bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does engagement with frontline health workers improve maternal and child healthcare utilisation and outcomes in India?
Authors: Rammohan Anu , Goli Srinivas , Saroj Shashi Kala , CP Abdul Jaleel 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Poor Maternal and Child Health (MCH) outcomes pose challenges to India’s ability to attain Goal-3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The government of India strengthened the existing network of Frontline Health Workers (FHWs), under its National Rural Health Mission in 2005 and subsequent National Urban Health Mission in 2013 as a strategy to mitigate the shortage of skilled health workers and to provide affordable healthcare services. However, there is a lack of robust national-level empirical analysis on the role of maternal engagement with FHWs in influencing the level of maternal and child health care utilisation and child health outcomes in India. Methods Using data from the nationally representative Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015-16, this paper aims to investigate the intensity of engagement of FHWs with married women of child-bearing age (15-49 years), its influence on utilisation of maternal and child healthcare services, and child health outcomes. Our empirical analyses use multivariate regression analyses, focusing on five maternal and child health indicators: antenatal care visits (ANC) (4 or >4 times), institutional delivery, full-immunisation of children, postnatal care (PNC) (within 2 days of delivery), and child survival. Results Our analysis finds that maternal engagement with FHWs is statistically significant and a positive predictor of maternal and child health care utilisation, and child survival. Further, the level of engagement with FHWs is particularly important for women from economically poor households. Our robustness checks across sub-samples of women who delivered only in public health institutions and those from rural areas provides an additional confidence in our main results. Conclusions From a policy perspective, our findings highlight that strengthening the network of FHWs in the areas where they are in shortage which can help in further improving the utilisation of maternal and child healthcare services, and health outcomes.
Needs-Led Research: A Way of Employing User Involvement in Establishing Research Questions on the Trust Model Within Community Home-Based Health Care Services in Norway
Authors: Slåtsveen Ruth-Ellen , Wibe Torunn , Halvorsrud Liv , Lund Anne 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background This article presents a user involvement process in Norway regarding the performance of the trust model within community home-based health care services. The process, referred to as needs-led research (NLR), is inspired by the James Lind Alliance (JLA) and focuses on bringing together service users, next of kin and clinicians, also referred to as stakeholders, on equal terms to explore research priorities in a priority-setting partnership.Method The following five-step process was followed, in which representatives from service users, next of kin and clinicians were involved in every step. Step 1: A meeting organised in the form of a workshop with service users, next of kin and clinicians to discuss and narrow the scope. Step 2: Steering group meeting. Step 3: Online survey to identify uncertainties regarding the scope. Step 4: Data review and interim prioritisation of research questions. Step 5: Online survey prioritising the final top 10 research questions.Results Almost 200 participants contributed during the five steps, 294 submissions were gathered, and 35 participants voted for the top 10 list. ConclusionThis NLR process was experienced as feasible, and the user involvement shows that it is appropriate and necessary to involve service users, next of kin and clinicians in creating research questions that are relevant to the field.
Breed Differences In The Expression Levels Of Gga-Mir-222a In Laying Hens Influenced H2S Production By Regulating Methionine Synthase Genes In Gut Bacteria
Authors: Xing Sicheng , Huang Chunbo , Wu Ruiting , Yang Yiwen , Chen Jingyuan , Mi Jiandui , Wu Yinbao , Wang Yan , Liao Xindi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The microbiota in the cecum of laying hens was critical for host digestion metabolism and odor gas production. Recent studies have suggested that host miRNAs could regulate gene expression in the gut microbiota. The expression profiles of host-derived miRNAs in the cecal content of two laying hen breeds, Hy-line Gray and Lohmann Pink, which have dissimilar H2S production were characterized, and their possible effects on H2S production by regulating the expression of related genes in the microbiota were demonstrated. Results: The differential expression of microbial serine O-acetyltransferase, methionine synthase, aspartate aminotransferase, methionine-gamma-lyase and adenylylsulfate kinase between the two breeds resulted in lower H2S production in the Hy-line hens. The results also demonstrated miRNA exosomes in the cecal content of laying hens and the potential miRNA-target relationships between 9 differentially expressed miRNAs and 9 differentially expressed microbial genes related to H2S production were investigated, among which gga-miR-222a targeted two methionine synthase genes, Odosp_3416 and BF9343_2953. An in vitro fermentation experiment showed that gga-miR-222a upregulated the expression of these genes, which increased methionine concentrations but decreased H2S production and soluble sulfide concentrations, indicating the potential of host-derived gga-miR-222a to reduce H2S emission in laying hens. Conclusion: These findings identify both a physiologic role by which miRNA shapes the cecal microbiota of laying hens and a strategy to use host miRNAs to manipulate the microbiome and actively expressed key microbial genes to reduce H2S emission and breed environmentally friendly laying hens.
