bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Novel Dietary Supplementation Associated With Kidney Recovery and Reduction in Proteinuria in a Dialysis Dependent Patient Secondary to Steroid Resistant Minimal Change Disease
Authors: Gbadegesin Rasheed A. , Hernandez Loren P. Herrera , Brophy Patrick D.
Published: May 2021

Minimal change disease (MCD) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome worldwide. For decades, the foundation of the treatment has been corticosteroids. However, relapse rate is high and up to 40% of patients develop frequent relapsing/steroid dependent course and one third become steroid resistant. This requires treatment with repeated courses of corticosteroids, and second and third line immunomodulators increasing the incidence of drug related adverse effects. More recently, there have been reports of a very small subset of Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) patients who are initially steroid sensitive and later become secondarily steroid resistant. The disease course in this small subset is often protracted leading ultimately to end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Unfortunately, patients with this disease course do not do well post transplantation because 80% of them will develop disease recurrence that will ultimately lead to graft failure. Few approaches have been tried over many years to reduce the frequency of relapses, and steroid dependence and there is absolutely no therapeutic intervention for patients who develop secondary steroid resistance. Nonetheless, their therapeutic index is low, evidencing the need of a safer complementary treatment. Several hypotheses, including an oxidative stress-mediated mechanism, and immune dysregulation have been proposed to date to explain the underlying mechanism of Minimal Change Disease (MCD) but its specific etiology remains elusive. Here, we report a case of a 54-year-old man with steroid and cyclosporine resistant MCD. The patient rapidly progressed to end stage kidney disease requiring initiation of chronic dialysis. Intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN), albumin infusion along with a proprietary dietary supplement, as part of the supportive therapy, led to kidney function recovery and complete remission of MCD without relapses.
Serum Adalimumab Levels After Induction Are Associated With Long-Term Remission in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lucafò Marianna , Curci Debora , Bramuzzo Matteo , Alvisi Patrizia , Martelossi Stefano , Silvestri Tania , Guastalla Veronica , Labriola Flavio , Stocco Gabriele , Decorti Giuliana
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Adalimumab is effective in inducing and maintaining remission in children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Therapeutic drug monitoring is an important strategy to maximize the response rates, but data on the association of serum adalimumab levels are lacking. This study aimed to assess the association of adalimumab concentrations at the end of induction and early during maintenance for long-term response.

Materials and Methods: Serum samples for adalimumab level measurement were collected during routine visits between adalimumab administrations and therefore not necessarily at trough, both during the induction (week 4 ± 4) and maintenance phases (week 22 ± 4, 52 ± 4, and 82 ± 4). Adalimumab and anti-adalimumab antibodies were measured retrospectively using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Disease activity was determined by Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index or Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index.

Results: Thirty-two children (median age 14.9 years) were enrolled. Sixteen, 15, 14, and 12 patients were in remission at weeks 4, 22, 52, and 82, respectively. Median adalimumab concentration was higher at all time points in patients achieving sustained clinical remission. Adalimumab levels correlated with clinical and biochemical variables. Adalimumab concentration above 13.85 and 7.54 μg/ml at weeks 4 and 22 was associated with remission at weeks 52 and 82.

Conclusions: Adalimumab non-trough levels are associated with long-term response in pediatric patients with IBD.
Ambulatory Orchidopexy Is a Potential Solution to Improve the Rate of Timely Repair in Cryptorchid Boys: An 8 Year Retrospective Study of 4,972 Cases
Authors: Zhao Tianxin , Deng Fuming , Jia Wei , Gao Xiaofeng , Li Zhongmin , Tang Xiangliang , Li Dian , Zhou Rui , Shu Fangpeng , Zhang Jin , Zhang Zhengtao , Fu Wen , Liu Guochang
Published: May 2021

Background: Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly in pediatric urology. Although early surgery on cryptorchid boys is recommended by pediatric urologists worldwide, the actual age at orchidopexy is often older than the recommended age. Our medical center has started performing ambulatory orchidopexy since March 2016 at the ambulatory surgery center. We aimed to investigate whether ambulatory orchidopexy can improve the timely repair rate.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from 2012 to 2019 at our medical center. Ambulatory orchidopexy was started at our medical center on March 24, 2016. Boys born on or after September 24, 2015 were classified into the “with ambulatory medical resource” group, and boys born before September 24, 2014, were classified into the “without ambulatory medical resource” group. The timely repair rates were calculated and compared.

