bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution of the Immiscible Fluid Flow Simulation Equations
Authors: Breitenbach E. A. , Thurnau D. H. , van Poolen H. K.
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the methods used to solve the finite difference equations which were developed in a companion paper (1). Various possible methods of solution are discussed. Experience has narrowed the number of suitable numerical methods that are practical to three: Gauss elimination, successive overrelaxation, and the iterative alternating direction implicit process. The final sections of the paper are devoted to a presentation of computational techniques which are vital to actual use of each of the above-mentioned methods.

All the terms are defined in the paper. Here, however, we have dropped the subscript denoting the pressure, p, as an oil pressure. Further breakdown requires definition of the numerical solution to be used. This paper describes the breakdown and solution processes most often used in the MUFFS program. Sufficient detail is given so that computer programming can be done.

Contrary to popular opinion, economic simulation has been found to require the development of several solution methods, rather than relying on a single one. This requires that the computer subprogram for generating coefficients (A's and O's) be written as a distinct, separate entity to supply the coefficients in Equation (1). Furthermore, it is necessary to be able to obtain these coefficients automatically in column-by-column, row-by-row, or point-by-point form, in any order required by a numerical solution. Columns, rows, and points refer to the columns, rows, and points of the finite difference grid. A program that can generate coefficients in several forms is a simple but important concept, for it allows the easy insertion and modification of experimental methods. The computing inefficiencies that may be incurred within a general coefficient generator are small in comparison to the computing time saved by using the fastest of several solution techniques.
A novel electrochemical aptasensor for fumonisin B1 determination using DNA and exonuclease-I as signal amplification strategy
Authors: Wei Min , Zhao Fei , Feng Shuo , Jin Huali
Published: August 2019

In this work, using DNA and exonuclease-I (Exo-I) as signal amplification strategy, a novel and facile electrochemical aptasensor was constructed for fumonisin B1 (FB1) detection. The G-rich complementary DNA (cDNA) was immobilized onto the electrode surface. Then, aptamer of FB1 was hybridized with cDNA to form double-stranded DNA. In the absence of FB1, double-stranded DNA and G-rich cDNA on the electrode surface promoted effectively methylene blue (MB) enrichment and amplified the initial electrochemical response. In the presence of FB1, the combination of aptamer and FB1 led to the release of aptamer from the electrode surface and the expose of 3' end of single-stranded cDNA. When Exo-I was added onto the electrode surface, the single-stranded cDNA was degraded in the 3’-5’ direction. The decrease of double-stranded DNA and G-rich cDNA resulted in the less access of MB to the electrode surface, which decreased the electrochemical signal. The experimental conditions including incubation time of FB1, the amount of Exo-I and incubation time of Exo-I were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the linear relationship between the change of peak current and the logarithmic concentration of FB1 was observed in the range of 1.0×10-3-1000ng·mL−1 with a low limit of detection of 0.15 pg·mL−1. The experimental results showed that the prepared aptasensor had acceptable specificity, reproducibility, repeatability and stability. Therefore, this proposed aptasensor has a potential application in the food safety detection.
The Effect of a Single Mega dose Injection of Vitamin D on serum Adiponectin concentration at First Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Razmpush Elham , Shareghfarid Elham , Hosseinzadeh Elham , Hadinedoushan Hossein , Salami Maryam , Khosravi Maryam , Amini Maryam , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan
Published: August 2019

Background: vitamin D is being increasingly recognized for its important non-skeletal functions including endocrine actions. This study investigated if a single, large, intramuscular post‐artum injection of vitamin D improve adiponectin levels among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods: A total of 45 pregnant women with GDM participated in this randomized clinical trial. They were randomly divided into intervention and control group. The intervention group received an intramuscular injection of 300,000 IU of vitamin D during 3 to 10 days after their child delivery, but controls did not. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and serum adiponectin were measured at baseline and after 3 months of intervention.
Results: Serum 25 OH vitamin D increase significantly in the intervention but not in the control group from 24.25 to 62.10 (nmol/l) (p-value< 0.01). Comparison in within group showed that adiponectin level increased significantly only among intervention group after the vitamin D injection from 7.45 to 8.98 (ngr/dl) (P-value=0.01), while between group comparisons showed no significant differences in adiponectin concentration after the intervention (P-value<0.05). Between and within group comparisons reported no significant alterations in the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and FPG (fasting plasma glucose), as well.
Conclusions: The 300,000 IU single dose of intramuscular injection of vitamin D is regarded as an effective procedure to improve vitamin D status which significantly increased the adiponectin levels among mothers with gestational diabetes after delivery.
Trial registration: The trial was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials available at http://www.irct.ir. The reference number is IRCT138902113840N1.
Early intervention and follow-up programs among children with cerebral palsy in Moldova: Do they make a difference?
Authors: Bufteac Ecaterina Gincota , Andersen Guro L. , Spinei Larisa , Jahnsen Reidun
Published: August 2019

Aim

To study whether early intervention services (EI) and a follow-up program (FU) influence outcomes of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Moldova.

