bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case study of the first pregnant women with COVID-19 in Bukavu, Eastern DR Congo.
Authors: BIRINDWA Etienne KAJIBWAMI , MULUMEODERHWA Guy MULINGANYA , NYAKIO Olivier , MBALE Guy-Quesney MATESO , MUSHAMUKA Serge ZIGABE , MATERANYA Jeanne MANINGO , KAHASHA Pierrot MULUMEODERHWA , BISIMWA Yvette KUJIRAKWINJA , KAMPARA Freddy MIRINDI , IRENGE Jules MONGANE , KIBALAMA Isaac BARHISHINDI , LUZADI Pierre KABUYA , MALEMBAKA Espoir BWENGE , MAYERI Daniel GARHALANGWA-NA-MUNTU , AKONKWA Marius BAGUMA , BALALUKA Ghislain BISIMWA
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Vertical transmission of covid-19 is possible; its risk factors are worth researching. The placental changes found in pregnant women have a definite impact on the foetus.Case presentation: We report a case of a 25-year-old woman, gravida 3, para 2 (2 alive children), with a history of two caesarean deliveries, who was infected by the SARS-Cov-2 during the last term of her pregnancy. She gave birth by caesarean after 34 weeks of gestation to a new-born baby also infected with SARS-Cov-2. The per-operative observations noted several eruptive lesions in the pelvis, bleeding on contact. Microscopic examination of the foetal appendages revealed thrombotic vasculopathy in the placenta and in the umbilical cord vessels.Conclusion: This case is one of the first documented cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. We strongly suggest obstetricians to carefully examine the aspect of the peritoneum, viscera and foetal appendages in affected pregnant women.
Perspectives on Glucocorticoid treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Cordeiro Leonardo P. , Linhares Eduarda O.N.N. , Nogueira Fernanda G.O. , Lima Daniel JM Medeiros
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an on-going pandemic, this viral pneumonia can lead to a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Until the commercialization of a vaccine, pharmacological treatment still represents a great strategy to fight the disease. Glucocorticoids (GC) were widely used in the past coronavirus pandemics and it’s been also used against the SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to review the articles available about the use of GC in patients with COVID-19. In this systematic review randomized or nonrandomized clinical trials and retrospective or prospective controlled longitudinal studies were accepted. Participants could be of any clinical status, geographic location, age and sex. Studies in English, Portuguese and Spanish published since 2019 were included. The focuses of greatest interest were related to length of stay, changes in the radiological profile, viremia and mortality. The research was done electronically on the Pubmed database with the following terms: “corticosteroids”, “glucocorticoids”, “dexamethasone”, “methylprednisolone”, “COVID-19”, “Sars- CoV-2”, “ADRS”. We identified 6,332 publications and at the end 14 were used since they met all inclusion criteria. All of them are retrospective observational studies. These studies included only patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by RT-PCR, involving 2,713 participants. The results showed great heterogeneity in their designs and results, which precludes a reliable conclusion on the use of GCs in the treatment of COVID-19.
Prevalence and factors associated with sexual violence among rural women aged 15-49 years in Uganda: evidence from the Uganda demographic and health survey 2016
Authors: Kawuki Joseph , Sserwanja Quraish , Mukunya David , Sepenu Abigail Sitsope , Musaba Milton
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Sexual violence is a serious global health problem with short and long-term physical, mental, and reproductive adverse-effects. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sexual violence among rural women of reproductive age in Uganda.Methods: We used the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data for 5,259 rural women aged 15 to 49 years. Multi-stage stratified sampling was used to select respondents, and data were collected using validated questionnaires. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with sexual violence. All analyses we carried out in SPSS (version 25). Results: The overall prevalence of sexual violence was 24.3% (95% CI: 23.4-25.7), while that among pregnant women was 22.2% (95% CI: 19.1-25.6). Women of primary education had higher odds of sexual violence compared to those of tertiary education (AOR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.17-7.72), and those from the Western region compared to those in the Northern region (AORs=2.01, 95% CI: 1.41-2.87). Women of poorer wealth quintile also had higher odds of sexual violence compared to those of the richest quintile (AOR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.02-4.17). Higher odds of sexual violence were also found among women who justified beating (AOR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.12-1.79), those who were not involved in healthcare decision-making (AOR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.01-1.91), and those whose husbands often got drunk (AOR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.30-3.31), compared to their counterparts.Conclusions: The prevalence of sexual violence among rural women in Uganda was high and associated with factors such as education level, region, wealth index, justified beating, healthcare decision making, and husband drunk frequency. Thus, there is a need for improving livelihoods and income of rural women, promotion of girl-child education as well as strengthening protective laws and policies to curb this public health issue.
Assessment of compliance between a local “patients transportation protocol” and the latest European Consensus Recommendations for pediatric and neonatal retrieval in a COVID-19 context
Authors: Dubois Cecile , Ruetsch Valerie , Barreault Simon , Ollier Vincent , Jourdain Gilles
Published: November 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves in Europe, safe transport of critically ill children challenged our retrieval team. In early July, recommendations for the transport of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients were published. Our study aimed to assess, retrospectively, if the recommendations were followed by our team. From the start of the current COVID-19 pandemic, our team developed transport procedures to protect health-care workers and to minimize nosocomial spread. The European Society of Pediatric Neonatal Intensive Care recommendations were made of a bunch of 17 elements. We extracted from our database all transports of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 from 1st of March to 31th of May and compared for each transports the agreement with the 17 recommendations. Out of the 31 children that met the inclusion criteria, 29 were transported by our unit. Five recommendations were not applicable and therefore not discussed. Of the 12 recommendations remaining, 3 were not endorsed by our team: regarding the parental presence during retrieval, wearing a surgical mask for patient and the use of a dedicated pathway at arrival.﻿Conclusion: Most of the European recommendations were fully endorsed by our local retrieval team, but we have to improve our attitude in some aspects.
Computationally approached inhibition potential of Tinospora Cordifolia towards COVID-19 targets
Authors: Jena Sushovan , Munusami Punnagai , MM Balamurali , Chanda Kaushik
Published: November 2020