Results: A total of 4,972 cryptorchidism cases were included in the final study. Approximately 33.0% of cryptorchid boys received timely surgery (orchidopexy by the age of 18 months), and only 6.8% of all cryptorchid boys underwent surgery before the age of 1 year. After the performance of ambulatory orchidopexy, the timely repair rate increased from 25.7 to 37.0% (P < 0.001), and the percentage of patients receiving surgery before the age of 1 year increased significantly from 3.5 to 8.6% (P < 0.001). The proportion of timely repair in patients with ambulatory medical resources was significantly higher than that in patients without ambulatory medical resources (15.6% vs. 58.2%, P < 0.001). Significant changes in the rate of surgery before 12 months of age were also found between the two groups (2.4% vs. 14.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: After the performance of ambulatory orchidopexy in our medical center, the rates of both timely repair and receiving surgery before the age of 1 year increased significantly. Ambulatory orchidopexy is a potential solution to improve the rate of timely repair in cryptorchid boys, and it is worthy of promotion in developing countries and regions.
Chemotherapeutics-Induced Intestinal Mucositis: Pathophysiology and Potential Treatment Strategies
Authors: Dahlgren David , Sjöblom Markus , Hellström Per M , Lennernäs Hans
Published: May 2021

The gastrointestinal tract is particularly vulnerable to off-target effects of antineoplastic drugs because intestinal epithelial cells proliferate rapidly and have a complex immunological interaction with gut microbiota. As a result, up to 40–100% of all cancer patients dosed with chemotherapeutics experience gut toxicity, called chemotherapeutics-induced intestinal mucositis (CIM). The condition is associated with histological changes and inflammation in the mucosa arising from stem-cell apoptosis and disturbed cellular renewal and maturation processes. In turn, this results in various pathologies, including ulceration, pain, nausea, diarrhea, and bacterial translocation sepsis. In addition to reducing patient quality-of-life, CIM often leads to dose-reduction and subsequent decrease of anticancer effect. Despite decades of experimental and clinical investigations CIM remains an unsolved clinical issue, and there is a strong consensus that effective strategies are needed for preventing and treating CIM. Recent progress in the understanding of the molecular and functional pathology of CIM had provided many new potential targets and opportunities for treatment. This review presents an overview of the functions and physiology of the healthy intestinal barrier followed by a summary of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of CIM. Finally, we highlight some pharmacological and microbial interventions that have shown potential. Conclusively, one must accept that to date no single treatment has substantially transformed the clinical management of CIM. We therefore believe that the best chance for success is to use combination treatments. An optimal combination treatment will likely include prophylactics (e.g., antibiotics/probiotics) and drugs that impact the acute phase (e.g., anti-oxidants, apoptosis inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents) as well as the recovery phase (e.g., stimulation of proliferation and adaptation).
Dynamic Arterial Elastance Is Associated With the Vascular Waterfall in Patients Treated With Norepinephrine: An Observational Study
Authors: Bar Stéphane , Nguyen Maxime , Abou-Arab Osama , Dupont Hervé , Bouhemad Belaid , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire
Published: May 2021

Introduction: It has been suggested that dynamic arterial elastance (Eadyn) can predict decreases in arterial pressure in response to changing norepinephrine levels. The objective of this study was to determine whether Eadyn is correlated with determinants of the vascular waterfall [critical closing pressure (CCP) and systemic arterial resistance (SARi)] in patients treated with norepinephrine.

Materials and Methods: Patients treated with norepinephrine for vasoplegia following cardiac surgery were studied. Vascular and flow parameters were recorded immediately before the norepinephrine infusion and then again once hemodynamic parameters had been stable for 15 min. The primary outcomes were Eadyn and its associations with CCP and SARi. The secondary outcomes were the associations between Eadyn and vascular/flow parameters.

Results: At baseline, all patients were hypotensive with Eadyn of 0.93 [0.47;1.27]. Norepinephrine increased the arterial blood pressure, cardiac index, CCP, total peripheral resistance (TPRi), arterial elastance, and ventricular elastance and decreased Eadyn [0.40 (0.30;0.60)] and SARi. Eadyn was significantly associated with arterial compliance (CA), CCP, and TPRi (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: In patients with vasoplegic syndrome, Eadyn was correlated with determinants of the vascular waterfall. Eadyn is an easy-to-read functional index of arterial load that can be used to assess the patient’s macro/microcirculatory status.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03478709.
Mockingbird Morphing Music: Structured Transitions in a Complex Bird Song
Authors: Roeske Tina C. , Rothenberg David , Gammon David E.
Published: May 2021

The song of the northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos, is notable for its extensive length and inclusion of numerous imitations of several common North American bird species. Because of its complexity, it is not widely studied by birdsong scientists. When they do study it, the specific imitations are often noted, and the total number of varying phrases. What is rarely noted is the systematic way the bird changes from one syllable to the next, often with a subtle transition where one sound is gradually transformed into a related sound, revealing an audible and specific compositional mode. It resembles a common strategy in human composing, which can be described as variation of a theme. In this paper, we present our initial attempts to describe the specific compositional rules behind the mockingbird song, focusing on the way the bird transitions from one syllable type to the next. We find that more often than chance, syllables before and after the transition are spectrally related, i.e., transitions are gradual, which we describe as morphing. In our paper, we categorize four common modes of morphing: timbre change, pitch change, squeeze (shortening in time), and stretch (lengthening in time). This is the first time such transition rules in any complex birdsong have been specifically articulated.
A Review of Key Likert Scale Development Advances: 1995–2019
Authors: Jebb Andrew T. , Ng Vincent , Tay Louis
Published: May 2021

