bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF WONOREJO TOURIST VILLAGE IN JATIYOSO, KARANGANYAR REGENCY
Authors: Arief Sifaul , Muryani Chatarina , Prihartini Inna
Published: March 2020

The research is intended to find (1) the spread of tourist resort in Wonorejo Village, Jatiyoso, Karanganyar (2) the potential of tourist resort owned by Wonorejo Village, Jatiyoso, Karanganyar (3) community participation in tourist development Wonorejo Village, Jatiyoso, Karanganyar (4) characteristics of community based tourism in Wonorejo Village, Jatiyoso, Karangayar (5) the right development direction of Wonorejo tourism Village, Jatiyoso, Karanganyar (6) implementation of Geography Class XI High School learning.

Type of this research descriptive qualitative. The population of this research is all of tourist resort and community in Wonorejo Village. Sampling was done in two methods which were purposive sampling and accidental sampling. Data collecting techniques are field observation, indepth interview, and documentations. Data analysis is using interactive models (Miles-Huberman) and to comparison potential of tourist resort using analysis A4, to comparison community partitipation using partitipation scale of Arnstein, characteristics of community based tourism, and SWOT.

The result of the research are, (1) The distribution of tourist resort in the Wonorejo of Village in the central part of the village. (2) potential tourism objects in Wonorejo Village are found in potential classes. (3) high level of community participation is the level of delegated power and citizen control. (4) community based tourism (CBT)  in Wonorejo Village runs well, seen from the high participation of community, equitable distribution of benefits, having a driving figure, good relations with the local government, and maintaining tourism by promoting cultural values (local wisdom) and environment. (5) direction for the development of tourism villages by improving the quality of human resources, tourist resort and local wisdom. (6) the implementation of Geography learning through the making of teaching materials.
TEACHER'S READINESS IN LEARNING MARITIME MATERIALS
Authors: Ajar Seno Budhi , Tjahjono Gentur Adi
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to find out: (1) teacher's level of understanding of maritime material, (2) the ability of teachers in the preparation of maritime learning media, (3) student acceptance of maritime learning. This type of research is qualitative with the research method used is the sample survey method. The study population was all Social Sciences Junior High School Teachers in Surakarta. Samples were taken at random as many as 36 ips teachers both from public and private junior high schools in Surakarta. Data collection techniques with questionnaires and documentation. Based on research results obtained by the level of understanding of maritime teachers as much as 79% are at a medium level, as well as the level of teacher's ability to make maritime learning media as much as 61% are in the medium level so that student acceptance of maritime learning as much as 66% is in the medium level.
STRENGTHENING SURVEY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CARE ATTITUDES TO SUPPORT THE ADIWIYATA PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADE XI IPS STUDENTS NEGERI 02 SINTANG REGENCY
Authors: Norsidi Norsidi
Published: March 2020

This study aims to determine the strengthening of environmental care attitude to support the adiwiyata program of students of class XI IPS Sintang District 02 High School. This type of research is survey research which is included in the quantitative category. Therefore, this study uses a sample of one population and uses a questionnaire as an instrument of data collection. The subjects of this study were students of class XI IPS in State High School 02 Sintang Regency, amounting to 30 people. Analyzing data is based on the calculation of the percentage of results of filling out questionnaires by respondents. The results obtained are as follows: 1) the role of students in strengthening environmental caring attitudes through the adiwiyata program, namely with an average value of 43% with sufficient categories. 2) the form of implementation in strengthening environmental awareness through adiwiyata program with an average value of 49%, with sufficient categories. 3) Constraints faced by students in strengthening environmental awareness through adiwiyata program with an average value of 59%, with sufficient categories.
STUDY OF SHALLOW GROUNDWATER CHARACTERISTICS IN SANGIRAN DOME, KALIJAMBE DISTRICT
Authors: Lembayu Cikal , Muryani Chatarina , Nugraha Setya
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study are knowing the shallow groundwater flow patterns and characteristics in the Sangiran Dome. This research uses descriptive qualitative method, carried out with survey methods that are analyzed with spatial approach. Unit analysis of this studied is the landform unit the result of a overlay between the Geological’s Map,  Genesis’s Process, and Slope’s Map, the result is 15 landform units. Data analysis techniques is to determine the pattern of shallow groundwater flow using the three point problem method. Data analysis is to determine the characteristics of groundwater by using the parameters of power oh Hydrogen (pH), temperature, and Electrical Conductivity (DHL). The results of this study are the shallow groundwater flow patterns in the Sangiran Dome are concentrated in the Kalibeng Formation, the diffuse flow patterns are in the Pucangan Formation and irregular flow patterns are found in Kabuh Formation and Noropuro. The characteristics of shallow groundwater in the Sangiran Dome, based on pH. Neutral classification are found in the Notopuro Formation, the lower Pucangan Formation; base pH classification found in Kabuh Formation, upper Pucangan Formation, and Kalibeng Formation; acidic pH classification is found in the Notopuro Formation. The low DHL classification is found in Notopuro Formation, Kabuh Formation, and Pucangan Formation while the moderate DHL classification is in the Kalibeng Formation.
THE BEHAVIOR OF WASTE DISPOSAL INTO RIVER AMONG COMMUNITY IN SUNGAI KAKAP SUBDISTRICT WEST KALIMANTAN
Authors: Oktaliana Reni , Ahmad Ahmad , Muryani Chatarina
Published: March 2020

