bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repositioning traditional birth attendants to provide improved maternal healthcare services in rural Ghana
Authors: Haruna Umar , Kansanga Moses M. , Bagah Daniel A. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryFollowing the World Health Organization's recommendation for developing countries to discontinue the use of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in rural areas, the government of Ghana banned TBAs from offering maternal health care services. Since this ban, community‐level conflicts have intensified between TBAs, (who still see themselves as legitimate culturally mandated traditional midwives) and nurses. In this articles, we propose a partnership model for a sustainable resolution of these conflicts. This article emanates from the apparent ideological discontent between people from mainstream medical practice who advocate for the complete elimination of TBAs in the maternal health service space and individuals who argue for the inclusion of TBAs in the health sector given the shortage of skilled birth attendants and continued patronage of their services by rural women even in context where nurses are available. In the context of the longstanding manpower deficit in the health sector in Ghana, improving maternal healthcare in rural communities will require harnessing all locally available human resources. This cannot be achieved by “throwing out” a critical group of actors who have been involved in health‐care provision for many decades. We propose a win‐win approach that involve retraining of TBAs, partnership with health practitioners, and task shifting.
Assessment of nationwide emergency systems in Thailand, a middle‐income country setting with UHC
Authors: Suriyawongpaisal Paibul , Atiksawedparit Pongsakorn , Srithamrongsawad Samrit , Thongtan Thanita 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundEvidence has been limited regarding broader emergency systems assessment in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The aim of the present study was to provide the empirical evidence of Thai emergency department (ED) workforce vis‐à‐vis workload on a national scale, the availability of services for selected high‐priority health burdens, and the governance obstacles in addressing the workforce management.MethodOne hundred thirty public Thai EDs that provide 24‐hour emergency medical care were identified across Thailand as meeting the inclusion criteria. The mailed questionnaires were administered to collect data related to the objectives of the research study.ResultResponses were received from 91 of 130 (70%) hospitals. The median number of patients visiting hospital EDs was 51 221 per year with 32.8% considered nonurgent (ESI levels 4‐5). University hospital EDs were staffed with a higher number of ER professionals than EDs of service‐based secondary care and tertiary care hospitals under Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). Almost all hospitals expressed concerns about the deficiency of doctors and nurses especially emergency physician (EP) and emergency nurses. The percentage of hospitals reporting the availability of coronary artery catheterization (34%) and thrombolytic infusion for acute thrombotic stroke (24%) was limited. The governance obstacles to manage emergency systems were considered.ConclusionED staffing seems to positively correlate with workloads except university hospitals, in our study, which may suggest the influence of teaching status on the allocation of the human resource. Among the governance obstacles in ED management, a better response to nonurgent patients requires flexibility for hospitals to set financial disincentives or mobilization and management of human resources.
Applying Climate Adaptation Strategies for Improvement of Management Indexes of a River–Reservoir Irrigation System†
Authors: Ashofteh Parisa‐Sadat , Rajaee Taher , Golfam Parvin , Chu Xuefeng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAmong the various water users, the agricultural sector is the largest consumer of water in the world. Thus, the implementation of agricultural adaptation strategies is essential for an optimal allocation of water resources in a changing climate. The objective of this study is to examine the changes in management criteria for a multi‐purpose reservoir system and its downstream Gharanghu irrigation network in Iran under climate change. Five management scenarios were evaluated by changing cropping patterns. First, simulations were performed by using HadCM3 (under the A2) for different climatic scenarios to quantify future reservoir inflows and estimate the future downstream demand (2040–2069). The results showed that water resources decreased by 20% and water use increased by 25% compared to the baseline (1971–2000). Then, eight management indexes were calculated based on the water resources and uses simulated by the WEAP model for the future. The indexes were compared for conditions with and without applying the climate adaptation strategies. Results showed that flexibility increased by 19% and vulnerability decreased by 1.7% with demand management and a 5% reduction of water consumption, while flexibility increased by 38% and vulnerability decreased by 28% with a 20% reduction of demand. Applying adaptation strategies in agriculture can significantly reduce the negative effects of climate change. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body Weight and Body Mass Index Influence Bone Mineral Density in Late Adolescence in a Two‐Year Follow‐Up Study. The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures
Authors: Nilsen Ole Andreas , Ahmed Luai Awad , Winther Anne , Christoffersen Tore , Thrane Gyrd , Evensen Elin , Furberg Anne‐Sofie , Grimnes Guri , Dennison Elaine , Emaus Nina 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTDeterminants of bone acquisition in late adolescence and early adulthood are not well‐described. This 2‐year follow‐up study explored the associations of body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and changes in weight status with adolescent bone accretion in a sample of 651 adolescents (355 girls and 296 boys) between 15 and 19 years of age from The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures. This Norwegian population‐based cohort study was conducted from 2010 to 2011 and was repeated from 2012 to 2013. We measured femoral neck, total hip, and total body bone mineral content and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. We measured height, BW, calculated BMI (kg/m
