bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nosocomial Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Cancer Patients: A Seven-Year Experience of an Oncology Center in Western China
Authors: Jiang Ai-Min , Shi Xin , Liu Na , Gao Huan , Ren Meng-Di , Zheng Xiao-Qiang , Fu Xiao , Liang Xuan , Ruan Zhi-Ping , Yao Yu , Tian Tao
Published: February 2020

Background: Bacterial infections are the most frequent complications in patients with malignancy, and the epidemiology of nosocomial infections among cancer patients has changed over time. This study aimed to evaluate characteristics, antibiotic-resistant patterns, and prognosis of nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) in cancer patients. Methods: This retrospectively analyzed cancer patients with MDR bacteria caused nosocomial infections from August 2013 to May 2019 and was conducted to explore the risk factors, clinical features, outcomes, and antibiotic-resistant patterns of these infections. Results: Overall, 257 cancer patients developed nosocomial infections caused by MDR bacteria. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae was the most frequently isolated multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB), followed by ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Cancer patients with liver disease, received intrapleural/abdominal infusion within 30 days, length of hospitalization, hemoglobin, and albumin were independent factors for 30-day mortality in the study population. The isolated MDR bacteria were highly sensitive to amikacin, meropenem, imipenem, tigecycline, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Conclusions: Cancer patients with prolonged hospitalization was an independent predictor of a favorable outcome. However, cancer patients with liver disease, received intrapleural/abdominal infusion within 30 days, anemia, and hypoproteinemia were independent risk factors of 30-day mortality.
Systematic surveillance and meta-analysis on the prevalence of Metallo-β-Lactamase producers among carbapenem resistant clinical isolates in Pakistan
Authors: Ain Noor ul , Abrar Samyyia , Khan Rehan Ahmad , Hannan Abdul , Imran Namrah , riaz saba
Published: February 2020

Background: Rapid emergence of carbapenem resistance (CR) is a health concern of pertinent importance. Epidemiological surveillance of CR at global and indigenous level (Pakistan) can help to improve infection control strategy and establish pharmacovigilance programs. This study evaluate the prevalence of clinically significant CR isolates, and its genetic variant distribution among different geographical regions of Pakistan. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to present the current rate of CR infections and prevalence of Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). The proposed subject was researched using robustic electronic databases a) PubMed b) PubMed Central® (PMC), and c) Google Scholar to identify the available literature. Thereafter, relevant data was extracted and statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 14. Result: A total of 110 relevant studies were identified with 19 meeting the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis of CR, while 22 for MBLs. Pooled rate for carbapenem resistance was determined to be 0.28 (95% CI: 0.26-0.31) with overall significant heterogeneity (I 2 =99.61%, p<0.001) and significant estimated score ES=0 (Z=22.65, p<0.001). In case of Pakistan, the overall pooled proportion of MBL producers was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.29-0.39) with overall heterogeneity significance (I 2 =99.62%, p<0.001) and respective significant ES=0 (Z=13.17, p<0.001). Conclusively, diverse variants of carbapenemases (VIM, IMP, NDM, KPC, GIM, SIM) along with other co-existing β-lactamase variants (OXA, TEM, SHV, CTX-M) have been reported across the country. However, New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-variants were reported in predominant literature. Conclusion: The prevalence of CR isolates in Pakistan is alarming, associated with MBL production primarily evident from the studies. The study emphasizes the need for regular surveillance, pharmacovigilance and antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure the availability of data to the authorities for preemptive measures of infection control.
The Interactive Association between Sodium Intake, Alcohol Consumption and Hypertension among Elderly in Northern China
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Nan Xi , Lu Haiwen , Wu Jing , Xue Mingming , Qian Yonggang , Wang Wenrui
Published: February 2020

Background The study examined the interactive association between sodium intake, alcohol consumption and hypertension among elderly in Inner Mongolia in Northern China. Methods This was a cross-sectional study which came from the National Survey Data for Nutrition and Adult Chronic Disease in Inner Mongolia. Sodium intake and alcohol consumption were estimated by 24-hour recalls and a weighing method. Participants were categorized into 6 subgroups according to the sodium intake status and drinking levels. Multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the interactive effects. Results 820 elderly were included in the study, of whom 523 (63.80%, standardized rate 62.33%) had been diagnosed with hypertension. The mean sodium intake was 4.88g among the residents in Inner Mongolia. Adjusting for confounders, there was interaction between sodium intake and alcohol consumption, the risk of hypertension was highest among sodium intake excessively with alcohol consumption excessively group, with odds ratio (OR) of 3.639 (95% Confidence interval [ 95% CI ]: 1.666 - 7.947). Conclusions The study highlights the interactive association between sodium intake and alcohol consumption with hypertension. Measures which reduce the intake of sodium and consumption of alcohol aimed at preventing hypertension, and improving the quality of life and health among elderly in Inner Mongolia.
Rural-urban inequalities in poor self-rated health, functional disabilities and depression among Chinese older adults: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 and 2015
Authors: Jiang Haiting , Burström Bo , Chen Jiaying , Burström Kristina
Published: February 2020