Methods

Records from 351 children with CP in Moldova born during 2009 and 2010 were retrieved from hospital and orphanage archives between 1 July 2016 and 30 September 2017. We investigated the proportion enrolled in EI and FU at the Early Intervention Centre Voinicel and at the Institute of Mother and Child. Logistic regression analyses were applied to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes in children enrolled and not enrolled.

Results

Among all children with CP, 166 (47%) were enrolled in EI and FU. Of the 51 children born extremely preterm (gestational age ≤31 weeks), 46 (90%) were enrolled, compared to 97 (39%) of the 250 children born at term. Among 110 non-walking children with CP, 82 (74%) were enrolled into EI and FU, compared to 84 (35%) of 241 able to walk.

There was no difference in outcomes of associated impairments between those enrolled or not enrolled in EI and FU. However, the subgroup analyses showed that among all children with CP the risk of contractures was five times higher among those not enrolled, regardless of GMFCS level (OR = 5.474, 95% CI 3.306–9.063, p <0.000).

Conclusion

In Moldova, EI and FU seem to be offered mostly to extremely preterm and non-walking children with CP. The results indicate a decreased risk for contractures in these children.
Changes in Macular Perfusion Detected by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Following 3 Intravitreal Monthly Bevacizumab Injections for Diabetic Macular Edema in the IMPACT Study
Authors: Elnahry Ayman , Abdel-Kader Ahmed A. , Raafat Karim A. , Elrakhawy Khaled
Published: August 2019

Background
This study was done to evaluate macular perfusion changes following intravitreal bevacizumab injections for diabetic macular edema (DME) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD-OCTA).
Methods
This study was a prospective noncomparative interventional case series. Treatment naïve patients with DME were recruited at Cairo University retina clinic and underwent full ophthalmological examination and SD-OCTA scanning at baseline and after 3 intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Both the 6X6 and 3X3-mm macular scan protocols were used. Pre and post-treatment OCTA images were automatically aligned using a commercially available retina alignment software (i2k Align Retina software) then the fractal dimension (FD), vascular density (VD), and skeleton VD changes were obtained at the full retinal thickness (Full) and superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses after processing images using a semi-automated program. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was manually measured and FD was calculated using the FracLac plugin of ImageJ.
Results
Forty eyes of 26 patients were included. Following injections, there was an 8.1% increase in FAZ, 1.3% decrease in FD-Full and FD-SCP, 1.9% decrease in FD-DCP, 8% decrease in VD-Full, 9.1% decrease in VD-SCP, 10.6% decrease in VD-DCP, 13.3% decrease in skeleton VD-Full, 12.5% decrease in skeleton VD-SCP, and 16.3% decrease in skeleton VD-DCP in the 6X6 mm macular area, and a 2.6% decrease in FD-Full, 3.4% decrease in FD-SCP, 11.5% decrease in VD-Full, 14.3% decrease in VD-SCP, and 25.1% decrease in skeleton VD-SCP in the 3X3 mm macular area which were all statistically significant (p<0.05). There was also an 8.3% increase in the FAZ, 18.5% decrease in skeleton VD-Full, 2.6% decrease in FD-DCP, 8.8% decrease in VD-DCP, and 19.7% decrease in skeleton VD-DCP in the 3X3 mm macular area but these were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Using univariate and multivariate analysis, the pre-treatment FD, VD, and skeleton VD at each capillary layer significantly negatively correlated with the change in FD, VD, and skeleton VD at the corresponding capillary layer respectively (p>0.05).
Conclusion
OCTA is a useful non-invasive tool for quantitative evaluation of macular perfusion changes following DME treatment.
Trial Registration
Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on August 11, 2017 (Study ID: NCT03246152).
Latrine availability and associated factors among Religious institution in Northern Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Abrha Mulugeta Woldu , Ghebremedhin Kiros Demoz , Weldeslasie Tesfay Teklemariam
Published: August 2019

Background

Religious institutions found at the community, not only uphold belief and cultural values but also as a force for positive change and development. Improved sanitation and hygiene is crucial in these institutions to decrease preventable infections due to unsanitary conditions. However, there are no studies among religious institution on availability of latrine. So this study was conducted to assess the latrine availability and associated factors among religious institution in Tigray Region, Ethiopia.Method

Institution based cross – sectional study design was conducted in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling was used to sample 385 religious institutions. Data was collected using pre tested, structured questionnaire and observation checklist. Logistic regression was fitted and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) with p-value less than 0.05 was used to determine the predictors of latrine availability. Analysis was carried out using SPSS 20 TM - software package.Results

In this study latrine availability was 32.8%. And was significantly affected by currently saved money towards having a latrine (Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR): 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.25, 0.42]), any messages seen, heard or received on sanitation and hygiene (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI [0.38, 0.51]) and place where messages seen, heard, received (AOR: 2.95, 95% CI [1.11, 5.55]).Conclusion

Availability of latrine was very low when compared to the national target of 100% among the religious institution and was affected by the currently saved money towards having a latrine, any messages seen, heard or received on sanitation and hygiene and place where the messages receive. Information regarding latrine availability should be provided to the community visiting religious institutions through available channels and practical models promotion.
Palliative care training addressed to hospital healthcare professionals by palliative care specialists: a mixed-method evaluation
Authors: Artioli Giovanna , Bedini Gabriele , Bertocchi Elisabetta , Ghirotto Luca , Cavuto Silvio , Costantini Massimo , Tanzi Silvia
Published: August 2019

Background

Despite the great advances in the concept of palliative care (PC) and its benefits, its application seems to be delayed, leaving unfulfilled the many needs of patients and family members. One way to overcome this difficulty could be to develop a new training programme by palliative care specialists to improve PC primary skills in healthcare professionals The aim of this study was to evaluate the training's impact on trainees within a hospital setting using Kirkpatrick’s and Moore's models.

