bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric disorders in incident patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis - a case-control cohort study
Authors: Kyllönen Minna S. , Ebeling Hanna , Kautiainen Hannu , Puolakka Kari , Vähäsalo Paula
Published: July 2021

Background

Chronic illness, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), appears to have an impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence of mental and behavioural disorders according to age at JIA onset and gender in JIA patients compared to a control population.

Methods

Information on all incident patients with JIA in 2000–2014 was collected from the nationwide register, maintained by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The National Population Registry identified three controls (similar regarding age, sex and residence) for each case. They were followed up together until 31st Dec. 2016. ICD-10 codes of their psychiatric diagnoses (F10-F98) were obtained from the Care Register of the National Institute for Health and Welfare. The data were analysed using generalized linear models.

Results

The cumulative incidence of psychiatric morbidity was higher among the JIA patients than the controls, hazard ratio 1.70 (95% Cl 1.57 to 1.74), p < 0.001. Phobic, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, stress-related and somatoform disorders (F40–48) and mood (affective) disorders (F30–39) were the most common psychiatric diagnoses in both the JIA patients (10.4 and 8.2%) and the control group (5.4 and 5.1%), respectively. Female patients were more prone to mental and behavioural disorders than males were, and the risk seemed to be higher in patients who developed JIA in early childhood or adolescence.

Conclusion

Patients with JIA are diagnosed with mental and behavioural disorders more often than controls, and the age at onset of JIA could have implications for future mental health.
Rapid versus traditional qualitative analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
Authors: Nevedal Andrea L. , Reardon Caitlin M. , Opra Widerquist Marilla A. , Jackson George L. , Cutrona Sarah L. , White Brandolyn S. , Damschroder Laura J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Qualitative approaches, alone or in mixed methods, are prominent within implementation science. However, traditional qualitative approaches are resource intensive, which has led to the development of rapid qualitative approaches. Published rapid approaches are often inductive in nature and rely on transcripts of interviews. We describe a deductive rapid analysis approach using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) that uses notes and audio recordings. This paper compares our rapid versus traditional deductive CFIR approach.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted for two cohorts of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Diffusion of Excellence (DoE). The CFIR guided data collection and analysis. In cohort A, we used our traditional CFIR-based deductive analysis approach (directed content analysis), where two analysts completed independent in-depth manual coding of interview transcripts using qualitative software. In cohort B, we used our new rapid CFIR-based deductive analysis approach (directed content analysis), where the primary analyst wrote detailed notes during interviews and immediately “coded” notes into a MS Excel CFIR construct by facility matrix; a secondary analyst then listened to audio recordings and edited the matrix. We tracked time for our traditional and rapid deductive CFIR approaches using a spreadsheet and captured transcription costs from invoices. We retrospectively compared our approaches in terms of effectiveness and rigor.

Results

Cohorts A and B were similar in terms of the amount of data collected. However, our rapid deductive CFIR approach required 409.5 analyst hours compared to 683 h during the traditional deductive CFIR approach. The rapid deductive approach eliminated $7250 in transcription costs. The facility-level analysis phase provided the greatest savings: 14 h/facility for the traditional analysis versus 3.92 h/facility for the rapid analysis. Data interpretation required the same number of hours for both approaches.

Conclusion

Our rapid deductive CFIR approach was less time intensive and eliminated transcription costs, yet effective in meeting evaluation objectives and establishing rigor. Researchers should consider the following when employing our approach: (1) team expertise in the CFIR and qualitative methods, (2) level of detail needed to meet project aims, (3) mode of data to analyze, and (4) advantages and disadvantages of using the CFIR.
Hybrid promoter engineering strategies in Yarrowia lipolytica: isoamyl alcohol production as a test study
Authors: Zhao Yu , Liu Shiqi , Lu Zhihui , Zhao Baixiang , Wang Shuhui , Zhang Cuiying , Xiao Dongguang , Foo Jee Loon , Yu Aiqun
Published: July 2021

Background

In biological cells, promoters drive gene expression by specific binding of RNA polymerase. They determine the starting position, timing and level of gene expression. Therefore, rational fine-tuning of promoters to regulate the expression levels of target genes for optimizing biosynthetic pathways in metabolic engineering has recently become an active area of research.

Results

In this study, we systematically detected and characterized the common promoter elements in the unconventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, and constructed an artificial hybrid promoter library that covers a wide range of promoter strength. The results indicate that the hybrid promoter strength can be fine-tuned by promoter elements, namely, upstream activation sequences (UAS), TATA box and core promoter. Notably, the UASs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae promoters were reported for the first time to be functionally transferred to Y. lipolytica. Subsequently, using the production of a versatile platform chemical isoamyl alcohol as a test study, the hybrid promoter library was applied to optimize the biosynthesis pathway expression in Y. lipolytica. By expressing the key pathway gene, ScARO10, with the promoter library, 1.1–30.3 folds increase in the isoamyl alcohol titer over that of the control strain Y. lipolytica Po1g KU70∆ was achieved. Interestingly, the highest titer increase was attained with a weak promoter PUAS1B4-EXPm to express ScARO10. These results suggest that our hybrid promoter library can be a powerful toolkit for identifying optimum promoters for expressing metabolic pathways in Y. lipolytica.

