bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and demographic features of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in an urban area of East Asia: A population-based study
Authors: Yang Tzong-Hann , Huang Hung-Meng , Hsu Wei-Chung , Tsao Po-Nien , Liu Tien-Chen , Hsu Chuan-Jen , Huang Li-Min , Wu Chuan-Song , Weng Shih-Ming , Lu Chun-Yi , Wu Chen-Chi
Published: March 2021

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the leading environmental cause of childhood hearing impairment. However, its significance remains largely undocumented in many regions of the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical features of cCMV infection in East Asia. Neonates born at a municipal hospital in Taipei were prospectively recruited and underwent concurrent hearing and CMV screenings. Those who failed the hearing screening or screened positive for CMV were subjected to a focused audiological and/or virological surveillance. The characteristics of the newborns and their mothers were compared between the CMV-positive and CMV-negative groups. Of the 1,532 newborns who underwent concurrent hearing and CMV screenings, seven (0.46%) were positive for cCMV infection. All seven CMV-positive newborns were asymptomatic at birth, and none of them developed hearing or other symptoms during a follow-up period of 14.4±6.3 months. The mothers of the CMV-positive newborns demonstrated higher gravidity (2.4 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 1.2) and parity (2.0 ± 1.2 vs. 1.6 ± 0.7) than those in the CMV-negative group; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance. The prevalence of cCMV infection in Taipei newborns was 0.46%, which is slightly lower than that of other populations and that of a previous report in the Taiwanese population. The relatively low prevalence in this study might be attributed to the improved public health system and decreased fertility rate in Taiwan.
Is there an association between intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and coronary artery lesion in Kawasaki disease?—Current evidence based on a meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaolan , Li Jinhui , Yue Peng , Liu Lei , Li Jiawen , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Li Yifei
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronary artery lesion (CAL) caused by Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Initial treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can reduce the incidence of CAL. Although most of the current studies have shown a certain correlation between CAL and IVIG resistance, the conclusions are not completely consistent. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the association between IVIG resistance and CAL in KD.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure through April 21, 2020 were searched to detect relevant studies. Data analysis was performed with STATA 15.1.

Results

A total of 53 relevant studies were eligible to this analysis, including 30312 KD patients, of which 4750 were IVIG resistance and 25562 were responders. There was a significant difference found between IVIG resistance and IVIG response groups in the incidence of CAL (P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR), 3.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) (3.18, 4.75)). The heterogeneity test results showed that the I2value was 74.8%. The meta-regression analysis showed that the study regions might be the sources of heterogeneity. The subgroup analysis suggested that the incidence of CAL in the IVIG resistance group was still higher than that in the IVIG response group under different regions, IVIG resistance diagnostic criteria, CAL diagnostic criteria, and study types. Meanwhile, the sensitivity analysis did not find any significant impact from every single study.

Conclusions

This is the first meta-analysis to reveal the incidence of CAL was associated with IVIG resistance in KD patients. Further well-designed studies with uniform criteria are needed to evaluate the incidence of CAL in IVIG resistant patients.
Escalating progression of mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a nationwide survey
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Alias Haridah , Md Fuzi Afiqah Alyaa , Omar Intan Sofia , Mohamad Nor Azmawaty , Tan Maw Pin , Baranovich Diana Lea , Saari Che Zarrina , Hamzah Sareena Hanim , Cheong Ku Wing , Poon Chiew Hwa , Ramoo Vimala , Che Chong Chin , Myint Kyaimon , Zainuddin Suria , Chung Ivy
Published: March 2021

Since the first nationwide movement control order was implemented on 18 March 2020 in Malaysia to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, to what extent the uncertainty and continuous containment measures have imposed psychological burdens on the population is unknown. This study aimed to measure the level of mental health of the Malaysian public approximately 2 months after the pandemic’s onset. Between 12 May and 5 September 2020, an anonymous online survey was conducted. The target group included all members of the Malaysian population aged 18 years and above. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess mental health. There were increased depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms throughout the study period, with the depression rates showing the greatest increase. During the end of the data collection period (4 August–5 September 2020), there were high percentages of reported depressive (59.2%) and anxiety (55.1%) symptoms compared with stress (30.6%) symptoms. Perceived health status was the strongest significant predictor for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Individuals with a poorer health perception had higher odds of developing depression (odds ratio [OR] = 5.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.81–8.47) and anxiety (OR = 3.50; 95%CI 2.37–5.17) compared with those with a higher health perception. By demographics, young people–particularly students, females and people with poor financial conditions–were more vulnerable to mental health symptoms. These findings provide an urgent call for increased attention to detect and provide intervention strategies to combat the increasing rate of mental health problems in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Shifts in the epidemic season of human respiratory syncytial virus associated with inbound overseas travelers and meteorological conditions in Japan, 2014–2017: An ecological study
Authors: Wagatsuma Keita , Koolhof Iain S. , Shobugawa Yugo , Saito Reiko
Published: March 2021

