bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representasi Kehidupan Sosial Ekonomi Pelaku Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM) Dikawasan Objek Wisata Percandian Muaro Jambi-Provinsi Jambi
Authors: Putra Adi
Published: November 2019

UMKM are very important to note because UMKM are a driver of national economic development. The important role of UMKM is the most productive sector at the time of the monetary crisis in Indonesia. The development of UMKM is also the most important element for economic development policies to create jobs, equal income, economic growth, alleviate poverty and increase income for the regional economy. This study aims to determine how the socio-economic conditions of UMKM actors in the Tourism Object area of the Muaro Jambi Temple Complex, with descriptive statistical analysis methods, frequency analysis, factor analysis and influence tests to determine the effect of independent variables and dependent variables. the results of this study find out how the socio-economic conditions of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the area of Tourism Object Muaro Jamb ensemble complex, and obtained models and strategies for business development from social capital owned by the community.
Pendekatan Rasio Fibonacci Dan Fuzzy Logic Sebagai Analisis Teknikal Dalam Menentukan Keputusan Investasi Saham
Authors: Meiliza Dewi Ratiwi , Prasojo Bayu Hari
Published: November 2019

One form of approach used to analyze stock prices is by applying Fibonacci ratios and Fuzzy Logic analysis. The purpose of this study is (1) to apply the Fibonacci ratio approach to determine stock support and resistance levels in food and beverage sub-sector companies on the IDX, (2) to apply fuzzy logic analysis based on support and resistance levels with the Fibonacci ratio approach to sub company the food and beverage sector on the IDX, (3) to provide investment decision recommendations in the form of linguistic information on stock price movements in the food and beverage sub-sector companies on the IDX.

The research design used in this study is a case study of the price movements of ten shares in the food and beverage sub-sector companies on the Stock Exchange. Researchers used a research design with secondary data. Furthermore, stock price movement data were analyzed using a merging analysis approach with Fibonacci ratios and fuzzy logic analysis with fuzzy systems so that an investment decision recommen- dation was obtained in the form of linguistic information.

Based on the results of the study showed that technical analysis of stock price move- ments using Fibonacci ratios and fuzzy logic analysis can be used properly. Furthermore, the results of this linguistic information can be utilized by investors who do not own shares and who already have shares, but the results of this data analysis are not absolute and must be adjusted to the conditions in their application.
Rancang Bangun Detektor Standart Preform Botol Minuman Menggunakan Metode Jaringan Saraf Tiruan
Authors: Wahyunarto Joko , Hunaini Fachrudin , Istiadi Istiadi
Published: November 2019

Preform is a semi-finished material from a bottle before cooking in the blowing process. Standards form most, same shapes and colors in one production. However, it does not have to close in one production which requires several preforms that have different colors and weights than other preforms so that they are not included in the standard and must be rejected. In this case a standard detector and color of the preform drink bottle were made using backpropagation neural network method where hardware that loaded arduino uno, photodiode sensor, load cell and HX 711 module and LCD i2c 16 x 2. Photodiode sensors can be used in blue preform together with load cell which is translated directly preform which is directly converted by the HX711 module. Two input data is then processed in the Arduino UNO module. Data output from Arduino UNO is approved on the LCD and processed in the Artificial Neural Network in Matlab on the laptop. The final output of the research results will be displayed in the command window matlab column containing rich "YES" or "NO". In this study backpropagation artificial neural networks as a method to provide accurate assessment by displaying the test results with 19 grams, color density 8 with a voltage of 0.038 Volts and output data is 1 with error data -4.75E13.
Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support in Relationship Between Teacher Self-Efficacy and Teacher Effectiveness
Authors: Abubakar Al Munnir , Ariffin Tengku Faekah bt Tengku , Jaafar Fauziah Md , Lailia Dinar Roudhotul
Published: November 2019

The main aim of the study is to examines the relationship between teacher effectiveness and perceived organizational support in mediating by self-efficacy. Teacher effectiveness is the ability to produce gains on student achievement scores, taking account of a baseline measure of students’ performance. Perceived Organizational Support (POS) refers to employees' perception concerning the extent to which the organization values their contribution and is concerned about their wellbeing. Teacher self-efficacy is meant by teachers’ belief in their own ability to organize and execute courses of action essential to successfully achieving the specific teaching tasks in specific situations. The study is conceptual in nature and the research considers the drivers which motivate the teachers. The population of the study comprised secondary school teachers in Bauchi metropolitan. The proposed method of the study is quantitative which will be use questionnaire. The sample will be composed of males and females’ teachers. The study will adopt the descriptive survey design and all the information will collected through a questionnaire which largely had close-ended questions and one open-ended question.
Teachers' Perceptions on Student Leadership Traits And Potentials in Malaysian Secondary Schools
Authors: Nashuha Nurul Mardhiah Mohd , Bakrin Haryati , Mahmudah Amalia , Isticharoh Anik
Published: November 2019

