bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Households’ Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Performance Improvement Following a WASH Education Program in Rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw Zemichael , Addisu Ayenew
Published: January 2020

Background:

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) promotion is a viable solution to prevent enteric infections. It focuses on hygiene education, where a number of theoretical models have emerged which attempt to guide behavior change interventions. This study was, therefore, conducted to evaluate the effectiveness WASH education program on households’ WASH performance in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia.

Method:

An uncontrolled before-and-after intervention study was conducted. Baseline and endline surveys were done among 225 and 302 randomly selected households with under-5 children, respectively, using a structured questionnaire and observational checklists. Percent point change was used to see the effect of the intervention. Pearson χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to test for statistically significant percentage point changes on the basis of P < .05.

Result:

Access to adequate sanitation was significantly improved from 43.1% at the baseline to 50.7% at the endline ( P < .05). Access to protected water sources was high at the baseline (73.8%) and remained high (81.1%) at the endline ( P < .05). Significant proportion of households (58.3%) practiced good drinking water handling at the endline compared with the baseline (6.7%) ( P < .001). Practice of home-based water treatment was improved at the endline (47%) compared with the baseline (7.6%) ( P < .001). The general hygienic condition of children was significantly improved at the end of the intervention compared with the conditions before the intervention ( P < .05). At the end of the intervention, mothers’ hand washing practice was improved to 68.2% from 24.4% at the baseline ( P < .001). Moreover, 52.4% and 69.5% of the households at the baseline and endline, respectively, had good food safety practice ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

The proportion of households who practiced water safety, basic sanitation, good personal hygiene, and basic food safety measures significantly increased at the endline. This significant increment clearly showed that our WASH interventions were effective to improve households’ WASH performance in rural Dembiya. The local health office need, therefore, strengthens the WASH education program.
Effect of vorapaxar on cardiovascular and limb outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease with and without coronary artery disease: Analysis from the TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial
Authors: Qamar Arman , Morrow David A , Creager Mark A , Scirica Benjamin M , Olin Jeffrey W , Beckman Joshua A , Murphy Sabina A , Bonaca Marc P
Published: January 2020

Intensive antithrombotic therapy reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Recent studies have suggested heterogeneity in risk and benefit in those with and without concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral revascularization. We evaluated the risk of MACE and MALE in patients with PAD stratified by history of concomitant CAD and prior peripheral revascularization and whether the efficacy and safety of vorapaxar were similar in these subgroups. The TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial randomized 26,449 patients with prior MI, ischemic stroke, or PAD to vorapaxar or placebo. This analysis examined the effect of vorapaxar in a broad population of 6136 patients with PAD. Overall, vorapaxar significantly reduced MACE (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73, 0.99; p = 0.034) and MALE (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53, 0.92; p = 0.011) in patients with PAD. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) for MACE was greater in patients with PAD and CAD versus those with PAD alone (–2.2% vs 0.1%: number needed to treat (NNT) 45 vs 1000). Conversely, the ARR for MALE was higher in those with prior lower extremity revascularization (2.5% vs 0.2%: NNT 40 vs 500). Vorapaxar increased major bleeding (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12, 1.71; p = 0.003). The net clinical outcome in all patients with PAD was reduced with vorapaxar (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72, 0.94; p = 0.004), with benefits driven by reductions in MACE for those with CAD and by reductions in MALE for those with prior peripheral revascularization. Among patients with PAD, vorapaxar resulted in a net clinical benefit; however, the drivers of benefit were heterogeneous, with greater reductions in MACE in those with concomitant CAD and greater reductions in MALE in those with prior lower extremity revascularization, and unclear benefit in patients with neither. These clinical characteristics may be useful in identifying the subgroups of patients with PAD most likely to benefit from potent antithrombotic therapies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00526474
Outcomes after venous thromboembolism in patients with gastric cancer: Analysis of the RIETE Registry
Authors: Majmudar Kaushal , Golemi Iva , Tafur Alfonso J , Toro Jorge Del , Visonà Adriana , Falgá Conxita , Sahuquillo Joan Carles , Lorente Manuel Alejandro , Tufano Antonella , Weinberg Ido , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Monreal Manuel ,   for the RIETE Investigators
Published: January 2020

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Venous thromboembolism is an independent predictor of death among patients with gastric cancer. We aimed to describe the factors associated with mortality, thrombosis recurrence, and bleeding complications in patients with gastric cancer who develop venous thromboembolism. We included 612 patients with gastric cancer and venous thromboembolism in the Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) registry from 2001 to 2018. We used Cox proportional hazard ratios and a Fine–Gray model to define factors associated with outcomes. The overall mortality at 6 months was 44.4%. Factors associated with increased 6-month mortality included immobility (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.4; p < 0.001), anemia (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.8; p < 0.02), and leukocytosis (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.3; p < 0.001). Recurrent thrombosis occurred in 6.5% of patients and major bleeding complications in 8.5% of the cohort. Male sex was the main factor associated with thrombosis recurrence (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.0; p < 0.02) and hemoglobin below 10 g/dL (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.05–2.50; p = 0.03) the main factor associated with bleeding. In conclusion, patients with gastric cancer who develop venous thrombosis have a very high likelihood of death. Low hemoglobin in this population is associated with poor outcomes.
A numerical study of the contact and vibration characteristics of a roller bearing with a surface crack
Authors: Shi Zhifeng , Liu Jing , Dong Shaojiang
Published: January 2020

