Africa face multifaceted capacity challenges to fulfil their mandates of service provision and governance of their resources. Four academic institutions in Africa implemented a World Health Organisation-funded collaborative project encompassing training, curriculum development, and partnership to strengthen national leadership and training capacity for health workforce development. This paper looks into the training component of the project, a blended Masters programme in public health that sought to improve the capacity of personnel involved in teaching or management/development of human resources for health. The paper aims to explore factors influencing contribution of training to organisational capacity development. Methods We chose a case study design. Semi-structured interviews were held with 18 trainees that were enrolled in the training programme, and who were affiliated to health ministries or public health training institutions. We gathered additional data through document reviews, observation, and interviews with 14 key informants associated with the programme and/or working in the collaborating institutions. The evidence gathered were analysed thematically. Results Thirteen of the eighteen training participants stayed in the target institutions and contributed to improved capacity of their institutions in the fields of management, policy, planning, research, training, or curriculum development. Five left for private and international agencies due to dissatisfaction with payment, work conditions, or career prospect. Factors that were associated with the training, trainees, and the institutional and broader context, determine contribution of training to organisational capacity development. These include relevance of newly acquired knowledge and skills set of trainees to the role/position they assume in the organisation; recognition of trainees by employing organisations in terms of promotion or assignment of challenging tasks; and motivation and retention of trained staff. Conclusion Training, even if relevant and applicable, makes no more than a ‘latent’ contribution, one which is activated and realised through alignment of clusters of interacting contextual and relational factors related to the target institutions and trained personnel. While not predictable, implementers need to focus more deliberately on the likely interaction and best possible alignments between training relevance, student selection for potential to contribute, recognition and career advancement potential.
Autotransplantation of mature impacted tooth to a fresh molar socket using a 3D replica and guided bone regeneration: two years retrospective case series
Authors: Wu Ye , Chen Jiaming , Xie Fuping , Liu Huanhuan , Niu Gang , Zhou Lin
Published: November 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of autotransplantation of mature third molars to fresh molar extraction sockets using 3D replicas. Methods: Ten patients underwent teeth autotransplantation with or without GBR. We observed the mobility, percussion, radiography examination, the probing depth and the masticatory function of the transplanted teeth during two years following up, which were transplanted into fresh molar sockets by using 3D replicas, and GBR when it is necessary. Results: The average extra-oral time of donor tooth had been shortened to 1.65 min when used the 3D replica. Some probing depth of the transplanted tooth were deeper than 3 mm at 4 or 5 weeks temporarily. And one patient felt slight sensitive when chewing with soft food at 4 weeks, then disappeared. The clinical examination of the autotransplantation teeth during one year follow-up showed no sign of failure. Conclusions: The tooth autotransplantation using 3D replica with or without GBR is an effective method which can reduce the extra-oral time of the donor teeth and may result in less failure.
Diagnosis of tuberculosis from smear-negative presumptive TB cases using Xpert MTB/Rif assay: a cross-sectional study from Nepal
Authors: Khadka Priyatam , Thapaliya Januka , Basnet Ramesh Bahadur , Ghimire Gokarna Raj , Amatya Jyoti , Rijal Basista Parsad
Published: November 2019

Background In most developing countries, smear-negative pulmonary TB (SNPT) often gets missed from the diagnosis of consideration, though it accounts 30-65% of total PTB cases, due to deficient or inaccessible molecular diagnostic modalities. Methods The cross-sectional study enrolled 360 patients with clinical-radiological suspicion of SNPT in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH). The patient selection was done as per the algorithm of Nepal’s National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) for Xpert MTB/RIF testing. Participants’ demographic and clinical information were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. The specimens were collected, processed directly for Xpert MTB/RIF test according to the manufacturer’s protocol. The same samples were stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen technique then observed microscopically. Both findings were interpreted; rifampicin-resistant, if obtained, on Xpert testing was confirmed with a Line Probe Assay. Result Of 360 smear-negative sputum samples analyzed, 85(23.61%) found positive while 3(0.8%) of them were rifampicin resistance. The infection was higher in males, i.e. 60(25.3%) compared to female 25(20.3%). The age group, >45(nearly 33%) with median age 42± 21.5, were prone to the infection. During the study period, 4.6% (515/11048) sputum samples were reported as smear-positive in TUTH. Consequently, with Xpert MTB/RIF assay, the additional case 16.5% (n=85/515) from smear-negative presumptive TB cases were detected. Among the most occurring clinical presentations, cough and chest pain were positively associated with SNPT. While upper lobe infiltrates (36.4%) and pleural effusion (40.4%) were the most peculiar radiological impression noted in PTB patient. 94 multi-drug resistant(MDR) suspected cases were enrolled; of total suspects, 29(30.8%) samples were rifampicin sensitive, 1(1.06%) indeterminate, 3(3.19%) rifampicin-resistant while remaining of them were negative. 2(2.2%) MDR cases were recovered from the patient with a previous history of ATT, of total 89 previously treated cases enrolled However, a single rifampicin-resistant from the new suspects. Conclusion With an application of the assay, the additional cases, missed with smear microscopy, could be sought and exact incidence of the diseases could be revealed. Keywords: Xpert MTB/Rif assay, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Line Probe Assay, MDR-TB, smear-negative
Safety and use of pulmonary function tests: a retrospective study from a single center over seven years’ clinical practice
Authors: Li Fei , Huang Zhi-wen , Xu Huiwen , Yu Hua , Chen Yan-bin , Huang Jian-an , Wang Jia-jia , Wang Xiao-fei , Lei Wei
Published: November 2019