Student leadership is seen to be one of the crucial issues in educational leadership field due to its impact on students, especially for the secondary and tertiary level students. Traits of student leaders are being investigated as one of the factors contributing to the effectiveness of student leadership in school. Categorised as one type of school leadership, student leadership is considered very beneficial for personal development of self-confidence and self-esteem as well as very prudent for the nation. The main purpose of this study is to investigate teachers’ perceptions on student leadership - its definition and benefits - and the shared traits possessed by student leaders. There were two theoretical frameworks used in this study. The first framework is by Northouse (2004) on Traits of a Good Leader, and the second is by Kozes and Posner (2012) on Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. This qualitative study involved eight respondents who are secondary school teachers from various schools and age groups, using convenience sampling. Semi-structured interview was used in order to gain the teachers’ perceptions. The data was analysed using descriptive thematic approach. The findings revealed that there are ten shared traits of student leaders which are closely related to Northouse’s (2004) traits on good leaders and one concluded definition of student leadership also came out as a result.
Pengembangan Bahan Ajar Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam Berbasis Model Learning Cycle 7E untuk Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Fembriani Fembriani , Hidayat Muhamad Taufik
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the validity of Natural Science teaching materials for fifth grade of elementary school. The development of this teaching material focused on "Human digestive devices, food and health'' material. The product developed was teaching material based on 7E Learning Cycle learning model (LC7E teaching material). The validity measurements were done by technique of expert validity and content validity. Teaching materials are legitimate if they reach "good" and "very good" categories. The level of validity of LC7E teaching material is on the valid criteria with an average score of 3.8 and a 95% success. The result of the content validity of the 24 questions given by the data obtained an average of r count of 0.575 > r table 0, 514. With that results, the teaching material developed is declared valid.
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Learning Cycle 7e untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa
Authors: Efendi Nur , Mufidah Dian Nur
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to analyze students' critical thinking skills through the application of learning cycle type 7E at SMPN 1 Krembung. This research is a quan- titative research type of quasi-experiment with one-group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected using pretest and posttest to measure students' critical thinking skills with critical thinking indicators from Robert H. Ennis. Data were then analyzed using N-Gain to determine the improvement of students' critical thinking skills. The results showed that the indicator of critical thinking skills "determines actions" gained the highest N-gain score of 0.8 and the lowest N-gain value is the "focus question" indicator of 0.167.
Markedly Increased Ocular Side Effect Causing Severe Vision Deterioration After Chemotherapy Using New or Investigational Epidermal or Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors.
Authors: Shin Eunhae , Lim Dong Hui , Han Jisang , Nam Do-Hyun , Park Keunchil , Ahn Myung-Ju , Kang Won Ki , Lee Jeeyun , Ahn Jin-Seok , Lee Se-Hoon , Sun Jong-Mu , Jung Hyun Ae , Chung Tae-Young
Published: November 2019

Background: We sought to describe corneal epithelial changes after using epidermal (EGFR) or fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors as chemotherapy and to clarify incidence and prognosis. Materials: Retrospective chart review. Results: Among 6,871 patients and 17 EGFR or FGFR inhibitors, 1,161 patients (16.9%) referred for ophthalmologic examination. In total, 1,145 patients had disease-related or unrelated ocular complications. Among 16 patients with treatment-related ocular complications, three patients had treatment-related radiation retinopathy and one patient showed treatment-related corneal ulcer. Finally the authors identified that, in 12 patients, three EGFR inhibitors and two FGFR inhibitors caused corneal epithelial lesions. Vandetanib, Osimertinib, and ABT-414 caused vortex keratopathy in nine patients, while ASP-5878 and FPA-144 caused epithelial changes resembling corneal dysmaturation in three patients. The mean interval until symptoms appeared was 246 days with vandetanib, 196 days with osimertinib, 30 days with ABT-414, 55 days with ASP-5878, and 70 days with FPA-144. The mean of the lowest logarithm of minimal angle of resolution visual acuity results of the right and left eyes after chemotherapy were 0.338 and 0.413. The incidence rates of epithelial changes were 15.79% with vandetanib, 0.005% with osimertinib, 100% with ABT-414, 50.0% with ASP-5878, and 18.2% with FPA-144. After excluding deceased patients and those who were lost to follow-up or still undergoing treatment, we confirmed the reversibility of corneal lesions after the discontinuation of each agent. Seven patients showed full recovery of their vision and corneal epithelium, while three achieved a partial level of recovery. Although patients diagnosed with glioblastoma used prophylactic topical steroids before and during ABT-414 therapy, all developed vortex keratopathy. Conclusions: EGFR and FGFR inhibitors are chemotherapy agents that could make corneal epithelial changes. Contrary to the low probability of ocular complication with old EGFR drugs, recently introduced EGFR and FGFR agents showed a high incidence of ocular complication with severe vision distortion. Doctors should forewarn patients planning chemotherapy with these agents that decreased visual acuity could develop due to corneal epithelial changes and also reassure them that the condition could be improved after the end of treatment without the use of steroid eye drops.
Endoscopic ultrasound-based transluminal cholecystolithotomy: the retrievable anchor assisted procedure
Authors: Ge Nan , Hu Jinlong , Yang Fei , Yang Fan , Zhang Kai , Sun Siyu
Published: November 2019

