bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of health services by adults in Manaus, 2019
Authors: Silva Marcus Tolentino , Nunes Bruno Pereira , Galvao Tais Freire 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Health services utilization is an indirect measure of the rights and equity of a health system. A 2015 survey conducted in the Manaus metropolitan region showed that in the previous year, over 70% of adults visited the doctor and 1 in 3 had visited a dentist. Socioeconomic factors and inequality played a central role in the usage of healthcare services and health situation in this population. Since then, political and economic crisis are evolving in Brazil. This project aims to estimate the prevalence of use of health services and the health status of the adults residing in Manaus in 2019.

Methods and analysis:
This is a population-based survey of adults (≥18 years old) residing in Manaus. This survey will be conducted in the first half of 2019 with 2300 participants who will be interviewed at home, selected from a probabilistic sampling in 3 stages (census tracts, household, and dweller), and stratified by sex and age quotas based on official estimates. The participants will be interviewed using previously validated tools and questions employed in Brazilian official surveys, which will cover use of health services and supplies, health status, and lifestyle. Primary outcome will be any healthcare usage in the last 15 days. Associations between health services usage and socioeconomic data and health outcomes will be assessed using a Poisson regression with a complex sampling design correction. Results will be reported according to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology statement.

Ethics and dissemination:
This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. All participants will sign an informed consent before the interview. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, conference presentations, and through the media.
Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China, 2005–2017
Authors: Tao Ning-Ning , Li Yi-Fan , Wang Shan-Shan , Liu Yun-Xia , Liu Jin-Yue , Song Wan-Mei , Liu Yao , Geng Hong , Li Huai-Chen 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and gained insight into the future TB control plan in China.
We extracted epidemiological, clinical, and geographic data from TB prevention and control institutions in 6 cities of Shandong province, China, during 2005 to 2017.
Among 224,480 diagnosed PTB, rural residents accounted for 93%, smear-positive PTB 52%, and new cases 92%. The incidence rate of overall PTB declined from 40.8 to 26.25 per 100,000 during 2005 to 2017. Except smear-negative PTB (7.57–19.87 per 100,000), the incidence of smear-positive PTB and all that stratified by age, sex, and treatment history decreased. With 80% reduction, the incidence of smear-positive PTB (6.38 per 100,000) and relapse cases (1.01 per 100,000) were already very low in 2017.
With persistent efforts to combat TB, the disease burden had shifted from smear-positive PTB to smear-negative PTB. While new cases need continuous attention, further reducing the incidence of smear-negative PTB and elderly patients may have a greater impact on future TB control.
The association between serum uric acid level and changes of MRI findings in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Xiao Lu , Lin Shudian , Zhan Feng 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine whether Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of knee osteoarthritis (OA) had an association with the level of serum uric acid (SUA). The MRI of the OA patients from June 2015 to July 2017 were studied. The patients fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: 1) meet American College of Rheumatology (ACR) radiological and clinical criteria for OA of the knee, 2) age ≤ 65years old, 3) Body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2. Patients with OA were categorized into two groups based on the level of SUA. Patients with SUA level lower than 360 umol/L were recruited into the first group and the others were the second group. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for SUA level and different MRI patterns were estimated with multivariable logistic regression.71 patients were included in this research. The mean age of the first group was 54.5 ± 8.4 and the second group was 55.6 ± 6.4. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of two groups was 22.7 ± 1.3 and 23.23 ± 1.9 separately. The mean SUA and creatinine (CR) level of the second group were 433.8 ± 70.6 umol/L and 80.1 ± 23.9 umol/L. There were statistically more focal erosions, osteophytes, bone marrow lesions and synovitis in the MRIs of the second group. A positive association between SUA level and synovitis as well as soft tissue swelling in MRIs was observed in patients with knee OA (OR = 1.017; 1.008, 95% CI: 1.007–1.028; 1.000–1.016). In conclusion, subjects with higher SUA level were more likely to have MRI abnormalities. OA patients need to lower their SUA level in order to keep the disease from progressing.
Dexamethasone Reduces Postoperative Nausea in Pediatric Upper Endoscopy With Deep Sedation
Authors: Moheimani Hamed , Yaseri Mehdi 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTObjectives:We aimed to evaluate the effect of a single dose of preoperative dexamethasone on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), a frequent complication and a major cause of delayed recovery in pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) under sedation.Methods:In this double‐blind randomized controlled study, 98 children aged 2 to 14, with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I to II, and undergoing elective UGIE with deep sedation were included and randomly assigned to 2 groups. Preoperatively, after anesthesia induction with sodium thiopental and maintenance with sevoflurane, patients in the intervention (n = 49) and control (n = 49) groups, respectively received 0.1 mg/kg i.v. dexamethasone and 2 cm3 i.v. 0.9% saline. Postoperatively, PONV incidence was measured as the primary outcome.Results:PONV incidence was significantly less in dexamethasone group (8.2%) compared to the control group (26.5%) (difference = 18.3%, 95% confidence interval: 3.4%−33%, P = 0.016). For secondary outcomes, between‐group differences were not statistically significant: incidence of bronchospasm or laryngospasm (both 4.1%, P = 1); emergence delirium assessed with Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (5.9 ± 3.4 vs 5.7 ± 3.2, P = 0.751); Modified Aldrete score at 0 minutes (9.4 ± 0.8 vs 9.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.909) and at 5 minutes (9.5 ± 0.7 vs 9.4 ± 0.9, P = 0.527); and recovery time (21.1 ± 6.6 vs 23.4 ± 8.6 minutes, P = 0.130).Conclusions:A single preoperative dose of i.v. dexamethasone reduces PONV in children undergoing elective UGIE with deep sedation, but has no significant effect on the patient recovery time or the incidence of postoperative bronchospasm or laryngospasm and emergence delirium.