Developing self-report Likert scales is an essential part of modern psychology. However, it is hard for psychologists to remain apprised of best practices as methodological developments accumulate. To address this, this current paper offers a selective review of advances in Likert scale development that have occurred over the past 25 years. We reviewed six major measurement journals (e.g., Psychological Methods, Educational, and Psychological Measurement) between the years 1995–2019 and identified key advances, ultimately including 40 papers and offering written summaries of each. We supplemented this review with an in-depth discussion of five particular advances: (1) conceptions of construct validity, (2) creating better construct definitions, (3) readability tests for generating items, (4) alternative measures of precision [e.g., coefficient omega and item response theory (IRT) information], and (5) ant colony optimization (ACO) for creating short forms. The Supplementary Material provides further technical details on these advances and offers guidance on software implementation. This paper is intended to be a resource for psychological researchers to be informed about more recent psychometric progress in Likert scale creation.
Teaching the Teachers About Language Support Strategies: Effects on Young Children's Language Development
Authors: Voltmer Katharina , Hormann Oliver , Pietsch Marcus , Maehler Claudia , von Salisch Maria
Published: May 2021

The feeling thinking talking (FTT) intervention was designed because early childhood seems to be a prime time for fostering young children's language skills. This intervention involved teaching teachers from N = 28 kindergarten groups in N = 13 German kindergartens language support strategies (LSS) to be used in everyday conversations with the children in their care. The FTT intervention was evaluated in a business-as-usual control group design with N = 281 children (mean age = 49.82 months, range = 33-66 months at T1, mixed SES) who were individually tested using objective tests on grammar, vocabulary and working memory before (T1) and after the FTT intervention (T2), and in a follow-up about one year after T1 (T3). After propensity matching was applied, multilevel models demonstrated that the children taught by the intervention group teachers made faster progress in their understanding of sentences, their application of morphological rules, and their memory for sentences when numerous covariates (child age, gender, behavioral self-regulation, multilingual upbringing, and family SES) were controlled. Results suggest that complex language processing abilities in young children can be promoted by a teacher-led intervention in early childhood education. Improved language skills will further all children's academic and social success in school.
Mental Health Applications for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Common Mental Disorders: Attitudes of German Employees
Authors: Michaelis Martina , Burgess Stephanie , Junne Florian , Rothermund Eva , Gündel Harald , Zipfel Stephan , Wolf Markus , Rieger Monika A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Web-based and mobile mental health applications for the prevention and treatment of common mental disorders (CMDs) are on the rise. Under certain circumstances they have proved to be effective for a range of conditions (e.g., depression).

Objective: There is not sufficient evidence regarding the benefits and barriers especially for mobile phone apps and for programs in the field of primary prevention. Studies on the acceptance of potential users of mental health apps yielded mixed outcomes. In a large survey we investigated the attitudes of employees toward mental health apps and various traditional mental health services. Our main research question in this contribution focuses on the acceptance of apps compared to other measures and the moderating influence of individual characteristics.

Methods: The standardized survey was completed by members of an online access panel with different job types. A set of 33 self-developed items, including three questions on e-health, captured the perceived relevance of prevention at the (A) occupational, (B) individual, and (C) societal level. On the basis of an exploratory factor analysis, mean scores for mapping seven (sub-)dimensions were constructed and compared using the Wilcoxon test. The influence of potential predictors was analyzed in linear regression models.

Results: The data of 610 respondents were analyzed (response rate 75%). Support from mental health applications was rated significantly less important compared to all other dimensions at the levels (A) to (C). Respondents were more likely to use mental health apps if they felt literate with electronic devices, perceived a high relevance of work-related demands as causal factors for CMDs, stated they would be ashamed of having a CMD, and would be willing to begin psychotherapy if recommended.

Discussion and Conclusions: The results confirm the critical attitudes of potential mental health app users found in other studies. Since users with a negative attitude toward e-health might have a higher risk for dropout and non-adherence as well as lower intervention effects, well-designed educational strategies should be carried out beforehand.
EEG-Based Measures in At-Risk Mental State and Early Stages of Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Perrottelli Andrea , Giordano Giulia Maria , Brando Francesco , Giuliani Luigi , Mucci Armida
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Electrophysiological (EEG) abnormalities in subjects with schizophrenia have been largely reported. In the last decades, research has shifted to the identification of electrophysiological alterations in the prodromal and early phases of the disorder, focusing on the prediction of clinical and functional outcome. The identification of neuronal aberrations in subjects with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) and in those at ultra high-risk (UHR) or clinical high-risk (CHR) to develop a psychosis is crucial to implement adequate interventions, reduce the rate of transition to psychosis, as well as the risk of irreversible functioning impairment. The aim of the review is to provide an up-to-date synthesis of the electrophysiological findings in the at-risk mental state and early stages of schizophrenia.