Roller bearings are key parts in different machineries. As one of the major incipient failure models in the bearings, the surface crack will be enlarged to be a large spalling failure. Moreover, the abrupt changes in the contact characteristics caused by the crack zone would produce unacceptable impulses, which can affect the bearing vibrations. Thus, a study of the contact characteristics and vibrations of the bearings including the surface crack could be conducive for the incipient fault monitoring methods. To overcome this issue, a finite element model is proposed to obtain the influences of the depth and slope angle of a surface crack on the contact characteristics in a roller bearing. The relationships between the contact characteristics (contact deformation, width and stiffness) and crack sizes (depth and slope angle) are established. To study the influences of the surface crack sizes on the bearing vibrations, a dynamic model of the roller bearing considering the surface crack is also proposed. An experiment is introduced to verify the proposed method. It seems that the crack depth and slope angle can greatly affect the contact and vibration characteristics of the bearing. This study provides a helpful numerical approach for understanding the contact and vibration characteristics of roller bearings with various surface cracks.
A comparative study of sulphated polysaccharide effects on advanced glycation end-product uptake and scavenger receptor class A level in macrophages
Authors: Nishinaka Takashi , Mori Shuji , Yamazaki Yui , Niwa Atsuko , Wake Hidenori , Yoshino Tadashi , Nishibori Masahiro , Takahashi Hideo
Published: January 2020

Advanced glycation end-products, especially toxic advanced glycation end-products derived from glyceraldehyde (advanced glycation end-product-2) and glycolaldehyde (advanced glycation end-product-3), are biologically reactive compounds associated with diabetic complications. We previously demonstrated that toxic advanced glycation end-products were internalised into macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells through scavenger receptor-1 class A (CD204). Toxic advanced glycation end-product uptake was inhibited by fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide and antagonistic ligand for scavenger receptors, suggesting that sulphated polysaccharides are emerging candidates for treatment of advanced glycation end-product–related diseases. In this study, we compared the effects of six types of sulphated and non-sulphated polysaccharides on toxic advanced glycation end-product uptake in RAW264.7 cells. Fucoidan, carrageenan and dextran sulphate attenuated toxic advanced glycation end-product uptake. Fucoidan and carrageenan inhibited advanced glycation end-product-2–induced upregulation of SR-A, while advanced glycation end-product-3–induced upregulation of scavenger receptor-1 class A was only suppressed by fucoidan. Dextran sulphate did not affect scavenger receptor-1 class A levels in toxic advanced glycation end-product–treated cells. Chondroitin sulphate, heparin and hyaluronic acid failed to attenuate toxic advanced glycation end-product uptake. Heparin and hyaluronic acid had no effect on scavenger receptor-1 class A levels, while chondroitin sulphate inhibited advanced glycation end-product-3–induced upregulation of scavenger receptor-1 class A. Taken together, fucoidan and carrageenan, but not the other sulphated polysaccharides examined, had inhibitory activities on toxic advanced glycation end-product uptake and toxic advanced glycation end-product–induced upregulation of scavenger receptor-1 class A, possibly because of structural differences among sulphated polysaccharides.
Feasibility of Percutaneous Bone Biopsy as Part of the Management of Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis in a 100% Neuropathic, Grade 3 IDSA/IWGDF Population on an Outpatient Basis
Authors: Kosmopoulou Olga Anna , Dumont Isabelle J.
Published: January 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous bone biopsy in an ambulatory setting as part of the management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) on an outpatient basis. DFO may complicate some cases of apparently nonsevere foot infections in patients with diabetes and greatly increase the risk of a lower extremity amputation. It has been suggested that bone culture–based antibiotic therapy is a predictive factor of success in patients with diabetes treated nonsurgically for osteomyelitis of the foot. It is recommended to identify the causative microorganism(s) by the means of either a surgical or percutaneous bone biopsy taken appropriately to select the proper antibiotic therapy. Percutaneous bone biopsy in patients not requiring surgery is, however, not performed in everyday practice as it should be according to the current recommendations. In the present retrospective study, we report a series of 23 consecutive patients with a suspicion of DFO in whom 28 bone samples were collected by percutaneous biopsy at the bedside in an outpatient setting. The percentage of positive cultures was in accordance with that reported in the literature. The mean number of isolates per specimen was 1.04. After a mean 12-month follow-up, the remission was almost of 78%. No adverse event related to the bone biopsy was noted. After a 1-year follow-up, no recurrence was recorded among the patients in remission. The results of the present study suggest that bedside percutaneous bone biopsy performed in the ambulatory setting is a valuable and safe tool in the management of DFO on an outpatient basis.
Dorsal Root Ganglia Homeobox downregulation in primary sensory neurons contributes to neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Ito Takaya , Sakai Atsushi , Maruyama Motoyo , Miyagawa Yoshitaka , Okada Takashi , Fukayama Haruhisa , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: January 2020

