bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A trend in prevalence of antimicrobial use and appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy in an acute care hospital from 2018 to 2019: repeated prevalence surveys in Japan
Authors: Komagamine Junpei , Yabuki Taku , Hiraiwa Taku 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objectives
The supply of cefazolin has been reduced dramatically since March 2019 in Japan. However, no studies have evaluated the effects of cefazolin shortage on the appropriateness of antimicrobial use. Therefore, we compared the appropriateness of inpatient antimicrobial drug use between the two surveys conducted in August 2018 and August 2019 in a Japanese hospital with no supply of cefazolin since the cefazolin shortage.

Results
In the 2019 survey, a total of 275 patients were included, and 256 patients were included in the 2018 survey. The prevalence of antimicrobial drug use did not change from 2018 to 2019 (28.5% versus 28.7%; p = 0.96). The proportion of cefazolin in all antimicrobial drugs used on the survey date significantly decreased from 2018 to 2019 (24.1% versus 0.0%; p < 0.001). The proportion of appropriate antimicrobial use in all antimicrobial therapies tended to be lower in 2019 than in 2018 (41.2% versus 60.6%; p = 0.06), and the proportion of unnecessary use of a broader spectrum of antimicrobial drugs significantly increased from 2018 to 2019 (4.7% versus 37.3%; p = 0.002). The shortage of cefazolin might lead to inappropriate use of other antimicrobial drugs.
Strengthening the community health worker programme for health improvement through enhancing training, supervision and motivation in Wakiso district, Uganda
Authors: Musoke David , Ssemugabo Charles , Ndejjo Rawlance , Atusingwize Edwinah , Mukama Trasias , Gibson Linda 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective
The objective of the project was to strengthen the community health worker (CHW) programme in Ssisa sub-county, Wakiso district, Uganda by providing a coherent, structured and standardized training, supervision and motivation package so as to enhance their performance.

Results
The project trained all 301 CHWs who received non-financial incentives of t-shirts, gumboots and umbrellas, and 75 of them received solar equipment to support lighting their houses and charging phones. Twenty-four of the CHWs who had coordination roles received additional training. Three motorcycles were also provided to enhance transportation of CHW coordinators during their work including supervision. By end of the project, the CHWs had conducted 40,213 household visits, carried out health education sessions with 127,011 community members, and treated 19,387 children under 5 years of age. From the project evaluation, which used both quantitative and qualitative methods, 98% of the CHWs reported having improved competence in performance of their roles. In addition, the CHWs were highly motivated to do their work. The motorcycles were instrumental in supporting the work of CHW coordinators including monthly collection of reports and distribution of medicines. The project demonstrated that by improving training, supervision and motivation, performance of CHW programmes can be enhanced.
Wrapping culture plates with Parafilm M® increases Caenorhabditis elegans growth
Authors: Shinn-Thomas Jessica H. , Scanga Sara E. , Spica Patrick S. , Nariya Hardik K. , Klempic Emra , Brockett Mary R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveParafilm M®is a moisture-resistant thermoplastic commonly used to seal Nematode Growth Media (NGM) agar plates on which the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansis cultured. This practice reduces media dehydration and microbial contamination. However, the effects onC. elegansindividuals of placing this barrier between the external environment and the interior of the NGM plate are currently unknown. Our research aims to determine if this common practice engenders developmental changes, such as growth, that could subsequently and unintentionally alter experimental data. We compared the larval growth over 48 h of animals cultured on Parafilm-wrapped and unwrapped control NGM plates.ResultsWrapping culture plates with Parafilm significantly accelerated and increased larval growth, with a 0.87 μm/h increase in growth rate (~ 6%) and a 37.90 μm increase in the change in growth (Δgrowth; ~ 5%) over 48 h. Therefore,C. elegansinvestigators should be aware that wrapping their experimental cultures with Parafilm may result in statistically detectable changes in worm growth and possibly other developmental processes.
YAP as a key regulator of adipo-osteogenic differentiation in human MSCs
Authors: Lorthongpanich Chanchao , Thumanu Kanjana , Tangkiettrakul Kantpitchar , Jiamvoraphong Nittaya , Laowtammathron Chuti , Damkham Nattaya , U-pratya Yaowalak , Issaragrisil Surapol 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that are able to differentiate into several cell types, including cartilage, fat, and bone. As a common progenitor, MSC differentiation has to be tightly regulated to maintain the balance of their differentiation commitment. It has been reported that the decision process of MSCs into fat and bone cells is competing and reciprocal. Several factors have been suggested as critical factors that affect adipo-osteogenic decision, including melatonin and smad4. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an important effector protein in the Hippo signaling pathway that acts as a transcriptional regulator by activating the transcription of the genes involved in cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. The non-canonical role of YAP in regulating bone homeostasis by promoting osteogenesis and suppressing adipogenesis was recently demonstrated in a mouse model. However, it is unclear whether YAP is also crucial for modulating human MSC differentiation to fat and bone.