Conclusion

We envision that this promoter engineering strategy and the rationally engineered promoters constructed in this study could also be extended to other non-model fungi for strain improvement.
The effect of cattle-administered ivermectin and fipronil on the mortality and fecundity of Anopheles arabiensis Patton
Authors: Makhanthisa Takalani I. , Braack Leo , Lutermann Heike
Published: July 2021

Background

Malaria control primarily depends on two vector control strategies: indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Both IRS and LLIN target indoor-biting mosquitoes. However, some of the most important malaria vectors have developed resistance against the chemical compounds used in IRS and LLINs. Insecticide-induced behavioural changes in vectors, such as increased outdoor feeding on cattle and other animals, also limit the effectiveness of these strategies. Novel vector control strategies must therefore be found to complement IRS and LLINs. A promising tool is the use of cattle-applied endectocides. Endectocides are broad-spectrum systemic drugs that are effective against a range of internal nematodes parasites and blood-feeding arthropods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two endectocide drugs, injectable ivermectin and topical fipronil, on the survival and fecundity of zoophilic Anopheles arabiensis.

Methods

Laboratory-reared mosquitoes were allowed to feed on cattle treated with either injectable ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg), topical fipronil (1.0 mg/kg) or saline (control) on days 0, 1, 4, 7, 13, 21 and 25 post-treatment, and mortality and egg production were recorded daily.

Results

Compared to controls, the mortality of An. arabiensis increased by 3.52- and 2.43-fold with injectable ivermectin and topical fipronil, respectively. The overall fecundity of mosquitoes that fed on both ivermectin- and fipronil-treated cattle was significantly reduced by up to 90 and 60%, respectively, compared to the control group. The effects of both drugs attenuated over a period of 3 weeks. Injectable ivermectin was more effective than topical fipronil and increased mosquito mortality by a risk factor of 1.51 higher than fipronil. Similarly, both drugs significantly reduced the fecundity of An. arabiensis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that injectable ivermectin and topical fipronil are able to suppress An. arabiensis density and could help to reduce outdoor malaria transmission. Data from the present study as well as from other similar studies suggest that current-generation endectocides have a limited duration of action and are expensive. However, new-generation, sustained-release formulations of ivermectin have a multi-week, high mortality impact on vector populations, thus holding promise of an effective reduction of outdoor malaria transmission.

Graphical abstract
Patterns of immunotherapy-induced pneumonitis in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: a case series
Authors: Picard Sarah , Goh Desiree , Tan Ashley , Sikotra Nisha , Gabbay Eli , Clay Tim
Published: July 2021

Background

Immunotherapy has become an efficacious option in the management of solid organ malignancies. Immune-related adverse events including pneumonitis are well described and may be particularly of concern in patients receiving immunotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Case presentations

In this paper, we describe three cases of immunotherapy-induced pneumonitis occurring in the management of lung malignancy. Our cases include a 54-year-old Caucasian woman with squamous cell lung cancer who was successfully rechallenged with immunotherapy after prior significant pneumonitis, a 65-year-old Caucasian man with metastatic squamous cell lung cancer who developed pneumonitis after multiple cycles of uneventful immunotherapy, and a 73-year-old Caucasian man with squamous cell lung cancer who developed early-onset pneumonitis with rebound on steroid taper.

Conclusions

This case series has provided further insight into the presentation and risk factors for pneumonitis in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Each of the cases of immunotherapy-induced pneumonitis illustrates the different potential patterns that may arise when immunotherapy-induced pneumonitis develops. This case series provides key learning points that may assist physicians managing non-small-cell lung cancer with immunotherapy.
Hypoproliferative human neural progenitor cell xenografts survived extendedly in the brain of immunocompetent rats
Authors: Liu Chunhua , Wang Xiaoyun , Huang Wenhao , Meng Wei , Su Zhenghui , Xing Qi , Shi Heng , Zhang Di , Zhou Min , Zhao Yifan , Wang Haitao , Pan Guangjin , Zhong Xiaofen , Pei Duanqing , Guo Yiping
Published: July 2021

Background

There is a huge controversy about whether xenograft or allograft in the “immune-privileged” brain needs immunosuppression. In animal studies, the prevailing sophisticated use of immunosuppression or immunodeficient animal is detrimental for the recipients, which results in a short lifespan of animals, confounds functional behavioral readout of the graft benefits, and discourages long-term follow-up.

Methods

Neuron-restricted neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were derived from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs, including H1, its gene-modified cell lines for better visualization, and HN4), propagated for different passages, and then transplanted into the brain of immunocompetent rats without immunosuppressants. The graft survivals, their cell fates, and HLA expression levels were examined over time (up to 4 months after transplantation). We compared the survival capability of NPCs from different passages and in different transplantation sites (intra-parenchyma vs. para- and intra-cerebroventricle). The host responses to the grafts were also investigated.