Transcriptional changes in primary sensory neurons are involved in initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. However, the transcription factors in primary sensory neurons responsible for neuropathic pain are not fully understood. Dorsal Root Ganglia Homeobox (DRGX) is a paired-like homeodomain transcription factor necessary for the development of nociceptive primary sensory neurons during the early postnatal period. However, roles for DRGX after development are largely unknown. Here, we report that DRGX downregulation in primary sensory neurons as a result of post-developmental nerve injury contributes to neuropathic pain in rats. DRGX expression was decreased in nuclei of small and medium primary sensory neurons after spinal nerve ligation. DRGX downregulation by transduction of a short hairpin RNA with an adeno-associated viral vector induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. In contrast, DRGX overexpression in primary sensory neurons suppressed neuropathic pain. DRGX regulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and prostaglandin E receptor 2 mRNA expression in the DRG. MMP-9 inhibitor attenuated DRGX downregulation-induced pain. These results suggest that DRGX downregulation after development contributes to neuropathic pain through transcriptional modulation of pain-related genes in primary sensory neurons.
Nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Ware Thuvaraka
Published: January 2020

Nephrotic syndrome is characterised by proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia and oedema. The renal function is often normal and symptoms may mimic other common pathologies presenting in the community. The underlying aetiology is more heterogenous in adults compared with children, further confounding the diagnostic process and leading to delays in recognition. It is a relatively rare presentation in primary care, but the consequences of nephrotic syndrome can be significant. Complications include hyperlipidaemia, hypercoaguability, increased risk of infection and end-stage renal failure. It is, therefore, important to diagnose, investigate and manage nephrotic syndrome appropriately.
Suicidal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by Formic and Sulfuric Acids
Authors: Kreutz Kasey , Danielsen Travis , Quinton Reade A.
Published: January 2020

In 1987, a case report was published in the German journal Archiv für Kriminologie describing an apparently novel method of suicide in which the decedent produced a lethal amount of carbon monoxide by mixing formic acid and sulfuric acid. This method of chemical suicide remained obscure until 2003, when Dr. Philip Nitschke, a vocal supporter of assisted suicide, began promoting a homemade carbon monoxide generator which utilized this same chemical reaction. In 2006, he coauthored The Peaceful Pill Handbook, which provided further details about how the device worked. Pro-voluntary euthanasia organizations and online forums continue to provide information about this method, promoting it as painless and efficient. There have been nine case reports of suicides and attempted suicides using this chemical reaction, with five reported in Europe, three in the United States, and one in Taiwan. Two additional cases were reported in news articles that did not correspond to known case reports, indicating that this method of suicide is more common than the scientific literature would suggest. We present the case of a 44-year-old male who learned about this method of chemical suicide online and filmed the suicidal act while verbally recording carbon monoxide levels prior to losing consciousness.
Role of Autophagy Biomarkers In Burn-Age Estimation and Progression
Authors: Yassa Heba A. , Hanna Randa T. , El Abdin Hala Zein
Published: January 2020

Background:

Determination of time passed since burn injury in the living is critical in forensic science. Autophagy biomarkers and vitronectin can play an important role in determination of the age of burn injuries through their levels in the tissue.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of autophagy biomarkers in dating burn injury and to correlate them with the histopathological effects of deep second-degree thermal burn.

Method:

Fifty-four male rats were used in this study after infliction of second-degree thermal burns to their skin. Samples were taken from them after 30 minutes and one, four, 24, 48, and 72 hours following burn to be examined histologically and also for autophagy biomarkers and vitronectin.

Results:

Significant reduction in the autophagy biomarkers (p < 0.001) over the first 24 hours then began to increase but still not reach the normal level up to 72 hours after burn. Vitronectin level increased after burn infliction 1.5-fold after first hour, then up to four-fold after four hours and after that began to decline but still did not reach the normal level up to 72 hours.