Methods
The expression level of YAP during MSC differentiation was modulated using pharmaceutical molecule and genetic experiments through gain- and loss-of-function approaches.

Results
We demonstrated for the first time that YAP has a non-canonical role in regulating the balance of adipo-osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs. The result from synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy showed unique metabolic fingerprints generated from YAP-targeted differentiated cells that were clearly distinguished from non-manipulated control.

Conclusions
These results, thus, identify YAP as an important effector protein that regulates human MSC differentiation to fat and bone and suggests the use of FTIR microspectroscopy as a promising technique in stem cell research.
Vulnerable options pricing under uncertain volatility model
Authors: Zhou Qing , Li Xiaonan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the pricing problem of options with counterparty default risks. We study the asymptotic behavior of vulnerable option prices in the worst case scenario under an uncertain volatility model which contains both corporate assets and underlying assets. We propose a method to estimate the price of vulnerable options when the volatility of the underlying assets is within a small interval. By imposing additional conditions on the boundary condition and cutting the obtained Black–Scholes–Barenblatt equation into two Black–Scholes-like equations, we obtain an approximate method for solving the fully nonlinear partial differential equation satisfied by the price of vulnerable options under the uncertain volatility model.
Hemostasis of idiopathic recurrent epistaxis in children with microwave ablation: A prospective pilot case series
Authors: Lou Zheng-cai 
Published: December 2019

Objective We evaluated microwave ablation (MWA) for treatment of idiopathic recurrent anterior epistaxis (RAE) in children, in terms of technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety. Study design A prospective pilot case series. Setting Tertiary university hospital. Methods Children with idiopathic RAE were treated with endoscopic MWA and reevaluated at 1 and 4 weeks and at 6 months thereafter. The primary outcome was successful hemostasis on the day of the procedure. Secondary outcomes were the rebleeding rates after 1 and 4 weeks, and 6 months, and any complications. Results Of the 92 children with idiopathic RAE who met the inclusion criteria, the operation was interrupted in 7 children due to intraoperative noncooperation, and silver nitrate cautery was performed instead. All procedures were completed, and hemostasis was achieved within 10–20 s by MWA in 85 children. Two to four ablations were conducted. No recurrent epistaxis occurred and no severe MWA -related complications, such as septal perforation or synechiae formation, were observed at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions Endoscopic MWA is a feasible and safe technique for the treatment of idiopathic pediatric RAE in the clinical setting, especially those cases that do not respond to in-office chemical cautery.
Gaseous mediators: an updated review on the effects of helium beyond blowing up balloons
Authors: Weber Nina C. , Preckel Benedikt 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNoble gases, although supposed to be chemically inert, mediate numerous physiological and cellular effects, leading to protection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury in different organs. Clinically, the noble gas helium is used in treatment of airway obstruction and ventilation disorders in children and adults. In addition, studies from recent years in cells, isolated tissues, animals and finally humans show that helium has profound biological effects: helium applied before, during or after an ischaemic event reduced cellular damage, known as “organ conditioning”, in some tissue, e.g. the myocardium. Although extensive research has been performed, the exact molecular mechanisms behind these organ-protective effects of helium are yet not completely understood. In addition, there are significant differences of protective effects in different organs and animal models. A translation of experimental findings to the clinical situation has yet not been shown.
Optimization of silver nanoparticle synthesis by chemical reduction and evaluation of its antimicrobial and toxic activity
Authors: Quintero-Quiroz Catalina , Acevedo Natalia , Zapata-Giraldo Jenniffer , Botero Luz E. , Quintero Julián , Zárate-Triviño Diana , Saldarriaga Jorge , Pérez Vera Z. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Chemical reduction has become an accessible and useful alternative to obtain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, its toxicity capacity depends on multiple variables that generate differences in the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Thus, optimazing parameters for the synthesis of AgNPs can increase its antimicrobial capacity by improving its physical-chemical properties.