Methods: A systematic review of English articles using Pubmed, Scopus, and PsychINFO was undertaken in July 2020. Additional studies were identified by hand-search. Electrophysiological studies that included at least one group of FEP or subjects at risk to develop psychosis, compared to healthy controls (HCs), were considered. The heterogeneity of the studies prevented a quantitative synthesis.

Results: Out of 319 records screened, 133 studies were included in a final qualitative synthesis. Included studies were mainly carried out using frequency analysis, microstates and event-related potentials. The most common findings included an increase in delta and gamma power, an impairment in sensory gating assessed through P50 and N100 and a reduction of Mismatch Negativity and P300 amplitude in at-risk mental state and early stages of schizophrenia. Progressive changes in some of these electrophysiological measures were associated with transition to psychosis and disease course. Heterogeneous data have been reported for indices evaluating synchrony, connectivity, and evoked-responses in different frequency bands.

Conclusions: Multiple EEG-indices were altered during at-risk mental state and early stages of schizophrenia, supporting the hypothesis that cerebral network dysfunctions appear already before the onset of the disorder. Some of these alterations demonstrated association with transition to psychosis or poor functional outcome. However, heterogeneity in subjects' inclusion criteria, clinical measures and electrophysiological methods prevents drawing solid conclusions. Large prospective studies are needed to consolidate findings concerning electrophysiological markers of clinical and functional outcome.
Near Real-Time Processing Chain for MSG SEVIRI Data for Free and Immediate Earth Monitoring Capabilities
Authors: Sobrino José A. , Julien Yves
Published: May 2021

Although numerous instruments are continuously observing our planet, the general public has a low access to these data, either being provided with a delay, or needing some scientific background to exploit them. Our objective here is to bridge this gap, by using the data we receive from our MSG-SEVIRI (Meteosat Second Generation—Spinning Enhanced Visible InfraRed Imager) station, by processing them to retrieve accurate characteristics of the surface, and uploading them within 5 min of image completion on a dedicated webpage, updated with every new data. For half our planet, we provide in real time a specifically designed quickook and surface temperature every 15 min, with an accuracy similar to the one achieved in previous works. We also provide every 15 min the hotspots detected using a validated approach. Once a day, we provide vegetation greenness [Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)] for the 12:00 UTC acquisition, corresponding to the best illumination case, as well as anomalies for NDVI and surface temperature. These parameters are provided freely as full resolution images, readily understandable for the end-user, in three different languages (English, Spanish and French): https://www.uv.es/iplsat. These data, along with short time lapse videos, can be used for educational, scientific and communication purposes.
How Do Scientists Know Dark Matter Exists?
Authors: Bhathe Vishnu Prithiv , Brennan Christina , Ellis Stephanie , Moynes Emily , Graham Kevin , Landsman Sean J.
Published: May 2021

There is still a lot we do not know about the universe. Understanding the existence and make-up of a mysterious substance called dark matter is one of the leading challenges scientists face today. There are many theories about what dark matter could be, but we have yet to understand its true nature. How do we even know that such a thing exists? The greatest challenge for studying dark matter is that we cannot see it. In this article, we will discuss how scientists use science and observations from telescopes to predict the existence of dark matter and why scientists think it pervades every corner of our universe.
Trends in the prescription of drugs used for insomnia: an open-cohort study in Australian general practice, 2011–2018
Authors: Begum Mumtaz , Gonzalez-Chica David , Bernardo Carla , Woods Amelia , Stocks Nigel
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite an increase in the prevalence of sleep problems, few studies have investigated changes in the prescribing of drugs that are often used to manage insomnia.

Aim

To explore changes in the pattern of benzodiazepine (BZD), Z-drug (zolpidem, zopiclone), and non-BZD prescriptions.

Design and setting

Open-cohort study comprising 1 773 525 patients (55 903 294 consultations) who attended one of 404 Australian general practices at least three times in two consecutive years between 2011 and 2018.

Method

Data were extracted from MedicineInsight, a database of 662 general practices in Australia. Prescription rates per 1000 consultations, the proportion of repeat prescriptions above recommendations, and the proportion of prescriptions for patients with a recent (within 2 years) recorded diagnosis of insomnia were analysed using adjusted regression models.

Results

Rates of BZD, Z-drug, and non-BZD prescriptions were 56.6, 4.4, and 15.5 per 1000 consultations in 2011 and 41.8, 3.5, and 21.5 per 1000 consultations in 2018, respectively. Over the whole study period, temazepam represented 25.3% of the prescriptions and diazepam 21.9%. All BZD and zolpidem prescriptions declined over the whole study period (annual change varying from −1.4% to −10.8%), but non-BZD and zopiclone prescriptions increased in the same period (annual change 5.0% to 22.6%). Repeat prescriptions that exceeded recommended levels remained at <10% for all medications, except melatonin (64.5%), zolpidem (63.3%), zopiclone (31.4%), and alprazolam (13.3%). In 2018, >50% of Z-drug and melatonin prescriptions were for patients with insomnia. There was an annual increase of 0.8–5.9% in the proportion of prescriptions associated with a recently recorded diagnosis of insomnia.