Background
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is gradually emerging as an option among patients with cholecystitis. A stent-bridged endoscopic intervention in the gallbladder (GB) was further introduced. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the electrocautery-enhanced delivery of a lumen apposing metal stent (ECE-LAMS) and this newly designed retrievable anchor (RA) applied in the transmural cholecystolithotomy.
Method
We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing EUS-guided transmural cholecystoscopic therapy. The main outcome measures for the EUS-GBD procedure were technical success and adverse events, which were also compared between the guided assisted group and the RA-assisted group. The main outcome measures for transmural cholecystoscopy after EUS-GBD were the stent indwelling time, clinical success, and adverse events.
Results
A total of 24 (15 female) patients with gallstones received transluminal cholecystolithotomy. The mean age of the patients was 36.08±13.69 years. The success rate of the anchor-assisted group was higher than that of the guidewire-assisted group (92.9% vs. 70%, P=0.07). On an average of 12.25±2.77 (range 8-17) days after the initial GB drainage procedure, 20 patients received per-oral cholecystoscopy via the fistula. A ruptured fistula was found in 2 patients in whom the per-oral cholecystoscopy was applied on the ninth day after EUS-GBD. During the follow-up period (mean 314.2± 213.7 days), no GB stone recurrence or other long-term complications were reported.
Conclusion
We demonstrated that the EUS-assisted per-oral cholecystoscopy technique with ECE-LMAS is an efficient and safe procedure. For the EUS-GBD procedure, a RA could significantly increase the success rate compared with the guidewire.
Experiences from Decentralised Radiological Services in Norway – a rural case study
Authors: Myklebust Aud Mette , Eide Hilde , Ellis Brian , Beattie Rona
Published: November 2019

Background
Implementation of the Norwegian government’s Coordination Reform (2012) aims to decentralise health care services from centralised hospitals to local communities. Radiological services in Norway are mainly organised in hospitals, because of the significant financial and human resource demands engendered by the need for advanced technological equipment, and specialised staff. Some selected conventional x-ray services have been decentralised into rural communities. The purpose of this single case study was to highlight experiences from different stakeholders’ of organiseing decentralised radiological services in a rural area in Norway.
Methods
A qualitative single case study design was adopted, collected data using focus groups with healthcare professionals and managers to obtain stakeholder’s experiences of the radiological services in this rural area. The key emergent themes from the literature, decentralisation, quality, professional roles, organisation and economic consequences – were discussed with each focus group. Thematic analysis was used for analyzing the primary data collected.
Results
Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: 1)organisation, 2)quality and safety, 3)funding of radiological services and 4) cooperation between health care professions and health care levels. It was found that the organisation of decentralised radiological services to rural areas is challenging because of the way health services are structured in Norway. The quality of service was found to be inadequate in some areas because of the superficial level of training given to non-radiographic staff. The experience is that the Norwegian funding system hinders an efficient decentralised health care service. Effective cooperation and responsibility between health care professions and levels was challenging. There needs to be improved co-working by clearly defining roles and responsibilities.
Conclusions
A key recommendation for the organisation of rural radiological service was the development of a satellite link with an acute hospital. Quality of the service could be improved and should be given priority. Structural change to the financial system whereby money follows patients, might also facilitate more patient-centred services across healthcare levels. Improved mutual understanding between rural radiological services and hospital specialists and managers is important for a high quality and consistent radiological service to be delivered across Norway.
Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia following mass testing and treatment in Pakro sub-district of Ghana
Authors: Ndong Ignatius Cheng , Okyere Daniel , Enos Juliana Yartey , Mensah Benedicta Ayiedu , Nyarko Alexander Kwadwo , Abuaku Benjamin , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Merle Corinne Simone C. , Koram Kwadwo Ansah , Ahorlu Collins Stephan
Published: November 2019