Methods

In this study a Face Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD) was carried out with four parameters:
A
g
N
O
3
concentration, sodium citrate (TSC) concentration,
N
a
B
H
4
concentration and the pH of the reaction with the objective of inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The response variables were the average size of AgNPs, the peak with the greatest intensity in the size distribution, the polydispersity of the nanoparticle size and the yield of the process. AgNPs obtained from the optimization were characterized physically and chemically. The antimicrobial activity of optimized AgNPs was evaluated against
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Escherichia coli
,
Escherichia coli
AmpC resistant, and
Candida albicans
and compared with AgNPs before optimization. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the optimized AgNPs was evaluated by the colorimetric assay MTT (3- (4,5- Dimethylthiazol- 2- yl)- 2, 5 - Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide).

Results

It was found that the four factors studied were significant for the response variables, and a significant model (p < 0.05) was obtained for each variable. The optimal conditions were 8 for pH and 0.01 M, 0.0 6M, 0.01 M for the concentration of TSC,
A
g
N
O
3
, and
N
a
B
H
4
, respectively. Optimized AgNPs spherical and hemispherical were obtained, and 67.66% of it had a diameter less than 10.30 nm. A minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of optimized AgNPs was found against
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Escherichia coli
,
Escherichia coli
AmpC resistant, and
Candida albicans
at 19.89, 9.94, 9.94, 2.08
μ
g/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the lethal concentration 50 (
L
C
50
) of optimized AgNPs was found on 19.11
μ
g/mL and 19.60
μ
g/mL to Vero and NiH3T3 cells, respectively.

Conclusions
It was found that the factors studied were significant for the variable responses and the optimization process used was effective to improve the antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs.
The “Timeline Debriefing Tool”: a tool for structuring the debriefing description phase
Authors: Secheresse Thierry , Nonglaton Séverine 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSeveral recent literature reviews have been published with the aim to determine how to optimise a debriefing. A main element found in these reviews was the importance of structuring the debriefing. Within the steps usually outlined in the debriefing, the description phase allows participants to describe their recollections and establish a shared mental model of what happened during the simulation. The description phase is used in many debriefing models but how to realise this description remains unclear. We provide an original tool to ensure a highly structured description phase: the “Timeline Debriefing Tool”.The Timeline Debriefing Tool, or TDT, is constructed on visual support such as a whiteboard or a flipchart. It allows for a clear description phase, makes the process more dynamic, promotes exchanges between participants and establishes a clear and shared vision of the simulation in visual support which can be used by the instructor in the analysis phase. Moreover, the timeline allows participants to discover their performance gaps by themselves, thus beginning deeper cognitive processing in the participants’ mind and promoting reflection in the analysis phase.
Malaria hot spot along the foothills of Rakhine state, Myanmar: geospatial distribution of malaria cases in townships targeted for malaria elimination
Authors: Khine San Kyawt , Kyaw Nang Thu Thu , Thekkur Pruthu , Lin Zaw , Thi Aung 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Myanmar has targeted elimination of malaria by 2030. In three targeted townships of Rakhine state of Myanmar, a project is being piloted to eliminate malaria by 2025. The comprehensive case investigation (CCI) and geotagging of cases by health workers is a core activity under the project. However, the CCI data is not analyzed for obtaining information on geospatial distribution of cases and timeliness of diagnosis. In this regard, we aimed to depict geospatial distribution and assess the proportion with delayed diagnosis among diagnosed malaria cases residing in three targeted townships during April 2018 to March 2019.