Conclusion:

Autophagy biomarkers can be used as a forensic tool in determination of the time passed since burn infliction in living.
Hostage Situation Homicide
Authors: Prahlow Samuel P. , Prahlow Joseph A.
Published: January 2020

Deaths related to hostage situations occur in many forms, as these situations can easily escalate as a result of many confounding variables. When approaching such cases, forensic pathologists and death investigators should be mindful of the many details that should be well-documented at the scene and during autopsy to ensure that the correct conclusions and death certification are determined. This case report highlights a death in a hostage situation and the importance of correlating scene information and autopsy findings. An elderly female hostage was ambulating with a walker away from her ex-husband’s home, after police negotiations successfully convinced her ex-husband to release her. The ex-husband then appeared at the door, brandishing a weapon, at which time a police officer shot at the man. Instead of striking the man, the rifle’s projectile struck the woman in the chest. Subsequent investigation revealed that, although the police officer had a “clear shot” via the rifle sights, the muzzle end of the rifle was obstructed by the back corner of an automobile, behind which the officer was positioned during the hostage situation standoff. The case highlights a rarely discussed safety rule related to firearms: recognition that the line of sight via a weapon’s sights (or scope) is not identical to the barrel/bore axis.
Attitudes Towards Forensic Autopsy Standard B3.7 and the Use of Physician Extenders in Select Autopsy Cases
Authors: MacRae Cassie B. , Weinberg Seth H. , Weinberg Mitchell L.
Published: January 2020

Studies have demonstrated that autopsy is the gold standard for determining cause and manner of death. Indeed, the current National Association of Medical Examiners standard B3.7 states that a forensic pathologist (FP) shall perform a forensic autopsy when the death is by apparent intoxication by alcohol, drugs, or poison. Unfortunately, the recent increase in drug-related deaths has led to some question about the feasibility of maintaining compliance with standard B3.7. We constructed a voluntary survey to address consensus on standard B3.7 and the use of supervised accredited pathologists’ assistants (PAs) in performing select medicolegal autopsies. Additional questions were included to help characterize variables related to FP’s workload and experience. Each of these variables was predicted to influence FP’s attitudes toward B3.7 and the use of PAs. Our respondent pool (n = 107) consisted primarily of actively practicing FPs with administrative responsibilities (42%) and actively practicing FPs without administrative responsibilities (41%). Sixty-five percent agreed that standard B3.7 is appropriate. Opinion on the use of PAs was split between those who agreed (45%) and those who did not (44%). Tendency to agree with either B3.7 or the use of PAs was not a function of FP’s individual or office workload; however, respondents were more likely to agree with B3.7 if they previously experienced a case where internal autopsy findings radically altered diagnosis in an otherwise suggestive overdose case (P < 0.001). In certain offices and under certain conditions, the use of PAs may be one solution to ensuring all potential overdose deaths receive an autopsy.
Eccentric and Isometric Exercises in Achilles Tendinopathy Evaluated by the VISA-A Score and Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Gatz Matthias , Betsch Marcel , Dirrichs Timm , Schrading Simone , Tingart Markus , Michalik Roman , Quack Valentin
Published: January 2020

Background:

Apart from eccentric exercises (EE), isometric exercises (ISO) might be a treatment option for Achilles tendinopathy. Shear wave elastography (SWE) provides information for diagnosis and for monitoring tissue elasticity, which is altered in symptomatic tendons.

Hypothesis:

Isometric exercises will have a beneficial effect on patients’ outcome scores. Based on SWE, insertional and midportion tendon parts will differ in their elastic properties according to current symptoms.

Study Design:

Randomized clinical trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

Group 1 (EE; n = 20; 12 males, 8 females; mean age, 52 ± 8.98 years) and group 2 (EE + ISO; n = 22; 15 males, 7 females; mean age, 47 ± 15.11 years) performed exercises for 3 months. Measurement points were before exercises were initiated as well as after 1 and 3 months using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, and SWE (insertion and midportion).

Results:

Both groups improved significantly, but there were no significant interindividual differences (VISA-A; P = 0.362) between group 1 (n = 15; +15 VISA-A) and group 2 (n = 15; +15 VISA-A). The symptomatic insertion (symptomatic, 136.89 kPa; asymptomatic, 174.68 kPa; P = 0.045) and the symptomatic midportion of the Achilles tendon (symptomatic, 184.40 kPa; asymptomatic, 215.41 kPa; P = 0.039) had significantly lower Young modulus compared with the asymptomatic tendons. The midportion location had significantly higher Young modulus than the insertional part of the tendon ( P = 0.005).

Conclusion:

Isometric exercises do not have additional benefit when combined with eccentric exercises, as assessed over a 3-month intervention period. SWE is able to distinguish between insertional and midportion tendon parts in a symptomatic and asymptomatic state.