This research was carried out in the Sungai Kakap Subdistrict, Kubu Raya Regency of West Kalimantan. The waste problem is one of the issues exists in Indonesia. Waste affects the cleanliness of the environment and the surrounding. Disposing waste into a river is an example of irresponsible practices. Nowadays, the river has become a practical and free of charge location to dispose of waste. People tend to develop waste disposal into a river as a habit without caring for the negative impacts of their behavior. The purposes of this research were 1) to determine the behavior of the community in disposing of waste into the river, 2) to find out community knowledge of the environment, and 3) to determine the ecological awareness of the community in the area. The results of this current study indicated that around 70% of the community members utilized the water for their daily needs, such as bathing, cleaning and also as the clean water resources. The score of the behavior of the community regarding waste disposal into the river was 1.570. This was in a "bad" category.  The score of the community knowledge on waste disposal into the river was 3.091, included in the "moderate" category with the score ranging from 2.701 – 4.050. People's knowledge of their environment influenced their behavior in disposing of waste into the river. Knowledge about the environment affects people's behavior in disposing of waste into the river. Community awareness began to emerge by doing cooperation activities every Sunday. This involved as many as 71 people or around 78.89% of the community members. The ecological awareness score of the community in disposing of waste into rivers was 3,529, the score was included in the category of "medium" with a score ranging from 2,701 - 4,050. Ecological awareness influenced community behavior in disposing of waste into rivers. In general, the people in the study area realized that disposing waste into rivers was irresponsible and brought a negative impact on the environment, but the habit of throwing waste into rivers was hard to change, it was like a tradition which was not easy to abandon.  
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ANALYSIS IN KENDARI BAY IN TERMS OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTANTS : Pb, Cu and Zn
Authors: Indriyani Lies , Deniyatno Deniyatno , Bana Sahindomi , Surya Ridwan Adi , Teke Junartin
Published: March 2020

Heavy metal is one of the most pollutant loads that endangers the aquatic environment. Not only damaging the aquatic ecosystem, the presence of heavy metals also endangers the human health. This Research aims to determine the levels of heavy metals, especially Pb, Cu and Zn in water and also the sediments inside Kendari Bay waters. To determine the environmental quality of Kendari Bay waters standards, Sampling was carried out at 10 stations and sample analysis was carried out using the AAS method. Data analysis was performed using descriptive methods. The results showed that heavy metals Pb, Cu and Zn in water ranged <0.002 - 0.012 mg / L, for metals ranging from <0.002 - 0.003 mg / L, Cu metals ranged from <0.002 - 0.012 mg / L and Zn metals ranged from <0.002 - 0.003 mg / L, while heavy metals Pb, Cu and Zn in sediments range <0.002 - 0.047 mg / kg, for Pb metals range from 0.052 to 0.047 mg / kg, Cu metals range <0.002 - 0.042 mg / kg and Zn metals range from 0 , 0019 - 0.011 mg / kg. The heavy metal content of Pb, Cu, and Zn in both water and sediment samples has not exceeded the quality standards based on the Decree of the Minister of Environment No.51 of 2004 and USEPA.

Keywords : kendari bay, heavy metal, Pb, Cu, Zn
Identification of NHXs in Gossypium species and the positive role of GhNHX1 in salt tolerance
Authors: Long Lu , Zhao Jing-Ruo , Guo Dan-dan , Ma Xiao-Nan , Xu Fu-Chun , Yang Wen-Wen , Gao Wei
Published: March 2020

Background: Plant Na + /H + antiporters (NHXs) are membrane-localized proteins that maintain cellular Na + /K + and pH homeostasis. Considerable evidence highlighted the critical roles of NHX family in plant development and salt response; however, NHXs in cotton are rarely studied.

Results: The comprehensive and systematic comparative study of NHXs in three Gossypium species was performed. We identified 12, 12, and 23 putative NHX proteins from G. arboreum , G. raimondii , and G. hirsutum , respectively. Phylogenetic study revealed that repeated polyploidization of Gossypium spp. contributed to the expansion of NHX family. Gene structure analysis showed that cotton NHXs contain many introns, which will lead to alternative splicing and help plants to adapt to high salt concentrations in soil. The expression changes of NHX s indicate the possible differences in the roles of distinct NHX s in salt response. GhNHX1 was proved to be located in the vacuolar system and intensively induced by salt stress in cotton. Silencing of GhNHX1 resulted in enhanced sensitivity of cotton seedlings to high salt concentrations, which suggests that GhNHX1 positively regulates cotton tolerance to salt stress.