Conclusion

Overall, BZD prescriptions in Australia declined between 2011 and 2018. However, the prescription of some of these drugs increased for patients with a recently recorded diagnosis of insomnia. This is concerning because of the potential adverse effects of these medications and the risk of dependence.
Experiences of general practice care for self-harm: a qualitative study of young people’s perspectives
Authors: Mughal Faraz , Dikomitis Lisa , Babatunde Opeyemi O , Chew-Graham Carolyn A
Published: May 2021

Background

Self-harm is a growing concern and rates of self-harm in young people (aged 12–25 years) presenting to general practice are rising. There is, however, little evidence about young people’s experiences of GP care and on accessing general practice.

Aim

To explore the help-seeking behaviours, experiences of GP care, and access to general practice of young people who self-harm.

Design and setting

In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people aged 16–25 years from England with previous self-harm behaviour.

Method

Interviews with 13 young people took place between April and November 2019. Young people were recruited from the community, third-sector organisations, and Twitter. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with principles of constant comparison. A patient and public involvement advisory group informed recruitment strategies and supported interpretation of findings.

Results

Young people described the avenues of help-seeking they employ and reflected on the mixed experiences of seeing GPs that can influence future help-seeking. Preconceptions and a lack of knowledge about accessing general practice were found to be barriers to help-seeking. GPs who attempt to understand the young person and establish relationship-based care can facilitate young people accessing general practice for self-harm.

Conclusion

It is important young people are aware of how to access general practice and that GPs listen, understand, and proactively follow-up young people who self-harm. Supporting young people with self-harm behaviour requires continuity of care.
Estimation of Real Incomes of the Russian Economy Amidst Changes in Foreign Trade Conditions
Authors: Zamaraev B. A.
Published: May 2021

The article covers the results of the author’s study on improving the methodology for measuring (estimating) the impact of foreign trade on the nature of reproduction processes in the Russian economy. The parameters and nature of domestic economic development are largely determined by its reproductive model based on raw material exports. The shift in external conditions (from very positive to severe negative) was, according to the author, one of the main factors in the transition from the spectacular growth during «boom» years from 1999 to 2008, and stagnation of the «lost decade» from 2010 to 2019.The article reviews methodological provisions of the international statistical standard – 2008 SNA for calculating aggregates of real income for the total economy, profit (or loss) from foreign economic activity with emphasis on the need to take into account changes in terms of foreign trade in recent Russian history, before the coronavirus pandemic of 2020–2021. Various approaches to calculating macro-indicators of foreign trade activity – trading gains and losses and real income for the total economy are analyzed within the concept of a system of national accounting. In this regard, the article analyzes indicators under consideration in the context of terms-of-trade changes and highlights the relationship between GDP volume (at comparable prices) and real income characteristics in the macroeconomic system.To ascertain the evolution of characteristics of the impact of the export-raw commodity orientation of Russian foreign trade on the reproduction in general, the author within the 20-year period under consideration selected several separate periods: 1995–1998 – transformational recession, 1999–2008 – uniquely favorable conditions, 2009–2014 – recovery from the global crisis, 2015–2019 – transition to macroeconomic stability. The impact of foreign trade on the national economy was analyzed. There is a conclusion about the additional analytical capacity of researchers dealing with problems of reproduction amidst globalization using the following national accounts indicators: profit (loss) from foreign trade and real income aggregates - in a rapidly changing external economic environment.
CASE REPORT: A CASE OF EDEMA AND SEVERE IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA DUE TO COW’S MILK AL- LERGY
Authors: Le Thy Phuong Anh , Hoang Thi Thuy Yen , Nguyen Van Mao
Published: May 2021