Background To promote the utilization of pulmonary function tests (PFT) through analyzing the data of PFT during the past seven years in one large teaching hospital in China.Methods Through a retrospective analysis, the allocation of full-time staff in PFT room, the demographic characteristics of patients, cost-effectiveness of PFT, positive rate and failure rate of PFT, adverse events were analyzed.Results 1) From 2012 to 2018, the numbers of PFT showed the trend of escalation year by year. The proportion of patients receiving PFT rose from 29.0/10000 in 2012 to 34.7/10000 in 2018. The best allocation of PFT room was 20-25/ person / day. 2) The number of PFT provided by Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) accounted for 97.2%, 97.1%, 97.3%, 97.8%, 97.8%, 98.0%, and 98.2% of the total cases of outpatient PFT in the same year. The top three departments in the inpatient department were Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, and Department of Urinary Surgery, the total cases of PFT in these three departments accounted for 65.1%, 64.4%, 62.1%, 63.5%, 62.4%, 65.3% and 69.1% of the total cases of inpatient PFT in the same year. 3) Data from 2018 showed that the revenue from PFT was about 3.7 million Chinese Yuan, and that the salary of personnel and expenditure on machine maintenance and wear were about 800,000 Chinese Yuan. 4) 58.2% of the patients who had undergone PFT had ventilatory dysfunction. 5) The average failure rate of PFT in the past seven years was 1.91%. 6) The main adverse events of PFT examination were dizziness, amaurosis, limb numbness, lip numbness and falls. The incidence rates were 0.49%, 0.42%, 0.41%, 0.39%, 0.44%, 0.48%, and 0.45% respectively, with an average of 0.44%.Conclusions The number of PFT showed an upward trend in the past seven years, and the optimal staffing of PFT room was 20-25 cases per person per day. The positive rate of pulmonary dysfunction was 58.2%. The failure rate of PFT and the incidence of adverse events were very low, suggesting it is a simple and safe clinical examination. It's worthy of further popularization and promotion.
Cross-sectional study of associations between normal body weight with central obesity and hyperuricemia in Japan
Authors: Shirasawa Takako , Ochiai Hirotaka , Yoshimoto Takahiko , Nagahama Satsue , Watanabe Akihiro , Yoshida Reika , Kokaze Akatsuki
Published: November 2019

Background: Several studies have shown that normal weight with central obesity (NWCO) is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. However, the relationship between NWCO and hyperuricemia has not been studied in detail. Methods: We investigated the association between NWCO and hyperuricemia among Japanese adults aged 40-64 years who had undergone periodic health examinations between April 2013 and March 2014. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2　and central obesity was determined as a waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥0.5. We classified the participants into the following groups based according to having obesity and central obesity: normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) without (NW; WHtR <0.5) and with (NWCO) central obesity, and obesity without (OB) and with (OBCO) central obesity. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid >7.0 and ≥6.0 mg/dL in men and women, respectively, or under medical treatment for hyperuricemia. Alcohol intake was classified as yes (daily and occasional consumption) and none (no alcohol consumption). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for hyperuricemia were calculated using a logistic regression model. Results: We analyzed data derived from 96,863 participants (69,241 men and 27,622 women). The prevalences of hyperuricemia in men and women were respectively, 21.4% and 11.0%, and of participants with NWCO respectively 15.6% and 30.0%. The adjusted OR for hyperuricemia was significantly increased in OBCO compared with NW, regardless of sex (men: OR, 2.12; 95%CI; 2.03-2.21; women: OR, 3.54; 95%CI, 3.21-3.90) and were statistically significant in NWCO compared with NW (men: OR, 1.44; 95%CI, 1.36-1.52; women: OR, 1.41; 95%CI, 1.27-1.57). The results were similar regardless of alcohol consumption. Conclusions: We found that NWCO and OBCO were associated with hyperuricemia in middle-aged Japanese men and women. Middle-aged Japanese adults with normal weight but having central obesity should be screened using a combination of BMI and WHtR and educated about how to prevent hyperuricemia.
User Manual for Tomography-Guided 3D Reconstruction of Subcellular Structures (TYGRESS)
Authors: Shang Zhiguo , Song Kangkang , Fu Xiaofeng , Lou Xiaochu , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Nicastro Daniela
Published: November 2019

Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) are paving the way to determining isolated three-dimensional (3D) macromolecular structures at near-atomic resolution using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (SP-cryo-EM). However, determining the subcellular structures in intact cells and organelles using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and subtomogram averaging, another cryo-EM technique, with comparable resolution remains a challenge. Current methodologies can only reach a resolution of several nanometers in most samples studied. Here, we introduce a new hybrid method, called Tomography-Guided 3D Reconstruction of Subcellular Structures (TYGRESS) that is able to achieve structural determination of subcellular structures within their natural crowded environment with nanometer-resolution by combining the advantages of cryo-ET and SP-cryo-EM.
Area and environmental heterogeneity could shape the hump-shaped pattern of species richness along elevation gradient
Authors: NJOGU WAIGWA ANTONY , Ochola Anne Christine , Wang Shengwei , Wahiti Gituru Robert , Zhou Yadong , Wang Qingfeng
Published: November 2019