Clinical Relevance:

The present study shows no additional effect of ISO when added to baseline EE in treating Achilles tendinopathy. Different elastic properties of the insertional and midportion tendon have to be taken into consideration when rating a tendon as pathologic.
Ramifications of Households’ Nonfarm Income on Agricultural Productivity: Evidence From a Rural Area of Pakistan
Authors: Rashidin Md.Salamun , Javed Sara , Liu Bin , Jian Wang
Published: January 2020

Currently in Pakistan, the agricultural sector contributes up to 18.9% of the gross domestic product. As a result of modern science and technology development, the source of income for rural households is changing, and nonfarm income has become the main source. This study investigates the effects of nonfarm income on agricultural productivity in rural Pakistan. The current research data has been collected from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey (PSLM) 2017–2018, a sample of rural and urban areas designed by Pakistan’s Federal Bureau of Statistics. In this study, Heckman’s two-step procedure is used to tackle the problems of endogeneity and selection bias. The first phase, probit regression, indicates that the accessibility of banks, motorable roads, forest, telecommunication substructure, montane grasslands, and shrublands zone affects nonfarm income. On the other hand, the second stage, ordinary least squares regression, found a negative impact of nonfarm income on per capita farm income. Furthermore, results reveal that nonfarm household income has a significant positive effect on agricultural productivity.
The Natural History of Ossification of Yellow Ligament of the Thoracic Spine on MRI: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tang Chris Yuk Kwan , Cheung Kenneth Man Chee , Samartzis Dino , Cheung Jason Pui Yin
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

To assess the natural history of ossification of yellow ligament (OYL) in the thoracic spine and determine risk factors for progression based on a longitudinal population-based cohort.

Methods:

A prospective, longitudinal cohort study was performed on a population-based cohort of Southern Chinese volunteers. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used at baseline to identify any OYL and was verified with computed tomography. Follow-up MRI was performed 5 years later. Parameters under study included the size of OYL, levels of involvement, morphology (round, triangular, beak), whether it crossed the midline and any disc degeneration.

Results:

A total of 114 (6.1%) individuals were identified to have OYL at baseline out of the 1864 individuals. Size progression occurred predominantly at the lower thoracic region. Majority of the new OYL were also in the lower thoracic spine and was associated with higher body mass index (BMI). Smokers were associated with OYL size progression while patients with higher BMI tended to develop new OYL at follow-up. Progression commonly occurred at the lower thoracic levels and regression occurred mostly at the upper thoracic levels.

Conclusions:

This is the first population-based series addressing the natural history of OYL. Better understanding of the natural history of OYL may provide incentive to introduce preventive measures such as weight reduction and close monitoring for myelopathy development in those at-risk groups for progression. This is especially important for patients with lower thoracic OYL and who are smokers with higher BMI.

Level of Evidence:

1 (prognostic study).
Where Work Has Been, Where It Is Going: Considering Race, Gender, and Class in the Neoliberal Economy
Authors: Harvey Wingfield Adia
Published: January 2020

Although sociologists have devoted a great deal of attention to the processes and patterns associated with work (both paid and unpaid), it is crucial to bridge that with the extensive research that documents how work is constructed through racial, gendered, and classed practices. Sociological thinkers have offered important empirical contributions that highlight how intersections of race, gender, and class shape how work is defined, who has access to it, and what rewards (if any) derive from it. However, it is also necessary to consider how work is changing for a technologically driven, global economy and to explore how these intersections of race, gender, and class matter in that context. Research that pursues this direction will make important and timely contributions to both areas.
The Universal and the Global: Contextualising European Ayurvedic Practices
Authors: Sujatha V.
Published: January 2020

Fifty years ago, South Asian medicines were regarded as ethnomedicines devoid of scientific credibility as they were not verifiable under controlled laboratory conditions. By the 1990s, however, South Asian medicines entered the global health market, specially, Western Europe and North America despite the opposition from scientific lobbies. Ayurveda’s presence in Europe is not comparable to Chinese medicine and is probably fourth or fifth in the scale of importance among other complementary therapies, but it is crucial to note that it entered Europe not riding on Indian migrants or capital investment but as cultural goods promoted by European followers of Indian gurus. In other words, unlike Asian cuisines and garments taken to foreign lands by immigrants, yoga and ayurveda were directly accessed and consumed by the white-middle and upper-middle classes and were paid for privately. Does globalisation of ayurveda mean that it has also become universal? What is the relation between biomedicalisation of ayurveda in India and its spiritualisation in Europe? How is ayurveda transmitted and practiced outside India? What are the issues raised by the globalisation of ayurveda? Based on fieldwork with European practitioners of ayurveda in three European countries, this article intends to address some of these questions by tracing the trajectory of the global ayurveda through the experience of its European practitioners.
Transnational Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Absorptive Capacity Theory of Knowledge Spillover Entrepreneurship Perspective
Authors: Marks Jonathan , Dawa Samuel , Kanyemba Shungu
Published: January 2020

The study seeks to explain how migrants’ access, understand and recognise the value of new knowledge in enhancing transnational entrepreneurship. This is important as it provides insights into how knowledge is accessed and employed in different contexts to recognise entrepreneurial opportunities. Using the absorptive capacity theory of knowledge spillover entrepreneurship, this study contributes to previous research which has focussed on the scope and boundaries of this phenomenon at a firm or institutional level, but not at the level of the transnational entrepreneur (TE). Furthermore, this study contributes by examining the role of human capital and the prior knowledge and experience that migrants use and acquire in transnational entrepreneurship.