Recovery of Human Gut Microbiota Genomes Substantially With Third-generation Sequencing
Authors: Li Yanfei , Jin Yueling , Pan Haoying , Zhang Jianming , Wu Lan , Liu Dingsheng , Liu Jinlong , Shen Junwei , Hu Jing 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHuman gut microbiota modulates normal physiological functions, such as the maintenance of barrier homeostasis and the modulation of metabolism, and various chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes and gastrointestinal cancer. Despite decades of researches, the composition of the gut microbiota remains unexplored and unidentified. ResultsHere we established an effective extraction method to obtain high-quality gut microbiota genomic DNA and detected the samples with third-generation sequencing technology. We acquired a quite big data form each sample and assembled many reliable contigs. Not only enormous unknown genes, but also several new bacteria subspecies or species were identified. ConclusionsThis work provides a novel and reliable framework to recover gut microbiota genomes substantially, facilitating the understanding of the roles of the microbiome that underlie in human health and disease.
Preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in the prognostication of advanced resectable colon cancer: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Kasahara Kenta , Ishizaki Tetsuo , Enomoto Masanobu , Mazaki Junichi , Okazaki Naoto , Tago Tomoya , Udo Ryutaro , Nagakawa Yuichi , Katsumata Kenji , Tsuchida Akihiko 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has been reported as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer. However, proof of the clinical usefulness of LMR requires detailed research on subjects that can contribute to therapeutic strategies. Our study aimed to provide a detailed link to resectable advanced colorectal cancer for which LMR is predicted to be particularly useful. Methods: A cohort of 554 resectable advanced colon cancer patients in our institution was analysed retrospectively. The analysis was performed on all cases of resectable advanced colon cancer and Stage II and Stage III. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine the LMR cut-off value. The relationship between LMR, clinicopathologic factors, and other biomarkers were analysed using a Kaplan-Meier log-rank survival analysis and then multivariate Cox regression models looking for association with overall survival (OS) and Relapse free survival (RFS). Results: LMR was useful for predicting OS and RFS in the analysis of all cases. Moreover, it was an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR)= 0.530, 95% confidence intervals (CI)= 0.334–0.842, P=0.007]. LMR was also an independent prognostic predictor at each stage. In particular, it was highly useful for prediction in cases with lymph node metastasis (StageⅢ) and was a prognostic predictor following the N factor.
Methylation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene promoter is a generalized&nbsp;feature on molecular pathology tests of sporadic renal cell carcinomas in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Yen-Chein , Wang Wen-Chung 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults. Approximately 50% to 80% of sporadic RCCs are associated with mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene in Western countries. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible etiological role of molecular pathogenesis in sporadic RCCs in Taiwan.Methods: Fifteen patients with RCC were screened for mutations in the VHL gene and methylation statuses of promoters of 24 tumor suppressor genes. Mutations were identified by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Methylation statuses were determined on methylation sensitive multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) analysis.Results: Inactivation of VHL gene was observed in 5 cases: three missense somatic mutations, V155G in case 1, N141S in case 5, and E52D in case 9; promoter methylation in case 3; and small deletion in case 13. RCCs were most frequently methylated at APC (100%, 14/14), CDKN2B (92.9%, 13/14), CASP8, MLH1_167, and KLLN (85.7.4%, 12/14), but not at FHIT, MLH1_463, DAPK1, or HIC1 (0%).Conclusions: In addition to VHL inactivation, promoter methylation of APC and CDKN2B may play important roles in the tumorigenesis of RCC. Methylation of APC may be a very early pathognomonic event in tumorigenesis of RCC and a candidate diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker.
Challenges in The Regulatory Use of Water Accommodated Fractions for Assessing Complex Substances
Authors: Wheeler James Robert , Lyon Delina , Paulo Carolina di , Grosso Albania , Crane Mark 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The use of the Water Accommodated Fraction (WAF) approach for the preparation of exposure systems of complex substances such as petroleum products has been a standard way to perform aquatic toxicity tests on these substances for over 30 years. In this Commentary we briefly describe the historical development, rationale, and guidance for the use and reporting of the WAF approach to assess complex substances. We then discuss two case studies, with coal tar pitch and kerosene/jet fuel, which illustrate challenges from regulatory authorities in Europe and the United States when using the WAF approach. We describe how the WAF approach is the only currently known method for testing the toxicity of the whole of a complex substance, even when some of its constituents remain unknown; it accounts for differences in the solubility of the constituents within a complex substance; and use of loading rates to describe any toxic effects is a unifying concept that allows direct comparison with releases of readily soluble substances in hazard assessment and chemical classification.