Background Numerous studies have been conducted on species richness patterns along elevation gradients in temperate, tropical and sub-tropical mountains. However, few studies have been done to evaluate the combined effect of area and environmental heterogeneity (abiotic and biotic) on species richness. Numerous ecological studies have also failed to quantify environmental heterogeneity which we have done in this research. In this research, we studied the impact of area on environmental heterogeneity on species richness by considering the climate factors, annual mean temperature (AMT), annual mean precipitation (AMP), annual total solar radiation (ATSR), and Soil factors, soil organic carbon (SOC), Soil total nitrogen (STN), Soil extractable phosphorous (SEP), and Soil extractable potassium (SEK).Results Our analysis showed that species richness had a skewed hump-shaped pattern, with the highest species richness being at mid-elevation. The results also showed that climate factors had a strong positive correlation with species richness in relation to area as compared to soil factors. We also found that soil factors could be used to explain the species richness when combined rather than being interpreted individually. This study has showed that area could have profound effect on environmental heterogeneity therefore shaping species richness pattern along the elevation gradient in Mount Kenya.Conclusion The hump shaped species richness pattern can be due to the Ecophysiological constraints for example, low temperatures as elevation increases. The high species richness at the mid-elevation is because this zone has a large land area and also acts as transition zone between the extremes of the upper elevation range and lower elevation and species from either side can coexist since the environmental conditions are on the lower and higher limits for the existence of these plant species.
Risk factors for stillbirth among pregnant women infected with syphilis from 2010–2016, Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Duan Cuicui , Zhang Xiao-hui , Li Shan-shan , Wu Wei , Qiu Li-qian , Xu Jian
Published: November 2019

Background: Syphilis infection is one of the most common maternal factors related to stillbirth. The study aims to determine the risk factors for stillbirth among pregnant women infected with syphilis.
Methods : This was a retrospective study. Data on stillbirth and gestational syphilis were extracted from the PMTCT program database 2010–2016 in Zhejiang Province. A total of 8724 pregnancy women infected with syphilis were included. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between gestational syphilis and stillbirth.
Results : The stillbirth rate among pregnant women infected with syphilis was 1.74% (152/8724) in Zhejiang Province, China, from 2010–2016. Compared with live birth, stillbirth was significantly associated with lower maternal age, not being married, lower gravidity, previous history of syphilis, non-latent syphilis stage, and higher maternal serum titer for syphilis, inadequate treatment for syphilis, and later first antenatal care visit. With multivariable logistic regression analysis, non-latent syphilis (adjusted OR=2.03; 95% CI 1.17–3.53) and maternal titers over 1:4 (adjusted OR=1.78; 95% CI 1.25–2.53) were risk factors for stillbirth. Adequate treatment was the only protective factor for stillbirth (adjusted OR=0.16; 95% CI 0.10–0.25).
Conclusions : Adequate treatment is effective in reducing the incidence of stillbirths among pregnant women infected with syphilis, and this is particularly important in women diagnosed with high RPR titer (under 1:4).
Keywords: risk factors, syphilis, stillbirth, pregnant, syphilis stage, RPR
The equine gastrointestinal microbiome: Impacts of weight-loss
Authors: Morrison Philippa , Newbold Charles J. , Jones Eleanor , Worgan Hilary J. , Grove-White Dai H. , Dugdale Alexandra H. , Barfoot Clare , Harris Patricia A. , Argo Caroline McG.
Published: November 2019

Background Obesity is an important equine welfare issue. Whilst dietary restriction is the most effective weight-loss tool, individual animals range in their weight-loss propensity. Gastrointestinal-derived bacteria play a fundamental role in host-health and have been associated with obesity and weight-loss in other species. This study evaluated the faecal microbiome (next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes) of 15 obese Welsh Mountain pony mares, in the same 11-week period across 2 years (n = 8 Year 1; n = 7 Year 2). Following a 4-week acclimation period (pre-diet phase) during which time individuals were fed the same hay to maintenance (2% body mass (BM) as daily dry matter (DM) intake), animals underwent a 7-week period of dietary restriction (1% BM hay as daily DM intake). Faeces were sampled on the final 3 days of the pre-diet phase and the final 3 days of the dietary restriction phase. Bacterial communities were determined using Next Generation Sequencing of amplified V1-V2 hypervariable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA.Results Losses in body mass ranged from 7.11% to 11.59%. Changes in the faecal microbiome composition following weight-loss included a reduction in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Tenericutes and a reduction in indices of bacterial diversity. Pre-diet diversity was negatively associated with weight-loss. Pre-diet faecal acetate concentration was a strong predictor of subsequent weight-loss and negatively associated with Sphaerochaeta (Spirochaetes phylum) abundance. When animals were divided into 3 groups (high, mid, low) based overall weight loss, pre-diet bacterial community structure was found to have the greatest divergence between the high and low weight-loss groups (R = 0.67, p < 0.01), following PERMANOVA and ANOSIM analysis.Conclusions Weight-loss in this group of ponies was associated with lower pre-diet faecal bacterial diversity and greater pre-diet acetate concentration. Overall, these data support a role for the faecal microbiome in weight-loss propensity in ponies and provide a baseline for research evaluating elements of the faecal microbiome in predicting weight-loss success in larger cohorts.
Infant and Child health status ahead of implementation of an integrated intervention to improve nutrition and survival: A difference-in-difference quasi-experimental baseline assessment
Authors: Odjidja Emmanuel Nene , Hakizimana Sonia , Gatasi Ghislaine , Masabo Jean-Berchmans , Irakoze Gildas , Muzungu Héritier , Murorunkwere Honorine , Elkasabi Mahmoud
Published: November 2019