A 18-month-old-girl presented with five months history of progressive edema and pallor. Nutritional his-tory revealed long-standing excessive cow milk intake. She was found to be profoundly severe iron deficiency anemia and hypoproteinemic, gastroendoscopy revealed many lessions in duodenum. RIDA qLine Allergy test is positive with cow milk, casein and bovin serum albumin. She was treated with cow milk restriction and oral iron supplements, which resulted in resolution of her edema and laboratory anomalies within two month. Cow’s milk allergy frequently presents with eczema, diarrhea, wheezing…while iron deficiency and hypopro-teinemic are quite rare. We report this case with the aim of providing clues for pediatricians for diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Key words: edema, hypoproteinemic, iron deficiency, cow’s milk allergy
EFFECTIVE OF INTERVENTION SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE SITUATION OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN A LUOI DISTRICT, THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE
Authors: Dao Nguyen Dieu Trang , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy , Cao Ngoc Thanh , Phan Thi Bich Ngoc
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, practices of reproductive health care among adolescent girls in A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province and to identify the related factors to reproductive health care in adolescent girls. To assess the results of intervention solutions of reproductive health care in adolescent girls. Methods: A cross-sectional study design. A study design for community intervention comparision with control group. Results: The percentage of adolescents with not good knowledge, attitudes and practices on reproductive health care has accounted for fairly high as respectively: 85.9%, 73.9%, 72.9%. There is an a relationship between education level, adolescent stage with general knowledge on adolescent reproductive health care (p < 0.05). There is a relationship between ethnicity, education level, adolescent stage with the general attitude on adolescent reproductive health care (p < 0.05). There is a relationship between knowledge, attitude, education level, adolescent stage, economic condition, the condition of the family living at the percentage of general practice on adolescent reproductive health care (p < 0.05). The effective of intervention: Good knowlegde increase from 10% to 24.1%. Good attitude increase from 16.7% to 61.4%. Good practice increase from 27.1% to 42.9%. The effective of intervention: change knowlegde: 21.6%, change attitude: 54.2%, change practice: 34.6%. Conclusion: There is need to enhance the communication and education reproductive health for aldolescent girls and to enhance communication knowlegde and skills for reproductive health staff.
Keywords: adolescents, get married early, reproductive health.
A STUDY ON THE CLINICAL AND SUB-CLINICAL FEATURES OF BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTIONS
Authors: Mai Ba Hoang Anh , Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong , Nguyen Thi Tra My , Le Thi Cao Nguyen , Tran Ngoc Khanh Nam
Published: May 2021

Background: Bacterial skin infections are common due to the bacteral invasion into the skin and cause a variety of clinical manifestation. In order to assess the characteristics of this group, we conducted this study to evaluate the clinical and main subclinical features. Methods: A total of 95 patients were diagnosed with bacterial skin infections at Dermatology Clinic of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from June 2015 to May 2016, of which 34 patients had some tests and 19 patients had samples for culture. Results: The age group of 16 - 30 years old was the most popular: 50.5%; High rate of patients came for consultation in winter (49.5%), most patients had no fever. For functional symptoms, pain accounted for the highest proportion: 71.6%. The most common skin lesion was nodule: 38.8%, the lower extremities were the most common position: 38.9%. Furuncle had the highest incidence: 45.3%. For main laboratory tests, most patients had a normal number of leucocyte: 71.4%; ESR increased by two times accounting for a rate of 20.6%; culture results showed Staphylococcus aureus being a highest percentage: 57.9%. Conclusion: Most skin infections localized and were less systemic effect, the most common agent was S. aureus.
Keywords: infection, bacteria, skin, fever, S. aureus
HEALTH LITERACY AND HEALTH CARE SEEKING BEHAVIOR OF THE ELDERLY IN HUE CITY
Authors: Tran Thi Thanh Nga , Le Thi Bich Thuy , Nguyen Hoang Lan
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To assess the health literacy and identify the relationship between the health literacy and health care seeking behavior among the older persons in Hue city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hue city. 400 older persons were interviewed directly using a structured questionnaire. Health literacy was assessed by HLS- Asian- Q. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the relationship between health literacy and health care seeking behavior. Results: 20.0% of the respondents got inadequate health literacy. The proportion of the elderly who achieved health literacy in health care, health prevention and health promotion were 25.7%, 10.0% and 28.0%, respectively. The percentage of the elderly who have sought health care services and health promotion services were 76.7% and 68,0%, respectively. There was a relationship between health literacy and treatment seeking behaviour (OR= 3.71; 95% CI: 1.25-11.01) and health prevention service seeking behaviour among participants (OR=3.30; 95% CI:1.16-9.40). Conclusions: Health literacy of the elderly was still low in Hue city. There is influence of health literacy on health care seeking behavior among them. Enhancing health literacy for the older persons should be a necessary solution to improve their health status.
Keywords: Health literacy, health seeking behavior, older persons, Hue city.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF CAGA GENE EPIYA MOTIFS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AMONG PATIENTS WITH GASTRODUODENAL DISEASES
Authors: Ha Thi Minh Thi , Huynh Vu Viet Khanh , Nguyen Thi Mai Ngan , Tran Van Huy , Dang Cong Thuan
Published: May 2021

Background: cagA gene EPIYA motifs of H. pylori play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal disease. This study is aimed at (1) Identify patterns of cagA gene EPIYA motifs ofH. pyloristrains from gastric biopsy specimens; (2) Investigate the association between cagA gene EPIYA motifs and gastroduodenal diseases.

Patients and methods: Eighty-nine gastroduodenal disease patients infected with cagA-positive H. pylori were enrolled in this study. The patterns of cagA gene EPIYA motifs were determined by PCR.

