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Santos PM, Dias JM, Bairrada CM. Gamification in marketing: Insights on current and future research directions based on a bibliometric and theories, contexts, characteristics and methodologies analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32047. [PMID: 38933938 PMCID: PMC11200301 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamification involves using game design elements in non-game contexts. It is an emerging strategy that, being able to motivate consumer engagement with brands, has been increasingly used by companies in marketing activities. Recently, the application of gamification to marketing has become increasingly popular, with an increasing amount of research outputs. However, a clear overview of the field, a theoretical orientation or an agenda for research are still missing, which justifies the analysis of the existing literature joining these two fields of research. The motivation for conducting this review was twofold: Firstly, it is helpful to attain a broad overview of this developing field, synthesizing the existing knowledge in a structured way, understanding how gamification research in marketing has progressed and what type of knowledge has been acquired; secondly, it allows us to provide valuable information that will guide future research. Thus, this study provides a hybrid review, which integrates a bibliometric and TCCM analysis, of gamification in marketing by analyzing 114 articles. The data was retrieved from the Scopus scientific database. The bibliometric analysis showed the existence of 8 clusters, mostly representing current areas of research. It was found that the focus of the literature, so far, has been on studying which game elements should be implemented in a gamification system, as well as examining the impact of gamification experiences on engagement and consumer's behaviors. The TCCM analysis revealed the major theories and methodological approaches explored in published articles. The use of self-determination theory and quantitative methodology, based on primary data using online surveys, stands out. These complementary analyzes allowed to provide future research directions to scholars and practitioners working in this domain, promoting the advancement of scientific knowledge, contextual relevance and methodological rigor. Moreover, this review also helps marketers make more informed strategic decisions and supports successful gamification design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Marques Santos
- Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, Av. Dias da Silva 165, 3004-512, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Matos Dias
- Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, Av. Dias da Silva 165, 3004-512, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Business and Economics Research (CeBER), Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, Av. Dias da Silva, 165, Coimbra, 3004–512, Portugal
- Institute for Systems Engineering and Computers at Coimbra, Rua Antero de Quental, N°199, Coimbra, 3000–033, Portugal
| | - Cristela Maia Bairrada
- Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, Av. Dias da Silva 165, 3004-512, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Business and Economics Research (CeBER), Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, Av. Dias da Silva, 165, Coimbra, 3004–512, Portugal
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Hernandez DM, Marzouk M, Cole M, Fortoul MC, Kethireddy SR, Contractor R, Islam H, Moulder T, Kalifa AR, Meneses EM, Mendoza MB, Thomas R, Masud S, Pubien S, Milanes P, Diaz-Tang G, Lopatkin AJ, Smith RP. Purine and pyrimidine synthesis differently affect the strength of the inoculum effect for aminoglycoside and β-lactam antibiotics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588696. [PMID: 38645041 PMCID: PMC11030397 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The inoculum effect has been observed for nearly all antibiotics and bacterial species. However, explanations accounting for its occurrence and strength are lacking. We previously found that growth productivity, which captures the relationship between [ATP] and growth, can account for the strength of the inoculum effect for bactericidal antibiotics. However, the molecular pathway(s) underlying this relationship, and therefore determining the inoculum effect, remain undiscovered. We show that nucleotide synthesis can determine the relationship between [ATP] and growth, and thus the strength of inoculum effect in an antibiotic class-dependent manner. Specifically, and separate from activity through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, we find that transcriptional activity of genes involved in purine and pyrimidine synthesis can predict the strength of the inoculum effect for β-lactam and aminoglycosides antibiotics, respectively. Our work highlights the antibiotic class-specific effect of purine and pyrimidine synthesis on the severity of the inoculum effect and paves the way for intervention strategies to reduce the inoculum effect in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella M. Hernandez
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Melissa Marzouk
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Madeline Cole
- Department of Medical Education, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Marla C. Fortoul
- Department of Medical Education, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Saipranavi Reddy Kethireddy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Rehan Contractor
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Habibul Islam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester; Rochester, NY 14627; USA
| | - Trent Moulder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Ariane R. Kalifa
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Estefania Marin Meneses
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Maximiliano Barbosa Mendoza
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Ruth Thomas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Saad Masud
- Department of Medical Education, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Sheena Pubien
- Department of Medical Education, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Patricia Milanes
- Department of Medical Education, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Gabriela Diaz-Tang
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
- Department of Biological Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
| | - Allison J. Lopatkin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester; Rochester, NY 14627; USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center; Rochester, NY 14627; USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Medical Center; Rochester, NY 14627; USA
| | - Robert P. Smith
- Cell Therapy Institute, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
- Department of Medical Education, Kiran Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
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Chowdhury TN, Hasan MM, Munna GM, Alam MJB, Nury AH, Islam S, Naher T. Hazard-mapping and health risk analysis of iron and arsenic contamination in the groundwater of Sylhet district. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:757-772. [PMID: 38678428 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates groundwater contamination by arsenic and iron and its health implications within the Sylhet district in Bangladesh. Utilizing geographic information system (GIS) and inverse distance weighting (IDW) methods, hazard maps have been developed to evaluate contamination risk across various upazilas. The findings show significant arsenic and iron pollution, particularly in the northwestern part of the district. In about 50% of the area, especially in Jaintiapur, Zakiganj, Companiganj, and Kanaighat where arsenic levels surpass 0.05 mg/L which is the standard limit of Bangladesh. Iron levels peak at 13.83 mg/L, severely impacting 45% of the region, especially in Gowainghat, northeastern Jaintiapur, Zakigonj, and Golabganj. The study employs USEPA health risk assessment methods to calculate the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) for both elements via oral and dermal exposure. Results indicate that children face greater noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults, with oral HI showing significant risk in Balagonj and Bishwanath. Dermal adsorption pathways exhibit comparatively lower risks. Cancer risk assessments demonstrate high carcinogenic risks from oral arsenic intake in all areas. This comprehensive analysis highlights the urgent need for effective groundwater management and policy interventions in the Sylhet district to mitigate these health risks and ensure safe drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmida Naher Chowdhury
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh E-mail:
| | - Gulam Md Munna
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jahir Bin Alam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmad Hasan Nury
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Shriful Islam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Tajmun Naher
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
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Geta ET, Guteta TO, Tiruneh G. Impairment of health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with podoconiosis in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077268. [PMID: 38553080 PMCID: PMC10982751 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants among patients diagnosed with podoconiosis in East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used in the setting of primary healthcare facilities to assess impaired HRQoL among patients with podoconiosis in the East Wollega Zone from 1 March 2023 to 30 April 2023, using the Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI). Data was collected from 494 patients with podoconiosis, and a multistage sampling technique was employed. The data was entered into EpiData V.4.6 and exported to SPSS V.27 for analysis. A linear regression model with a 95% cofidence interval (CI) was used to estimate level of HRQoL and to identify its determinants estimating beta (β) coefficient declaring the significance level at p<0.05. RESULTS The quality of life among patients was impaired on average by 9.6±6.1 with the lowest DLQI Score in the domain of treatment (0.8±0.97) and the highest in the domain of daily activity (2.3±1.72). The identified significant determinants of impairment of HRQoL associated with DLQI scores were duration of disease (95% CI, β=0.11 (0.08 to 0.15)), acute dermato-lymphangio-adenitis (ADLA) (95% CI, β=0.08 (0.01 to 0.16)), comorbidity (95% CI, β=1.26 (0.37 to 2.16)), consistently wearing shoes (95% CI, β=-0.06 (-0.09 to -0.03)), feeling of stigmatised (95% CI, β=0.21 (0.16 to 0.25)) and psychological distress (95% CI, β=0.17 (0.14 to 0.21)) and being female (95% CI, β=1.16 (0.19 to 2.12)). CONCLUSION Overall, HRQoL among patients with podoconiosis was moderately impaired. The duration of disease, ADLA, comorbidity, stigma, psychological distress and being female in sex significantly impaired HRQoL, whereas consistently wearing shoes significantly improved HRQoL among the patients with podoconiosis. Therefore, healthcare providers and public health experts should work on educating communities and counselling patients to avoid stigma and psychological distress, wearing shoes consistently and treating podoconiosis and other comorbidities among these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edosa Tesfaye Geta
- School of Public Health, Wollega University, Nekemte, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
| | | | - Gemechu Tiruneh
- School of Public Health, Wollega University, Nekemte, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
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Tolêdo CSS, Matheus MC, Fontoura GAT, Dezotti M, Fiaux SB. Impact of gradually-achieved high phenol loads on the nitrification and COD removal performance of an MBBR fed with synthetic wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 45:1326-1342. [PMID: 36322430 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2022.2143286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Phenol is a noteworthy pollutant, found in effluents of many industrial processes, like oil refining and drugs production, which can impair the treatment efficiency of bioreactors. This study evaluated the performance of phenol, COD, and nitrogen removal of an aerobic bench-scale Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) exposed to gradually increasing phenol content over 233 days. The reactor had Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) set at 3 h and 40% filling degree (K1 media), and was fed with synthetic wastewater containing phenol (10, 20, 50, 100, 250 and 400 mg/L), glucose (400 mgCOD/L), and 40 mgN-NH3/L. Phenol, COD, and ammoniacal nitrogen removal averages were high - above 88%, 81%, and 82%, respectively -, even when the MBBR was exposed to the greatest phenol loads, indicating that the biofilm was able to acclimate and resist high phenol concentrations. However, the intense EPS production revealed the impact caused by phenol to the biofilm from the concentration of 250 mg/L onwards. Even though, at this concentration, the average removals of COD and phenol were 87.2% and 89.7%. The removal of ammoniacal nitrogen by nitrification was compromised, being 91.6% of the ammoniacal nitrogen removed by assimilation and only 0.35% removed by nitrification. At 400 mg phenol/L, the reactor provided COD and phenol average removals equal 88.6% and 80.9%, respectively. On the last day of operation, the removal of COD dropped to 55.4% and phenol removal was equal 49.0%. Novel microscopical evaluation of the MBBR's biofilm revealed some negative effects of the phenol on the microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Márcia Dezotti