Few studies have examined the effects of inbound overseas travelers and meteorological conditions on the shift in human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) season in Japan. This study aims to test whether the number of inbound overseas travelers and meteorological conditions are associated with the onset week of HRSV epidemic season. The estimation of onset week for 46 prefectures (except for Okinawa prefecture) in Japan for 4-year period (2014–2017) was obtained from previous papers based on the national surveillance data. We obtained data on the yearly number of inbound overseas travelers and meteorological (yearly mean temperature and relative humidity) conditions from Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), respectively. Multi-level mixed-effects linear regression analysis showed that every 1 person (per 100,000 population) increase in number of overall inbound overseas travelers led to an earlier onset week of HRSV epidemic season in the year by 0.02 week (coefficient –0.02; P<0.01). Higher mean temperature and higher relative humidity were also found to contribute to an earlier onset week by 0.30 week (coefficient –0.30; P<0.05) and 0.18 week (coefficient –0.18; P<0.01), respectively. Additionally, models that included the number of travelers from individual countries (Taiwan, South Korea, and China) except Australia showed that both the number of travelers from each country and meteorological conditions contributed to an earlier onset week. Our analysis showed the earlier onset week of HRSV epidemic season in Japan is associated with increased number of inbound overseas travelers, higher mean temperature, and relative humidity. The impact of international travelers on seasonality of HRSV can be further extended to investigations on the changes of various respiratory infectious diseases especially after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6–59 months in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Keokenchanh Sengtavanh , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Midorikawa Kaoru , Ikeda Wakaha , Morita Akemi , Kitajima Takumi , Sokejima Shigeru
Published: March 2021

Anemia is a major public health concern among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Thus far, no study has determined the factors associated with anemia among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic using a nationwide representative sample. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors with multilevel variations among children aged 6–59 months. This quantitative, cross-sectional study used a nationally representative sample from the Lao Social Indicator Survey II, 2017. Children aged 6–59 months tested for anemia were included in this study through multistage sampling approaches. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level of <11.0 g/dL. Multilevel binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the adjusted effect of the factors associated with anemia. Among the 5,087 children included, the overall prevalence of anemia was 43.0%. Three factors were associated with higher odds of developing anemia—male sex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.34), underweight (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.55), and residence in central provinces (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.95) and southern provinces (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.81). However, the other three factors—age, educational level of the household head, and Hmong-Mien ethnicity—were inversely associated with anemia. To resolve the problem regarding the severity of the anemia among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Our findings highlight the need for designing an effective approach to address each factor associated with childhood anemia. Interventions should focus on the prevention of childhood anemia, which is considered a major priority of public health intervention in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Time course and heterogeneity of treatment effect of the collaborative chronic care model on psychiatric hospitalization rates: A survival analysis using routinely collected electronic medical records
Authors: Ruderman Michael A. , Kim Bo , Stolzmann Kelly , Connolly Samantha , Miller Christopher J. , Bauer Mark S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Health systems are undergoing widespread adoption of the collaborative chronic care model (CCM). Care structured around the CCM may reduce costly psychiatric hospitalizations. Little is known, however, about the time course or heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) for CCM on psychiatric hospitalization.

Rationale

Assessment of CCM implementation support on psychiatric hospitalization might be more efficient if the timing were informed by an expected time course. Further, understanding HTE could help determine who should be referred for intervention.

Objectives

(i) Estimate the trajectory of CCM effect on psychiatric hospitalization rates. (ii) Explore HTE for CCM across demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Data from a stepped wedge CCM implementation trial were reanalyzed using 5 570 patients in CCM treatment and 46 443 patients receiving usual care. Time-to-event data was constructed from routine medical records. Effect trajectory of CCM on psychiatric hospitalization was simulated from an extended Cox model over one year of implementation support. Covariate risk contributions were estimated from subset stratified Cox models without using simulation. Ratios of hazard ratios (RHR) allowed comparison by trial arm for HTE analysis, also without simulation. No standard Cox proportional hazards models were used for either estimating the time-course or heterogeneity of treatment effect.

Results

The effect of CCM implementation support increased most rapidly immediately after implementation start and grew more gradually throughout the rest of the study. On the final study day, psychiatric hospitalization rates in the treatment arm were 17% to 49% times lower than controls, with adjustment for all model covariates (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51–0.83). Our analysis of HTE favored usual care for those with a history of prior psychiatric hospitalization (RHR 4.92; 95% CI 3.15–7.7) but favored CCM for those with depression (RHR 0.61; 95% CI: 0.41–0.91). Having a single medical diagnosis, compared to having none, favored CCM (RHR 0.52; 95% CI 0.31–0.86).