Result: cagA-positive H. pylori strains with East Asian-type EPIYA motif were predominant (89.9%), whereas strains with Western-type EPIYA motif accounted for only 10.1%. There were two strains with rare East Asian-type EPIYA, as -ABDBD and -AABD. In the duodenal ulcer group, the prevalence of East Asian-type and Western-type EPIYA motifs were 80% and 20%, respectively. Meanwhile, East Asian-type and Westerntype EPIYA motifs accounted for 95.8% and 4.2%, respectively in the gastric cancer group.

Conclusion: cagA gene EPIYA motifs of cagA-positive H. pylori were quite diverse with the predominance of East Asian-type EPIYA motif. There were two rare motifs as -ABDBD and -AABD. The frequency of strains with East Asian-type EPIYA motif was highest in the gastric cancer group, whereas it was lowest in the duodenal ulcer group.

Key words: Helicobacter pylori, cagA gene, EPIYA motif, gastroduodenal diseases
THE EFFECT OF PLATE AND SCREWS ON SINGLE-LEVEL ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY AND FUSION
Authors: Tran Duc Duy Tri , Nguyen Thanh Minh , Truong Van Tri
Published: May 2021

Objective: To evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with cage and plate in patients with degenerative spondylosis.

Methods: A prospective study. Patients were performed this technique between August 2013 and October 2017. Radiographic follow-up included static and flexion/extension radiographs obtained to assess fusion, focal and segmental kyphosis, and change in disc space height. The Odom’s criteria and NDI were used to assess outcomes at most recent follow-up.

Results: Twenty-two patients with singlelevel degenerative spondylosis underwent ACDF with cage and plate during the study period. The mean duration of follow-up was 17.6 ± 7.3 months. Radiographic evidence of fusion was present in 21 patients (95.5%). The focal alignment at operated level on postoperative radiographs was slightly changed (mean α2 was 4.30 ± 5.50) and segment alignment was a little increased lordosis with mean Cobb angle β2 was 15.70 ± 12.40. Mean decrease in disc space height was 5.4 ± 2.4%. Six patients (27.3%) had dysphagia. Fifteen patients (68.2%) had excellent results according to Odom’s criteria. The mean post-operation NDI score was 5.1 ± 5.8 (median 2.5 range 1-21).

Conclusions: Single-level ACDF with cage and plate for cervical spondylosis is an effective treatment, achieves high rate of fusion and preserves the alignments of cervical spine.

Key words: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, cervical spondylosis
Snake Venom Toxins: Clinical use and as Diagnostic Agents
Authors: M S Kumar
Published: May 2021

Snakes are fascinating creatures and were inhabitants of this world well before the earth was populated by ancient humans. Snakes with a lethal secretion known as venom were endowed by nature. Snake venom is a very poisonous mixture consisting of a number of molecules such as carbohydrates, nucleosides, amino acids, lipids, proteins and peptides, making it a cocktail of diversified molecules. Snake envenomation is responsible for the disruption in the envenomed victim’s fundamental physiological processes contributing to serious health problems. Millions of snakebites are recorded annually, and due to snake venom poisoning, a significant number of individuals are injured and die. However, through technical developments, many fatal snake venom toxins have found potential applications as diagnostic agents, medicinal agents, or drug leads. From the development of Captopril, the first drug derived from Bothrops jarararaca’s bradykinin potentiating peptide, to the disintegrins that have potent activity against some forms of cancers. Therefore, components of snake venom have shown tremendous potential for the development of lead compounds for new drugs. Complementary tools and techniques are currently being used to isolate and characterize peptides and to study their potential uses as molecular probes and templates for drug development and design investigation models.
Tipu Sultan’s Mint Policy – An Analyse
Authors: Raju Linga
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the mint policy of Tipu sultan. There are evidences of the coinage of Tipu sultan. There are several mints where coins were minted all through his 17 years of reign he issued coins of different denominations & different weight. There were several mints along his empire. Hider issued coins only in gold & copper. Historians have proved with evidence that Tipu sultan issued initial coins from his Sri Rangapattanna mint only. Some coins were issued form nagar mint. The number of mints was increased after fifth year of his reign now there were eight mints in his empire. His mint policy had economic as well as political implications. He was seriously affected by the colonial intrusions into Mysore territory. He wanted to make his country’s resources to churn out beneficial results for the countrymen. He had far reaching visions about making Mysorean economy support his wars with British. Hence his mint policy was minutely designed & effectively implemented.
Contemporary Concerns and Challenges in Higher Education: Some Reflection on Humanities
Authors: M B Divya
Published: May 2021