- Chemical Engineering Program/COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Fairclough E, Segar J, Breeman S, Smith A, Myers J, Reid F. Does variation of surgical technique affect native tissue anterior pelvic organ prolapse repair outcomes? Int Urogynecol J 2024; 35:51-58. [PMID: 37477667 PMCID: PMC10811059 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05584-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The Variation in Surgical Technique study (VaST), demonstrated the large variation in surgical techniques used in native tissue (NT) anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repairs. However, there are few comparative studies of different surgical techniques. This study was aimed at exploring whether surgical technique influenced the outcomes of NT anterior POP repairs. METHODS The surgical techniques of 22 consultant surgeons performing NT anterior POP repairs were filmed and categorised. These surgeons performed 809 anterior repairs within the PROlapse Surgery: Pragmatic Evaluation and randomised Controlled Trial (PROSPECT). Logistical regression models were used to determine the influence of the different surgical techniques on subjective and objective outcomes, using data collected during PROSPECT. RESULTS In adjusted multivariate linear regression models, fascial-flap repair was associated with an improved subjective outcome (POP-SS) compared with midline plication (β = -2.50 [-4.42 to -0.57]; p = 0.01). At 12 months, separate fascial defect repair was associated with a poorer objective outcome than midline plication (OR 6.06 [1.82-3.52], p = 0.006). At 24 months, deep dissection was associated with a poorer POP-SS than superficial dissection (0.32-2.60, p = 0.0). Continuous-locking closure of the skin was also associated with improved POP-SS compared with continuous non-locking closure (12 months: β = -1.94 [-3.42 to -0.45], p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Surgical technique may influence the outcome of native tissue anterior POP repairs. Our results should not change practice but inform future research; to develop methods of explicitly recording surgical techniques and allow confirmation of the effect of these aspects of technique on outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Fairclough
- Warrell Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Julia Segar
- Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Suzanne Breeman
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, 3rd Floor, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Anthony Smith
- Warrell Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Jenny Myers
- Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Fiona Reid
- Warrell Unit, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
- Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
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Shekarriz R, Jabbari H, Alikhani R, Alizadeh-Navaei R, Hashemi-Soteh MB. Association between MUC1 rs4072037 polymorphism and Helicobacter pylori in patients with gastric cancer. CASPIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2024; 15:132-140. [PMID: 38463926 PMCID: PMC10921109 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.15.1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background The MUC1 gene encodes glycoproteins attached to cell membrane that play a protective role in gastric cancer and protect epithelial surfaces against external factors such as Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori infection can induce a cascade of innate and acquired immune responses in gastric mucosa. Relationship between rs4072037G>A polymorphism of MUC1 gene and increased susceptibility to H. pylori infection aimed to investigate in patients with gastric cancer in Mazandaran, northern Iran. Methods A case-control study was conducted on 99 patients with gastric cancer (H. pylori positive and negative) and 98 controls (H. pylori positive and negative) without gastric cancer (confirmed by pathological biopsy samples obtained during endoscopy). H. pylori infection was diagnosed by histological examination using Giemsa staining. Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood was analyzed by PCR-RFLP technique. Results Analysis of all genetic models showed no significant relationship between rs4072037G>A polymorphism and risk of gastric cancer (GC). The relationship between H. pylori infection and rs4072037G>A polymorphism showed an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer in both positive and negative H. pylori groups (including case and control groups). The genetic model of GA/GG and H. pylori- positive versus GA/GG and H. pylori-negative showed a significantly increased susceptibility to gastric cancer (OR=0.251, CI: 0.128-0.493, P=0.000). Conclusion These findings indicate that rs4072037G>A polymorphism may interact with H. pylori infection to increase the risk of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Shekarriz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hadi Jabbari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alikhani
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Hashemi-Soteh
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Cell and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Hiasat DA, Salih MB, Abu Jaber AH, Abubaker OF, Qandeel YA, Saleem BA, Aburumman SI, Al-Sayyed ARH, Hussein TI, Hyassat D. The prevalence of diabetes distress among patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2023; 18:1237-1243. [PMID: 37250811 PMCID: PMC10213091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Diabetes distress (DD) is a state of emotional distress that evolves from living with chronic disease and the burden of daily adjustments of medications and lifestyle. This study investigated the prevalence of DD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Jordan and the related sociodemographic and medical factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in 608 patients with T2DM in Jordan, ranging from ages 15 to 80 years. The participants filled out a questionnaire where they were asked to self-assess their DD using the Diabetes Distress Scale. In all, 32 participants were excluded according to the exclusion criteria, which resulted in 576 people being included in this study. Results The overall prevalence of DD was 53% (25% had moderate distress and 28% had high distress). Emotional distress had the highest prevalence among the DD subscales, with a total prevalence of 58.8%. The data showed a significant association of DD with different factors including age, the presence of diabetic complications, the type of medication used, and medication adherence. Conclusion This study showed a high prevalence of DD (53%). This finding should raise awareness to healthcare providers about the importance of screening for DD as part of the treatment guidelines, especially in patients who are on multiple medication regimens for DM; patients who have previous medical complications related to DM; and those who exhibit poor adherence to medications, which was found to be a risk factor of DD in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa A. Hiasat
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa' Applied University, Jordan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dana Hyassat
- National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, Jordan
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Ahmad AAM, Elmowalid GA, Abdelhamid AE, Mohammad AAE, Abdelwahab AMO. Nigella sativa-chitosan nanoparticles: Novel intestinal mucosal immunomodulator controls and protects against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection in broilers. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:103. [PMID: 37528439 PMCID: PMC10391840 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03632-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) propagates in chickens' gastrointestinal surfaces and is transmitted to humans, causing food poisoning. Oral supplementation with natural nanoparticles can overcome the harsh gastrointestinal conditions facing oral vaccines and requires no antibiotic administration to protect against microbial infection. This study was designed to study Nigella sativa-chitosan nanoparticles (CNP-NS) prophylactic immunomodulatory efficacy against SE infection in broiler chicks. The CNP-NS was prepared and characterized, and its in vivo immunomodulatory activities against an avian virulent-MDR SE-induced challenge in chicks were investigated. RESULT To verify the immune-protective activities of the CNP-NS, colony forming units (CFU) in the liver and fecal droppings; intestinal histopathological alterations and immune cell recruitment; MUC-2, TLR-4, cecal cytokines, and specific IgA gene expression levels were assessed. On the 7th and 12th days after the SE challenge, the CNP-NS supplemented chicks showed complete clearance of SE CFU in livers and fecal droppings, as well as an improvement in food conversion rate compared to non-supplemented CNP-NS that revealed the presence of the challenge SE CFU on the same days. A prominent influx of antigen presenting cells and lymphoid aggregates into the intestinal wall, spleen, and liver was detected with improvements in the intestinal villi morphometry of the CNP-NS-supplemented chicks. The changes of INF-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 cecal cytokines, as well as TLR-4, MUC-2, and IgA mRNA expression levels, confirm CNP-NS immunomodulatory activities and provide a mechanism(s) for its protective actions against the induced SE challenge of the tested chickens. CONCLUSION These findings suggest promising useful insights into CNP-NS supplementation as a safe food additive for poultry meat consumers' and a protective immunomodulator of the chickens' mucosal immune systems. It could be recommended for epidemiological purposes to reduce the risk of SE food poisoning and transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Attia M Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Gamal A Elmowalid
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Abdelhamid
- Polymers and Pigments Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Buhouth St, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Ashraf M O Abdelwahab
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Gamarel KE, Darbes LA, Wall KM, Jones J, Washington C, Rosso M, Felder Claude K, Hightow-Weidman LB, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R. A Relationship-Focused HIV Prevention Intervention for Young Sexual Minority Men in the United States: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the We Prevent Intervention. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2703-2719. [PMID: 36781618 PMCID: PMC9924851 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03994-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
We Prevent is a virtual counseling intervention designed to improve communication as a mechanism for reducing HIV risk among young sexual minority men (SMM) in relationships. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of We Prevent in comparison to standard Counseling, Testing, and Referral among a national sample of 318 SMM ages 15-24 in a pilot randomized control trial. We found significant differences in condomless sex with outside partners; however, there were no differences in other sexual behaviors, sexual agreements, intimate partner violence (IPV), or communication between the conditions across the 9-month follow-ups. Stratified analyses found non-significant trends suggestive that We Prevent may reduce condomless sex for those ages 15-17 and for relationships over 1-year and may reduce IPV in relationships over 1-year. Though study retention was adequate, session attendance was low. Exit interviews participants reported benefits of We Prevent and provided insights into how to increase uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Catherine Washington
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew Rosso
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Kristina Felder Claude
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Baid S, Tabit A, Algouti A, Algouti A, Nafouri I, Souddi S, Aboulfaraj A, Ezzahzi S, Elghouat A. Lithological discrimination and mineralogical mapping using Landsat-8 OLI and ASTER remote sensing data: Igoudrane region, jbel saghro, Anti Atlas, Morocco. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17363. [PMID: 37424592 PMCID: PMC10328848 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to delineate the lithological formations, in addition to a mineralogical mapping comparing between the ASTER and Landsat-8 OLI sensors in the Igoudrane region. The research was accomplished using BR along with spectral profiles of minerals, PCA, MNF, ICA, XRD, and reflectance spectrometry. The BR measured with ASTER revealed the presence of amphibole, illite, smectite, muscovite, phengite, basic degree index SiO2, calcite, chlorite, epidote, dolomite, hydroxides, and ferrous silicates. Furthermore, Landsat-8 OLI BR highlighted areas with oxides, hydroxides, and laterite. The spectral profiles of minerals showed their absorption in the VNIR and SWIR regions. The muscovite and illite (phyllic alteration) are distinguished by Al-OH absorption at 2.20 μm. The argillitic alteration is additionally defined by muscovite, illite, and Kaolinite, where Kaolinite has a high absorption at 0.9 μm. Chlorite and carbonates characterized the propylitic alteration zone, with an absorption ranging between 2.3 μm and 2.35 μm due to CO3 and Mg-OH compositions. The oxidation (hematite and jarosite) was distinguished by absorption near 0.95 μm and 2.3 μm, respectively, whereas the goethite spectral profile exhibits absorption near 1.4 μm and 2.2 μm. The absorption of smectite is 1.4 μm, near 2.2 μm. The amphibole had absorption near 1.4 μm and 2.3 μm, whereas the pyroxene had absorption near 1.4 μm and 2.3 μm. The first three components of PCA, MNF, and ICA showed the highest eigenvalues and gave an appreciable discrimination of the lithologies, especially with ASTER. Moreover, the XRD quantified the mineralogy of the rocks, which were compared to the BR of ASTER. The reflectance spectrometry also provided alteration minerals, such as muscovite, phengite, illite, Fe-Mg chlorite, Fe-chlorite, iron oxides, hydroxides, hornblende, and calcite. Overall, the methodology adopted has shown great performance and strong potential for mapping alteration areas and lithological discrimination in similar arid regions.