The recent emergence of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been a major threat to human society, as the challenge of finding a suitable drug or vaccine is not met till date. With increasing morbidity and mortality, the need for novel drug candidates is under great demand. The investigations are progressing towards COVID-19 therapeutics and among the various strategies employed, the use of repurposed drugs is competing along with novel drug inventions [1]. Based on the therapeutic significance, the chemical constituents from the extract of Tinospora Cordifolia belonging to various classes like alkaloids, lignans, steroids and terpenoids will be investigated as potential drug candidates for COVID-19. The inhibition potential of the proposed compounds against viral spike protein and human receptor ACE2 were evaluated by computational molecular modeling (Auto dock), along with their ADME/T properties. Prior to docking, the initial geometry of the compounds were optimized by Density functional theory (DFT) method employing B3LYP hybrid functional and 6-311++G (d,p) basis set. The results of molecular docking and ADME/T studies have revealed 6 constituents as potential drug candidates that can inhibit the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the human receptor ACE2 protein. The narrowed down list of constituents from Tinospora Cordifolia have paved way for further tuning their ability to inhibit COVID-19 by modifying the chemical structures and by employing computational geometry optimization and docking methods.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against Women in Bangladesh amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rayhan Istihak , Akter Khaleda
Published: November 2020

Background: The study attempted to explore the prevalence and associated factors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Bangladesh amid the COVID-19 pandemic. IPV is a complete violation of women's human rights and a dominant chronic global public health problem. Methods: The target population of the study was Bangladeshi married women, aged between 16 to 49 years, and lived with an intimate partner. Data were collected from Dhaka city with eight other districts of Bangladesh, and among 605 married women response rate was 84.30%. WHO multi-country study tools for screening domestic violence were used to screen emotional, physical, and sexual violence. Results: The study found the prevalence of IPV about 45.29%, where emotionally abused 44.12%, physically 15.29%, sexually 10.59%, and either physically or sexually 19.22%. Adjusted with marital duration, residence, women’s level of education, husband’s age, and monthly family income, multivariate logistic regression results revealed that comparatively older women, employed, non-Muslims and women with educated husband were less likely to experience violence, while arranged marriage, family income reduction amid the pandemic and husbands’ pandemic induced depression or anxiety caused more likely to commit violence. Limitations: Self-reported cross-sectional study has some methodological limitations, and the present study is not free from them. Conclusions: The study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the associated factors of IPV amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which will help to make preventive policy.
Association of Adipocytokines with Lipid and Glycemic Profiles in Women with Normal Weight Obesity
Authors: Taheri Ehsaneh , Hosseini Saeed , Qorbani Mostafa , Mirmiran Parvin
Published: November 2020

Background: Individuals with normal weight obesity (NWO) are predisposed to having cardiometabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the circulating levels of vaspin, leptin and their association with glycemic and lipid profiles in women with NWO.Methods: Forty women with body mass index (BMI) = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and fat mass (FM) ≥ 30% were assigned in the NWO group. Thirty age-matched women with identical BMI range, and FM < 30% (normal weight non-obese; NWNO) were considered as a control group. In addition to anthropometric measurements, glycemic and lipid profiles and circulating levels of leptin and vaspin were measured.Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of participants was 28.76 ± 4.76 years in the NWO group and 29.23 ± 4.50 years in the control group. The NWO group had the higher mean serum levels of insulin (9.02 ± 4.75 vs. 6.24 ± 2.51, P = 0.009), leptin (17.31 ± 8.10 vs. 9.94 ± 4.30, P < 0.001) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (33.77 ± 20.71 vs. 23.48 ± 10.03, P = 0.009) compared to the NWNO group. The serum level of vaspin was higher in the NWO group compared to the control group (34.82 pg/ml vs. 27.72 pg/ml, respectively, P = 0.12). In NWO group, the serum levels of leptin had positive correlation with FBS (r = 0.45, P = 0.02), insulin (r = 0.51, P = 0.008), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.46, P = 0.02) and vaspin concentration was associated with insulin (r = 0.36, P = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.30, P = 0.06), positively.Conclusion: It is concluded that the concentration of insulin and HOMA-IR index were significantly higher in women with NWO compared to NWNO. Higher concentrations of leptin and vaspin in the NWO group were associated with glycemic profile.
Attendants’ experience with the Personalized citizen assistance for social participation (APIC)
Authors: Gagnon Karine , Levasseur Mélanie
Published: November 2020