The Influence of Physical and Mental Exercises on the Mental Health of Middle-Aged and Old People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Jinfeng , Han Bin , Wan Fada , Tan Guangxin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo evaluate the influence effect of physical and mental exercises on the mental health of the middle-aged and old people by using Meta analysis method. MethodsRetrieve databases such as CNKI, WanFang data, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Pubmed, Scopus, web of science, etc. to collect randomized controlled trials of the effect of physical and mental exercises on the mental health of the middle-aged and old people. ResultsThe effects of physical and mental exercises on the somatization and obsessive-compulsive symptoms of middle-aged and old women belongs to a medium effect, and their influence effect on symptoms such as interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation belongs to a small effect. The effects of physical and mental exercises on the middle-aged people is greater than that of the old people for symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, and hostility, which belongs to a small-to-medium effect. For the symptoms such as somatization, anxiety, and paranoid ideation, the influence effect of physical and mental exercises on the old is greater than that of the middle-aged, which belongs to a small-to-medium effect. The effects of physical and mental exercises for 45-60 minutes each time, 3 times a week, lasting 12-20 weeks on the middle-aged and old for symptoms such as somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation is significant, which belongs to a small-to-medium effect. The effects of Tai Chi exercise on somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoia and other symptoms of middle-aged and elderly people were small to medium. ConclusionPhysical and mental exercises have a small-to-medium effect on the middle-aged and old people for the symptoms such as somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, and paranoid ideation, but they have no significant effect on psychosis.
Perceptions Towards COVID-19 and Adoption of Preventive Measures Among the Public in Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Alkhaldi Ghadah , Aljuraiban Ghadeer S. , Alhurishi Sultana , De Souza Roberta , Lamahewa Kethakie , Lau Rosa , Alshaikh Fahdah 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Effective management of the spread of a novel infectious disease, such as the COVID-19 virus can be achieved through influencing people’s behavior to adopt preventive measures. The public’s perceptions and attitudes towards the virus, governmental guidance and preventive measures were unknown in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: Identify the anxiety level, risk perception, information sources, adoption of preventive measures, and ability and willingness to self-isolate during and post-lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigate socio-demographic factors associated with adoption of preventive measures against COVID-19 and self-isolation.Method: Between April 22nd and June 21st 2020, Saudi adults aged ≥18 years completed an open web-based survey including questions on anxiety level, COVID-19 risk perceptions and adoption of preventive measures. Weighted percentages, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression were applied to evaluate associations between these factors and socio-demographic variables. Results: A total of 2,393 respondents filled-out the survey with around (27.2%) aged 35-44 years old. Around 11% of the respondents reported high anxiety level, 74% were worried about the COVID-19 outbreak, and of those, 27% reported that it is likely that they will be infected with COVID-19 with 16% believing it will be life-threatening or severe. Adoption of hygiene practices and social distancing were lower among older (65+ years) compared to younger (18-24 years) respondents (OR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.28, OR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.27), respectively. Around 88% reported being able and 82% willing to self-isolate. Those with the lowest gross household income and those with at least one flu symptom were less able and willing to self-isolate. A significant increase was reported in levels of anxiety, perceived effectiveness of social distancing and hygiene practices in the post-lockdown period compared to the lockdown. Conclusions: The study reported high levels of adoption of preventive measures and willingness and perceived ability to self-isolate during the early phase of the pandemic. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, and those with low socio-economic status reported lower adoption of preventive measures or ability and willingness to self-isolate. Tailored public health messages and interventions are needed to achieve high adherence to these preventive measures in these groups.