Conclusion: We characterized the gene structure, phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal location, and expression pattern of NHX genes from G. arboreum , G. raimondii , and G. hirsutum . Our findings indicated that the cotton NHX genes are regulated meticulously and differently at the transcription level with possible alternative splicing. The tolerance of plants to salt stress may rely on the expression level of a particular NHX , rather than the number of NHXs in the genome. This study could provide significant insights into the function of plant NHX s, as well as propose promising candidate genes for breeding salt-resistant cotton cultivars.
Genome-wide analysis of wheat DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factor genes: evolutionary characteristics and diverse abiotic stress responses
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Nannan , Deng Xiong , Liu Dongmiao , Li Mengfei , Cui Dada , Hu Yingkao , Yan Yueming
Published: March 2020

Background: DNA binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors play important roles in plant growth and abiotic stress responses. Although genome-wide identification and analysis of the DOF transcription factor family has been reported in other species, no relevant studies have emerged in wheat. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolutionary and functional characteristics associated with plant growth and abiotic stress responses by genome-wide analysis of the wheat Dof transcription factor gene family.
Results: Using the recently released wheat genome database (IWGSC RefSeq v1.1), we identified 96 wheat Dof gene family members, which were phylogenetically clustered into five distinct subfamilies. Gene duplication analysis revealed a broad and heterogeneous distribution of TaDofs on the chromosome groups 1 to 7, and obvious tandem duplication genes were present on chromosomes 2 and 3.Members of the same gene subfamily had similar exon-intron structures, while members of different subfamilies had obvious differences. Functional divergence analysis indicated that type-II functional divergence played a major role in the differentiation of the TaDof gene family. Positive selection analysis revealed that the Dof gene family experienced different degrees of positive selection pressure during the process of evolution, and five significant positive selection sites (30A, 31T, 33A, 102G and 104S) were identified. Additionally, nine groups of coevolving amino acid sites, which may play a key role in maintaining the structural and functional stability of Dof proteins, were identified. The results from the RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that TaDof genes exhibited obvious expression preference or specificity in different organs and developmental stages, as well as in diverse abiotic stress responses. Most TaDof genes were significantly upregulated by heat, PEG and heavy metal stresses.
Conclusions: The genome-wide analysis and identification of wheat DOF transcription factor family and the discovery of important amino acid sites are expected to provide new insights into the structure, evolution and function of the plant Dof gene family.
Technical Requirements Framework of Hospital Information Systems: Design and Evaluation
Authors: Farzandipour Mehrdad , Meidani Zahra , Nabovati Ehsan , Jabali Monireh Sadeqi , Banadaki Razieh Dehghan
Published: March 2020

Background: Implementing the health information system (HIS) is more complex and costly than implementing other information systems. The present study was conducted to design and evaluate technical requirements for the HIS.
Methods: The present study was conducted in 2016 by determining technical requirements for the HIS using the Delphi technique and then evaluating this system using a checklist based on the approved requirements.
Results: The first part of the study designed a 73-item final list of technical requirements for the HIS in four domains, i.e. communication service, system architecture, security service and system response time. The evaluation results obtained in the second part showed that communication service was met in 63.8% of the HIS programs, system architecture in 65.5%, security service in 72.4% and system response time in 76.3%.
Conclusions: A technical evaluation tool was designed and used to select and evaluate the HIS. The evaluation results suggested the study HIS was poorer in terms of communication service and system architecture than in the other two dimensions.
Assessment of malaria as a public health problem in and around Arjo Didhessa Sugar Cane Plantation area, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Dufera Mebrate , Debsu Regea , Tiruneh Gemechu
Published: March 2020

Background: Although much progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality worldwide in the last decade, nationally malaria still remains the third leading cause of death and still considered as major public health problem. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess malaria as a public health problem in and around sugar cane plantation area of Arjo Didhessa sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study supplemented with clinical retrospective data, which included 452 study subjects was recruited and the study period was extended from May 2016 up to November of 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess malaria risk factors and blood samples were received from all study participants and further subjected to Giemsa staining for determination of malaria prevalence. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.Malaria risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression at significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The overall malaria prevalence was 3.1%; Plasmodium vivax being the main type of malaria parasite. Overnight outdoor sleeping and improper utilization of mosquito bed nets were found to be statistically significant as malaria risk factors in the community. In the retrospective studies of five years, the peak malaria cases (13.84%) were reported in 2013 and lowest cases (1.24%) in 2017. Conclusions: The figure of malaria witnessed in this area remains higher than the observed national malaria prevalence indicating malaria is still remains a public health problem.Therefore, we suggest the factory administrators and health care professionals to work more on raising awareness to avoid night outdoor sleeping and effective and appropriate utilization of insecticide treated nets and regular indoor residual spraying. Key words: Arjo Didhessa, malaria, malaria risk factors
What Explains the Regional Variation in the Use of General Practitioners in Australia?
Authors: Mu Chunzhou , Hall Jane
Published: March 2020