Results

Our results show that human ESC-derived neuron-restricted NPCs survive extendedly in adult rat brain parenchyma with no need of immunosuppression whereas a late-onset graft rejection seems inevitable. Both donor HLA antigens and host MHC-II expression level remain relatively low with little change over time and cannot predict the late-onset rejection. The intra-/para-cerebroventricular human grafts are more vulnerable to the immune attack than the intrastriatal counterparts. Prevention of graft hyperplasia by using hypoproliferative late passaged human NPCs further significantly extends the graft survival time. Our new data also shows that a subpopulation of host microglia upregulate MHC-II expression in response to the human graft, but fail to present the human antigen to the host immune system, suggestive of the immune-isolation role of the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

Conclusions

The present study confirms the “immune privilege” of the brain parenchyma and, more importantly, unveils that choosing hypoproliferative NPCs for transplantation can benefit graft outcome in terms of both lower tumor-genic risk and the prolonged survival time without immunosuppression.
Components loss for neural networks in mask-based speech enhancement
Authors: Xu Ziyi , Elshamy Samy , Zhao Ziyue , Fingscheidt Tim
Published: July 2021

Estimating time-frequency domain masks for single-channel speech enhancement using deep learning methods has recently become a popular research field with promising results. In this paper, we propose a novel components loss (CL) for the training of neural networks for mask-based speech enhancement. During the training process, the proposed CL offers separate control over preservation of the speech component quality, suppression of the noise component, and preservation of a naturally sounding residual noise component. We illustrate the potential of the proposed CL by evaluating a standard convolutional neural network (CNN) for mask-based speech enhancement. The new CL is compared to several baseline losses, comprising the conventional mean squared error (MSE) loss w.r.t. speech spectral amplitudes or w.r.t. an ideal-ratio mask, auditory-related loss functions, such as the perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ) loss and the perceptual weighting filter loss, and also the recently proposed SNR loss with two masks. Detailed analysis suggests that the proposed CL obtains a better or at least a more balanced performance across all employed instrumental quality metrics, including SNR improvement, speech component quality, enhanced total speech quality, and particularly also delivers a natural sounding residual noise component. For unseen noise types, we excel even perceptually motivated losses by an about 0.2 points higher PESQ score. The recently proposed so-called SNR loss with two masks not only requires a network with more parameters due to the two decoder heads, but also falls behind on PESQ and POLQA and particularly w.r.t. residual noise quality. Note that the proposed CL shows significantly more 1st ranks among the evaluation metrics than any other baseline. It is easy to implement, and code is provided at https://github.com/ifnspaml/Components-Loss.
Management of the grape mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), using entomopathogenic fungi and botanical oils: a laboratory study
Authors: Gopal Gurav Shrishail , Venkateshalu Balaiah , Nadaf A. M. , Guru P. N. , Pattepur Sateesh
Published: July 2021

Background

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the bio-efficacy and cumulative effect of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), viz., Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmermann) Zare and Gams, and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and different botanical oils against grape mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green). M. hirsutus infestation during berry formation has left no option other than chemical management. However, the pesticide application during this stage leads to residues. Thus, safer and sustainable biological need was tested for their effectiveness against M. hirsutus.

Results

Dipping bioassay technique was used to determine the cumulative mortality. When L. lecanii was used as sole (at 6 and 4 g/l), significant mortality was observed (51.63 and 50.18%). However, the maximum cumulative nymphal mortality was achieved when the combination of EPF formulations was used, i.e., 57.64% with B. bassiana + L. lecanii (6 g/l + 6 g/l). Their effectiveness was at par with the same combination but with minimal concentration, i.e., 4 g/l + 4 g/l (56.29%). Concerning the botanical oils evaluated, neem oil at 15 ml/l achieved a higher mortality of 81.36%. Consecutive effective treatment was a combination of neem oil and pongamia oil (at 10 + 10 ml/l) with 79.65% mortality. However, the standard dosage of neem oil (at 10 ml/l) and IIHR neem soap (at 10 g/l) also recorded the significant mortality of 78.09 and 77.67%, respectively. When compared, the neem oil was found significantly superior in sole and compatible combination than pongamia oil.

Conclusions

Lecanicillium lecanii and neem oil (sole and in combination with other compatible bioagents) proved significantly better for the management against M. hirsutus with an efficacy of 90.21 and 96.67 % mortality, respectively against the standard chemical control (more than 97%).
Biocontrol potential of the entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) against the termite species, Microtermes obesi (Holmgren) (Blattodea: Termitidae)
Authors: Javed Salma , Ali Ashraf , Khanum Tabassum Ara
Published: July 2021

Background

Globally, termites cause a great problem for the farmers which eat the stalk of the wheat, maize, and the sugarcane and also affect the growth of vegetables. For ecological farming system, biocontrol agents represent a vital implement in pest management policies. Biological control can play a probable, even more considerable part to reduce the adverse possessions of synthetic chemical pesticides.