Conclusion

Reduction of psychiatric hospitalization is evident immediately after start of CCM implementation support, but assessments may be better timed once the effect size begins to stabilize, which may be as early as six months. HTE findings for CCM can guide future research on utility of CCM in specific populations.
Trends in prostate cancer incidence and mortality to monitor control policies in a northeastern Brazilian state
Authors: Lima Carlos Anselmo , da Silva Brenda Evelin Barreto , Hora Evânia Curvelo , Lima Marcela Sampaio , Brito Erika de Abreu Costa , Santos Marceli de Oliveira , da Silva Angela Maria , Nunes Marco Antonio Prado , Brito Hugo Leite de Farias , Lima Marcia Maria Macedo
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer differently affects different regions of the world, displaying higher rates in more developed areas. After the implementation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, several studies described rising rates globally, but it is possible that indolent lesions are being detected given the lack of changes in mortality data. The Brazilian government recommends against PSA screening in the male population regardless of age, but the Urology Society issued a report recommending that screening should start at 50 years old for certain men and for those aged ≥75 years with a life expectancy exceeding 10 years. In this study, we examined the incidence and mortality rates of invasive prostate cancer over time in the Sergipe state of Brazil. The databases of the Aracaju Cancer Registry and Mortality Information System were used to calculate age-standardized rates for all prostate tumors (International Classification of Diseases 10th edition: C61 and D07.5) in the following age ranges: 20–44, 45–54, and ≥65 years. We identified 3595 cases of cancer, 30 glandular intraepithelial high-grade lesions, and 3269 deaths. Using the Joinpoint Regression Program, we found that the incidence of prostate cancer dramatically increased over time until the mid-2000s for all age groups, after which the rates declined. Prostate cancer mortality rates increased until 2005, followed by a non-significant annual percent change of 22.0 in 2001–2005 and a stable rate thereafter. We noticed that the increases and decreases of the incidence rates of prostate cancer were associated with the screening recommendations. Meanwhile, the increased mortality rates did not appear to be associated with decreased PSA testing; instead, they were linked to the effects of age and improvements in identification of the cause of death. Thus, we do not believe a PSA screening program would benefit the population of this study.
Use of gastric acid–suppressive agents increases the risk of dementia in patients with upper gastrointestinal disease: A population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Chen , Huang Kuan-Tzu , Lin Hsiu-Li , Uang Yow-Sheng , Ho Yi , Keller Joseph Jordan , Wang Li-Hsuan
Published: March 2021

Background

Prescriptions for gastric acid–suppressive agents, including proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine type-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), are rising. However, little data exist regarding their association with dementia in the Asian population. The objective of this study was thus to investigate the impact of the use of PPIs and H2RAs on the risk of dementia in an Asian population with upper gastrointestinal disease (UGID).

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study with a 10-year follow-up using data from 2000 to 2015 derived from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. We included 6711 patients with UGID receiving gastric acid–suppressive agents, 6711 patients with UGID not receiving agents, and 6711 patients without UGID or treatment thereof, all at least 20 years of age. Groups were matched for age, sex, and index date. The association between gastric acid–suppressive agent use and dementia was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of dementia for patients with UGID receiving gastric acid–suppressive agents compared with patients with UGID without gastric acid–suppressive agents was 1.470 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.267–1.705, p < 0.001). Both PPIs and H2RAs increase the risk of dementia (PPIs: aHR 1.886 [95% CI 1.377–2.582], p < 0.001; H2RAs: aHR 1.357 [95% CI 1.098–1.678], p < 0.01), with PPIs exhibiting significantly greater risk (aHR 1.456 [95% CI 1.022–2.075], p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate an increased risk of dementia in patients with UGID receiving gastric acid–suppressive agents, including PPIs and H2RAs, and the use of PPIs was associated with a significantly greater risk than H2RA use.
Design of a hesitant movement gesture for mobile robots
Authors: Reinhardt Jakob , Bengler Klaus
Published: March 2021