Background: To promote healthy aging, the social participation needs of older adults must be better met. Previous studies have shown the benefits of the Personalized citizen assistance for social participation (APIC), but few explored its influence on attendants. This study explored the assistance experience of attendants in providing the APIC to older adults with disabilities. Methods: A qualitative design inspired by a phenomenological approach was used with six female attendants who participated in individual interviews. Results: The APIC attendants felt useful, developed meaningful relationships with their older adults, and improved their self-knowledge. Attendants had the opportunity to reflect on their lives and self-aging. They contributed to older adults’ functional independence, motivation, and participation in social activities. Attendants encountered challenges related to withdrawn behavior in older adults, such as refusing to participate in activities. Conclusions: Considering the identified benefits of the APIC for attendants, further studies should explore personalized assistance to preserve older adults’ health.
Supplementation with sodium butyrate improves growth and antioxidant function in dairy calves before weaning
Authors: Liu Wenhui , La A La Teng Zhu , Evans Alexander , Gao Shengtao , Yu Zhongtang , Bu Dengpan , Ma Lu
Published: November 2020

Background: There is increasing research interest in using short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including butyrate as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in animal production. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of sodium butyrate (SB) in liquid feeds (milk, milk replacer, and the mixture of both) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and serum antioxidant capacity and immunoglobins in dairy calves before weaning. Forty healthy female Holstein calves (4-day-old, 40 ± 5 kg of body weight) were housed in individual hutches and randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups (n = 10 per group) using the RAND function in Excel. The control group was fed no SB (SB0), while the other three groups were supplemented with 15 (SB15), 30 (SB30), or 45 (SB45) g per day of SB mixed into liquid feeds offered. The calves were initially fed milk only (days 2 to 20), then a mixture of milk and milk replacer (days 21 to 23), and finally milk replacer only (days 24 to 60).Results: The SB supplementation enhanced growth and improved feed conversion into body weight gain compared with the SB0 group，and the average daily gain increased quadratically with increasing SB supplementation. No significant effect on rumen pH; concentrations of NH3-N, individual and total VFAs; or acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio was found during the whole experimental period. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity increased linearly with the increased SB supplementation, while the serum concentration of maleic dialdehyde linearly decreased. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, or immunoglobulin M were not affected by the SB supplementation during the whole experimental period. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, SB supplementation improved growth performance and antioxidant function in pre-weaned dairy calves. We recommended 45 g per day as the optimal level of SB supplementation mixed into liquid feeds (milk or milk replacer) to improve the growth and antioxidant function of dairy calves before weaning.
The emerging COVID-19 research: dynamic and regularly updated science maps and analyses
Authors: Andersen Njål , Bramness Jørgen Gustav , Lund Ingunn Olea
Published: November 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health emergency and experts emphasize the need for rapid and a high degree of communication and interaction between all parties, in order for critical research to be implemented. We introduce a resource (website) that provides bibliometric analysis showing the current content and structure of the published literature. As new research is published daily, the analysis is regularly updated to show the status as the research field develops and matures.Methods: Two bibliometric methods were employed, the first is a key-word co-occurrence analysis, based on published work available from PubMed. The second is a bibliometric coupling analysis, based on articles available through Scopus. The results are presented as clustered network graphs; available as interactive network graphs through the webpage.Results: For research as of March 23rd, keyword co-occurrence analysis showed that research was organized in 4 topic clusters: “Health and pandemic management”, “The disease and its pathophysiology”, “Clinical epidemiology of the disease” and “Treatment of the disease”. Coupling analyses resulted in 4 clusters on literature that relates to “Overview of the new virus”, “Clinical medicine”, “On the virus” and “Reproduction rate and spread”.Conclusions: We introduced a dynamic resource that will give a wide readership an overview of how the structure of the COVID-19 literature is developing. To illustrate what this can look like, we showed the structure as it stands three months after the virus was identified; the structure is likely to change as we progress to later stages of this pandemic.
Retrospective cohort study of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel plus ramucirumab versus paclitaxel plus ramucirumab as second-line treatment in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Okunaka Mashiro , Kotani Daisuke , Demachi Ken , Kawazoe Akihito , Yoshino Takayuki , Kawasaki Toshikatsu , Shitara Kohei
Published: November 2020