Background: The demand for healthcare and social services increases with the aging of the population and functional disabilities among older adults. Rural-urban inequalities in health have not been extensively studied previously from the national perspective, especially after classifying the effects of Hukou (household registration system in China) and residence. This study investigates rural-urban inequalities in prevalence of poor self-rated health, functional disabilities and self-reported depression among Chinese older adults and analyses determinants of rural-urban inequalities in self-reported health outcomes. Methods: The data originate from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which started in 2011 and collects data every two years, a representative sample in 28 provinces in China. Older adults aged 60 years and above in CHARLS 2011 and CHARLS 2015 were studied. Sociodemographic factors were studied, including age, sex, marital status, living arrangement, living near children, educational level and income. Self-Rated Health (SRH) was assessed with a single question. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) were used to measure self-reported functional abilities. The 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure self-reported depression. Results: Rural respondents had poor socioeconomic status and higher prevalence of poor SRH, functional disabilities and depression than urban respondents. The levels of functional disabilities, both BADLs and IADLs, were similar in 2011 and 2015, while the prevalence of poor SRH and self-reported depression were lower in 2015, both among rural and urban respondents. Impairments increased with age, and appeared at younger age among rural respondents compared to urban respondents. Being female, unmarried, with low educational level and low income increased the odds ratios of reporting poor SRH, functional disabilities and depression. Living arrangement and living near children did not have significant impacts on health outcomes. Conclusions: Rural-urban inequalities in poor SRH, functional disabilities and depression were mainly related to educational level and income.
Downregulation of Dual-specificity phosphatase 9 promotes tumor progression and contributes to poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhaoyan , Liang Ning , Sun Tao , Xue Hongyuan , Xie Tianyu , Wang Xinxin , Wang Qian
Published: February 2020

Background Dual-specificity phosphatase 9 (DUSP9) belongs to the dual-specificity protein phosphatase subfamily. Recently, increasing attention has been paid on the role of DUSP9 in a variety of cancers. However, its functional role in tumor development is still unclear, especially in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods The functional role of DUSP9 in inhibiting the progression of CRC was verified both in vivo and in vitro using colony formation assay, EdU incorporation assay, wound healing assay, nude mice xenograft model, and et al. RNA-seq was performed to assess the gene expression profiling in SW480 cells with DUSP9 stable knockdown and shControl cells. Bisulfite sequencing (BSE) was performed to reveal methylation status of CpG island in promoter of DUSP9. Results DUSP9 was significantly down regulated in tumor tissues compared with peritumor tissues. Moreover, low DUSP9 expression in CRC was closely associated with tumor size, depth of invasion and advanced TNM stage, indicating that DUSP9 may be involved in the progression of CRC. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with low expression of DUSP9 were significantly shorter than that of patients with high expression of DUSP9. Functional study revealed that DUSP9 inhibited tumor migration, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo . Mechanistically, low expression of DUSP9 in CRC was caused by the upregulation of miR-1246 and hypermethylation status of CpG island in promoter of DUSP9. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that DUSP9 plays a critical role in the progression of CRC and therapeutic intervention to increase the expression or activity of DUSP9 may be a potential target for CRC treatment in the future.
Cloacal swabs are unreliable sources for estimating lower gastro-intestinal tract microbiota in chicken
Authors: Williams Travis John , Athrey Giridhar N
Published: February 2020

