bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunities for the development of drowning interventions in West Bengal, India: a review of policy and government programs
Authors: Gupta M. , Zwi A. B. , Jagnoor J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Four million people living in the Indian Sundarbans region in the state of West Bengal face a particularly high risk of drowning due to rurality, presence of open water, lack of accessible health systems and poor infrastructure. Although the World Health Organization has identified several interventions that may prevent drowning in rural low-and middle-income country contexts, none are currently implemented in this region. This study aims to conduct contextual policy analysis for the development of a drowning program. Implementation of a drowning program should consider leveraging existing structures and resources, as interventions that build on policy targets or government programs are more likely to be sustainable and scalable.

Methods

A detailed content review of national and state policy (West Bengal) was conducted to identify policy principles and/or specific government programs that may be leveraged for drowning interventions. The enablers and barriers of these programs as well as their implementation reach were assessed through a systematic literature review. Identified policies and programs were also assessed to understand how they catered for underserved groups and their implications for equity.

Results

Three programs were identified that may be leveraged for the implementation of drowning interventions such as supervised childcare, provision of home-based barriers, swim and rescue skills training and community first responder training: the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Self-Help Group (SHG) and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programs. All three had high coverage in West Bengal and considered underserved groups such as women and rural populations. Possible barriers to using these programs were poor government monitoring, inadequate resource provision and overburdening of community-based workers.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic analysis of both policy content and execution of government programs to provide comprehensive insights into possible implementation strategies for a health intervention, in this case drowning. Programs targeting specific health outcomes should consider interventions outside of the health sector that address social determinants of health. This may enable the program to better align with relevant government agendas and increase sustainability.
Association of circulating CEACAM1 levels and insulin sensitivity in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Yiming , Yang Zhen , Zhu Lingfei , Su Qing , Qin Li
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate the levels of circulating carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in subjects with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate the relationships between CEACAM1 and GDM.

Methods

Circulating CEACAM1 levels were measured by ELISA kit in 70 women with GDM and 70 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) pregnant women. Blood samples were collected to detect fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in all participants. Insulin sensitivity index (ISOGTT) was calculated to assess insulin sensitivity. Correlation analysis was performed between serum CEACAM1 levels and other parameters.

Results

Circulating CEACAM1 levels were higher in the GDM group than that in the NGT pregnant group, however, the difference showed no statistical significance (1889.82 ± 616.14 vs 1758.92 ± 433.15 pg/ml, p > 0.05). In GDM group, CEACAM1 was positively correlated with ISOGTT (R = 0.39, P = 0.001), while negatively with 1 h post-meal plasma insulin level (1hPINS) (R = -0.32, P = 0.008), 2 h post-meal plasma insulin level (2hPINS) (R = -0.33, P = 0.006) and area under curve of insulin (AUCI) (R = -0.36, P = 0.002) when adjusting for maternal age and gestational age.

Conclusions

The present study showed that circulating CEACAM1 levels did not differ in both GDM and NGT groups. However, we found a significant positively correlation between CEACAM1 and insulin sensitivity in the GDM group.
Rethinking workforce planning for integrated care: using scenario analysis to facilitate policy development
Authors: Rees Gareth H. , Crampton Peter , Gauld Robin , MacDonell Stephen
Published: May 2020

Background

A goal of health workforce planning is to have the most appropriate workforce available to meet prevailing needs. However, this is a difficult task when considering integrated care, as future workforces may require different numbers, roles and skill mixes than those at present. With this uncertainty and large variations in what constitutes integrated care, current health workforce policy and planning processes are poorly placed to respond. In order to address this issue, we present a scenario-based workforce planning approach.

Methods

We propose a novel mixed methods design, incorporating content analysis, scenario methods and scenario analysis through the use of a policy Delphi. The design prescribes that data be gathered from workforce documents and studies that are used to develop scenarios, which are then assessed by a panel of suitably qualified people. Assessment consists of evaluating scenario desirability, feasibility and validity and includes a process for indicating policy development opportunities.

Results

We confirmed our method using data from New Zealand’s Older Persons Health sector and its workforce. Three scenarios resulted, one that reflects a normative direction and two alternatives that reflect key sector workforce drivers and trends. One of these, based on alternative assumptions, was found to be more desirable by the policy Delphi panel. The panel also found a number of favourable policy proposals.