A qualitative approach based on phenomenology was adopted in this research. A purposive sample of four TEs living in South Africa and running businesses in Zimbabwe were investigated. The results show that the possession of requisite human capital along with concern for the home country facilitates the acquisition of new knowledge. This new knowledge, when integrated with prior knowledge and cultural compatibility between home and host countries, influences the immigrant’s intention to form new ventures and return to the home country. This study explains the role of human capital and the mechanisms that are implemented in acquiring knowledge resources and their subsequent transformation into a business entity.
Cardioprotective effects of genetically engineered cardiac stem cells by spheroid formation on ischemic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jeong Han Saem , Park Chi-Yeon , Kim Jong-Ho , Joo Hyung Joon , Choi Seung-Cheol , Choi Ji-Hyun , Lim I-Rang , Park Jae Hyoung , Hong Soon Jun , Lim Do-Sun
Published: January 2020

Background

Sca-1+ cardiac stem cells and their limited proliferative potential were major limiting factors for use in various studies.

Methods

Therefore, the effects of sphere genetically engineered cardiac stem cells (S-GECS) inserted with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were investigated to examine cardiomyocyte survival under hypoxic conditions. GECS was obtained from hTERT-immortalized Sca-1+ cardiac stem cell (CSC) lines, and S-GECS were generated using poly-HEMA.

Results

The optimal conditions for S-GECS was determined to be 1052 GECS cells/mm2 and a 48 h culture period to produce spheroids. Compared to adherent-GECS (A-GECS) and S-GECS showed significantly higher mRNA expression of SDF-1α and CXCR4. S-GECS conditioned medium (CM) significantly reduced the proportion of early and late apoptotic cardiomyoblasts during CoCl2-induced hypoxic injury; however, gene silencing via CXCR4 siRNA deteriorated the protective effects of S-GECS against hypoxic injury. As downstream pathways of SDF-1α/CXCR4, the Erk and Akt signaling pathways were stimulated in the presence of S-GECS CM. S-GECS transplantation into a rat acute myocardial infarction model improved cardiac function and reduced the fibrotic area. These cardioprotective effects were confirmed to be related with the SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that paracrine factors secreted from transplanted cells may protect host cardiomyoblasts in the infarcted myocardium, contributing to beneficial left ventricle (LV) remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Analog Switching and Artificial Synaptic Behavior of Ag/SiOx:Ag/TiOx/p++-Si Memristor Device
Authors: Ilyas Nasir , Li Dongyang , Li Chunmei , Jiang Xiangdong , Jiang Yadong , Li Wei
Published: January 2020

In this study, by inserting a buffer layer of TiOx between the SiOx:Ag layer and the bottom electrode, we have developed a memristor device with a simple structure of Ag/SiOx:Ag/TiOx/p++-Si by a physical vapor deposition process, in which the filament growth and rupture can be efficiently controlled during analog switching. The synaptic characteristics of the memristor device with a wide range of resistance change for weight modulation by implementing positive or negative pulse trains have been investigated extensively. Several learning and memory functions have been achieved simultaneously, including potentiation/depression, paired-pulse-facilitation (PPF), short-term plasticity (STP), and STP-to-LTP (long-term plasticity) transition controlled by repeating pulses more than a rehearsal operation, and spike-time-dependent-plasticity (STDP) as well. Based on the analysis of logarithmic I-V characteristics, it has been found that the controlled evolution/dissolution of conductive Ag-filaments across the dielectric layers can improve the performance of the testing memristor device.
Genome-wide association study on Fourier transform infrared milk spectra for two Danish dairy cattle breeds
Authors: Zaalberg R. M. , Janss L. , Buitenhuis A. J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Infrared spectral analysis of milk is cheap, fast, and accurate. Infrared light interacts with chemical bonds present inside the milk, which means that Fourier transform infrared milk spectra are a reflection of the chemical composition of milk. Heritability of Fourier transform infrared milk spectra has been analysed previously. Further genetic analysis of Fourier transform infrared milk spectra could give us a better insight in the genes underlying milk composition. Breed influences milk composition, yet not much is known about the effect of breed on Fourier transform infrared milk spectra. Improved understanding of the effect of breed on Fourier transform infrared milk spectra could enhance efficient application of Fourier transform infrared milk spectra. The aim of this study is to perform a genome wide association study on a selection of wavenumbers for Danish Holstein and Danish Jersey. This will improve our understanding of the genetics underlying milk composition in these two dairy cattle breeds.

Results

For each breed separately, fifteen wavenumbers were analysed. Overall, more quantitative trait loci were observed for Danish Jersey compared to Danish Holstein. For both breeds, the majority of the wavenumbers was most strongly associated to a genomic region on BTA 14 harbouring DGAT1. Furthermore, for both breeds most quantitative trait loci were observed for wavenumbers that interact with the chemical bond C-O. For Danish Jersey, wavenumbers that interact with C-H were associated to genes that are involved in fatty acid synthesis, such as AGPAT3, AGPAT6, PPARGC1A, SREBF1, and FADS1. For wavenumbers which interact with –OH, associations were observed to genomic regions that have been linked to alpha-lactalbumin.