BackgroundThe gastrointestinal microbiota in chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) has a central role in health and performance. The ceca are a vital site of functional activity, but assessing cecal microbiota in longitudinal studies remains a challenge. The cecal communities are broadly similar to large intestine samples. Cloacal sampling, due to their proximity to the large intestine, is an alternative, non-invasive method used for assaying and monitoring disease-causing agents, and maybe a viable option for longitudinal studies.ResultsWe collected paired cecal content, and cloacal swab samples from twenty randomly selected commercial broilers raised on two dietary treatments. The microbiota of each sample was assessed using 16S rRNA V4 hypervariable region sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform and analyzed using the MOTHUR pipeline. Analysis of fourteen paired samples resulted in 1603 OTU’s assigned to 82 Families. Eleven families were shared between the cecal and cloacal samples, with seven and eleven families unique to cecal content and cloacal swabs, respectively. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test showed significant differences in the Chao1 index between the cecal content and cloacal swabs (p-value = 0.000845 and p-value = 0.001397, respectively). However, the Inverse Simpson species diversity estimator was not different using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test (p-value = 0.3258) and a paired t-test (p-value = 0.3864). β-diversity between the cloacal swabs and cecal microbiota also showed significant differences based on PERMANOVA (p-value = <0.001), HOMOVA (p-value <0.001), and Weighted Unifrac (WSig = <0.001) testing.ConclusionsCloacal swabs do not approximate either the α or β diversity of cecal samples, based on a paired sample analysis. The high variability of cloacal microbiota has been reported previously, and this study provides additional evidence of the randomness of cloacal microbiota in contrast to cecal microbiota. Our findings indicate that cloacal samples are not suitable for longitudinal studies of gut microbiota patterns. High inter-individual variation of cloacal swab data warrants further assessment of their reliability as a targeted diagnostic method.
The Meta-Memory Ratio: A new cohort-independent way to measure cognitive awareness in asymptomatic individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gagliardi Geoffroy Pierre , Houot Marion , Cacciamani Federica , Habert Marie-Odile , Dubois Bruno , Epelbaum Stéphane
Published: February 2020

Background Lack of Awareness for Cognitive Decline (ACD) has been described at the preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we introduced a meta-memory ratio (MMR), and explored how it is associated with neuroimaging AD biomarkers in asymptomatic individuals at risk for AD. Method 448 cognitively healthy participants from two cohorts of subjective memory complainers (INSIGHT-PreAD and ADNI) were included. Regression models were used to assess the impact of AD biomarkers on the MMR. Result In both cohorts, there was a significant quadratic effect of cerebral amyloidosis on the MMR value. In particular, participants had a high ACD up to the amyloid positivity threshold, above which a decrease of ACD was eventually observed as the amyloid load increased. Conclusion This nonlinear evolution of ACD in very early AD must be taken into account in clinical care and for trial enrollment as well.
Early Patellofemoral Articular Cartilage Degeneration In a Rat Model of Patellar Instability associated with activation of NF-κB Signal Pathway
Authors: Lin Wei , Dai Yike , Yang Guangmin , Niu Jinghui , Li Ming , Wang Fei
Published: February 2020

Background Patellar instability (PI) often increases the possibility of lateral patellar dislocation and early osteoarthritis. The early articular cartilage degeneration of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) in molecular mechanism still needs further investigation. It is commonly known that NF-κB signal pathway plays an important part in articular cartilage degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between NF-κB signaling pathway and degeneration of patellofemoral joint cartilage. Methods We established a model of PFOA caused by patellar instability in SD rats. 120 female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: patellar instability(PI, n=60) group and control group (n=60). The cartilage of the PI model group and the control group were separated at the stages of 4, 8, 12 weeks for comparison. The morphological structure of the trochlear cartilage and subchondral bone were evaluated by micro-computed tomographic (Micro-CT) and histological staining. The expression of NF-κB, Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, Collagen X and TNF-a were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Micro-CT and histological staining showed that subchondral bone loss was found from 8 weeks after surgery in PI model group. Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB, TNF-a were remarkably increased in PI model group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. In addition, the markers of cartilage degeneration MMP-13 and Collagen X were found higher in PI model group at different stages after surgery. Conclusion This study proved that early patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration can be caused by PI in growing rats, accompanied by significant subchondral bone loss. In addition, the degeneration of articular cartilage might associated with the activation of NF-κB signal pathway and become aggravated with time in PI model group.
A psychometric evaluation of the 12-item EPQ-R neuroticism scale in 502,591 UK Biobank participants using item response theory (IRT)
Authors: Bauermeister Sarah , Gallacher John
Published: February 2020

Background Neuroticism has been described as a broad and pervasive personality dimension or ‘heterogeneous’ trait measuring components of mood instability such as worry; anxiety; irritability; moodiness; self-consciousness; sadness and irritabililty. Consistent with depression and anxiety-related disorders, increased neuroticism places an individual vulnerable for other unipolar and bipolar mood disorders. However, the measurement of neuroticism remains a challenge. Our aim was to identify psychometrically efficient items and inform the inclusion of redundant items across the 12-item EPQ-R Neuroticism scale using Item Response Theory (IRT). Methods The 12-item binary EPQ-R Neuroticism scale was evaluated by estimating a two-parameter (2-PL) IRT model on data from 502,591 UK Biobank participants aged 37 to 73 years (M = 56.53 years; SD = 8.05), 54% female. Models were run listwise (n= 401,648) and post-estimation mathematical assumptions were computed. All analyses were conducted in STATA 16 SE on the Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) Data Portal. Results A plot of θ values (Item Information functions) showed that most items clustered around the mid-range where discrimination values ranged from 1.34 to 2.28. Difficulty values for individual item θ scores ranged from -0.13 to 1.41. A Mokken analysis suggested a weak to medium level of monotonicity between the items, no items reach strong scalability (H=0.35-0.47). Systematic item deletions and rescaling found that an 7-item scale is more efficient and with information (discrimination) ranging from 1.56 to 2.57 and stronger range of scalability (H=0.47-0.52). A 3-item scale is highly discriminatory but offers a narrow range of person ability (difficulty). A logistic regression differential item function (DIF) analysis exposed significant gender item bias functioning uniformly across all versions of the scale. Conclusions Across 401,648 UK Biobank participants, the 12-item EPQ-R neuroticism scale exhibited psychometric inefficiency with poor discrimination at the extremes of the scale-range. High and low scores are relatively poorly represented and uninformative suggesting that high neuroticism scores derived from the EPQ-R are a function of cumulative mid-range values. The scale also shows evidence of gender item bias and future scale development should consider the former along with item deletions.
Identifying and managing pathways of AI transmission by wild birds on meat chicken farms in eastern Australia
Authors: Atzeni Michael G , Fielder Darren P , Dunlop Mark W , Mayer David G
Published: February 2020