Methods

We adopted a mixed-method evaluation with concurrent triangulation. The evaluation followed the first three steps of Kirkpatrick’s and Moore’s models and included a pre- and post-training evaluation through self-administered questionnaires and focus groups. We used the McNemar statistical test.

Results

The results highlighted the significant amount of knowledge acquired by the hospital professionals after training, in terms of increasing their knowledge of palliative care and in terms of the change in meaning that they attributed to phenomena related to chronicity and incurability, which they encounter daily in their professional practice. In both quantitative and qualitative research, the results, in synthesis, highlight:

(i) the development of a new concept of palliative care, centred on the response to the holistic needs of people;

(ii) that palliative care can also be extended to non-oncological patients in advanced illness stages (our training was directed to Geriatrics and Nephrology/Dialysis professionals);

(iii) the empowerment and the increase in self-esteem that healthcare professionals gained, from learning about the logistical and structural organization of palliative care, to activate and implement PC;

(iv) the need to share personal aspects of their professional life (this result emerges only in qualitative research);

(v)

the appreciation of cooperation and the joining of multiple competences towards a synergistic approach and enhanced outcomes.

Conclusion

It is necessary to further develop rigorous research on training evaluation, at the most complex levels of the Kirkpatrick and Moore models, to measure primary skills in health care professionals. This will develop the effectiveness of the integration of I- and II-level palliative care competencies in hospitals and improve outcomes of patients’ and families’ quality of life.
Comparative analysis of intestinal microbiota in two different Acipenseridae fish fed with the same diet/the same fish fed with two different diets
Authors: Xu Guanling , Xing Wei , Li Tieliang , Xue Min , Ma Zhihong , Jiang Na , Luo Lin
Published: August 2019

Background: Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri Brandt) and Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) are two important commercial fish in China, and the feeding habits of them are very different. Diets and feeding habits are two significant factors to affect the gastrointestinal microbiota in ﬁsh. The intestinal microbiota has been reported to play a key role in nutrition and immunity. However, it is rarely reported about the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and feeding habits/diets on different Acipenseridae fish. This study is to comparative analysis of gut microbial community in two different Acipenseridae fish fed with the same diet/the same fish with different diets in order to realize the effects of different feeding habits/diets on the intestinal microﬂora of fish.
Results: According to the experimental objectives, BL and BH groups were Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) fed with low fishmeal diet and high fishmeal diet, respectively. SH group represented Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri Brandt) fed with the same diet as BH group. After 16 weeks feeding trial, the intestinal microbiota was examined by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. On the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were signiﬁcantly higher in BL group than BH group, and Cyanobacteria showed the opposite trend. Compared with BH group, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were signiﬁcantly increased in SH group, whereas Cyanobacteria were clearly decreased. At the genus level, Pseudomonas and Citrobacter in BL group were signiﬁcantly higher comparing with BH group, while Bacillus, Luteibacter, Staphylococcus and Oceanobacillus was lower in BH group than SH group.
Conclusions: Alpha and beta diversities indicated that the intestinal microﬂora were significant difference between Siberian sturgeon and Beluga sturgeon when they fed with the same diet. Meanwhile, Beluga sturgeon fed with low fishmeal diet can increase the species diversity of intestinal microbiota than it fed high fishmeal diet. Therefore, feeding habits clearly affected the gastrointestinal microbiota of sturgeons. Moreover, the impact of changes in food on the gut microbiota of sturgeons should be taken into consideration during the process of sturgeon aquaculture.
Biodegradation of Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A by Pseudomonas putida Strain YC-AE1 Isolated from Polluted Soil, Guangdong, China
Authors: Eltoukhy Adel Aly Esmail , Jia Yang , Nahurira Ruth , Abo-Kadoum M. A. , Khokhar Ibatsam , Wang Junhuan , Yan Yanchun
Published: August 2019