Results

The present study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of one heterorhabditid species and 4 steinernematid species against the termite species (Microtermes obesi (Holmgren) (Blattodea: Termitidae)) on filter paper bioassay and wooden logs. Among all tested species of the entomopathogenic nematodes, maximum mortality rates 100% were obtained by using Steinernema pakistanense N-KA.04 and S. bifurcatum N-KA.93 after 48 h of the application. S. siamkayai N-KA.12 mortality ranged (85–87%), followed by S. ceratophorum N-KA.57 (77–80%) and then Heterorhabditis indica N-KA.03 (70–77%) at the highest concentrations (350–650 IJs/ml).

Conclusions

The expansion of appropriate application products for the management of termite effectiveness, observing and timing of application, participation of farmers in checking, and judgment is essential to avert disasters of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in field conditions and to make farmers’ confident with the use of the most promising species of EPNs.
A way to simplify calculations in acoustic logging
Authors: Lebedev Andrey V.
Published: July 2021

Acoustic logging is an experimental technique of great importance that is widely used in exploration geophysics. The logging is subject to errors due to microscopic heterogeneity of rocks outside the borehole. Therefore, the use of a rigorous standard description has an accuracy limitation due to the nature of rocks. In this case, an approximate description may be adequate to acoustic logging data, providing much faster data processing that saves time in practice. Here, we have developed a way to significantly simplify calculations for acoustic logging of rock formations surrounding a well. Examples of the calculations are presented, demonstrating the correctness of the solution in cases of practical interest.
Phosphate Concentrations and Modifying Factors in Healthy Children From 12 to 24 Months of Age
Authors: Koljonen Laura , Enlund-Cerullo Maria , Hauta-alus Helena , Holmlund-Suila Elisa , Valkama Saara , Rosendahl Jenni , Andersson Sture , Pekkinen Minna , Mäkitie Outi
Published: July 2021

Context

Phosphate homeostasis and its modifiers in early childhood are inadequately characterized.

Objective

To determine physiological plasma phosphate concentration and modifying factors in healthy infants at 12 to 24 months of age.

Design

This study included 525 healthy infants (53% girls), who participated in a randomized vitamin D intervention trial and received daily vitamin D3 supplementation of either 10 or 30 μg from age 2 weeks to 24 months. Biochemical parameters were measured at 12 and 24 months. Dietary phosphate intake was determined at 12 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Plasma phosphate concentrations at 12 and 24 months of age.

Results

Mean (SD) phosphate concentration decreased from 12 months (1.9 ± 0.15 mmol/L) to 24 months (1.6 ± 0.17 mmol/L) of age (P < 0.001 for repeated measurements). When adjusted by covariates, such as body size, creatinine, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, intact and C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23, mean plasma phosphate was higher in boys than girls during follow-up (P = 0.019). Phosphate concentrations were similar in the vitamin D intervention groups (P > 0.472 for all). Plasma iron was associated positively with plasma phosphate at both time points (B, 0.006 and 0.005; 95% CI, 0.004-0.009 and 0.002-0.008; P < 0.001 at both time points, respectively). At 24 months of age, the main modifier of phosphate concentration was plasma creatinine (B, 0.007; 95% CI 0.003-0.011, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Plasma phosphate concentration decreased from age 12 to 24 months. In infants and toddlers, the strongest plasma phosphate modifiers were sex, iron, and creatinine, whereas vitamin D supplementation did not modify phosphate concentrations.
Validation and classification of RNA binding proteins identified by mRNA interactome capture
Authors: Vaishali  , Dimitrova-Paternoga Lyudmila , Haubrich Kevin , Sun Mai , Ephrussi Anne , Hennig Janosch
Published: July 2021

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) take part in all steps of the RNA life cycle and are often essential for cell viability. Most RBPs have a modular organization and comprise a set of canonical RNA binding domains. However, in recent years a number of high-throughput mRNA interactome studies on yeast, mammalian cell lines, and whole organisms have uncovered a multitude of novel mRNA interacting proteins that lack classical RNA binding domains. Whereas a few have been confirmed to be direct and functionally relevant RNA binders, biochemical and functional validation of RNA binding of most others is lacking. In this study, we used a combination of NMR spectroscopy and biochemical studies to test the RNA binding properties of six putative RBPs. Half of the analyzed proteins showed no interaction, whereas the other half displayed weak chemical shift perturbations upon titration with RNA. One of the candidates we found to interact weakly with RNA in vitro is Drosophila melanogaster end binding protein 1 (EB1), a master regulator of microtubule plus-end dynamics. Further analysis showed that EB1's RNA binding occurs on the same surface as that with which EB1 interacts with microtubules. RNA immunoprecipitation and colocalization experiments suggest that EB1 is a rather nonspecific, opportunistic RNA binder. Our data suggest that care should be taken when embarking on an RNA binding study involving these unconventional, novel RBPs, and we recommend initial and simple in vitro RNA binding experiments.
Art Pluriverse: A Community Science Series
Authors: Ziku Mariana , Leventaki Elli , Papageorgiou Artemis , Zachou Katerina
Published: July 2021