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Conroy AA, Tebbetts S, Darbes LA, Hahn JA, Neilands TB, McKenna SA, Mulauzi N, Mkandawire J, Ssewamala FM. Development of an Economic and Relationship-Strengthening Intervention for Alcohol Drinkers Living with HIV in Malawi. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2255-2270. [PMID: 36520335 PMCID: PMC9753077 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Heavy alcohol use among people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa is driven by household economics such as poverty and unemployment and has negative impacts on couple relationships. Multilevel interventions have the potential to reduce alcohol use and improve relationship outcomes by addressing the web of co-occurring economic, social, and dyadic factors. This objective of this study was to develop an economic and relationship-strengthening intervention for couples in Malawi, consisting of matched savings accounts with financial literacy training and a couples counseling component to build relationship skills. Informed by the ADAPT-ITT framework, we collected multiple rounds of focus group data with key stakeholders and couples to gain input on the concept, session content, and procedures, held team meetings with field staff and an international team of researchers to tailor the intervention to couples in Malawi, and refined the intervention manual and components. The results describe a rigorous adaptation process based on the eight steps of ADAPT-ITT, insights gained from formative data and modifications made, and a description of the final intervention to be evaluated in a pilot randomized clinical trial. The economic and relationship-strengthening intervention shows great promise of being feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for couples affected by HIV and heavy alcohol use in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Conroy
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Scott Tebbetts
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Judith A Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - James Mkandawire
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Getahun M, Tefera B, Bacha B, Eticha T, Ashenef A. Quality of veterinary anthelmintic drugs marketed in Gondar Zones, North West Ethiopia; presence of poor-quality medicines. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18023. [PMID: 37483800 PMCID: PMC10362142 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of poor-quality veterinary drugs hampers the effectiveness of animal health care systems. It may produce danger to human safety through animal-derived food products that are consumed by the people. Thus, this study assessed the quality of veterinary albendazole, fenbendazole and ivermectin boluses/tablets marketed in Gondar Zones, North West Ethiopia. A total of 42 samples were collected from all government veterinary clinics and private veterinary pharmacies in Gondar zones by mystery shoppers from October, 2020 to January, 2021. All samples were visually and physically inspected for proper labeling and packaging. Samples were evaluated based on Pharmacopoeias and manufacturers' methods for identification, assay, dosage uniformity, dissolution, disintegration, hardness, and friability tests. All samples passed the visual inspection criteria outlined in the joint WHO/FIP/USP checklist. In general, 80.95% (34/42) of the products examined were substandard failing one or more quality test parameters, including all albendazole (30/30) and fenbendazole (4/4) samples. However, all of the ivermectin samples (8/8) passed the quality test parameters investigated in this work. The study had indicated that low quality veterinary albendazole and fenbendazole products are incredibly common in the study sites. The most crucial quality features investigated as failure were friability and disintegration. Thus, regulations and enforcements that guarantee quality of veterinary anthelminthic medications should be strictly in place in the study area and in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melaku Getahun
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Gondar, P.o. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.o. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Belachew Tefera
- Animal Products, Veterinary Drug and Feed Quality Assessment Centre, Ethiopian Agricultural Authority(EAA), P.o.Box. 31303, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Belachew Bacha
- Animal Products, Veterinary Drug and Feed Quality Assessment Centre, Ethiopian Agricultural Authority(EAA), P.o.Box. 31303, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Eticha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.o. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Ashenef
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.o. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Dab H, Ben Hamed S, Hodroj W, Zourgui L. Combined diabetes and chronic stress exacerbates cytokine production and oxidative stress in rat liver and kidney. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2023.2182137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Houcine Dab
- Research Unit of Valorization of Active Biomolecules, Higher Institute of Applied Biology Medenine, University of Gabes, Medenine, Tunisia
| | - Said Ben Hamed
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Veterinary Microbiology (LEMV), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wassim Hodroj
- Académie de Versailles, University of Versailles, Athis-Mons, France
| | - Lazhar Zourgui
- Research Unit of Valorization of Active Biomolecules, Higher Institute of Applied Biology Medenine, University of Gabes, Medenine, Tunisia
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Assessment of Intravenous Antibiotics to Peroral Antibiotics Conversion Practice and Its Associated Factor at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: Prospective Observational Study. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2022; 2022:8395424. [PMID: 36277733 PMCID: PMC9581647 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8395424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background Improper utilization of antibiotics harms the patient, the public, and the economy. The overuse of injections is one of the key factors in the irrational use of medicines. However, little is known about intravenous (IV) to peroral (PO) conversion practice in the Ethiopian healthcare setting, specifically in the Northwest part of Ethiopia. Objective To assess antibiotics IV to PO conversion practice and its associated factors at the internal medicine ward of the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH). Method A prospective observational study was conducted on 324 study participants who were admitted to the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital from October 3 to November 14, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Stata version 14.2 was used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics result was presented using mean and standard deviation. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association between independent variables and dependent variables. The association between independent variables and dependent variables was tested at 95% CI and P value≤ 0.05 was considered statistical significance. Result A total of 324 study participants were included in the study, and the mean age of the patients was 41.4 ± 18.6. Of the 324 study participants, 63.3% were male. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics used for empiric treatment were ceftriaxone (45.4%), followed by metronidazole (33.2%), and cloxacillin (11.4%). A total of 34.5.57% of patients who took antibiotics were converted to PO antibiotics. The most frequently converted type of conversion practice was sequential (23.1%), followed by the switch type of conversion (7.4%). Tachypnea, unavailability of medication, higher temperature, hospital stay greater than 10.78-days, and the presence of comorbidity were predictors of IV medications not being converted to PO medications. Conclusion Intravenous to peroral conversion practice was infrequent. The most frequently applied conversion practice was sequential type conversion practice, followed by switch type of conversion practice. IV to PO conversion practice was significantly associated with tachypnea, unavailability of medication, higher temperature, hospital stay greater than 10.78-days, and comorbidity. Awareness of IV to PO conversion practice and short-term training for healthcare teams is vital for better antibiotic conversion practice.
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Use of bibliometrics for research evaluation in emerging markets economies: a review and discussion of bibliometric indicators. Scientometrics 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-022-04490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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García-Sierra R, Martínez-Zaragoza F, Fernández-Castro J. Leadership to improve nurse engagement and empowerment: evidences to improve the training of nurses. BMJ LEADER 2022:leader-2021-000537. [DOI: 10.1136/leader-2021-000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AimThe objective of this study was to identify the key dimensions of transformational leadership that influence the promotion of engagement and structural empowerment in a population of nurses from different care settings.MethodA cross-sectional survey study asking about engagement, leadership style and structural empowerment was used. Descriptive and correlational statistics were applied followed by hierarchical regression. 131 nurses were recruited from a Spanish health organisation using random sampling.ResultsIndividualised consideration and intellectual stimulation were predictors of structural empowerment in a hierarchical regression of transformational leadership dimensions controlled by demographic variables (R2=0.467). In addition, intellectual stimulation was a predictor of engagement (R2=0.176).ConclusionThe results are the starting point for the design of an organisationwide educational intervention to increase the engagement of nurses and staff development.