Education is plays a huge role in our life.Education is also considered as a very essential basic element like food, shelter and cloth.Modern welfare states through its functionaries it give more importance to provide education to peoples of the country.Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. It should be transformed to the needs of the time and changing scenario of the world. It provides an opportunity to critically reflect upon the social, economic, cultural, moral and spiritual issues facing humanity. Especially some of the researches try to highlighted that Humanities education and research has been a critical foundation of our society for centuries. Disciplines such as history, literature, and philosophy have shaped institutions and policy debates and attracted generations of students seeking to understand more about how societies function and change. However, changing frameworks for understanding social value and the expansion of tertiary education disciplines over time have affected perceptions of the importance of the Humanities.In this background,this paper is mainly focused on the some ofissues and challenges which are affected on trend in higher education particularly in humanities disciplines.And try to emphasis on collaborative study and researches which helps to all multidisciplinary subjects in humanities.
UJI EFEKTIFITAS DAUN PANDAN WANGI (PANDANUS AMARYLLIFOIUM ROXB) SEBAGAI ANTIJAMUR TERHADAP PITYSPORUM OVALE
Authors: Siregar Saadah , Topia Riana
Published: May 2021

The Pandan Wangi leaf plant is a plant that belongs to the Pandanaceae family. The metabolite content of fragrant pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius  Roxb.) Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins are known to have an antifungal effect. Pityrosporum ovale is a yeast or single-celled fungus that belongs to the genus Malassezia sp, and belongs to the Cryptococcaceae family. Pityrosporum ovale causes superficial dermatomycosis which affects the stratum corneum in the epidermis layer. This fungus is a normal flora on the scalp, but in conditions of hair with excess oil glands, this fungus can thrive. The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibition zone of fragrant pandanus leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) Concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of Pytirosporum ovale on Potato Dextrose Agar media by diffusion method using disc paper.

The diffusion method was used to measure the diameter of the zone of inhibition against fungal growth. The positive control used was ketoconazole 2% and negative control DMSO 1%. The results of the study using the diameter of the inhibition zone at a concentration of 10% were 7.86 mm, the inhibition zone at a concentration of 20% was 8.53 mm, the inhibition zone at a concentration of 30% was 8.76 mm, and the inhibition zone at a concentration of 40% was 9, 43 mm.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN HIPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM PADA IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER PERTAMA DI WILAYAH PUSKESMAS TANJUNG PASIR 2020
Authors: Lubis Basyariah , Hanim Latifah , Br Bangun Srimelda , Ajartha Ronny
Published: May 2021

The incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum in Indonesia ranges from 1% to 3% of all pregnancies. Hyperemesis gravidarum can cause problems in pregnancy such as anemia, while anemia itself can result in shock due to lack of nutritional intake, all of which are eaten and drunk. This study aims to determine the relationship between adaptation and psychological factors with the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnant women in the first trimester in the Tanjung Pasir Health Center area.

This research is an analytical survey with a cross sectional approach. The study was conducted in the Tanjung Pasir 2020 Public Health Center area from March to August 2020. The population in this study were 108 pregnant women in the first trimester at the Hamidah Clinic and a sample of 52 people. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, data analysis consisted of univariate and bivariate analysis. Bivariate analysis using the Chi Square statistical test at α = 5%.

The results showed that there was no relationship between adaftation factors (anemia and primigravida) with hyperemesis gravidarum, while psychological factors (unwanted pregnancy, work pressure, income and family harmony) had a relationship with hyperemesis gravidarum.

The conclusion of this study is there is a relationship between psychological factors and the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnant women in the first trimester in the Tanjung Pasir Puskesmas area. It is suggested that the respondents should increase their knowledge about how to prevent and overcome hyperemesis gravidarum.
PENGARUH KONSUMSI SUSU TEMPE TERHADAP KADAR HAEMOGLOBIN PADA IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER III
Authors: Ginting Munthe Novita Br , Siregar G.F Gustina , Sembiring Iskandar Markus , . NURSYIDAH
Published: May 2021

Anemia in pregnancy can adversely affect the mother, especially during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. The high prevalence of anemia has negative consequences such as disturbances and inhibition of growth, both body and brain cells, lack of hemoglobin in the blood resulting in a lack of oxygen being under/transferred to body cells and to the brain. Pregnant women who suffer from anemia have the possibility to experience post partum bleeding. Tempe has higher quality and nutritional value. The fermentation process in tempe will activate the phytase enzyme which can break down phytic acid. With the breakdown of phytic acid, minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc become more available for use by the body. This study aims to determine the effect of tempeh milk consumption on increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women in the independent practice of midwife zuhrah hh, Samudera District, North Aceh District in 2021. The method in this study is a quasi-experimental study, the design used is one group pre-posttest design. By using the Wilcoxon test. The results showed that the average HB level in pregnant women before consuming tempeh milk was 9 gr% and 12 gr% after consuming tempeh milk. The results showed that the positive ranks value was 8.50, so it could be concluded that there was an increase in hemoglobin levels after being given tempeh milk compared to before being given tempeh milk, so the hypothesis decision was that there was a significant difference in the pre-postest respondents who were given tempeh milk. So it can be concluded that H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. It is hoped that health workers can provide information to all pregnant women so that they can consume tempe as a daily food ingredient.