Preserved wake-dependent cortical excitability dynamics predict cognitive fitness beyond age-related brain alterations
Authors: Van Egroo Maxime , Narbutas Justinas , Chylinski Daphne , Villar González Pamela , Ghaemmaghami Pouya , Muto Vincenzo , Schmidt Christina , Gaggioni Giulia , Besson Gabriel , Pépin Xavier , Tezel Elif , Marzoli Davide , Goff Caroline Le , Cavalier Etienne , Luxen André , Salmon Eric , Maquet Pierre , Bahri Mohamed A. , Phillips Christophe , Bastin Christine , Collette Fabienne , Vandewalle Gilles 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAge-related cognitive decline arises from alterations in brain integrity as well as in sleep-wake regulation. Here, we investigated whether preserved sleep-wake regulation of cortical function during wakefulness could represent a positive factor for cognitive fitness in aging, independently of early age-related changes in brain structure. We quantified cortical excitability dynamics during prolonged wakefulness as a sensitive marker of age-related alteration in sleep-wake regulation in 60 healthy older individuals (50-69y; 42 women). Brain structural integrity was assessed with amyloid-beta- and tau-PET, and with MRI. Participants’ cognition was extensively investigated. We show that individuals with preserved cortical excitability dynamics exhibit better cognitive performance, particularly in the executive domain, which is essential to successful cognitive aging. Critically, this association remained significant after accounting for brain integrity measures. Preserved dynamics of basic brain function during wakefulness could be essential to cognitive fitness in aging, independently from age-related brain structural modifications that can ultimately lead to dementia.
Altered Hippocampal-Prefrontal Neural Dynamics in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome
Authors: Chang Pishan , Bush Daniel , Schorge Stephanie , Good Mark , Canonica Tara , Shing Nathanael , Noy Suzanna , Wiseman Frances K. , Burgess Neil , Tybulewicz Victor L.J. , Walker Matthew C. , Fisher Elizabeth M.C. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryAltered neural dynamics in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus may contribute to cognitive impairments in the complex chromosomal disorder, Down Syndrome (DS). Here, we demonstrate non-overlapping behavioural differences associated with distinct abnormalities in hippocampal and mPFC electrophysiology during a canonical spatial memory task in three partially trisomic mouse models of DS (Dp1Tyb, Dp10Yey, Dp17Yey) that together cover all regions of homology with human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). Dp1Tyb mice showed slower decision-making (unrelated to the gene dose of DYRK1A, which has been implicated in DS cognitive dysfunction) and altered theta dynamics (reduced frequency, increased hippocampal-mPFC coherence, increased modulation of hippocampal high gamma); Dp10Yey mice showed impaired alternation performance and reduced theta modulation of hippocampal low gamma; while Dp17Yey mice were no different from wildtype mice. These results link specific hippocampal and mPFC circuit dysfunctions to cognitive deficits in DS models and, importantly, map them to discrete regions of Hsa21.
Stability of Thin-Film Metallization in Flexible Stimulation Electrodes: Analysis and Improvement of in vivo Performance
Authors: Čvančara Paul , Boretius Tim , López-Álvarez Víctor M. , Maciejasz Pawel , Andreu David , Raspopovic Stanisa , Petrini Francesco , Micera Silvestro , Granata Giuseppe , Fernandez Eduardo , Rossini Paolo M. , Yoshida Ken , Jensen Winnie , Divoux Jean-Louis , Guiraud David , Navarro Xavier , Stieglitz Thomas 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTMicro-fabricated neural interfaces based on polyimide (PI) are achieving increasing importance in translational research. The ability to produce well-defined micro-structures with properties that include chemical inertness, mechanical flexibility and low water uptake are key advantages for these devices. This paper reports the development of the transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) used to deliver intraneural sensory feedback to an upper-limb amputee in combination with a sensorized hand prosthesis. A first-in-human study limited to 30 days was performed. About 90 % of the stimulation contact sites of the TIMEs maintained electrical functionality and stability during the full implant period. However, optical analysis post-explantation revealed that 62.5 % of the stimulation contacts showed signs of mechanical damage at the metallization-PI interface. Such damage likely occurred due to handling during explantation and subsequent analysis, since a significant change in impedance was not observed in vivo. Nevertheless, whereas device integrity is mandatory for long-term functionality in chronic implantation, measures to increase the bonding strength of the metallization-PI interface deserve further investigation. We report here that silicon carbide (SiC) is an effective adhesion-promoting layer resisting heavy electrical stimulation conditions in vivo. Optical analysis of the new electrodes revealed that the metallization remained unaltered after delivering over 14 million pulses in vivo without signs of delamination at the metallization-PI interface. Reliable adhesion of thin-film metallization to substrate has been proven using SiC, improving the potential transfer of micro-fabricated neural electrodes for chronic clinical applications.
Anaesthesia with diethyl ether impairs jasmonate signalling in the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Authors: Pavlovič Andrej , Libiaková Michaela , Bokor Boris , Jakšová Jana , Petřík Ivan , Novák Ondřej , Baluška František 
Published: May 2019