Background: Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) has shown non-inferiority to paclitaxel (PTX) as second-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) with fewer infusion-related reactions. The efficacy and safety of nab-PTX plus ramucirumab (RAM) was reported in a phase II trial; however, there is no randomized trial comparing this regimen with PTX plus RAM in patients with AGC. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of nab-PTX plus RAM versus PTX plus RAM in patients with AGC.Methods: This study included patients with AGC who received nab-PTX plus RAM from September 2017 to January 2019 or PTX plus RAM from June 2015 to August 2017 as second-line chemotherapy in our hospital.Results: A total of 113 and 138 patients who received nab-PTX plus RAM and PTX plus RAM, respectively, were analyzed. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.4–4.3) in the nab-PTX plus RAM group and 3.9 months (95% CI: 3.1–4.7) in the PTX plus RAM group (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.83–1.40; P = 0.573). Median overall survival (OS) was 10.9 months (95% CI: 9.3–12.7) in the nab-PTX plus RAM group and 10.3 months (95% CI: 8.5–12.0) in the PTX plus RAM group (hazard ratio: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.61–1.10; P = 0.188). In patients with moderate/massive ascites, favorable outcomes for progression-free survival were observed in the nab-PTX plus RAM group compared with the PTX plus RAM group. Although anemia and fatigue (any grade) were more frequent in the nab-PTX plus RAM group, discontinuation of study treatment was not increased in the nab-PTX plus RAM group. There was no occurrence of hypersensitivity reaction in the nab-PTX plus RAM group, while two patients (1.4%) experienced grade 3 hypersensitivity reactions in the PTX plus RAM group.Conclusions: The combination of nab-PTX plus RAM showed a similar efficacy and safety profile to PTX plus RAM as second-line treatment for patients with AGC.
A gene-based risk score model for predicting recurrence-free survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: WANG WENHUA , WANG LINGCHEN , XIE XINSHENG , YAN YEHONG , LI YUE , LU QUQIN
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most frequent liver cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of primary liver cancers worldwide. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC patients is a critical factor in devising a personal treatment plan. Thus, it is necessary to accurately forecast the prognosis of HCC patients in clinical practice.MethodsUsing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, we identified genes associated with RFS. A robust likelihood-based survival modeling approach was used to select the best genes for the prognostic model. Then, the GSE76427 dataset was used to evaluate the prognostic model’s effectiveness.ResultsWe identified 1331 differentially expressed genes associated with RFS. Seven of these genes were selected to generate the prognostic model. The validation in both the TCGA cohort and GEO cohort demonstrated that the 7-gene prognostic model can predict the RFS of HCC patients. Meanwhile, the results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the 7-gene risk score model could function as an independent prognostic factor. In addition, according to the time-dependent ROC curve, the 7-gene risk score model performed better in predicting the RFS of the training set and the external validation dataset than the classical TNM staging and BCLC. Furthermore, these seven genes were found to be related to the occurrence and development of liver cancer by exploring three other databases.ConclusionOur study identified a seven-gene signature for HCC RFS prediction that can be used as a novel and convenient prognostic tool. These seven genes might be potential target genes for metabolic therapy and the treatment of HCC.
Altered expression profile of BAFF receptors on peripheral blood B lymphocytes in Graves’ Disease
Authors: Wang Xin , Huang Jinhui , Zhang Aixia , Fang Chen , Ma Qi , Jiang Penjun
Published: November 2020

Background: B lymphocyte activating factor (BAFF) is a growth factor regulating B lymphocytes survival and maturation. Serum BAFF levels were elevated in patients affected with autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), including Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). The aim of this study is to investigate the association of expression of BAFF receptors on the peripheral blood B lymphocytes in addition to serum BAFF concentrations in patients affected with GD.Methods: Fifty-two GD patients, 39 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) patients and 23 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in this study. Serum BAFF levels and its receptors expression, including BAFF receptor 3 (BR3) and transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), in AITD patients were compared to those in HC. In 10 patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) receiving steroids therapy, effects of steroids on serum BAFF levels and expression of BR3 and TACI were observed.Results: Serum BAFF levels were significantly elevated from 0.93 ± 0.24 ng/ml in HC to 1.18 ± 0.33 ng/ml in GD ( P =0.0027) and 1.02 ± 0.24 ng/ml in HT ( P =0.0331). BR3 expression on peripheral B lymphocytes were elevated in GD (mean MFI: 4.52 ± 2.06 in GD vs 3.00 ± 0.87 in HC, P =0.0015), while TACI expression on peripheral B lymphocytes were decreased in GD without significance (mean MFI: 7.96 ± 4.06 in GD vs 9.10 ± 3.37 in HC, P =0.1285). Expression of BR3 and TACI was not changed significantly in HT patients. Steroids significantly suppressed serum BAFF concentrations (from 1.18 ± 0.27 ng/ml to 0.97 ± 0.10 ng/ml, P =0.0364) and BR3 expression in GO patients (mean MFI from 6.26 ± 4.91 to 4.05 ± 1.58, P =0.0083). Conclusions: Altered expression of BAFF and its receptor may mediate the autoimmunity in GD. Restoring the normal expression profile of receptors for BAFF could be a new strategy to treat GD.
Dengue fever transmission between construction site and its surrounding communities in China
Authors: Liu Xingchun , Zhang Meng , Cheng Qu , Zhang Yingtao , Ye Guoqiang , Huang Xiqing , Zhao Zeyu , Rui Jia , Hu Qingqing , Frutos Roger , Chen Tianmu , Song Tie , Kang Min
Published: November 2020