Conclusions

The current study identified many quantitative trait loci that underlie Fourier transform infrared milk spectra, and thus milk composition. Differences were observed between groups of wavenumbers that interact with different chemical bonds. Both overlapping and different QTL were observed for Danish Holstein and Danish Jersey.
Fermentation optimization and disease suppression ability of a Streptomyces ma. FS-4 from banana rhizosphere soil
Authors: Duan Yajie , Chen Jian , He Wei , Chen Jingjing , Pang Zhencai , Hu Huigang , Xie Jianghui
Published: January 2020

Background

Fusarium wilt of banana is one of the most destructive diseases in banana-growing regions worldwide. Soil-borne diseases and soil microbial communities are closely related. The screening of antagonistic bacteria from soil microorganisms in areas with Fusarium wilt of banana is of great practical significance for controlling this disease.

Results

A strain designated FS-4 was isolated from healthy banana rhizosphere soil in an area affected by Fusarium wilt. This strain exhibited a significant antagonistic effect on the pathogen. Pot experiments revealed that the fermentation broth of strain FS-4 not only decreased the incidence of banana Fusarium wilt, but also promoted the growth of banana seedlings. The strain was identified as Streptomyces ma. by its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The culture and fermentation conditions for this strain were optimized by single-factor and response surface experiments. The optimum culture conditions for Streptomyces ma. FS-4 were as follows: peptone 0.5%, saccharose 2.4, 0.05% K2HPO4, 0.05% MgCl2, and 0.05% NaCl at an initial pH of 7.0; 180 g at 28 °C; and inoculation size of 6% for 62 h. The diameter of bacteriostasis circle for Bacillus subtilis reached 26.7 mm.

Conclusion

Streptomyces ma. FS-4 is an important microbial resource as a biological agent for the control of plant pathogenic fungi and can be used to promote banana growth.
Correction to: Reliability and validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in an emergency department in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Al Aseri Zohair A. , Suriya M. Owais , Hassan Hosam A. , Hasan Mujtaba , Sheikh Shaffi Ahmed , Al Tamimi Adel , Alshathri Mashhoor , Khalid Najeeb
Published: January 2020

The original article [1] contains an incorrect affiliation.
Iodine concentration and content measured by dual-source computed tomography are correlated to thyroid hormone levels in euthyroid patients: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Li Zheng-Teng , Zhai Rui , Liu Hong-Mei , Wang Min , Pan Dong-Mei
Published: January 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of the dual energy CT measured iodine concentration and total iodine content with blood measured thyroid parameters.

Methods

Forty-three patients with normal thyroid function at our hospital from August 2017 to October 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Dual energy CT was used to scan the neck of thyroid patients. The mean iodine concentration and thyroid tissue volume were measured to calculate the total iodine content of the thyroid. Relevant tests of triiodothyronine (FT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid hormone (TSH) were conducted. The correlation of the thyroid mean iodine concentration and total iodine content with blood-measured thyroid function was analysed.

Result

The total iodine content in the thyroid was positively correlated with FT3 but negatively correlated with TSH. The mean iodine concentration of the thyroid was positively correlated with both FT3 and TT3.

Conclusion

The thyroid iodine content measured by dual energy CT can be used to determine the human iodine nutritional status and evaluate thyroid function, which will facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases.
A novel nonsense mutation in the STS gene in a Pakistani family with X-linked recessive ichthyosis: including a very rare case of two homozygous female patients
Authors: Afzal Sibtain , Ramzan Khushnooda , Ullah Sajjad , Wakil Salma M. , Jamal Arshad , Basit Sulman , Waqar Ahmed Bilal
Published: January 2020

Background

X-linked ichthyosis (XLI; OMIM# 308100) is a recessive keratinization disorder characterized by the presence of dark brown, polygonal, adherent scales on different parts of the body surface. It almost exclusively affects males and the estimated prevalence ranges from 1:2000–6000 in males worldwide. Extracutaneous manifestations are frequent including corneal opacities, cryptorchidism, neuropsychiatric symptoms or others. Up to 90% of XLI cases are caused by recurrent hemizygous microdeletion encompassing entireSTSgene on chromosome Xp22.3, while only a minority of patients shows partial deletions or loss of function point mutations inSTS. Larger deletions also involving contiguous genes are identified in syndromic patients.

Methods

Here, we report clinical and genetic findings of a large Pakistani family having 16 affected individuals including 2 females with XLI. Molecular karyotyping and direct DNA sequencing of coding region of theSTSgene was performed.