Background: Regional variation in the use of health care services is widespread. Identifying and understanding the sources of variation and how much variation is unexplained can inform policy interventions to improve the efficiency and equity of health care delivery. Methods: We examined the regional variation in the use of general practitioners (GPs) using data from the Social Health Atlas of Australia by Statistical Local Area (SLAs). 756 SLAs were included in the analysis. The outcome variable of GP visits per capita by SLAs was regressed on a series of demand-side factors measuring population health status and demographic characteristics and supply-side factors measuring access to physicians. Each group of variables was entered into the model sequentially to assess their explanatory share on regional differences in GP usage. Results: Both demand-side and supply-side factors were found to influence the frequency of GP visits. Specifically, areas in urban regions, areas with a higher percentage of the population who are obese, who have profound or severe disability, and who hold concession cards, and areas with a smaller percentage of the population who reported difficulty in accessing services have higher GP usage. The availability of more GPs led to higher use of GP services while the supply of more specialists reduced use. 30.56% of the variation was explained by medical need. Together, both need-related and supply-side variables accounted for 32.24% of the regional differences as measured by the standard deviation of adjusted GP-consultation rate. Conclusions: There was substantial variation in GP use across Australian regions with only a small proportion of them being explained by population health needs, indicating a high level of unexplained clinical variation. Supply factors did not add a lot to the explanatory power. There was a lot of variation that was not attributable to the factors we could observe. This could be due to more subtle aspects of population need or preferences and therefore warranted. However, it could be due to practice patterns or other aspects of supply and be unexplained. Future work should try to explain the remaining unexplained variation. Keywords: GP usage, Regional variation, Statistical Local Areas, Australia
IL-33 and its decoy sST2 in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Saresella Marina , Marventano Ivana , Piancone Federica , Rosa Francesca La , Galimberti Daniela , Fenoglio Chiara , Scarpini Elio , Clerici Mario
Published: March 2020

Background: Interleukin-33 is a cytokine endowed with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties that plays a still poorly defined role in the pathogenesis of a number of central nervous system (CNS) conditions including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We analyzed this cytokine and its decoy receptor sST2 in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Method: IL-33 and sST2 were analyzed in serum and CSF of AD and MCI patients, comparing the results to those obtained in age-matched healthy controls (HC). Because of the ambiguous role of IL-33 in inflammation, the concentration of both inflammatory (IL-1ß and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines was analyzed as well in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the same individuals. Finally, the effect of IL-33 on in vitro Aß42-stimulated monocytes of AD, MCI and HC individuals was examined. Results: As compared to HC: 1) IL-33 was significantly decreased in serum and CSF of AD and MCI; 2) sST2 was increased in serum of AD and MCI but was undetectable in CSF; 3) serum and CSF IL-1ß concentration was significantly increased and that of IL-10 was reduced in AD and MCI whereas no differences were observed in IL-6. In vitro addition of IL-33 to LPS+Aß42-stimulated monocytes down regulated IL-1ß generation in MCI and HC but not in AD, and stimulated IL-10 production in HC alone. IL-33 addition also resulted in a significant reduction of NF-kB nuclear translocation in LPS+Aß42-stimulated monocytes of HC alone. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that IL-33 plays a complex anti-inflammatory role that is lost in AD- and MCI-associated neuroinflammation; results herein also suggest a possible use of IL-33 as a novel therapeutic approach in AD and MCI.
A coarse-graining, ultrametric approach to resolve the phylogeny of prokaryotic strains with frequent homologous recombination
Authors: Pang Tin Yau
Published: March 2020

Background A frequent event in the evolution of prokaryotic genomes is homologous recombination, where a foreign DNA stretch replaces a genomic region similar in sequence. Recombination can affect the relative position of two genomes in a phylogenetic reconstruction in two different ways: (i) one genome can recombine with a DNA stretch that is similar to the other genome, thereby reducing their pairwise sequence divergence; (ii) one genome can recombine with a DNA stretch from an outgroup genome, increasing the pairwise divergence. While several recombination-aware phylogenetic algorithms exist, many of these cannot account for both types of recombination; some algorithms can, but do so inefficiently. Moreover, many of them reconstruct the ancestral recombination graph (ARG) to help infer the genome tree, and require that a substantial portion of each genome has not been affected by recombination, a sometimes unrealistic assumption. Results Here, we propose a coarse-graining approach for phylogenetic reconstruction (CGP), which is recombination-aware but forgoes ARG reconstruction. It accounts for the tendency of a higher effective recombination rate between genomes with a lower phylogenetic distance. It is applicable even if all genomic regions have experienced substantial amounts of recombination, and can be used on both nucleotide and amino acid sequences. CGP considers the local density of substitutions along pairwise genome alignments, fitting a model to the empirical distribution of substitution density to infer the pairwise coalescent time. Given all pairwise coalescent times, CGP reconstructs an ultrametric tree representing vertical inheritance. Based on simulations, we show that the proposed approach can reconstruct ultrametric trees with accurate topology, branch lengths, and root positioning. Applied to a set of E. coli strains, the reconstructed trees are most consistent with gene distributions when inferred from amino acid sequences, a data type that cannot be utilized by many alternative approaches. Conclusions The CGP algorithm is more accurate than alternative recombination-aware methods for ultrametric phylogenetic reconstructions.
Weight Development Between Age 5 And 10 Years And Its Associations With Dietary Patterns At Age 5 In The Abcd Cohort
Authors: Rashid Viyan , Streppel Martinette T , Engberink Marielle F. , Weijs Peter J.M. , Nicolaou Mary , Verhoeff Arnoud P.
Published: March 2020

Background: Social inequalities in bodyweight start early in life and track into adulthood. Dietary patterns are an important determinant of weight development in children, towards both overweight and underweight. T herefore, w e aimed to examine weight development between age 5 and 10 years by ethnicity, SES and thereafter by BMI category at age 5, to explore its association with dietary patterns at age 5.