Background: Global efforts to scale-up malaria control interventions are gaining steam. These include the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets, Indoor Residual Spraying, Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Test, Treat and Track. Despite these, the drive for malaria elimination is far from being realistic in endemic communities in Africa. This is partly due to the fact that asymptomatic parasite carriage, not specifically targeted by most interventions, remains the bedrock that fuels transmission. This has led to mass testing, treatment and tracking (MTTT) as an alternative strategy to target asymptomatic individuals. We report the impact of MTTT on the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia over a one-year period in Ghana, hypothesizing that implementing MTTT could reduce the rate of asymptomatic parasitaemia. Methods: A population of about 5,000 individuals in seven communities in the Pakro sub-district of Ghana participated in this study. A register was developed for each community following a census. MTTT engaged trained community-based health volunteers who conducted house-to-house testing using RDTs every four months and treated positive cases with Artemisinin–based Combination Therapy. Between interventions, community-based management of malaria was implemented for symptomatic cases. Results: MTTT Coverage was 98.8% in July 2017 and 79.3% in July 2018. Of those tested, asymptomatic infection with malaria parasites reduced from 36.3% (1,795/4941) in July 2017 to 32.9% (1,303/3966) in July 2018 (p=0.001). Prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia among children under 15 years declined from 52.6% (1,043/1984) in July 2017 to 47.5% (820/1,728) in July 2018 (p=0.002). Implementing MTTT significantly reduced asymptomatic parasitaemia by 24% from July 2017 to July 2018 after adjusting for age, ITN use and axillary temperature (OR=0.76, CI=0.67, 0.85 p≤0.001). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that implementing MTTT is feasible and could reduce the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in children under 15 years of age. Furthermore, the use of community-based health volunteers could ensure high coverage at lower cost of implementation.
The utility of a shortened palliative care screening tool to predict death within 12 months – a prospective observational study in two South African hospitals with a high HIV burden
Authors: Raubenheimer Peter , Day Cascia , Abdullah Faried , Manning Katherine , Cupido Clint , Peter Jonny
Published: November 2019

Background: Timely identification of people who are at risk of dying is an important first component of end-of-life care. Clinicians often fail to identify such patients, thus trigger tools have been developed to assist in this process. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a identification tool (based on the Gold Standards FrameworkPrognostic Indicator Guidance) to predict death at 12 months in a population of hospitalised patients in South AfricaMethods: Patients admitted to the acute medical services in two public hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa were enrolled in a prospectiveobservational study. Demographic data were collected from patients and patient notes. Patients were assessed within two days of admission by two trained clinicians who were not the primary care givers, using the identification tool. Outcome mortality data were obtained from patient folders, the hospital electronic patient management system and the Western Cape Provincial death registry which links a unique patient identification number with national death certificate records and system wide electronic recordsResults: 822 patients (median age of 52 years), admitted with a variety of medical conditions were assessed during their admission. 22% of the cohort were HIV-infected. 218 patients were identified using the screening tool as being in the last year of their lives. Mortality in this group was 56% at 12 months, compared with 7% for those not meeting any criteria. The specific indicator component of the tool performed best in predicting death in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients, with a sensitivity of 74% (68-81%), specificity of 85% (83-88%), a positive predictive value of 56% (49-63%) and a negative predictive value of 93% (91-95%). The hazard ratio of 12-month mortality for those identified vs not was 11.52 (7.87 – 16.9; p < 0.001).Conclusions:The identification tool is suitable for use in hospitals in low-middle income country setting that have both a high communicable and non-communicable disease burden amongst young patients, the majority under age 60.
Multiple chronic conditions and associated health care expenses in US adults with cancer: A 2010-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey study
Authors: Davis-Ajami Mary Lynn , Lu Zhiqiang K , Wu Jun
Published: November 2019

Cancer increases the risk of developing one or more chronic conditions, yet little research describes the associations between health care costs, utilization patterns, and chronic conditions in adults with cancer. The objective of this study was to examine the treated prevalence of chronic conditions and the association between chronic conditions and health care expenses in US adults with cancer. Methods: This retrospective observational study used US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component (2010-2015) data sampling adults diagnosed with cancer and one or more of 18 select chronic conditions. The measures used were treated prevalence of chronic conditions, and total and chronic condition-specific health expenses (per-person, per-year). Generalized linear models assessed chronic condition-specific expenses in adults with cancer vs. without cancer and the association of chronic conditions on total health expenses in adults with cancer, respectively, by controlling for demographic and health characteristics. Accounting for the complex survey design in MEPS, all data analyses and statistical procedures applied longitudinal weights for national estimates. Results: Among 3,657 eligible adults with cancer, 83.9% (n = 3,040; representing 16 million US individuals per-year) had at least one chronic condition, and 29.7% reported four or more conditions. Among those with cancer, hypertension (59.7%), hyperlipidemia (53.6%), arthritis (25.6%), diabetes (22.2%), and coronary artery disease (18.2%) were the five most prevalent chronic conditions. Chronic conditions accounted for 30% of total health expenses. Total health expenses were $6,388 higher for those with chronic conditions vs. those without (p<0.001). Health expenses associated with chronic conditions increased by 34% in adults with cancer vs. those without cancer after adjustment. Conclusions: In US adults with cancer, the treated prevalence of common chronic conditions was high and health expenses associated with chronic conditions were higher than those without cancer. A holistic treatment plan is needed to improve cost outcomes. Keywords: cancer, multiple chronic conditions, health expenses, health utilization
Occupational hazards in medium and large scale industrial sectors in Sri Lanka – Experience of a developing country
Authors: Arnold S.M. , Wickrematilake MSK , Fernando RMSD , Sampath HMRC , Karunapema RPP , Mahesh PKB , Munasinghe PM , Denawaka CJ
Published: November 2019