In previous experiments, a back-off movement was introduced as a motion strategy of robots to facilitate the order of passage at bottlenecks in human-robot spatial interaction. In this article we take a closer look at the appropriate application of motion parameters that make the backward movement legible. Related works in distance perception, size-speed illusions, and viewpoint-based legibility considerations suggest a relationship between the size of the robot and the observer’s perspective on the expected execution of this movement. We performed a participant experiment (N = 50) in a virtual reality environment where participants adjusted the minimum required back-off length and preferred back-off speed as a result of the robot size, and the viewpoint of the back-off movement. We target a model-based approach on how appropriate back-off design translates to different sized robots and observer’s viewpoints. Thus, we allow the application of back-off in a variety of autonomous moving systems. The results show a significant correlation between the increasingly expected back-off lengths with increasing robot size, but only weak effects of the viewpoint on the requirements of this movement. An exploratory analysis suggests that execution time might be a promising parameter to consider for the design of legible motion.
Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life: Is there any effect? A cross-sectional study of the MENA region
Authors: Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Bataineh Mo’ath F. , Mohamad Maysm N. , Ajab Abir , Al Marzouqi Amina , Jarrar Amjad H. , Habib-Mourad Carla , Abu Jamous Dima O. , Ali Habiba I. , Al Sabbah Haleama , Hasan Hayder , Stojanovska Lily , Hashim Mona , Abd Elhameed Osama A. , Shaker Obaid Reyad R. , ElFeky Samar , Saleh Sheima T. , Osaili Tareq M. , Cheikh Ismail Leila
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life of millions globally. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life among the general population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A total of 6142 adults from eighteen countries within the MENA region completed an online questionnaire between May and June 2020. Psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the social and family support impact was assessed with questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). The IES-R mean score was 29.3 (SD = 14.8), corresponding to mild stressful impact with 30.9% reporting severe psychological impact. Most participants (45%–62%) felt horrified, apprehensive, or helpless due to COVID-19. Furthermore, over 40% reported increased stress from work and financial matters. Higher IES-R scores were found among females, participants aged 26–35 years, those with lower educational level, and participants residing in the North Africa region (p<0.005). About 42% reported receiving increased support from family members, 40.5% were paying more attention to their mental health, and over 40% reported spending more time resting since the pandemic started. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with mild psychological impact while it also encouraged some positive impact on family support and mental health awareness among adults in the MENA region. Clinical interventions targeted towards vulnerable groups such as females and younger adults are needed.
A four-state adaptive Hopf oscillator
Authors: Li XiaoFu , Shougat Md Raf E Ul , Kennedy Scott , Fendley Casey , Dean Robert N. , Beal Aubrey N. , Perkins Edmon
Published: March 2021

Adaptive oscillators (AOs) are nonlinear oscillators with plastic states that encode information. Here, an analog implementation of a four-state adaptive oscillator, including design, fabrication, and verification through hardware measurement, is presented. The result is an oscillator that can learn the frequency and amplitude of an external stimulus over a large range. Notably, the adaptive oscillator learns parameters of external stimuli through its ability to completely synchronize without using any pre- or post-processing methods. Previously, Hopf oscillators have been built as two-state (a regular Hopf oscillator) and three-state (a Hopf oscillator with adaptive frequency) systems via VLSI and FPGA designs. Building on these important implementations, a continuous-time, analog circuit implementation of a Hopf oscillator with adaptive frequency and amplitude is achieved. The hardware measurements and SPICE simulation show good agreement. To demonstrate some of its functionality, the circuit’s response to several complex waveforms, including the response of a square wave, a sawtooth wave, strain gauge data of an impact of a nonlinear beam, and audio data of a noisy microphone recording, are reported. By learning both the frequency and amplitude, this circuit could be used to enhance applications of AOs for robotic gait, clock oscillators, analog frequency analyzers, and energy harvesting.
Compositional change of gut microbiome and osteocalcin expressing endothelial progenitor cells in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Toya Takumi , Ozcan Ilke , Corban Michel T. , Sara Jaskanwal D. , Marietta Eric V. , Ahmad Ali , Horwath Irina E. , Loeffler Darrell L. , Murray Joseph A. , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir
Published: March 2021

Osteogenic endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to impaired endothelial repair and promote coronary artery disease (CAD) and vascular calcification. Immature EPCs expressing osteocalcin (OCN) has been linked to unstable CAD; however, phenotypic regulation of OCN-expressing EPCs is not understood. We hypothesized that gut-microbiome derived pro-inflammatory substance, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) might be associated with mobilization of OCN-expressing EPCs. This study aimed to investigate the association between dysbiosis, TMAO, and circulating mature and immature OCN-expressing EPCs levels in patients with and without CAD. We included 202 patients (CAD N = 88; no CAD N = 114) who underwent assessment of EPCs using flow cytometry and gut microbiome composition. Mature and immature EPCs co-staining for OCN were identified using cell surface markers as CD34+/CD133-/kinase insert domain receptor (KDR)+ and CD34-/CD133+/KDR+ cells, respectively. The number of observed operational taxonomy units (OTU), index of microbial richness, was used to identify patients with dysbiosis. The number of immature OCN-expressing EPCs were higher in patients with CAD or dysbiosis than patients without. TMAO levels were not associated with circulating levels of OCN-expressing EPCs. The relative abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus was moderately correlated with circulating levels of immature OCN-expressing EPCs, especially in diabetic patients. Gut dysbiosis was associated with increased levels of TMAO, immature OCN-expressing EPCs, and CAD. The relative abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus was correlated with immature OCN-expressing EPCs, suggesting that the harmful effects of immature OCN-expressing EPCs on CAD and potentially vascular calcification might be mediated by gut microbiome-derived systemic inflammation.
Frequency of relapse for severe acute malnutrition and associated factors among under five children admitted to health facilities in Hadiya Zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Lambebo Abera , Temiru Deselegn , Belachew Tefera
Published: March 2021

Background

Severe acute malnutrition is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among under five children in Ethiopia. A child may experience more than one episode of SAM depending on the improvement of the underlying factors. However, there is no study that determined the frequency of relapse of SAM cases after discharge in Ethiopia.