Methods: Participants were 1 765 children from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) cohort that had valid data on BMI at age 5 and 10 and diet at age 5. Linear mixed model analysis was used to examine weight development between age 5 and 10 years and to assess if four previously identified dietary patterns at age 5 (snacking, full-fat, meat and healthy) were associated with weight development. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders, stratified by ethnicity and SES and thereafter stratified per BMI category at age 5.

Results: Overall, weight decreased in Dutch and high SES children and increased in non-Dutch and low/middle SES children. Across the range of bodyweight categories at age 5, we observed a conversion to normal weight, which was stronger in Dutch and high SES children but less pronounced in non-Dutch and low/middle SES children. Overall, the observed associations between weight development and dietary patterns were mixed with some unexpected findings: a healthy dietary pattern was positively associated with weight development in most groups, regardless of ethnicity and SES (e.g. Dutch B 0.084, 95% CI 0.038;0.130 and high SES B 0.096, 95% CI 0.047;0.143) whereas the full-fat pattern was negatively associated with weight development (e.g. Dutch B -0.069, 95% CI -0.114;-0.024 and high SES B -0.072, 95% CI -0.119;-0.026).

Conclusions: We observed differential weight development per ethnic and SES group. Our results indicate that each ethnic and SES group follows its own path of weight development. Associations between dietary patterns and weight development showed some unexpected findings; follow-up research is needed to understand the association between dietary patterns and weight development.

Keywords: BMI, body mass index, thinness, normal weight, overweight, obesity, socio-economic position, ethnicity, children, young children.
Higher Prevalence of Obesity among Children with Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders
Authors: Galai Tut , Moran-Lev Hadar , Cohen Shlomi , Ben-Tov Amir , Levy Dina , Weintraub Yael , Amir Achiya , Segev Or , Yerushalmy-Feler Anat
Published: March 2020

Background

Functional abdominal pain (FAP) disorders are one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children. We aimed to define the association between obesity and functional abdominal pain (FAP) disorders and to assess differences between overweight/obese children and normal weight children with FAP disorders.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of children (2-18 years old) with a clinical diagnosis of FAP who were followed-up in our pediatric gastroenterology unit between 1/2016-10/2018. FAP disorders were defined according to the ROME IV criteria. Body mass index (BMI) percentiles were defined by CDC standards. Patients with BMIs ≥85th percentile were designated as being overweight/obese. A population control group was obtained from the 2015-2016 Israel national health survey.

Results

Data from 173 children with FAP disorders (median age 11.5 years, 114 females) were included. Seventy-one children (41%) were classified as having functional abdominal pain-NOS, 67 (38.7%) as having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and 35 (20.2%) has having functional dyspepsia. Fifty-three children (30.6%) were classified as being overweight/obese.

Adolescents with FAP disorders had a significantly higher prevalence of overweight/obesity compared to controls (39.5% vs. 30%, respectively, p = 0.04). Children with FAP and overweight were older [12.4 (range 9.8-15.3) vs. 10.8 (7.4-14.1) years, p = 0.04] and had more hospitalizations due to FAP (20.8% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.01) compared to Children with FAP and normal weight.

Conclusions

Adolescents with FAP had higher prevalence of overweight/obesity compared to controls. Future studies are warranted to raise awareness of weight issues in FAP and determine the effect of weight loss on FAP.
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity
Authors: Martinez-Peinado Nieves , Cortes-Serra Nuria , Torras-Claveria Laura , Pinazo Maria-Jesus , Gascon Joaquim , Bastida Jaume , Alonso-Padilla Julio
Published: March 2020

Background: Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected disease that affects ~7 million people worldwide. Development of new drugs to treat the infection remains a priority since those currently available have frequent side effects and limited efficacy at the chronic stage. Natural products provide a pool of diversity structures to lead the chemical synthesis of novel molecules for this purpose. Herein we analyzed the anti- T. cruzi activity of 9 alkaloids derived from plants of the Amaryllidaceae family. Methods: the activity of each alkaloid was assessed by means of an anti- T. cruzi phenotypic assay. We further evaluated the compounds that inhibited the parasite growth on two distinct cytotoxicity assays to discard those that were toxic to host cells and assure parasite selectivity. Results: we identified a single compound (hippeastrine 2 ) that was selectively active against the parasite yielding selectivity indexes of 12.7 and 35.2 against Vero and HepG2 cells, respectively. Moreover, it showed specific activity against the amastigote stage (IC 50 = 3.31 μM). Conclusions: results reported here suggest that natural products are an interesting source of new compounds for the development of drugs against Chagas disease.
Modified trapdoor procedures using autogenous tricortical iliac graft without preserving the broken cartilage to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A Prospective Cohort Study With Historical Controls
Authors: Cheng Qi , Zhao Fengchao , Xu Shizhuang , Zheng Li , Zheng Xin
Published: March 2020