Objective Occupational hazards is an area where many countries have begun to pay more emphasis as it affects the health of many particularly in developing countries. However, documented literature is scarce in this regard although occupational hazards are common in workplaces. The study was carried out with the objective of describing the physical hazards and control measures adopted in the formal medium and large-scale industrial sector in Sri Lanka. Results Of the 69 units of the 25 factories, physical hazards detected in the workplaces were; excessive noise (78.3%), poor light (58%), increased temperature (65.2%), and poor ventilation (68.1%). Over 50% of large machinery and 33% of medium-scale machinery were not adequately guarded. Nearly 41% of the machinery were difficult to operate, of them 36.2% had controls in positions which were hard to reach. Of safety measures adopted, only 34.8% had proper demarcation of areas with 28.9% displaying safety signs. Housekeeping was poor in 59.4% and less than 40% had safe storage of raw materials and end products. Key words Occupational hazards, Occupational health, Hazard control, Industry
Association between aerobic exercise and handgrip strength in adults: a cross-sectional study based on data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2017)
Authors: Seong Jae Yeon , Ahn HyeonYeong , Park Yeoncheol , Shin Sangah , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: November 2019

Background Handgrip strength is an easy-to-assess indicator of overall muscle strength and can be used to evaluate health status. Although previous studies have reported an increase in grip strength due to aerobic exercise, such a study has not been conducted on Korean participants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on handgrip strength and examine the association between these two variables in Korean patients with hypertension or diabetes. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the 6th and 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2017). A total of 19,650 individuals aged ≥19 years who had responded to questionnaires concerning aerobic exercise and handgrip strength were analyzed. The relationship between aerobic activity and handgrip strength was examined by logistic regression analysis. Results The mean age of individuals in the low muscle strength group was higher than that in the normal muscle strength group. The odds ratio for low handgrip strength was higher in individuals who did not perform aerobic exercise than in those who performed aerobic exercise. Following adjustment for covariates, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for low handgrip strength were 1.415 (0.187–1.688) in the total sample, 1.799 (1.376–2.352) in patients with hypertension, and 1.811 (1.208–2.715) in patients with diabetes. Conclusion The results of our study indicated a strong association between aerobic exercise and handgrip strength in the Korean population.
The Prevalence of severe depression in Iranian elderly: A meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Salari Nader , Mohammadi Masoud , Vaisi-Raygani Aliakbar , Abdi Alireza , Shohaimi Shamarina , Paveh Behnam Khaledi , Daneshkhah Alireza , Jalali Rostam
Published: November 2019

Background Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the elderly and one of the most common risk factors for suicide in the elderly. Studies show different and inconsistent prevalence rates in Iran. This study aims to determine the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian elderly through a meta-analysis approach.Methods The present meta-analysis was conducted between January 2000-August 2019. Articles related to the subject matter were obtained by searching Scopus, Sciencedirect, SID, magiran, Barakat Knowledge Network System, Medline (PubMed), and Google Scholar databases. The heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated using I 2 index and the data were analyzed in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.Results In a study of 3948 individuals aged 50-90 years, the overall prevalence of severe depression in Iranian elderly was 8.2% (95% CI: 4.14-6.3%) based on meta-analysis. Also, in order to investigate the effects of potential factors (sample size and year of study) on the heterogeneity of severe depression in Iranian elderly, meta-regression was used. It was reported that the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian elderly decreased with increasing sample size and increasing years of the study, which is significantly different (P<0.05).Conclusion Considering the high prevalence of severe depression in Iranian elderly, it is necessary for health policy makers to take effective control measures and periodic care for the elderly.
Coprophagy prevention alters microbiome structure and function and impairs memory in a small mammal
Authors: Bo Ting-bei , Zhang Xue-Ying , Kohl Kevin D. , Wen Jing , Tian Shuang-Jie , Wang De-Hua
Published: November 2019

Background In the long process of adaptive evolution, many small mammals engage in coprophagy, or the behavior of consuming feces, as a means to meet nutritional requirements when feeding on low-quality foods. In addition to nutritional benefits, coprophagy may also help herbivores retain necessary gut microbial diversity and function, which may have downstream physiological effects, such as maintaining energy balance and cognitive function. Here, we used collars to prevent Brandt’s vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) from engaging in coprophagy and monitored changes in microbial community structure, energy metabolism, and memory formation. Results In this research, we found that coprophagy prevention decreased alpha diversity of the gut microbiota, and altered abundances of microbial taxa such as Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Oscillospira. The coprophagy prevention decreased body mass while increased food intake and ghrelin level in serum. Importantly, coprophagy prevention decreased vole’s memory and neurotransmitters in brain. The administration of acetate compensated for the energy loss and decline of spatial memory caused by coprophagy prevention and partially rescued the composition and structure of gut microbiota. Conclusions These findings identify relationship between coprophagy behavior and interactions between the gut microbiota, energy metabolism and neurological function. Our results suggest that coprophagy may have a positive effect on animal’s nutritional requirements and ecological adaptations by improving memory function.
Deciphering bacterial interactions via DSF-regulated public goods in an anammox community
Authors: Guo Yongzhao , Zhao Yunpeng , Tang Xi , Na Tianxing , Pan Juejun , Zhao Huazhang , Liu Sitong
Published: November 2019