YC-AE1 is a Gram negative bacterial strain isolated from soil and identified as Pseudomonas putida by 16S rRNA and BIOLOG identification system. This strain found to have a high capacity to degrade the endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA). Response surface methodology using central composite design was used to statistically optimize the environmental factors during BPA degradation and the results obtained by significant model were 7.2, 30 oC and 2.5% for optimum initial pH, temperature and inoculum size, respectively. Prolonged incubation period with low NaCl concentration improve the biodegradation of BPA. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed high coefficient of determination, R2 and Adj-R2 which were 0.9979 and 0.9935, respectively. Substrate analysis found that, strain YC-AE1 could degrade a wide variety of bisphenol A-related pollutants such as bisphenol B, bisphenol F, bisphenol S, Dibutyl phthalate, Diethylhexyl phthalate and Diethyl phthalate in varying proportion. Pseudomonas putida YC-AE1 showed high ability to degrade a wide range of BPA concentrations (0.5-1000 mg l−1) with completely degradation for 0.5- 500 mg l−1 within 3 days. Metabolic intermediates detected in this study by HPLC-MS were identified as 4,4-dihydroxy-alpha-methylstilbene, p-hydroxybenzaldeyde, p-hydroxyacetophenone, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, 4-hydroxyphenacyl alcohol, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol, 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propanol and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoate. This study reports Pseudomonas putida YC-AE1 as BPA biodegrader with high performance in degradation and tolerance to high BPA concentration. Moreover, it degrades BPA in a short time compared to other reported strains via two different degradation pathways.
Cognitive impairment and fear of falling in elderly with different social support levels: Findings from a community survey in Central Vietnam
Authors: Vo Thi Hue Man , Nakamura Keiko , Seino Kaoruko , Nguyen Hoang Thuy Linh , Vo Thang Van
Published: August 2019

Background

Fear of falling (FoF) in the elderly is one of the major public health concerns in this era of aging of the population. Identifying risk factors is a step towards devising interventions for FoF. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of FoF and the associations between cognitive impairment and FoF by the social support level, after adjustments for potential confounders.

Methods

Data from the “Health needs assessment of elderly in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam in 2018” survey of 725 elderly aged 60 years or older were used for analysis. FoF was assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale - International. High FoF was defined as a score above 28. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was used to measure the perception of support. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors that might be significantly (p <0.05) associated with the FoF.

Results

The prevalence of high FoF among the elderly was 40.8%. Female gender, advanced age, a marital status of single or formerly married, living alone, history of injury, history of falls, chronic diseases (arthritis and/or hypertension), limitations of the IADL and BADL, visual difficulty and walking difficulty, low social support, and cognitive impairment were all significantly associated with a high FoF. After adjustments for the age, gender, marital status, history of falls and health-related factors, cognitive impairment remained significantly associated with a high FoF among the elderly with a low to moderate social support level (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.49-5.89), but not in those with a high social support level.

Conclusions

Impairment of cognitive function was associated with a high FoF among the elderly who perceived themselves as having low or moderate support levels, even after adjustments for socio demographic and physical functional factors. However, this association was not observed among the elderly who perceived themselves as having high social support levels. Fall prevention programs for the elderly with various levels of social support should be carefully devised, keeping in mind the cognitive function levels of the target recipients.
Plasma volume expansion across healthy pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Aguree Sixtus , Gernand Alison D.
Published: August 2019

Background: Plasma volume expansion is an important physiologic change across gestation. High or low expansion has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet there is a limited understanding of normal/healthy plasma volume expansion. We aimed to evaluate the pattern of plasma volume expansion across healthy pregnancies from longitudinal studies.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify original studies that measured plasma volume in singleton pregnancies of healthy women. Specifically, we included studies that measured plasma volume at least two times across gestation and one time before or after pregnancy in the same women. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched from the beginning of each database to February 2019. We combined data across studies using a random effects model.
Results: Ten observational studies with a total of 347 pregnancies were eligible. Plasma volume increased by 6% (95% CI 3-9) in the first trimester compared to the non-pregnant state. In the second trimester, plasma volume was increased by 18% (95% CI 12-24) in gestational weeks 14-20 and 29% (95% CI 21-36) in weeks 21-27 above the nonpregnant state. In the third trimester, plasma volume was increased by 42% (95% CI 38-46) in weeks 28-34 and 48% (95% CI 44-51) in weeks 35-38. The highest rate of increase occurred in the first half of the second trimester. Included studies were rated from moderate to high quality; 7 out of 10 studies were conducted over 30 years ago.
Conclusions: In healthy pregnancies, plasma volume begins to expand in the first trimester, has the steepest rate of increase in the second trimester, and peaks late in the third trimester. The patterns observed from these studies may not reflect the current population, partly due to the changes in BMI over the last several decades. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to better characterize the range of normal plasma volume expansion across maternal characteristics.
Genome-wide systematic characterization of HAK/KUP/KT gene family and their expression profiles during plant growth and in response to low K+ stress in Saccharum
Authors: Feng Xiaomin , Wang Yongjun , Zhang Nannan , Wu Zilin , Zeng Qiaoying , Wu Jiayun , Wu Xiaobin , Wang Lei , Zhang Jisen , Qi Yongwen
Published: August 2019