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate clinical and radiological outcomes of autologous tricortical iliac graft through a window created at the femoral head, without suturing the opened articular cartilage to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), called modified trapdoor procedures. Methods A total of 59 consecutive patients (67 hips; 36 males and 23 females) with ONFH were included in this study, which was conducted during the period from April 2009 to March 2012. Patient age ranged from 27 to 46 years old, with mean age of 36.3 years. Harris hip scores (HHS) were used to evaluate hip function pre- and postoperatively. Anteroposterior and frog-position X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were conducted to evaluate lesion location, size, and ARCO stage. Clinical failure was defined as score < 80 points or treatment by total hip arthroplasty(THA). Radiographic failure was defined as a > 3 mm of collapse in the hip. This group was retrospectively matched according to the ARCO stage, extent, location, etiology of the lesion, average age, gender, and preoperative Harris hip score to a group of 59 patients (67 hips) who underwent the“light bulb”approach during March 2007 to April 2009. Results Mean follow-up was 91.2 ± 13.6 months (range, 75–115 months). Mean HHS was 91.3 ± 4.5, compared with 83.1± 4.5 in the “light bulb” cohort at the 6 years follow-up examination ( P < 0.001). At the 6 years follow-up, for modified trapdoor procedures, five hips (8.5%) were classified as clinical failure, and 3 hips underwent total hip arthroplasty; Seven hips were classified as (10.4%) radiographic failure.The clinical and radiographic failure of the hips treated with the modified trapdoor procedure was significantly lower than that of the hips treated with the “light bulb” procedure (p < 0.05). Survival of the joint was not significantly related to the location of the femoral head lesion between two groups, but there was better clinical and radiographic results in modified trapdoor procedures with Size-C and the ARCO stage III. Conclusion The study demonstrated superior medterm clinical results in ONFH with the use of autologous tricortical iliac block graft through a femoral head window, without suturing the opened articular cartilage. The results of this femoral head-preserving procedure in patients with postcollapse osteonecrosis and large lesion are superior to those of the “light bulb” procedure treatment.
Positive results for patients with COVID-19 discharged from hospital in Chongqing, China
Authors: Deng Wang , Guang Tian-wen , Yang Mei , Li Jian-rong , Jiang De-peng , Li Chang-yi , Wang Dao-Xin
Published: March 2020

Since December 2019 , more than 80 thousand patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been confirmed in China. With the increasing number of recovered patients, more attention should be paid to the follow-up of patients. In the study, 576 patients with COVID-19 discharged from hospital in Chongqing, China from January 24, 2020, to March 10, 2020 were evaluated by viral nucleic acid tests for SARS-CoV-2 to determine if they could be released from quarantine at home. Among the 576 patients, 61 patients (10.6%) had positive results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We aimed to analyze the demographics, clinical characteristics and treatment of 61 patients. Criteria for hospital discharge or discontinuation of quarantine would be updated with the progress of clinical evidence and experience accumulation.
Modulation of inflammatory factors predicts the outcome following spinal cord injury
Authors: Yu Zepeng , Sun Xingwei , Xia Rui , Chen Qian , Wu Qin , Zheng Weiwei
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND : The correlation between inflammatory responses caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) and the prognosis of patients with SCI still remains controversial. METHODS : In the present study, we preliminary investigated the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and compared the serum IL-4 and IL-10 expression in rats of high BBB scores with these of low Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB) scores. Besides, the infiltration of macrophage and the axonal regeneration of the injuried spinal cord were observed from day10 to day30. RESULTS : We found that higher serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 can reflect the restorability degree of SCI and could be potential biomarkers for the prognosis of SCI. The infiltration of M2 subtype of macrophage and the axons regrowth might contribute to better prognosis. CONCLUSIONS ： Collectively, the current study demonstrates that the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 are preliminary adopted as serologic markers to forecast SCI, and high serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 may indicate a better prognosis. Moreover, the way to promote macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 may contribute to better axonal regeneration.
Comparative genomic analysis of Vibrios yields insights into genes associated with virulence towards C. gigas larvae
Authors: Kehlet-Delgado Hanna , Häse Claudia , Mueller Ryan S
Published: March 2020

Background: Vibriosis has been implicated in major losses of larvae at shellfish hatcheries. However, the species of Vibrio responsible for disease in aquaculture settings and their associated virulence genes are often variable or undefined. Knowledge of the specific nature of these factors is essential to developing a better understanding of the environmental and biological conditions that lead to larvae mortality events in hatcheries. We tested the virulence of 51 Vibrio strains towards Pacific Oyster (Crassostreae gigas) larvae and sequenced draft genomes of 42 hatchery-associated vibrios to determine groups of orthologous genes associated with virulence and to determine the phylogenetic relationships among pathogens and non-pathogens of C. gigas larvae.Results: V. coralliilyticus strains were the most prevalent pathogenic isolates. A phylogenetic logistic regression model identified over 500 protein-coding genes correlated with pathogenicity. Many of these genes had straightforward links to disease mechanisms, including predicted hemolysins, proteases, and multiple Type 3 Secretion System genes, while others appear to have possible indirect roles in pathogenesis and may be more important for general survival in the host environment. Multiple metabolism and nutrient acquisition genes were also identified to correlate with pathogenicity, highlighting specific features that may enable pathogen survival within C. gigas larvae. Conclusions: These findings have important implications on the range of pathogenic Vibrio sp. found in oyster-rearing environments and the genetic determinants of virulence in these populations.
Causes of Lower Extremity Weaknesses After Posterior Lumber Spine Fusion Surgery and Therapeutic Effects of Active Surgical Exploration
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Chunde , Yi Xiaodong , Lu Hailin , Wang Yu , Li Hong
Published: March 2020