The zine publication documents "Art Pluriverse", an annual community science series initiated by the Biennale of Western Balkans in 2020 as part of its year-round programme, in connection with the History of Art Laboratory, School of Fine Arts, University of Ioannina in Greece. Art Pluriverse aims to uplift intangible cultural heritage through community science, by engaging communities and the public in co-creative research in close collaboration with artists and researchers. Drawing on art, intangible cultural heritage and open knowledge, the programme foregrounds communities that safeguard local practices, by documenting their artistic heritage and traditional knowledge through open, educative and participatory methods. The collaborative process leads to the co-creation of research-based art and the development of digital community archives based on open-access principles, envisioning an Art Pluriverse for collectively experiencing and sharing tradition anew.
Shocks to Hospital Occupancy and Mortality: Evidence from the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic
Authors: Gutierrez Emilio , Rubli Adrian
Published: July 2021

Existing literature suggests that hospital occupancy matters for quality of care, as measured by various patient outcomes. However, estimating the causal effect of increased hospital busyness on in-hospital mortality remains an elusive task due to statistical power challenges and the difficulty in separating shocks to occupancy from changes in patient composition. Using data from a large public hospital system in Mexico, we estimate the impact of congestion on in-hospital mortality by exploiting the shock in hospitalizations induced by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, instrumenting hospital admissions due to acute respiratory infections (ARIs) with measures of ARI cases at nearby healthcare facilities as a proxy for the size of the local outbreak. Our instrumental-variables estimates show that a 1% increase in ARI admissions in 2009 led to a 0.25% increase in non-ARI in-hospital mortality. We show that these effects are nonlinear in the size of the local outbreak, consistent with the existence of tipping points. We further show that effects are concentrated at hospitals with limited infrastructure, suggesting that supply-side policies that improve patient assignment across hospitals and strategically increase hospital capacity could mitigate some of the negative impacts. We discuss managerial implications, suggesting that up to 25%–30% of our estimated deaths at small and non-intensive-care-unit hospitals could have been averted by reallocating patients to reduce congestion.

This paper was accepted by Carri Chan, healthcare management.
History Matters: The Impact of Online Customer Reviews Across Product Generations
Authors: Li Linyi , Gopinath Shyam , Carson Stephen J.
Published: July 2021

We examine how online customer reviews for one generation of a product affect sales of another generation in the same product series. The main intriguing result is that previous generation valence has a positive impact on current generation sales; however, current generation valence has a negative impact on previous generation sales. The positive impact of previous generation valence becomes even stronger (1) as the uncertainty (standard deviation) in reviews for the current generation increases and (2) when the current generation valence is high. In contrast, it becomes weaker (1) as the uncertainty in reviews for the previous generation increases and (2) when the current generation has been on the market for a longer period of time. Other results are discussed. Our data consist of intergenerational pairs of point-and-shoot cameras on the largest online seller of such devices, Amazon.com. We estimate the current and previous generation models jointly, allowing for errors to be clustered at the daily and product levels. In addition, we address endogeneity concerns over the online word of mouth measures by using instrumental variables.

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
Memorial
Authors: Duarte Ferreira Filho Valter
Published: July 2021

Este memorial foi defendido no dia 11 de junho de 2019. A banca examinadora foi composta pelos Professores Lená Medeiros de Menezes (presidente), José Augusto Messias, André Leonardo Chevitarese, Guilherme Castelo Branco e Reinaldo Castro Souza.
Memorial
Authors: De Vasconcelos Contins Gonçalves Marcia
Published: July 2021

Este memorial foi defendido no dia 26 de fevereiro de 2021. A banca examinadora foi composta pelos Profs. Patrícia Birman (presidente), Heloisa Buarque de Hollanda, Yvonne Maggie, Peter Fry e Maria das Dores Machado.
Managing postpartum haemorrhage with free-flow pressure-controlled uterine balloons
Authors: Theron Gerhard , Johnson Marvina
Published: July 2021

Background/aims

Uterine balloon tamponade is an accepted management method for refractory postpartum haemorrhage. A previous case series was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa with a uterine balloon tamponade used by doctors, where the success rate was 78.9%. The next step was the roll out of the skill to midwives in midwife obstetric units, which was investigated in this study.

Methods

A case series was conducted in six midwife obstetric units in Metro-East, Cape Town. Hands-on training workshops and one-to-one training sessions were conducted, that aimed at 80% coverage. Following this training, the devices were made available to midwife obstetric units at no cost, along with instructions for their use. Structured interviews were conducted with midwives that used the device during the study period. The interview included questions about correct placement of the uterine balloon, ease of placement and effect on uterine bleeding.