Background Plant genomes contain large number of HAK/KUP/KT transporters, and they play important roles in potassium uptake and translocation, osmotic potential regulation, salt tolerance as well as root morphogenesis and plant development. Potassium deficiency in soil of main sugarcane planting area is serious. However, the HAK/KUP/KT gene family remains to be characterized in sugarcane (Saccharum). Results In this study, 30 HAK/KUP/KT genes were identified from Saccharum spontaneum. Phylogenetics, duplication events, gene structure and expression pattern were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of HAK/KUP/KT genes from 15 representative plants showed that this gene family were divided into four groups (clade I-IV). Both ancient whole-genome duplication (WGD) and recent gene duplication contributed to the expansion of HAK/KUP/KT gene family. Nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution ratio (Ka/Ks) analysis showed that purifying selection was the main force to drive the evolution of HAK/KUP/KT genes. The divergence time of HAK/KUP/KT gene family was estimated to range from 134.8 to 233.7 Mya based on Ks analysis, suggesting that it is an ancient gene family in plants. Gene structure analysis showed that HAK/KUP/KT genes was accompanied by intron gain/loss in the process of evolution. RNA-seq data analysis demonstrated that HAK/KUP/KT genes from clade II and III mainly displayed constitutive expression in various tissues, while most genes from clade I and IV had no or very low expression in the tested tissues at different developmental stages. SsHAK1 and SsHAK21 displayed upregulated expression in response to low K+ stress. Conclusions This study provided insight into the gene evolutionary history of HAK/KUP/KT genes. HAK7/9/18 were mainly expressed in the high photosynthetic zone and mature zone of stem. Moreover HAK7/9/18/25 were regulated by sunlight. SsHAK1 and SsHAK21 played important role in mediating potassium acquisition under limited K+ supply. Our results provide valuable information and key candidate genes for further study on the function of HAK/KUP/KT genes in Saccharum.
Genomic heterogeneity of Dichelobacter nodosus within and between UK sheep flocks and between age groups within a flock
Authors: DAVIES PEERS , Blanchard Adam , Staley Ceri , Bollard Nikki , Coffey Tracey , Tötemeyer Sabine
Published: August 2019

Footrot and interdigital dermatitis are endemic infectious diseases in all sheep farming regions, impairing welfare and production. The development of efficacious vaccines against the primary causative pathogen has been hampered by the extensive antigenic diversity of Dichelobacter nodosus. Understanding the heterogeneity of the pathogen within and between farms is essential if the feasibility of bespoke vaccine production is to be assessed. In this study 56 ewe and lamb isolates from 9 farms were compared by D. nodosus serogroup and Multi Locus Sequence Type which provides significantly enhanced discriminatory power for molecular epidemiology. . Within farm genomic heterogeneity was significantly lower than between farms. Serogroup heterogeneity between flocks ranged from two to five unique serogroups per flock. Three flocks contained isolates of two serogroups, two flocks contained isolates of three serogroups and one flock included isolates of five serogroups. Analysis of 25 isolates from one flock with high prevalence of lameness, identified that serogroup and sequence type was significantly correlated with age. Significantly higher proportion of lambs were infected with serogroup B (principally ST85) as opposed to serogroup H (principally ST86), which predominated amongst adult sheep. This indicates that host-pathogen dynamics and susceptibility to particular D. nodosus strains may be age dependent.
Neonatal Near Miss and its associated factors at Injibara General Hospital, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Belay Habtamu Gebrehana , Limenih Simachew Kassa , Wassie Toyiba Hiyaru , Ambie Minale Bezie
Published: August 2019

Background: Neonatal mortality is a significant problem in many low-resource countries, yet for every death there are many more new-born who suffer a life-threatening complication but survive. Neonatal near miss has been proposed as a tool for assessment of quality of care in neonates who suffered any life-threatening condition. However, there was limited evidence on magnitude of neonatal near miss and determinant factors in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess proportion and associated factors of neonatal near miss among deliveries at Injibara General Hospital, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from February 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019 among 404 live births. Structured and pretested questioner used for mothers and structured checklist for neonates. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions model were fitted to identify factors associated with neonatal near miss. An adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine the level of significant. Result: Proportion of neonatal near miss was found to be 23.3 % with 95% CI: (19.1% -27.7%). Primiparous[Adjusted odds ratio(AOR):2.01, 95%CI:(1.03-3.95)], referral linkage [AOR:3.23, 95%CI:(1.89-5.513)], maternal perception of reduced fetal movement[AOR:5.95, 95%CI:2.47-14.33], premature rupture of membrane [AOR: 3.10, 95%CI: (1.27-5.59)], prolonged labor [AOR: 3.00, 95%CI:(1.28-7.06)], obstructed labor/cephalo-pelvic disproportion [AOR: 4.05; 95%CI: (1.55-10.57)] and non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern [AOR: 3.75, 95%CI: (1.69-8.33)] were significantly associated with neonatal near miss. Conclusion: Proportion of neonatal near miss in the study area was found to be higher than studies in WHO neonatal near miss systemic review. Strength referral linkage and efforts needed to continue compressive maternal and neonatal care to avoid preventable causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Association analysis of body mass index on ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes during IVF / ICSI treatment: a retrospective study in Southern Han Chinese Women
Authors: Li Li , Chen Yanhong , Zeng Chengli , Ou Weilin , Lin Zhifeng , Lin Weiyan , Liu Yangqi , Ke Li
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on cycle characteristics and in vitro fertilization / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF / ICSI) outcomes of a long down-regulation protocol in Southern Han Chinese women.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included 5279 infertile women undergoing IVF / ICSI cycle with a long down-regulation protocol. All the patients were divided into four subgroups by the recommended Chinese BMI cut-off points: underweight, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; normal-weight, 18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 24.0 kg/m2; overweight, 24.0 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 28.0 kg/m2; obese, BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2. The demographic data and biochemical tests of patients, the parameters related to the ovarian responsiveness to gonadotrophin stimulation, IVF / ICSI treatment characteristics and pregnancy outcomes (clinical pregnancy rate, spontaneous abortion rate and lived birth rate) were compared among BMI categories.