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Phurailatpam L, Gupta A, Sahu PK, Mishra S. Insights into the functional potential of bacterial endophytes from the ethnomedicinal plant, Piper longum L. Symbiosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-022-00864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418 inhibits root-knot nematode on watermelon by modifying the rhizosphere microbial community. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8381. [PMID: 35589885 PMCID: PMC9120051 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418 is a multifunctional plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strain with nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing capability which can be employed for root-knot nematode (RKN) management on various crops and vegetables. Here we investigated the control efficacy of B. vietnamiensis B418 inoculation against RKN on watermelon, applied either alone or combined with nematicides fosthiazate or avermectin, and their effects on bacterial and fungal microbiomes in rhizosphere soil. The results of field experiments showed individual application of B418 displayed the highest control efficacy against RKN by 71.15%. The combinations with fosthiazate and avermectin exhibited slight incompatibility with lower inhibitory effects of 62.71% and 67.87%, respectively, which were still notably higher than these nematicides applied separately. Analysis of microbiome assemblages revealed B418 inoculation resulted in a slight reduction for bacterial community and a significant increment for fungal community, suggesting that B418 could compete with other bacteria and stimulate fungal diversity in rhizosphere. The relative abundance of Xanthomonadales, Gemmatimonadales and Sphingomonadales increased while that of Actinomycetales reduced with B418 inoculation. The predominate Sordariomycetes of fungal community decreased dramatically in control treatment with B418 inoculation whereas there were increments in fosthiazate and avermectin treatments. Additionally, nitrogen (N) cycling by soil microbes was estimated by quantifying the abundance of microbial functional genes involved in N-transformation processes as B418 has the capability of N-fixation. The copy number of N-fixing gene nifH increased with B418 inoculation, and the highest increment reached 35.66% in control treatment. Our results demonstrate that B. vietnamiensis B418 is an effective biological nematicide for nematode management, which acts through the modulation of rhizosphere microbial community.
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Mothers' experiences of wellbeing and coping while living with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:185. [PMID: 35590408 PMCID: PMC9118808 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01767-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can result in difficulties for mothers when undertaking daily care activities and increased psychological distress. However, few studies have examined how women with RA subjectively experience coping and wellbeing as part of their motherhood.
Methods Twenty mothers with a diagnosis of RA and a dependent child (18 years or younger) who were living in Australia took part in a semi-structured interview between June and November 2017. Purposive sampling was undertaken to include participants across degree of current RA severity, number and age of children, and having received a diagnosis before or after a first child to take account of variability across these experiences. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts. Results The following themes were identified: ‘Burden and complexity in the mothering role’, ‘Losing control: Women’s experiences of distress’, and ‘Adjusting and letting go: Women’s experiences of wellbeing’. Experiences of distress, including feelings of failure, were associated with accounts of a loss of control over mothering practices among women, regardless of child age. In contrast, accounts of adjusting mothering practices and relinquishing control were associated with reports of enhanced wellbeing. In addition, some mothers reported greater ease due to increased independence of older children. The absence of social support exacerbated burden and distress in the women’s accounts, while the availability of support alleviated burden and was associated with reports of wellbeing. Conclusion Health professionals and services can provide support to mothers with RA by addressing feelings of failure, acknowledging strategies of adjustment and letting go, and encouraging access to social support.
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Bérubé-Mercier P, Tapp D, Cimon MÈ, Li T, Park SB, Bouhêlier É, McGarragle K, Robichaud LA, Gewandter JS, Bouchard M, Gauthier LR. Evaluation of the psychometric properties of patient-reported and clinician-reported outcome measures of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a COSMIN systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057950. [PMID: 35387828 PMCID: PMC8987781 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a poorly understood side effect of many antineoplastic agents. Patients may experience sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms, negatively impacting quality of life. A gold-standard assessment methodology has yet to be determined, limiting efforts to identify effective agents to prevent or treat CIPN. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a protocol of a systematic review of psychometric analyses of CIPN Clinician Reported Outcome Measures (ClinROM) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) among adults receiving, or who had previously received chemotherapy for cancer. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) quality ratings will be compared across studies and across ClinROMs and PROMs. Studies reporting psychometric proprieties of CIPN ClinROMs and/or PROMs among adults aged ≥18 years will be eligible for inclusion, with no restriction on language or year of publication. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and APA PsycINFO databases will be searched from inception to 31 December 2021. Study characteristics, measurement properties of the ClinROMs and/or PROMs and the CIPN definitions will be extracted. The Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guideline will be used to guide data synthesis. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist will be used by two independent raters to assess methodological quality. Subgroup analyses by age, chemotherapy type, and study timing in relation to the delivery of chemotherapy will be carried out where data are available. An adapted version of Outcome Measures in Rheumatology filter 2.1 will be used to provide a best-evidence synthesis of CIPN ClinROMs and PROMs and to recommend a CIPN assessment tool for clinical and research settings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not necessary to be obtained for this systematic review protocol. Results will be disseminated to clinicians and policy-makers by publication in a peer-reviewed journal and by presenting at relevant conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021278168.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Bérubé-Mercier
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Oncology Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Diane Tapp
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Cimon
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tiffany Li
- School of Medical Sciences, Brain and Mind Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susanna B Park
- School of Medical Sciences, Brain and Mind Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Éve Bouhêlier
- CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kaitlin McGarragle
- Oncology Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lye-Ann Robichaud
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer S Gewandter
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Lynn R Gauthier
- Oncology Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Shaheen MNF, Elmahdy EM, Mahmoud LHI, Hammad IA, Soliman ERS. Quantitative RT-PCR detection of human noroviruses and hepatitis A virus in fresh produce and surface water used for irrigation in the Mansoura and Giza regions, Egypt. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:28139-28148. [PMID: 34988812 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18412-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Surface water used as an irrigation source can be a significant source of viral contamination of fresh produce. Enteric viruses such as hepatitis A virus (HAV) and human norovirus genogroup I (HNoV GI) and genogroup II (HNoV GII) can be transmitted to human via fresh produce when irrigated with contaminated water or when prepared by infected food handlers. In the current study, we investigated the presence of HAV, HNoV GI and GII in fresh produce and surface water used in cultivation of this produce using real-time PCR. Samples were collected from six different points in the Mansoura and Giza regions, Egypt. Our analysis showed that at least one virus was found in 41.6% (30/72) of surface water samples and 27% (13/48) of fresh produce samples. HAV (23/72) with a mean viral concentration = 4 × 106 genome copies/litre (GC/L) was the most frequently identified virus in surface water samples, followed by human norovirus genogroup II (HNoV GII) (15/72, with a mean concentration = 1.2 × 106 GC/L, and human noroviruses genogroup I (HNoV GI) (12/72, with a mean concentration = 1.4 × 104 GC/L). Additionally, HAV (10/48) with a mean concentration = 5.2 × 105 genome copies/gram (GC/g) was also the most frequently detected virus in the fresh produce samples, followed by HNoV GII (8/48, with a mean concentration = 1.7 × 104 GC/g); meanwhile, HNoV GI (6/48) was less detected virus with a mean concentration = 3 × 103 GC/g. This work suggests a wide prevalence of human enteric viruses in surface waters and fresh produce, which is of concern when the fresh produce is eaten raw. Thus, additional monitoring for viral pathogens in irrigation water and food is needed to increase the awareness of this issue to rise the control measures to reduce illness from contaminated food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N F Shaheen
- Environmental Virology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Elmahdy M Elmahdy
- Environmental Virology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa H I Mahmoud
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
| | - Ibtisam A Hammad
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
| | - Elham R S Soliman
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
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Albayrak A, Başgut B, Bıkmaz GA, Karahalil B. Clinical pharmacist assessment of drug-related problems among intensive care unit patients in a Turkish university hospital. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:79. [PMID: 35033079 PMCID: PMC8761343 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07494-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critically ill patients treated in the intensive care units (ICUs) often suffer from side effects and drug-related problems (DRPs) that can be life-threatening. A way to prevent DRPs and improve drug safety and efficacy is to include clinical pharmacists in the clinical team. This study aims to evaluate the classification of drug-related problems and the implementation of clinical pharmacy services by a clinical pharmacist in the ICU of a university hospital in Turkey. METHODS This study was carried out prospectively between December 2020 and July 2021 in Gazi University Medical Faculty Hospital Internal Diseases ICU. All patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit for more than 24 h were included in the study. During the study, the clinical pharmacist's interventions and other clinical services for patients were recorded. DRPs were classed according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe V.8.02. RESULTS A total of 151 patients were included during the study period corresponding to 2264 patient-days. Patients with DRPs had a longer hospital stay and a higher mortality rate (p < 0.05). 108 patients had at least one DRP and the total number of DRPs was 206. There was an average of 1.36 DRPs per patient, 71.5% of patients experienced DRP and 89.22 DRPs per 1000 patient-days. A total of 35 ADEs were observed in 32 patients. ADE incidence was per 1000 patient-days 15.45. ADEs were caused by nephrotoxicity (48.57%), electrolyte disorders (17.14%), drug-induced thrombocytopenia (17.14%), liver enzyme increase (8.57%) and other causes (8.57%). Drug selection (40.29%) and dose selection (54.36%) constituted most of the causes of DRPs. Dose change was the highest percentage of planned interventions with a rate of 56.79%. Intervention was accepted at a rate of 90.8% and it was fully implemented. CONCLUSION In this study, the importance of the clinical pharmacist in the determination and analysis of DRPs was emphasized. Clinical pharmacy services like the one described should be implemented widely to increase patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslınur Albayrak