Results

Training saturation ranged between 92% and 100%. A total of 12 cases with 10 attempted placements were reported, of which eight were performed by midwives. In all eight cases, the bleeding stopped quickly following inflation of the uterine balloon. Use of the uterine balloon tamponade for postpartum haemorrhage treatment was received with enthusiasm by midwives and the skill was easy to acquire. The additional management option for postpartum haemorrhage was welcomed.

Conclusions

The skill of using a uterine balloon tamponade was easily acquired by the midwives. This device should be included in the postpartum haemorrhage management bundle, as it will reduce blood loss in refractory cases, resulting in safer transfers.
Timing and factors associated with early antenatal visits among pregnant women in west Gojjam, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Alene Amelework Getinet , Olayemi Oladapo O , Berhane Yemane
Published: July 2021

Background

Early and appropriate antenatal care practices have the potential to save the lives of mothers and their children, and enable mothers to receive the full range of antenatal care services. However, in developing countries, including Ethiopia, a number of pregnant women do not attend antenatal care in the recommended time period. Therefore, this article assessed the timing and factors associated with early antenatal care visits in west Gojjam, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in west Gojjam. Data on participants' sociodemographic, obostetric and reproductive health information were collected from 820 participants using a structured interviewer-administered pretested questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables associated with early antenatal care visits. Variables with P<0.05 were considered significant. A visit was considered ‘early’ if a pregnant woman attended their first antenatal care session within the first 12 weeks of gestation.

Results

Almost a third (31.5%) of mothers started antenatal care early. The mean gestational age at the first visit was 17 weeks (standard deviation±7.7), with a range of 3–36 weeks. In multivariate analysis, it was found that being nulliparous (adjusted odds ratio: 2.3; P=0.013), travel time to the health facility being less than 30 minutes (adjusted odds ratio: 6.1; P<0.001) and living in an urban area (adjusted odds ratio: 2.4; P=0.001) were significantly associated with attending antenatal care early.

Conclusions

Early first antenatal care attendance was low in the study area. It is important to decentralise the provision of antenatal care services at health posts through an outreach service, by strengthening the mobilisation, screening and early referral system through health extension workers and the women development army. This will allow more women to receive antenatal care from skilled providers.
Comparative Study of Rapeseed Oil with Hydraulic Oil
Authors: Stanciu Ioana
Published: July 2021

This article presents the comparative study of rapeseed oil with hydraulic oil ( n depending on the y and n depending on the t) for a vegetable oil and a hydraulic oil between temperatures of 40 and 90 degrees Celsius. The two oils were studied with the Haake VT 550 viscometer with VH1 sensor. The obtained curves show an exponential decrease of the dynamic viscosity with temperature,
The Regulatory Amalgamation for Nursing and Midwifery in British Columbia
Authors:   Athabasca University, Leslie Kathleen , Cecilia Cecilia ,   University of Victoria, Freeman Angela ,   University of Waterloo, Bourgeault Ivy ,   University of Ottawa
Published: July 2021

On 1 September 2020, Canada's first combined nursing-midwifery regulator was created with the amalgamation of the separate nurse and midwife regulators in British Columbia (BC). The highly critical Cayton Report on health profession regulation, the previous experience of amalgamating nursing regulators in BC, and a broader call for more efficient and effective regulation were factors influencing this reform. The goals of the reform were to increase regulatory efficiency (by maximizing economies of scale) and effectiveness (by ensuring adequate resources to meet the public interest mandate) and, for the regulators, to control the pace and progress of the amalgamation ahead of impending government dictate. These goals of the regulators' proposal to amalgamate clearly fit with the BC government's vision for modernizing health profession regulation. To implement the amalgamation, the BC government released an Order in Council on 8 June 2020 that amended various regulations under BC's Health Professions Act and confirmed the September 1 date of amalgamation. There is currently no clearly articulated evaluation plan for this reform; however, evaluating regulatory efficiency and effectiveness in the interests of the public is likely to be a focus moving forward for both regulators and governments.
Sexual selection theory meets disease vector control: Testing harmonic convergence as a “good genes” signal in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: League Garrett P. , Harrington Laura C. , Pitcher Sylvie A. , Geyer Julie K. , Baxter Lindsay L. , Montijo Julian , Rowland John G. , Johnson Lynn M. , Murdock Courtney C. , Cator Lauren J.
Published: July 2021

Background

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a medically important, globally distributed vector of the viruses that cause dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Although reproduction and mate choice are key components of vector population dynamics and control, our understanding of the mechanisms of sexual selection in mosquitoes remains poor. In “good genes” models of sexual selection, females use male cues as an indicator of both mate and offspring genetic quality. Recent studies in Ae. aegypti provide evidence that male wingbeats may signal aspects of offspring quality and performance during mate selection in a process known as harmonic convergence. However, the extent to which harmonic convergence may signal overall inherent quality of mates and their offspring remains unknown.