Objective

To identify the frequency of relapse and associated factors among children discharged after undergoing treatment for SAM in Hadiya Zone, South, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution based retrospective cohort study was done among children admitted to health posts for treatment of SAM from 2014/2015-2019/2020 under-five children’s after discharge in health post for severe acute malnutrition in the last five years in Hadiya zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. Both first admission data and relapse data were abstracted from the records of the SAM children from Aguste 1–30 /2020 Using a data collection format. Data were coded and edited manually, then doubly entered into Epi-Data statistical software version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS for windows version 26. After checking all the assumptions finally Negative binomial regression for poison has been used. All tests were two sided and P values <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.

Results

In the last five year there were the proportion of relapsed cases were 9.6%, 95% CI: (7.7%, 11.7%) On multivariable negative binomial regression model, after adjusting for background variables relapse of severe acute undernutrition was significantly associated with having edema during admission with (IRR = 2.21, 95% CI:1.303–3.732), being in the age group of 6–11 months (IRR = 4.74,95% CI:1.79–12.53), discharge MUAC for the first admission (P = 0.001, IRR = 0.37, 95% CI:0.270–0.50) increase the risk of incidence rate ratio(IRR) relapse case of severe acute under nutrition.

Conclusion

Frequency of SAM relapse was positively associated with age, having edema during admission, while it was negatively associated with discharge MUAC. The results imply the need for reviewing the discharge criteria taking into account the recovery of MUAC as a marker for lean tissue accretion, especially in edematous children and those in the younger age.
Model choice for estimating the association between exposure to chemical mixtures and health outcomes: A simulation study
Authors: Hoskovec Lauren , Benka-Coker Wande , Severson Rachel , Magzamen Sheryl , Wilson Ander
Published: March 2021

Challenges arise in researching health effects associated with chemical mixtures. Several methods have recently been proposed for estimating the association between health outcomes and exposure to chemical mixtures, but a formal simulation study comparing broad-ranging methods is lacking. We select five recently developed methods and evaluate their performance in estimating the exposure-response function, identifying active mixture components, and identifying interactions in a simulation study. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and nonparametric Bayes shrinkage (NPB) were top-performing methods in our simulation study. BKMR and NPB outperformed other contemporary methods and traditional linear models in estimating the exposure-response function and identifying active mixture components. BKMR and NPB produced similar results in a data analysis of the effects of multipollutant exposure on lung function in children with asthma.
Different clinical impact of hyperuricemia according to etiologies of chronic kidney disease: Gonryo Study
Authors: Watanabe Kimio , Nakayama Masaaki , Yamamoto Tae , Yamada Gen , Sato Hiroshi , Miyazaki Mariko , Ito Sadayoshi
Published: March 2021

Background

Hyperuricemia is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, but the evidence for a relationship between uric acid (UA) and clinical outcomes in CKD patients is limited and inconsistent. We hypothesized that UA has a different impact on clinical outcomes according to the underlying disease causing CKD.

Methods

This study prospectively investigated the associations between UA and renal and non-renal outcomes according to the underlying disease causing CKD in 2,797 Japanese patients under the care of nephrologists. The patients were categorized into four groups: primary renal disease (n = 1306), hypertensive nephropathy (n = 467), diabetic nephropathy (n = 275), and other nephropathy (n = 749). The renal outcome was defined as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the non-renal outcome was defined as a composite endpoint of cardiovascular events (CVEs) and all-cause mortality.

Results

During a median 4.8-year follow-up, 359 (12.8%) patients reached the renal outcome, and 260 (9.3%) reached the non-renal outcome. In the all-patient analysis, hyperuricemia was not associated with the risks for renal and non-renal outcomes, but in primary renal disease (PRD) and hypertensive renal disease (HTN) patients, hyperuricemia was significantly associated with non-renal outcomes. Per 1 mg/dl higher UA level, multivariable adjusted hazard ratio was 1.248 (95% CI: 1.003 to 1.553) for PRD, and 1.250 (1.035 to 1.510) for HTN. Allopurinol did not reduce the risks for renal and non-renal outcomes, both in all patients and in the subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

The effect of hyperuricemia on clinical outcomes in CKD patients varies according to the underlying disease causing CKD. Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for non-renal outcomes in primary renal disease and hypertensive renal disease patients. Allopurinol did not decrease the risks for renal and non-renal outcomes.
Ideological differences in engagement in public debate on Twitter
Authors: Gaisbauer Felix , Pournaki Armin , Banisch Sven , Olbrich Eckehard
Published: March 2021