Conclusions

The method shows that through applying techniques that have been developed to accommodate uncertainty, health workforce planning can benefit when confronting issues associated with integrated care. The method contributes to overcoming significant weaknesses of present health workforce planning approaches by identifying a wider range of plausible futures and thematic kernels for policy development. The use of scenarios provides a means to contemplate future situations and provides opportunities for policy rehearsal and reflection.
M1 macrophage features in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients with pulmonary oedema
Authors: Klinkhamhom Aekkarin , Glaharn Supattra , Srisook Charit , Ampawong Sumate , Krudsood Srivicha , Ward Stephen A. , Viriyavejakul Parnpen
Published: May 2020

Background

Pulmonary oedema (PE) is a serious complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria which can lead to acute lung injury in severe cases. Lung macrophages are activated during malaria infection due to a complex host-immune response. The molecular basis for macrophage polarization is still unclear but understanding the predominant subtypes could lead to new therapeutic strategies where the diseases present with lung involvement. The present study was designed to study the polarization of lung macrophages, as M1 or M2 macrophages, in the lungs of severe P. falciparum malaria patients, with and without evidence of PE.

Methods

Lung tissue samples, taken from patients who died from severe P. falciparum malaria, were categorized into severe malaria with PE and without PE (non-PE). Expression of surface markers (CD68+, all macrophages; CD40+, M1 macrophage; and CD163+, M2 macrophage) on activated lung macrophages was used to quantify M1/M2 macrophage subtypes.

Results

Lung injury was demonstrated in malaria patients with PE. The expression of CD40 (M1 macrophage) was prominent in the group of severe P. falciparum malaria patients with PE (63.44 ± 1.98%), compared to non-PE group (53.22 ± 3.85%, p < 0.05), whereas there was no difference observed for CD163 (M2 macrophage) between PE and non-PE groups.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates M1 polarization in lung tissues from severe P. falciparum malaria infections with PE. Understanding the nature of macrophage characterization in malaria infection may provide new insights into therapeutic approaches that could be deployed to reduce lung damage in severe P. falciparum malaria.
Results of caring and reaching for health (CARE): a cluster-randomized controlled trial assessing a worksite wellness intervention for child care staff
Authors: Linnan Laura A. , Vaughn Amber E. , Smith Falon T. , Westgate Philip , Hales Derek , Arandia Gabriela , Neshteruk Cody , Willis Erik , Ward Dianne S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Child care workers are among the lowest paid US workers and experience a wide array of health concerns. The physical and mental demands of their job and the lack of employer-provided health-insurance increase health risks. The Caring and Reaching for Health (CARE) study evaluated a 6-month Healthy Lifestyles intervention targeting child care workers’ physical activity (primary outcome), other health behaviors, and their workplace health environment.

Methods

Eligible child care centers, defined as being in operation for at least 2 years and employing at least four staff, were enrolled into CARE’s cluster-randomized trial. Centers and their child care staff were randomly assigned to either the Healthy Lifestyles (HL) intervention arm or the Healthy Finances (HF) attention control arm using a block randomization approach. Intervention components were delivered through in-person workshops, center-level displays, informational magazines, director coaching, electronic messaging, and an interactive website. Outcome measures were collected during center visits at baseline and immediately post-intervention by trained data collectors blinded to center arm assignment. Workers’ physical activity was assessed with accelerometers, worn for 7 days. Secondary outcome measures included biometric assessments of health and fitness, web-based surveys about health behaviors, and an environmental audit of workplace supports for health. Multi-level linear mixed models assessed worker- and center-level changes in these outcomes.

Results

Participants included 553 child care workers representing 56 centers (HL = 250 staff/28 centers, HF = 303 staff/28 centers). At 6 months, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity declined slightly in both arms (− 1.3 min/day, 95% CI: − 3.0, 0.3 in HL; − 1.9 min/day, 95% CI: − 3.3, − 0.5 in HF), but there was no significant group by time interaction. Several secondary outcomes for other health behaviors and workplace health environment showed improvements in favor of the intervention arm, yet differences did not remain statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions

While the Healthy Lifestyles intervention did not improve health behaviors or the workplace health environment, results confirmed the pressing need to focus on the health of child care workers. Future interventions should focus on prevalent health issues (e.g., weight, stress), include both high-tech and high-touch intervention strategies, and address work conditions or other social determinants of health (e.g. wages) as a means of improving the health of these essential workers.

Trial registration

Care2BWell: Worksite Wellness for Child Care (NCT02381938).
Local DNA methylation helps to regulate muscle sirtuin 1 gene expression across seasons and advancing age in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Simó-Mirabet Paula , Perera Erick , Calduch-Giner Josep Alvar , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: May 2020

Background

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are master regulators of metabolism, and their expression patterns in gilthead sea bream (GSB) reveal different tissue metabolic capabilities and changes in energy status. Since little is known about their transcriptional regulation, the aim of this work was to study for the first time in fish the effect of age and season onsirtgene expression, correlating expression patterns with local changes in DNA methylation in liver and white skeletal muscle (WSM).

Methods

Gene organization of the sevensirtswas analyzed by BLAT searches in the IATS-CSIC genomic database (www.nutrigroup-iats.org/seabreamdb/). The presence of CpG islands (CGIs) was mapped by means of MethPrimer software. DNA methylation analyses were performed by bisulfite pyrosequencing. A PCR array was designed for the simultaneous gene expression profiling ofsirtsand related markers (cs,cpt1a,pgc1α,ucp1,anducp3) in the liver and WSM of one- and three-year-old fish during winter and summer.