Methodology/Principal findings

To examine this, we measured the relationship between acoustic signaling and a broad panel of parent and offspring fitness traits in two generations of field-derived Ae. aegypti originating from dengue-endemic field sites in Thailand. Our data show that in this population of mosquitoes, harmonic convergence does not signal male fertility, female fecundity, or male flight performance traits, which despite displaying robust variability in both parents and their offspring were only weakly heritable.

Conclusions/Significance

Together, our findings suggest that vector reproductive control programs should treat harmonic convergence as an indicator of some, but not all aspects of inherent quality, and that sexual selection likely affects Ae. aegypti in a trait-, population-, and environment-dependent manner.
Digital occlusal analysis of pre and post single posterior implant restoration delivery: A pilot study
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wongpairojpanich Jirapa , Sareethammanuwat Maytha , Lilakhunakon Charukrit , Buranawat Borvornwut
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to analyze the effects of single posterior implant restorations delivery on the redistribution of bite force and to evaluate the changes in occlusal force distribution of prostheses and potential influencing factors on occlusion variation at different stages.

Materials and methods

Thirty-two single posterior restorations in 30 participants (18 women and 12 men aged 27 to 75 years) were placed into either a unilateral single-tooth defect (n = 17) or on either side of a bilateral teeth defects (n = 15). The bite force (%) of the prostheses, teeth and segments at the maximum intercuspation position (MIP) was evaluated using a T-scan at 5 stages (pre-placement, immediately following placement, and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-placement).

Results

The occlusal force of implant-supported prostheses was significantly (P = .000) lower than those of the control natural teeth at the baseline, then no significant difference was found with that of the mesial teeth at 3 months, and finally it was significantly (P = .000) lower than that of the distal teeth at 6 months; meanwhile, it significantly (P = .008) increased by a mean of 2.04 times from 2 weeks (3.39 ± 2.61%) to 3 months (6.90 ± 4.77%), whereas no significant difference (P = .900) was found from 3 months (6.90 ± 4.77%) to 6 months (7.31 ± 4.60%). In addition, the bite force of the posterior segment on the restored side of both unilateral and bilateral gaps was significantly (P = .013,.001) improved by 3.31% and 6.83%, respectively, although the discrepancy in bite force significantly (P = .039) increased from an initial 3.52% to 5.02% for subjects with bilateral defects, accompanying increases in the proportion (15.38%) of the level III bilateral bite force deviation (P >.05).

Conclusions

Bite force and masticatory ability can be improved with the immediate delivery of a single posterior implant restoration. The bite force distributed on the implant prosthesis inevitably increases after placement of implant prostheses, a routine follow-up and occlusal evaluation are strongly needed.
The impact of measuring split kidney function on post-donation kidney function: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Harper Kelly C. , Salameh Jean-Paul , Akhlaq Natasha , McInnes Matthew D. F. , Ivankovic Victoria , Beydoun Mahdi H. , Clark Edward G. , Zeng Wanzhen , Blew Brian D. M. , Burns Kevin D. , Sood Manish M. , Bugeja Ann
Published: July 2021

Background

Studies have reported agreement between computed tomography (CT) and renography for the determination of split kidney function. However, their correlation with post-donation kidney function remains unclear. We compared CT measurements with renography in assessment of split kidney function (SKF) and their correlations with post-donation kidney function.

Methods

A single-centre, retrospective cohort study of 248 donors from January 1, 2009-July 31, 2019 were assessed. Pearson correlations were used to assess post-donation kidney function with renography and CT-based measurements. Furthermore, we examined high risk groups with SKF difference greater than 10% on renography and donors with post-donation eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2.

Results

62% of donors were women with a mean (standard deviation) pre-donation eGFR 99 (20) and post-donation eGFR 67 (22) mL/min/1.73m2 at 31 months of follow-up. Post-donation kidney function was poorly correlated with both CT-based measurements and renography, including the subgroup of donors with post-donation eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2 (r less than 0.4 for all). There was agreement between CT-based measurements and renography for SKF determination (Bland-Altman agreement [bias, 95% limits of agreement] for renography vs: CT volume, 0.76%, -7.60–9.15%; modified ellipsoid,1.01%, -8.38–10.42%; CC dimension, 0.44%, -7.06–7.94); however, CT missed SKF greater than 10% found by renography in 20 out 26 (77%) of donors.

Conclusions

In a single centre study of 248 living donors, we found no correlation between CT or renography and post-donation eGFR. Further research is needed to determine optimal ways to predict remaining kidney function after donation.
Delftia acidovorans secretes substances that inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis through TCA cycle-triggered ROS production
Authors: Ohkubo Tomotaka , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Cho Otomi , Ogasawara Yuki , Sugita Takashi
Published: July 2021