2), and collected information on lifestyle at both surveys. Mean BMI (SD) at baseline was 22.17 (3.76) and 22.18 (3.93) in girls and boys, respectively. Through multiple linear regression, baseline BW and BMI were positively associated with ∆aBMD over 2 years of follow‐up at all skeletal sites in boys (
p < 0.05), but not in girls. ∆BW and ∆BMI predicted ∆aBMD and ∆BMC in both sexes, but the strength of the associations was moderate. Individuals who lost weight during follow‐up demonstrated a slowed progression of aBMD accretion compared with those gaining weight, but loss of BW or reduction of BMI during 2 years was not associated with net loss of aBMD. In conclusion, our results confirm that adequate BW for height in late adolescence is important for bone health. Associations between change in weight status and bone accretion during follow‐up were moderate and unlikely to have any clinical implication on adolescents of normal weight. Underweight individuals, particularly boys, are at risk of not reaching optimal peak bone mass and could benefit from an increase in BMI. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Efficacy of three filgrastim‐intended copies for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in healthy adult and pediatric donors in Mexico
Authors: Gómez‐De León Andrés , Bugarin‐Estrada Emmanuel , Colunga‐Pedraza Perla R. , Colunga‐Pedraza Julia E. , Salazar‐Riojas Rosario , Valdés‐Galván Mayra , López‐García Yadith K. , López‐Garza Mariana , Gutiérrez‐Aguirre César H. , Cantú‐Rodríguez Olga G. , Mancías‐Guerra Consuelo , González‐Llano Oscar , Gómez‐Almaguer David 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe use of filgrastim biosimilars for healthy adult and pediatric donor mobilization in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been met with increased safety and efficacy concerns in contrast to generic small molecule drugs. In Mexico, several filgrastim‐intended copies (FIC) have been available and marketed since 2001, while no clinical comparability studies to evaluate their use in this setting have been published and thus are not considered to be true biosimilars. In this study, we report our experience using three different FIC products currently available (Filatil, Dextrifyl, and Biofilgran).MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 118 related donors of all ages who received any brand 5 μg/kg subcutaneously twice daily for 4 days and were harvested in a single apheresis system on day 5.ResultsDonors had a median age of 38 years (range, 1‐69). A successful harvest defined as ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg of recipient weight was achieved in 95.8% of cases, with a median CD34+ cell dose of 9.4 × 106/kg (range 1‐42.8). A single apheresis session was performed in 89.8% of cases. No significant difference in cell yield between each brand was observed. All pediatric donors had a successful harvest with similar results to adult donors. No immediate severe adverse effects were documented in any case.ConclusionsIn conclusion, three FICs available in Mexico were efficacious and without immediate severe adverse effects, resulting in significant cost savings. Evaluation of immunogenicity and establishment of a pharmacovigilance program with the use of FICs is warranted.
Amine‐based cationic surfactants: synthesis and utilization of their physical properties to prepare liposomes
Authors: Cho Jung‐Eun , Shin Hye‐Rin , Jeong Noh‐Hee 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDLiposomes were prepared from cationic surfactants synthesized using three amines, namely triethylamine (TEA), tripropylamine (TPA) and tributylamine (TBA), and their antimicrobial activities were examined. The structures of the synthesized cationic surfactants were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.RESULTSThe critical micelle concentration and surface tension of the surfactants were in the ranges 1.9 × 10−3–8.1 × 10−4 mol L−1 and 16.2–25.7 dyn cm−1, respectively. The resulting maximum surface excess concentration and minimum area per molecule were also reported. In addition, the foaming power and emulsion stability of the three synthesized surfactant types were measured. For the liposomes prepared using these surfactants, longer alkyl chains corresponded to larger‐sized clean zones. TEA‐16, TPA‐16 and TBA‐16 showed strong antimicrobial activity.CONCLUSIONAn easy synthetic method for cationic surfactants from TEA, TPA and TBA has been reported. By comparing the measured surfactant physical properties corresponding to the alkyl chain lengths of the three amines, it was determined that the clean area per molecule increased with increasing amine chain length. Liposomes were also synthesized using the cationic surfactants, and their associated antimicrobial properties were studied for application as future antimicrobial substances. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Age‐related reproduction of female Mongolian racerunners (Eremias argus; Lacertidae): Evidence of reproductive senescence
Authors: Ma Li , Guo Kun , Su Shan , Lin Long‐Hui , Xia Yuan , Ji Xiang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe reproductive maturation hypothesis, the terminal investment hypothesis, and the senescence hypothesis are the most extensively evaluated hypotheses proposed to explain age‐related patterns of reproduction in iteroparous organisms. Here, we evaluated these hypotheses for the Mongolian racerunner (Eremias argus), a short‐lived lacertid lizard, by comparing reproductive traits between females that completed reproductive cycles under the same laboratory conditions in two consecutive years (2008 and 2009). Reproductive females gained linear size (snout‐vent length) not only as they got 1 year older but also during the breeding season. Larger females generally laid eggs earlier and invested more in reproduction than did smaller ones. Females switched from laying smaller eggs in the first clutch to larger eggs in the subsequent clutches but kept clutch size and postpartum body mass constant between successive clutches in a breeding season and between years. Females that laid more clutches or eggs in 2008 did not lay fewer clutches or eggs in 2009. Of the traits examined, only clutch frequency, annual fecundity, and annual reproductive output were susceptible to ageing. Specifically, the clutch frequency was reduced by 1.1 clutches, annual fecundity by 3.1 eggs and annual reproductive output by 1.0 g in 2009 compared with 2008. Our results suggest that the reproductive maturation hypothesis better explains patterns of reproduction in young or prime‐aged females of E. argus, whereas the senescence hypothesis better explains reproductive patterns in old females. The terminal investment hypothesis does not apply to any trait examined because no trait value was maximized in old females.