SummaryGeneral anaesthetics are compounds that induce loss of responsiveness to environmental stimuli in animals and humans. The primary site of general anaesthetic action is the nervous system, where anaesthetics inhibit neuronal transmission. Although plants do not have neurons, they generate electrical signals in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we investigated the effect of the general volatile anaesthetic diethyl ether on the ability to sense potential prey or herbivore attacks in the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). We monitored trap movement, electrical signalling, phytohormone accumulation and gene expression in response to the mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs and wounding under diethyl ether treatment. Diethyl ether completely inhibited the generation of action potentials and trap closing reactions, which were easily and rapidly restored when the anaesthetic was removed. Diethyl ether also inhibited the later response: jasmonate (JA) accumulation and expression of JA-responsive genes. However, external application of JA bypassed the inhibited action potentials and restored gene expression under diethyl ether anaesthesia, indicating that downstream reactions from JA are not inhibited. Thus, the Venus flytrap cannot sense prey or a herbivore attack under diethyl ether treatment. This is an intriguing parallel to the effect of anaesthesia on animals and humans.HighlightCarnivorous plant Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is unresponsive to insect prey or herbivore attack due to impaired electrical and jasmonate signalling under general anaesthesia induced by diethyl ether.
Group B meningococcal outer membrane protein vaccine promote potent anti-viral effect
Authors: Smith Web , Smith John 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis report demonstrates a novel method to explore and evaluate the specific humoral/cellular immune response levels and immunoprotective effects of NMB0315 nucleic acid vaccine, recombinant protein vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine + recombinant protein vaccine in combination with mice, and to further explore the effective immunization method for NMB0315 vaccine. This route provides experimental basis. Nucleic acid vaccines [pcDNA3 1(+) / NMB0315] and recombinant protein vaccines (pET 30a / NMB0315) were prepared in large quantities, and immunologically or separately immunized female BALB/c mice were determined by nucleic acid priming protein boosting method. The specific humoral/cell immune response level, the in vitro bactericidal titer of immune serum, and the immunoprotective effect of the vaccine on mice infected with group B meningococcus were observed. Serum-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and genital lavage fluids induced by NMB0315 nucleic acid vaccine group (pNMB0315 CpG), protein vaccine group (rNMB0315 FA) and combined immunization group (pNMB0315 CpG+rNMB0315 FA). The specific sIgA level reached the peak in the eighth week, and the A450 values were in vitro, and the in vitro bactericidal antibody titers of the nucleic acid vaccine group, the protein vaccine group and the combined immunization group were 1, 64, 1128, respectively. The immune protection rate of experimental mice were 70%, 95% and 80%, respectively. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, the ratio of IgG2a / IgG1 in the nucleic acid vaccine group, the recombinant protein vaccine group, and the combined immunization vaccine group was less than 1.
The human UDP-galactose 4’-epimerase (GALE) is required for cell surface glycome structure and function
Authors: Broussard Alex , Florwick Alyssa , Desbiens Chelsea , Nischan Nicole , Robertson Corrina , Guan Ziqiang , Kohler Jennifer J. , Wells Lance , Boyce Michael 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTGlycan biosynthesis relies on nucleotide-sugars (NS), abundant metabolites that serve as monosaccharide donors for glycosyltransferases.In vivo, signal-dependent fluctuations in NS levels are required to maintain normal cell physiology and are dysregulated in disease, but how mammalian cells regulate NS levels and pathway flux remains largely uncharacterized. To address this knowledge gap, we examined uridine diphosphate (UDP)-galactose 4’-epimerase (GALE), which interconverts two pairs of essential NSs. GALE deletion in human cells triggered major imbalances in its substrate NSs and consequent dramatic changes in glycolipids and glycoproteins, including a subset of integrins and the Fas death receptor. NS dysregulation also directly impacted cell signaling, as GALE−/−cells exhibit Fas hypoglycosylation and hypersensitivity to Fas ligand-induced apoptosis. Our results reveal a new role for GALE-mediated NS regulation in supporting death receptor signaling and may have implications for the molecular etiology of illnesses characterized by NS imbalances, including galactosemia and metabolic syndrome.
NONLINEAR NEURAL NETWORK DYNAMICS ACCOUNTS FOR HUMAN CONFIDENCE IN A SEQUENCE OF PERCEPTUAL DECISIONS
Authors: Berlemont Kevin , Martin Jean-Rémy , Sackur Jérôme , Nadal Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTElectrophysiological recordings during perceptual decision tasks in monkeys suggest that the degree of confidence in a decision is based on a simple neural signal produced by the neural decision process. Attractor neural networks provide an appropriate biophysical modeling framework, and account for the experimental results very well. However, it remains unclear whether attractor neural networks can account for confidence reports in humans. We present the results from an experiment in which participants are asked to perform an orientation discrimination task, followed by a confidence judgment. Here we show that an attractor neural network model quantitatively reproduces, for each participant, the relations between accuracy, response times and confidence. We show that the attractor neural network also accounts for confidence-specific sequential effects observed in the experiment (participants are faster on trials following high confidence trials). Remarkably, this is obtained as an inevitable outcome of the network dynamics, without any feedback specific to the previous decision (that would result in, e.g., a change in the model parameters before the onset of the next trial). Our results thus suggest that a metacognitive process such as confidence in one’s decision is linked to the intrinsically nonlinear dynamics of the decision-making neural network.
Family and caregivers’ experience of mental illness in migrants with intellectual disability – reflections on practice
Authors: Hellerud Jane Margrete Askeland , Bakken Trine Lise 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the families’ and professional caregivers’ experience of mental health services for patients in the migrant population with intellectual disability (ID).