Background: Due to more mosquito habitats and the lack of basic mosquito control facilities, construction sites are more likely to have secondary cases after case importation, which may increase the number of cases in the neighborhood community and the chance of community transmission. This study aims to investigate how to effectively reduce the dengue transmission in construction sites and the neighboring communities.Methods: Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious/Asymptomatic-Recovered (SEIAR) model of human and SEI model of mosquitoes were developed to estimate the transmission of dengue virus between human and mosquitoes within the construction site and within a neighboring community, as well between them. With the calibrated model, we further estimated the effectiveness of different intervention scenarios targeting at reducing the transmissibility at different locations (i.e. construction sites and community) with the total attack rate (TAR) and the duration of the outbreak (DO).Results: A total of 102 construction site-related and 131 community-related cases of dengue were reported in our study area. Without intervention, the cases related to the construction site and the community rose to 156 (TAR: 31.25%) and 10796 (TAR: 21.59%). When cutting off the transmission route from mosquitoes to human in the community, the community cases decreased to a minimum of 33 compared with other simulated scenarios (TAR: 0.068%, DO: 60 days). If the transmission route from infectious mosquitoes in the community, and from the construction site to susceptible people on the site, was cut off at the same time, the cases in the construction site dropped to a minimum of 74 (TAR: 14.88%, DO: 66 days).Conclusions: To control the outbreak effectively for both the construction site and the community, interventions needed to be taken within the community and from the community to the construction site. If interventions were only taken within the construction site, this could not reduce the number of cases on the construction site. If interventions were taken within the construction site or between the construction site and the community, this could not lead to a reduction in the number of cases in the community.
Special foods and local herbs used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana: rate of use and beliefs of efficacy
Authors: Ali Zakari , Bukari Mohammed , Mwinisonaam Anita , Abdul-Rahaman Abdul-Latif , Abizari Abdul-Razak
Published: November 2020

Background: Inadequate breastmilk production is one of the key factors associated with suboptimal breastfeeding. In most local African homes, special herbs and some food items are commonly used to promote breastmilk production (known as lactogogue/galactogogue). We describe the use and characterize the herbs and food items used to promote breastmilk production in two regions of Ghana.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2018 involving 402 lactating mothers. The range of foods used as lactogogues was obtained from 20 participants through focus group discussions. Quantitative data on demographics, lactogogue use and feeding practices were obtained through questionnaire administration. Results: The mean age of women was 29.2years and children were 10 months. Breastmilk production problems were low (22.4%) and majority of lactating mothers felt they had adequate breastmilk (70.4%) but awareness about lactogogues was widespread in both regions (88.8%) and highest in the Brong-Ahafo region (90.0%). Information about lactogogues was mainly from grandparents (24.6%), parents (31.6), health facilities (16.5%) and friends (12.8%), while the media had little influence (<1%). Majority of the mothers used lactogogues to enhance breatmilk production (67.7%), yet a quarter of them used lactogogues because of their tradition (25.2%). Prevalence of lactogogue use was 83.8%, lactogogues were prepared separate from household meals (59.4%) and consumed 1 to 3 times a day (89.6%). Users felt the effectiveness within 24hrs of use (98.5%). The most common lactogogues included; groundnut/peanut soup prepared with Bra leaves (Hibiscus sabdariffa), hot black tea, Werewere/Agushi (Citrulus colocynthis) prepared with Bra leaves, and Abemudro (a polyherbal formulation). Only 13.2% of lactating mothers also used lactogogues during pregnancy.Conclusion: Special foods and selected herbs are widely used to enhance breastmilk production in Ghana and constitute an important part of the diet of lactating mothers. These results could contribute to understanding breastfeeding behaviours and stimulate further research into evaluating the safety and scientific efficacy of these products in Ghana.
Genome sequence analysis of the beneficial Bacillus subtilis PTA-271 isolated from a Vitis vinifera (cv. Chardonnay) rhizospheric soil: assets for sustainable biocontrol.
Authors: LEAL Catarina , Fontaine Florence , Aziz Aziz , Egas Conceiçao , Clement Christophe , Trotel-Aziz Patricia
Published: November 2020