Metformin ameliorates experimental diabetic periodontitis independently of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition by reducing NIMA‐related kinase 7 (Nek7) expression
Authors: Zhou Xinyi , Zhang Peng , Wang Qian , Ji Ning , Xia Sisi , Ding Yi , Wang Qi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundMetformin, a classical treatment for diabetes mellitus, has shown sound anti‐inflammatory effects. Emerging studies have focused on the mechanism underlying inflammation‐related diabetic complications, such as diabetic periodontitis. Herein, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of metformin on the NIMA‐related kinase 7 (Nek7)/nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway both in vivo and in vitro in experimental diabetic periodontitis.MethodsAll procedures were conducted in Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)‐infected streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated RAW 264.7 cells under high‐glucose conditions. A range of techniques were performed in this study: microcomputed tomography, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to analyze periodontal tissues. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was for serum interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) detection. Specific pharmacological inhibition was used to stimulate cells. Flow cytometry was implemented to analyze cell cycle.ResultsWe found that metformin treatment can robustly ameliorate periodontal infection and tissue destruction and reduce blood glucose and serum IL‐1β levels in mice with diabetic periodontitis. Moreover, gingival tissue exhibited less macrophage infiltration and decreased expression of Nek7, NLRP3, caspase‐1, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which were simultaneously observed in RAW 264.7 cell models stimulated with metformin. Metformin also affected the cell cycle in a dose‐dependent way. Furthermore, after stimulation with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, additional metformin treatment could still downregulate Nek7/NLRP3.ConclusionsOur research indicated that metformin significantly attenuated experimental diabetic periodontitis both in vivo and in vitro. Metformin suppressed the inflammatory state by inhibiting Nek7 expression to decrease NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Interestingly, mTOR inhibition was not involved in metformin‐induced Nek7 downregulation. The observed Nek7 reduction could be related to metformin‐mediated cell cycle arrest.
Magnetic mesoporous polyimide composite for efficient extraction of Rhodamine B in food samples
Authors: Hu Kai , Cheng Jiamin , Lu Binbin , Zhao Wenjie , Dong Chunhong , Yang Huaixia , Huang Yanjie , Zhang Shusheng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA core‐shell structured magnetic polyimide composite has been synthesized by the covalent coating of a mesoporous polyimide polymer onto the surface of magnetite nanoparticles. The nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms, X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The results showed that the prepared composite had a large surface area (306.45 m²/g), a unique pore size (2.15 nm), and strong magnetic properties (45.7 emμ/g), rendering it a promising sorbent material for magnetic solid‐phase extraction. The parameters that affect the extraction efficiency of rhodamine B were optimized with the assistance of response surface methodology. Under the optimal conditions, the developed method has been successfully applied to determine the rhodamine B in food samples. The linearities and limits of detection of rhodamine B in hot pepper, red wine, and chili powder samples were measured. Satisfactory recoveries in the range of 94.8–103.3% with relative standard deviations <5.5% were obtained. Investigation of the adsorption mechanism of magnetic polyimide composite indicated that multiple interactions, including hydrophobic, π‐π, and hydrogen bonding interactions, were involved in the adsorption process.