This article analyses public debate on Twitter via network representations of retweets and replies. We argue that tweets observable on Twitter have both a direct and mediated effect on the perception of public opinion. Through the interplay of the two networks, it is possible to identify potentially misleading representations of public opinion on the platform. The method is employed to observe public debate about two events: The Saxon state elections and violent riots in the city of Leipzig in 2019. We show that in both cases, (i) different opinion groups exhibit different propensities to get involved in debate, and therefore have unequal impact on public opinion. Users retweeting far-right parties and politicians are significantly more active, hence their positions are disproportionately visible. (ii) Said users act significantly more confrontational in the sense that they reply mostly to users from different groups, while the contrary is not the case.
The antioxidant response favors Leishmania parasites survival, limits inflammation and reprograms the host cell metabolism
Authors: Reverte Marta , Eren Remzi Onur , Jha Baijayanti , Desponds Chantal , Snäkä Tiia , Prevel Florence , Isorce Nathalie , Lye Lon-Fye , Owens Katherine L. , Gazos Lopes Ulisses , Beverley Stephen M. , Fasel Nicolas
Published: March 2021

The oxidative burst generated by the host immune system can restrict intracellular parasite entry and growth. While this burst leads to the induction of antioxidative enzymes, the molecular mechanisms and the consequences of this counter-response on the life of intracellular human parasites are largely unknown. The transcription factor NF-E2-related factor (NRF2) could be a key mediator of antioxidant signaling during infection due to the entry of parasites. Here, we showed that NRF2 was strongly upregulated in infection with the human Leishmania protozoan parasites, its activation was dependent on a NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and SRC family of protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) signaling pathway and it reprogrammed host cell metabolism. In inflammatory leishmaniasis caused by a viral endosymbiont inducing TNF-α in chronic leishmaniasis, NRF2 activation promoted parasite persistence but limited TNF-α production and tissue destruction. These data provided evidence of the dual role of NRF2 in protecting both the invading pathogen from reactive oxygen species and the host from an excess of the TNF-α destructive pro-inflammatory cytokine.
Immune mediation of HMG-like DSP1 via Toll-Spätzle pathway and its specific inhibition by salicylic acid analogs
Authors: Mollah Md. Mahi Imam , Ahmed Shabbir , Kim Yonggyun
Published: March 2021

Xenorhabdus hominickii, an entomopathogenic bacterium, inhibits eicosanoid biosynthesis of target insects to suppress their immune responses by inhibiting phospholipase A2 (PLA2) through binding to a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule called dorsal switch protein 1 (DSP1) from Spodoptera exigua, a lepidopteran insect. However, the signalling pathway between DSP1 and PLA2 remains unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether DSP1 could activate Toll immune signalling pathway to activate PLA2 activation and whether X. hominickii metabolites could inhibit DSP1 to shutdown eicosanoid biosynthesis. Toll-Spätzle (Spz) signalling pathway includes two Spz (SeSpz1 and SeSpz2) and 10 Toll receptors (SeToll1-10) in S. exigua. Loss-of-function approach using RNA interference showed that SeSpz1 and SeToll9 played crucial roles in connecting DSP1 mediation to activate PLA2. Furthermore, a deletion mutant against SeToll9 using CRISPR/Cas9 abolished DSP1 mediation and induced significant immunosuppression. Organic extracts of X. hominickii culture broth could bind to DSP1 at a low micromolar range. Subsequent sequential fractionations along with binding assays led to the identification of seven potent compounds including 3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenol (EMP). EMP could bind to DSP1 and prevent its translocation to plasma in response to bacterial challenge and suppress the up-regulation of PLA2 activity. These results suggest that X. hominickii inhibits DSP1 and prevents its DAMP role in activating Toll immune signalling pathway including PLA2 activation, leading to significant immunosuppression of target insects.
The first molecular identification of benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus from goats in Thailand
Authors: Pitaksakulrat Opal , Chaiyasaeng Monticha , Artchayasawat Atchara , Eamudomkarn Chatanun , Thongsahuan Sorawat , Boonmars Thidarut
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: Haemonchus contortus is one of the major trichostrongyloid nematodes affecting small ruminant production worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Adult H. contortus suck the blood from the host abomasum leading to anemia and often death in heavily infected animals. The mainstay of parasitic control is an anthelmintic drug, but long-term drug use may cause drug resistance. The aim of this study was to examine benzimidazole resistance in H. contortus of goats from different regions in Thailand by detecting the frequency of the F200Y polymorphism in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene.

Materials and Methods: A total of 121 H. contortus adults were obtained from 31 naturally infected out of 37 slaughtered goats from city abattoirs in five regions of Thailand. The frequency of the F200Y polymorphism in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene was detected following the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction protocol.