Results

The occurrence of CGIs was evidenced in thesirt1andsirt3promoters. This latter CGI remained hypomethylated regardless of tissue, age and season. Conversely, DNA methylation ofsirt1at certain CpG positions within the promoter varied with age and season in the WSM. Among them, changes at several SP1 binding sites were negatively correlated with the decrease insirt1expression in summer and in younger fish. Changes insirt1regulation match well with variations in feed intake and energy metabolism, as judged by the concurrent changes in the analyzed markers. This was supported by discriminant analyses, which identifiedsirt1as a highly responsive element to age- and season-mediated changes in energy metabolism in WSM.

Conclusions

The gene organization ofSIRTsis highly conserved in vertebrates. GSBsirtfamily members have CGI- and non-CGI promoters, and the presence of CGIs at thesirt1promoter agrees with its ubiquitous expression. Gene expression analyses support thatsirts, especiallysirt1, are reliable markers of age- and season-dependent changes in energy metabolism. Correlation analyses suggest the involvement of DNA methylation in the regulation ofsirt1expression, but the low methylation levels suggest the contribution of other putative mechanisms in the transcriptional regulation ofsirt1.
Resistant dextrin improves high-fat-high-fructose diet induced insulin resistance
Authors: Hu Fan , Niu Yixin , Xu Xiaoyuan , Hu Qiuyue , Su Qing , Zhang Hongmei
Published: May 2020

Background

Insulin resistance is an important defect associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many studies have been reported that dietary fiber exerts beneficial metabolic effects. Resistant dextrin is a soluble fiber. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resistant dextrin on high-fat-high-fructose diet induced obese mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Seventeen 4-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or HFHFD for 22 weeks, and were gavaged with resistant dextrin (5 g/kg) for 10 weeks. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed, serum fasting insulin (FINS) and serum biochemical parameters were determined, the contents of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in liver tissues were determined by enzymatic method. The pathological changes in liver were detected by HE staining. Real time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of insulin signaling pathway and the fatty acid β oxidation pathway related genes and proteins respectively. The gut microbiota were analyzed via 16 s rRNA sequencing.

Results

Resistant dextrin significantly decreased serum FINS, improved serum lipid profiles, reduced the contents of liver TG and TC. The insulin signaling pathway and the fatty acid β oxidation pathway were promoted. The abundance of metabolically beneficial bacteria such as Prevotella and Akkermansia in the intestinal flora of the resistant dextrin group were increased.

Conclusions

Resistant dextrin can significantly ameliorate liver insulin resistance, improve serum lipid levels, as well as reduce hepatic lipid deposition. The modulation of gut microbiota might be responsible for the beneficial effects of resistant dextrin.
Breastfeeding may have a long-term effect on oral microbiota: results from the Fin-HIT cohort
Authors: Eshriqui Ilana , Viljakainen Heli T. , Ferreira Sandra R. G. , Raju Sajan C. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Figueiredo Rejane A. O.
Published: May 2020

Background

Breastfeeding contributes to gastrointestinal microbiota colonization in early life, but its long-term impact is inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate whether the type of feeding during the first six months of life was associated with oral microbiota in adolescence.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional sub-study using baseline information of 423 adolescents from the Finnish Health in Teens (Fin-HIT) cohort. Type of feeding was recalled by parents and dichotomized as (i) No infant formula; (ii) Infant formula (breastmilk + formula or only formula). Saliva microbiota was analysed using 16S rRNA (V3–V4) sequencing. Alpha diversity and beta diversity were compared between feeding type groups using ANCOVA and PERMANOVA, respectively. Differential bacteria abundance was tested using appropriate general linear models.

Results

Mean age and body mass index were 11.7 years and 18.0 kg/m2, respectively. The No formula group contained 41% of the participants. Firmicutes (51.0%), Bacteroidetes (19.1%), and Proteobacteria (16.3%) were the most abundant phyla among all participants. Alpha and beta diversity indices did not differ between the two feeding groups. Three Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) belonging to Eubacteria and Veillonella genera (phylum Firmicutes) were more abundant in the No formula than in the Infant formula group (log2fold changes/ p - values − 0.920/ < 0.001, − 0.328/ 0.001, − 0.577/ 0.004).