Background : This study was aimed at investigating the causes of lower extremity weaknesses after posterior lumber spine fusion surgery, and looking at subsequent treatment strategies. Methods : Patients who underwent posterior lumber spine fusion surgery in the Peking University First Hospital between Jan 2009 and Dec 2018 were counted. Those who needed secondary surgery because of subsequent lower extremity weaknesses were selected. CT scans and MRIs were used to evaluate the reasons for weaknesses before secondary surgery. Muscle strength was evaluated after surgery. Results: Thirty patients (30/4078, 0.74%) required a secondary surgery because of lower extremity weaknesses after posterior lumber spine fusion surgery. The main causes of weakness were: (1) internal fixation malposition and loosening (11 patients, 36%); (2) epidural hematomas (9 patients, 30%); (3) insufficient decompression (5 patients，17%) ; (4) and nerve root edemas (5 patients，17%). Weakness occurred on average 2.9 days after surgery (1-9 days). Twenty-seven patients (90%) got improved muscle strength after their secondary surgery. Conclusions : Iatrogenic neurologic deficits and lower extremity weaknesses were rare complications after posterior lumber spine fusion surgeries, but important to recognize and manage. The main causes of weakness were internal fixation malposition and loosening, epidural hematomas, insufficient decompression or root edemas. There may be positive, therapeutic effects to subsequent, active surgical exploration.
Genetic polymorphism and natural selection of circumsporozoite protein in Myanmar Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Võ Tuấn Cường , Lê Hương Giang , Kang Jung-Mi , Moe Mya , Naw Haung , Myint Moe Kyaw , Lee Jinyoung , Sohn Woon-Mok , Kim Tong-Soo , Na Byoung-Kuk
Published: March 2020

Background: Circumsporozoite surface protein (CSP) of malaria parasites has been recognized as one of the leading vaccine candidates. Clinical trials of vaccines for vivax malaria incorporating Plasmodium vivax CSP (PvCSP) have demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing malaria, at least in part. However, genetic diversity of PvCSP in the natural population is still a major concern.Methods: A total of 171 blood samples collected from patients infected with Plasmodium vivax in Myanmar analysed in this study. The gene for PvCSP was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by T&A cloning and sequencing. Polymorphic characteristics and natural selection of Myanmar PvCSP population in Myanmar were analysed using DNASTAR, MEGA6 and DnaSP programs. The polymorphic pattern and natural selection of publicly accessible global PvCSP sequences were also comparatively analysed.Results: Myanmar PvCSP sequences were divided into two subtypes VK210 and VK247 comprising 143 and 28 sequences, respectively. The VK210 subtypes showed higher levels of genetic diversity and polymorphism than the VK247 subtypes. The N-terminal non-repeat region of PvCSP displayed limited genetic variations in the global population. Different patterns of octapeptide insertion (ANKKAEDA in VK210 and ANKKAGDA in VK247) and tetrapeptide repeat motif (GGNA) were identified in the C-terminal region of global PvCSP population. Meanwhile, the central repeat region (CRR) of Myanmar and global PvCSP, both in VK210 and VK247 variants, was highly polymorphic. The high level of genetic diversity in the CRR has been attributed to the different numbers, types and combinations of peptide repeat motifs (PRMs). Interestingly, 27 and 5 novel PRMs were found in Myanmar VK210 and VK247 variants, respectively.Conclusion: Comparative analysis of the global PvCSP population suggests a complex genetic profile of PvCSP in the global population. These results widen understanding of the genetic make-up of PvCSP in the global P. vivax population and provide valuable information for the development of a vaccine based on PvCSP.
Plasma, Urine and Tissue Concentrations of Flunixin and Meloxicam in Pigs
Authors: Nixon Emma , Mays Travis P. , Routh Patricia A. , Yeatts James L. , Fajt Virginia R. , Hairgrove Thomas , Baynes Ronald
Published: March 2020