Methods
This was a cross sectional analysis of CCI data routinely collected by national malaria control programme. The geocode (latitude and longitude) of the address was analysed using Quantum Geographic Information System software to deduce spot maps and hotspots of cases. The EpiData analysis software was used to summarize the proportion with delay in diagnosis (diagnosed ≥24 hours after the fever onset).

Results
Of the 171 malaria cases diagnosed during study period, the CCI was conducted in 157 (92%) cases. Of them, 127 (81%) cases reported delay in diagnosis, 138 (88%) cases were indigenous who got infection within the township and 13 (8%) were imported from outside the township. Malaria hotspots were found along the foothills with increase in cases during the rainy season. The indigenous cases were concentrated over the foothills in the northern and southern borders of Toungup township.

Conclusion
In the targeted townships for malaria elimination, the high proportion of the cases was indigenous and clustered at the foothill areas during rainy season. The programme should strengthen case surveillance and healthcare services in the areas with aggregation of cases to eliminate the malaria in the township. As high majority of patients have delayed diagnosis, the reasons for delay has to be explored and corrective measures needs to be taken.
Potential of fascaplysin and palauolide from Fascaplysinopsis cf reticulata to reduce the risk of bacterial infection in fish farming
Authors: Mai Tepoerau , Toullec Jordan , Van Wynsberge Simon , Besson Marc , Soulet Stephanie , Petek Sylvain , Aliotti Emmanuelle , Ekins Merrick , Hall Kathryn , Erpenbeck Dirk , Lecchini David , Beniddir Mehdi A. , Saulnier Denis , Debitus Cécile 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMarine natural products isolated from the sponge Fascaplysinopsis cf reticulata, in French Polynesia, were investigated as an alternative to antibiotics to control pathogens in aquaculture. The overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture is largely considered to be an environmental pollution, because it supports the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes within the aquatic environment. One environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics is the use of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). Quorum sensing (QS) is a regulatory mechanism in bacteria which control virulence factors through the secretion of autoinducers (AIs), such as acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) in gram-negative bacteria. Vibrio harveyi QS is controlled through three parallel pathways: HAI-1, AI-2, and CAI-1. Bioassay-guided purification of F. cf reticulata extract was conducted on two bacterial species, i.e., Tenacibaculum maritimum and V. harveyi for antibiotic and QS inhibition bioactivities. Toxicity bioassay of fractions was also evaluated on the freshwater fish Poecilia reticulata and the marine fish Acanthurus triostegus. Cyclohexanic and dichloromethane fractions of F. cf reticulata exhibited QS inhibition on V. harveyi and antibiotic bioactivities on V. harveyi and T. maritimum, respectively. Palauolide (1) and fascaplysin (2) were purified as major molecules from the cyclohexanic and dichloromethane fractions, respectively. Palauolide inhibited QS of V. harveyi through HAI-1 QS pathway at 50 μg ml–1 (26 μM), while fascaplysin affected the bacterial growth of V. harveyi (50 μg ml–1) and T. maritimum (0.25 μg). The toxicity of fascaplysin-enriched fraction (FEF) was evaluated and exhibited a toxic effect against fish at 50 μg ml–1. This study demonstrated for the first time the QSI potential of palauolide (1). Future research may assess the toxicity of both the cyclohexanic fraction of the sponge and palauolide (1) on fish, to confirm their potential as alternative to antibiotics in fish farming.
Randomized comparison between dexmedetomidine–remifentanil and midazolam–fentanyl for deep sedation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Choi Young , Kim Sung-Hwan , Kim Ju Youn , Hwang Youmi , Kim Tae-Seok , Kim Ji-Hoon , Jang Sung-Won , Lee Man-Young , Oh Yong-Seog 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background and objectives
The efficacy of dexmedetomidine for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well established. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sedation using dexmedetomidine with remifentanil compared to conventional sedative agents during RFCA for AF.