Results: The overall genotype frequencies in Thailand were homozygous resistant (RR: 24%), heterozygous (SR: 44.6%), and homozygous susceptible (SS: 31.4%). The allele frequencies were resistant allele (R: 46%) and susceptible allele (S: 54%). The R allele frequency and the RR genotype varied from 30% to 65% and 0% to 43.9%, respectively. The frequency of R alleles was significantly higher in the southern region (0.65) as compared to northern (0.30, p=0.001), western (0.38, p=0.04), and central regions (0.30, p=0.03). The RR genotype was also significantly higher in the southern region (43.9%) versus the northern (0 %, p=0.001), western (11.8%, p=0.012), and central regions (17.4%, p=0.001).

Conclusion: This is the first study of the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in codon 200 of the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene of H. contortus from goats in Thailand. These findings are essential and imply that an integrated approach is needed for issues such as drug treatment, farm management, prevention, and control strategies. This is of interest to farmers, veterinarians, and the department of livestock.
Effect of Lifestyle on Periodontal Health Status in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Nayak Prathibha Anand , Nayak Ullal Anand , Wali Othman , Marusamy Kavitha Odathurai , Muhcu Nagihan K.
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND The concept of a healthy lifestyle is reported to be directly related to health. Prevalence and severity of periodontal disease vary among different populations and regions which may be attributed to various lifestyle factors. The aim of the present study was to find the association between the various lifestyle factors and periodontal health. METHODS The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 participants aged 20 - 50 years during the 6 months period using a structured and pre-validated questionnaire. The lifestyle factors of selected participants were evaluated using an eight-item health practice index (HPI) scale given by Hagihara et al. Their clinical periodontal status was recorded by means of clinical attachment level using University of North Carolina (UNC)-15 probe. The statistical analysis was based on the association of components of lifestyle with severity of periodontitis was evaluated using chi square test. The multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent association of variables of life style, oral health care and health practice index with severity of periodontitis. RESULTS The statistical analysis revealed that severity of periodontitis increased with increasing age and decreased with increasing education level, income level, and frequency of dental visits and use of oral hygiene aids. The overall life style of participants did not have any significant association with the severity of periodontitis when multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. CONCLUSIONS There is a strong association of age, education, occupation, income, brushing device or method used, visit to the dentist, breakfast, and work hours per day with periodontal health. KEY WORDS Lifestyle, Periodontal Status, Health Practice Index
A porteri gyémántmodell alkalmazása a mikroszintű versenyképesség mérésére
Authors: Márkus Gábor
Published: March 2021

A szerző jelen cikkében a porteri gyémántmodell elméleti keretrendszere alapján kívánja bemutatni a mikro-(vállalati) szintű versenyképesség mérésének egy lehetséges módját a tulajdonoson kívül legalább egy főt foglalkoztató vállalkozások 500 fős ágazati reprezentatív mintáján. Munkája során 8 változót definiál, melyekből faktoranalízis segítségével a gyémántmodell négy csúcsát állítja elő. A faktorok összeadása után öt egyenlő részre bontja a folytonos, normális eloszlású versenyképességi indexet, majd megvizsgálja és bizonyítja, hogy a kapott csoportok helyes értelmezési keretet adnak a vállalati szintű, relatív versenyképesség mérésére. Végezetül a diszkriminanciaanalízis eredményei alapján felhívja a figyelmet arra, hogy az alapadatok ismeretében versenyképességi csoportokba csak kétharmados biztonsággal tudjuk a vállalatokat besorolni.
Vezetői szerepek és bizalom a hálózatokra épülő gazdaságban
Authors: Szűcs Pál
Published: March 2021

Napjainkban egyre többet hallunk arról, hogy a vállalkozásoknak és az egyéneknek az „új”, a „hálózatra épülő” gazdaságban folyamatosan kell tanulniuk és újítaniuk a túléléshez és a prosperitáshoz. A hatásköröket egyre inkább azokhoz kell telepíteni, akiknek tudása és helyzete a döntések szempontjából a legkedvezőbb. Mivel a meghatározó kompetenciák gyakran földrajzilag, szervezetileg és időben „szétforgácsolt” módon adottak, a szereplők állandóan változó együtteseinek kell összekapcsolódnia az elvégzendő feladathoz. A munkát olyan „önszervező” rendszerekben kell végezni, amelyek látszólag ad hoc módon ragadják meg az egyének képességét. Ebben a hálózatosított gazdaságban azoknak jut a siker, akik eredményesen össze tudják kötni az egyéneket és a szervezeteket a gyorsan változó feltételek és kapcsolatok által indukált dinamikus versenyben. A hálózatokra építő gazdaság működése természetesen számos kérdést vet fel. Ehelyütt csupán a szervezeti kapcsolatokat, a vezetést és a személyközi kapcsolatokat érinti a szerző.
La educación no formal y la destrucción de la identidad nacional peruana durante la ocupación de Tacna y Arica: “El Escultismo en la Chilenización de Tacna y Arica”. *