The proportion ofStaphylococcus aureusin the skin microbiome is associated with the severity of inflammation in the skin disease atopic dermatitis.Staphylococcus epidermidis, a commensal skin bacterium, inhibits the growth ofS.aureusin the skin. Therefore, the balance betweenS.epidermidisandS.aureusin the skin microbiome is important for maintaining healthy skin. In the present study, we demonstrated that the heat-treated culture supernatant ofDelftia acidovorans, a member of the skin microbiome, inhibits the growth ofS.epidermidis, but not that ofS.aureus. Comprehensive gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing revealed that culture supernatant ofD.acidovoransincreased the expression of genes related to glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle inS.epidermidis. Malonate, an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase in the TCA cycle, suppressed the inhibitory effect of the heat-treated culture supernatant ofD.acidovoranson the growth ofS.epidermidis. Reactive oxygen species production inS.epidermidiswas induced by the heat-treated culture supernatant ofD.acidovoransand suppressed by malonate. Further, the inhibitory effect of the heat-treated culture supernatant ofD.acidovoranson the growth ofS.epidermidiswas suppressed byN-acetyl-L-cysteine, a free radical scavenger. These findings suggest that heat-resistant substances secreted byD.acidovoransinhibit the growth ofS.epidermidisby inducing the production of reactive oxygen species via the TCA cycle.
State-trait interactions in regulatory focus determine impulse buying behavior
Authors: Krishna Anand , Ried Sophia , Meixner Marie
Published: July 2021

Little research has focused on motivational state-trait interactions to explain impulse buying. Although the trait chronic regulatory focus has been linked to impulse buying, no evidence yet exists for an effect of situational regulatory focus and no research has examined whether the fit of chronic and situational regulatory focus can influence impulse buying with actual consumptive consequences rather than purchase intentions. Two laboratory experiments (totalN= 250) manipulated situational regulatory focus before providing opportunities for impulse buying. In addition, cognitive constraint was manipulated as a potential boundary condition for regulatory focus effects. Situational promotion focus increased impulse buying relative to situational prevention focus in participants with strong chronic promotion, consistent with regulatory fit theory and independently of cognitive constraint. Surprisingly, situational promotion focus also increased impulse buying in participants with strong chronic prevention, but only under low cognitive constraint. These results may be explained by diverging mediating cognitive processes for promotion vs. prevention focus’ effect on impulse buying. Future research must focus more on combining relevant states and traits in predicting consumer behavior. Marketing implications are discussed.
Real-time UVMS torque distribution algorithm based on weighting matrix
Authors: Moon Yecheol , Hong Jongin , Jin Sangrok , Bae Jangho , Seo TaeWon
Published: July 2021

This study presents a real-time algorithm for even distributing the torque burden on the parallel manipulator with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) through the cooperation of the AUV and manipulator. For the redundant resolution of the underwater vehicle manipulator system (UVMS), we used the weighting matrix of the weighted pseudo inverse for kinematic and dynamic modeling. We made dynamic and kinematic modeling using the force distribution characteristics of parallel manipulators. Using the parallel manipulator’s model, the weighting matrix was changed every second to share the manipulator torque with the AUV. The Taguchi method was used to reduce the calculation time for real-time calculation and to perform valve rotation operations with as little torque as possible even in an underwater environment where it is difficult to determine any cause of errors. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this algorithm, we experimented with valve rotation in water using the UVMS. Analysis of the experimental results revealed that the manipulator torque load was greatly reduced due to the AUV load distribution.
Occupational exposures in the operating room: Are surgeons well-equipped?
Authors: Landford Wilmina N. , Ngaage Ledibabari M. , Lee Erica , Rasko Yvonne , Yang Robin , Slezak Sheri , Redett Richard
Published: July 2021

Background

Occupational health hazards are ubiquitously found in the operating room, guaranteeing an inevitable risk of exposure to the surgeon. Although provisions on occupational health and safety in healthcare exist, they do not address non-traditional hazards found in the operating room. In order to determine whether surgeons or trainees receive any form of occupational health training, we examine the associations between occupational health training and exposure rate.

Study design

A cross-sectional survey was distributed. Respondent characteristics included academic level, race/ethnicity, and gender. The survey evaluated seven surgical disciplines and 13 occupational hazards. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between academic level, surgical specialty, and exposure rate.

Results

Our cohort of 183 respondents (33.1% response rate) consisted of attendings (n = 72, 39.3%) and trainees (n = 111, 60.7%). Surgical trainees were less likely to have been trained in cytotoxic drugs (OR 0.22, p<0.001), methylmethacrylate (OR 0.15, p<0.001), patient lifting (OR 0.43, p = 0.009), radiation (OR 0.40, p = 0.007), and surgical smoke (OR 0.41, p = 0.041) than attending surgeons. Additionally, trainees were more likely to experience frequent exposure to bloodborne pathogens (OR 5.26, p<0.001), methylmethacrylate (OR 2.86, p<0.001), cytotoxic drugs (OR 3.03, p<0.001), and formaldehyde (2.08, p = 0.011), to name a few.

Conclusion

Although surgeon safety is not a domain in residency training, standardized efforts to educate and change the culture of safety in residency programs is warranted. Our study demonstrates a disparity between trainees and attendings with a recommendation to provide formal training to trainees independent of their anticipated risk of exposure.