Subjects and methods
A total of 240 patients undergoing RFCA for AF were randomized to either the dexmedetomidine (DEX) group (continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil) or the midazolam (MID) group (intermittent injections of midazolam and fentanyl) according to sedative agents. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation was applied to all patients during the procedure. The primary outcome was patient movement during the procedure resulting in a 3D mapping system discordance, and the secondary outcome was adverse events including respiratory or hemodynamic compromise.

Results
During AF ablation, the incidence of the primary outcome was significantly reduced for the DEX group (18.2% vs. 39.5% in the DEX and the MID groups, respectively, p < 0.001). The frequency of a desaturation event (oxygen saturation < 90%) did not significantly differ between the two groups (6.6% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.056). However, the incidences of hypotension not owing to cardiac tamponade (systolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg, 19.8% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.011) and bradycardia (HR < 50 beats/min: 39.7% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.003) were higher in the DEX group. All efficacy and safety results were consistent within the predefined subgroups.

Conclusion
The combined use of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil provides higher stability sedation during AF ablation, but can lead to more frequent hemodynamic compromise compared to midazolam and fentanyl.
Proximal fibular osteotomy in the treatment of medial osteoarthritis of the knee – A narrative review of literature
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Saseendar , Kambhampati Srinivas B. S. , Saseendar Samundeeswari 
Published: December 2019

AbstractProximal fibular osteotomy has been proposed as a simple and inexpensive alternative to high-tibial osteotomy and unicondylar knee arthroplasty and may be useful for low-income populations that cannot afford expensive treatment methods. However, there is no consensus existing regarding the mechanism by which it acts nor the outcome of this procedure. This study was performed to analyze the available evidence on the benefits of proximal fibular osteotomy and to understand the possible mechanisms in play. There are various mechanisms that are proposed to individually or collectively contribute to the outcomes of this procedure, and include the theory of non-uniform settlement, the too-many cortices theory, slippage phenomenon, the concept of competition of muscles, dynamic fibular distalization theory and ground reaction vector readjustment theory. The mechanisms have been discussed and future directions in research have been proposed. The current literature, which mostly consists of case series, suggests the usefulness of the procedure in decreasing varus deformity as well as improving symptoms in medial osteoarthritis. However, large randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are required to establish the benefits of this procedure over other established treatment methods.
Comparative study to evaluate dosimetric differences in patients of locally advanced carcinoma cervix undergoing intracavitary brachytherapy under two different anaesthesia techniques: an audit from a tertiary cancer centre in India
Authors: Kumar Divyesh , Srinivasa G. Y. , Gupta Ankita , Rai Bhavana , Oinam Arun S. , Bansal Pooja , Ghoshal Sushmita 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Carcinoma cervix is amongst the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in women population worldwide. High-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) post external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the standard of care in managing locally advanced stage cervical cancer patients. HDR-ICBT is generally performed under general anaesthesia (GA) in operation theatre (OT), but due to logistic reasons, sometimes, it becomes difficult to accommodate all patients under GA. Since prolonged overall treatment time (OTT) makes the results inferior, taking patients in day care setup under procedural sedation (PS) can be an effective alternative. In this audit, we tried to retrospectively analyse the dosimetric difference, if any, in patients who underwent ICBT at our centre, under either GA in OT or PS in day care.

Results
Thirty five patients were analysed 16/35 (45.71%) patients underwent HDR-ICBT under GA while 19/35 (54.28%) patients under PS. In both groups, a statistically significant difference was observed between the dose received by 0.1 cc as well as 2 cc of rectum (p < 0.05), while the bladder and sigmoid colon had comparable dosages.

Conclusion
Though our dosimetric analysis highlighted better rectal sparing in patients undergoing HDR-ICBT under GA when compared to patients under PS, PS can still be considered an effective alternative, especially in centres dealing with significant patient load. Further studies are required for firm conclusion.