Background: Bacterial interaction and communication via quorum sensing (QS) received extensively attention, as it can coordinate bacterial behavior and activity through the QS signal molecules in microbial community. Though the exchange of public goods regulated by QS have been explored in pure culture, how signal sense, transmit, and affect the social traits through regulating public goods in complex communities remains unclear. Results: The levels of public goods (e.g. extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and amino acids) changed significantly when exogenous diffusion signal factor (DSF), a kind of QS molecules, was added. Approaches involving meta-omics and hierarchical signalling network construction give insight into that anammox species ( Jettenia caeni , AMX1) and Proteobacteria -affiliated bacterium (PRO1) can sense and transit DSF signals, thus directly regulating the production and exchange of public goods via the secondary messenger c-di-GMP regulator, Clp. In detail, these two kinds of species can supply more costly amino acids for DSF-Secretor species (like AMX2, CFX1, CFX3, and PRO4) after sensing DSF. Meanwhile, DSF-Secretor species encoded diverse genes involved in hydrolysis of extracellular protein and carbohydrate and genes involved in transportation of peptides and sugars. The exogenous DSF-inducement also leads to the high expression of these genes, which indicated DSF-Secretor species helped anammox bacteria scavenge extracellular detritus. This process can be considered as a feedback of public goods supply by anammox bacteria, as this process contributed to create a suitable environment for anammox bacteria growth. Namely, DSF can bridge bacterial interactions through regulating public goods. Furthermore, the trade-off induces discrepant metabolic loads of different microbial clusters and community succession. It illustrated the potential to artificially alleviate metabolic loads and thus increase proliferation rate for certain bacteria through QS. Conclusions: DSF can bridge interactions of anammox bacteria and DSF-Secretor species through regulating production and exchange of public goods using Clp regulator. Deciphering microbial interactions via QS provides insights for understanding the molecular evolution of QS in microbial community.
Ethanol-activated CaMKII signaling induces neuronal apoptosis through Drp1-mediated excessive mitochondrial fission and JNK1-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Authors: Lim Jae Ryong , Lee Hyun Jik , Jung Young Hyun , Kim Jun Sung , Chae Chang Woo , Kim Seo Yihl , Han Ho Jae
Published: November 2019

Neurodegeneration is a representative phenotype of patients with chronic alcoholism. Ethanol-induced calcium overload causes NLRP3 inflammasome formation and an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics, closely associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. However, how calcium regulates this process in neuronal cells is poorly understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the detailed mechanism of calcium-regulated mitochondrial dynamics and NLRP3 inflammasome formation in neuronal cells by ethanol. Methods: In this study, we used the SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma cell line. To confirm the expression level of the mRNA and protein, real time quantitative PCR and western blot were performed. Co-immunoprecipitation and Immunofluorescence staining were conducted to confirm the complex formation or interaction of the proteins. Flow cytometry was used to analyze intracellular calcium, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis. Results: Ethanol increased cleaved caspase-3 levels and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation associated with neuronal apoptosis. In addition, ethanol increased PKA activation and CREB phosphorylation, which increased NMDA receptor (NMDAR) expression. Ethanol-increased NMDAR induced intracellular calcium overload and CaMKII activation leading to phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and JNK1. Drp1 phosphorylation promoted Drp1 translocation to the mitochondria, resulting in excessive mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial ROS accumulation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, which was recovered by Drp1 inhibitor pretreatment. Ethanol-induced JNK1 phosphorylation activated the NLRP3 inflammasome that induced caspase-1 dependent mitophagy inhibition, thereby exacerbating ROS accumulation and causing cell death. Suppressing caspase-1 induced mitophagy and reversed the ethanol-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that ethanol upregulated NMDAR-dependent CaMKII phosphorylation which is essential for Drp1-mediated excessive mitochondrial fission and the JNK1-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation resulting in neuronal apoptosis. Key words: Ethanol, NMDA receptor, NLRP3 inflammasome, CaMKII, JNK1, Drp1, Caspase-1, Mitophagy, Neuronal apoptosis
Changes in individual and contextual socio-economic level influence on reproductive behavior in Spanish women. The MCC-Spain study
Authors: Gómez-Acebo Ines , Dierssen-Sotos Trinidad , Palazuelos Camilo , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Amiano Pilar , Fernández-Villa Tania , Ardanaz Eva , Suarez-Calleja Claudia , Alguacil Juan , Molina-Barceló Ana , Jiménez-Moleón José J. , Molero Jessica Alonso , Roca-Barceló Aina , Chirlaque María-Dolores , Vázquez José Pedro Fernández , Molinuevo Amaia , Aragonés Nuria , Serra Maria Sala , Binefa Gemma , Moreno Victor , Pollán Marina , Kogevinas Manolis , Llorca Javier
Published: November 2019