Background: Bacillus subtilis strains have been widely studied for their innumerous benefits in agriculture, including viticulture. Providing numerous assets, B. subtilis spp. are described as promising plant-protectors against many pathogens and as influencers to adaptations in a changing environment. This study reports the draft genome sequence of the beneficial Bacillus subtilis PTA-271, isolated from the rhizospheric soil of healthy Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay at Champagne Region in France, attempting to draw outlines of its full biocontrol capacity.Results: The PTA-271 genome has a size of 4,001,755 bp, with 43.78% of G + C content and 3,945 protein coding genes. The draft genome of PTA-271 putatively highlights a functional swarming motility system hypothesizing a colonizing capacity and a strong interacting capacity, strong survival capacities and a set of genes encoding for bioactive substances. Predicted bioactive compounds are known both to: stimulate plant growth or defenses such as hormones and elicitors, influence beneficial microbiota, and counteract pathogen aggressiveness such as effectors and many kinds of detoxifying enzymes.Conclusions: Plurality of the putatively encoded biomolecules by Bacillus subtilis PTA-271 genome appears as strengths for PTA-271 biocontrol potential towards plants, highlighting a big potential against a broad spectrum of pathogens whatever environmental constraints.
Identification and characterization of a Babesia bigemina thrombospondin-related superfamily member, TRAP-1: a novel antigen containing neutralizing epitopes involved in merozoite invasion
Authors: Montenegro Valeria N , Paoletta Martina S , Ortiz Jose Jaramillo , Suarez Carlos E , Wilkowsky Silvina E
Published: November 2020

Background The thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) has been described as a potential vaccine candidate in several apicomplexan parasites. However, this protein and members of this family have not been characterized yet in Babesia bigemina, one of the most prevalent species causing bovine babesiosis.Methods The Babesia bigemina TRAP-1 (BbiTRAP-1) gene of 3186 bp was identified by a bioinformatics search using the B. bovis TRAP-1 sequence. Members of the TRAP and TRAP-related protein families (TRP) were identified in Babesia and Theileria through the search of the TSP-1 adhesive domain, the hallmark motif in both proteins. Structural modelling and phylogenetic analysis were performed with the identified TRAP proteins. A truncated recombinant BbiTRAP-1 that migrates at ~107 kDa and specific antisera were produced and used in Western blot analysis and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). B-cell epitopes with neutralizing activity in BbiTRAP-1 were defined by ELISA and invasion assays.Results TRAP family has 3 members in B. bigemina (BbiTRAP-1-3). All are type 1 transmembrane proteins containing the von Willebrand factor A (vWFA), thrombospondin type 1 (TSP-1) and cytoplasmic C-terminus domains along with transmembrane regions. The BbiTRAP-1 predicted structure also contains a metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) for interaction with the host cell. The TRP family in Babesia and Theileria species contains the canonical TSP-1 domain but lacks the vWFA domain and together with TRAP define a novel gene superfamily. A variable number of tandem repeat units is present in BbiTRAP-1 and could be used for strain genotyping. Western blot and IFAT analysis confirmed expression of BbiTRAP-1 by blood stage parasites. Partial recognition by a panel of sera from B. bigemina infected cattle in ELISA using truncated BbiTRAP-1 suggests that this protein is not an immunodominant antigen. Additionally, bovine anti-recombinant BbiTRAP-1 antibodies were capable of neutralizing merozoite invasion in vitro. Conclusions We identified the TRAP and TRP gene families in several Babesia and Theileria species, and characterized BbiTRAP-1 as a novel antigen of B. bigemina. The functional relevance and presence of neutralization-sensitive B-cell epitopes suggest that BbiTRAP-1 could be included in future vaccine candidates against B. bigemina.
EQ-5D-3L health state utility values in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients in Malaysia : A cross-sectional assessment
Authors: Shafie Asrul Akmal , Chhabra Irwinder Kaur , Yi Jacqueline Wong Hui , Mohammed Noor Syahireen
Published: November 2020