Conjecture surrounds the reservoir and bridge species potentially involved in introducing, maintaining and transmitting avian influenza (AI) on Australian meat chicken farms. This is mainly due to a lack of AI prevalence data and in-depth understanding of wild bird ecology on farms and across regions. For risk assessment purposes, we identified candidate species likely to be involved in AI maintenance and transmission during 68 bird surveys conducted across ten commercial meat chicken farms from Winter 2016 to Summer 2018 in southeastern Queensland. Using an AI-risk classification processes described in this paper, we speculate that 57 of the 139 species recorded in and around production facilities and nearby water bodies pose a medium to high risk, particularly on free range farms. On the farms with permanent waterbodies, resident and semi-resident dabbling ducks (Genus Anas ) could maintain AI indefinitely on-site, creating opportunities for these species and several bridge species to potentially infect poultry by being a vector between the dam/water habitat and poultry facilities. We suggest that other types of wild birds that may be involved in AI transmission including nomadic waterfowl, grazing ducks (Australian Wood Ducks and Plumed Whistling-duck), Waterhens, Lapwings, resident scavengers (corvids, ibis), birds of prey and mud nests builders (e.g. Fairy Martins). Disrupting AI maintenance cycles on farm dams would reduce the chances of transmission of environmental AI by potential bridge species. This may be achievable by proactively preventing higher risk waterfowl becoming resident and habituated on farms and deterring potential bridge species from accessing poultry houses. Targeted AI surveillance of suspected bridge species is required to determine the real risk. Ideally, this should occur on non-commercial poultry farms where AI transmission to poultry can be objectively investigated.
Screening prognosis-related lncRNAs based on WGCNA to establish a new risk score for predicting prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xueliang , Dou Mengmeng , Liu Zaoqu , Jiao Dechao , Li Zhaonan , Chen Jianjian , Yao Yuan , Li Lifeng , han xinwei
Published: February 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains an important cause of cancer death. The molecular mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis and prognostic factors of HCC have not been completely uncovered. Methods: In this study, we screened out differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs), miRNAs (DE miRNAs), and mRNAs (DE mRNAs) by comparing the gene expression of HCC and normal tissue in the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. DE mRNAs were used to perform gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Then, the miRNA and lncRNA/mRNA modules that were most closely related to the survival time of patients with HCC were screened to construct a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Moreover, univariable Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses of DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were conducted. Finally, the lasso‐penalized Cox regression analysis and nomogram model were used to establish new risk scoring system and predict the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Results: A total of 1896 DEmRNAs, 330 DElncRNAs, and 76 DEmiRNAs were identified in HCC and normal tissue samples. Then, the turquoise miRNA and turquoise lncRNA/mRNA modules that were most closely related to the survival time of patients with HCC were screened to construct a ceRNA network by WGCNA. In this ceRNA network, there were 566 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs, including 30 upregulated lncRNAs, 16 downregulated miRNAs and 75 upregulated mRNAs. Moreover, we screened out 19 lncRNAs and 14 hub mRNAs related to prognosis from this ceRNA network by univariable Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses. Finally, a new risk scoring system was established by selecting the optimal risk lncRNAs from the 19 prognosis-related lncRNAs through lasso‐penalized Cox regression analysis. In addition, we established a nomogram model consisting of independent prognostic factors to predict the survival rate of HCC patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results may provide potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for HCC, and the establishment of new risk scoring system and nomogram model provide the new perspective for predicting the prognosis of HCC.
Development of an inducible T7 expression system in Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a for production of α-L-arabinofuranosidase
Authors: Ji Minghua , Li Sijie , Liu Yunhui , Wu Haiying , Chen Qiao , Shi Jiping , Blamey Jenny , Sun Junsong
Published: February 2020