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, FacultyofPharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Bilgen Başgut
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Bensu Karahalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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Kolařík M, Wei IC, Hsieh SY, Piepenbring M, Kirschner R. Nucleotide composition bias of rDNA sequences as a source of phylogenetic artifacts in Basidiomycota—a case of a new lineage of a uredinicolous Ramularia-like anamorph with affinities to Ustilaginomycotina. Mycol Prog 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11557-021-01749-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To provide a systematic review of studies on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their risk factors in the Moroccan population. METHODS: A systematic analysis was performed based on PRISMA guidelines by retrieving data bases (Medline, Embase, and other) using technical keywords in addition to manual research on official websites. Published studies in the English or French language, conducted in Morocco or concerning the Moroccan population within the last two decades, were identified. RESULTS: This is the first systematic review of CVD in Morocco. Data from 159 studies were retrieved and analyzed. Most studies were written in the English language (75.89%) and published between 2010 and 2019 (85.47%). The mortality rate caused by CVD in Morocco has reached 38%, with ischemic heart disease and stroke as the main events causing death (31.0% and 22.5% respectively). The risk factors present in the population studied were headed by tobacco smoking (45- 50%), followed by physical inactivity (21.1%), elevated rate of hypertension (25.3%), and depression (5.47%). Impacted by a high rate of illiteracy and poverty and an unprepared health care system in Morocco, these numbers are expected to increase over the next decade. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these alarming incidences, investment in scientific research and epidemiological studies should be increased to determine the needs of the local population. The available evidence shows that the risk of cardiovascular disease and the associated mortality is very high in Morocco and will rise in the next years prospectively, which calls for urgent multi-sectorial approaches and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rida Elyamani
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biometry. Faculty of Science. Ibn Tofail University. Kenitra. Morocco
| | - Abdelmajid Soulaymani
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biometry. Faculty of Science. Ibn Tofail University. Kenitra. Morocco
| | - Hind Hami
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biometry. Faculty of Science. Ibn Tofail University. Kenitra. Morocco
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Munoz-Cerón J, Díaz-Forero F, Buitrago A, Chinchilla S. Secondary cluster headache and numb chin syndrome as initial manifestation of high-grade B-lymphoma: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:468. [PMID: 34517893 PMCID: PMC8439040 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-03016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cluster headache is a primary condition characterized by severe headache accompanied by trigeminal autonomic signs. By definition, it is not attributed to underlying etiologies; however, under certain clinical characteristics, secondary etiologies must be ruled out. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a 48-year-old Hispanic man with a history of episodic right orbital pain, lasting 30 minutes, associated with ipsilateral tearing, who prior to the onset of his symptoms reported loss of appetite, weight loss, and paresthesias in the right chin region. After work-up studies, high-grade lymphoma with infiltration to the right submental nerve was diagnosed, in which numb chin syndrome was the initial presentation. Despite initiation of treatment, the patient died 3 weeks after the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS In the study of cluster headache, underlying etiologies must be considered when there are atypical clinical manifestations. Within these etiologies, metastases to pericranial nerves must be included, which, besides generating localized symptoms, can activate the trigeminal vascular system simulating headaches of primary etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Munoz-Cerón
- Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital Univesitario Mayor MEDERI - Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Departamento de Neurologia , Clinica Univesitaria Colombia - Keralty, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Felipe Díaz-Forero
- Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital Univesitario Mayor MEDERI - Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Buitrago
- Deparatmento de Medicinia Nuclear - Hospital Univesitario Mayor MEDERI, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Klingberg S, Adhikari B, Draper CE, Bosire EN, Tiigah P, Nyirenda D, Mukumbang FC. Engaging communities in non-communicable disease research and interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a realist review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050632. [PMID: 34290072 PMCID: PMC8296813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engaging communities and intended beneficiaries at various stages of health research is a recommended practice. The contribution of community engagement to non-communicable disease research in low- and middle-income countries has not yet been extensively studied or synthesised. This protocol describes the steps towards generating an understanding of community engagement in the context of non-communicable disease research, prevention and health promotion using a realist review approach. A realist lens enables a rich explanatory approach to causation while capturing complexity, and an openness to multiple outcomes, including unintended consequences. The review will thus develop an understanding of community engagement without assuming that such practices result in more ethical research or effective interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We propose a realist approach aiming to examine how, why, under what circumstances and for whom community engagement works or does not work. The iterative review steps include clarifying the review scope; searching for evidence; appraising studies and extracting data; synthesising evidence and drawing conclusions; and disseminating, implementing and evaluating the findings. Principles of meta-narrative review (pragmatism, pluralism, historicity, contestation, reflexivity and peer review) are employed to ensure practicable and contextualised review outputs. The proposed review will draw on theoretical and empirical literature beyond specific diseases or settings, but with a focus on informing non-communicable disease research and interventions in low- and middle-income countries. The synthesis of existing literature will be complemented by qualitative realist interviews and stakeholder consultation. Through drawing on multiple types of evidence and input from both experts and intended beneficiaries, the review will provide critical and pragmatic insights for research and community engagement in low- and middle-income countries. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand. Dissemination will include traditional academic channels, institutional communications, social media and discussions with a wide range of stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Klingberg
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine E Draper
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edna N Bosire
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Priscilla Tiigah
- Health Equity and Strategy Unit, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Deborah Nyirenda
- Community Engagement and Bioethics, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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Medu O, Lawal A, Coyle D, Pottie K. Economic evaluation of HIV testing options for low-prevalence high-income countries: a systematic review. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2021; 11:19. [PMID: 34100138 PMCID: PMC8186150 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-021-00318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study reviewed the economic evidence of rapid HIV testing versus conventional HIV testing in low-prevalence high-income countries; evaluated the methodological quality of existing economic evaluations of HIV testing studies; and made recommendations on future economic evaluation directions of HIV testing approaches. METHODS A systematic search of selected databases for relevant English language studies published between Jan 1, 2001, and Jan 30, 2019, was conducted. The methodological design quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) and the Drummond tool. We reported the systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Five economic evaluations met the eligibility criteria but varied in comparators, evaluation type, perspective, and design. The methodologic quality of the included studies ranged from medium to high. We found evidence to support the cost-effectiveness of rapid HIV testing approaches in low-prevalence high-income countries. Rapid HIV testing was associated with cost per adjusted life year (QALY), ranging from $42,768 to $90,498. Additionally, regardless of HIV prevalence, rapid HIV testing approaches were the most cost-effective option. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence for the cost-effectiveness of rapid HIV testing, including the use of saliva-based testing compared to usual care or hospital-based serum testing. Further studies are needed to draw evidence on the relative cost-effectiveness of the distinct options and contexts of rapid HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Doug Coyle
- University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, Canada
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Sweileh WM. Contribution of researchers in the Arab region to peer-reviewed literature on mental health and well-being of university students. Int J Ment Health Syst 2021; 15:50. [PMID: 34039394 PMCID: PMC8153525 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-021-00477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study aimed at investigating the contribution of researchers in the Arab region to the field of mental health and well-being of university students using bibliometric tools. METHOD Relevant literature was obtained from the Scopus database for the period from 2001-2020. Examples of keywords used in the query included "college student", "university student", and undergraduate student" combined with keywords such as wellbeing, wellness, suicide, and anxiety. No language restriction was used. Only research articles were considered. The search query was validated. Bibliometric indicators and mappings such as active countries, institutions, authors, highly cited documents, and the most frequently encountered topics were identified and discussed to shed light on research gaps in the Arab region. Research gaps were also identified. The analysis was carried out on February 12, 2021. RESULTS The search query returned 309 research articles published by authors from 17 different Arab countries. Less than one-third (n = 97, 31.4%) of the retrieved articles were carried out in collaboration with authors from 39 non-Arab countries, mainly from the United Kingdom and the United States. The overall contribution of researchers from the Arab region to global research in the field was 5.6%. In total, 1212 authors from 791 different institutions participated in publishing the retrieved research articles. At the country level, Saudi Arabia (n = 125, 40.5%) ranked first, followed by Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon. At the institutional level, The University of Jordan (n = 25, 8.1%) ranked first, followed by King Saud University, and Kuwait University. The retrieved articles included 132 (42.7%) articles on stress/distress, 95 (30.7%) on anxiety, 61 (19.7%) on depression. Knowledge gaps on suicide, eating disorders, substance use, and happiness were identified. The retrieved articles appeared in 193 different journals and approximately two-thirds of the active journal were in general medicine, public health, and education. CONCLUSIONS The contribution of researchers in the Arab region to the field showed a noticeable increase with time. However, important research gaps were identified. The contribution was confined to authors from a limited number of Arab countries. Funding and international research collaboration for the mental health and well-being of students need to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M Sweileh