Conclusion

Differences exist in abundances of some OTUs in adolescence according to feeding type during the first six months of life, but our findings do not support diversity and overall oral microbiota composition in adolescents being affected by early feeding type.
“If I have money, I cannot allow my baby to breastfeed only …” barriers and facilitators to scale-up of peer counselling for exclusive breastfeeding in Uganda
Authors: Rujumba Joseph , Ndeezi Grace , Nankabirwa Victoria , Kwagala Mary , Mukochi Michelle , Diallo Abdoulaye Hama , Meda Nicolas , Engebretsen Ingunn M. S. , Tylleskär Thorkild , Tumwine James
Published: May 2020

Background

Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months reduces infant morbidity and mortality and can positively impact on cognitive function. In Uganda, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is recommended but many women introduce alternative feeds early. Interventions to scale-up peer support provision for exclusive breastfeeding are limited. We explored the barriers, facilitators and solutions to scaling-up of peer counselling support for exclusive breastfeeding in Uganda.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in Mbale District and Kampala City between April and July 2014. Data were collected through 15 key informant interviews with health workers and managers of organizations involved in child and maternal health as well as seven focus group discussions with peer counsellors who took part in the PROMISE EBF Trial (2006–2008), VHT members, mothers and fathers of children aged 1 year and below. Data were analysed using the content thematic approach.

Results

The need for peer support for exclusive breastfeeding, especially for young and first-time mothers, was highlighted by most study participants. While mothers, mothers-in-law, friends and husbands were mentioned as major stakeholders regarding infant feeding, they were perceived to lack adequate information on breastfeeding. Health workers were mentioned as a key source of support, but their constraints of heavy workloads and lack of education materials on breastfeeding were highlighted. High community expectations of peer counsellors, the perceived inadequacy of breast milk, general acceptability of complimentary feeding, household food insecurity, heavy workload for women and unsupportive ‘work-places’ were key barriers to scaling-up of peer counselling support for breastfeeding. The peer counsellors who were part of the PROMISE EBF trial in Mbale, the village health team programme, health facilities, community groups, the media and professional associations emerged as potential facilitators that can aid the scaling-up of peer counselling support for breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Peer support for breastfeeding is highly valued in this setting. The health system and health workers are regarded as the main facilitators to scaling-up of peer support for exclusive breastfeeding. Partnerships with village health teams (VHTs), community groups, role models, professional associations and the media are other potential facilitators to this scaling-up.
Emergency trauma care during the outbreak of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China
Authors: Li Yang , Zeng Ling , Li Zhanfei , Mao Qingxiang , Liu Ding , Zhang Letian , Zhang Huayu , Xie Yu , Liu Guo , Gan Xiaoqin , Yang Fan , Zhou Siru , Ai Shanmu , Tang Hao , Zhong Qiu , Lu Hongxiang , Zhang Huacai , Talmy Tomer , Zhang Weiguo , Chen Liyong , Bai Xiangjun , Jiang Jianxin , Zhang Lianyang
Published: May 2020

Background

A novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, in December 2019; the outbreak was caused by a novel coronavirus previously never observed in humans. China has imposed the strictest quarantine and closed management measures in history to control the spread of the disease. However, a high level of evidence to support the surgical management of potential trauma patients during the novel coronavirus outbreak is still lacking. To regulate the emergency treatment of trauma patients during the outbreak, we drafted this paper from a trauma surgeon perspective according to practical experience in Wuhan.

Main body

The article illustrates the general principles for the triage and evaluation of trauma patients during the outbreak of COVID-19, indications for emergency surgery, and infection prevention and control for medical personnel, providing a practical algorithm for trauma care providers during the outbreak period.

Conclusions

The measures of emergency trauma care that we have provided can protect the medical personnel involved in emergency care and ensure the timeliness of effective interventions during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Comparison of haplo-SCT and chemotherapy for young adults with standard-risk Ph-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in CR1
Authors: Lv Meng , Jiang Qian , Zhou Dao-Bin , Hu Yu , Liu Dai-Hong , Wu De-Pei , Wang Jing-Bo , Jiang Hao , Wang Jing , Chang Ying-jun , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Xu Lan-Ping , Liu Kai-Yan , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: May 2020