Purpose: There is a gap of information describing the health state utility values (HSUVs) of Transfusion-dependent Thalassemia (TDT) patients in Malaysia. These values are useful in the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), economic evaluations and provide guidance to disease management decisions. The objective of this study was to estimate and derive HSUVs associated with the treatment and complications of TDT patients in Malaysia using the EQ-5D-3L instrument.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using the EQ-5D-3L instrument was conducted between May to September 2018 across various public hospitals in Malaysia. Using a multi-stage sampling, patients diagnosed with TDT and receiving iron chelating therapy were sampled. The findings on the EQ-5D-3L survey were converted into utility values using local tariff values. A two-part model was used to examine and derive the HSUVs associated with the treatment and complications of iron overload in TDT. Results: A total of 585 patients were surveyed. The unadjusted mean (SD) EQ-5D-3L utility value for TDT patients were 0.893 (0.167) while mean (SD) EQ VAS score was 81.22 (16.92). Patients who had more than two iron overload complications had a significant decline in HRQoL. Patients who were on oral monotherapy had a higher utility value of 0.9180 compared to other regimen combinations.Conclusion: Lower EQ-5D-3L utility values were associated with patients who developed iron overload complications and were on multiple iron chelating agents. Emphasizing compliance to iron chelating therapy to prevent the development of complications is crucial in the effort to preserve the HRQoL of TDT patients.
Demography and determinants of dog and cat ownership in three towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Sarba Edilu Jorga , Getaneh Abraham Mekebib , Tola Getachew Kebebew , Endale Solomon Shiferaw , Marami Lencho Megersa
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to the absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for the control of pet population and zoonosis. This study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was designed and administered to households to collect data on the demography and determinants of dog/cat ownership. Six hundred ten households, consisting of 305 in Ambo, 182 in Bako, and 123 in Gojo towns were interviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of dog/cat ownership. ResultsAbout 65.1% (95% CI: 62.1 – 69.8%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.8 – 43.8%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.4 – 35.0%) own both. The majority of the dog-owning households own a single dog (74.8%) and cat (74.9%). There were significantly higher proportion of dog and cat-owning households in Bako than Ambo and Gojo towns. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6:1, and that of cat ratio was 10:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 3:1 for the dog while nearly 1:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have free access to outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs/cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, and shortage of finance. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, the gender of head of household, ownership of other animals as determinants for both dog/cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership. ConclusionData on dog/cat ownership status is important for the provision of veterinary services, pet population control, and for quantifying risks associated with dog/cat to the community and control of dog/cat borne zoonosis.
Prevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis in human and dog, Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Bejano Shibabaw , Shumie Girma , Kumar Ashwani , Asemahagn Eyuel , Damte Demekech , Wolde Sinkinesh , Mulugeta Abate , Manaye Nigus , Bayih Abebe Genetu , Gadisa Endalamaw , Mamo Gezahegn
Published: November 2020

Background: Benishangul-Gumuz region is an important development corridor in Ethiopia. The large-scale projects; the great renaissance dam, mining and agriculture entailed huge environmental modification and settlement pattern changes. Detail epidemiological information of VL in the region is unknown. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study to assess the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Leishmania infection. Leishmanin skin test (LST) was done for 1342 participants, and for 253 of them rK39 and DAT were done. Thirty-six dogs owned by households with LST positive member(s) were rK39 and DAT tested. A pretested questionnaire was used to capture individual and household characteristics. Results: Of the 89.2% (1197/1342) who availed themselves for LST reading 6.0% were positive. The rk39 and DAT positivity among the 253 tested were 3.2% and 5.9% respectively. In dogs, positivity rates by rK39 and DAT were 13.9% and 5.6% respectively. Of the household and individual risk factors presence of dog in household (P=0.005), male sex (0.003), residence woreda (0.000) and occupation (0.023) showed a strong positive association with LST positivity. Individuals who lived in household who owned dogs were 2.6 times more likely to be LST positive (AOR = 2.6; 95%CI= 1.54, 4.40). Being female decreased by 0.38 times the probability of being LST positive (AOR = 0.38; 95%CI= 0.20, 0.72). Living in Guba and Kurmuk has 4.7 (AOR=4.74, 95% CI 1.83, 12.31) and 5.9 (AOR=5.85, 95%CI 2.27, 15.09) times more risk of being infected. Conclusions: We demonstrated presence of active VL transmission in the areas. Thus, we underline the need to establish the responsible vector(s) and reservoir(s) for comprehensive early containment plan to prevent potentially harmful public health and economic consequence.
Smaller pineal gland is associated with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Park Jeongbin , Suh Seung Wan , Kim Grace Eun , Lee Subin , Kim Jun Sung , Kim Hye Sung , Byun Seonjeong , Bae Jong Bin , Kim Jae Hyoung , Kim Sang Eun , Han Ji Won , Kim Ki Woong
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the association between pineal gland volume and symptoms of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients without any feature of dementia with Lewy bodies.Methods: We enrolled 296 community-dwelling probable AD patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria for possible or probable dementia with Lewy bodies. Among them, 93 were amyloid beta (Aβ) positive on 18F-florbetaben amyloid brain positron emission tomography. We measured RBD symptoms using the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) and defined probable RBD (pRBD) as the RBDSQ of 5 or higher. We manually segmented pineal gland on 3T structural T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging.Results: The participants with pRBD had smaller pineal parenchyma volume (VPP) than those without pRBD (p < 0.001). The smaller the VPP, the more severe the RBD symptoms (p < 0.001). VPP was inversely associated with risk of prevalent pRBD (odds ratio = 0.909, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.878–0.942, p < 0.001). Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for pRBD of VPP was 0.80 (95% CI = 0.750–0.844, p < 0.0001). These results were not changed when we analyzed the 93 participants with Aβ-positive AD separately.Conclusions: In AD patients, reduced pineal gland volume may be associated with RBD.
Social trust and emotional health in rural older adults in China: The mediating and moderating role of subjective well-being and subjective social status
Authors: Chen Hongsheng , Zhu Zhenjun
Published: November 2020