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology/Toxicology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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Kabongo EM, Mukumbang FC, Delobelle P, Nicol E. Explaining the impact of mHealth on maternal and child health care in low- and middle-income countries: a realist synthesis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:196. [PMID: 33750340 PMCID: PMC7941738 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03684-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the growing global application of mobile health (mHealth) technology in maternal and child health, contextual factors, and mechanisms by which interventional outcomes are generated, have not been subjected to a systematic examination. In this study, we sought to uncover context, mechanisms, and outcome elements of various mHealth interventions based on implementation and evaluation studies to formulate theories or models explicating how mHealth interventions work (or not) both for health care providers and for pregnant women and mothers. Method We undertook a realist synthesis. An electronic search of five online databases (PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, Academic Search Premier and Health Systems Evidence) was performed. Using appropriate Boolean phrases terms and selection procedures, 32 articles were identified. A theory-driven approach, narrative synthesis, was applied to synthesize the data. Thematic content analysis was used to delineate elements of the intervention, including its context, actors, mechanisms, and outcomes. Abduction and retroduction were applied using a realist evaluation heuristic tool to formulate generative theories. Results We formulated two configurational models illustrating how and why mHealth impacts implementation and uptake of maternal and child health care. Implementation-related mechanisms include buy-in from health care providers, perceived support of health care providers’ motivation and perceived ease of use and usefulness. These mechanisms are influenced by adaptive health system conditions including organization, resource availability, policy implementation dynamics, experience with technology, network infrastructure and connectivity. For pregnant women and mothers, mechanisms that trigger mHealth use and consequently uptake of maternal and child health care include perceived satisfaction, motivation and positive psychological support. Information overload was identified as a potential negative mechanism impacting the uptake of maternal and child health care. These mechanisms are influenced by health system conditions, socio-cultural characteristics, socio-economic and demographics characteristics, network infrastructure and connectivity and awareness. Conclusion Models developed in this study provide a detailed understanding of implementation and uptake of mHealth interventions and how and why they impact maternal and child health care in low- and middle-income countries. These models provide a foundation for the ‘white box’ of theory-driven evaluation of mHealth interventions and can improve rollout and implementation where required. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03684-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline M Kabongo
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Delobelle
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Nicol
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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McKay VR, Cambey CL, Combs TB, Stubbs AW, Pichon LC, Gaur AH. Using a Modeling-Based Approach to Assess and Optimize HIV Linkage to Care Services. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:886-896. [PMID: 33000356 PMCID: PMC7887057 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03051-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based linkage to care interventions (LTCs) help recently diagnosed HIV+ individuals engage in care in a timely manner yet are heavily impacted by the systems in which they are embedded. We developed a prototype agent-based model informed by data from an established LTC program targeting youth and young adults aged 13-24 in Memphis, Tennessee. We then tested two interventions to improve LTC in a simulated environment: expanding testing sites versus using current testing sites but improving direct referral to LTC staff from organizations providing testing, to understand the impact on timely linkage to care. Improving direct referral to the LTC program decreased days to successful linkage from an average of 30 to 23 days but expanding testing sites increased average days to 31 days unless those sites also made direct referrals. We demonstrated how LTC is impacted by the system and interventions for shortening days to linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- V R McKay
- Center for Public Health Systems Science, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Campus Box #1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
| | - C L Cambey
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA
| | - T B Combs
- Center for Public Health Systems Science, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Campus Box #1196, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - A W Stubbs
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - L C Pichon
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - A H Gaur
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Mohd Azmi KZ, Abdul Ghani AS, Md Yusof Z, Ibrahim Z. Deep underwater image enhancement through colour cast removal and optimization algorithm. THE IMAGING SCIENCE JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/13682199.2019.1660484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zulkifli Md Yusof
- Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Zuwairie Ibrahim
- Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pahang, Malaysia
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The biotechnological potential of the yeast Dekkera bruxellensis. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:103. [PMID: 31236799 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2678-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Dekkera bruxellensis is an industrial yeast mainly regarded as a contaminant species in fermentation processes. In winemaking, it is associated with off-flavours that cause wine spoilage, while in bioethanol production this yeast is linked to a reduction of industrial productivity by competing with Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the substrate. In spite of that, this point of view is gradually changing, mostly because D. bruxellensis is also able to produce important metabolites, such as ethanol, acetate, fusel alcohols, esters and others. This dual role is likely due to the fact that this yeast presents a set of metabolic traits that might be either industrially attractive or detrimental, depending on how they are faced and explored. Therefore, a proper industrial application for D. bruxellensis depends on the correct assembly of its central metabolic puzzle. In this sense, researchers have addressed issues regarding the physiological and genetic aspects of D. bruxellensis, which have brought to light much of our current knowledge on this yeast. In this review, we shall outline what is presently understood about the main metabolic features of D. bruxellensis and how they might be managed to improve its current or future industrial applications (except for winemaking, in which it is solely regarded as a contaminant). Moreover, we will discuss the advantages and challenges that must be overcome in order to take advantage of the full biotechnological potential of this yeast.
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Hong T, Feng X, Tong W, Xu W. Bibliometric analysis of research on the trends in autophagy. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7103. [PMID: 31205825 PMCID: PMC6556104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autophagy is an important mechanism to maintain homeostasis in cells. It has been linked with ageing and many currently incurable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, myopathies, neurodegeneration, and diabetes. Autophagy research is very important for identifying better treatments. This study aimed to explore the hotspots of autophagy research published from different countries, organizations, and authors. Methods Between 1962 and 2018, articles published about autophagy were identified in the Web of Science database. The total and annual number of articles, citations, impact factor, Hirsch (H)-index, number of article citations, productive authors, and involved journals were collected for quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Results From 1962 to 2018, 18,811 autophagy-related articles written in English were published. Most were from China (6,731). The United States dominated in citation frequency (391,030) and h-index (264). Among related journals, Autophagy published the most articles (1,388), followed by Plos One (585) and Oncotarget (392). Daniel Klionsky was the most productive author, with 171 publications. The article “LC3, a mammalian homologue of yeast Apg8p, is localized in autophagosome membranes after processing” was cited most frequently. The top-ranked keyword was “degradation” of macroautophagy. Conclusions Publication of articles about autophagy has increased notably from 1962 to 2018, and has increased annually. The general quality of publications from China is still in need of improvement. Autophagy research has shifted gradually from basic studies to clinical studies in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Hong
- Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xinzhe Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wenwen Tong
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Mendes DB, Silva FFD, Guarda PM, Almeida AF, de Oliveira DP, Morais PB, Guarda EA. Lipolytic Enzymes with Hydrolytic and Esterification Activities Produced by Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Decomposition Leaves in an Aquatic Environment. Enzyme Res 2019; 2019:8182425. [PMID: 31275637 PMCID: PMC6582840 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8182425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial lipases are prominent biocatalysts able to catalyze a wide variety of reactions in aqueous and nonaqueous media. In this work, filamentous fungi isolated from leaves decomposed in an aquatic environment were screened for lipase production with hydrolytic activity and esterification. Agar plates with Tween 20 and Rhodamine B were used for selection, while submerged cultures with olive oil were subsequently used to select 38 filamentous fungi. Trichoderma harzianum, Fusarium solani, Trichoderma harzianum F5, and Penicillium sp. F36 were grown in six different culture media. F. solani presented the highest lipase production (2.37 U/mL) with esterification activity of 0.07 U/mL using medium composed of (g.L-1) KH2PO4 1.00, MgSO4 H2O 1.123, and CuSO4 0.06. Supplementation of this culture medium with organic nitrogen sources increased lipase production by 461.3% using tryptone and by 419.4% using yeast extract. Among the vegetable oils from the Amazon region, degummed cotton oil induced lipase production up to 8.14 U/mL. The lipase produced by F. solani F61 has great potential to application in conventional processes and biodiesel production by transesterification of vegetable oils, as well as food industries in the production of fatty acid esters by hydrolysis and esterification.