Results

The overweight and obese infertile patients required more priming gonadotropin, total gonadotropin and longer stimulation duration, and had the lower ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), lower serum progestogen (P) and estrogen (E2) on the day of HCG administration compared with the normal-weight women (P < 0.05). The overweight and obese patients had a higher spontaneous abortion rate than women in the normal-weight (13.59% vs. 10.28%, OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1,90, P = 0.036; 17.58% vs.10.28%, OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.09 - 3.36, P = 0.023, respectively). The overweight and obese patients seemed to have lower clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides new epidemiological clues that the elevated BMI might impair ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation and increase the risk of spontaneous abortion during IVF / ICSI treatment.
The effect of early administration of rectal progesterone in IVF/ICSI twin pregnancies on the preterm birth rate: A randomized trial
Authors: Aboulghar Mona , El-Faissal Yahia , Kamel Ahmed , Islam Yomna , Mansour Ragaa , Aboulserour Gamal , Aboulghar Mohamed
Published: August 2019

Background: The rate of multiple pregnancies in IVF/ICSI ranges from 20-30% . The incidence of preterm birth in multiple pregnancies is as high as 60% and is even higher in pregnancies conceived after IVF & ICSI. The effect of progesterone on prevention of preterm birth in twins is controversial . Our group has proven a positive effect in reduction of preterm birth ,by starting progesterone from the mid-trimester ,in exclusively IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies but not twins. The purpose of our current study was to explore the effect of earlier administration of natural progesterone, in IVF/ICSI twin pregnancies starting at 11-14 weeks for prevention of preterm birth.
Methods: This is a double-blind, placebo controlled, single center, randomized clinical trial. Women with dichorionic twin gestations, following an IVF/ICSI trial were randomized to receive natural rectal progesterone (800 mg daily ) vs placebo, starting early from 11-14 weeks. They were randomized regardless of cervical length and had no previous history of preterm birth or known Mullerian anomalies. The primary outcome was, preterm birth rate <37 weeks. The secondary Outcome was; preterm birth <34,32,28 weeks and neonatal outcome.
Results: A total of 203 women were randomized to both groups, final analysis included 199 women as 4 were lost to follow up. The base line characteristics as well as gestational age at delivery were not significantly different between the study and the placebo group (34.7±3.6 vs 34.5±4.5, P=0.626). Progesterone administration was not associated with a significant decrease in the preterm birth rates <37 weeks (73.5% vs 68%, P = 0.551), <34 (20.6% vs 21.6%, P = 0.649), <32 (8.8% vs 12.4%, P = 0.46) & <28 (4.9 % vs 3.1 %, P = 0.555).
Conclusions: Rectal natural progesterone starting from the first trimester in IVF/ICSI twin pregnancies did not reduce preterm birth.
The trial was registered on 31 January 2014 at www.ISRCTN.com, 69810120.
Analysis of polymorphisms associated with base excision repair in patients susceptible and resistant to noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Ding Enmin , Guo Jiadi , Sheng Rongjian , Chen Jian , Zhang Hengdong , zhu baoli
Published: August 2019

Objective

We aim to investigate whether genetic mutations in three important base excision repair genes (OGG1, APEX1, and XRCC1) may influence susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss.

Methods

Three SNPs in OGG1, APEX1, and XRCC1 were genotyped from noise exposed workers who were classified into susceptible and resistant individuals. Results: Results showed that the rs1799782 TT genotype located in the XRCC1 coding region and rs1130409 GG/GT in the APEX1 coding region were associated with increased risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Compared to the rs1799782 C allele frequency, the T allele frequency increased in the sensitive group (OR = 1.51). Rs1130409 G allele frequency also increased in the sensitive group compared to the resistant group (OR = 1.59).