Background Burundi has one of the poorest child health outcomes in the world. With an acute malnutrition rate of 5% and a chronic malnutrition rate of 56%, under five death is 78 per 1000 live births and 47 children in every 1000 children will not celebrate their first birthday. In response, Village Health Works, a Burundian-American organisation has invested in an integrated clinical and community intervention model. Ahead of implementation of this initiative, we conduct a baseline assessment using a difference-in-difference design in an effort to measure incremental effects. Methods A quasi-experimental evaluation design (difference-in-difference) was employed. Adopting the methodology of the DHS, a sample of 952 and 990 households comprising of 2675 and 3311 birth histories respectively in the treatment and control areas were reached. Mortality data were analysed with R package for mortality computation, Complex Samples Module of IBM – SPSS for other outcomes and Emergency Nutrition Assessment software for nutrition data. Logistic regression was used to assess strength of associations and cox regression model for assessing risk of mortality Results The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was 5.7% at the program area compared to 7.2% at the controlled area with the strongest predictor being malnourished women (OR 1.4 95%CI 1.2 – 7.2 p=0.043). Fever incidence was higher in the program area (50.5%) in comparison to 48.4% in the control. Non-consumption of minimum acceptable diet was significantly associated with fever (OR 1.67 95%CI 1.07 – 2.61). Acute and chronic malnutrition was 7.6% and 45.8% respectively with non-receipt of Vitamin A was significantly associated with chronic malnutrition. Under-five mortality rate was 32.1 per 1000 live births in the program area and 33.6 in the control. Infant mortality rate was 25.7 in program area and 20.4 in the control. Risk of under-five mortality was higher in the neonatal period (HR 20.72 95% 8.64 – 49.65 p=0.001). Conclusion Improving child health status is complex and therefore investing into an integrated intervention yields best results. Given that the risk of all under-five was higher at the neonatal period, strengthening the health system to provide quality care is crucial.
Searching essential proteins in dynamic protein networks based on an improved H-index algorithm
Authors: Dai Caiyan , Ju HE , Kongfa HU , Youwei DING
Published: November 2019

The essential proteins in protein networks play an important role in complex cellular functions and their evolution. Therefore, searching essential proteins in protein networks can help to explain the structure, function and dynamics of basic cellular networks. The existing dynamic protein network regards the protein situation at all times as the same, but in fact, the role of proteins varies at different times. In order to improve the accuracy of essential protein searching, an improved H-index algorithm based on attenuation coefficient method is proposed in this paper, which incorporates the neglected node information into consideration to improve the accuracy of essential protein searching. The experiments show that the essential proteins found on the basis of this model are more effective than other similar methods.
Predicting deceased donor kidney transplant outcomes: Comparing KDRI/KDPI with machine learning
Authors: Pahl Eric , Street Nick , Johnson Hans , Reed Alan
Published: November 2019

Background: Kidney transplantation is a cost-effective treatment for end-stage renal failure patients that provides a significant survival benefit and improves their quality of life compared to other forms of renal replacement. The predominant method used for donor kidney quality assessment is the Cox regression-based, piecewise linear kidney donor risk index (KDRI). A machine learning method (random forest) was compared to KDRI for predicting graft failure at 12, 24, and 36 months after transplantation.

Methods: Random forest was trained and evaluated with the same deceased donor kidney transplant data (n=70242) initially used to develop KDRI (1995-2005) and included four readily available recipient variables from the estimated post-transplant survival score.

Results: When comparing type II error rates of 10%, random forests predicted an additional 2,148 successful grafts at 36 months after transplant (126%) than KDRI. Many high-KDRI kidneys, at risk for discard, were correctly predicted for successful transplantation with random forests. Random forest performed significantly better than KDRI for graft Kaplan-Meier survival analysis from 0-240 months (log-rank test p<0.00).