Background: The objective of this study was to compare plasma and urine concentrations of flunixin and meloxicam in pigs, in order to determine urine withdrawal intervals for animals at livestock shows where urine is routinely tested for these drugs. Fourteen Yorkshire/Landrace cross pigs were housed in individual metabolism cages to facilitate complete urine collection. All animals were randomly divided into one of two treatment groups and received either 2.2 mg/kg flunixin or 0.4 mg/kg meloxicam via intramuscular injection. Plasma and urine were collected and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. Pigs were humanely euthanized when meloxicam/flunixin could no longer be detected in two consecutive urine samples, and liver and kidneys were collected to quantify any potential residues.Results: Drug levels in urine reached peak concentrations between 4 and 8 h post-dose for both flunixin and meloxicam. Flunixin urine concentrations were higher than maximum levels determined in plasma. Urine concentrations for flunixin and meloxicam were last detected above the limit of quantification (LOQ) at 120 h (0.0005 μg/mL) and 48 h (0.001 μg/mL), respectively. Mean apparent elimination half-life in plasma was 5.00 ± 1.89 h and 3.22 ± 1.52 h for flunixin and meloxicam, respectively. Six of seven pigs had detectable liver concentrations of flunixin (range 0.0001-0.0012 μg/g) following negative urine samples at 96 and 168 h, however all samples at 168 h were below the FDA tolerance level (0.03 μg/g). Meloxicam was detected in a single liver sample at necropsy (0.0054 μg/g) at 72 h but was below the EU MRL (0.065 μg/g) which was used to determine a safety level when FDA tolerance or FSIS testing limits were not established. Urine concentrations did not relate to liver residues at the single slaughter time Conclusions: This data suggests that pigs given a single intramuscular dose of meloxicam at 0.4 mg/kg or flunixin at 2.2 mg/kg are unlikely to have tissue residues above the US FDA tolerance or EU MRL following negative urine testing. This information will assist in generating withdrawal intervals for these NSAIDs for show pigs that might undergo a urine test by the livestock show authorities.
Brazing of transparent polycrystalline Al2O3 and GH99 with the assistance of (Cu, Ni) solid solution cladding layer
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Lixia , Sun Zhan , Feng Jicai
Published: March 2020

In this study, pure Cu foil was firstly vacuum cladding on the GH99 alloy (GH99) surface to prepare a (Cu, Ni) solid solution layer. By varying the cladding temperatures, (Cu, Ni) solid solution layers with different Ni contents were achieved. The vacuum cladding process was then followed by vacuum brazing of the Cu-coated GH99 to transparent polycrystalline Al 2 O 3 (TPA). Typical microstructure of the TPA/Cu-cladding GH99 brazed joint was characterized. The effects of different cladding temperatures on microstructural evolution and mechanical response of the brazed joints were discussed. By varying the cladding temperature, different thickness of the reaction layer at the braze filler/TPA interfaces can be achieved, which shows a strong correlation with the mechanical performance of the brazed joint. The maximum shear strength of the brazed joint reached 103 MPa when the cladding temperature was 1105 ºC. Compared with the directly brazed joint, shear strength was improved by 472%.
Medicinal Plants Used In Managing Diseases Of The Respiratory System Among The Luo Community: An Appraisal Of Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Mailu James Kiamba , Nguta Joseph Mwanzia , Mbaria James Mucunu , Okumu Mitchel Otieno
Published: March 2020

Background Respiratory diseases cause many deaths in children under 5 years of age particularly in Africa. The efficacy of current treatment differs among respiratory diseases and adverse effects may depend on dosage, duration of treatment, and the type of drug. Poor access to healthcare in rural areas makes many people in such communities to rely on traditional medicine. Most knowledge on traditional medicine makes use of indigenous remedies which are often undocumented and are at risk of being lost. Ethnobotanical data on medicinal plants used in managing diseases of the respiratory system may facilitate the search for new pharmaceutical agents. Methods Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 30 traditional medicine practitioners in Kisumu East Sub County. The sociodemographic characteristics of the informants, the local names of the plants used, their habit, active parts, indications, and methods of preparation, as well as routes of administration, scientific identity, and conservation status were recorded. A literature search was conducted via PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate to identify other reported activities of the plants. Results Most practitioners were female (86.7%), were aged between 61 and 70 years (43.3%), had no formal education (56.7%), and had 21-30 years of practice (30%). A total of 45 plant species, belonging to 43 genera and 28 families were identified. Leguminosae and Rutaceae were the most dominant plant families, leaves were the most frequently used (33%), and trees were the most common habit (44.4%). Cough was the most common indication, decoction was the most common method of administration (68.8%), most preparations were taken orally, and most plants were collected in the wild (79.2%). Literature search established that at least 42/45 plant species had pharmacological activities. Conclusions Many plant species reported in this study have similar traditional uses in other communities. One plant; Keetia gueinzii (Sond.) Bridson was reported for the first time in the management of asthma, pneumonia, and cough. Documentation and preservation of ethno medicinal knowledge in the study area is of prime concern as most practitioners are advanced in age with little formal education. Plans to conserve some of the medicinal plants documented here should be initiated. Scientific validation of the traditional claims made is also needed.
Organização do fluxo de atendimento aos usuários abusivos ou dependentes de álcool e outras drogas
Authors: Pacheco Alexsandra Martins , Silva Renata Danielle Moreira , Ramos Maria Cristina
Published: March 2020

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Fatores que interferem na amamentação exclusiva
Authors: Capucho Lorena Bassi , Forechi Ludmila , Lima Rita de Cassia Duarte , Massaroni Leila , Primo Cândida Caniçali
Published: March 2020

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Avaliação clínica e radiográfica da reparação pulpar em dentes pulpotomizados
Authors: Intra J. B. G. , Loss M. D. C. , Costa D. J. S. , Roldi A. , Pereira R. S. , Fidel S. R.
Published: March 2020

Pulpotomia; Endodontia; Endodontia conservadora; Polpa dental.