Conclusions

XRCC1 rs1799782 and APEX1 rs1130409 may have potential as biomarkers for screening susceptibility to NIHL in workers exposed severe noise.
Enabling routine β-Thalassemia Prevention and Patient Management by Scalable, Combined Thalassemia and Hemochromatosis mutation analysis
Authors: Hashmi Ghazala , Qidwai Asim , Fernandes Kristopher , Seul Michael
Published: August 2019

Abstract:
Background : Beta (β)-thalassemia is one of the most common inherited disorders worldwide, with high prevalence in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and South Asia. Over the past 40 years, many countries have implemented awareness and prevention campaigns that have greatly reduced the incidence of affected child births. In contrast, much remains to be done in South-Asia. Thus, for Pakistan, current estimates of the number of children born with thalassemia are at ~7,000 per annum, with no sign of improvement. Although there is good agreement that intermarriage of carriers is a principal source of the high prevalence of the disorder, effective tools for screening and diagnosis on which to base prevention programs are not readily available.
Methods : Here, we present results for a novel “LeanSequencing” process to identify 18 β-thalassemia and related sickle cell anemia, and simultaneously a set of 3 hemochromatosis mutations in a multi-ethnic population of 274 pediatric and adolescent patients treated at Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Results : We found substantial differences in the abundance of disease-causing mutations among the principal ethnic groups in our cohort. We also found the hemochromatosis mutation H63D C > G in 61 (or 22.1%) of our patients including 7 (or 2.6%) homozygotes.
Conclusions : To our knowledge, this is the first screen combining β-thalassemia and hemochromatosis mutations in a single test, so as to facilitate the early identification of patients who may be at increased potential risk for complications from iron overload and thereby to improve the prospective management of thalassemia patients.
Post-lingual non-syndromic hearing loss phenotype: a novel homozygous missense mutation in MITF
Authors: Khalil Athar , Karroum Samer Bou , Barake Rana , Dunya Gabriel , Abou-Rizk Samer , Kamar Amina , Nemer Georges , Bassim Marc
Published: August 2019

Background

Hearing loss (HL) represents the most common congenital sensory impairment with an incidence of 1-5 per 1000 live births. Non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is an isolated finding that is not part of any other disorder accounting for 70% of all genetic hearing loss cases.

Methods

In the current study, we report a multifactorial genetic mode of inheritance in a NSHL consanguineous family using exome sequencing technology. We evaluated the possible effects of the single nucleotide variants (SNVs) detected in our patients using in silico methods.

Results

Two bi-allelic SNVs were detected in the affected patients; a MYO15A (. p.V485A) variant, and a novel MITF (p.P338L) variant. Along with these homozygous mutations, we detected two heterozygous variants in well described hearing loss genes (MYO7A and MYH14). The novel p. Pro338Leu missense mutation on the MITF protein was predicted to change the protein structure and function.

Conclusion

The novel MITF variant is the first bi-allelic SNV in this gene to be associated with an autosomal recessive non-syndromic HL case with a post-lingual onset. Our findings highlight the importance of whole exome sequencing for a comprehensive assessment of the genetic heterogeneity of HL.
Prevalence of Ceserean Section and Associated Factors in University of Gondar Comprehensive Referal Hospital, North West Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Solomon Abayneh Aklilu
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective: cesarean section is the delivery of the fetus, placenta, and membranes through an incision on the abdominal and uterine walls after the fetus has reached viability. The world health organization (WHO) suggests the cesarean section (CS) rate between 5%-15%. Evidence suggested that the rate of CS is high in developing countries including Ethiopia. So the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of cesarean section in the University of Gondar comprehensive referral hospital, North West Ethiopia, 2019

Result: The overall prevalence of cesarean section in Gondar university hospital was 29.7%. The most common indications of CS were non-reassurance fetal heart rate pattern (NRFHP) (17.8%) which was followed by previous CS scar (15.9%) and severe preeclampsia (12.1 %). Factors such as maternal educational status (AOR 2.89, CI (1.278-6.56), gravidity (AOR 3.259 CI (1.484-7.160), Ante Natal care (ANC) follow up (AOR 0.248, CI (0.083-0.739) and number of ANC follow up (AOR 5.17 CI (1.48-18.03) were associated with CS.

Keywords: prevalence, Caesarean section, University of Gondar Referral Hospital, laboring mothers, Ethiopia.
UTILIZATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AMONG WOMEN SEEKING ABORTION SERVICES IN HEALTH INSTITUTIONS OF DESSIE TOWN, NORTH EAST ETHIOPIA,2018
Authors: Feleke Asres Eshetie , Nigussie Tewdros Seyoum , Debele Tibeb Zena
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess utilization and associated factors of emergency contraception among women seeking abortion services in Health Institutions of Dessie Town, North East Ethiopia, 2018.Results

Among the interviewed 784 women 400(51%) utilized emergency contraception. Women’s age [AOR: 2.10, (95% CI 1.200, 3.671)], residence [AOR: 2.02 (95% CI1.273, 3.218], marital status [AOR: 1.71, (95%CI: 1.176, 2.485)], knowledge of emergency contraception [AOR: 5.66, (95%CI: 3.976,8.070)], and attitude towards emergency contraception [AOR: 2.75(95%CI: 1.946, 3.881)] were significantly associated factors with the utilization of emergency contraceptives. The emphasis of health education on emergency contraceptives shall focus on those women who are from the rural area, older and married women.
Nutrition knowledge and Attitude in Medical Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2017-2018
Authors: Dolatkhah Neda , Shakouri Seyed Kazem , Khalili Azizeh Farshbaf , Hajifaraji Majid , Hashemian Maryam , Esmaeili Sepideh
Published: August 2019