BackgroundChina is becoming an aging society. The emotional health of the elderly is gaining importance. Social trust is an important factor affecting emotional health, but existing studies have rarely considered the various effects of different types of social trust on rural elderly emotional health. Few studies have analysed the role of subjective well-being and subjective social status in the relationship between social trust and elderly emotional health.MethodsUsing the data of the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey 2016 (CLDS 2016) and regression models, this study selected 2084 rural respondents aged 60 years and above to analyse the impact of social trust on their emotional health. Social trust was divided into three categories: trust in family members, trust in friends, and trust in neighbours. This study also examined the mediating and moderating effects of subjective well-being and subjective social status on the relationship between social trust and emotional health.ResultsTrust in family members was significantly and positively associated with emotional health (coefficient=0.194, P<0.01) and subjective well-being (coefficient=0.177, P<0.01). Trust in friends was significantly and positively associated with emotional health and subjective well-being (coefficient=0.097, P<0.01; coefficient=0.174, P<0.01, respectively). Trust in neighbours was significantly and positively associated with emotional health and subjective well-being (coefficient=0.088, P<0.01; coefficient=0.177, P<0.01; respectively). Subjective well-being effectively reduced the impact of social trust in family, friends, and neighbours on the emotional health of the elderly by 0.023, 0.022, and 0.023, respectively. Trust in friends and neighbours significantly and positively affected respondents’ subjective social status (coefficient=0.120, P<0.05; coefficient=0.090, P<0.10; respectively). Subjective social status effectively reduced the impact of social trust in friends and neighbours on the emotional health of the elderly both by 0.004. The positive relationship between trust in family members and emotional health is weakened by subjective well-being.ConclusionsSocial trust, especially family relationships, play an important role in maintaining the emotional health of the rural elderly. In response to population ageing, more social policies must be introduced to care for the rural elderly and help them lead a happy and satisfactory life.
Treatment-related biomarkers in pulmonary hypertension patients on oral therapies
Authors: Swaminathan Aparna C , Zhu Hongmei , Tapson Victor , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Poms Abby , Kelleher Zachary , Gaspard Elijah , Kennedy Karla , Fee Brian , Fortin Terry , Mason S. Nick , Parikh Kishan , McMahon Tim
Published: November 2020

Background: Multiple classes of oral therapy are available for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but there is little to guide clinicians in choosing a specific regimen or therapeutic class. We aimed to investigate whether treatment-relevant blood biomarkers can predict therapy response in prevalent PAH patients.Methods: This prospective cohort study longitudinally assessed biomarkers along the endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (cGMP, ADMA, SDMA, nitrite, and S-nitrosohemoglobin) pathways along with the cGMP/NT-proBNP ratio over 12 months in patients with WHO Group 1 PAH on oral PAH-specific therapies. The relationship between biomarkers and 6MWD at the same and future visits was examined using mixed linear regression models adjusted for age. As cGMP can be elevated when NT-proBNP is elevated, we also tested the relationship between 6MWD and the cGMP/NT-pro BNP ratio. Patients with PAH with concomitant heart or lung disease or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) were included in a sensitivity analysis.Results: The study cohort included 58 patients with PAH treated with either an endothelin receptor antagonist (27.6%), phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (29.3%) or a combination of the two (43.1%). Among biomarkers along the current therapeutic pathways, ET-1 and the cGMP/NT-proBNP ratio associated with same visit 6MWD (p = 0.02 and p=0.03 respectively), and ET-1 predicted future 6MWD (p=0.02). ET-1 (p=0.01) and cGMP/NT-proBNP ratio (p=0.04) also predicted future 6MWD in the larger cohort (n = 108) of PAH patients with concomitant left heart disease (n = 17), lung disease (n = 20), or CTEPH (n = 13). Finally, in the larger cohort, SDMA associated with 6MWD at the same visit (p = 0.01) in all subgroups and ADMA associated with 6MWD in PAH patients with concomitant lung disease (p=0.03) and PAH patients on ERA therapy (p = 0.01).Conclusions: ET-1, cGMP/NTproBNP ratio, and dimethylarginines ADMA and SDMA are mediators along pathways targeted by oral PAH therapies that associate with or predict 6MWD.