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT) as a postremission treatment for standard risk Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SR Ph-ALL) in the first complete remission (CR1) has not been defined. In this multicenter, phase 3 study (NCT02042690), of the 131 consecutive Ph-ALL young adult patients (YA, aged 18–39 years) without high-risk features who achieved CR1, 114 patients without HLA-matched donors received consolidation with an adult chemotherapy regimen (n = 55) or haplo-SCT (n = 59). In the landmark analysis, haplo-SCT resulted in a lower 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR, 12.8% vs 46.7%, P = 0.0017) and superior 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS, 80.9% vs 51.1%, P = 0.0116) and 2-year overall survival (OS, 91.2% vs 75.7 [64.8–93.2] %, P = 0.0408) than chemotherapy. In the time-dependent multivariate analysis with propensity score adjustment, postremission treatment (haplo-SCT vs chemotherapy) was an independent risk factor for the CIR (HR 0.195, 95% CI 0.076–0.499, P = 0.001), LFS (HR 0.297, 95% CI 0.131–0.675, P = 0.003), and OS (HR 0.346, 95% CI 0.140–0.853, P = 0.011). In all subgroups, CIR was lower in haplo-SCT. Myeloablative haplo-SCT with ATG+G-CSF might be one of the preferred therapies for YA patients with standard-risk Ph-ALL.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered on 23 January 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02042690
Gastrointestinal dysfunction in the critically ill: a systematic scoping review and research agenda proposed by the Section of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine
Authors:   on behalf of the Working Group on Gastrointestinal Function within the Section of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition (MEN Section) of ESICM, Reintam Blaser Annika , Preiser Jean-Charles , Fruhwald Sonja , Wilmer Alexander , Wernerman Jan , Benstoem Carina , Casaer Michael P. , Starkopf Joel , van Zanten Arthur , Rooyackers Olav , Jakob Stephan M. , Loudet Cecilia I. , Bear Danielle E. , Elke Gunnar , Kott Matthias , Lautenschläger Ingmar , Schäper Jörn , Gunst Jan , Stoppe Christian , Nobile Leda , Fuhrmann Valentin , Berger Mette M. , Oudemans-van Straaten Heleen M. , Arabi Yaseen M. , Deane Adam M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is frequent in the critically ill but can be overlooked as a result of the lack of standardization of the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We aimed to develop a research agenda for GI dysfunction for future research. We systematically reviewed the current knowledge on a broad range of subtopics from a specific viewpoint of GI dysfunction, highlighting the remaining areas of uncertainty and suggesting future studies.

Methods

This systematic scoping review and research agenda was conducted following successive steps: (1) identify clinically important subtopics within the field of GI function which warrant further research; (2) systematically review the literature for each subtopic using PubMed, CENTRAL and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; (3) summarize evidence for each subtopic; (4) identify areas of uncertainty; (5) formulate and refine study proposals that address these subtopics; and (6) prioritize study proposals via sequential voting rounds.

Results

Five major themes were identified: (1) monitoring, (2) associations between GI function and outcome, (3) GI function and nutrition, (4) management of GI dysfunction and (5) pathophysiological mechanisms. Searches on 17 subtopics were performed and evidence summarized. Several areas of uncertainty were identified, six of them needing consensus process. Study proposals ranked among the first ten included: prevention and management of diarrhoea; management of upper and lower feeding intolerance, including indications for post-pyloric feeding and opioid antagonists; acute gastrointestinal injury grading as a bedside tool; the role of intra-abdominal hypertension in the development and monitoring of GI dysfunction and in the development of non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia; and the effect of proton pump inhibitors on the microbiome in critical illness.

Conclusions

Current evidence on GI dysfunction is scarce, partially due to the lack of precise definitions. The use of core sets of monitoring and outcomes are required to improve the consistency of future studies. We propose several areas for consensus process and outline future study projects.
Individuals living in an onchocerciasis focus and treated three-monthly with ivermectin develop fewer new onchocercal nodules than individuals treated annually
Authors: Campillo Jérémy T. , Chesnais Cédric B. , Pion Sébastien D. S. , Gardon Jacques , Kamgno Joseph , Boussinesq Michel
Published: May 2020

Background

Little information is available on the effect of ivermectin on the third- and fourth-stage larvae of Onchocerca volvulus. To assess a possible prophylactic effect of ivermectin on this parasite, we compared the effects of different ivermectin regimens on the acquisition of onchocercal nodules.

Methods

We analyzed data from a controlled randomized clinical trial of ivermectin conducted in the Mbam Valley (Cameroon) between 1994 and 1998 in a cohort of onchocerciasis infected individuals. The number of nodules that appeared between the start and the end of the clinical trial was analyzed, using ANOVA and multivariable Poisson regressions, between four treatment arms: 150 µg/kg annually, 800 µg/kg annually, 150 µg/kg 3-monthly, and 800 µg/kg 3-monthly.

Results

The mean number of nodules that appeared during the trial was reduced by 17.7% in subjects treated 3-monthly compared to those treated annually (regardless of the dose). Poisson regression model, adjusting on subject’s age and weight, initial number of nodules and intensity of O. volvulus infection in his village of residence, confirmed that the incidence of new nodules was reduced in 3-monthly treatment arms compared to annually treatment arms, and that the dosage of ivermectin does not seem to influence this effect. Furthermore, the number of newly acquired nodules was positively associated with the initial number of nodules. Analysis of disappearance of nodules did not show any significant difference between the treatment groups.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, these results suggest for the first time in humans, that ivermectin has a partial prophylactic effect on O. volvulus. Three-monthly treatment seems more effective than annual treatment to prevent the appearance of nodules.
Profiles of criteria and non-criteria anti-phospholipid autoantibodies are associated with clinical phenotypes of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Volkov Ilan , Seguro Luciana , Leon Elaine P. , Kovács László , Roggenbuck Dirk , Schierack Peter , Gilburd Boris , Doria Andrea , Tektonidou Maria G. , Agmon-Levin Nancy
Published: May 2020

Background

Specific anti-phospholipids antibodies (aPLs) are used as classification criteria of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). These aPLs, although essential for diagnosis, do not predict disease phenotypes, which may require specific therapies. Non-criteria aPLs are rarely evaluated and their role is yet to be defined. In the current study, we aimed to examine the association between criteria and non-criteria aPLs and APS phenotypes.