Objectives: This study aimed at determining the nutritional knowledge and attitude of medical students through clinical training courses (externship and internship) of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A total of 220 medical students enrolled in this descriptive cross-sectional study through simple random sampling during 2017-2018. A nutritional knowledge questionnaire included 51 questions was used to determine the correct, perceived and accuracy of knowledge of the participant in different aspects of nutrition sciences. The questions of nutritional attitude were resulted from questionnaires of similar studies and valid books on nutrition. The attitude questionnaire included 29 questions. The nutrition knowledge and attitude questionnaire were confirmed in terms of the content and face validity and reliability. Results: The median knowledge score, median perceived knowledge and median accuracy knowledge score of the participants was 67.44%, 100% and 66.22% respectively. Results showed that most of the participants (49.61% of externs and 57.14% of inters) had a poor knowledge. The highest level of students' knowledge was in the field of general nutrition. The mean [SD] attitude index of the subjects was 107.12 [13.54] out of 145. Most students had a very appropriate attitude toward nutrition with a frequency of 204 (92.7%).
Nitrogen Nutrition Indicators in Corn Fertilized with Different Urea‐Nitrogen Forms
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Ziadi Noura , Bélanger Gilles
Published: August 2019

Plant‐ or soil‐based N nutrition indicators have been tested with conventional N fertilizers, but little has been done with enhanced‐efficiency urea‐N fertilizers applied only at planting. This study aimed at analyzing the performance of in‐season plant‐ and soil‐based indicators in assessing the N nutrition status of corn (Zea mays L.). The N nutrition index (NNI) based on whole‐plant N concentration, the uppermost collared leaf N concentration, chlorophyll meter (CM) readings, soil NO3‒–N fluxes on exchange membranes, and soil NO3‒–N content were measured during the growing season in corn fertilized at planting with polymer‐coated urea, nitrification inhibitor urea, and granular dry urea at 0, 75, and 150 kg N ha‒1. The NNI values at the V12 stage explained a significant portion of the variations in grain yield due to urea forms and rates (R2 = 0.83). Leaf N concentration and relative CM readings from the V8 to V12 stages were significantly related to NNI (R2 = 0.47 – 0.90), indicating the sensitivity of those measurements to changes in soil N availability due to urea forms. Soil NO3‒–N content at the V12 stage was poorly related to NNI, but soil NO3‒–N fluxes at the V6 and V12 stages were related to NNI at the V12 stage (R2 = 0.42–0.61). Our results confirm that, with three urea sources applied at planting, NNI at the V12 stage as well as leaf N concentration and relative CM readings are reliable indicators of the level of N nutrition during the corn growing season.

Core Ideas

Plant‐based nutrition indicators were sensitive to soil N availability changes due to urea forms.

The NNI at the V12 corn stage largely explained variations in grain yield.

Leaf N concentration and relative CM readings at the V8 to V12 stages were related to the NNI.

Plant‐based nutrition indicators are reliable indicators of the level of corn N nutrition.
RASIONALISME ISLAM KLASIK DALAM PEMIKIRAN IBNU RUSYD
Authors: Kholis Nur
Published: August 2019

This article is aimed at showing how the rationalism of Islamic thought has been well-ordered in the classical period. It also tries to describe Ibn Rushd’s philosophy with an explanation of the dialectic of thought and the background and impact of its influence. The dominance of orthodoxy in the classical era encouraged Ibn Rushd to think “antagonistically” about how to implement Islam rationally. The political situation in the Islamic world during the period of the Abbasid Daula also colored the dynamics of Islamic thought at that time; particularly the dialectic between the genuine currents of Islamic thought and Greek philosophy. In the philosophy of Ibn Rushd, some characteristics of Islamic rationalism can be found: (1) opposing the fatalism of belief and thought; (2) uniting the revelation (religion) and the reason (philosophy); (3) prioritizing the work of mind/takwil in solving all problems; (4) believing in the eternality of universal reason (al-‘aql al-fa’al).

Artikel ini bertujuan menunjukkan betapa rasionalisme pemikiran Islam telah tertata kuat pada masa klasik. Artikel ini juga berupaya memaparkan filsafat Ibnu Rusyd yang disertai penjelasan mengenai dialektika pemikiran serta latar belakang dan dampak pengaruhnya. Dominasi pemikiran ortodoksi pada era klasik mendorong Ibnu Rusyd berpikir “antagonistik” tentang bagaimana berislam yang rasionalis. Situasi politik di dunia Islam pada masa Daulah Abbasiyah turut mewarnai dinamika pemikiran Islam saat itu; khususnya dialektika antara arus pemikiran Islam genuine dan filsafat Yunani. Dalam fisafat Ibnu Rusyd, dapat ditemukan beberapa karakteristik rasionalisme pemikiran Islam, yaitu: (1) menentang fatalisme keyakinan dan pemikiran; (2) menyatukan wahyu (agama) dan akal (filsafat); (3) mengutamakan kerja akal / takwil dalam menyelesaikan segala persoalan; (4) meyakini kekekalan akal universal (al-‘ql al-fa’al).