Use of a Real‐Time Stress Map for Assessment of Applied Stress for Strain Elastography: Utility in Training and Computation of Strain Ratios
Authors: Barr Richard G. , Nikolov Svetoslav Ivanov 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesThere is a significant learning curve in strain elastography. Uniform appropriate levels of stress must be applied for accurate elastograms. If the stress is not applied appropriately, inaccurate results will be obtained, particularly when strain ratios are being estimated. This paper describes a new technique which allows the real‐time visualization of the applied stress with a color‐coded stress map. The potential use of this map is discussed.MethodsTen patients (5 breast, 5 thyroid) and phantoms were scanned using the stress map. The stress applied was varied and the resultant change in the strain image evaluated.ResultsThe stress map was able to document if appropriate stress was applied when performing strain elastography. When inappropriate stress was applied or physiological process effected the strain image the stress map demonstrated the areas of inaccurate measurements in the stress map.ConclusionsThe display of a stress map that depicts the degree and uniformity of applied stress would be helpful both for training of the appropriate technique, for confirming that the elastogram is appropriate for evaluation, and that strain ratio estimates are accurate.
Modeling vertical gradients in water columns: A parametric autoregressive approach
Authors: Pujoni Diego G. F. , Brighenti Ludmila S. , Bezerra‐Neto José F. , Barbosa Francisco A. R. , Assunção Renato M. , Maia‐Barbosa Paulina M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVertical gradients (e.g., water temperature and density) are a measurable expression of the potential energy of a water body, which is a fundamental driver for biogeochemical processes in aquatic ecosystems. Seasonal vertical stratification is typically described by the mixed layer and thermocline depths, and these metrics are often estimated through visual assessment of graphical plots or using numerical methods. The most widely used numerical method estimates the derivative of temperature (or density) along the depth, but it is sensitive both to profile data resolution and presence of nonconforming observations. In this study, we propose a new method of modeling vertical gradients using a four‐parameter sigmoidal function, including temporal autocorrelation. The parameters were estimated through Bayesian nonlinear regression with conditional autoregressive errors. The proposed method provides a quantitative and automated way to estimate the mixed layer and thermocline depths even for data profiles with a poor resolution. It also showed good performance against high‐frequency measurement data.
Chronic Kidney Disease After Liver Transplantation: Impact of Extended Criteria Grafts
Authors: Kalisvaart Marit , Schlegel Andrea , Trivedi Palak J. , Roberts Keith , Mirza Darius F. , Perera Thamara , Isaac John I. , Ferguson James , de Jonge Jeroen , Muiesan Paolo 
Published: April 2019

The use of extended criteria donor (ECD) grafts has been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver transplantation. However, the relation between graft quality and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the impact of ECD grafts for CKD after liver transplantation. All patients (2007‐2015) transplanted for end‐stage liver disease at our center were assessed. Longterm kidney function was divided into 4 groups: no CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], ≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2), mild CKD (eGFR, 30‐59 mL/minute/1.73 m2), severe CKD (eGFR, 15‐29 mL/minute/1.73 m2), and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Marginal donation after brain death (DBD) grafts (donor age, >70 years; body mass index, >35 kg/m2; cold storage, >12 hours) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) grafts were considered ECD grafts. Overall, 926 patients were included, and 43% received an ECD graft (15% marginal DBD; 28% DCD). After 5 years, 35% developed CKD; severe CKD and ESRD occurred in only 2% and 1%, respectively. CKD rates were comparable for all 3 graft groups (standard group, 36%; marginal DBD group, 29%; DCD group, 35%; standard versus marginal DBD groups, P = 0.16; standard versus DCD group, P = 0.80). None of the ECD criteria were identified as independent risk factors in a Cox regression model for CKD. Risk factors included recipient age, female sex, and preoperative kidney function. Furthermore, recipients who had severe acute kidney injury (AKI; Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stages 2 and 3) had a 1.8‐fold increased risk for CKD. Longterm kidney function of recipients with severe AKI depended on the recovery of kidney function in the first postoperative week. In conclusion, there is no direct relation between the use of ECD grafts and CKD after liver transplantation. However, caution should be taken in recipients who experience severe AKI, regardless of graft type.
Scanning Kelvin probe study of steel/oil interfaces for corrosion evaluation
Authors: Singh Arun Kumar , Rani Nitu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRust preventive oil (RPO) provides temporary protection to steel during storage and transit. Premature failure occurs as surface defects due to inefficient RPO quality. Conventional corrosion tests like salt spray and cyclic corrosion provide minimum information about corrosion mechanism. We applied separately three RPO, named here as A–C, on bearing steels and their corrosion performance was examined by scanning Kelvin probe (SKP). The corrosion potential of samples lowered after oil application. It seems that oil film delayed oxygen reduction reaction. Later, oiled samples were exposed in salt spray test (SST) and again examined by SKP at different time interval. The SKP result showed that oiled sample A corrosion potential increased during SST exposure. Oil A might develop passivity on steel surface. It is also supported by least red rust formed on oiled sample A in SST. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma and chemical analysis of oils were performed to interpret the SKP outcome. Oil A possesses low oxidation peak, low total acid number, and high total base number that signify higher corrosion resistant. Finally, SKP findings are in‐line with the conventional corrosion tests‐salt spray and condensation water tests.