Conclusions: Machine learning methods can provide a significant improvement over KDRI for the assessment of kidney offers. This work lays the foundation for the use of machine learning methodologies in transplantation and describes the steps to measure, analyze, and validate future models.
Analysis of the role of TpUB05 antigen from Theileria parva in immune responses to malaria in humans compared to its homologue in Plasmodium falciparum; UB05 antigen
Authors: Dinga Jerome Nyhalah , Gamua Stanley Dobgima , Njimoh Dieudonné Lemuh , Chuma Francis N. G. , Djikeng Apollinaire , Pelle Roger , Titanji Vincent P. K.
Published: November 2019

Despite the amount of resources deployed and technological advancements in Molecular Biology, vaccinology, immunology, genetics, and biotechnology, there is still no effective vaccines against malaria. Immunity to either malaria or East Coast fever is usually seen as species- and/or strain-specific. But there is growing body of evidence suggesting the possibility of the existence of cross strain, cross species and cross genus immune responses in apicomplexans. The principle of gene conservations indicates that homologues play similar role in closely related organisms. UB05 antigen (XP_001347656.2) from Plasmodium falciparum is part of chimeric UB05-09 antigen; a potential vaccine candidate has been demonstrated to be a marker of protective immunity in malaria. The homologue of UB05 in Theileria parva is TpUB05 (XP_763711.1) which was also tested and shown to be a potential marker of protective immunity in ECF as well. In a bid to identify potent markers of protective immunity to aid malaria vaccine development, TpUB05 was tested in malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum .
UB05 antigen was tested in malaria using ELISpot, ELISA, and Growth Inhibition assays with samples from a malaria endemic region, and published. During these same experiments, TpUB05 antigen was tested alongside UB05, in separate wells but on the same plates and exposed to the same experimental conditions and the result presented here. Here we compare the performance of TpUB05 to that of UB05 in terms of the type and magnitude of immune responses provoked in malaria.
It was observed that TpUB05 provoked stronger immune responses in malaria compared to UB05 antigen ex-vivo . This suggests that TpUB05 from Theileria parva is a better marker of protective immunity in malaria compared to its homologue UB05 from Plasmodium falciparum .
Individualized procedures for splenic artery dissection during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.
Authors: Wada Yusuke , Aoki Takeshi , Murakami Masahiko , Fujimori Akira , Koizumi Tomotake , Kusano Tomokazu , Matsuda Kazuhiro , Nogaki Koji , Hakozaki Tomoki , Shibata Hideki , Tomioka Kodai
Published: November 2019

[Background] There are no established standard criteria for choosing the most appropriate procedure of splenic artery dissection during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP); thus, the choice of procedure varies across surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefits of individualized procedures for splenic artery dissection during LDP based on the variations in arterial structure visualized on preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). [Methods] Patients who underwent LDP following 3D-CT at a single center were retrospectively evaluated. 3D-CT images were used to construct virtual 3D laparoscopic images for surgical planning. The splenic artery was classified into two major anatomic types: type V that curves and runs ventral to the pancreas and type D that runs straight and dorsal to the pancreas. Splenic artery dissection was planned according to these two variations, with type V dissected using an approach ventral to the pancreas and type D using a dorsal approach. [Results] Type-specific dissection was applied for 30 patients: 25 (83%) with type V and 5 (17%) with type D splenic artery anatomies. The splenic artery was successfully dissected using the planned surgical procedure that was simulated preoperatively. [Conclusion] The individualized procedures for splenic artery dissection according to anatomic variations visualized on 3D-CT images can help improve the success and safety of LDP.
Submicromolar copper (II) ions stimulate transretinal signaling in the isolated retina from wild type but not from Cav2.3-deficient mice
Authors: Schneider Toni , Lüke Jan Niklas , Neumaier Felix , Alpdogan Serdar , Hescheler Jürgen , Albanna Walid , Akhtar-Schäfer Isha
Published: November 2019

Background: So far, only indirect evidence exists for the pharmacoresistant R-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC) to be involved in transretinal signaling by triggering GABA-release onto ON-bipolar neurons. This release of inhibitory neurotransmitters was deduced from the sensitivity of the b-wave to stimulation by Ni2+ , Zn2+ and Cu2+ . To further confirm the interpretation of these findings, we compared the effects of Cu2+ application and chelation on the neural retina from wildtype and Cav2.3-deficient mice. Furthermore, the effect of kainic acid (KA) on the ERG b-wave modulation was assessed. Methods: Transretinal signaling was recorded as an ERG from the superfused murine retina isolated from wildtype and Cav2.3-deficient mice Results: In mice, the stimulating effect of 100 nM CuCl2 is absent in the retinae from Cav2.3-deficient mice, but prominent in Cav2.3-competent mice. Application of up to 3 mM tricine does not affect the murine b-wave in both genotypes, most likely because of chelating amino acids present in the murine nutrient solution. Application of 27 µM KA significantly increased the b-wave amplitude in wild type and Cav2.3 (-|-) mice. This effect can most likely be explained by the stimulation of endogenous KA-receptors described in horizontal, OFF-bipolar, amacrine or ganglion cells, which could not be fully blocked in the present study. Conclusion: Cu2+ dependent modulation of transretinal signaling only occurs in the murine retina from Cav2.3 competent mice, supporting the ideas derived from previous work in the bovine retina that R-type Ca2+ channels are involved in shaping transretinal responses during light perception.
Preoperative clinical factors and visual outcomes following orbital decompression with dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Authors: Tagami Mizuki , Honda Shigeru , Azumi Atsushi
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To investigate preoperative clinical factors and visual outcomes of Japanese patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) after urgent orbital decompression. Methods: This retrospective, observational case series study investigated 44 patients who exhibited several preoperative clinical factors that might be associated with the need for urgent orbital decompression due to DON. Additionally, the visual acuity of DON patients was compared between the patients preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: All 44 patients received steroid and radiation therapy, with 27 patients able to avoid undergoing urgent surgery. However, the remaining 17 patients required urgent orbital decompression following a lack of response to the therapy. None of the patients who initially avoided surgery required additional surgery for DON. Factors significantly associated with the need for urgent orbital decompression surgery included: female gender, older age, long disease duration, unilateral significant DON, history of resistance to pulsed steroid therapy, unstable thyroid function, poor visual acuity, presence of central diplopia, and presence of corneal problems ( P <0.05 each). The results also showed that postoperative visual outcomes of surgery for DON were acceptable. Conclusion: This study revealed several preoperative clinical factors for DON that appear to be associated with the need for urgent orbital decompression surgery in Japanese patients.
Clozapine Re-Challenge and Initiation Despite Neutropenia and Outcomes from 14 Patients
Authors: Silva Edward , Higgins Melanie , Hammer Barbara , Stephenson Paul
Published: November 2019