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Budikayanti A, Larasari A, Malik K, Syeban Z, Indrawati LA, Octaviana F. Screening of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Patients with Epilepsy: Using a Valid and Reliable Indonesian Version of Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Neurol Res Int 2019; 2019:5902610. [PMID: 31275648 PMCID: PMC6582805 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5902610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common types of anxiety disorder in epilepsy population, comprising 21.9%, that would further impair patients' quality of life. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) is the only screening tool for GAD that has been validated in patients with epilepsy (PWE). It is a self-reporting instrument that can be completed in less than three minutes; hence, its usage is appropriate in primary healthcare and neurology outpatient clinic. This study aimed to obtain a valid and reliable Indonesian version of GAD-7, assess its accuracy, and finally evaluate the prevalence of GAD in Indonesian PWE along with its contributing factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta. The GAD-7 was translated and adapted using World Health Organization (WHO) steps. Validity, reliability, test-retest reliability, and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Then, epilepsy outpatients were screened for GAD using the Indonesian version of GAD-7. RESULTS Internal validity and reliability for Indonesian version of GAD-7 were satisfactory with validity coefficient of 0.648 to 0.800 (p<0.01) and Cronbach's alpha value of 0.867. The best cutoff value to detect GAD in Indonesian PWE was >6 with the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 100%, 84.4%, 100%, and 55.8%, respectively. ROC analysis showed the area under the curve of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99). The total subjects screened with the validated Indonesian version of GAD-7 were 146, and 49% were screened as having GAD. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics had no statistically significant association with the presence of GAD. CONCLUSION The Indonesian version of GAD-7 was a valuable screening tool to detect GAD in PWE. GAD was screened in a quite high proportion of PWE. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were not proven to play role in its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astri Budikayanti
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Andira Larasari
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Khamelia Malik
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Zakiah Syeban
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Luh Ari Indrawati
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Fitri Octaviana
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Feng Z, Shen Q, Li Y, Hu Z. CT texture analysis: a potential tool for predicting the Fuhrman grade of clear-cell renal carcinoma. Cancer Imaging 2019; 19:6. [PMID: 30728073 PMCID: PMC6364463 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-019-0195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to analyze the image heterogeneity of clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by computer tomography texture analysis and to provide new objective quantitative imaging parameters for the pre-operative prediction of Fuhrman-grade ccRCC. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 131 cases of ccRCCs was performed by manually depicting tumor areas. Then, histogram-based texture parameters were calculated. The texture-feature values between Fuhrman low- (Grade I-II) and high-grade (Grade III-IV) ccRCCs were compared by two independent sample t-tests (False Discovery Rate correction), and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of using texture features to predict Fuhrman high- and low-grade ccRCCs. RESULTS There were no statistical differences for any texture parameters without filtering (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the entropy (fine) of the corticomedullary phase and the entropy (fine and coarse) of the nephrographic phase after Laplace of Gaussian filtering. The area under the ROC of the entropy was between 0.74 and 0.83. CONCLUSIONS Computer tomography texture features can predict the Fuhrman grading of ccRCC pre-operatively, with entropy being the most important imaging marker for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Feng
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang China
| | - Qijun Shen
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003 China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Radiology, Second People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang China
| | - Zhengyu Hu
- Department of Radiology, Second People’s Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang China
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Soliman R, Zohry G. [Effect of magnesium sulphate and milrinone on cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a randomized study]. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIOLOGY (ELSEVIER) 2018; 69. [PMID: 30409409 PMCID: PMC9391725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjane.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an important cause of premature death and disability worldwide. Magnesium sulphate is shown to have a neuroprotective effect and it reverses cerebral vasospasm. Milrinone is also used in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of prophylactic magnesium sulphate and milrinone on the incidence of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS The study included 90 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage classified randomly (by simple randomization) into two groups: magnesium sulphate was given as an infusion of 500mg.day-1 without loading dose for 21 days. Group B: milrinone was given as an infusion of 0.5μg.kg-1.min-1 without loading dose for 21 days. The cerebral vasospasm was diagnosed by mean cerebral blood flow velocity in the involved cerebral artery (mean flow velocity≥120cm.s-1), neurological deterioration by Glasgow coma scale, or angiography (the decrease in diameter of the involved cerebral artery >25%). RESULTS The mean cerebral blood flow velocity decreased significantly in the magnesium group compared to milrinone group through Day 7, Day 14 and Day 21 (p<0.001). The incidence of cerebral vasospasm decreased significantly with magnesium compared to milrinone (p=0.007). The Glasgow coma scale significantly improved in the magnesium group compared to milrinone group through Day 7, Day 14 and Day 21 (p=0.036, p=0.012, p=0.016, respectively). The incidence of hypotension was higher with milrinone than magnesium (p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage was significantly lower and Glasgow coma scale significantly better with magnesium when compared to milrinone. Milrinone was associated with a higher incidence of hypotension and requirement for dopamine and norepinephrine when compared to magnesium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabie Soliman
- Cairo University, Department of Anesthesia, Cairo, Egito.
| | - Gomaa Zohry
- Cairo University, Department of Anesthesia, Cairo, Egito
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Bitew A. Dermatophytosis: Prevalence of Dermatophytes and Non-Dermatophyte Fungi from Patients Attending Arsho Advanced Medical Laboratory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dermatol Res Pract 2018; 2018:8164757. [PMID: 30402089 PMCID: PMC6192139 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8164757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatophytosis is a disease of major public health problem around the globe causing a considerable morbidity. OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of dermatophytosis and the spectrum of fungi implicated in causing the infection. METHODS Nail, skin, and scalp scrapings were collected from 318 patients and were used for microscopy and culture study. Fungal pathogens were identified by studying the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of their colonies. RESULT Tinea capitis was the predominant clinical manifestation consisting of 48.1% of the cases. Among 153 patients with tinea capitis, 73.2% were in the age group of 1-14 years. Of 318 study participants, 213 (67.98%) were found to be positive for dermatophytosis microbiologically. Out of 164 fungal isolates, 86 were dermatophytes and 78 were non-dermatophyte fungi. Among 86 dermatophytes, T. violaceum represented 38.4% of dermatophyte isolates and 89.7% of the isolates were recovered from tinea capitis. Of 76 non-dermatophyte molds, Aspergillus spp., Scytalidium dimidiatum, and Cladosporium spp. were the most common isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Failure to detect or isolate fungal pathogens in a large number of clinical samples revealed the limitation of clinical diagnosis in differentiating dermatophytosis from other skin infections demonstrating that clinical diagnosis should be coupled with laboratory methods. Recovery of large number of non-dermatophyte fungi along with dermatophytes in our study showed that non-dermatophyte fungi are emerging as important causes of dermatophytosis, warranting the implementation of intensive epidemiological studies of dermatophytosis across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adane Bitew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Eley S, Khilstrom K, Fotovat R, Xiao ZL, Chen A, Chen D, Leroux M, Welp U, Kwok WK, Civale L. Glassy Dynamics in a heavy ion irradiated NbSe 2 crystal. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13162. [PMID: 30177792 PMCID: PMC6120952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Fascination with glassy states has persisted since Fisher introduced the vortex-glass as a new thermodynamic phase that is a true superconductor that lacks conventional long-range order. Though Fisher's original model considered point disorder, it was later predicted that columnar defects (CDs) could also induce glassiness - specifically, a Bose-glass phase. In YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO), glassy states can cause distinct behavior in the temperature (T ) dependent rate of thermally activated vortex motion (S). The vortex-glass state produces a plateau in S(T ) whereas a Bose-glass can transition into a state hosting vortex excitations called double-kinks that can expand, creating a large peak in S(T ). Although glass phases have been well-studied in YBCO, few studies exist of other materials containing CDs that could contribute to distinguishing universal behavior. Here, we report on the effectiveness of CDs tilted ~30° from the c-axis in reducing S in a NbSe2 crystal. The magnetization is 5 times higher and S is minimized when the field is parallel to the defects versus aligned with the c-axis. We see signatures of glassiness in both field orientations, but do not observe a peak in S(T ) nor a plateau at values observed in YBCO. Finally, we discuss the possibility that competing disorder induces a field-orientation-driven transition from a Bose-glass to an anisotropic glass involving both point and columnar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Eley
- Condensed Matter and Magnet Science, MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Department of Physics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - K Khilstrom
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - R Fotovat
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Z L Xiao
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - A Chen
- Center for Integrated Nanotechnology (CINT), MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - D Chen
- Materials Science and Technology Division, MST-8, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - M Leroux
- Condensed Matter and Magnet Science, MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - U Welp
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - W K Kwok
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - L Civale
- Condensed Matter and Magnet Science, MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
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Comparative Protective Effects of N-Acetylcysteine, N-Acetyl Methionine, and N-Acetyl Glucosamine against Paracetamol and Phenacetin Therapeutic Doses-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats. Int J Hepatol 2018; 2018:7603437. [PMID: 30245889 PMCID: PMC6139237 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7603437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Both paracetamol (PA) and phenacetin (PH) are analgesic and antipyretic agents. Part of phenacetin therapeutic activity is attributed to its metabolism into paracetamol. Paracetamol causes direct hepatic oxidative stress damage. The present study aimed to investigate the possible damaging effects of both PA and PH, when used in therapeutic doses, on rat liver and to compare the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), N-acetyl-methionine (NAM), and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) against PA- or PH-induced hepatic damage. METHODS 90 male Wistar albino rats (120-140 gm) were undertaken, categorized randomly into 9 groups of 10 rats each, and administered by gavage for 2 weeks with DMSO 1% (controls), PA, PA+NAC, PA+NAM, PA+NAG, PH, PH+NAC, PH+NAM, and PH+NAG. Biochemical assays of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiols, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in liver homogenates and serum assays of ALT, AST, 8-hydroxy guanine (8-OH-Gua), and AFP were done. Also histopathological examinations of liver tissues in various groups were done. RESULTS PA and PH cause significant increase in hepatic levels of MDA, NO, and AFP and serum ALT, AST, and 8-OH-Gua levels, with significant decrease in hepatic GSH and total thiols. NAG and NAC significantly improve the PA- and PH-induced hepatic and blood, biochemical, and histopathological disturbances, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both PA and PH induce oxidative stress in rat liver within their therapeutic doses. NAG and NAC in pharmacological doses can antagonize the oxidative damaging effect of both PA and PH.
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Synthesis of biogenic silver nanoparticles using Althaea officinalis as reducing agent: evaluation of toxicity and ecotoxicity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12397. [PMID: 30120279 PMCID: PMC6098089 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known mainly because of their bactericidal properties. Among the different types of synthesis, there is the biogenic synthesis, which allows the synergy between the nanocomposites and substances from the organism employed for the synthesis. This study describes the synthesis of AgNPs using infusion of roots (AgNpR) and extract (AgNpE) of the plant Althaea officinalis. After the synthesis through reduction of silver nitrate with compounds of A. officinalis, physico-chemical analyzes were performed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Toxicity was evaluated through Allium cepa assay, comet test with cell lines, cell viability by mitochondrial activity and image cytometry and minimal inhibitory concentration on pathogenic microorganisms. Biochemical analyzes (CAT - catalase, GPx - glutathione peroxidase e GST - glutationa S-transferase) and genotoxicity evaluation in vivo on Zebrafish were also performed. AgNpE and AgNpR showed size of 157 ± 11 nm and 293 ± 12 nm, polydispersity of 0.47 ± 0.08 and 0.25 ± 0.01, and zeta potential of 20.4 ± 1.4 and 26.5 ± 1.2 mV, respectively. With regard to toxicity, the AgNpE were the most toxic when compared with AgNpR. Biochemical analyzes on fish showed increase of CAT activity in most of the organs, whereas GPx showed few changes and the activity of GST decreased. Also regarding to bactericidal activity, both nanoparticles were effective, however AgNpR showed greater activity. Althaea officinalis can be employed as reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, although it is necessary to consider its potential toxicity and ecotoxicity.