The association between socioeconomic level and reproductive factors has been widely studied. For example, it is well known that women with lower socioeconomic status (SES) tend to have more children, the age at first-born being earlier. However, less is known about to what extent the great socioeconomic changes occurred in a country (Spain) could modify women reproductive factors. Objective: To analyze the influence of individual and contextual socioeconomic levels on reproductive factors in Spanish women, and to explore whether this influence has changed over the last decades. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional design using data from 2038 women recruited as population-based controls in an MCC-Spain case-control study. Results: Higher parent’s economic level, education level, occupational level and lower urban vulnerability were associated with higher age at first delivery and lower number of pregnancies. These associations were stronger for women born after 1950: women with unfinished primary education had their first delivery six years before women with high education if they were born after 1950 (23.4 vs. 29.8 years) but only three years before if they were born before 1950 (25.7 vs. 28.0 years). For women born after 1950, the number of pregnancies dropped from 2.1 (unfinished primary school) to 1.7 (high education), whereas it remained almost unchanged in women born before 1950. Conclusions: Reproductive behavior was associated with both individual and area-level socio-economic indicators. Such association was stronger for women born after 1950 regarding age at first delivery and number of pregnancies and for women born before 1950 regarding consumption of hormonal contraceptives or postmenopausal therapy.
High detection rate of osteoporosis with screening of a general hospitalized population: a 6-year study in 6406 patients in a University Hospital setting.
Authors: Malaise Olivier , Detroz Marie , Leroy Mathieu , Leonori Lorenzo , Seidel Laurence , Malaise Michel
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease identified by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) that can be performed in an ambulatory (out-patient) or hospitalized population. We evaluated the use of baseline in-hospital DEXA screening to identify osteoporosis in ambulatory care and hospitalized patients; we also assessed specific risk factors for osteoporosis among these populations. Methods: We included a baseline initial DEXA from 6406 consecutive patients at our tertiary referral University Hospital. Results: Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 22.3% of the study population. In univariate analysis, osteoporosis risk factors were age, fracture history and low BMI (for all 3 sites), but also corticotherapy (lumbar spine and femoral neck) and male gender (lumbar spine). In multivariate analysis, age, fracture history, low BMI, and male gender increased osteoporosis risk. In-hospital screening yielded a higher percentage of osteoporosis positive scans than ambulatory care screening (31.8% vs 18.5%, p<0.001). In-hospital screening targeted an older and more predominantly male population with a higher fracture history. Z-scores revealed that this difference was not only due to an older age of the population and mainly concerned cortical bone. This suggests the existence of more numerous comorbidities deleterious for bone health in hospitalized patients. Conclusions: In-hospital osteoporosis screening was more effective than screening in ambulatory practice and could be an additional tool to improve the identification and management of osteoporosis. In addition to typical risk factors, we identified male gender as an osteoporosis risk factor in our cohort.
Imaging and treatment patterns in newly-diagnosed patients with Crohn’s disease: analysis of a Japanese claims database
Authors: Hirai Fumihito , Uda Akihito , Ota Mihoko , Takemura Yukiko , Tanaka Keisuke , Iwakiri Ryuichi
Published: November 2019

Background: The biologics adalimumab, infliximab, and ustekinumab are approved to treat Crohn’s disease (CD) in Japan; they are recommended to induce/maintain remission in steroid-dependent/steroid-refractory CD. However, little is known about biologic use in real-world clinical practice, particularly in the initial treatment stage following endoscopic/radiographic diagnosis (intestinal inspection). Methods: This observational, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study assessed patients in the Japan Medical Data Center claims database who were diagnosed with CD from 2009–2019, and prescribed ≥ 1 biologic (adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab). Primary outcomes were type of first-line treatment prescribed on/within 6 months of first CD diagnosis, and time from first diagnosis to biologic introduction. Results: The study included 1346 patients with newly-diagnosed CD who were prescribed a biologic (adalimumab, n = 434; infliximab, n = 892; ustekinumab, n = 20). Most common first-line treatments were 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) monotherapy (26.8%), 5-ASA plus biologic (26.3%), and biologic monotherapy (12.9%). First-line steroids (monotherapy/in combination) were prescribed in 10.8% of patients. The first-line biologic prescription rate was lower in patients who had undergone intestinal inspection within 12 months before biologic introduction versus those who had not (5.3% vs 17.4% in monotherapy; 19.9% vs 65.4% in combination with other agents). Mean time from diagnosis to first biologic prescription was 4.1 months. Conclusions: The study demonstrated high use of biologics (particularly infliximab) and low use of steroids in initial treatment of Japanese patients with newly-diagnosed CD who received biologics during their treatment course. Biologic prescription was more common in patients who had not undergone prior intestinal inspection.
The evaluative effectiveness of a combined index exceeded that of a single variable for the ovarian reserve and response of infertile women
Authors: Zhou Shan-Jie , Zhao Ming-Jia , Li Cui , Su Xing
Published: November 2019