Background: Xylan is the second most abundant polysaccharide biomass on the earth, the polymers have a backbone of β-1,4-linked xylose residues with various side-chain substitutions, such as arabinose, acetic acid, glucuronic acid, and other esterified groups, thus, the removal of arabinose side groups by α-L-arabinofuranosidases is helpful in various industrial processes involving xylan treatment. Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051a is known for its excellent capacity of secretory production of recombinant peptides, however, poor experience in genetic manipulation and lack of universal expression elements impede this strain for wider application.Results: Xylose inducible comK was integrated into the genome of B. subtilis ATCC 6051a, and the transformation efficiency of the engineered strain B. subtilis 164S was increased by more than 1000 folds. B. subtilis 164S was further modified to generate B. subtilis 164T7P which incorporates a D-xylose inducible T7 RNA polymerase. The recombinant GFP expressed by 164T7P is more than thirteen times that achieved by P43 promoter, representing the most efficient expression system that had been ever reported in B. subtilis . Subsequently, abfA1 , encoding a glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 51 enzyme was cloned and overexpressed in 164T7P. The activity of recombinant α-L-arabinofuranosidase (AbfA1) reached 90.6±2.0 U mL -1 in the fermentation broth. Using p NPA as a substrate, kinetic parameters of the crude enzyme were Km of 1.4±0.1 mM and kcat of 139.4 s −1 . The optimum temperature and pH of the recombinant AbfA1 towards p NPA were observed to be 45 °C and pH 6.5, respectively.Conclusion: With enhanced cellular competence and introduction of T7 RNA polymerase, B. subtilis ATCC 6051a was engineered as a versatile cell tool for recombinant production of heterologous peptides employing T7 promoter. The novel expression kit demonstrated a very low level of leaky expression of target genes. The efficiency and applicability of the system were demonstrated by high-level production of a bacterial type α-L-arabinofuranosidase.
The data science tools for research of emigration processes in Ukraine
Authors: Roskladka Andrii , Roskladka Nataliia , Karpuk Anatolii , Stavytskyy Andriy , Kharlamova Ganna
Published: February 2020

The process of world globalization, labor, and academic mobility, the visa-free regime with the EU countries have caused a significant revival of migration processes in Ukraine. However, there is still the research gap in the most informative, and, at the same time, accurate method of the assessment and forecasting of the migration flows. Thus, the object of research is migration processes (mostly emphasizing the emigration flows). The motives, causes of emigration processes, and their relationship with the economic state were analyzed. The impact factors of external labor migration on the economy of the host countries were revealed, particularly the negative and positive impacts of emigration on the socio-economic situation in Ukraine and the migration attitude of Ukrainians were assessed.The main result of study is further development of the econometric model for forecasting the number of emigrants from Ukraine to other countries in the nearest future. The model considers the factors of minimum wage lavel in Ukraine, the number of open vacancies in the countries of Eastern Europe, and the level of competition for jobs. According to the results of forecasting based on Maple computer algebra system and Microsoft Power BI analytical platform, by the end of 2019, the number of emigrants from Ukraine supposed to be the largest in the last four years and to reach the estimates in the range from 2,444 to 2,550 million people, which may indicate a new third wave of emigration processes.
Oxytocin Versus Dinoprostone For Labor Induction in Multiparous Women with Unfavorable Cervix
Authors: Buyuk Gul Nihal , Sert Umit Yasemin , Oskovi Kaplan Zeynep Asli , Kahyaoglu Serkan
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE: Dinoprostone is a drug of choice in our daily practice for the induction of labor. The aim of our study; to compare the use of oxytocin with dinoprostone (PGE2- Propess©) used in term multiparous pregnant women to ripen the cervix.STUDY DESIGN: A total of 507 patients were included in the study. Group A, consisted of 262 women with term multiparous pregnancy Bishop score ≤6 underwent induction of labor with a vaginal insert containing 10-mg timed-release dinoprostone (Propess© -prostaglandin E2). Group B, consisted of 245 cases of pregnancy with Bishop score ≤6 underwent induction of labor with iv oxytocin and was matched for the patient's age and parity. The following data were recorded: age, gestational age, body mass index, the time from the drug administration to the vaginal labor, delivery mode, indications of induction, cesarean indication, birth weight, Apgar score, and need of neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS: The primary outcome of the in group B interval from induction to vaginal delivery was similar between the two groups. In group A, 41 patients and in group B, 23 patients had a cesarean section. Cesarean section rate was lower in the oxytocin group (cesarean rate 15.6% versus 9.3%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It appears; Dinoprostone ovule increases the cesarean rate in terms, multiparous cases with inappropriate cervical score and does not shorten the duration of delivery. Therefore, the use of oxytocin for cervical ripening in multiparous women may be a more appropriate option.
Inter-basin water transfer green supply chain coordination with partial backlogging under random precipitation
Authors: Chen Zhisong , Wang Huimin
Published: February 2020