Methods

Serum samples from 188 subjects, 130 APS patients and 58 controls were analyzed for the presence of 20 aPLs (IgG and IgM isotypes to cardiolipin (CL), beta2-glycoprotein1 (β2GP1), phosphatidic acid (P-acid), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), annexin-5 (AN) and prothrombin (PT) using a line immunoassay (GA Generic Assays, Germany). Sero-positivity to the different aPLs/aPLs profiles was correlated to APS phenotypes (i.e. arterial thrombosis, CNS manifestations, venous thrombosis, relapsing disease, obstetric morbidity).

Results

In this cohort, arterial thrombosis was associated with accumulative number of ≥ 7/20 aPLs evaluated (OR 4.1; CI 95% 1.9–96, p = 0.001) as well as the sole presence of aPT (IgG) (OR 2.3;CI 95% 1.1–5.1, p = 0.03). CNS manifestations were linked with a profile of 4 aPLs (IgG): aPT, aPG, aPI and aAN (OR 2.6;CI 95% 1.1–6.3, p = 0.03). Symptom-free period of ≥ 3 years was linked with lower number of aPLs and the presence of aPI (IgG) (OR 3.0;CI 95% 1.08–8.1, p < 0.05) or aAN (IgG) (OR 3.4;CI 95% 1.08–10.9, p < 0.05). APS related pregnancy morbidity correlated with a profile of 2 aPLs (IgG): aCL and aPS (OR 2.9; CI 95% 1.3–6.5, p < 0.05) or the sole presence of aAN (IgG) (OR 2.8; CI 95% 1.02–8, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, we observed an association between specific criteria/non-criteria aPLs or aPLs profiles and clinical phenotypes of APS. Our data suggest that examination of a wider variety of aPLs may allow better characterization of APS.
The role of environmental factors to transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Authors: Eslami Hadi , Jalili Mahrokh
Published: May 2020

The current outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in more than 250 countries has become a serious threat to the health of people around the world. Human-to-human transmission of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurs most often when people are in the incubation stage of the disease or are carriers and have no symptoms. Therefore, in this study, was discussed the role of environmental factors and conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind speed as well as food, water and sewage, air, insects, inanimate surfaces, and hands in COVID-19 transmission. The results of studies on the stability of the SARS-CoV-2 on different levels showed that the resistance of this virus on smooth surfaces was higher than others. Temperature increase and sunlight can facilitate the destruction of SARS-COV-2 and the stability of it on surfaces. When the minimum ambient air temperature increases by 1 °C, the cumulative number of cases decreases by 0.86%. According to the latest evidence, the presence of coronavirus in the sewer has been confirmed, but there is no evidence that it is transmitted through sewage or contaminated drinking water. Also, SARS-COV-2 transmission through food, food packages, and food handlers has not been identified as a risk factor for the disease. According to the latest studies, the possibility of transmitting SARS-COV-2 bioaerosol through the air has been reported in the internal environment of ophthalmology. The results additionally show that infectious bio-aerosols can move up to 6 feet. There have been no reports of SARS-COV-2 transmission by blood-feeding arthropods such as mosquitoes.
On Caputo modification of Hadamard-type fractional derivative and fractional Taylor series
Authors: Zafar Rashida , Rehman Mujeeb ur , Shams Moniba
Published: May 2020

In this paper a general framework is presented on some operational properties of Caputo modification of Hadamard-type fractional differential operator along with a new algorithm proposed for approximation of Hadamard-type fractional integral using Haar wavelet method. Moreover, a generalized Taylor expansion based on Caputo–Hadamard-type fractional differential operator is also established, and an example is presented for illustration.
Homotopy-Sumudu transforms for solving system of fractional partial differential equations
Authors: Alomari A. K.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we investigate the Sumudu transforms and homotopy analysis method (S-HAM) for solving a system of fractional partial differential equations. A general framework for solving such a kind of problems is presented. The method can also be utilized to solve systems of fractional equations of unequal orders. The algorithm is reliable and robust. Existence and convergence results concerning the proposed solution are given. Numerical examples are introduced to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm.
Microscopic and chemical analysis of room temperature UV laser annealing of solution-based zinc-tin-oxide thin films
Authors: Kwon Ji-Hwan , Jang Seunghoon , Kim Hyuk Jin , Joo Beom Soo , Yu Kwang Nam , Choi Eunjip , Han Moonsup , Park Jong Hyuk , Chang Young Jun
Published: May 2020