Objective: Clozapine remains the most effective intervention for treatment resistant schizophrenia. But its use is limited because of the risk of neutropenia and agranulocytosis. In the absence of effective alternatives its use after blood dyscrasias is possible.
Methods: A case series of 14 male patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia treated with clozapine despite previous episodes of neutropenia between 2006 and 2015 is presented. Data were collected during 2015 and 2019. Using routinely collected clinical data we describe the patient characteristics, causes of neutropenia, the strategies used and outcomes.
Results: Previous neutropaenia was due to varying aetiologies: benign ethnic neutropaenia; clozapine induced; other medication; autoimmune. A range of risk mitigation strategies were used to prevent neutropaenia on clozapine rechallenge: G-CSF; lithium; watch and wait. There were no serious adverse events associated with clozapine or risk mitigation treatments. At follow up during 2019, half of the original 14 patients had improved sufficiently to transfer to conditions of lesser security.
Conclusion: With careful planning and monitoring, taking into account what is known about neutrophil biology, clozapine can be successfully reinitiated following CIN or in the face of preexisting neutropenia resulting in significant benefits for patients.
Assessing time knowledge in children aged 10 to 11 years
Authors: BRACE Nicola , DORAN Clare , PEMBERY Janet , FİTZPATRİCK Emma , HERMAN Rosalind
Published: November 2019

The
acquisition of time knowledge involves learning how to read clocks, estimate
time, read dates and learn about temporal sequences. Evidence suggests that
many of these competencies are acquired by 10 years of age although not all
children may follow this developmental path. The main purpose of this study was
to collect normative data for a screening tool that assesses time knowledge.
These data identify the prevalence and pattern of difficulties with time
knowledge among a UK sample of Year 6 pupils (aged 10 to 11 years). The Time
Screening Assessment tool (Doran, Dutt & Pembery, 2015), designed to assess
time knowledge, was administered individually to a sample of 79 children.
Findings revealed a median overall score of 32 out of a maximum score of 36.
25% of children performed at or close to ceiling, however seven children scored
more than -1.5 standard deviations
below the mean. The value of these findings to practitioners working with
children in schools is discussed.
Breeding and Cannibalism Behaviours of Captive Coronella austriaca (Colubridae) in a Terrarium
Authors: UYSAL İbrahim , GÜL Çiğdem , TOSUNOĞLU Murat
Published: November 2019

Cannibalism involves consuming all or part of another individual of the same species as food. Consuming the same species, or showing cannibalistic behaviour is common in reptiles, especially in snake species. The captured female Coronella austriaca of the Colubridae family was kept in captivity for two months in the terrarium. The female sample fed on one of the offsprings after ovoviviparous delivery. In the following observations it was determined that one of the juvenile individuals fed on another juvenile with similar size. The objective of this study is to provide information about the breeding and cannibalistic behaviour of Coronella austriaca under captivity.
Gürün ilçesinin ekoturizm potansiyelinin incelenmesi
Authors: BOZKURT Selvinaz Gülçin
Published: November 2019

Sivas’ın güneyinde bulunan Gürün ilçesi yüzey şekilleri bakımından dağlık ve engebeli bir yapıya sahiptir. Geçmişten günümüze kadar önemli bir yerleşim alanı olan ilçe gerek kültürel özellikleri, gerekse de ilginç jeolojik şekilleri ve doğal güzellikleriyle ekoturizm açısından önemli bir potansiyel teşkil etmektedir. Bu nedenle bu çalışma kapsamında Gürün ilçesinin, doğal ve kültürel özellikleri incelenerek ilçenin ekoturizm potansiyeli belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada öncelikle Gürün ilçesinin doğal ve kültürel varlıklarının bir envanteri çıkarılmış, ardından belirlenen envanter ile ilgili SWOT analizi yapılarak (Güçlü ve Zayıf Yönler ile Fırsat ve Tehditler) ilçenin ekoturizm uygulamaları açısından potansiyeli incelenmiştir. SWOT analizi sonuçlarına göre; bölgedeki doğal kaynak varlıkları ile birlikte, tarihi yapıların da ekoturizm açısından potansiyeli olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ancak alanın yeterli tanıtımının yapılmaması, yerel halkın bu konuda bilinçli olmaması ve eko-turistler için uygun konaklama alanlarının bulunmayışı alanı ekoturizm açısından olumsuz yönde etkileyen faktörler olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu nedenle çalışma kapsamında bu yöndeki eksikliklerin giderilmesi ve alandaki ekoturizm kaynaklarının sürdürülebilirlik kapsamında, ekolojik dengeye zarar vermeden kullanımına yönelik önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Muş İlinde Süt Sığırcılığı İşletmelerinde Sağlık Yönetiminin Belirlenmesi
Authors: KİBAR Mustafa , BAKIR Galip
Published: November 2019