Water demand backlogging and delivery loss have important impacts on the operational decisions and efficiency of the inter-basin water transfer (IBWT) green supply chain. This paper formulates, analyzes, and compares three IBWT green supply chain coordination decision models considering water delivery loss with lost sales, fully backlogging and partial backlogging under random precipitation, conducts the corresponding numerical and sensitivity analyses, and summarizes the corresponding managerial insights and policy implications. The research results show that: first, a two-part tariff contract can effectively coordinate the IBWT green supply chain and improve operational performance; second, the fully/partial backlogging strategy can effectively improve the operational performance of the IBWT green supply chain; third, fully backlogging is the first-best strategy and partial backlogging is the second-best strategy for the IBWT green supply chain.
Local climate impacts of dipole-like sea surface temperature oscillations in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Oh Jeseung , Jung Yong
Published: February 2020

Dipole phenomena in ocean-atmospheric variability such as the Indian Ocean Dipole have been recognized as important factors that greatly affect local climates. This study presents evidence of two dipole modes in sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) over high latitude Southern Hemisphere (one in South Pacific and one in South Indian Ocean), identified using empirical orthogonal functions and cross-correlation analysis. These dipole modes have interannual periodicity, which is also explored for their seasonal variability and modes. Herein, a dipole mode is defined as a quasi-periodic oscillation between positive and negative phases in the various climate proxies, though predominantly in SST, which is supported by the signal's synchronized relationship with atmospheric variability (as recorded by pressure and wind records). In addition, the dipole modes have a clear synchronization relationship to local precipitation records, which is described in this paper. For this purpose, an index to represent the time-dependent evolution of each dipole mode and to better define and understand the teleconnections of the dipole modes with other climate variables was defined. The findings described here provide a more precise and unique understanding of the globally distributed SSTA teleconnections and climate's synchronized dynamics than that has currently been studied.
THE ASSESSMENT OF UNDERUTILIZATION OF LABOUR FORCE IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION REGIONS
Authors: Sibirskaya E. V. , Mikheykina L. A.
Published: February 2020

During recent years the changes, occurring in the sphere of employment policy in the labour markets, as well as gradual introduction into practice of various countries of gathering information in the context of labour activity forms resulted in the need of the revision of earlier adopted international standards. It’s connected with the fact that in normative documents is presented the definition of unemployment without the criterion of «job search»; were adopted new indicators for the measurement of potential labour force, incomplete employment and underutilization of labour force. In article analyses the situation of underutilization of labour force since it’s important for the characteristic of the region in the context of the unsatisfied need in employment. The information, offered in the paper, can be used for the wider monitoring of labour market, for the researches of volume and trends in the sphere of unemployment, for the assessment of integration problems at the labour market and the interaction between employment and poverty, for forecasting of trends of regions’ socio-economic development.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AMERICAN AND BRITISH PEER-TO-PEER LENDING MARKETS
Authors: Bondarenko T. G. , Zhdanova O. A. , Maksimova T. P.
Published: February 2020

Peering lending arose as a response to the challenge of time at the moment when banks showed their weak points: extreme over-regulation and sluggishness. It is the reason leading to the emergence in the global financial market of a new mechanism — peertopeer lending, which requires a comprehensive study, which is advisable to start with an analysis of peer-to-peer lending markets in two founding countries — the United Kingdom and the United States. The stages of development of the peering mechanism in these countries reflect the trends of the world market as a whole. The structural and dynamic analysis made it possible to identify general trends in the development of markets in terms of slowing their growth rates over the next five years, which indicates that markets have reached their maximum and the need to find new ways of qualitative development in order to increase the numbers. Analysis of differences in legislative regulation of markets showed that the main differences are based on the use of different peer-to-peer crediting models in the UK and the USA, which in turn leads to nonidentical regulatory objects from a legal point of view, although in general the concept of peer-to-peer lending does not change.
CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO THE TRANSFORMATION OF INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Authors: Malgina I. V.
Published: February 2020