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Ayikobua ET, Semuyaba I, Eze DE, Kalange M, Nansunga M, Okpanachi AO, Safiriyu AA. Combined Donepezil and Ethanolic Extract of Propolis Improved Memory Better Than Donepezil and Propolis Monotherapy in Wild Type Drosophila melanogaster. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:3717328. [PMID: 30158994 PMCID: PMC6109536 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3717328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donepezil is the most common drug used in the treatment of disorders associated with memory loss, especially that in Alzheimer's disease. Healthy individuals however have continued to use it as a memory enhancer. This study was aimed at evaluating the combined therapy of donepezil and propolis on cognition in Drosophila melanogaster. Method. Drosophila melanogaster flies were divided into five groups and fed with the different treatment doses of ethanolic extract of propolis and donepezil as follows: normal food, propolis 250 mg/mL, propolis 50 mg/mL, donepezil 0.001M, and donepezil 0.001M/propolis 50 mg/mL added to their food. The flies were fed from larval stage for 30 days. The memory and learning tests were conducted after every 10 days to assess improvement with time. RESULTS The results obtained showed that the combination of propolis with donepezil caused a remarkable improvement in both the short- and long-term memory. In addition, there was a dose dependent improvement with the administration of propolis. CONCLUSION Propolis extract obtained from different parts of Uganda expressed cognitive improvement when coadministered with donepezil in wild type Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Tiyo Ayikobua
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Institute of Biomedical Research Laboratory, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Ibrahim Semuyaba
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Daniel Ejike Eze
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Muhamudu Kalange
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Mariam Nansunga
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, St. Augustine International University, P.O. Box 88, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alfred Omachonu Okpanachi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Institute of Biomedical Research Laboratory, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Abass Alao Safiriyu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Institute of Biomedical Research Laboratory, Kampala International University, Western Campus, P.O. Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
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Xavier M, Piyadarshini B, Ninan G, Zynudheen AA, Mathew PT, Nair KGR, Joseph AC. Enrobed Snack Product from Devis’s Anchovy (Stolephorus commersonnii) and its Quality Evaluation during Frozen Storage. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC FOOD PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10498850.2018.1504846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Xavier
- Department of Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Fish Processing Technology division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Bhargavi Piyadarshini
- Department of Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - George Ninan
- Fish Processing Technology division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | | | - Paruthapara Thomas Mathew
- Fish Processing Technology division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | | | - Azhikkakath Chandy Joseph
- Fish Processing Technology division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India
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Chai IJ, Arai T. Ages at maturation of tropical freshwater eels, Anguilla bicolor bicolor and A. bengalensis bengalensis. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2018.1470090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Inn Ju Chai
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Takaomi Arai
- Environmental and Life Sciences Programme, Faculty of Science, UniversitiBrunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
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Hydrothermal alteration mapping from Landsat-8 data, Sar Cheshmeh copper mining district, south-eastern Islamic Republic of Iran. JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtusci.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Fairclough E, Myers J, Smith ARB, Breeman S, Reid F. A UK questionnaire survey of current techniques used to perform pelvic organ prolapse repair. Int Urogynecol J 2017; 28:1367-1376. [PMID: 28150029 PMCID: PMC5569116 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-017-3273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Evidence-based medicine should result in better standardisation of practice. This study aims to evaluate whether there remains variation in surgical techniques in native tissue and graft/mesh repairs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in UK practice. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted to describe current surgical techniques for native tissue and graft/mesh POP repairs performed by a cohort of UK surgeons recruiting to a large multicentre prolapse trial (PROSPECT). RESULTS The questionnaire return rate was 90% (n = 56 out of 62). Substantial variations in surgical techniques were seen at every step of the procedure. Native tissue repair: most surgeons used infiltration, 95% (n = 53 out of 56), but the volume used varied (10-80 ml). All but one surgeon performed a midline incision; this surgeon performed an elliptical incision. The depth of tissue dissection varied, being both above and below the vaginal muscularis (fascia). Fascial repair methods included midline, closure of separate fascial defects, paravaginal repair and rectal/levator plication. Graft/mesh repairs: many different products and manufacturers were used. There was variation in the method of attachment of graft/mesh inserts and their placement in relation to the fascia. For both native tissue and graft/mesh repairs, the method of fascial dissection, suturing methods and suture material varied. Most surgeons inserted a pack, 91% (n = 50 out of 55), soaked in varying substances before use. CONCLUSIONS There is considerable variation between UK-based surgeons in the surgical techniques used to perform both native tissue and graft/mesh-augmented POP repairs. Further research is required to determine whether these differences influence outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Fairclough
- The Warrell Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Division of Development Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Jenny Myers
- The Warrell Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Division of Development Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Anthony Ross Broadhurst Smith
- The Warrell Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
- Division of Development Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Suzanne Breeman
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, 3rd Floor, Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Fiona Reid
- The Warrell Unit, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
- Division of Development Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
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Kim K, Nguyen VB, Dong J, Wang Y, Park JY, Lee SC, Yang TJ. Evolution of the Araliaceae family inferred from complete chloroplast genomes and 45S nrDNAs of 10 Panax-related species. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4917. [PMID: 28687778 PMCID: PMC5501832 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05218-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We produced complete sequences and conducted comparative analysis of the maternally inherited chloroplast (cp) genomes and bi-parentally inherited 45S nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (nrDNA) from ten Araliaceae species to elucidate the genetic diversity and evolution in that family. The cp genomes ranged from 155,993 bp to 156,730 bp with 97.1-99.6% similarity. Complete 45S nrDNA units were about 11 kb including a 5.8-kb 45S cistron. Among 79 cp protein-coding genes, 74 showed nucleotide variations among ten species, of which infA, rpl22, rps19 and ndhE genes showed the highest Ks values and atpF, atpE, ycf2 and rps15 genes showed the highest Ka/Ks values. Four genes, petN, psaJ, psbF, and psbN, related to photosynthesis and one gene, rpl23, related to the ribosomal large subunit remain conserved in all 10 Araliaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ten species could be resolved into two monophyletic lineages, the Panax-Aralia and the Eleutherococcus-Dendropanax groups, which diverged approximately 8.81-10.59 million years ago (MYA). The Panax genus divided into two groups, with diploid species including P. notoginseng, P. vietnamensis, and P. japonicus surviving in Southern Asia and a tetraploid group including P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius Northern Asia and North America 2.89-3.20 MYA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Kim
- Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Binh Nguyen
- Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Jingzhou Dong
- School of Forestry and Horticulture, Hubei University for Nationalities, Enshi, 445000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510650, China
| | - Jee Young Park
- Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Choon Lee
- Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Yang
- Department of Plant Science, Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-921, Republic of Korea. .,Crop Biotechnology Institute/GreenBio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, 232-916, Republic of Korea.
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Ayenan MAT, Danquah A, Ahoton LE, Ofori K. Utilization and farmers' knowledge on pigeonpea diversity in Benin, West Africa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2017; 13:37. [PMID: 28633633 PMCID: PMC5477678 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding factors driving farmers' uses of crop genetic resources is a key component not only to design appropriate conservation strategies but also to promote sustainable production. However, in Benin, limited information is available on farmers' knowledge related to pigeonpea uses and conservation. This study aimed at i) identifying and investigating the different uses of pigeonpea in relation with socio-cultural factors, namely age, gender, ethnic group and respondents' residence, ii) assessing pigeonpea varieties richness at household level and iii) evaluating the extent and distribution of pigeonpea varieties. METHODS Three hundred and two farmers were surveyed using structured questionnaire. Direct observation, field visit and focus group discussion were carried out. Association between number of varieties maintained at household level and socio-cultural variables was tested. Mann-Whitney test was used to assess whether the number of varieties held by households headed by men and women were different. Distribution and extent of diversity was assessed through four cells analysis. RESULTS Farmers in Benin mainly grow pigeonpea for its grains for home consumption. Pigeonpea's stem and leaves are used for medicinal purposes to treat malaria, dizziness, measles, and eye infection. The ethnic group and the locality of residence of farmers influenced on the use of pigeonpea for medicinal purposes (P < 0.01). There was no significant association (P > 0.05) between the number of varieties held by household and the age of the respondent, number of years of experience in pigeonpea cultivation, the size of household, number of family members engaged in agricultural activities and gender. Farmers used criteria including seed colors, seed size, plant height, maturity groups and cooking time to classify their varieties. Varieties with white seed coat color were the most grown while varieties with black, red or mottled seed coat color are being abandoned and deserve to be conserved. CONCLUSION Knowledge on medicinal uses of pigeonpea is vertically transmitted within community and pigeonpea varieties maintenance at household level does not depend on socio-cultural factors. This study will contribute to raise awareness on the various utilization of pigeonpea. In addition, it provides the basis for designing conservation strategies of pigeonpea genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Anatole Tele Ayenan
- Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 44, Legon, Ghana
| | - Agyemang Danquah
- Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 44, Legon, Ghana
| | - Léonard Essehou Ahoton
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences (FSA), University of Abomey- Calavi, 01 BP 526 Cotonou, Republic of Benin
| | - Kwadwo Ofori
- Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 44, Legon, Ghana
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