As a promising transparent semiconducting oxide (TSO) candidate, zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO) thin films were fabricated by combining solution coating and ultraviolet (UV) laser annealing. Instead of external heating, an intense UV laser was applied to transform sol-gel coatings via surface heating and photoexcited dissociation into oxide films. The laser-induced phase transformation was extensively investigated with synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The chemical states and microscopic distributions of oxygen, zinc, and tin were significantly modified during the laser irradiation. Relative oxidation and surface migration between zinc and tin gradually evolved toward a combination of ZnO1−x host and SnO2−y grains. Our results present deeper insight into the use of UV laser annealing for developing a room temperature (RT) fabrication method of TSO thin films and other relevant solution coatings.
Finding time for computer science in the elementary school day: a quasi-experimental study of a transdisciplinary problem-based learning approach
Authors: Century Jeanne , Ferris Kaitlyn A. , Zuo Huifang
Published: May 2020

Background

As the number of computer science (CS) jobs become increasingly available in this country and computing skills become essential tools for managing all aspects of our personal lives, CS is quickly becoming an essential element of K-12 education and recently, there has been increased attention to bringing computer science to the elementary grades. However, with a schedule that emphasizes literacy and mathematics, and other subjects competing for instructional time, creating opportunities for CS in the elementary school day is challenging. This study aimed to address this problem by investigating the use of problem-based transdisciplinary modules (i.e., “Time4CS” modules) that combined English language arts (ELA), science, and social studies lessons with theCode.org“Fundamentals” CS education program.

Results

Results indicated that teachers who taught Time4CS modules completed more CS lessons than teachers who did not teach the modules. Further, across all classrooms, completing a higher percentage of non-grade level assignedCode.orgFundamentals lessons (i.e.,Code.orglessons above or below grade level that were available to teachers, but not required for their particular grade level) was positively associated with students’ achievement outcomes on state ELA and mathematics tests. Additionally, higher amounts of interdisciplinary teaching practices were associated with higher student achievement, specifically students’ state assessment ELA scores.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that transdisciplinary problem-based modules that integrate the teaching of CS with other subject areas are a feasible way to bring more CS opportunities to younger learners. Moreover, it showed that implementing such modules is linked to more positive student academic achievement outcomes. With attentive revision, the modules featured in this study may be useful tools for elementary schools. These findings have implications for researchers, school district administrators, and those individuals who are in-charge of public policy initiatives seeking ways to bring CS to all elementary school students. Specifically, they highlight that it is possible to make time in the elementary school day for CS, and that there are no negative consequences for core subjects (e.g., ELA and mathematics).
Healthy subjects with lax knees use less knee flexion rather than muscle control to limit anterior tibia translation during landing
Authors: Keizer Michèle N. J. , Hijmans Juha M. , Gokeler Alli , Benjaminse Anne , Otten Egbert
Published: May 2020

Purpose

It has been reported that there is no correlation between anterior tibia translation (ATT) in passive and dynamic situations. Passive ATT (ATTp) may be different to dynamic ATT (ATTd) due to muscle activation patterns. This study aimed to investigate whether muscle activation during jumping can control ATT in healthy participants.

Methods

ATTp of twenty-one healthy participants was measured using a KT-1000 arthrometer. All participants performed single leg hops for distance during which ATTd, knee flexion angles and knee flexion moments were measured using a 3D motion capture system. During both tests, sEMG signals were recorded.

Results

A negative correlation was found between ATTp and the maximal ATTd (r = − 0.47, p = 0.028). An N-Way ANOVA showed that larger semitendinosus activity was seen when ATTd was larger, while less biceps femoris activity and rectus femoris activity were seen. Moreover, larger knee extension moment, knee flexion angle and ground reaction force in the anterior-posterior direction were seen when ATTd was larger.

Conclusion

Participants with more ATTp showed smaller ATTd during jump landing. Muscle activation did not contribute to reduce ATTd during impact of a jump-landing at the observed knee angles. However, subjects with large ATTp landed with less knee flexion and consequently showed less ATTd. The results of this study give information on how healthy people control knee laxity during jump-landing.

Level of evidence

III
Citizen and stakeholder led priority setting for long-term care research: identifying research priorities within the Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) Program
Authors: Chamberlain Stephanie A. , Estabrooks Carole A. , Keefe Janice M. , Hoben Matthias , Berendonk Charlotte , Corbett Kyle , Gruneir Andrea
Published: May 2020

Background

The Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) program is a longitudinal partnered program of research in Western Canada that aims to improve the quality of care and quality of life for residents and quality of worklife for staff in long-term care settings. This program of research includes researchers, citizens (persons living with dementia and caregivers of persons living in long-term care), and stakeholders (representatives from provincial and regional health authorities, owner-operators of long-term care homes). The aim of this paper is to describe how we used priority setting methods with citizens and stakeholders to identify ten priorities for research using the TREC data.