Bu araştırma, Muş ili ve ilçeleri süt sığırcılığı işletmelerinde sağlık yönetimine ait uygulamaların belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Bu amaçla, Muş ili ve ilçelerinde 346 işletme sahibiyle yüz yüze anket çalışması yapılmıştır. SPSS paket programı kullanılarak çapraz çizelgeler yapılmış ve mevki-özellik arasındaki ilişkiler khi-kare analizi ile tespit edilmiştir. İşletmelerde görülen hastalıklar frekans değerlerine göre ayak tırnak %55.2, brusella %21.4, şap %61.2 ve hiçbiri %15.9 olarak bulunmuştur. İşletmelerin tamamına yakını (%92.5) koruyucu aşılama yaptırmaktadır. İşletmelerde yaptırılan aşılar frekans değerlerine göre şap %91.8, brusella %71.3, thleriosis %17.1, şarbon %24.3 ve pnemoni %4.5 olarak bulunmuştur. İşletmelerin tamamına yakını veteriner hizmeti almakta ve işletmelerin %61.5’i veteriner hizmetini hastalık görülünce ve %38.5’i düzenli olarak almaktadır. İşletmelerde yetiştirilen ineklerde mastitis görülme oranı %64.7 olarak belirlenmiştir. İşletmelerin mastitisi anlama yöntemleri kızarıklık (%46.4), ateş (%22.6) ve iltihap akması (%75.4) şeklindedir. İşletmelerde buzağılara septisemi aşısı yaptırma oranı %46.6 olarak bulunmuştur. İşletmelerde buzağılarda ishal sorunu %66.6 oranında görülmektedir. İşletmelerde şap başta olmak üzere diğer hastalıkların aşılama yapılmasına rağmen görülmesi, işletmelerde hastalıkların çıkmasına sebep olacak bakım besleme ve barınak şartlarının iyileştirilmesi gerektiğini düşündürmektedir. Ayrıca, işletmelerin veteriner hizmetini hastalık görülünce değil, düzenli almalarını sağlayacak bilincin oluşturulması ve önleyici hekimliğin yaygınlaştırılması gerekmektedir.
Fabrication and Characterization of Nano-TCP Doped with Various Ions for Bone Implant Applications
Authors: GÜNGÖR KOÇ Serap , AHMED Redar Wasurahman
Published: November 2019

Calcium phosphate (CaP) based bioceramics are frequently used in dental and orthopedic field as bone grafts due to their chemical and structural similarities to the human hard tissues. Strontium (Sr2+), fluoride (F−) and chloride (Cl-) ions are known to play important role in bone and tooth microstructure. The aim of this study was to combine tri-calcium phosphates doped with strontium, chloride and fluoride ions. A precipitation procedure was applied for synthesizing pure and doped tri-calcium phosphates. The undoped and doped samples were sintered at 1100°C for 1 h. Incorporation of the strontium (Sr+2) and chloride (Cl-) ions decreased the density of the samples while, the fluoride (F-) co-doped densities increased with respect to pure TCP. The XRD results revealed the existence of the α-TCP and β-TCP phases. SEM results confirmed the sintering temperature and amount of dopants had prominent effect on the grain sizes of the samples.
The Investigation of Temperature Dependent Reverse Bias Capacitance-Voltage (C-V) Characteristics of Au/Ppy/N-Si (MPS) Type Schottky Barrier Diodes (Sbds) at 100 Khz and 500 Khz
Authors: MARIL ELİF
Published: November 2019

Au/PPy/n-Si (MPS) type SBDs were fabricated and their electrical characteristics were investigated in the temperature range of 140-340 K at 100 and 500 kHz frequencies by using analyzed the C-V measurements. The C-V plots have inversion, depletion and accumulation regions for each temperature. The value of C increases with increasing temperature almost as exponentially in inversion and depletion regions. The reverse bias C-2 vs V plots show a linear behavior in the wide range bias voltage and so the values of doping atoms (ND), Fermi energy (EF), diffusion potential (Vd), and barrier height (B(C-V)) were obtained from intercepts and slopes of these plots for each temperature and frequency. While the EF increases with increasing temperature, B decreases as linearly. The l values of B(C-V) range from 0.703 eV at 140 K to 0.161 eV at 340 K for 100 kHz and 0.810 eV at 140 K to 0.391 eV at 340 K for 500 kHz, respectively. The electrical conductivity (ac) increases as exponential with temperature. The activation energy (Ea) values were found as 30.8 meV from the slope Ln(ac)-q/kT plot. These results implied that electrical characteristics of the SBDs are quite function of temperature at low frequencies and temperatures.
Iğdır Üniversitesi Tarımsal Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi Deneme Alanı Toprak Özelliklerinin Yersel Değişim Paternlerinin Jeoistatistiksel Yöntemlerle Belirlenmesi
Authors: SARI Serdar , AKSAKAL Ekrem Lütfi , ÖZTAŞ Taşkın
Published: November 2019