Results

The clinical manifestations in affected individuals involved generalized dryness and scaling of the skin with polygonal, dark scales of the skin on scalp, trunk, limbs, and neck while sparing face, palms and soles. There were no associated extra-cutaneous features such as short stature, cryptorchidism, photophobia, corneal opacities, male baldness, and behavioral, cognitive, or neurological phenotypes including intellectual disability, autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Molecular karyotyping was normal and no copy number variation was found. Sanger sequencing identified a novel hemizygous nonsense mutation (c.287G > A; p.W96*), in exon 4 ofSTSgene in all affected male individuals. In addition, two XLI affected females in the family were found to be homozygous for the identified variant.

Conclusions

This study is useful for understanding the genetic basis of XLI in the patients studied, for extending the known mutational spectrum ofSTS, diagnosis of female carriers and for further application of mutation screening in the genetic counseling of this family.
Biochemical and histopathological changes in Wistar rats after consumption of boiled and un-boiled water from high and low disease prevalent areas for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in north Central Province (NCP) and its comparison with low disease prevalent Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Thammitiyagodage M. G. , de Silva N. R. , Rathnayake C. , Karunakaran R. , WGSS Kumara , Gunatillka M. M. , Ekanayaka N. , Galhena B. P. , Thabrew M. I.
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is prevalent in North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka. Consumption of un-boiled dug well water has been identified as one of the causative factors. This in-vivo study was performed to investigate some of the suspected factors associated with the pathogenesis of CKDu mediated via ground water.

Method

Rats were given water, collected from high and low disease prevalent areas from the NCP of Sri Lanka and the results compared with those obtained from previously identified low disease prevalent area; Colombo. Blood Urea Nitrogen, creatinine, urinary microalbumin:creatinine ratio together with ALT and AST levels were analyzed and results were compared using one-way ANOVA and paired t-Test. Histopathology was analyzed using non-parametric method.

Results

Rats that ingested water from New Town Medirigiriya (NTM) from high disease prevalent NCP reported significantly elevated microalbumin:creatinine ratios compared to other water sources after 8 months, whilst boiled water from NTM had been able to significantly reduce it. Histopathological findings after the 14 months experimental period revealed significantly high tubular lesion index in rats that ingested water from NCP compared to Colombo. Rats that ingested water from high disease prevalent Divuldamana (DD) from NCP showed the highest kidney lesion index though the fluoride content was relatively low in this area compared to other water sources from high disease prevalent NCP. Rats that ingested boiled and un-boiled water from NTM also developed severe lesions whilst the group from Colombo reported the lowest. Low disease prevalent area from NCP, Huruluwewa (HW) also reported elevated liver enzymes and altered renal histopathology. Association of Na+:Ca2+ ratio in the disease progression was not reflected by the current study. Compared to Colombo, high fluoride, calcium and sodium contents were observed in water from high disease prevalent areas. All the water samples were negative for heavy metals.

Conclusions

Though Fluoride is a known kidney toxic agent it cannot be the sole reason for CKDu in NCP, Sri Lanka. Various toxic elements present in NCP water may contribute to different grade of kidney and liver lesions in Wistar rats.
Disabled People’s Organisations increase access to services and improve well-being: evidence from a cluster randomized trial in North India
Authors: Grills Nathan John , Hoq Monsurul , Wong Chun-Ping Pam , Allagh Komal , Singh Lawrence , Soji Fairlene , Murthy G. V. S.
Published: January 2020

Background

Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) are the mainstay of disability responses worldwide. Yet there is no quantitative data assessing their effectiveness in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of DPOs as a low-cost intervention to improve well-being and access to services and facilities for people with disabilities.

Methods

We undertook a cluster randomised intervention control trial across 39 distinct rural villages in Uttarakhand State, North India. A total of 527 participants were included from 39 villages: 302 people from 20 villages were assigned to the intervention arm and 225 from 19 villages were assigned to the control group. Over a 2-year period, people with disabilities were facilitated to form DPOs with regular home visits. Participants were also given financial support for public events and exposure visits to other DPOs. Seven domains were used to measure access and participation.

Results

DPO formation had improved participation in community consultations (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.72), social activities (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.38 to 4.38), DPOs (OR 14.78, 95% CI 1.43 to 152.43), access to toilet facilities (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.31 to 11.57), rehabilitation (OR 6.83, 95% CI 2.4 to 19.42) and Government social welfare services (OR 4.82, 95% CI 2.35 to 9.91) in intervention when compared to the control. People who were part of a DPO had an improvement in having their opinion heard (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.24) and being able to make friends (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1 to 2.65) compared to those who were not part of a DPO. All other well-being variables had little evidence despite greater improvement in the DPO intervention group.

Conclusions

This is the first randomised control trial to demonstrate that DPOs in LMICs are effective at improving participation, access and well-being. This study supports the ongoing role of DPOs in activities related to disability inclusion and disability services. This study also suggests that supporting the establishment, facilitation and strengthening of DPOs is a cost-effective intervention and role that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can play.

Trial registration

ISRCTN36867362, 9th Oct 2019 (retrospectively registered).