Methods

We adapted the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership method to ensure our citizens and stakeholders could identify priorities within the existing TREC data. We administered an online survey to our citizen and stakeholder partners. An in-person priority setting workshop was held in March 2019 in Alberta, Canada to establish consensus on ten research priorities. The in-person workshop used a nominal group technique and involved two rounds of small group prioritization and one final full group ranking.

Results

We received 72 online survey respondents and 19 persons (citizens, stakeholders) attended the in-person priority setting workshop. The workshop resulted in an unranked list of their ten research priorities for the TREC program. These priorities encompassed a range of non-clinical topics, including: influence of staffing (ratios, type of care provider) on residents and staff work life, influence of the work environment on resident outcomes, and the impact of quality improvement activities on residents and staff.

Conclusions

This modified priority setting approach provided citizens and stakeholders with an opportunity to identify their own research priorities within the TREC program, without the external pressures of researchers. These priorities will inform the secondary analyses of the TREC data and the development of new projects. This modified priority setting may be a useful approach for research teams trying to engage their non-academic partners and to identify areas for future research.
Reconstructing and forecasting the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States using a 5-parameter logistic growth model
Authors: Chen Ding-Geng , Chen Xinguang , Chen Jenny K.
Published: May 2020

Background

Many studies have modeled and predicted the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in the U.S. using data that begins with the first reported cases. However, the shortage of testing services to detect infected persons makes this approach subject to error due to its underdetection of early cases in the U.S. Our new approach overcomes this limitation and provides data supporting the public policy decisions intended to combat the spread of COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods

We used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data documenting the daily new and cumulative cases of confirmed COVID-19 in the U.S. from January 22 to April 6, 2020, and reconstructed the epidemic using a 5-parameter logistic growth model. We fitted our model to data from a 2-week window (i.e., from March 21 to April 4, approximately one incubation period) during which large-scale testing was being conducted. With parameters obtained from this modeling, we reconstructed and predicted the growth of the epidemic and evaluated the extent and potential effects of underdetection.

Results

The data fit the model satisfactorily. The estimated daily growth rate was 16.8% overall with 95% CI: [15.95, 17.76%], suggesting a doubling period of 4 days. Based on the modeling result, the tipping point at which new cases will begin to decline will be on April 7th, 2020, with a peak of 32,860 new cases on that day. By the end of the epidemic, at least 792,548 (95% CI: [789,162, 795,934]) will be infected in the U.S. Based on our model, a total of 12,029 cases were not detected between January 22 (when the first case was detected in the U.S.) and April 4.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the utility of a 5-parameter logistic growth model with reliable data that comes from a specified period during which governmental interventions were appropriately implemented. Beyond informing public health decision-making, our model adds a tool for more faithfully capturing the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.
Effect of soil application of humic acid and bio-humic on yield and fruit quality of “Kalamata” olive trees
Authors: Abd El-Razek E. , Haggag Laila F. , El-Hady Eman S. , Shahin M. F. M.
Published: May 2020

Background

The present study was carried out during the two successive seasons of 2016 and 2017 on “Kalamata” olive trees (Olea europaeaL.), at a private orchard located on Cairo-Ismailia Km 107 desert Road, Egypt. The trees were treated with four soil applications as follows: (T1) control (water only), (T2) organic matter of 10 kg chicken manure was added in both side of the tree under drip irrigation system at the 1stweek of January, (T3) organic matter+100 cm3humic acid (Actosol®) for each tree,(T4) organic matter+bio-humic which contain 100 cm3Actosol®and 150 cm3ofAzotobacter chroococcum,Bacillus megaterium, andBacillus circulansin equal doses. Humic acid and bio-humic were added 3 times at the 1stweek of March (full bloom), at 1stweek of May (starting fruit set stage), and at the last week of July in the third stage of fruit development (70% of final fruit size) to study the effect of humic acid and bio-humic on the yield and fruit quality of Kalamata olive trees.

Results

The result showed that all treatments improve the nutrient status (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) of the leaves, yield (kg/tree) and fruit quality, i.e., fruit weight, volume, specific gravity, dimension, and shape index, as well as fruit moisture content percentage and oil percentage in FW and DW than the control. Within all treatments, the bio-humic treatment (T4) is recommended, since it had the highest value of these parameters in comparison with the other treatments or control.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that improving yield and fruit quality attributed to the positive effect of organic matter alone or in combination with humic or bio-humic in increasing the cation exchange capacity of the soil, reducing soil pH, enhancing the root development, increasing the root/shoot ratio, and production of root hairs of olive trees which increase the active uptake for most of the nutrients in the soil. In addition, bio-humic contains three bacteria that are now considered as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that play a great role in providing trees with NPK as bio-fertilizers and increased also the mineral status. Therefore, bio-humic positive effects reflected on improving the yield and fruit quality of Kalamata olive trees. In general, organic manure in combination with bio-humic had great effects on improving the yield and fruit quality of Kalamata olive trees than using organic manure alone or use organic manure combined with humic acid.