The socio-economic space of small and medium-sized entrepreneurship plays a significant role in its development. It is the awareness and understanding of this space as a systemrelated aggregate dynamic space of the state, entrepreneurial ecosystems and society based on building and transforming the relations of these subjects in the business economy and culture to modify the design of state regulation of SME at the stage of the digital economy formation, since it is the transformation itself entrepreneurial ecosystems and societies is a signal for activation of «bottom-up» policy. At the same time, the «top-down» policy implemented by the government in relation to the transformation of the architecture of the socio-economic space of SME should meet the requirements of effective development of the state. The balance of these two policies and can form an effective SME. That’s why conceptual approaches to the transformation of SME socio-economic space should be based on the construction of a clear algorithm for the formation of state policy in relation to small and medium-sized entrepreneurship, taking intoaccount the views of stakeholders and the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and society.
ASSESSING AND MANAGING THE REPRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF RUSSIA
Authors: Tikhomirov N. P. , Tikhomirova T. M.
Published: February 2020

At present Russian Federation in a whole and most of its regions face the problem of justifying the social and economic policy, that ensures the shift from prolonged depopulation to the regime of expanded reproduction of the population. The proposed methodology for such a justification is based on the designing the econometric models, that describe the patterns of objective indicators of population’s natural movement intensity, depending on the main “material” factors, determining the characteristics of its demographic behavior (standard of living, health care expenditures, payments for children, etc.). As such indicators, it is proposed to use the marginal growth rate or its refined modifications, which are calculated only on the basis of sex-age-specific fertility and mortality rates and do not depend on changes in age structures. Such marginal indicators more reliably characterize the potential of self-reproduction of the population in comparison to the total and standardized fertility and mortality rates, commonly used in demography and corresponding to them population growth rates. The paper presents estimates of the marginal rates of natural movement of the Russian population in 1990—2017, which indicate, that the decline in the potential of demographic self-reproduction in the last decade of the 20th century in Russia was quite significant, and the rate of its recovery in the 21st century was not high enough, thus, as a consequence, by 2017 the country had not yet shifted to the regime of expanded reproduction, although in some of its regions such a regime had already been established in 2007—2012. The econometric model, presented in the work, reflecting the dependence of the marginal growth rate of Russian population on the standard of living and the expenditures on demographic policy measures, shows that the shift of the country as a whole to the regime of sustainable extended demographic self-reproduction is possible by 2025—2030, subject to a 2—3% annual increase in the levels of these factors.
Antipsychotic Drugs and Risk of Developing Venous Thromboembolism and Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Arasteh Omid , Nomani Homa , Baharara Hamed , Sadjadi Seyed A. , Mohammadpour Amir H. , Ghavami Vahid , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2020

Background:

Antipsychotic (AP) medications are the cornerstone treatment for schizophrenia and some other psychiatric diseases. However, some observational studies suggest that these medications might increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess whether AP medications are associated with the development of VTE or PE, and to assess the risk based on any type of AP drugs, quality of studies and after adjustment of risk factors.

Data sources:

To identify relevant studies, we searched PubMed and EMBASE databases up to February 2019. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles for related studies.

Study Selection:

Twenty studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in our meta-analysis after screening relevant observational cohort and case-control studies.

Primary Outcome:

The primary outcome of our meta-analysis was the occurrence of all VTE or PE only attributed to exposure to AP medications compared with non-exposure to AP medications.

Results:

Exposure to AP drugs was associated with a significant increase in the risk of VTE (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.30-1.80, I2 = 85%) and PE (RR 3.69, 95% CI 1.23-11.07, I2 = 90%). In the subgroup metaanalysis, the use of low-potency AP drugs was associated with a higher risk of VTE, (RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04-3.47, I2 = 78%).

Conclusion:

AP exposure was associated with a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of VTE and a 3.7-fold increase in the risk of PE. Low-potency AP drugs were associated with a higher risk of VTE. However, high heterogeneity among studies limits the generalizability of the results.
Reforming of Rice Ash Waste by Incorporated Nanotitania in Silica Framework for Photo-Catalytic Treatment of Wastewater
Authors: El-Salamony Radwa A. , Hassan Salah A
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The nano-composites based on the burnt rice straw waste, reformed by nano-TiO2 and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc), namely, RSA-TiO2, RSA-CuPc, and RSA-TiO2-CuPc were prepared by a mechano-chemical method.

Method:

The as-prepared composite systems were characterized by adopting FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, SBET, and optical techniques. Their photo-catalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue dye was evaluated under visible light irradiation. The co-existence of the two components in RSA, SiO2 and organic carbon, plus the inherently intimate contact between nano-TiO2 and CuPc could improve the photo-degradation of MB dye.

Results:

The complete degradation of MB dye was achieved by using RSA-TiO2 (50) nano-composite and the time is taken for 50% degradation of a dye is 53 min under visible light radiation.

Conclusion:

The kinetic study revealed that photo-degradation of MB follows pseudo-first-order reaction mechanism, where the kinetic rate constant was 0.013 min-1.
Potential Mechanisms Involved in the Anticonvulsant Effect of Methanol Extract of Pyrenancantha staudtii in Mice
Authors: Wakeel Olayemi K. , Awosan Oluropo B. , Kolawole Oyetunji T. , Ayankunle Akeem A. , Onaolapo Olukunle J. , Adeyeba Oluwaseyi A.
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To determine the potential effect of Pyrenancantha staudtii extract on
experimentally induced seizures in mice and to evaluate the role of benzodiazepines, naloxone,
and serotonin within these pathways.