Design/methodology/approach
To highlight this rarely studied topic, the authors chose a qualitative approach, using a semi-structured interview guide. The authors performed a search for relevant articles. Three families of former patients of a specialized psychiatric inpatient unit and 12 professional caregivers were interviewed. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis.

Findings
In total, 17 themes from the families’ answers and 14 themes from the caregivers’ answers were grouped into four main themes each. Two main themes were identical for both groups: perspectives on mental illness and “the Norwegian system.” Additionally, the families were concerned about the impact on the patient and family and coping strategies. The caregivers highlighted patient–caregiver interaction and family–caregiver interaction.

Research limitations/implications
Further research should include the patients’ opinions based on the findings of this study. Also, studies including larger samples from both specialist services and community services are needed to develop evidence-based services for these patients.

Practical implications
Proposed adaptations to enable assessment and treatment of mental illness in migrants with ID should be adapted to cultural preferences. The following adaptations are proposed: inclusion of the entire family, awareness of cultural dimensions, information about the health care system, education in mental illness, the use of interpreters and adequate time spent with the families.

Originality/value
Mental health services for this group are an understudied topic. Clinical experience indicates that professionals struggle when providing services for such patients.
Country-level corporate governance and foreign direct investment in Africa
Authors: Agyemang Otuo Serebour , Gbettey Christopher , Gatsi John Gartchie , Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the link between country-level corporate governance and foreign direct investment in African economies for the period 2009-2015.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use annual panel data of 40 African economies over the period of the study and use the system generalized method of moments (GMM) to establish the relationship between country-level corporate governance and foreign direct investment.FindingsThe authors find that African economies characterized by firms with high ethical values tend to attract a great deal of foreign direct investment. In addition, they highlight that when an economy is associated with effective corporate boards, it tends to attract much foreign direct investment. Further, this study reveals that the level of minority shareholders’ interests’ protection in an economy has a significant positive relationship with foreign direct investment. Finally, they document a negative relationship between effectiveness of regulation of securities and exchanges and foreign direct investment.Practical implicationsIt is advised that sound and implementable corporate governance structures devoid of political interferences should be put in place in African economies, if the aim of using foreign direct investment to mitigate poverty by 2015 as part of the Millennium Development Goals is to be attained.Originality/valueEmpiricists have devoted considerable effort to estimate the factors that influence the level of foreign direct investment into African economies without taking into consideration the corporate governance structures in these economies. However, this paper seeks to examine the relationship between country-level corporate governance structures and foreign direct investment in African economies.