The no formal education how to mechanism of deconstruction of Peruvian identity in to Tacna and Arica captivity: “The scouting at Chileanization process to Tacna y Arica”.
Authors: Osorio Soto Gary Martín
Published: March 2021

Resumen

El presente artículo, es una revisión histórica – documental de cómo se aplicación sistemas de educación alternativa por medio del Movimiento Scout como mecanismo de chilenización y resistencia de los niños y adolescentes Tacna y Arica durante el cautiverio 1900-1929. El uso del movimiento scout por parte del Gobierno de Chile durante 1900 – 1929, fue un eje fundamental de concienciación de una “nueva identidad” patria a los ciudadanos de las ciudades cautivas de Tacna y Arica, además de la implementación de conscripción e identidad en los territorios de la provincia de Tarapacá. La política interna de Chile, en materia educativa, estuvo relacionada a la implementación de una política de adoctrinamiento militar desde el colegio, fomentando el discurso patriótico y la actividad militar desde la escuela. El método Scout dio soporte al uso del discurso patriótico, en el contexto educativo fomentó una acción de represión a la comunidad peruana en los territorios ocupados después de la guerra del 1879´. El adoctrinamiento cívico – militar, como brazo ideológico de la política chilena de “Chilenización” utilizado contra los niños y jóvenes de Tacna y Arica fue parte del proceso llamado “Chilenización violenta”.
Abstract
The present article it’s a historical and documentary review of the application of an alternative education system by means of to the Scouting as a mechanism of Chileanization to children and adolescents Tacna and Arica during the captivity process in to 1900-1929. The use of the scout movement by the Government of Chile during 1900 - 1929, was a fundamental axis of awareness of a "new identity" homeland to the citizens of the captive cities of Tacna and Arica, in addition to the implementation of conscription and identity in the territories of the province of Tarapacá. Chile's internal educational policy was related to the implementation of a policy of military indoctrination from the school, promoting patriotic discourse and military activity from the school. The scout movement was supported to Chilean government to use of patriotic discourse, in the educational context, promoted an action of repression against the Peruvian community in the territories occupied in the war of 1879 '. The civic-military indoctrination, as the ideological arm of the Chilean policy of “Chilenización”, was also used by the young people of Tacna and Arica. This process as called “the violent Chileanization”.
Philanthropy Movement for Socially-Sustainable Community Development: Evidence from the Tribal Local of Talang Mamak, Riau Province, Indonesia
Authors: Irham Muhammad
Published: March 2021

This research reveals Islamic philanthropy through a sustainable community development program initiated by Amil Zakat Agency (Lembaga Amil Zakat), Dompet Dhuafa, Riau Province. The research traces the Da’i Cordofa program, which is a social movement for empowerment people in outback Riau, Indonesia. The study is field research that used the qualitative method. It collected data by observation, documentation, and interview process. Resulting show that is implementing the Da’i Cordofa program has influenced local people, where they are adaptable to increase religiosity. Meanwhile, the philanthropy program has been implemented by accompanying, guiding, and empowering local people to create a new habit for prosperity. The funding of philanthropy collects from donator for creating a new community development program that is developed to socially-sustainable local people in Talang Mamak local occasion, Riau.
Phenological and Pomological Characteristics of Native Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) Cultivars of Trans Himalayan Ladakh India
Authors: Dolkar Tsetan , Kumar Deepak , Chandel Joginder S. , Angmo Spalzin , Chaurasia O.P. , Stobdan Tsering
Published: March 2021

Seven local apple cultivars of the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region were studied for phenological and pomological characteristics. Early and extended flowering was observed. Flowering began 12 days earlier as compared to Royal Delicious, a popular introduced cultivar. The cultivars attained fruit maturity between mid-August to early September, which is one month earlier than Royal Delicious. Apples of the Ladakh region are soft (6.1±1.1 kg cm-2) and small in size (60.1±29.1 g). The unique characteristics observed in apples of the Ladakh region, such as early flowering and early fruit maturity offer an opportunity for exploring the native cultivars for future breeding programs for the development of early maturing cultivars.
Nuclear Security Architecture & Radiological Disaster Response in India Progress and Challenges
Authors: Singh Shivani
Published: March 2021

The nuclear security architecture in India is three-fold: the infrastructure security including physical security of the nuclear plant; port and border security including training and capacity building to prevent any illicit trafficking of nuclear material into the country and; the inter-institutional coordination at the Centre and State level during radiological emergencies. However, there exist structural weaknesses that need to be accounted for in all these three areas. It is imperative to develop capacities not only for safe handling, transport and disposal of nuclear material but also instituting stringent cyber-security laws, border security measures and functional Centre-State coordination in crisis situation for the safety and security of the general population. The following paper seeks to address these challenges and provide recommendations for strengthening the nuclear security and disaster response framework in India. The paper draws recommendations from the 2019 IPCS workshop on Smuggling and Radiation Detection, on the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials supported by the Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) of the United States Department of Energy (DOE).