Aim of the present study was to explore the evaluative effectiveness of age, ovarian volume, antral follicle count (AFC), serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), FSH/LH ratio and ovarian response prediction index (ORPI) to determine which could most advantageously assess ovarian reserve and response.Methods This research enrolled 319 consecutive infertile women who had undergone IVF-ET/ICSI treatments. Abovementioned variables were measured and calculated. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve analysis was used to analyze the predictive accuracy of variables and to calculate cut-off values and corresponding sensitivity and specificity.Results Our study revealed that the significant variables for evaluating a decline in ovarian reserve include age, total volume of bilateral ovary, FSH, and ORPI. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of ORPI was higher than other three variables (AUC = 0.903), and the cut-off value of ORPI was 0.245 (sensitivity 90.1%, specificity 73.9%). The significant variables forecasting excessive ovarian response were age, AFC, AMH, ORPI, FSH and FSH/LH ratio, and the significant variables forecasting low ovarian response were AMH and FSH/LH ratio. ORPI and FSH/LH ratio presented better effectiveness in evaluating ovarian response. When they were used to predict excessive response, the cut-off values of ORPI and FSH/LH ratio was 0.886 (sensitivity 84.7%, specificity 67.3%) and 1.753 (sensitivity 56.2%, specificity 67.6%), respectively. When used to predict low response, the cut-off value of FSH/LH ratio was 2.983 (sensitivity 75.0%, specificity 83.8%).Conclusions ORPI performed better than did the other variables in evaluating ovarian reserve and predicting excessive ovarian response, and the FSH/LH ratio performed better than did the other variables in predicting low ovarian response. Consequently, we agreed that the evaluative effectiveness of a combined index exceeded that of a single variable for evaluating the ovarian reserve and response of infertile women.
The impact of irritable bowel syndrome on health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Taghavi Seyed Abdolvahab , Asemi Zatollah , Bazarganipour Fatemeh , Allan Helen , Khashavi Zahra , Safarzadeh Tahereh , Pourchangiz Shamsi , Zare Fatemeh , Ghasemi Samaneh , Karimi Zivar
Published: November 2019

The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence and quality of life (QOL) of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with healthy women.Methods This was a case-control study of 201 women recruited at an infertility clinic in Iran. The control group were healthy women (n=100) and the comparison group, women with PCOS (n=101). Data were collected by clinical Rome III criteria to determine the IBS, Bristol scale for stool consistency and IBS QOL.Results The reporting of IBS symptoms was higher in PCOS (20.7%) than control group (11%) (P=0.05). Predictive factors of IBS included having diagnosed PCOS (OR: 1.61; CI: 0.71–2.11) and an increase of LH/FSH (OR: 1.09; 0.95 CI: (0.83-1.45). The IBS QOL score in the IBS+PCOS group was lower than other groups (IBS+ non PCOS, non IBS+PCOS, non IBS+ non PCOS; scores in food avoidance and worries about health domains were significant (P<0.01). Conclusions: We conclude that having PCOS and an increased level of LH/FSH tends to cause IBS symptoms. IBS+PCOS women experience significant impaired quality of life scores particularly in relation to worries about health and food avoidance. These results offer further insights into IBS in PCOS women and their functional status and wellbeing.
Prevalence of Pseudoexfoliation among Adults and its Related Ophthalmic Variables in the Community of Kebena Woreda, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: SHERIEF SADIK Taju , Kibru Ephrem , Shibeshe Menen Ayalew
Published: November 2019

Clinical studies in the hospital settings using patients having ocular morbidities have shown a high prevalence of pseudoexfoliation (PXF) in Ethiopia. With this information in mind community based study was conducted to determine age and sex-specific prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) and its relationship with some ophthalmological variables.Objective To determine the prevalence and clinical features of pseudoexfoliation among adults in kebena woreda of Gurage zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia.Design Random cross-sectional samples of adult population aged 40 years or older in the community of the district.Methods A total of 760 subjects aged 40 years or older underwent standardized examination, including portable slit lamp biomicroscopy before and after pupillary dilatation, and IOP measurement using Tono-Pen. PXF was diagnosed on slit lamp exam by the presence of white dandruff-like material on the pupillary margin and/or on the anterior lens capsule of one or both eyes.Results Among 760 participants, the prevalence of PXF was 12.0% (95% confidence interval, 9.7%-14.3%). The mean age was 63.9 years (SD 9.96, age range 40-90 years). Fifty six percent were found to have bilateral PXF. The prevalence increased with increasing age, with 26.9% of those 60 or older affected. Slightly higher proportion of males (12.4%) were found to have pseudoexfoliation in either of the eyes than females (11.6%) which was not statistically significant (p=0.738). Mean IOP in subjects with PXF was found to be 20.65 + 5.15 mmHg, while it was 15.0 + 2.3mmHg for those without PXF. The difference between the two populations was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusions The prevalence of PXF in eyes of people in Kebena appears greater than that reported in other places of Africa and Asia. PXF occurs at a relatively younger age in our population. Increasing age is associated with the presence of PXF, and PXF in turn is associated with high IOP.