Biosynthesis of Fluorescent Silver Nanoparticles From Leea Coccinea Leaves and Their Antibacterial Potentialities Against Xanthomonas Phaseoli Pv Phaseoli
Authors: Novelles María del Carmen Travieso , Ortega Annie Rubio , Pita Beatriz Alvarez , López Mylene Corzo , Pérez Lianet Díaz , Medina Emilio Acosta , Pérez Oriela Pino 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (SNP) from plants is a simple, fast and environmentally safe route. In the present study, the aqueous extract of fresh leaves from Leea coccinea L. was evaluated as a possible source of reducing and stabilizing agents to obtain SNP. The synthesized SNP were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Visible spectrophotometry and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron and Confocal microscopies and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against to Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli using the agar diffusion methods. The results showed that the evaluated extract was promising for the green synthesis of the SNP, which were visually identified by the formation of a dark brown complex and by the presence of a peak of maximum absorption at 470 nm in a UV-VIS spectrum. FTIR spectrum of SNP showed main characteristic signals of aromatic compounds, carboxylic group between others confirmed through phytochemical screening that evidenced the presence of flavonoids, phenols, leucoanthocyanidins, terpenes and steroids groups. Fluorescents SNP with high degree of agglomeration were visualized by microscopies technical used. A promissory antibacterial activity of SNP was demonstrated by a zone of inhibition of the microbial growing. These results suggest the need to go deeper in the physical-chemical characterization and kinetic studies and the biological evaluation to make possible the use of this vegetable source to future develop of antibacterial formulations to the bean seeds protection.
A neotype nomogram based on accessible clinical indicators to predict the overall survival of esophageal cancer patients underwent radical resection
Authors: Li Xinye , Xu Jinming , Zhu Linhai , Yang Sijia , Yu Li , Lv Wang , Hu Jian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is a malignant tumor with dreadful mortality, nomogram is a prognosis tool of great significance in therapeutic guidance and assessment. We aimed to establish a newly-built nomogram for OS prediction of EC patients with radical esophagectomy.Methods: A total of 311 EC patients underwent radical esophagectomy were retrospectively investigated with their survival and demographic and clinicopathological data. Patients were randomly divided into the primary and validation cohorts. The establishment of nomogram was based on Cox hazard regression analysis in primary cohort, the calibration curves and Harrell’s concordance index were performed to verify the predictive accuracy while ROC curves was adopted to reflect the efficacy of nomogram. Kaplan–Meier curves showed the clinical significance of risk classification system and Pearson correlation test was utilized to show the correlation between risk classification system and TNM staging.Results: The median OS and 5-year survival rate are 44 months and 29.8% in primary cohort. In validation cohort, they are 52 months and 27.1%, respectively. In Cox hazard regression analysis, we extracted six independent prognostic factors—age, gender, AGR, PRL, N stage, PNI—to establish the nomogram. The C-index of nomogram is 0.75 in primary cohort and 0.70 in validation cohort. Calibration curves indicated high consistency between accurate and predicted OS in both primary and validation cohorts. ROC curves showed a better efficacy of nomogram compared with AJCC T and N stage. The area under curve (AUC) of primary cohort is 0.801 and 0.727 in validation cohort. Patients in primary cohort were divided into three risk groups according to the nomogram score, the median OS between each group was significantly different. Analogical results were obtained in validation cohort. Furthermore, the risk classification system was strongly correlated to AJCC TNM staging system in total cohort (r2=0.647, P<0.001), and it also demonstrated a better OS prediction efficacy (AUC=0.742).Conclusions: We established a neotype nomogram and a relevant risk classification system with verified accuracy and efficacy in OS prediction of EC patients after radical esophagectomy. They may provide feasible value in prognosis assessment and treatment guidance prospectively.
Analysis of Watershed Characteristics and Spatial Soil Loss Estimation: A case Fincha Watershed, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Debela Seifu Kebede , Fufa Fekadu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Characteristics of watershed were not well investigated as global also in Fincha, Ethiopia. Fincha watershed is the most erosion prone area in the highlands of Ethiopia towards to Fincha dam.Therefore, the aim of this study was toanalysisFincha watershed characteristics based on land use/cover, soil type and slope classification and to identify soil erosionpronearea using Arc-GIS and Arc-SWAT model.Accordingly, nine major land use/covers were identified. Those were:- bush land, dominantly cultivated, moderately cultivated, irrigated land, grass land, water bodies, swamp area, urban and woodland open. From these most part of the catchment was under cultivation with 67.677% of the total area. In the same way, the major soil types identified were: - chromic luvisols, chromic vertisols, dystric cambisols, eutric cambisols, eutric nitosols, eutric regosols, haplic phaeozems, humic cambisols and water. Cambisols were covered the highest percentage, 39.98% area of the catchment.Subsequently, average annual values of estimated soil lossfrom the catchment was231.2 ton/ha.The identified prone erosion areas were sub-basins 1, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20. It was very critical for environmentalists, hydrologists, agricultural experts, watershed managements and concerned decision makers for sustainable water resource projects and environmental protection system. Therefore, further detail investigation and appropriate watershed management practices should be given for these subbasins.