Toprak özelliklerinin mekânsal değişim desenlerinin belirlenmesi sürdürülebilir toprak yönetim stratejilerinin geliştirilebilmesi için önemlidir. Bu çalışma, Iğdır Üniversitesi Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi Deneme Alanı topraklarının fiziksel ve kimyasal toprak özelliklerinin yersel değişimlerinin jeoistatistiksel yöntemlerle belirlenmesi ve dağılım paternlerinin haritalanarak değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Çalışma alanı yaklaşık 10 ha olup 50x60 m’de K-G ve D-B yönlerinde oluşturulan gridlerin kesişim noktalarından 0-20 cm derinlikten 35 noktadan bozulmamış ve bozulmuş toprak örneği alınmıştır. Bozulmamış örneklerde hacim ağırlığı ve hidrolik iletkenlik belirlenirken, bozulmuş toprak örneklerinden tekstür, CaCO3, organik madde, katyon değişim kapasitesi (KDK), değişebilir katyonlar, elektriksel iletkenlik (EC), toprak reaksiyonu (pH) ve değişebilir sodyum yüzdesi (ESP) değerleri belirlenmiştir. Toprak özelliklerinin yersel değişkenliklerini için semivariogram analizi uygulanmış ve Kriging analizi yapılarak haritalar oluşturulmuştur. Toprak özellikleri çok yönlü (isotropic) dağılım göstermiştir. Dağılım haritaları oluşturulmuş, karşılaştırılmış ve değerlendirilmiştir. Toprak örneklerinin kil içeriğinin %18 ile %39 arasında, kum içeriğinin %20 ile %45 arasında değiştiği, tekstürün killi tın, siltli killi tın ve tın sınıflarında yer aldığı belirlenmiştir. Araştırma alanı topraklarının ortalama olarak CaCO3 içeriğinin %11.4, organik madde içeriğinin %1.0, P2O5 içeriğinin 2.4 kg da-1 ve KDK’sının 25.1 me 100gr-1 olduğu belirlenmiştir. Alanda tuzluluk ve alkalilik problemi yersel olarak değişmekte olup ortalama pH, EC ve ESP değerleri sırasıyla 8.5, 6.5 mS cm-1 ve %18.8 olarak belirlenmiştir.
Manejo odontológico de pacientes con necesidades especiales en Colombia
Authors: Lopez-Silva Claudia Patricia
Published: November 2019

Sra. Editora: En la última edición de la revista CES Odontología se publicó el artículo‘Manejo de la salud bucal en discapacitados’. En este artículo se propuso que “El tratamiento odontológico de los pacientes en condición de discapacidadrequiere conocimientos adicionales para brindarle una atención integral a esta población” (1p32). Odontología para pacientes con necesidades especiales es la especialización odontológica más nueva que ha sido aprobada en países como Australia y Nueva Zelanda, y aunque aún no está reconocida como especialización en muchos otros países, si se ha empezado a reconocer la importancia de la atención odontológica a estos pacientes (2, 3). Los especialistas en esta área están encargados de manejar problemas orales de aquellos pacientes adultos con discapacidad intelectual, discapacidad física, enfermedades sistémicas (agudas y crónicas) y/o con problemas psicológicos (4). Por lo que se requiere de una formación integral basada en diferentes herramientas teóricas y clínicas que permitan al odontólogo ofrecer una atención especializada a estos pacientes(5).
Virtual Screening of Potential Anti-fatigue Mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Wang Ze-Feng , Hu Ye-Qing , Wu Qi-Guo , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2019

Background and Objective:

A large number of people are facing the danger of fatigue due to the fast-paced lifestyle. Fatigue is common in some diseases, such as cancer. The mechanism of fatigue is not definite. Traditional Chinese medicine is often used for fatigue, but the potential mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma (PR) is still not clear. This study attempts to explore the potential anti-fatigue mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma through virtual screening based on network pharmacology.

Methods:

The candidate compounds of PR and the known targets of fatigue are obtained from multiple professional databases. PharmMapper Server is designed to identify potential targets for the candidate compounds. We developed a Herbal medicine-Compound-Disease-Target network and analyzed the interactions. Protein-protein interaction network is developed through the Cytoscape software and analyzed by topological methods. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment are carried out by DAVID Database. Finally, we develop Compound-Target-Pathway network to illustrate the anti-fatigue mechanism of PR.

Results:

This approach identified 12 active compounds and 156 candidate targets of PR. The top 10 annotation terms for GO and KEGG were obtained by enrichment analysis with 35 key targets. The interaction between E2F1 and PI3K-AKT plays a vital role in the anti-fatigue effect of PR due to this study.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that PR has multi-component, multi-target and multipathway effects.