Methods:

Animal behaviours were evaluated using open field, hexobarbitone-induced sleep
model, and anticonvulsant activity using picrotoxin-, or strychnine-, or isoniazid-induced convulsions.
Attempt to understand the mode of action of the anticonvulsant activity of the plant,
three notable antagonists (flumazenil, 3 mg/kg; naloxone 5 mg/kg, i.p., and cyproheptadine,
4 mg/kg, i.p) were used.

Results:

The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the frequency of rearing and
grooming episodes compared with the control. The extract of P. staudtii potentiates the sleeping
time of hexobarbitone-induced hypnosis in a dose-related manner. P. staudtii stem bark extracts
significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the onset of a seizure and attenuated the duration of seizure in
a dose-dependent manner in picrotoxin- and or isoniazid-induced seizures. While, P. staudtii
stem bark extract at all doses (100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1) though significantly prolonged the
onset of action, but did not confer any significant changes on the duration, as well as mortality
in this strychnine-induced seizure model. However, the anticonvulsant activity of the methanolic
extract of P. staudtii was significantly reversed following intraperitoneal pre-treatment with
flumazenil (GABA receptor antagonist) and naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) but not cyproheptadine
(5-HT2 receptor antagonist) in picrotoxin-induced convulsion.

Conclusion:

The data obtained suggest that methanol extract of P. staudtii possessed significant
anticonvulsant effect, thereby confirming the traditional uses of P. staudtii in the treatment
of epilepsy; mechanisms of which could involve the interaction with GABAergic and or
opioidergic system.
Konflik, etnisitas dan integrasi nasional
Authors: Suharno Suharno
Published: February 2020

This paper lift up some important issues linked to conflict, ethnicity, and national integra­tion on our world today. Main focus is why conjlict based on ethnic and ethnic identity raised on our world today. The center of criticism will be explored in this paper. Beside, this paper also gives some important notion to maintain nationality owned by the ethnic group, especially Indo­nesia in multiethnic condition which has a big risk and potential of being crashed by ethnic conflict and disintegration.
Incorporating Behavioral Trigger Messages Into a Mobile Health App for Chronic Disease Management: Randomized Clinical Feasibility Trial in Diabetes
Authors: Sittig Scott , Wang Jing , Iyengar Sriram , Myneni Sahiti , Franklin Amy
Published: February 2020

Background

Although there is a rise in the use of mobile health (mHealth) tools to support chronic disease management, evidence derived from theory-driven design is lacking.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an mHealth app that incorporated theory-driven trigger messages. These messages took different forms following the Fogg behavior model (FBM) and targeted self-efficacy, knowledge, and self-care. We assess the feasibility of our app in modifying these behaviors in a pilot study involving individuals with diabetes.

Methods

The pilot randomized unblinded study comprised two cohorts recruited as employees from within a health care system. In total, 20 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited for the study and a within-subjects design was utilized. Each participant interacted with an app called capABILITY. capABILITY and its affiliated trigger (text) messages integrate components from social cognitive theory (SCT), FBM, and persuasive technology into the interactive health communications framework. In this within-subjects design, participants interacted with the capABILITY app and received (or did not receive) text messages in alternative blocks. The capABILITY app alone was the control condition along with trigger messages including spark and facilitator messages. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare adherence with behavioral measures and engagement with the mobile app across conditions. A paired sample t test was utilized on each health outcome to determine changes related to capABILITY intervention, as well as participants’ classified usage of capABILITY.

Results

Pre- and postintervention results indicated statistical significance on 3 of the 7 health survey measures (general diet: P=.03; exercise: P=.005; and blood glucose: P=.02). When only analyzing the high and midusers (n=14) of capABILITY, we found a statistically significant difference in both self-efficacy (P=.008) and exercise (P=.01). Although the ANOVA did not reveal any statistically significant differences across groups, there is a trend among spark conditions to respond more quickly (ie, shorter log-in lag) following the receipt of the message.

Conclusions

Our theory-driven mHealth app appears to be a feasible means of improving self-efficacy and health-related behaviors. Although our sample size is too small to draw conclusions about the differential impact of specific forms of trigger messages, our findings suggest that spark triggers may have the ability to cue engagement in mobile tools. This was demonstrated with the increased use of capABILITY at the beginning and conclusion of the study depending on spark timing. Our results suggest that theory-driven personalization of mobile tools is a viable form of intervention.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04132089; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT004122089